The Otter Tail Central Bulldogs opened the 2026 season with a gritty 4-3 extra-inning victory over Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale on Friday at Long Prairie, combining timely hitting, solid pitching and late-game execution to secure the season-opening win.

OTC struck first in the top of the opening inning. Carter Knutson ignited the offense with a double down the left field line, scoring Ayden Olson. A BHV defensive error allowed Knutson to score, giving OTC an early 2-0 advantage.

The Raiders responded and gradually worked their way back into the game. BHV tied the contest in the bottom of the sixth inning when Sundby doubled to center field, evening the score at 2-2 and eventually forcing extra innings.

The Bulldogs delivered their best offensive inning when it mattered most. In the top of the eighth, OTC plated two runs to regain the lead. Quenten Beske came through with the clutch hit of the afternoon after Misegades led the inning off with a shot off the top of the left field fence. Beske lined a single that drove in both Kale Misegades and Knutson (Beck Thorson pinch run) to put OTC ahead 4-2.

BHV answered with one run in the bottom of the eighth, but the Bulldogs held firm to secure the 4-3 victory.

OTC relied on a two-pitcher effort to secure the win. Kale Misegades started on the mound and provided a solid early-season outing, throwing three innings while allowing three hits and one run. Misegades struck out two and walked two while throwing 57 pitches.

Casen Leroy earned the win in relief, delivering five innings of work. Leroy allowed just two hits and two runs, both unearned, while striking out four and walking six. Despite the walks, Leroy limited damage and worked out of several jams to keep the Bulldogs in position for the late-game win.

Overall, the Bulldogs pitching staff showed strong early-season command and composure. OTC pitchers started 22 of 35 hitters with a first-pitch strike and stranded eight runners on base. Only one of the eight walks issued by OTC pitchers came around to score.

The Bulldogs also limited damage on the base paths, allowing four stolen bases on seven attempts. Additionally, pitchers were forced to throw seven extra pitches in innings extended by defensive errors.

Defensively, OTC allowed three runs, with two of those runs coming unearned. The Bulldogs committed three errors in the contest, including miscues by Carter Knutson and Rowan Finseth.

Despite the errors, OTC made key defensive plays throughout the game and turned one double play. The Bulldogs’ ability to minimize damage and make plays late proved critical in securing the win.

OTC finished the game with four runs scored, highlighted by their two-run eighth inning. The Bulldogs showed patience and competitiveness at the plate, as hitters saw at least three pitches after getting to two strikes eight different times.

However, the Bulldogs left opportunities on the field. OTC stranded eight runners and recorded just one two-out RBI in the game. The offense also found itself behind early in counts, as BHV pitchers recorded first-pitch strikes in 21 of 36 OTC at-bats.

Additionally, only two OTC leadoff hitters reached base safely, limiting potential scoring opportunities.

Despite those challenges, OTC delivered in the most important moment, capitalizing in extra innings to secure the win.

Quenten Beske led the Bulldogs offensively, going 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs, including the game-winning hit in the eighth inning. Carter Knutson added a double and helped spark the Bulldogs’ early scoring.