MAUMELLE – The first week of the season has been an outstanding one for Sawyer Cropper.
The Smackover senior worked five shutout innings in the Bucks’ season-opening win over Episcopal Collegiate on Monday.
On Friday, it was his bat that led the Bucks to a come-from-behind victory, as Cropper’s two-run single in the seventh lifted Smackover past Haskell Harmony Grove 5-4 at the River City Rumble.
Trailing 4-3 going into their final at-bat, the Bucks (2-0) rallied for their second straight win.
Cole McNeely reached on a two-base error after his fly ball to right was dropped.
One out later, Tanner Mitchell was intentionally walked to put runners at first and second.
Judson Wolfe then moved the runners up a base each with a fly out to right, setting the stage for Cropper, who delivered a base hit to center to score McNeely and Mitchell with the go-ahead runs.
Britton Warren, who got the save in Monday’s victory, finished the game off for his first win of the season after working 4 2/3 innings in relief. He allowed three runs with two being earned. He gave up five hits, walked two and struck out six.
The Bucks took an early 3-0 edge after striking in the first.
Mitchell singled, stole second and scored on a throwing error by the pitcher on Wolfe’s grounder.
Wolfe took second on the miscue and later scored on a pair of passed balls.
Trace Davis, Wyatt Parker, Asher Coley and Warren all drew walks with Warren collecting an RBI.
Mitchell added a triple to finish 2-for-3 for the Bucks, who had four hits in the game.
Davis added a base hit with two walks for Smackover.
Tyler Sexton, who was the Bucks’ starter, went 2 1/3 innings. He allowed three hits and one run along with three walks and four strikeouts.
The upcoming week will be a busy one for the Bucks, who have four games in five days, starting with their first home game of the season against Hampton on Monday.