(February 27, 2023) Mena, Arkansas - Coming off a road loss on Saturday to Connors State, the Bucks returned home looking for a win against Arkansas Tech University's JV team this afternoon at Union Bank Field. The Bucks entered the doubleheader a game below .500 in the young season with Region II play beginning next week. The doubleheader was the start of a 5-game home stand for UARM, that concludes this weekend with a 3-game series with Mineral Area College. 

Game One

Jackson Wilson (Palestine, AR) got the start for the Bucks on the bump in the 7-inning contest. The sophomore gave up a run in the top of the second inning, where he found himself in a jam with runners in scoring position. He stranded a pair of runners to get out of the inning, giving up just a run. Wilson (2-0) picked up his second win in 6.0 innings of work, giving up 1 run on just 2 hits. The lefty struck out 4 and walked 3 in the outing. 

Offensively, the Bucks would hit a pair of home runs in the contest. One of the home runs came in the bottom of the first inning off the bat of Cooper White (Benton, AR). The left handed hitting outfielder belted a ball over the 370 sign in right centerfield to give the Bucks an early 2-0 lead. The other home run was a 3-run shot by Brayden Sites (Sheridan, AR) in the bottom of the sixth inning that sealed the 8-1 win over the Wonderboys JV. 

The Bucks combined for 9 hits and 5 walks on the day in 26 at-bats. Other hitters with a big game was designated hitter Casey Shipley (Prairie Grove, AR) going 2 for 4 with a pair of RBIs and a run and third basemen Brett Justice (Jacksonville, AR) going 1 for 2 with a RBI. 

Game Two

The day could be summed up as the tale of two games. As well as the Bucks did in all aspects of the initial game, Game Two had a completely different feel and outcome. The Wonderboys JV out hit the Bucks 14 to 5, driving in runs in every inning except the initial frame. Defensively, the Bucks made 3 errors that led to runs for ATU, who eventually won the game 12-2 in 6-innings. 

Offensive highlights were thin for the Bucks. Trevor Flake (North Little Rock, AR) scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the first inning, and Casey Shipley hit a solo home run over the 355 sign in left centerfield in the bottom of the fourth inning. 

Jack Henry Pettit (Brookland, AR) got the start on the hill. The righthander lasted 3.2 innings, giving up 7 runs (5 earned) on 7 hits. Petit (0-1) would strikeout 6 and walk a lone hitter in the loss. 

UARM is scheduled to begin a 3-game series on Friday afternoon at Union Bank Park with Mineral Area College. The Bucks and Cardinals will play a doubleheader on Friday and a single 9-inning contest on Saturday. First pitch is at 12 pm both days. 

#DefendTheMountain