Waterloo, IA – The Bucks (7–10) started their home & home series with their first win against the Honkers (11–6) in the 2023 season, 4–2.

Yet again, it was the pitching that propelled the Bucks to the win as starting pitcher Johnny Blake pitched 5.2 innings while only giving one earned run on four hits and two walks. Relief pitchers Korey Bunselmeyer and Kade Douglas came out of the bullpen to record crucial outs in the late innings to seal the game.

The Bucks scored three runs in the top of the third inning and never trailed from that point forward. The Honkers but their deficit to one in the bottom of the seventh, but the Bucks tacked on some insurance in the next inning when Brodie Kresser scored from third on a wild pitch.

The Bucks will be aiming for the sweep as they return to Riverfront Stadium for their second game against the Honkers tomorrow. First pitch for that game is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.