The Buccaneers took on the Rider Broncs at home in the Thomas Stadium in their double-header matchup, finishing both games with a win sweeping the series. ETSU would win 5-4 in their first matchup and win 11-1 in the second matchup.

The first matchup between the Bucs and Broncs was a thriller. The Bucs started strong with a 5-0 lead, but the Riders would start to pick up steam and mount a comeback in the ninth inning.

The Riders would make the score 5-4 in the ninth inning. Although the Bucs would take care of business and finish off the game, winning 5-4. Getting credited with his first win of the season was RHP Andrew Ronne (Athens, Tenn.) while LHP Derek McCarley (Seymour, Tenn.) notched his first save of the new year.

In the second game between the Bucs and Broncs, was a complete blowout. The Buccaneers never took their foot off of the gas winning the game 11-1. ETSU was on fire this game, their offense has been slow to the race the last few games, but they showed out in this one. ETSU had a total of 18 hits, they had a season high of six home runs, and they scored 11 runs. The Bucs haven’t knocked six home runs in a single game in almost a year.

Photo of baseball player Jamie Palmese during the game against Rider. (Dora Mercado/East Tennessean)

The Bucs defense was just as electric as the offense. Jace Hyde (Athens, Tenn.) was elite against the Riders. Hyde pitched the first four innings and did not allow the Broncs a single hit, striking out eight batters in the process. Hyde was also credited with the win, bringing his season record to 2-0.

These two wins left the Buccaneers sitting at 6-1 on the season, the greatest start to their season since 2019.

The Broncs are having an extremely tough season, now sitting at 0-6 after the losses.

The Buccaneers are set to face off versus Wagner Friday, March 1 at Thomas Stadium.

For more information on Bucs baseball visit them at ETSUBucs.com.

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