PARIS, Texas – The Butler Grizzlies opened their 2026 season on the road in Paris, Texas, taking on the Paris Dragons in a three‑game series.
Game 1 (7 Inn.) – Paris 12, Butler 9
The Grizzlies fell in the opener 12–9 on Friday in a back‑and‑forth contest that broke open late. Paris erupted for six runs in the sixth inning to extend its lead to 12–7. Butler pushed across two runs in the seventh but couldn't complete the comeback.
Photo by Grizzly Athletics
Redshirt freshman Jarren Hay shined in his collegiate debut, going 4-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored, and an RBI. Shortstop Jackson Ellison added a 2-for-4 performance with a double and two RBIs. Butler launched four home runs in the game.
Game 2 (9 Inn.) – Paris 12, Butler 9
The Grizzlies again came up short by the same score in game two. Butler led 2–1 entering the sixth, but Paris once again posted a six‑run inning to take control. The Dragons added five more in the seventh to go up 12–3. Butler scored one in the eighth and rallied for five in the ninth, but the comeback fell short.
Second baseman and TCU commit Yusei Uzawa went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, a triple, and a walk. Left fielder and Oregon transfer Danny Wideman added two hits, a run, and three RBIs.
Game 3 (9 Inn.) – Paris 10, Butler 9
In Saturday's finale, Butler appeared poised for its first win of the season, leading 9–2 entering the bottom of the seventh. Paris, however, mounted a dramatic comeback, scoring four runs in both the seventh and eighth innings to take a 10–9 lead.
Butler threatened in the ninth, driving two deep balls to left and center, but Paris made a pair of highlight‑reel catches to seal the sweep. The Grizzlies finished with nine hits in 33 at‑bats and drew nine walks.
Sophomore right‑hander Cooper Annin delivered a strong 2026 debut, throwing four innings with four hits allowed, two runs (one earned), and four strikeouts.
Next up: The Grizzlies return to action Wednesday at the 2026 JUCO Festival hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma. Butler will face Seminole State (OK) at 3 p.m. and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (NEO) at 5:30 p.m.