Story Courtesy of Dave Brandt
North Platte, NE – The Kearney bats were on fire Monday night in North Platte combining for 36 hits, including 9 home runs for the home opener for both teams.
In game 1, the Bearcats took and early lead in the 1st inning, but the Bulldogs battled back in the 4th before Kearney added 10 runs in the 5th inning to run rule North Platte 15-6 in 5 innings. Lauren Schmeits started the game, pitching 3 ⅔ innings allowing 6 runs while striking out 6 batters. Greely Cargill came in to earn the win with 2 strikeouts over 1 ⅓ innings.
Alexa Jacobsen and Emily Drackely led the team with 3 hits each. Jacobsen and Oliva Wright each hit home runs in game 1. Kennedy Lee and Jacobsen led the team with 4 RBI each.
In game 2, the Bearcats found themselves behind early, but took control in the 5th, on the way to a 19-9 win in 6 innings. Ava Magnani started the game allowing 7 runs over 2 ⅓ innings, striking out 3. Avery Longshore provided relief allowing 2 runs with 2 strikeouts over 2 ⅔ innings. Lauren Schmeits finished the last inning allowing no hits and striking out 2.
At the plate, Kearney showed off their power with 7 home runs. Emily Drackley and Alexa Jacobsen each hit 2, while Longshore, Kaelyana Hebb and Oliva Wright hit one each. The team combined for 20 total hits, led by Kelsey Hatcher and Jacobsen with 3 each. Jacobsen and Drackely led the team with 4 RBI each.
The wins give Kearney a 2-0 record to start the season while North Platte starts their year 0-2. Kearney returns home to Patriot Park to open their home season against Lincoln Northeast Wednesday, August 28, with a JV game at 5 and the Varsity to follow around 6:30. KGFW will air the games with Ethan McCormick on the call.
They will travel to Fremont for 2 games Thursday, August 29.
The Kearney Bearcat JV softball team took two wins from North Platte Monday evening to start the season 2-0.
In game 1, the JV Bearcats beat the JV Bulldogs 12-9. Zailey Wilson earned the win, striking out 3 over 2 ⅓ innings. Mya Wright finished the game with 2 more strikeouts. Kruz Flaming led the team with 2 hits and 3 RBI, with Carleigh Birdwell and Maylin Pohl adding 2 each.
In Game 2, Kearney took the lead early and didn’t look back on their way to a 13-5 win. Maylin Pohl pitched the entire 4 inning game allowing just 5 hits with 5 strikeouts. Kruz Flaming, Kaylee Bowman and Addison Callahan led the team with 2 hits each. Callahan led the team with 3 RBI.
Kearney JV begins the year at 2-0 and plays at home Wednesday.
