(April 22, 2023) Mena, Arkansas - Coming off a season split with SAU Tech on Friday, the Bucks had a quick turn around to wrap up their series with National Park College yesterday afternoon at Cummings-Cecil Field. Earlier this season, the Bucks beat National Park 4-1 and 2-0 at Majestic Park in Hot Springs. Before the day, the ladies were 12-6 in region play and need a win today to secure a spot in the Region II Tournament on May 3rd and 4th in Hot Springs.
Game One
Maddie Muller (Little Elm, TX) once again was in the circle for the Bucks and was battling in an early pitcher's dual. She would give up a run in the top of the third, but the Bucks offense picked up on one swing of the bat by Marli Huddleston (Bee Branch, AR). After one out, the Bucks had runners on after a double and a single for Huddleston. She would belt a high fly ball into the visitor's bullpen for her 11th home run of the season to give the Bucks a 3-1 advantage after three innings.
The ladies added Muller an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth on a Western Mussett (Garvin, OK) RBI single to make the final score of 4-1.
Muller (11-7) pitched a complete game, giving up 1 unearned run on 6 hits. She would strike out and walk 4 hitters a piece in the win.
Game Two
Securing the series win, the Bucks were going for the sweep in Game Two, but National Park came out swinging with a 5 spot in both the second and third innings to lead 10-3 after three innings. Coach Nealy made several lineup changes throughout the game, and the Bucks continued to battle.
McKenna Bittle (Greer's Ferry, AR) held the Nighthawks to just one run in hte final 3.0 innings, and the Bucks offense kept chipping away at the lead. Chloe Durnal (Maumelle, AR) hit a RBI single to right field in the fourth to start cutting into the lead. Next inning, Shiley Cartinez (Many, LA) hit a sacrifice fly to make it 11-5 before Jorden Brewster (Gloster, LA) hit her first home run of the season in the bottom of the sixth. The 2-run shot made it 11-7 heading into the final inning.
After Bittle shutout the Nighthawks in the top of the frame, the Bucks had something going in the bottom half. Chloe Ray (Fort Smith, AR) came to the plate with the bases loaded and delivered on a 2-RBI line drive to right centerfield to make it 11-9. A bunt loaded the bases once again for the Bucks, but the ladies would strand the runners and fall 11-9.
Between games, the 9 sophomores were honored for Sophomore Day. These ladies have now punched their ticket for their second Region II Tournament in their time at UARM. With 4 region games remaining, the ladies are still in the hunt for their seed in the tournament.
The ladies are scheduled to play on Tuesday afternoon against Seminole State, before concluding their region schedule against North Arkansas in Harrison on Thursday and at home Saturday against Murray State.
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