KIMBERLY, Idaho — The Kimberly Bulldogs dominated the Gooding Senators on Wednesday afternoon, sweeping a doubleheader with convincing wins of 8-6 and 19-2. The twin victories showcased the Bulldogs’ depth on both the mound and at the plate, giving Kimberly a strong midweek showing in Magic Valley prep baseball.
Game One: Bulldogs Grind Out 8-6 Victory
Gooding wasted no time getting on the board in the first game, opening the scoring on a balk in the opening inning. Kimberly responded with resilience, tying the game in the bottom of the third on an error before seizing control of the contest.
The decisive blow came in the fourth inning, when Dillon Chiatovich doubled to give the Bulldogs the lead — a lead they would not relinquish. Kimberly held on to win the first contest 8-6.
On the mound for Kimberly, Cash Gardner delivered a steady performance, tossing four innings and allowing zero hits and two runs. Gardner struck out six batters while walking seven, limiting Gooding’s offense to a balk-induced run and a pair of unearned tallies.
For Gooding, Evan Mendoza started on the hill and pitched four innings, surrendering seven hits and six runs. Mendoza struck out three and walked three in the losing effort.
The first game was a competitive affair that could have gone either way early, but Kimberly’s timely hitting and Gardner’s effectiveness in keeping Gooding hitless proved to be the difference.
Game Two: Bulldogs Pour It On in 19-2 Rout
If the first game left any doubt about where the Bulldogs stood on Wednesday, the second game erased it entirely. Kimberly rolled to a dominant 19-2 victory in the nightcap, putting up an impressive run total that underscored the depth of the program’s offensive firepower.
The lopsided final score signaled a near-complete breakdown for the Gooding Senators in the second contest, with Kimberly taking full advantage at the plate and holding Gooding in check throughout the game.
The sweep gives the Bulldogs a significant boost heading into the heart of their spring schedule. Twin Falls County prep baseball has seen several competitive matchups this week, and Kimberly’s performance Wednesday stands as one of the more dominant outings in the region.
Elsewhere around the Magic Valley on Wednesday, Buhl defeated Filer 5-1 in a cross-town-style rivalry matchup, while Glenns Ferry handled Notus 12-1 in another doubleheader note from around the region. For more on the local baseball scene and how other area teams have been faring, read about the Wood River and Filer rare baseball tie at the Buhl Mid-Season Classic in Idaho, which gave fans in the region a memorable finish earlier this season.
What Comes Next
The Kimberly Bulldogs will look to carry the momentum of Wednesday’s sweep forward as the prep baseball season continues through the spring. With strong pitching from Gardner and clutch hitting on display against Gooding, Kimberly appears well-positioned in the competitive Magic Valley baseball landscape.
The Gooding Senators, meanwhile, will need to regroup after a difficult afternoon. Dropping both ends of a doubleheader — particularly by the combined margin of 27-8 — presents a challenge for the program heading into upcoming games.
Fans looking to stay up to date on spring sports and other community happenings across Twin Falls County can check out the full Magic Valley community events for the week of April 8 in Twin Falls, Idaho. For statewide coverage of Idaho prep sports and other news, visit Idaho News.