Bulldogs Dominate Grandview with Fourth-Inning Explosion

Tyler Maynard made 3 rbi’s and hit a homerun - photo by David Haggart

The Kearney Bulldogs baseball team delivered a commanding 13-0 shutout against the Grandview Bulldogs on Wednesday, April 30, lighting up the scoreboard with a seven-run surge in the fourth inning that sealed the victory in front of the hometown crowd.

From the first pitch, it was all Kearney. Senior standout Tyler Maynard set the tone early with a two-run blast over the left field fence in the bottom of the first. Cameron Taylor followed with an RBI double, and Caleb Fletchall chipped in a sacrifice fly to give Kearney a quick 4-0 lead.

The Bulldogs added to the tally in the third with a clutch double by Luke Tucking, extending the lead to 6-0. Then came the fireworks in the fourth. Maynard’s RBI double kicked things off before Trey White ripped a single to drive in two more. Kavan Mortensen followed with a bases-clearing single, bringing in three runs, and White capped off the inning with a triple to bring the score to 13-0.

On the mound, Easton Haggart was lights out. The ace right-hander gave up just one hit over five shutout innings, striking out seven and walking three to secure the win.

Offensively, Kearney racked up 11 hits. Taylor was perfect at the plate, going 3-3, while Maynard, White, and Mortensen each tallied three RBIs. The Bulldogs showed great patience at the plate as well, drawing seven walks—two each from Grant Bogert and Brock Scott.

Kearney’s aggression on the base paths kept Grandview on its heels all game. The Dawgs stole 12 bases, with Taylor, Tucking, Bogert, and Trent Dostal each swiping multiple bags. The defense backed up the dominant pitching, turning a double play and committing zero errors. Fletchall led the team with four defensive chances.

Grandview’s only hit came from Chase Ransom, who went 1-2. They managed a double play on defense but couldn’t keep up with Kearney’s relentless attack.

Kearney’s season record now stands at 12-9. The next broadcast of Bulldog baseball on 102.7FM will be on Monday, May 5 as Kearney hosts the Winnetonka Griffins. Pregame starts at 4:30 and the first pitch is at 5 pm.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Top Blue Springs in Midweek Showdown

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.

Bulldogs Earn Walk Off Win in Thrilling 13-12 Victory

Yoakum was the standout performer, driving in five of Kearney’s runs and finishing the day with a stellar 4-for-5 batting line.

The Kearney Bulldog baseball team took Friday’s game in dramatic fashion, securing a 13-12 walk-off win over Fort Osage. With the game tied at 12 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Jett Yoakum delivered a clutch single, scoring the winning run.

Yoakum was the standout performer, driving in five of Kearney’s runs and finishing the day with a stellar 4-for-5 batting line. His offensive effort was key in the thrilling win.

The Bulldogs got off to a strong start in the bottom of the second inning, thanks to two home runs. Tyler Maynard led the charge with a two-run shot to center field, putting Kearney on the board. The Bulldogs added more in the third inning when Maynard tripled to center field, Trey White hit a sacrifice fly, and Kearney scored on a passed ball, pushing their lead to 5-1.

Fort Osage mounted a comeback in the top of the fourth, scoring seven runs on four hits to take a 8-7 lead. The inning was highlighted by Blake Overbeck’s two-run single, which came on a full count.

However, Kearney responded in the bottom of the fourth, regaining the lead at 10-8. Maynard drew a walk to score a run, followed by a single from Gabe Newton, who brought in another run. Yoakum then doubled, plating two more runs for the Bulldogs.

Fort Osage tied things up in the top of the seventh after a walk by Mason Crose and a hit batter, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Kearney’s pitching staff featured Joe Yetter, who started the game and gave up five hits and three runs over three innings while striking out one. The Bulldogs saw appearances from Evan McDaniel, Owen McDaniel, and Brock Scott in relief.

Kearney’s offense was relentless, collecting 11 hits and drawing 11 walks. In addition to Yoakum’s performance, Garrett Hodge and Maynard contributed multiple hits, and Maynard led the team with three walks. The Bulldogs also showcased their speed, stealing 10 bases in the game, with Hodge, White, and Trent Dostal each stealing multiple bags. Kearney turned one double play in the contest.

The Bulldogs look to continue their winning ways with an upcoming game at Park Hill South on Monday.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.