Kearney scored two runs in the bottom of the second inning, and that’s all they needed in a 2-0 win over Republic Friday.
The Bulldogs took advantage of a leadoff walk by Republic’s Clayton Crowley, sacrificing the runner to second, then scoring on a groundout later in the inning. A two-out single and an error accounted for their other run.
The second inning was the only spot on an otherwise strong performance by Crowley. He allowed just one earned run on five hits in six innings, striking out three and walking two.
But Republic managed just three hits of its own, after pounding out 17 in their previous game against Hillcrest. Jaden Duvall, Landin Sigman, and Cameron Beck each singled, and that was the extent of the offense for the Tigers.
Republic falls to 2-4. Their next game is Tuesday at home against Cassville.