Another home series for The Bucs as they host The Pioneers for a weekend contest. Like last weekend, this 3 day series shortened to a two day, with a Saturday double-header. Sacred Heart coming into this series is 1-2, and is part of the MAAC. ETSU’s opener Marist, as well as next weekend’s matchup with Quinnipiac are all from the MAAC.

Game One Dominance
The Bucs absolutely dominated defensively in this series opener, not allowing a single run and only 2 hits from Sacred Heart. Jacob Schmutz of Sacred Heart had the solo hit. Meanwhile, Alex Melendez, Tristan Curless, Ian Guanzon and Mason Ault all hit for HR’s. Melendez being the game time leader, who over 5 at bats gave The Bucs 1 run, 2 hits, and 6 RBI’s to seal a win on Friday afternoon. Final score on Friday was 10-0, Bucs Win.
Saturday Game One, A Complete Shutdown
An 11 am first pitch to start the double header at Thomas Stadium. Melendez continued his hot streak as the batter to beat for Sacred Heart’s pitcher mound. With 7 at bats, Melendez continued to show out with 4 runs, 4 hits, 5 RBI’s and a single strikeout. Other big hitters for The Bucs were Tyler Fetterman with 6 at bats hitting for 2 runs, 3 hits, 5 RBI’s, and 1 walk. Nate Conner also coming in strong with 6 at bats with 5 runs, 4 hits, 4 RBI’s and 1 walk as well. Henry Ferguson also hitting hard with 4 at bats making 3 runs, 3 hits, 3 RBI’s, 1 walk and only 1 strikeout.
This totaled the score to a resounding 26-3 for another win for The Bucs over Sacred Heart.
Saturday Game 2; For the Sweep
Sacred Heart headed into Game 3 of the series is down 0-2, and ready to fight back to beat The Bucs after an overwhelming loss 26-3. Game 3 ultimately was the most competitive game of the series, with both teams scoring a back and forth throughout each inning until the 6th. At the top of the 6th, it became a pitchers’ game. Stellar defense from both dugouts allowed for 0 runs on either side allowed from the top of the 6 onward.
Nate Conner and Hunter Ferguson were top contributors the offensive success of The Bucs. Conner with 6 at bats, 1 run, 2 hits, and 4 RBI’s. Meanwhile, Ferguson with 5 at bats and 1 run, 4 hits, and 1 RBI. Keeping the score at 11-8, the pitching rotation for The Bucs kept Sacred Heart at bay to secure another series sweep at home.
Next Up for ETSU Baseball- The Bucs are hosting the Mountaineers from Appalachian State on Tuesday, February 24th with first pitch at 3pm.

