Kirt Manion
kmanion@cherryroad.com

The Nebraska City baseball team split two results in season-opening action at Clemmy Holmes Field on Saturday, March 22.

Riley Penney and James Fairbanks combined to pitch a one-hit shutout for the Pioneers against Elkhorn Mount Michael. Penney worked three innings and did not give up a hit, a run or a walk. Fairbanks struck out five, walked one and allowed no runs on one hit in four frames.

Nebraska City generated two runs on three hits. Jesus Martinez, Carter Hoyle and Landon Ferguson had the hits.

Bennington topped Nebraska City 6-1 in the other game on Saturday. The Badgers had 11 hits in the game against five for the Pioneers. James Fairbanks had two hits including a double. Jesus Martinez had two hits. And Callen Schnitzer had one hit.

Grayson Flash pitched six innings and took the loss. He struck out three, walked one and allowed four earned runs on eight hits. Carter Hoyle worked an inning of relief.