Kearney Home Opener Ends with Bulldogs on Top

Cale Davis picked up the win, striking out four and allowing two runs in two innings of work. Photo: David Haggart

The Kearney Bulldogs pulled off a thrilling comeback to secure a 6-5 win over Grain Valley on Wednesday, March 25. It was a nail-biter to the end as the lead changed hands throughout the game. Trailing 5-4 in the bottom of the sixth, Hayden Fritter delivered a clutch triple that brought home two runs and gave Kearney the decisive win.

The Bulldogs started strong, getting on the board in the first inning with RBI hits from Evan McDaniel, Grant Bogert, and Luke Tucking. Grain Valley fought back, tying the game at three in the fifth after Logan Jinkins singled down the left field line.

Grain Valley fought back with runs scored in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th innings and took the lead in the top of the sixth. Logan Benett singled, scoring two runs, to give Grain Valley the upper hand, 5-4.

Kearney regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Cade Holder drew a bases-loaded walk. Grain Valley responded in the sixth, with Logan Benett’s single scoring two and putting them ahead. But the Bulldogs’ late-game rally sealed the victory.

Cale Davis picked up the win, striking out four and allowing two runs in two innings of work. Cameron Taylor started for Kearney and struck out seven over four innings, while Bryce Meyer struck out nine for Grain Valley in his four and two-thirds innings.

Fritter led Kearney’s offense, going 2-for-4 at the plate. Bogert, McDaniel, Fritter, and Tucking each drove in a run. Grain Valley tallied nine hits, with Benett leading the team with two RBIs. Zach Lares and Jinkins each collected two hits, and Grain Valley stole four bases and turned a double play. The Bulldogs’ resilience in the late innings proved to be the difference in a tightly contested matchup.

The Bulldogs are currently 3-2 on the season. They face the Kearney, NE Bearcats on Friday, March 27 at noon. KPGZ will broadcast the game beginning at 11:30 am.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this report