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.

Bulldogs Walk It Off in Thriller Against Excelsior Springs

Scott earned the win on the mound for Kearney, tossing a scoreless seventh inning. Photo by David Haggart.

The Kearney Bulldogs delivered a dramatic finish on Friday, May 9, against Excelsior Springs 7-6 in a come-from-behind victory that had fans on the edge of their seats.

With the game tied at six in the bottom of the seventh inning, Jett Yoakum played the hero, lacing a walk-off single that brought home the winning run and sealed a thrilling win for the Bulldogs.

Excelsior Springs opened the scoring in the first inning on a groundout by Klayton Glaspy, but Kearney responded quickly. In the bottom half, Garrett Hodge was hit by a pitch to force in a run, Grant Bogert drew a bases-loaded walk, and Brock Scott delivered an RBI double down the left field line to give Kearney an early 3-1 lead.

Defensive miscues allowed Excelsior Springs to regain the lead 4-3 in the top of the second. Kearney tied it back up in the fifth when Trent Dostal singled to left field on a six-pitch at-bat, evening the score at 4-4.

In the top of the sixth, Excelsior Springs jumped ahead once again when Spence Gibbs doubled in two runs, putting the visitors up 6-4. But Kearney wasn’t done.

The Bulldogs mounted one final rally in the bottom of the seventh. Scott singled to drive in a run, and Yoakum followed with his clutch base hit to complete the comeback and spark celebrations on the field.

Scott earned the win on the mound for Kearney, tossing a scoreless seventh inning. Starter Cale Davis went six innings, allowing four hits and six runs—three earned—while striking out five.

At the plate, Scott led the Bulldogs with a 2-for-3 performance and three RBIs. Kearney showed patience and discipline, drawing eight walks. Bogert and Hodge each walked twice. The Bulldogs also turned up the pressure on the base paths, stealing eight bases—led by Chase Porter and Scott with multiple swipes.

On defense, Kearney turned a key double play and committed no errors after the early missteps that cost them in the second inning.

Kearney will look to carry the momentum into their next game on Wednesday as they host conference rival Smithville. Hear all the play-by-play action on 102.7FM, beginning at 4:30 pm with pregame. First pitch is at 5 pm.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.