McCook's girls push Bulldogs to last pitch

The McCook Bison with Kennedy Walter (5) will play Scottsbluff and Gering at Ogallala today.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Class A 20-win North Platte literally couldn’t shake the McCook Bison until Tuesday night’s final pitch.

Senior Emma Kehler pitched seven brilliant innings, and her Bison defensive teammates helped preserve a 0-0 tie through seven innings.

Kehler retired eight straight batters to start this contest.

When the host Bulldogs (20-6 record) did threaten, third baseman Carly Peters made a strong stop and Jada Berry smoothly scooped her throw into third base.

Abbie Johnson made a tumbling catch in left field and senior center fielder Savannah Donovan made another classic running catch.

“Our pitching and defense were outstanding,” coach Jason Cochran confirmed.

Both teams started the eighth inning with a runner at second base.

While McCook’s was thrown out hustling to third on an errant pitch, Bulldog Sydney Barner sent a ball soaring over the left-field fence.

Barner’s walk-off shot gave North Platte a dramatic 2-0 win. It didn’t change how Cochran felt.

“I’m smiling, because this game will only make us better for when it really counts,” he said.

Kehler, Berry and junior Tesa Nelson singled for the Bison hits. Kehler scattered five hits and walked just one.