(May 8, 2021) Mena, Arkansas – Coming off wins in yesterday's double header in Hot Springs, the Bucks were looking for a series win against National Park to lead into the region tournament next weekend.

Game 1

Randy Little Jr. (Pine Bluff, AR) got the start for the Bucks and threw a gem. In 7 innings of work, Randy gave up 3 hits, struck out 10 hitters, and only walked 2. National Park's only run (unearned) came in the 3^rd inning off a Bucks error that allowed the runner to reach base and advance on a ball in the dugout.

The Bucks out hit the Nighthawks 7 hits to 3 in the game. The Bucks would threaten in the 5^th inning with the bases loaded, but a double play ended the inning.

Randy Little Jr. (3-3) took the loss despite only giving up only 1 run that was unearned on the error.

Game 2

James McCormick (Benton, AR) looked to match his partner in the rotation with another great game. He would give up a solo homer in the top of the 1^st inning, but he then settled in and threw 6 innings of shutout ball. He would strikeout 15 hitters and only gave up 1 run on 3 hits.

In the bottom of the 1^st, Daegan Covington (Taylor, AR) singled, and Luke Rice (Scott, AR) doubled to put runners on 2^nd and 3^rd with 2 outs. Rylee Huie (Pottsville, AR) reached on an error to score Covington. Isaac Price (Siloam Springs, AR) then hit an RBI single to centerfield to score Rice. The Bucks would hold a 2-1 lead after an inning.

After a scoreless 2^nd inning, Luke Rice would single with 1 out. Two hitters later, Isaac Price popped up to centerfield and reached on an error that allowed Luke Rice to circle the bases and score to make it 3-1. The Bucks would add another run in the 4^th. After a Chase Webb (El Dorado, AR) walk, Mason Reynolds (Fort Worth, TX) singled with 1 out before Dan Taylor (Rogers, AR) drew another walk. With the bases loaded, Daegan Covington flew out to deep centerfield that allowed Webb to tag up and score from 3^rd base to make it 4-1 after 4 innings.

With McCormick cruising, the Bucks added 2 more runs in the 5^th. Huie led off and was hit by a pitch before advancing on a wild pitch. With 1 out, Preston Lee (Maumelle, AR) reached on an error that put runners on the corners. Rylee Huie would score on a wild pitch that advanced Lee to 2^nd. After stealing 2^nd, Lee would then score on a wild pitch to make it 6-1.

Both teams went scoreless in the 6^th and 7^th innings. McCormick's work was done for the day, and Van Buren's Grant Shankle entered the game for the Bucks. He would throw a scoreless top of the 8^th. In the bottom half, Dan Taylor doubled with 1 out before a balk advanced him to 3^rd. Daegan Covington then doubled to plate Taylor to extend the Bucks lead to 7-1.

In the top of the 9^th, Shankle gave up a run on a fielder's choice, and he got the final out on a pop up. The Bucks win 7-2.

James McCormick (4-7) picks up the win.

The Bucks will now advance to the Region 2 Tournament. A tournament bracket will be posted on social media after the weekend.

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