Kernels baseball wins first-ever first round game at state tournament

OMAHA, Neb. (KSNB) - Central City/Fullerton/Centura baseball began its journey to a Class C state title Saturday in Omaha. The No. 3 Kernels drew No. 6 Wayne in the first round.

The Blue Devils pitched Kansas State commit Brooks Kneifl, while the Kernels threw Carter Noakes. He pitched seven strikeouts in four innings of work for the Kernels.

CCFC would go on to win 7-1, with big performances from several players. Nolan Hurt went 2-2 with three RBI, while Kellen Fries added two RBI going 1-4.

“First win in the first round, so it feels good to be up on top after the first game,” Fries said. “We’re ready to go. Anyone that comes at us, we’re ready for them.”

“Now we have the jumpstart to be like, ‘OK, we’re going to go and we’re going to win,’” Hurt added.”

It’s the third year in a row the Kernels have made state, but the first time they’ve ever won in the first round.

“This group here, seven guys have been here three years in a row,” Kernels coach Brandon Detlefsen said. “We wanted to get off to a good start and that was a big win tonight. We’re just all around excited to be able to put it all together.”

CCFC will play No. 7 Omaha Roncalli Catholic, who upset No. 2 Plattsmouth 7-0 in the first round, Monday at 7:00 p.m. from Fricke Field.

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