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.