Bulldogs Rally Past Smithville for Birchfield’s 200th Kearney Win

Jacklyn Kirkland delivered the decisive blow with a two-run single that put the Bulldogs ahead 4-2. photo by Kale Davis, Backroads Designs.

The Kearney Bulldogs gave their fans plenty to cheer about Tuesday, rallying past the Smithville Warriors for a 4-2 victory that marked Coach Birchfield’s 200th win as a Kearney Bulldog.

Smithville struck first in the top of the opening inning. Addi Milford brought home a run with a sacrifice fly, and Marleigh McDonald followed with a solo home run to center field, giving the Warriors a 2-0 lead.

The Bulldogs answered in a big way in the bottom of the fourth. Ellie Switzer doubled to plate Kearney’s first run, Ava Peterson tied the game with an RBI single, and Jacklyn Kirkland delivered the decisive blow with a two-run single that put the Bulldogs ahead 4-2.

That was all the support Reghan Lueken needed. The right-hander went the distance for Kearney, allowing five hits and two runs—just one earned—over seven innings. She struck out seven and walked two to earn the win.

Nora Schoening started for Smithville and surrendered two runs on five hits over three innings, striking out three without issuing a walk. Left-hander Maddy Meyer took the loss after allowing two runs on three hits in one inning, with one walk and no strikeouts.

Kirkland, batting eighth in the Kearney lineup, led the Bulldogs with two RBIs and finished 1-for-2. Reese Narron, Kirkland, Avery Campbell, Switzer, Kate Stumpenhaus, Lueken, Peterson and Payton McLean each collected one hit for Kearney.

McDonald and Schoening paced Smithville with two hits apiece. McDonald and Milford each drove in one run from consecutive spots in the order, while Mattie Marchetti stole two bases.

Coach Birchfield’s 200th win as a Kearney Bulldog. Photo by Kale Davis, Backroads Designs.

With the milestone victory, the Bulldogs improved to 8-6 overall and stayed perfect in district play at 2-0—a memorable Tuesday for Coach Birchfield, the team and Bulldog fans.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.