(February 8, 2025) Millington, Tennessee - After a series win last weekend over ASU Three Rivers, the Bucks knew their toughest test of the season to this point was coming on their trip to the USA Baseball Complex. The men played 4 games over a pair of days in the Saluqi Invitational, hosted by Southwest Tennesse Community College. The Bucks played against the host, a pair of games against Southwestern Illinois, and Jefferson College.

The Bucks had a tough weekend, losing all four games: 12-2 (SW Illinois), 14-0 (Jefferson), 6-1 (SW Tennesse), and 6-1 (SW Illinois). Saturday was a better day as the Bucks were in both games and had chances to win both games. 

Offensively, the Bucks recorded 16 hits in the four games. Four of those hits were  doubles by Ethan Miller (Hallsville, TX), Landen Feimster (Sheridan, AR), Jack Bilski (La Porte, TX), and Dylan Gibson (Springdale, AR). The sophomore trio of Diego Archila (Baton Rouge, LA), Ian Smith (Bismarck, AR), and Cody Hayes (Mildred, TX) recorded 3 hits to lead the Bucks. Feimster, Smith, and Hayes led the team with a RBI a piece.

On the mound, Ethan Diaz (Texarkana, TX) and Logan Steele (Magnolia, TX) both pitched well in no-decisions. Diaz pitched 5.0 innings, giving up 1 run on 7 hits and struck out 6. Steele gave up 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits, while striking out 3. As a staff, the Bucks walked and struck out 18 hitters.

Defensively, the Bucks recorded a .940 fielding percentage in the four games with 5 errors. The men did turn 3 double plays on the weekend.

The men are now scheduled to take on Henderson State University's JV on Wednesday at Arkadelphia before taking on National Park College in Hot Springs on Saturday.

#DefendTheMountain