Bucks snare Jackrabbits by a ‘hare’

The Bucks fell behind in the first inning, (3-4) but then gained control for the next three innings before the Bowie Jackrabbits were able to score again in the fifth inning and then in the last attempt in the top of the seventh inning, with three more runs. Fortunately, the Bucks had collected enough insurance in the first three innings with three runs in the first, five more in the second to go ahead (8-4) and three more in the third to maintain the lead through the seventh and win the game (11-8).

It was the explosive bottom of the second inning that solidified the win for the Bucks. Christian Arellano #16 led things off with a solid hit to the shortstop, who missed the ball and the runner was safe at first. Next up was Evan Moore #8, who attempted a bunt and the pitcher tried twice to pickoff Arellano at first, but didn’t succeed. C. Arellano successfully stole to second while Moore kept them busy at the plate and then got the walk on the fourth ball. Next, Jonas Arellano #3 singled on a line drive to the shortstop. The Bucks’ first baseman, Flavio Davila #2, was hit by the pitcher and took his base. Meanwhile, C. Arellano scored and Moore advanced to third and J. Arellano took second. The score was all tied up at (4- 4). Before freshman, Camden Escalon #12, could get a swing, Moore had scored on a wild pitch. Then, Escalon hit a hard grounder to the shortstop and J. Arellano scored and Davila was standing on 3rd. An error had occurred when the Jackrabbit players interfered among themselves, which allowed Davila to take third. The score was (6-4) with the Bucks in the lead and they never relinquished it after that. Next, Zeke Castillo hit a sacrifice fly ball to center field for the second out, but it allowed Davila to score and Escalon moved to third. At this point, the Jackrabbits changed pitchers, with Kesey on the mound. The Bucks had two outs and the score was (7-4). Ayden Reyes singled on a line drive to left field and Escalon scored. It was now (8-4) for the Bucks. Caiden Carr #1, went in for the Bucks’ catcher, Reyes. Unfortunately, Anson Rodgers hit a ground ball into a double play and Carr was out attempting to advance to 2nd. The inning ended and the Bucks had collected five runs and took the lead (8-4).

In the top of the third inning, Jonas Arellano was still pitching for the Bucks and struck out two of the batters and the Bucks’ catcher, Ayden Reyes, threw to the shortstop, Camden Escalon, and picked off the Jackrabbit runner, who was attempting to steal 2nd and the Bucks had three outs.

In the bottom of the third inning, the Bucks added three more runs as insurance. Right off the bat, Kaden Garcia #7 was hit by the pitcher. Next, C. Arellano earned a walk. Garcia was picked off attempting to steal second for the first Buckaroo out of the inning. Moore singled on a line drive and C. Arellano advanced to second. Next, J. Arellano hit a hard grounder to third and the third baseman threw to first, but was too late. Meanwhile, that throw allowed C. Arellano to score and Moore to move to second. Then, Moore was caught trying to steal third. With two outs and runners on first and third, Davila singled on a hard-hit ball to left field which allowed J. Arellano to score and it was (10-4). Next, Davila went to second on an error by the Jackrabbit catcher and then stole third, while Escalon collected balls at the plate for a walk.

At that point, the Jackrabbits changed pitchers once more and at first Whatley replaced Kesey and threw one pitch. Whatley was replaced by Richey and somewhere in there Castillo was hit by the pitcher and took first base. Davila scored on an error by their first baseman, Swearingins, and Escalon went to third on the same error. The score was now (11-4). Unfortunately, Castillo was picked off at first base and the inning was over. The Bucks had scored three more runs to lead (11-4).

In the top of the fourth inning, J. Arellano was able to strike out three of the four batters for the Jackrabbits and the score remained the same.

The Jackrabbits also were able to get three outs, in the bottom of the fourth inning, from the three Buckaroo batters, A. Reyes, Rodgers and Garcia. The score remained at (11-4).

In the top of the fifth inning, the first Jackrabbit batter earned a walk. The Buckaroo catcher, A. Reyes was able to pick off that runner, Melton, when he attempted to steal 2nd. The second batter grounded out to the Buckaroo shortstop, Escalon, and the Bucks had two outs. Thompson singled on a ground ball, which was followed by another single by Richey that allowed Thompson to score. The score was now (11-5). Next, Hutson singled on a ground ball to shortstop.

At that point, Coach Bartley made a pitching change and Chad Wilcox went in for J. Arellano, who went to third base. On the very next play, Fallis popped out to third base and J. Arellano made the third out to end the inning with one Jackrabbit run.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Buckaroo batters hit out to third, shortstop and right field for three outs. The Bucks were able to contain the Jackrabbits in the top of the sixth inning with three up and three out.

Likewise, the Bucks were three up and three down in the bottom of the sixth and the score remained (11-5) All the Bucks had to do was keep the Jackrabbits from scoring in the top of the 7th inning and the game would be over. Unfortunately, the Jackrabbits didn’t get the memo and scored three runs, but not enough to put a dent in the Bucks lead of (11-8) and the game ended.

Arellano took the win for the Bucks with eight strikeouts and gave up four hits for five runs in his four and two-thirds innings of pitching for the Bucks. Chad Wilcox threw for two and a third innings and managed to strike out two batters and gave up two runs in four hits.

The Bucks are sitting at the top of District 7-3A, with a (4-1) district record. Holliday is in second place with a (2-1) record. They are followed by Jacksboro, Bowie, Henrietta, Nocona and City View in order.

The Bucks will host Holliday on Friday, April 9.