Story and photo provided by Dave Brandt
The Kearney Bearcats picked up 2 big wins over previously 13-2 Norfolk.
In game 1, Kearney took a lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning before Norfolk came back in the top of the 7th to force extra innings. In the bottom of the 8th, Kelsey Hatcher singled to drive in the winning run for a 10-9 Bearcat victory. Hatcher and Mackinzey Brennan both led the team with 3 hits. Greeley Cargill led the team with 3 RBI. Lauren Schmeits started the game, striking out 7 over 5 ⅔ innings. Ava Magnani came in in relief allowing only 1 run over 2 ⅓ innings for the win.
In game 2, Kearney took an early lead, but found themselves in a 7-3 hold entering the home-half of the 7th inning. After a string of good luck at the plate, Avery Longshore drove in the winning run for a walk-off win. Longshore and Kennedy Lee both led the team with 3 hits each, while Longhore and Olivia Wright each had 2 RBI. Longshore started the game, allowing 4 runs over 4 innings. Cargill came in for ⅓ inning of relief before KHS went back to Schmeits. She finished the last 2 ⅔ innings in the come-from-behind win.
The sweep of the Panthers moves the Bearcats to 9-6 on the season with a three game winning streak. They play at home again Thursday against Columbus for 2 games starting at 5:00 PM
In the JV games, Kearney and Norfolk split the night each with a 1 run victory. Game 1 went the way of the Bearcats, 6-5. Game 2 saw Norfolk on top 5-4. The night put the Kearney JV at 7-9 on the season. They also will play 2 games against Columbus Thursday evening at Patriot Park.
