The Kearney Bulldog baseball team took care of business at home on Wednesday, April 9, knocking off the visiting Blue Springs Wildcats with a 5-2 victory behind strong pitching and clutch hitting.

Blue Springs struck first, pushing across a run in the top of the first inning. But the Bulldogs responded in the bottom of the fourth, when Caleb Fletchall delivered a two-run double to put Kearney in front 2-1 — a lead they wouldn’t give up.

Fletchall, batting seventh in the order, came through in a big way, going 1-3 at the plate and collecting two RBIs. He also shined on defense, leading the team with 10 plays in the field.

*Easton Haggart - Photo by David Haggart*

On the mound, Easton Haggart turned in a gritty start. The right-hander went five and two-thirds innings, allowing just three hits and two runs while striking out eight. Haggart battled through some command issues, walking five, but managed to keep Blue Springs off balance for most of the night. Owen McDaniel and Brock Scott came in out of the bullpen to close out the game.

Offensively, Grant Bogert led Kearney with two hits in three at-bats. The Bulldogs scattered their offense across the lineup and made their hits count.

Blue Springs showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks and swiping four bases. Carson Bushman and Ethan Melissinas led the Wildcats with two walks each. Despite their aggressiveness on the basepaths and a double play turned in the field, Blue Springs couldn’t crack the Bulldogs' defense or capitalize late.

With the win, Kearney improves their record to 5-5 and builds momentum heading into this weekend’s Jefferson City Tournament.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.