Bucs Drop to Chanticleers

CONWAY, S.C.- Despite scoring first, the Bucs (16-34, 10-13) were unable to hold onto the lead as the Chanticleers (40-13, 19-5) went on to win game one of the three game series at Watson Stadium by a final of 9-1.  The Chanticleers have already secured a guaranteed top four seed as they entered the series with the Bucs leading the conference in wins for the season, as the Bucs look to better their record before heading to the tournament next week.

Buc opener, Jesse Cadenhead would tally the loss from the mound in 6.0 innings of work, while striking out two, but allowed five runs on eight hits.  The Chanticleers’ Nick McCully would tally the win as he went 7.0 innings, facing 27 Bucs and  retiring five.

The Bucs spread four hits over the roster as designated hitter, Derek Smith, was the only Bucs to tally a hit for extra bases with a double. First baseman Nick Chinners tallied the RBI single to drive home center fielder Tom Burkett after Burkett reached on a Chanticleer fielding error in the first inning. 

The Bucs’ would hold onto the 1-0 advantage until the third inning as the Chanticleers scored three runs of their own to take the lead.  While holding the Bucs to their sole run, the Chanticleers would add insurance runs in four later innings to seal their victory.  The Chanticleers saw five players with multiple hits as they went on to tally a total of 13 hits on evening, while catcher Jose Iglesias hit a homer over the left field fence to lead off the Chanticleer scoring drive.

The Bucs will look to even the series tomorrow evening as they face off once again with the Chanticleers at Watson Stadium for a 6 p.m. game.