Bulldogs Season Ends with 8–2 Loss to Platte County

The Kearney Bulldogs saw their season come to a close Thursday after falling 8–2 to the Platte County Varsity Pirates in the Class 5, District 8 semifinal marked by early momentum swings and a strong showing by the Pirates' pitching staff.

Platte County struck first in the bottom of the second inning, capitalizing on a fielder’s choice by Ian Gold to take a 1–0 lead. Kearney responded in the fourth, briefly taking control of the game. Brock Scott’s sacrifice bunt and a sharp RBI single down the left field line by Gabe Newton pushed the Bulldogs ahead, 2–1.

The lead was short-lived. In the bottom half of the fourth, the Pirates loaded the bases and took advantage of two bases-loaded walks issued to Gold and Bronson Ryan to regain the lead at 3–2 — a lead they would never relinquish.

Kearney starter Cale Davis battled through five innings, allowing six hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out two and walking four. On the mound for Platte County, Brennan McLaughlin was dominant in his two and one-third innings of work, striking out five and allowing no runs on just two hits.

Offensively, Chase Porter was a bright spot for Kearney, going 2-for-2 at the plate from the leadoff spot and stealing two bases. Newton drove in the Bulldogs’ only RBI. As a team, Kearney displayed patience at the plate with seven walks and aggressive baserunning, swiping six bases. The Bulldogs also turned two double plays defensively.

Despite the strong individual efforts and a solid approach on the bases, the Bulldogs couldn’t overcome the Pirates’ late-game surge, bringing their season to a close.

Platte County advances with confidence, while Kearney looks ahead to next season, proud of a hard-fought campaign.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Edge Winnetonka in 3-2 Thriller

At the plate, leadoff man Chase Porter led the way with a 2-for-3 performance and swiped two of the Bulldogs’ five stolen bases.

The Kearney Bulldogs baseball team delivered another dramatic finish on Wednesday, walking off the Winnetonka Griffins 3-2 in a tense, back-and-forth battle at Bulldog Stadium.

With the game tied at two in the bottom of the seventh, senior Tyler Maynard came through in the clutch, lifting a sacrifice fly to score the game-winning run and send the Bulldogs and their fans home celebrating.

Pitching dominated much of the evening on both sides. Kearney hurlers combined for five strikeouts, while Winnetonka pitchers racked up 12, keeping Bulldog bats quiet for much of the game.

The Bulldogs broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a Griffins error to take a 1-0 lead. Winnetonka stayed within striking distance and broke through in the top of the seventh, plating two runs on a pair of singles, including the game-tying hit by Oliver Reisenbichler.

Kearney, however, refused to fold. With the game on the line in the bottom of the seventh, the Bulldogs executed perfectly. Timely hitting and heads-up base running set the stage for Maynard, who delivered the decisive sacrifice fly to seal the 3-2 win.

Easton Haggart was solid on the mound, tossing six and one-third innings while allowing just two runs on five hits. He struck out three and walked four. Brock Scott came in to finish the job in relief.

At the plate, leadoff man Chase Porter led the way with a 2-for-3 performance and swiped two of the Bulldogs’ five stolen bases. Grant Bogert and Maynard each drove in a run. Defensively, Kearney played clean ball, turning a key double play and holding strong in pressure moments.

With the win, the Bulldogs continue their string of exciting finishes and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldog Boys Score Conference Golf Titles

The Kearney High School Boys Golf team earned 2025 Suburban Blue Conference tournament championships on May 5.

The team’s success marks the first boys’ varsity conference golf since 2018. The Bulldogs finished with a team score of 335.

Carter Smith was the Varsity conference champion, shooting a 78. Will Staab finished 4th with an 84, Carter Brock placed 6th shooting an 85, and Tucker Shinneman rounded out the top scorers in 9th place with an 88.

The Junior Varsity team captured the title with a team score of 355. All five JV golfers earned medals.

Cannon Cholak led the way as the JV conference champion, shooting an impressive 81. Casey Collins finished 2nd with a score of 87, Kevin Brock placed 4th with a 90, Parker Mendel came in 6th shooting a 97, and Brad Doll secured 7th place with a 101.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.