First Nationals improve to 13-3 on the season

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - FNBO’s Bank Night at the Ball Field saw the North Platte First Nationals host the Hastings Five Points at Bill Wood Field. North Platte wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Carson Johnson drew a lead off walk and proceeded to steal second. Johnson then scored the first run for the First Nationals, scurrying home from third on a wild pitch.

Later in the opening frame, North Platte loaded the bases and Carter Kelley paid it off. The sophomore recorded a two out, two run RBI base hit, bringing home speedster Jaylan Ruffin from second base. Kelley had two hits and accounted for four of the team’s five runs.

Hastings had a chance to tie or take the lead in the ninth inning. The First Nationals sent Derrick Kuhlmann to the mound, looking to preserve the win for starting pitcher Will Coe. Kuhlmann delivered in crunch time, tallying three strikeouts to secure a 5-3 district victory over the Five Points.