The North Platte First Nationals beat Malcolm 8-1 Saturday at Bill Wood Field to take the first game of a two-game series that spans two days.

North Platte (29-17) jumped out to a 6-0 lead by scoring two runs in the first inning, three in the second inning and one more in the third inning. The second inning was highlighted by a Luke Volz two-RBI double. Malcolm scored its only run in the top of the fifth inning before the First Nationals scored a run in each of the fifth and sixth innings for the 8-1 win.

Dalton Pflughaupt started on the mound for North Platte and pitched four scoreless innings without giving up a hit or a walk and  he struck out one batter in earning the win. Darian Allberry came in for the final three innings and gave up one run on two hits. He also struck out two batters and walked one.

Volz led the way at the plate for the First Nationals by going 1-2 with a double, three RBI and a run scored. Jack Kenny went 2-3 with two runs batted in and a run scored, while Alec Wesslund went 2-4 with three runs scored.

The two teams will meet again Sunday morning at Bill Wood Field. The 11:00 am game is the final game of the regular season for North Platte.