DETROIT (AP) — Matt Vierling hit a three-run homer to highlight Detroit's five-run seventh inning and the Tigers beat Kansas City 6-5 Saturday night, ending the Royals' four-game winning streak.

“When I hit it, I didn't think it was going out,” said Vierling, whose 111-mph line drive had a 14-degree launch angle. “That's a big comeback win, so I was fired up.”

Trailing 3-1, Detroit rallied against Chris Stratton (2-2) in the seventh. After Jake Rogers walked, Riley Greene and Mark Canha singled, driving in Rogers.

Wenceel Perez flew out to the wall in right, allowing Greene to take third, and Kerry Carpenter tied the game with a base hit. After Spencer Torkelson popped out, Vierling lined Stratton's 1-2 sinker over the left-field fence to put the Tigers up 6-3.

“I left pitches over the middle,” Stratton said. “They are big league hitters and they did exactly what they are supposed to do.”

The Royals bullpen came into the game with a 2.12 ERA in its last 21 innings.

“Stratton's going to pitch big innings for us,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Sometimes during those high-leverage situations, it doesn't go your way, but he's done this before and he'll bounce back.”

The Royals scored twice in the ninth off Tigers closer Jason Foley, but Vinnie Pasquatino flew out to deep center to end the game.

“I threw a four-seamer up and got him,” Foley said. “He's a really good hitter, so it felt great to get him out.”

The Tigers won despite four infield errors, two by Javier Báez.

“We can't keep winning games like that,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “The fight in this team is really good, but this is unsustainable. You give them extra outs, and then Foley is looking at (Bobby) Witt Jr. and Pasquatino in the ninth inning.”

Alex Faedo (2-1) got the win with two innings of relief of starter Casey Mize, who allowed three runs, two earned, in five innings.

Royals starter Brady Singer allowed one run in five innings.

The Royals only needed four batters to take a two-run lead. Maikel Garcia and Witt Jr. started the game with singles, with Garcia moving to third. After Witt stole second, Pasquatino made it 1-0 with a RBI groundout, and Salvador Perez followed with an RBI single. The base hit extended Perez's on-base streak to 17 games, matching his career high.

Kansas City made it 3-0 in the second with a pair of errors setting up Garcia's RBI single.

The Tigers got a run back in the bottom of the inning, and could have had more. Colt Keith walked and scored on Zach McKinstry's triple, but Singer got Báez and Rogers to ground out before striking out Greene to strand the runner.

The teams finish the weekend series on Sunday with Tigers' ace LHP Tarik Skubal (3-0, 1.82 ERA) facing RHP Michael Wacha (1-2, 3.81).

DETROIT (AP) — Matt Vierling hit a three-run homer to highlight Detroit's five-run seventh inning and the Tigers beat Kansas City 6-5 Saturday night, ending the Royals' four-game winning streak.“When I hit it, I didn't think it was going out,” said Vierling, whose 111-mph line drive had a 14-degree launch angle. “That's a big comeback win, so I was fired up.”Trailing 3-1, Detroit rallied against Chris Stratton (2-2) in the seventh. After Jake Rogers walked, Riley Greene and Mark Canha singled, driving in Rogers.Wenceel Perez flew out to the wall in right, allowing Greene to take third, and Kerry Carpenter tied the game with a base hit. After Spencer Torkelson popped out, Vierling lined Stratton's 1-2 sinker over the left-field fence to put the Tigers up 6-3.“I left pitches over the middle,” Stratton said. “They are big league hitters and they did exactly what they are supposed to do.”The Royals bullpen came into the game with a 2.12 ERA in its last 21 innings.“Stratton's going to pitch big innings for us,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Sometimes during those high-leverage situations, it doesn't go your way, but he's done this before and he'll bounce back.”The Royals scored twice in the ninth off Tigers closer Jason Foley, but Vinnie Pasquatino flew out to deep center to end the game.“I threw a four-seamer up and got him,” Foley said. “He's a really good hitter, so it felt great to get him out.”The Tigers won despite four infield errors, two by Javier Báez.“We can't keep winning games like that,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “The fight in this team is really good, but this is unsustainable. You give them extra outs, and then Foley is looking at (Bobby) Witt Jr. and Pasquatino in the ninth inning.”Alex Faedo (2-1) got the win with two innings of relief of starter Casey Mize, who allowed three runs, two earned, in five innings.Royals starter Brady Singer allowed one run in five innings.The Royals only needed four batters to take a two-run lead. Maikel Garcia and Witt Jr. started the game with singles, with Garcia moving to third. After Witt stole second, Pasquatino made it 1-0 with a RBI groundout, and Salvador Perez followed with an RBI single. The base hit extended Perez's on-base streak to 17 games, matching his career high.Kansas City made it 3-0 in the second with a pair of errors setting up Garcia's RBI single.The Tigers got a run back in the bottom of the inning, and could have had more. Colt Keith walked and scored on Zach McKinstry's triple, but Singer got Báez and Rogers to ground out before striking out Greene to strand the runner.UP NEXTThe teams finish the weekend series on Sunday with Tigers' ace LHP Tarik Skubal (3-0, 1.82 ERA) facing RHP Michael Wacha (1-2, 3.81).

⚾ Vierling's 3-run homer highlights 5-run 7th as Tigers beat Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt has announced that former Chiefs Linebacker/Defensive End Tamba Hali will be the 2024 inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Hali is the 53rd individual and 49th player to earn this coveted honor. The official enshrinement ceremony into the Chiefs Hall of Fame will be held during Chiefs Legends Weekend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.

“My family and I are thrilled to announce Tamba Hali as this year’s inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “From the day we drafted Tamba in 2006, he has inspired our fans with electrifying performances on the field and outstanding character off the field. Throughout his illustrious career, Tamba was respected and admired by his teammates, as he moved from defensive end to outside linebacker in his fourth season and quickly became a Pro Bowler. His stats speak for themselves, establishing him as one of the great defensive players in Chiefs history. And he is perhaps even more impressive off the field. Tamba’s remarkable personal journey has molded a man of integrity, resilience and determination. He has given back to the community in Kansas City, in New Jersey, and in his childhood home of Liberia. Chiefs Kingdom, all around the world, is cheering for him today.”

Hali spent his entire 12-year career in Kansas City (2006-17), appearing in 177 games, the fourth most by any Chiefs defender in franchise history. He made 157 starts, tied for the sixth-most by any player in Chiefs history. Hali was named to the 2006 NFL All-Rookie Team, was selected to the Pro Bowl five straight seasons from 2011-15 and was named to the AP All-Pro second-team twice (2011 and 2013). Hali was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week four times in his career, tied for the second most by any Chiefs defender.

He stands as one of the most prolific pass rushers in Chiefs history. His 89.5 sacks for -591.5 yards are both second only to PFHOF LB Derrick Thomas in Chiefs history. The total includes 8.0 sacks his rookie season, the third most for a rookie in franchise history. He was also relentless when it came to punching the ball out of the opponent’s grasp. With 33 career forced fumbles he is second, again to only Thomas, for the most in forced fumbles Chiefs history. His six forced fumbles in his rookie season were a franchise rookie record and are tied for fourth-most in a season in Chiefs history.

After recording 8.0 sacks his rookie year, he would go on to match or exceed that total six times in his career, tied for the second-most seasons with 8.0 or more sacks in franchise history. He recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2010 and reached double-digit sacks three times in his career (2010, 2011 and 2013), a mark only Thomas and Chiefs Hall of Fame DE Neil Smith have reached more times. He recorded 3.0 sacks in a game on three separate occasions, one of just five Chiefs to reach that mark three or more times.

Hali entered the NFL as a first-round pick of the Chiefs (20th overall) in 2006. He played collegiately at Penn State University from 2002-05. He played in 47 total games during his four seasons in State College, Pennsylvania, totaling 179 tackles (84 solo) and 14.0 sacks. His college career was highlighted by his senior campaign when he recorded 65 tackles (27 solo) which included 11.0 sacks and 17 tackles for loss, both of which were the top mark in the Big Ten for the season. At the conclusion of the season, he was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten defensive lineman and became the 13th consensus All-American in Nittany Lions history.

As impactful as Hali was on the field, his influence reached even further in his off-the-field efforts. Hali, the Chiefs 2014 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, was born in Liberia in 1983, a country that was thrown into civil war while he was a child. He fled the country and came to the United States when he was 10 years old but has never forgotten his roots. Throughout the years he has used his position and platform to spread awareness of the needs in West Africa. His dedication to the area has not stopped at words alone as he has donated tens-of-thousands of dollars to causes in the region. In 2014 he donated $50,000 to construct a 70-bed Ebola treatment unit as the disease devastated communities in the region.

Along with his work abroad, Hali has given back to the communities that have supported him along his football journey. In Kansas City he partnered with the Bishop Sullivan Center to purchase and serve meals, focusing on sustainable food made with healthy ingredients. He went above and beyond for the families affiliated with the service organizations helping provide furniture, clothing and other necessities to those in need. Hali has also given back generously to his alma mater, Teaneck High School, in New Jersey. Among other initiatives, he has donated shoes for the entire football program, financed the school’s freshman football team with a $15,000 gift and gave $40,000 to complete upgrades to facilities and build the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.

Hali’s contributions to the community didn’t stop with his retirement, he continues to reach out a hand of service today. He serves on the board of directors at Literacy KC, an organization aimed at advancing literacy within the Kansas City metropolitan area through direct services, advocacy and collaboration. He is also an active member of the Kansas City Ambassadors, a group which focuses on and participates in a wide variety of philanthropic endeavors.

From his time as a dominant force rushing the quarterback to his current role spreading the message of the Kingdom with a heart of service, Hali – still a resident of the Kansas City metro – exemplifies what it means to be a Chiefs Hall of Famer through and through.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt has announced that former Chiefs Linebacker/Defensive End Tamba Hali will be the 2024 inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Hali is the 53rd individual and 49th player to earn this coveted honor. The official enshrinement ceremony into the Chiefs Hall of Fame will be held during Chiefs Legends Weekend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.“My family and I are thrilled to announce Tamba Hali as this year’s inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “From the day we drafted Tamba in 2006, he has inspired our fans with electrifying performances on the field and outstanding character off the field. Throughout his illustrious career, Tamba was respected and admired by his teammates, as he moved from defensive end to outside linebacker in his fourth season and quickly became a Pro Bowler. His stats speak for themselves, establishing him as one of the great defensive players in Chiefs history. And he is perhaps even more impressive off the field. Tamba’s remarkable personal journey has molded a man of integrity, resilience and determination. He has given back to the community in Kansas City, in New Jersey, and in his childhood home of Liberia. Chiefs Kingdom, all around the world, is cheering for him today.”Hali spent his entire 12-year career in Kansas City (2006-17), appearing in 177 games, the fourth most by any Chiefs defender in franchise history. He made 157 starts, tied for the sixth-most by any player in Chiefs history. Hali was named to the 2006 NFL All-Rookie Team, was selected to the Pro Bowl five straight seasons from 2011-15 and was named to the AP All-Pro second-team twice (2011 and 2013). Hali was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week four times in his career, tied for the second most by any Chiefs defender.He stands as one of the most prolific pass rushers in Chiefs history. His 89.5 sacks for -591.5 yards are both second only to PFHOF LB Derrick Thomas in Chiefs history. The total includes 8.0 sacks his rookie season, the third most for a rookie in franchise history. He was also relentless when it came to punching the ball out of the opponent’s grasp. With 33 career forced fumbles he is second, again to only Thomas, for the most in forced fumbles Chiefs history. His six forced fumbles in his rookie season were a franchise rookie record and are tied for fourth-most in a season in Chiefs history.After recording 8.0 sacks his rookie year, he would go on to match or exceed that total six times in his career, tied for the second-most seasons with 8.0 or more sacks in franchise history. He recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2010 and reached double-digit sacks three times in his career (2010, 2011 and 2013), a mark only Thomas and Chiefs Hall of Fame DE Neil Smith have reached more times. He recorded 3.0 sacks in a game on three separate occasions, one of just five Chiefs to reach that mark three or more times.Hali entered the NFL as a first-round pick of the Chiefs (20th overall) in 2006. He played collegiately at Penn State University from 2002-05. He played in 47 total games during his four seasons in State College, Pennsylvania, totaling 179 tackles (84 solo) and 14.0 sacks. His college career was highlighted by his senior campaign when he recorded 65 tackles (27 solo) which included 11.0 sacks and 17 tackles for loss, both of which were the top mark in the Big Ten for the season. At the conclusion of the season, he was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten defensive lineman and became the 13th consensus All-American in Nittany Lions history.As impactful as Hali was on the field, his influence reached even further in his off-the-field efforts. Hali, the Chiefs 2014 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, was born in Liberia in 1983, a country that was thrown into civil war while he was a child. He fled the country and came to the United States when he was 10 years old but has never forgotten his roots. Throughout the years he has used his position and platform to spread awareness of the needs in West Africa. His dedication to the area has not stopped at words alone as he has donated tens-of-thousands of dollars to causes in the region. In 2014 he donated $50,000 to construct a 70-bed Ebola treatment unit as the disease devastated communities in the region.Along with his work abroad, Hali has given back to the communities that have supported him along his football journey. In Kansas City he partnered with the Bishop Sullivan Center to purchase and serve meals, focusing on sustainable food made with healthy ingredients. He went above and beyond for the families affiliated with the service organizations helping provide furniture, clothing and other necessities to those in need. Hali has also given back generously to his alma mater, Teaneck High School, in New Jersey. Among other initiatives, he has donated shoes for the entire football program, financed the school’s freshman football team with a $15,000 gift and gave $40,000 to complete upgrades to facilities and build the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.Hali’s contributions to the community didn’t stop with his retirement, he continues to reach out a hand of service today. He serves on the board of directors at Literacy KC, an organization aimed at advancing literacy within the Kansas City metropolitan area through direct services, advocacy and collaboration. He is also an active member of the Kansas City Ambassadors, a group which focuses on and participates in a wide variety of philanthropic endeavors.From his time as a dominant force rushing the quarterback to his current role spreading the message of the Kingdom with a heart of service, Hali – still a resident of the Kansas City metro – exemplifies what it means to be a Chiefs Hall of Famer through and through.

Tamba Hali to be Inducted Into Chiefs Hall of Fame

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs had two distinct holes on their roster as they headed into the offseason.

The two-time defending Super Bowl champions filled them with their first two picks in the NFL draft.

While every general manager talks about taking “the best player available,” and some make a surprising pick that goes against the grain, Brett Veach did exactly what was expected. The Chiefs' GM moved up modestly in the first round to take&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-nfl-draft-281f23c4474ec86771102ddb941bcd45#:~:text=(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Kansas%20City,Hill%20was%20on%20the%20roster.">Texas burner Xavier Worthy</a>, instantly upgrading what was one of the league's worst wide receiving corps last year, then made another minor trade-up in Round 2 to take BYU's Kingsley Suamataia, potentially filling a glaring hole at left tackle.

“We just let the board play out and saw the value there,” Veach said.

Indeed, the Chiefs' draft board played out perfectly.

Worthy set the NFL combine record by running the 40-yard dash in 4.21 seconds, giving Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes a legitimate deep threat for the first time since they traded Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins. Worthy is also an underrated route-runner with sure hands, something the Chiefs lacked while leading the league in dropped passes.

The Chiefs hope Worthy can pair well with Marquise Brown, whom they signed in free agency, and Rashee Rice, whose future is up in the air while dealing with legal trouble stemming from a street racing crash in Texas.

“It doesn’t hurt to have down-the-field speed,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "We’ve functioned without the great speed down the field and done well, (but) if you have an opportunity to get somebody that you think is a good player — just not a speed guy but a good football player — I think you probably need to take advantage of that.”

The issue then becomes giving Mahomes time to get the ball to those guys, and that's where Suamataia comes into the picture.

Many scouts gave him a first-round grade, yet the 6-foot-5, 328-pound offensive tackle fell to Kansas City late in the second round, and he could start from Day 1. The Chiefs allowed Donovan Smith to reach free agency, so Suamataia will likely compete with Wanya Morris and Lucas Niang for the opportunity to protect Mahomes' blind side.

“If I do get the opportunity to be his blindside, shoot, that would mean the world to me,” Suamataia said. “I’m just ready to come in wherever I best fit on the team and just get it rolling from there.”

The Chiefs did not have a third-round selection, so they used their two fourth-rounders on less pressing holes at tight end and safety. Jared Wiley of TCU can be groomed for the day when Travis Kelce decides to hang up the cleats, while Jaden Hicks — ranked by some draft pundits as the No. 1 safety in the class — can provide immediate help in the secondary.

The Chiefs spent a fifth-rounder on Penn State's Hunter Nourzad, who played right tackle at Cornell before starting at center the past two seasons at Penn State. Creed Humphrey, a two-time Pro Bowl pick at center for Kansas City, had some problems with his snaps last season. Nourzad could push him or perhaps slide to guard, where Joe Thuney is coming off pectoral surgery.

The Chiefs chose Tennessee cornerback Kamal Hadden in the sixth round and hope he can follow a string of successful late-round picks at the position. Two years ago, they took regular contributors Josh Williams in the fourth round and Jaylen Watson in the seventh. Last year, fourth-rounder Chamarri Conner played a big role in their success.

Kansas City built one of the league's best defenses through the draft, using several high picks in recent years. But it used its first three selections this year to prop up the offense, then hit the defense in the later rounds.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs had two distinct holes on their roster as they headed into the offseason.The two-time defending Super Bowl champions filled them with their first two picks in the NFL draft.While every general manager talks about taking “the best player available,” and some make a surprising pick that goes against the grain, Brett Veach did exactly what was expected. The Chiefs' GM moved up modestly in the first round to take&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-nfl-draft-281f23c4474ec86771102ddb941bcd45#:~:text=(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Kansas%20City,Hill%20was%20on%20the%20roster.">Texas burner Xavier Worthy</a>, instantly upgrading what was one of the league's worst wide receiving corps last year, then made another minor trade-up in Round 2 to take BYU's Kingsley Suamataia, potentially filling a glaring hole at left tackle.“We just let the board play out and saw the value there,” Veach said.Indeed, the Chiefs' draft board played out perfectly.Worthy set the NFL combine record by running the 40-yard dash in 4.21 seconds, giving Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes a legitimate deep threat for the first time since they traded Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins. Worthy is also an underrated route-runner with sure hands, something the Chiefs lacked while leading the league in dropped passes.The Chiefs hope Worthy can pair well with Marquise Brown, whom they signed in free agency, and Rashee Rice, whose future is up in the air while dealing with legal trouble stemming from a street racing crash in Texas.“It doesn’t hurt to have down-the-field speed,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "We’ve functioned without the great speed down the field and done well, (but) if you have an opportunity to get somebody that you think is a good player — just not a speed guy but a good football player — I think you probably need to take advantage of that.”The issue then becomes giving Mahomes time to get the ball to those guys, and that's where Suamataia comes into the picture.Many scouts gave him a first-round grade, yet the 6-foot-5, 328-pound offensive tackle fell to Kansas City late in the second round, and he could start from Day 1. The Chiefs allowed Donovan Smith to reach free agency, so Suamataia will likely compete with Wanya Morris and Lucas Niang for the opportunity to protect Mahomes' blind side.“If I do get the opportunity to be his blindside, shoot, that would mean the world to me,” Suamataia said. “I’m just ready to come in wherever I best fit on the team and just get it rolling from there.”FOURTH-ROUND FINDSThe Chiefs did not have a third-round selection, so they used their two fourth-rounders on less pressing holes at tight end and safety. Jared Wiley of TCU can be groomed for the day when Travis Kelce decides to hang up the cleats, while Jaden Hicks — ranked by some draft pundits as the No. 1 safety in the class — can provide immediate help in the secondary.THE CENTER OF IT ALLThe Chiefs spent a fifth-rounder on Penn State's Hunter Nourzad, who played right tackle at Cornell before starting at center the past two seasons at Penn State. Creed Humphrey, a two-time Pro Bowl pick at center for Kansas City, had some problems with his snaps last season. Nourzad could push him or perhaps slide to guard, where Joe Thuney is coming off pectoral surgery.LATE-ROUND CORNERSThe Chiefs chose Tennessee cornerback Kamal Hadden in the sixth round and hope he can follow a string of successful late-round picks at the position. Two years ago, they took regular contributors Josh Williams in the fourth round and Jaylen Watson in the seventh. Last year, fourth-rounder Chamarri Conner played a big role in their success.GETTING DEFENSIVEKansas City built one of the league's best defenses through the draft, using several high picks in recent years. But it used its first three selections this year to prop up the offense, then hit the defense in the later rounds.WORK TO DO

Chiefs address biggest concerns in NFL draft with selections of wide receiver and offensive tackle

The San Francisco 49ers traded up the 86th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With the 86th pick, the 49ers have drafted offensive lineman Dominick Puni from the University of Kansas. The offensive lineman is San Francisco's third pick in this year's draft.

Puni's stats from his collegiate career across Central Missouri (2018-21) and Kansas (2022-23):

The San Francisco 49ers traded up the 86th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With the 86th pick, the 49ers have drafted offensive lineman Dominick Puni from the University of Kansas. The offensive lineman is San Francisco's third pick in this year's draft.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earned it. Dominick Puni, San Francisco 49er. <a href="https://t.co/IgEQfoAuSO">pic.twitter.com/IgEQfoAuSO</a>&mdash; Kansas Football (@KU_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/KU_Football/status/1784053655345185187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Puni's stats from his collegiate career across Central Missouri (2018-21) and Kansas (2022-23):<ul>
 <li>In 2018, Puni played in seven games with starts in the final three games at right tackle.</li><li>In 2019, he earned an honorable mention for the All-Midwest Intercollegiate Athletic Association Award (MIAA), starting all 13 games at left tackle.</li><li>In 2022, started all 13 games at left guard, earning an All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention.</li><li>In 2023, Puni was a finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. He was also named to the First-team All-Big 12 Conference and was the starting left tackle at Kansas.</li>
 </ul>

NFL Draft: 49ers select KU's Dominick Puni with the No. 86 pick 

FRISCO, Texas —&nbsp;Knowing they were on the hunt to add picks to their eventual 2024 NFL Draft haul, the Dallas Cowboys went to work in the first round and struck a deal when the Detroit Lions gave them a call for the 24th-overall pick. The deal gave the Cowboys the 29th-overall pick — selecting offensive tackle Tyler Guyton — but also an extra third-round pick.

And at the 73rd-overall pick, by way of the Motor City in the Motor City, the Cowboys select interior offensive lineman Cooper Beebe out of Kansas State.

FRISCO, Texas —&nbsp;Knowing they were on the hunt to add picks to their eventual 2024 NFL Draft haul, the Dallas Cowboys went to work in the first round and struck a deal when the Detroit Lions gave them a call for the 24th-overall pick. The deal gave the Cowboys the 29th-overall pick — selecting offensive tackle Tyler Guyton — but also an extra third-round pick.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/cooper_beebe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cooper_beebe</a> is a Dallas Cowboy. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KStateFB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KStateFB</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLDraft</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallascowboys</a> <a href="https://t.co/uGiw8bIbAu">pic.twitter.com/uGiw8bIbAu</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1784040021734867029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>And at the 73rd-overall pick, by way of the Motor City in the Motor City, the Cowboys select interior offensive lineman Cooper Beebe out of Kansas State.

NFL Draft: K-State's Cooper Beebe to Cowboys as 3rd-Round Pick

DETROIT (AP) — Seth Lugo pitched seven scoreless innings and the Kansas City Royals won their fourth straight game, beating the Detroit Tigers 8-0 on Friday.

Lugo (4-1) allowed three singles and matched a career high with nine strikeouts in a game played at 1:10 pm due to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-caleb-williams-first-round-picks-36120e9df01c0cdaebf0e621cfbd2a8e">NFL draft</a>&nbsp;festivities in downtown Detroit on Friday evening.

Tigers starter Reese Olson (0-4) allowed one run on three hits and three walks in seven innings, striking out eight.

Kansas City led 1-0 before scoring seven runs in the ninth inning.

With one out in the third, Adam Frazier and Kyle Isbel singled before Maikel Garcia walked to load the bases for the Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. hit a sacrifice fly to center.

The Tigers thought they had the lead in the bottom of the third, but Frazier reached over the right-field fence to rob Parker Meadows of a home run before doubling Javier Báez off first.

Detroit got a pair of two-out hits against former teammate John Schreiber in the eighth, but he struck out Spencer Torkelson to end the inning.

The Royals loaded the bases with one out in the ninth, thanks to two singles and a walk off Tyler Holton. Holton, usually one of Detroit's best control pitchers, then hit Frazier and Isbel with consecutive pitches to make it 3-0.

Garcia greeted Will Vest with a two-run single to put the Royals up by five, and Witt tripled before Vinnie Pasquantino's sacrifice fly made it 8-0.

Tigers utilityman Andy Ibáñez (hamstring) started a rehab assignment on Thursday, going 2-3 with a double for Triple-A Toledo.

The teams play the second game of the series on Saturday evening. RHP Casey Mize (1-0, 2.95) is scheduled to start for Detroit against RHP Brady Singer (3-0, 1.82).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714161176264.png" alt="Lugo (4-1) allowed three singles and matched a career high with nine strikeouts -Photo courtesy KC Royals" />
 <figcaption>Lugo (4-1) allowed three singles and matched a career high with nine strikeouts -Photo courtesy KC Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Seth Lugo pitched seven scoreless innings and the Kansas City Royals won their fourth straight game, beating the Detroit Tigers 8-0 on Friday.Lugo (4-1) allowed three singles and matched a career high with nine strikeouts in a game played at 1:10 pm due to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-caleb-williams-first-round-picks-36120e9df01c0cdaebf0e621cfbd2a8e">NFL draft</a>&nbsp;festivities in downtown Detroit on Friday evening.Tigers starter Reese Olson (0-4) allowed one run on three hits and three walks in seven innings, striking out eight.Kansas City led 1-0 before scoring seven runs in the ninth inning.With one out in the third, Adam Frazier and Kyle Isbel singled before Maikel Garcia walked to load the bases for the Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. hit a sacrifice fly to center.The Tigers thought they had the lead in the bottom of the third, but Frazier reached over the right-field fence to rob Parker Meadows of a home run before doubling Javier Báez off first.Detroit got a pair of two-out hits against former teammate John Schreiber in the eighth, but he struck out Spencer Torkelson to end the inning.The Royals loaded the bases with one out in the ninth, thanks to two singles and a walk off Tyler Holton. Holton, usually one of Detroit's best control pitchers, then hit Frazier and Isbel with consecutive pitches to make it 3-0.Garcia greeted Will Vest with a two-run single to put the Royals up by five, and Witt tripled before Vinnie Pasquantino's sacrifice fly made it 8-0.TRAINER'S ROOMTigers utilityman Andy Ibáñez (hamstring) started a rehab assignment on Thursday, going 2-3 with a double for Triple-A Toledo.UP NEXTThe teams play the second game of the series on Saturday evening. RHP Casey Mize (1-0, 2.95) is scheduled to start for Detroit against RHP Brady Singer (3-0, 1.82).

⚾ Seth Lugo throws 7 scoreless innings, leads Royals past Tigers

<div><div>
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs traded up to select Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy with the No. 28 pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, giving Patrick Mahomes the kind of speedy deep threat they have not enjoyed since Tyreek Hill was on the roster.

The Chiefs were supposed to pick last in the first round after winning their second consecutive Super Bowl and third in five years, but they managed to trade up with one of their biggest AFC rivals in Buffalo. The Chiefs sent the 32nd pick along with a fourth-rounder and seventh-rounder to the Bills for No. 28, a fourth-rounder and a seventh-rounder.

“Listen, I like the wide receivers we've got,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “but to go add somebody of this quality is important, or a good move to strengthen it. I don't want to slight the guys we have but he's a nice addition.”

So nice that Mahomes, who was attending a gala in New York, instantly took to social media to approve of it.

“We told Patrick," Reid said with a smile. “Patrick is curious. He loves this stuff. It doesn't matter if it's offense or defense. He just loves the draft. He's texting away at us and we get back to him. He's great with it.”

Worthy broke the NFL combine record when he ran a 4.21-second 40-yard dash, exhibiting the kind of raw speed that Kansas City last enjoyed when Hill was on the team. But Worthy is more than just a deep threat, showing promise as a route runner and cutting down on the number of drops last season, when he caught 75 passes for 1,014 yards and five TDs.

“It doesn’t hurt to have down-the-field speed,” Reid said. “We’ve functioned without the great speed down the field and done well, but if you have an opportunity to get somebody you think is a good player, you probably need to take advantage of that.”

The Chiefs won the Super Bowl last year with a patchwork wide receiver corps, and they were in the market for help even before second-year pro Rashee Rice — their biggest breakout star of last season — got embroiled in legal trouble in Texas.

Dallas police allege that Rice was driving a Lamborghini well over 100 mph when he and a friend, who was driving a Corvette, lost control and began a chain-reaction crash that resulted in injuries to several people. Rice left the scene without seeing if anyone was injured, but turned himself in when police issued warrants for his arrest.

Rice has been released on bond, and Reid has said he would continue to participate in the Chiefs' offseason program as the legal situation plays out. But the Chiefs must prepare for the possibility they will be without him for at least the first part of the season — if not the entire season — as they try to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls.

“It's a quarterback league and a speed game,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said, “and the more speed you have on the field, the harder it is for defenses to take away different elements of the game. We have a couple of guys now that can keep a defense guessing, and we're excited about what this will do.”

The Chiefs signed Hollywood Brown in free agency, and tight end Travis Kelce has been every bit as productive as any wide receiver. But otherwise, the Chiefs were faced with heading into the summer with Justin Watson, drop-prone Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore, and journeymen such as Montrell Washington filling out the receiver corps.

So the trade to get Worthy wasn't a surprise. But the fact that the Bills picked up the phone raised some eyebrows.

Along with the fact that Kansas City has frequently ended their season in the playoffs, the Chiefs also swung a memorable first-round trade with them in 2017: They sent Buffalo their first- and third-round picks that year and a first-round pick the next year to move up to No. 10 and select Mahomes, which ultimately altered the trajectory of the entire franchise.

“Everyone goes into the process with their own list of priorities of what they want to do and what they want to accomplish,” Veach said. “I think they had a mindset of what they wanted to do. They've done a great job over the years. I'm sure it made sense to them. We were on our own agenda. We saw value there.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714126161248.jpeg" alt="FILE - Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) makes a catch while covered by Washington cornerback Elijah Jackson, left, during the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. While Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. will most assuredly be gone the Buffalo Bills' scheduled NFL draft pick at No. 28, the Texas junior tandem of Adonai Mitchell and Worthy, or perhaps Georgia’s Ladd McConkey, could be available. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) makes a catch while covered by Washington cornerback Elijah Jackson, left, during the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. While Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. will most assuredly be gone the Buffalo Bills' scheduled NFL draft pick at No. 28, the Texas junior tandem of Adonai Mitchell and Worthy, or perhaps Georgia’s Ladd McConkey, could be available. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs traded up to select Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy with the No. 28 pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, giving Patrick Mahomes the kind of speedy deep threat they have not enjoyed since Tyreek Hill was on the roster.The Chiefs were supposed to pick last in the first round after winning their second consecutive Super Bowl and third in five years, but they managed to trade up with one of their biggest AFC rivals in Buffalo. The Chiefs sent the 32nd pick along with a fourth-rounder and seventh-rounder to the Bills for No. 28, a fourth-rounder and a seventh-rounder.“Listen, I like the wide receivers we've got,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “but to go add somebody of this quality is important, or a good move to strengthen it. I don't want to slight the guys we have but he's a nice addition.”So nice that Mahomes, who was attending a gala in New York, instantly took to social media to approve of it.“We told Patrick," Reid said with a smile. “Patrick is curious. He loves this stuff. It doesn't matter if it's offense or defense. He just loves the draft. He's texting away at us and we get back to him. He's great with it.”Worthy broke the NFL combine record when he ran a 4.21-second 40-yard dash, exhibiting the kind of raw speed that Kansas City last enjoyed when Hill was on the team. But Worthy is more than just a deep threat, showing promise as a route runner and cutting down on the number of drops last season, when he caught 75 passes for 1,014 yards and five TDs.“It doesn’t hurt to have down-the-field speed,” Reid said. “We’ve functioned without the great speed down the field and done well, but if you have an opportunity to get somebody you think is a good player, you probably need to take advantage of that.”The Chiefs won the Super Bowl last year with a patchwork wide receiver corps, and they were in the market for help even before second-year pro Rashee Rice — their biggest breakout star of last season — got embroiled in legal trouble in Texas.Dallas police allege that Rice was driving a Lamborghini well over 100 mph when he and a friend, who was driving a Corvette, lost control and began a chain-reaction crash that resulted in injuries to several people. Rice left the scene without seeing if anyone was injured, but turned himself in when police issued warrants for his arrest.Rice has been released on bond, and Reid has said he would continue to participate in the Chiefs' offseason program as the legal situation plays out. But the Chiefs must prepare for the possibility they will be without him for at least the first part of the season — if not the entire season — as they try to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls.“It's a quarterback league and a speed game,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said, “and the more speed you have on the field, the harder it is for defenses to take away different elements of the game. We have a couple of guys now that can keep a defense guessing, and we're excited about what this will do.”The Chiefs signed Hollywood Brown in free agency, and tight end Travis Kelce has been every bit as productive as any wide receiver. But otherwise, the Chiefs were faced with heading into the summer with Justin Watson, drop-prone Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore, and journeymen such as Montrell Washington filling out the receiver corps.So the trade to get Worthy wasn't a surprise. But the fact that the Bills picked up the phone raised some eyebrows.Along with the fact that Kansas City has frequently ended their season in the playoffs, the Chiefs also swung a memorable first-round trade with them in 2017: They sent Buffalo their first- and third-round picks that year and a first-round pick the next year to move up to No. 10 and select Mahomes, which ultimately altered the trajectory of the entire franchise.“Everyone goes into the process with their own list of priorities of what they want to do and what they want to accomplish,” Veach said. “I think they had a mindset of what they wanted to do. They've done a great job over the years. I'm sure it made sense to them. We were on our own agenda. We saw value there.”

🏈 Chiefs trade up with Bills to select WR Xavier Worthy at No. 28 in NFL draft

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the first inning, Cole Ragans held Toronto in check long enough for the rain to arrive, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Blue Jays 2-1 on Thursday in a game called after five innings and a long weather delay.

Ragans (1-2) allowed the lone Toronto run on three hits and three walks while striking out four.

José Berrios (4-1) had his streak of 22 1/3 scoreless innings snapped when Perez, following Vinnie Pasquantino's two-out walk, deposited&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BallySportsKC/status/1783563442760094190">the first pitch he saw into the left-field bullpen</a>&nbsp;to give Kansas City the lead in the first inning.

When the fifth ended, and an early drizzle had turned to steady rain, umpire chief Chris Guccione called for the tarp to cover the infield. Blue Jays manager John Schneider came out to argue, wanting another opportunity to tie or take the lead, and apparently he convinced Guccione to have the grounds crew roll the tarp back and attempt to get the field in shape.

After about 10 minutes, Guccione again summoned the tarp. The field was covered for about 2 hours, and when the rain stopped, the grounds crew spent another hour-plus working on it. At that point, the game was called after a delay of 3 hours, 38 minutes.

Ragans had to work around plenty of trouble early, including a runner-on-the-corners situation in the second, when he got Alejandro Kirk to fly out. In the fourth, the Blue Jays bookended Davis Schneider's walk with hits by Justin Turner and Ernie Clement to cut the Royals' lead in half, but Daulton Varsho and Kirk could not get across the tying run.

The Blue Jays had another try in the fifth, when center fielder Kyle Isbel made&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BallySportsKC/status/1783578273974239339">a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch</a>&nbsp;of Isiah Kiner-Falefa's drive to the warning track. Isbel also raced down George Springer's blooper. Then, after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drew a walk, Bo Bichette popped foul to end what turned out to be the Blue Jays' final at-bat.

Royals: RHP Alec Marsh (bruised right elbow)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-93cf6c8a1cdfb0119a804ce31af76b98">went on the injured list Thursday</a>&nbsp;after taking a 91 mph line drive off his elbow the previous night. RHP Will Klein was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to take his spot on the roster.

Blue Jays: RHP Bowden Francis (right forearm tendinitis) was placed on the IL after pitching two scoreless innings Wednesday night. LHP Brendon Little was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to take his spot in the bullpen.

Blue Jays: Start a six-game homestand that includes a visit by Kansas City next week. Up first are the Los Angeles Dodgers with RHP Chris Bassitt (2-3, 3.90 ERA) getting the nod against them in Friday night's series opener.

Royals: Begin a six-day trip against the Tigers on Friday with a rare 12:10 p.m. CDT start so that it any minimizes interference with the NFL draft in Detroit. RHP Seth Lugo (3-1, 2.03) is on the mound for the series opener.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714088762404.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the first inning, Cole Ragans held Toronto in check long enough for the rain to arrive, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Blue Jays 2-1 on Thursday in a game called after five innings and a long weather delay.Ragans (1-2) allowed the lone Toronto run on three hits and three walks while striking out four.José Berrios (4-1) had his streak of 22 1/3 scoreless innings snapped when Perez, following Vinnie Pasquantino's two-out walk, deposited&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BallySportsKC/status/1783563442760094190">the first pitch he saw into the left-field bullpen</a>&nbsp;to give Kansas City the lead in the first inning.When the fifth ended, and an early drizzle had turned to steady rain, umpire chief Chris Guccione called for the tarp to cover the infield. Blue Jays manager John Schneider came out to argue, wanting another opportunity to tie or take the lead, and apparently he convinced Guccione to have the grounds crew roll the tarp back and attempt to get the field in shape.After about 10 minutes, Guccione again summoned the tarp. The field was covered for about 2 hours, and when the rain stopped, the grounds crew spent another hour-plus working on it. At that point, the game was called after a delay of 3 hours, 38 minutes.Ragans had to work around plenty of trouble early, including a runner-on-the-corners situation in the second, when he got Alejandro Kirk to fly out. In the fourth, the Blue Jays bookended Davis Schneider's walk with hits by Justin Turner and Ernie Clement to cut the Royals' lead in half, but Daulton Varsho and Kirk could not get across the tying run.The Blue Jays had another try in the fifth, when center fielder Kyle Isbel made&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BallySportsKC/status/1783578273974239339">a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch</a>&nbsp;of Isiah Kiner-Falefa's drive to the warning track. Isbel also raced down George Springer's blooper. Then, after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drew a walk, Bo Bichette popped foul to end what turned out to be the Blue Jays' final at-bat.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP Alec Marsh (bruised right elbow)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-93cf6c8a1cdfb0119a804ce31af76b98">went on the injured list Thursday</a>&nbsp;after taking a 91 mph line drive off his elbow the previous night. RHP Will Klein was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to take his spot on the roster.Blue Jays: RHP Bowden Francis (right forearm tendinitis) was placed on the IL after pitching two scoreless innings Wednesday night. LHP Brendon Little was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to take his spot in the bullpen.UP NEXTBlue Jays: Start a six-game homestand that includes a visit by Kansas City next week. Up first are the Los Angeles Dodgers with RHP Chris Bassitt (2-3, 3.90 ERA) getting the nod against them in Friday night's series opener.Royals: Begin a six-day trip against the Tigers on Friday with a rare 12:10 p.m. CDT start so that it any minimizes interference with the NFL draft in Detroit. RHP Seth Lugo (3-1, 2.03) is on the mound for the series opener.___

⚾ Perez homers as KC beats Blue Jays in game called after 5 innings, rain delay

The Southeast of Saline baseball team rolled through another league rival on Tuesday, outscoring the Lions 33-8 in a sweep of Minneapolis. With wins of 16-1 and 17-7, the Trojans move to 10-8 on the year and 5-3 in league play while the Lions slide to 2-12 and 2-8.&nbsp;

Three weeks ago, the Kansas Wesleyan Softball team was 2-10 in the Kansas Conference and looking up at its chances to reach next week's KCAC Tournament in Great Bend.&nbsp;

Then there was a spark in a 7-6 come-from-behind win over Tabor in the first game of that series that propelled the Coyotes to seven straight wins.&nbsp;

Since then, the Coyotes have gone 11-3, and what a wild ride its been.&nbsp;

Things culminated on Wednesday night in the regular season finale for the Coyotes as KWU got the job done, sweeping the Bethany Swedes 2-0 and 2-1 to claim a KCAC Tournament berth at Salina South High School.&nbsp;

K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added one of the nation’s top returning scorers, as Temira Poindexter has transferred to the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season. Poindexter will have one season of eligibility.&nbsp;

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/sYKxDfDp-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Sports Update Thur" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div>The Southeast of Saline baseball team rolled through another league rival on Tuesday, outscoring the Lions 33-8 in a sweep of Minneapolis. With wins of 16-1 and 17-7, the Trojans move to 10-8 on the year and 5-3 in league play while the Lions slide to 2-12 and 2-8.&nbsp;Three weeks ago, the Kansas Wesleyan Softball team was 2-10 in the Kansas Conference and looking up at its chances to reach next week's KCAC Tournament in Great Bend.&nbsp;Then there was a spark in a 7-6 come-from-behind win over Tabor in the first game of that series that propelled the Coyotes to seven straight wins.&nbsp;Since then, the Coyotes have gone 11-3, and what a wild ride its been.&nbsp;Things culminated on Wednesday night in the regular season finale for the Coyotes as KWU got the job done, sweeping the Bethany Swedes 2-0 and 2-1 to claim a KCAC Tournament berth at Salina South High School.&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added one of the nation’s top returning scorers, as Temira Poindexter has transferred to the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season. Poindexter will have one season of eligibility.&nbsp;

910 KINA Sports Headlines — April 25

Three weeks ago, the Kansas Wesleyan Softball team was 2-10 in the Kansas Conference and looking up at its chances to reach next week's KCAC Tournament in Great Bend.

Then there was a spark in a 7-6 come-from-behind win over Tabor in the first game of that series that propelled the Coyotes to seven straight wins.

Since then, the Coyotes have gone 11-3, and what a wild ride its been.

Things culminated on Wednesday night in the regular season finale for the Coyotes as KWU got the job done, sweeping the Bethany Swedes 2-0 and 2-1 to claim a KCAC Tournament berth at Salina South High School.

Fast forward to the second game that was a pitcher's duel between Bethany's Lilliana Martinez and Wesleyan's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/37178156-1720-46a5-946c-c435346e59e8?elinkdata=9492">Jewell Henry</a>.

Neither team scored until Bethany broke through in the sixth, scoring a run on a double that followed back-to-back batters being hit by a pitch by KWU reliever <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ebcd4fa-6c8b-48af-8b2d-69a885d03c0e?elinkdata=9492">Miranda Fogal</a>, who replaced Henry after five innings.

The Swedes carried the lead into the seventh when the Coyotes worked some magic.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e1be2c0-b887-41c9-8d1a-09e33eddb052?elinkdata=9492">Eliza Flores</a> reached on an error and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/962de46b-883e-4abb-a9f2-34233ce755b8?elinkdata=9492">Jocelyn Alcala</a> was hit by a pitch to put two on for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5dd446d2-2429-4447-97de-ea082c68076a?elinkdata=9492">Josie Buhr</a> followed with a single to center to load the bases for <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51885439-5e0e-47ac-8e3d-4c6b6ee3b642?elinkdata=9492">Ollievia Lowe</a>. Lowe would walk, forcing in pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3168b121-4243-47f0-90eb-de64535a7253?elinkdata=9492">Anne Thibert</a> and tying the game 1-1.

Bethany would change pitchers to Morgan Honeycuff, who then struck out <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7d178f46-a7b8-422a-94e3-95cb7775b0b6?elinkdata=9492">Cristabelle Alvarado</a> and faced <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/28560d9d-b9bd-427b-ae34-814dd5d987e7?elinkdata=9492">Jenna Soule</a> with one out in the inning. Soule would loft a ball into foul territory behind third base that would be caught by the Bethany third baseman, and would come out of her glove as she tried to make the transfer to throw ball back into the infield, and Alcala, now at third took off and would slide home safely for the game-winning run.

It was a jubilant celebration that followed for the Coyotes, who secured the No. 7 seed in the KCAC tournament with the sweep.

Wesleyan had just two hits in the second game, a fourth-inning single by Alcala, and Buhr's seventh inning hit.

Fogal claimed the win, allowing a run on one hit with two strikeouts in two innings of relief for the Coyotes. Henry went five innings allowing five hits.

Wednesday's first game also favored the Coyotes.

KWU left runners on base every inning, but did slide a run across in the third inning on a double by Flores that brought home <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/241d3522-88ff-4f58-adeb-a808fe689458?elinkdata=9492">Sydnee Fordham</a> who had doubled earlier in the inning.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/55a4dffb-b2c4-4661-a9ea-4e3aff694456?elinkdata=9492">Hailey Summers</a> led off the fifth inning with a double and went to third on Fordham's ground outm, and then scored when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/23858e88-d61e-4eb2-b9e2-21c5523ec278?elinkdata=9492">Trenity Miller</a> reached on an error.

Summers and Buhr had two hits each to lead the Coyotes in the first game.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/215b9ca1-e8bd-46a1-9949-84afa45a51f2?elinkdata=9492">Caitlyn Collier</a> was again excellent in the circle for the Coyotes, scattering five hits and striking out five without issuing a walk.

The KCAC Tournament begins next week on Wednesday at the Great Bend Sports Complex in Great Bend. Full seedings, match-ups, and game times will be announced by the KCAC as soon as the regular season is completed.

Three weeks ago, the Kansas Wesleyan Softball team was 2-10 in the Kansas Conference and looking up at its chances to reach next week's KCAC Tournament in Great Bend.Then there was a spark in a 7-6 come-from-behind win over Tabor in the first game of that series that propelled the Coyotes to seven straight wins.Since then, the Coyotes have gone 11-3, and what a wild ride its been.Things culminated on Wednesday night in the regular season finale for the Coyotes as KWU got the job done, sweeping the Bethany Swedes 2-0 and 2-1 to claim a KCAC Tournament berth at Salina South High School.Fast forward to the second game that was a pitcher's duel between Bethany's Lilliana Martinez and Wesleyan's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/37178156-1720-46a5-946c-c435346e59e8?elinkdata=9492">Jewell Henry</a>.Neither team scored until Bethany broke through in the sixth, scoring a run on a double that followed back-to-back batters being hit by a pitch by KWU reliever <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ebcd4fa-6c8b-48af-8b2d-69a885d03c0e?elinkdata=9492">Miranda Fogal</a>, who replaced Henry after five innings.The Swedes carried the lead into the seventh when the Coyotes worked some magic.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e1be2c0-b887-41c9-8d1a-09e33eddb052?elinkdata=9492">Eliza Flores</a> reached on an error and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/962de46b-883e-4abb-a9f2-34233ce755b8?elinkdata=9492">Jocelyn Alcala</a> was hit by a pitch to put two on for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5dd446d2-2429-4447-97de-ea082c68076a?elinkdata=9492">Josie Buhr</a> followed with a single to center to load the bases for <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51885439-5e0e-47ac-8e3d-4c6b6ee3b642?elinkdata=9492">Ollievia Lowe</a>. Lowe would walk, forcing in pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3168b121-4243-47f0-90eb-de64535a7253?elinkdata=9492">Anne Thibert</a> and tying the game 1-1.Bethany would change pitchers to Morgan Honeycuff, who then struck out <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7d178f46-a7b8-422a-94e3-95cb7775b0b6?elinkdata=9492">Cristabelle Alvarado</a> and faced <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/28560d9d-b9bd-427b-ae34-814dd5d987e7?elinkdata=9492">Jenna Soule</a> with one out in the inning. Soule would loft a ball into foul territory behind third base that would be caught by the Bethany third baseman, and would come out of her glove as she tried to make the transfer to throw ball back into the infield, and Alcala, now at third took off and would slide home safely for the game-winning run.It was a jubilant celebration that followed for the Coyotes, who secured the No. 7 seed in the KCAC tournament with the sweep.Wesleyan had just two hits in the second game, a fourth-inning single by Alcala, and Buhr's seventh inning hit.Fogal claimed the win, allowing a run on one hit with two strikeouts in two innings of relief for the Coyotes. Henry went five innings allowing five hits.Wednesday's first game also favored the Coyotes.KWU left runners on base every inning, but did slide a run across in the third inning on a double by Flores that brought home <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/241d3522-88ff-4f58-adeb-a808fe689458?elinkdata=9492">Sydnee Fordham</a> who had doubled earlier in the inning.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/55a4dffb-b2c4-4661-a9ea-4e3aff694456?elinkdata=9492">Hailey Summers</a> led off the fifth inning with a double and went to third on Fordham's ground outm, and then scored when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/23858e88-d61e-4eb2-b9e2-21c5523ec278?elinkdata=9492">Trenity Miller</a> reached on an error.Summers and Buhr had two hits each to lead the Coyotes in the first game.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/215b9ca1-e8bd-46a1-9949-84afa45a51f2?elinkdata=9492">Caitlyn Collier</a> was again excellent in the circle for the Coyotes, scattering five hits and striking out five without issuing a walk.The KCAC Tournament begins next week on Wednesday at the Great Bend Sports Complex in Great Bend. Full seedings, match-ups, and game times will be announced by the KCAC as soon as the regular season is completed.

Coyotes sweep Swedes in thrilling fashion to earn KCAC berth

GARDEN CITY - The Kansas Wesleyan Women's Golf team ran away with the 2024 Kansas Conference Championship this week, winning the tournament by 40 shots to claim another KCAC title for the program.

In the final round, the Coyotes were the lone team to finish with a team score under 330, posting a 312 in the final round, 21 shots better than any other team in the field for the round.

Wesleyan led by 17 shots after Monday's first round, posting a 317, but struggled a little bit in the second round with a 335, giving two shots back to distant second-place Southwestern in the round.

The Coyotes were not to be denied in Wednesday's final round. The Coyotes posted a 317, to pull away and pick up the 40-shot win over Southwestern.

Wesleyan's individual finishes were just as impressive.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/307b671d-ad3f-451c-98f6-02123f66a290?elinkdata=9470">Hannah Hart</a> won the tournament by two shots, finished with a 233, just ahead of teammate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f69abbb0-73ce-44f8-b707-636440f2a91b?elinkdata=9470">Abby Donovan</a> who placed second with a 235. The Coyotes made it three in the top five as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47f65148-1e09-4de7-bedc-06c8dd99ea92?elinkdata=9470">Sarah Krenowicz</a> placed fourth with a 241.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/301042e5-9d51-4563-be76-30a94d994c01?elinkdata=9470">Chaney Littell</a> placed 17th with a 257.

The Coyotes used a different player in each round at the five position. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5e5213fa-6d26-4d8a-ab27-a4ecad971158?elinkdata=9470">Thalia Ramirez</a> shot an 84 in the first round, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0f0f3cf7-f343-4d5f-bcd8-659024147626?elinkdata=9470">Ryann Warren</a> shot an 89 in the second round and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ae6db785-05bc-4ac3-a697-134736208723?elinkdata=9470">Kelsey Essex</a> posted an 86 in the third round.

KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/465f6dbf-39f2-48d0-b3bf-2d2c46b1f20b?elinkdata=9470">Coleman Houk</a> was named the KCAC Coach of the Year, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3a3f7b32-ddc4-4630-b09c-2ea873630461?elinkdata=9470">Sarah Krenowicz</a> was named as the Newcomer of the Year, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43bca534-eea7-43b1-8877-3795231b1227?elinkdata=9470">Abby Donovan</a> was named as the Player of the Year.

The remainder of the KCAC All-Conference teams will be announced by the conference office soon.

Southwestern finished second with a score of 1004, Friends was third at 1015, Evangel was fourth at 1024, Oklahoma Wesleyan was fifth at 1051, Ottawa was sixth with 1060, York was seventh with 1102 and Tabor was eighth with 1171. Bethany and Sterling also had teams at the tournament but did not have enough players to field a scoring team.

KWU will represent the KCAC at the 29th Annual NAIA Women's Golf National Championships beginning May 14 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.

GARDEN CITY - The Kansas Wesleyan Women's Golf team ran away with the 2024 Kansas Conference Championship this week, winning the tournament by 40 shots to claim another KCAC title for the program.In the final round, the Coyotes were the lone team to finish with a team score under 330, posting a 312 in the final round, 21 shots better than any other team in the field for the round.Wesleyan led by 17 shots after Monday's first round, posting a 317, but struggled a little bit in the second round with a 335, giving two shots back to distant second-place Southwestern in the round.The Coyotes were not to be denied in Wednesday's final round. The Coyotes posted a 317, to pull away and pick up the 40-shot win over Southwestern.Wesleyan's individual finishes were just as impressive.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/307b671d-ad3f-451c-98f6-02123f66a290?elinkdata=9470">Hannah Hart</a> won the tournament by two shots, finished with a 233, just ahead of teammate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f69abbb0-73ce-44f8-b707-636440f2a91b?elinkdata=9470">Abby Donovan</a> who placed second with a 235. The Coyotes made it three in the top five as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47f65148-1e09-4de7-bedc-06c8dd99ea92?elinkdata=9470">Sarah Krenowicz</a> placed fourth with a 241.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/301042e5-9d51-4563-be76-30a94d994c01?elinkdata=9470">Chaney Littell</a> placed 17th with a 257.The Coyotes used a different player in each round at the five position. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5e5213fa-6d26-4d8a-ab27-a4ecad971158?elinkdata=9470">Thalia Ramirez</a> shot an 84 in the first round, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0f0f3cf7-f343-4d5f-bcd8-659024147626?elinkdata=9470">Ryann Warren</a> shot an 89 in the second round and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ae6db785-05bc-4ac3-a697-134736208723?elinkdata=9470">Kelsey Essex</a> posted an 86 in the third round.KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/465f6dbf-39f2-48d0-b3bf-2d2c46b1f20b?elinkdata=9470">Coleman Houk</a> was named the KCAC Coach of the Year, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3a3f7b32-ddc4-4630-b09c-2ea873630461?elinkdata=9470">Sarah Krenowicz</a> was named as the Newcomer of the Year, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43bca534-eea7-43b1-8877-3795231b1227?elinkdata=9470">Abby Donovan</a> was named as the Player of the Year.The remainder of the KCAC All-Conference teams will be announced by the conference office soon.Southwestern finished second with a score of 1004, Friends was third at 1015, Evangel was fourth at 1024, Oklahoma Wesleyan was fifth at 1051, Ottawa was sixth with 1060, York was seventh with 1102 and Tabor was eighth with 1171. Bethany and Sterling also had teams at the tournament but did not have enough players to field a scoring team.KWU will represent the KCAC at the 29th Annual NAIA Women's Golf National Championships beginning May 14 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.

Women’s Golf cruises to victory to claim KCAC Championship 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alec Marsh and four relievers combined for a six-hitter as the Kansas City Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 Wednesday night.

Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had two hits and an RBI for Kansas City, which bounced back from a loss in the series opener on Monday to win two straight.

“That’s Royals baseball," said Bobby Witt Jr., who is batting .350 during a five-game hitting streak. "We've got to keep doing that. Get on the base paths. Be aggressive. Make things happen. The bats will come around and (we'll) hit some homers, too.”

John Schreiber (2-0) picked up the win in relief. James McArthur earned his sixth save.

“It’s been awesome,” McArthur said. “Those guys coming in early in the game kind of sets the tone for us to come in later. We all have a really good idea of what we’re trying to do in the pen.

"The coaches do a great job of giving us good scouting reports, and then we can always rely on (catchers) Salvy (Perez) and Freddy (Fermin). We just try to pass the baton to each other and feed off each other.”

Yariel Rodríguez (0-1) gave up three runs on six hits in four innings. He struck out two and walked two.

Marsh left the game with one out in the fifth inning after taking a line drive off his right forearm. He fielded the ball and threw out Addison Barger at first, but was removed after that. He gave up no runs on two hits.

“We feel like we got pretty lucky,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “It got him in like just above the elbow, on the forearm, but squaring him up. I mean, you could see (the laces) pretty good.

"He was saying, ‘Oh, it’s coming back. It’s coming back.’ We've got to use our heads there a little bit.”

The Royals scored in the first, helped by a couple of walks by Rodriguez. Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino walked with one out, and Perez lined a single to left to score Witt.

The Royals added a run in the second. Kyle Isbel hit a two-out double that Barger misplayed into three bases. Barger, who made his debut Wednesday, played right field and third base in Triple-A. He broke in and the ball sailed over his head. Garcia singled, scoring Isbel with the Royals' second run.

The Blue Jays have scored just seven runs in the last three games, two of them 3-2 losses. Toronto manager John Schneider is not worried.

“It’s a matter of time," he said. "You got to keep plugging away. Everyone knows how we’re built, but it takes a game or two to really get rolling. And I think the encouraging part is we are where we are (record-wise) without firing on all cylinders really. So, we’re confident it will turn around.”

The Blue Jays got on the board in the fifth when George Springer homered off reliever Angel Zerpa.

The Royals chased Rodriguez with three straight singles in the fifth. Witt's single scored Isbel with KC's third run.

Toronto got an RBI groundout from Ernie Clement to pull within 3-2 in the sixth.

Blue Jays: OF Kevin Kiermaier was placed on the 10-day injured list with left hip flexor inflammation. Toronto called up Addison Barger from Triple-A Buffalo to take his place. Barger made his MLB debut in left field and hit eighth in the order.

The Blue Jays and Royals will conclude their four-game series Thursday afternoon. The Blue Jays will send RHP Jose Berrios (4-0, 0.85 ERA) to the mound to face LHP Cole Ragans (0-2, 4.32 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714012601218.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33) leads starting pitcher Alec Marsh (48) off the field during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33) leads starting pitcher Alec Marsh (48) off the field during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alec Marsh and four relievers combined for a six-hitter as the Kansas City Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 Wednesday night.Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had two hits and an RBI for Kansas City, which bounced back from a loss in the series opener on Monday to win two straight.“That’s Royals baseball," said Bobby Witt Jr., who is batting .350 during a five-game hitting streak. "We've got to keep doing that. Get on the base paths. Be aggressive. Make things happen. The bats will come around and (we'll) hit some homers, too.”John Schreiber (2-0) picked up the win in relief. James McArthur earned his sixth save.“It’s been awesome,” McArthur said. “Those guys coming in early in the game kind of sets the tone for us to come in later. We all have a really good idea of what we’re trying to do in the pen."The coaches do a great job of giving us good scouting reports, and then we can always rely on (catchers) Salvy (Perez) and Freddy (Fermin). We just try to pass the baton to each other and feed off each other.”Yariel Rodríguez (0-1) gave up three runs on six hits in four innings. He struck out two and walked two.Marsh left the game with one out in the fifth inning after taking a line drive off his right forearm. He fielded the ball and threw out Addison Barger at first, but was removed after that. He gave up no runs on two hits.“We feel like we got pretty lucky,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “It got him in like just above the elbow, on the forearm, but squaring him up. I mean, you could see (the laces) pretty good."He was saying, ‘Oh, it’s coming back. It’s coming back.’ We've got to use our heads there a little bit.”The Royals scored in the first, helped by a couple of walks by Rodriguez. Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino walked with one out, and Perez lined a single to left to score Witt.The Royals added a run in the second. Kyle Isbel hit a two-out double that Barger misplayed into three bases. Barger, who made his debut Wednesday, played right field and third base in Triple-A. He broke in and the ball sailed over his head. Garcia singled, scoring Isbel with the Royals' second run.The Blue Jays have scored just seven runs in the last three games, two of them 3-2 losses. Toronto manager John Schneider is not worried.“It’s a matter of time," he said. "You got to keep plugging away. Everyone knows how we’re built, but it takes a game or two to really get rolling. And I think the encouraging part is we are where we are (record-wise) without firing on all cylinders really. So, we’re confident it will turn around.”The Blue Jays got on the board in the fifth when George Springer homered off reliever Angel Zerpa.The Royals chased Rodriguez with three straight singles in the fifth. Witt's single scored Isbel with KC's third run.Toronto got an RBI groundout from Ernie Clement to pull within 3-2 in the sixth.TRANSACTIONSBlue Jays: OF Kevin Kiermaier was placed on the 10-day injured list with left hip flexor inflammation. Toronto called up Addison Barger from Triple-A Buffalo to take his place. Barger made his MLB debut in left field and hit eighth in the order.UP NEXTThe Blue Jays and Royals will conclude their four-game series Thursday afternoon. The Blue Jays will send RHP Jose Berrios (4-0, 0.85 ERA) to the mound to face LHP Cole Ragans (0-2, 4.32 ERA).

⚾ Marsh and 4 relievers combined for 6-hitter as Royals beat the Blue Jays

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

On Wednesday afternoon, Ellsworth High School announced in a statement that Jeff Landon would be taking over as head boy's basketball coach for the 2024-25 season pending board approval.

Landon, a 1984 Bearcat alum, returns to Ellsworth after ten years coaching college basketball at Sterling College.

He takes the reigns from Brett Rolfs, who served as head coach from 2022-2024.

Prior to his time coaching at the college level, Landon served as assistant girls' basketball coach at Ellsworth High School.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Landon back to the Bearcat family," Ellsworth AD Ron Davis said. "Coach is a fundamental teacher of the game, and brings both leadership and strong ties to Ellsworth basketball."

The Bearcats finished their most recent campaign 19-5, falling in the opening round of this year's 3A state basketball tournament.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostOn Wednesday afternoon, Ellsworth High School announced in a statement that Jeff Landon would be taking over as head boy's basketball coach for the 2024-25 season pending board approval.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Landon, a 1984 Bearcat alum, returns to Ellsworth after ten years coaching college basketball at Sterling College.He takes the reigns from Brett Rolfs, who served as head coach from 2022-2024.Prior to his time coaching at the college level, Landon served as assistant girls' basketball coach at Ellsworth High School."We are excited to welcome Coach Landon back to the Bearcat family," Ellsworth AD Ron Davis said. "Coach is a fundamental teacher of the game, and brings both leadership and strong ties to Ellsworth basketball."The Bearcats finished their most recent campaign 19-5, falling in the opening round of this year's 3A state basketball tournament.

Jeff Landon hired to lead Ellworth boys basketball team

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Volleyball will make the move to the Heart of America Conference starting with the 2025 season.

KWU spent its first three seasons playing in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC).

"Making the move to the Heart of America is a feather in the cap for our program," said Kansas Wesleyan Athletic Director Miguel Paredes. "There are many advantages for us making this move. The Heart of America is one of the strongest men's volleyball conferences in the country and we look forward to being a part of it."

"We are thrilled to welcome Kansas Wesleyan University to the Heart of America Athletic Conference as an associate member for Men's Volleyball," Nik Rule, Commissioner of the Heart of America Athletic Conference said. "Their commitment to excellence both on and off the court aligns perfectly with the values of our conference. We believe their participation will enhance the caliber of competition within our league and helps us meet our growth goals."

"We are excited about the opportunity to join a strong, established conference for our men's volleyball program," KWU Men's Volleyball Coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3d8604ee-9c69-4baf-a114-5d9cd3633bb7?elinkdata=9448">Dustin Sahlmann</a> said. "I feel that this move will help our program in multiple areas. In terms of recruiting, it is a draw to play the best the NAIA has to offer on a weekly basis. It will reduce our travel yearly, which will keep the players in class and help them continue to excel academically. Lastly, I believe it will make our guys perform consistently better, as we will be playing ranked teams almost every week. All of these things will help us continue to grow and develop this young program."

This season, the Coyotes went 14-13 overall and 4-6 in the GPAC, earning the No. 4 seed and hosting a first-round game for the first time in program history, defeating Ottawa in four sets in the match to advance to the GPAC Fab Four.

"We're appreciative of our time in the GPAC," said Paredes. "It was a quality place for us to begin our program, and we're thankful for their support these first few years. Our university developed quality relationships within the conference, and we look forward to maintaining those relationships, even as we start this new, exciting era."

KWU will be the 11th men's volleyball team in the Heart, joining Grand View (Iowa), William Penn (Iowa), Park (Mo.), Missouri Valley, Mount Mercy (Iowa), Missouri Baptist, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis (Mo.), Clarke (Iowa), Graceland (Iowa) and Culver-Stockton (Mo.).

The remainder of Kansas Wesleyan's athletic programs will continue to reside in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC), KWU's primary conference for more than 120 years. The KCAC does not sponsor men's volleyball at the conference level.

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Volleyball will make the move to the Heart of America Conference starting with the 2025 season.KWU spent its first three seasons playing in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)."Making the move to the Heart of America is a feather in the cap for our program," said Kansas Wesleyan Athletic Director Miguel Paredes. "There are many advantages for us making this move. The Heart of America is one of the strongest men's volleyball conferences in the country and we look forward to being a part of it.""We are thrilled to welcome Kansas Wesleyan University to the Heart of America Athletic Conference as an associate member for Men's Volleyball," Nik Rule, Commissioner of the Heart of America Athletic Conference said. "Their commitment to excellence both on and off the court aligns perfectly with the values of our conference. We believe their participation will enhance the caliber of competition within our league and helps us meet our growth goals.""We are excited about the opportunity to join a strong, established conference for our men's volleyball program," KWU Men's Volleyball Coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3d8604ee-9c69-4baf-a114-5d9cd3633bb7?elinkdata=9448">Dustin Sahlmann</a> said. "I feel that this move will help our program in multiple areas. In terms of recruiting, it is a draw to play the best the NAIA has to offer on a weekly basis. It will reduce our travel yearly, which will keep the players in class and help them continue to excel academically. Lastly, I believe it will make our guys perform consistently better, as we will be playing ranked teams almost every week. All of these things will help us continue to grow and develop this young program."This season, the Coyotes went 14-13 overall and 4-6 in the GPAC, earning the No. 4 seed and hosting a first-round game for the first time in program history, defeating Ottawa in four sets in the match to advance to the GPAC Fab Four."We're appreciative of our time in the GPAC," said Paredes. "It was a quality place for us to begin our program, and we're thankful for their support these first few years. Our university developed quality relationships within the conference, and we look forward to maintaining those relationships, even as we start this new, exciting era."KWU will be the 11th men's volleyball team in the Heart, joining Grand View (Iowa), William Penn (Iowa), Park (Mo.), Missouri Valley, Mount Mercy (Iowa), Missouri Baptist, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis (Mo.), Clarke (Iowa), Graceland (Iowa) and Culver-Stockton (Mo.).The remainder of Kansas Wesleyan's athletic programs will continue to reside in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC), KWU's primary conference for more than 120 years. The KCAC does not sponsor men's volleyball at the conference level.

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Volleyball accepts invitation to join Heart of America Conference

Hello and happy Wednesday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

On Tuesday it was announced that The U.S. Figure Skating championships will take place in Wichita, Kansas, next year in a preview of the names to watch for the American team headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

The national governing body announced its calendar of domestically held international events Tuesday, along with awarding the U.S. championships to Wichita. The event will run from Jan. 20-26 at INTRUST Bank Arena.

Meanwhile, up in Kansas City the Royals continued to roll as Bobby Witt Jr. delivered the go-ahead double in the fifth inning and the Royals' bullpen shut down Toronto the rest of the way in a 3-2 victory on Tuesday night.

With this win, the Royals move to 14-10 on the year, good for second in the AL Central behind the Guardians at 17-6.

And finally, more locally, the Southeast of Saline baseball and softball teams each rolled through Minneapolis, handing the Lions and Lady Lions a pair of losses each.

On the softball diamond, Lexi Jacobson tossed a no-hitter in game one as the Lady Trojans rolled to wins of 15-0 and 16-1

Meanwhile, Grady Gebhardt swiped a single-season school record 30th bag as the Southeast baseball team won 16-1 and 17-7

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out the <a href="https://twitter.com/SPostSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Salina Post</a> and stay tuned to <a href="http://910kina.com">KINA</a>.

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/mE84sMxC-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kinasu 4-24-24" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div>Hello and happy Wednesday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>_________On Tuesday it was announced that The U.S. Figure Skating championships will take place in Wichita, Kansas, next year in a preview of the names to watch for the American team headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.The national governing body announced its calendar of domestically held international events Tuesday, along with awarding the U.S. championships to Wichita. The event will run from Jan. 20-26 at INTRUST Bank Arena._________Meanwhile, up in Kansas City the Royals continued to roll as Bobby Witt Jr. delivered the go-ahead double in the fifth inning and the Royals' bullpen shut down Toronto the rest of the way in a 3-2 victory on Tuesday night.With this win, the Royals move to 14-10 on the year, good for second in the AL Central behind the Guardians at 17-6._________And finally, more locally, the Southeast of Saline baseball and softball teams each rolled through Minneapolis, handing the Lions and Lady Lions a pair of losses each.On the softball diamond, Lexi Jacobson tossed a no-hitter in game one as the Lady Trojans rolled to wins of 15-0 and 16-1Meanwhile, Grady Gebhardt swiped a single-season school record 30th bag as the Southeast baseball team won 16-1 and 17-7_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out the <a href="https://twitter.com/SPostSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Salina Post</a> and stay tuned to <a href="http://910kina.com">KINA</a>.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — April 24

The Southeast of Saline baseball team rolled through another league rival on Tuesday, outscoring the Lions 33-8 in a sweep of Minneapolis.

With wins of 16-1 and 17-7, the Trojans move to 10-8 on the year and 5-3 in league play while the Lions slide to 2-12 and 2-8.

SES wasted no time jumping on their foe in game one, tallying nine runs in the first inning, three in the third, and four in the fourth of a run-rule-shortened affair.

On the bump, Killian Vaughn was exceptional, tossing four innings of one-hit ball, allowing just one unearned run and one walk while striking out six in the 16-1 win.

At the dish, Southeast spread the wealth throughout their lineup, with eight of their nine in the order recording at least one hit, and seven more driving in at least one run.

In game two the Trojans picked up right where they left off, scoring nine runs in the first two innings and never looking back en route to a 17-7 victory.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline baseball team rolled through another league rival on Tuesday, outscoring the Lions 33-8 in a sweep of Minneapolis.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>With wins of 16-1 and 17-7, the Trojans move to 10-8 on the year and 5-3 in league play while the Lions slide to 2-12 and 2-8.SES wasted no time jumping on their foe in game one, tallying nine runs in the first inning, three in the third, and four in the fourth of a run-rule-shortened affair.On the bump, Killian Vaughn was exceptional, tossing four innings of one-hit ball, allowing just one unearned run and one walk while striking out six in the 16-1 win.At the dish, Southeast spread the wealth throughout their lineup, with eight of their nine in the order recording at least one hit, and seven more driving in at least one run.In game two the Trojans picked up right where they left off, scoring nine runs in the first two innings and never looking back en route to a 17-7 victory.Drew Weller led the charge, bringing in three runs on three hits, and joining Ian Nickelson, Evan Watkins, and Blayton Jervah with multi-hit days.Treytan Olson would earn the win on the hill, working with Jervah and Tiernan Ptacek to hold the Lions at arm's length.Southeast also terrorized the Lions on the basepaths, as Grady Gebhardt swiped his 30th bag of the year, breaking the single-season school record previously held by his younger brother Jackson back in 2021.The Trojans will conclude the league portion of their season next Tuesday when they travel to Ellsworth while Minneapolis heads to Concordia this Friday for a non-league tilt.