(April 24, 2024) Hot Springs, Arkansas - Coming off a doubleheader sweep over Carl Albert on Monday, the Bucks made the short trip over to National Park this afternoon for an important doubleheader with the Nighthawks. Earlier this season, the Bucks split with NPC at home.
Game One
The ladies found themselves down 2-0 after a pair of innings to start the day, but the Bucks fought back to cut into the lead in the top of the third inning on back-to-back NPC errors to plate a run. McKenna Bittle (Greer's Ferry, AR) entered the game in the circle in the third inning and held the Nighthawks at bay in the third and fourth innings.
The ladies tied the game and took the lead in the top of the fifth inning. After a 1-out single and stolen base by JJ Bass (Joaquin, TX), Madison Heller (Hughes Springs, TX) drove in a run on a RBI single to centerfield. Next at-bat, Emma Reynolds (Cayuga, TX) continues to add to her triples record with a RBI triple to centerfield. Not to be out done, Lilli Williams (Granbury, TX) hit a RBI triple of their own to give the Bucks a 4-2 lead.
The lead and run support was all Bittle needed, as she held NPC scoreless to get the 4-2 win to start the day. Bittle (14-5) pitched the final 5.0 innings, giving up 0 runs on 2 hits. She would strike out 5 in the outing.
Game Two
The ladies were looking for the season series win in the series finale. McKenna Bittle got the start in the circle after her win to start the day. The Bucks got her the first run of the day in the top of the second inning on a 2-out error by the Nighthawks. NPC would tie the contest in the bottom of the inning.
With the game tied at 1-1, the ladies wanted to get some separation and would in the top of the fourth. With 2-outs and the bases loaded, Heller reaches on an error that plated a pair of runs to take the 3-1 lead. After a scoreless bottom of the fourth and top of the fifth, NPC would not go away and plated a run in the bottom of the fifth.
After a scoreless sixth inning, the Bucks wanted some insurance runs and got them. After back-to-back singles and a pair of stolen bases, Olivia Nickson (Bentonville, AR) grounded out to the right side for the first run of the inning. Then, walk and hit-by-pitch loaded the bases for Kate Daigle (Ryane, LA). She would reach on an error that plated the final run of the game. Bittle came back and stranded a NPC runner in scoring position to get the Bucks the 5-2 win and season series win.
McKenna Bittle (15-5) got her second win of the day and ties the UARM Softball season wins recorded at 15 with Blaire Gentry. In 7.0 innings of work, she would give up 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits, while striking out 7.
The ladies are now 28-15 overall and 16-6 in region play. The Bucks are scheduled to play again on Saturday, April 27th, at Cummings-Cecil Field for Sophomore Day.
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