(March 5, 2024) Mena, Arkansas - Coming off a region series win on Saturday, the Bucks wanted to use that momentum in a mid-week contest with North Arkansas. This is the first time for both programs to meet in an official contest. The Bucks entered the contest 4-15 overall, while North Arkansas was 12-6 before the single 9-inning game.

The Bucks got the day started with a 4-run bottom of the first inning, going through the entire line-up. Jack Bilski (La Porte, TX) started things off with a 1-out RBI single. After a hit-by-pitch, Diego Archila (Baton Rouge, LA) hit a 2-RBI single to right field. After a single advanced a runner to third, Brett Justice (Jacksonville, AR) hit a sac fly to begin his day to make it 4-0 after an inning.

Ian Smith (Bismarck, AR) threw a scoreless first three innings, and the Bucks offense added another run in the bottom of the third on a Brett Justice ground out to the shortstop. Smith gave up a solo home run in the top of the fourth in his final inning of work. 

North Arkansas added a run in the top of the fifth, before the Bucks put up a crooked number in the bottom of the inning. The first run of the inning scored after a leadoff double and a flyout advanced the runner to third. Aiden McGinnis (Jasper, AL) scored on a passed ball. After a 2-out single put a pair of runners on, Brett Justice hit a 2-RBI hard ground ball to centerfield to plate the Bucks last run of the game. 

The Bucks went to the bullpen every inning after Smith's day was done. North Arkansas added their last run in the seventh inning for a final score of 8-3. Ian Smith (1-1) evened his record on the season. The staff struck out 4 on the day. 

The men return to action tomorrow, March 6th, at Union Bank Field. The Bucks begin a 3-game region series with ASU Mid-South. First pitch is scheduled for 2 pm.

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