Kearney out-hits Smithville 6-5, but the Warriors hold on for a 3-1 win

*Reghan Lueken struck out 12 Warriors, and didn't walk a single batter. Photo: KAle Davis, BackRoads Designs.*

Sometimes you do almost everything right and still come up short. That was the story Saturday, October 17, as the Kearney Bulldogs dropped a tough 3-1 decision to the Smithville Warriors despite one of the best all-around performances from pitcher Reghan Lueken.

Lueken was simply dealing in the circle. She went the full seven innings, struck out 12 Warriors, and didn't walk a single batter. She gave up just five hits and three runs all day, which during most games is more than enough to get a win.

Smithville got on the board first in the top of the first inning. A passed ball allowed a run to score, giving the Warriors an early 1-0 lead.

Kearney's bats finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth, and fittingly, it was Lueken who did it herself. The cleanup hitter launched a solo home run to center field to put the Bulldogs on the scoreboard and fired up the home crowd.

*Reese narron.* *Photo: KAle Davis, BackRoads Designs.*

Smithville answered right back in the top of the seventh. Marleigh McDonald hit a solo shot to right field to add an insurance run, and the Bulldogs couldn't put together a rally in their final at-bats.

Kearney out-hit Smithville six to five. Reese Narron led the way with two hits, and Lueken went 1-for-3 with the team's only RBI.

It stings to lose a game like this, especially with Lueken putting the team on her back in the circle and at the plate. But if the Bulldogs keep getting pitchers like Reghan Lueken and keep making solid contact like Reese Narron, Ellie Switzer, and Kate Stumpenhaus, the wins are will keep coming.