(April 9, 2022) Altus, Oklahoma– Coming off a doubleheader loss at home to #4 Seminole State, the Bucks only tallied 2 wins so far in Region play and looked to gain some ground as they move closer to May and the Region 2 Tournament. The Bucks travelled across Oklahoma to Western Oklahoma State to play all four games of the series on Saturday and Sunday.  

GAME ONE

In the opening game of the series, the Bucks and Pioneers traded runs in the first two innings. Blaire Gentry (Lockesburg, AR) got the start in the circle for the Bucks, giving up a run in the bottom of the first inning. The Bucks run in the second came on a 2-out single by Natalee Dinnerville (Carthage, TX) that plated Gentry after an error that tied the game at 1-1.

Western took the lead 3-1 in the bottom of the third inning before both teams went scoreless in the fourth and fifth innings. The Bucks would tie the game in the top of the sixth inning when Presleigh Payne (Grapevine, TX) reached on an error that allowed 2 runs to score. However, the Lady Pioneers answered in the bottom half of the inning with 2 runs of their own to make it 5-3, which would be the final score.

Blaire Gentry (8-6) took the loss in her 6.0 innings of work. She would give up 5 runs (4 earned) on 7 hits, while striking out 8 and only walking 2 on the day.

GAME TWO

In Game Two, the Bucks bats came alive in a huge way in the top of the first inning, scoring 12 runs. Highlights of the inning were home runs by Presleigh Payne (3-run), Kaylin McKee (grand slam), and Blaire Gentry (2-run). Kristen McMillan (Winnsboro, TX) hit a RBI double, and Tabry Jordan (Little Rock, AR) hit a RBI single to score runs. Western Oklahoma score 2 runs in the bottom half of the inning against starting pitcher Caitlyn Mayo (Bigelow, AR).

Caitlyn Mayo (7-7) settled in and only gave up another run in the bottom of the third inning. She would throw all five innings for the Bucks, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits. She struck out 1 and walked a pair in the outing.

The Bucks added a run in the top of the fifth inning on a solo home run by Madelynn Lacaze (Gladewater, TX) in the 13-3 run rule win.

The Bucks will go for the series win on Sunday. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 11 am.

#GOBUCKS