Kansas Conference champion Kansas Wesleyan is the top seed in the 2024 KCAC Baseball Tournament that starts on Wednesday with a new 8-team format at the Great Bend Sports Complex in Great Bend.

KWU will face the No. 8 seed Evangel at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday in the first round of the Top Bracket of the tournament.

The tournament field expanded this season to eight teams, with two four-team, double-elimination brackets that will then meet on the final day of the tournament to determine the KCAC Champion.

With a first round victory, the Coyotes will play the winner between Ottawa and McPherson at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday. A loss will send KWU into an elimination game on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

KWU swept the season series with Evangel on February 23 and 24 in Salina.

KWU is 41-8 on the season and set new conference and school records for KCAC wins in a season with a 32-4 KCAC record. The Coyotes won 27 straight KCAC games to close out the regular season, not suffering a KCAC loss since the beginning of March. KWU has won 30 of its last 31 games overall and vaulted to No. 20 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3fcd7875-d69d-4901-916f-6cd10d9b7d7e?elinkdata=9712">Jarrett Gable</a>, the reigning KCAC Player of the Year leads the Coyotes in batting average at .415, hits with 83, and RBI with 70. He has a 1.268 OPS and has added 18 homers on the season. He leads the KCAC in hits, and ranks fourth in the KCAC in average, second in RBI and third in homers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/07eb6496-4bcc-44b3-80be-068e7a6f05f4?elinkdata=9712">Kendall Foster</a> hits .377 for the Coyotes with a KCAC best 21 homers with a 1.393 OPS and a .931 slugging average with 55 RBI.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/248ff5c7-7767-4545-acd5-c196ccdb21c7?elinkdata=9712">Jarrett Brannen</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/370a504a-2f8f-4881-a92c-e1f648da1f2f?elinkdata=9712">Brett Maddock</a> anchor the Coyote pitching staff. Brannen is 10-1 on the season in 12 starts, tossing 64 and a third innings, with 67 strikeouts and 23 walks, featuring a 1.37 WHIP and a 3.78 ERA. Maddock is 8-1 on the season in 14 starts, tossing 67 and a third innings with 69 strikeouts and a 1.35 WHIP and a 5.08 ERA.

Evangel is 23-24 on the season and finished 16-20 in the KCAC this season, their first in the conference.

Riley Mitchell leads the Valor offensively, hitting .400 on the season with a team best 62 hits, including 13 doubles and seven triples. He has also stolen 31 bases on the season. Levi Loughridge hits .342 for the Valor and has a team best 47 RBI.

Evangel's pitching staff seven players that have over 20 innings pitched on the season. Wyatt Keplar leads the Valor in ERA at 4.31, with a 1.58 WHIP, and has a 2-3 record on the season in 13 starts and 54 and a third innings pitched with 78 strikeouts. Colby Vavruska is 6-5 with a 4.93 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 69 and a third innings. Isaac Daley has 12 starts on the season and is 4-5 with a 6.55 ERA and a 1.76 WHIP.

Wednesday's winner will face either McPherson or Ottawa in the top bracket semifinal on Thursday at 6:45 p.m. The loser will play the loser between McPherson and Ottawa at 3:30 on Thursday in an elimination game.

The KCAC Championship Game is on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. featuring the winners of each four-team bracket.

KWU, 8-seed Evangel, 4-seed Ottawa and 5-seed McPherson are in the top bracket.

2-seed Tabor, 3-seed Oklahoma Wesleyan, 6-seed Friends and 7-seed Avila are in the lower bracket.

The winner of the KCAC Tournament will receive one of two automatic bids to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round held at campus sites around the country May 13-16. The 67th AVISTA NAIA World Series is May 24-31 in Lewiston, Idaho.

Kansas Conference champion Kansas Wesleyan is the top seed in the 2024 KCAC Baseball Tournament that starts on Wednesday with a new 8-team format at the Great Bend Sports Complex in Great Bend.KWU will face the No. 8 seed Evangel at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday in the first round of the Top Bracket of the tournament.The tournament field expanded this season to eight teams, with two four-team, double-elimination brackets that will then meet on the final day of the tournament to determine the KCAC Champion.With a first round victory, the Coyotes will play the winner between Ottawa and McPherson at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday. A loss will send KWU into an elimination game on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.KWU swept the season series with Evangel on February 23 and 24 in Salina.KWU is 41-8 on the season and set new conference and school records for KCAC wins in a season with a 32-4 KCAC record. The Coyotes won 27 straight KCAC games to close out the regular season, not suffering a KCAC loss since the beginning of March. KWU has won 30 of its last 31 games overall and vaulted to No. 20 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3fcd7875-d69d-4901-916f-6cd10d9b7d7e?elinkdata=9712">Jarrett Gable</a>, the reigning KCAC Player of the Year leads the Coyotes in batting average at .415, hits with 83, and RBI with 70. He has a 1.268 OPS and has added 18 homers on the season. He leads the KCAC in hits, and ranks fourth in the KCAC in average, second in RBI and third in homers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/07eb6496-4bcc-44b3-80be-068e7a6f05f4?elinkdata=9712">Kendall Foster</a> hits .377 for the Coyotes with a KCAC best 21 homers with a 1.393 OPS and a .931 slugging average with 55 RBI.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/248ff5c7-7767-4545-acd5-c196ccdb21c7?elinkdata=9712">Jarrett Brannen</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/370a504a-2f8f-4881-a92c-e1f648da1f2f?elinkdata=9712">Brett Maddock</a> anchor the Coyote pitching staff. Brannen is 10-1 on the season in 12 starts, tossing 64 and a third innings, with 67 strikeouts and 23 walks, featuring a 1.37 WHIP and a 3.78 ERA. Maddock is 8-1 on the season in 14 starts, tossing 67 and a third innings with 69 strikeouts and a 1.35 WHIP and a 5.08 ERA.Evangel is 23-24 on the season and finished 16-20 in the KCAC this season, their first in the conference.Riley Mitchell leads the Valor offensively, hitting .400 on the season with a team best 62 hits, including 13 doubles and seven triples. He has also stolen 31 bases on the season. Levi Loughridge hits .342 for the Valor and has a team best 47 RBI.Evangel's pitching staff seven players that have over 20 innings pitched on the season. Wyatt Keplar leads the Valor in ERA at 4.31, with a 1.58 WHIP, and has a 2-3 record on the season in 13 starts and 54 and a third innings pitched with 78 strikeouts. Colby Vavruska is 6-5 with a 4.93 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 69 and a third innings. Isaac Daley has 12 starts on the season and is 4-5 with a 6.55 ERA and a 1.76 WHIP.Wednesday's winner will face either McPherson or Ottawa in the top bracket semifinal on Thursday at 6:45 p.m. The loser will play the loser between McPherson and Ottawa at 3:30 on Thursday in an elimination game.The KCAC Championship Game is on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. featuring the winners of each four-team bracket.KWU, 8-seed Evangel, 4-seed Ottawa and 5-seed McPherson are in the top bracket.2-seed Tabor, 3-seed Oklahoma Wesleyan, 6-seed Friends and 7-seed Avila are in the lower bracket.The winner of the KCAC Tournament will receive one of two automatic bids to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round held at campus sites around the country May 13-16. The 67th AVISTA NAIA World Series is May 24-31 in Lewiston, Idaho.

Baseball is top seed in KCAC Tournament, faces Evangel on Wednesday

TORONTO (AP) — Justin Turner hit two home runs, Danny Jansen added a solo homer and the Toronto Blue Jays held on to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Monday night.

Turner hit a two-run home run in the first inning and had a leadoff homer in the third. It was the 16th multihomer game of his career.

Jansen also connected in the third, his second.

The Blue Jays scored more than five runs for the first time in 21 games, ending a streak that dated back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yankees-blue-jays-score-26df01230f38e755b29c9e6488414d3f">a 9-8 loss at Yankee Stadium</a>&nbsp;on April 6.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Davis Schneider each drove in a run as Toronto won back-to-back games after losing the previous five.

Royals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salvador-perez-tight-back-royals-f7d1c7ab666f89964c5d1ab2742bc41f">catcher Salvador Perez was scratched</a>&nbsp;from the starting lineup because of a tight back but delivered a pinch-hit single with two out in the ninth. Dairon Blanco ran for Perez, who hit for DH Nelson Velázquez

Toronto’s Nate Pearson struck out Kansas City’s Michael Massey to end it, stranding the tying run at third base. The save was Pearson’s first of the season.

Kyle Isbel homered and drove in two runs but the Royals lost their third straight. Freddy Fermin also homered for Kansas City, his first.

Recalled from Triple-A Omaha to make his second career start, Royals right-hander Jonathan Bowlan (0-1) allowed four runs and six hits in 2 2/3 innings, including three home runs.

Blue Jays right-hander Yariel Rodríguez allowed three runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings but left with the bases loaded. Génesis Cabrera came on and retired Vinnie Pasquantino to escape the jam.

Cabrera (1-0) got four outs for the victory.

Isbel’s homer, his third, came off right-hander Trevor Richards in the sixth.

Fermin made it 6-5 with a leadoff homer off righty Erik Swanson in the eighth.

Kansas City optioned RHP Will Klein to Triple-A to make room for Bowlan.

RHP José Berríos (4-1, 1.23 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Blue Jays on Tuesday night against Kansas City LHP Cole Ragans (1-2, 3.90).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714473635441.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Justin Turner, right, celebrates after his solo home run with third base coach Carlos Febles (51) while playing against the Kansas City Royals during third-inning baseball game action in Toronto, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Justin Turner, right, celebrates after his solo home run with third base coach Carlos Febles (51) while playing against the Kansas City Royals during third-inning baseball game action in Toronto, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>TORONTO (AP) — Justin Turner hit two home runs, Danny Jansen added a solo homer and the Toronto Blue Jays held on to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Monday night.Turner hit a two-run home run in the first inning and had a leadoff homer in the third. It was the 16th multihomer game of his career.Jansen also connected in the third, his second.The Blue Jays scored more than five runs for the first time in 21 games, ending a streak that dated back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yankees-blue-jays-score-26df01230f38e755b29c9e6488414d3f">a 9-8 loss at Yankee Stadium</a>&nbsp;on April 6.Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Davis Schneider each drove in a run as Toronto won back-to-back games after losing the previous five.Royals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salvador-perez-tight-back-royals-f7d1c7ab666f89964c5d1ab2742bc41f">catcher Salvador Perez was scratched</a>&nbsp;from the starting lineup because of a tight back but delivered a pinch-hit single with two out in the ninth. Dairon Blanco ran for Perez, who hit for DH Nelson VelázquezToronto’s Nate Pearson struck out Kansas City’s Michael Massey to end it, stranding the tying run at third base. The save was Pearson’s first of the season.Kyle Isbel homered and drove in two runs but the Royals lost their third straight. Freddy Fermin also homered for Kansas City, his first.Recalled from Triple-A Omaha to make his second career start, Royals right-hander Jonathan Bowlan (0-1) allowed four runs and six hits in 2 2/3 innings, including three home runs.Blue Jays right-hander Yariel Rodríguez allowed three runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings but left with the bases loaded. Génesis Cabrera came on and retired Vinnie Pasquantino to escape the jam.Cabrera (1-0) got four outs for the victory.Isbel’s homer, his third, came off right-hander Trevor Richards in the sixth.Fermin made it 6-5 with a leadoff homer off righty Erik Swanson in the eighth.ROSTER MOVESKansas City optioned RHP Will Klein to Triple-A to make room for Bowlan.UP NEXTRHP José Berríos (4-1, 1.23 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Blue Jays on Tuesday night against Kansas City LHP Cole Ragans (1-2, 3.90).

⚾ Turner hits 2 home runs as Blue Jays beat Royals

Click the play icon above to hear the 910 KINA Sports Headlines for April 29.&nbsp; By SALINA POST

Following a pair of selections on Friday with Ben Sinnott selected by the Washington Commanders,&nbsp;and&nbsp;interior offensive lineman Cooper Beebe going to the Dallas Cowboys&nbsp;, Kansas State offensive lineman&nbsp;KT Leveston&nbsp;joined his two K-State teammates by hearing his name called on Saturday during the final round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Leveston was selected with the 34th&nbsp;pick of the seventh round – No. 254 overall – by the Los Angeles Rams. He is the seventh Wildcat all-time selected by the Rams.&nbsp;

Also out of Manhattan, Kansas State added a piece to its backfield on Monday with the signing of transfer running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement. Edwards, who is transferring in from Colorado and will have three years of eligibility remaining, returns to his home state after playing high school football at Derby. Additionally, Edwards is a legacy Wildcat as his father, Leon, was a K-State running back who lettered from 1992 through 1994.&nbsp;

Kansas Football standout defensive lineman Austin Booker was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday, chosen by the Chicago Bears at pick No. 144. Booker becomes the second Jayhawk selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, joining offensive lineman Dominick Puni, who was picked in the third round at No. 86 by the San Francisco 49ers. This is the first time since 2015 that Kansas has had multiple players selected in the NFL Draft.&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.&nbsp;

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/HzIyVN7q-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Sports Update Mon" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div>Click the play icon above to hear the 910 KINA Sports Headlines for April 29.&nbsp; By SALINA POST Following a pair of selections on Friday with Ben Sinnott selected by the Washington Commanders,&nbsp;and&nbsp;interior offensive lineman Cooper Beebe going to the Dallas Cowboys&nbsp;, Kansas State offensive lineman&nbsp;KT Leveston&nbsp;joined his two K-State teammates by hearing his name called on Saturday during the final round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Leveston was selected with the 34th&nbsp;pick of the seventh round – No. 254 overall – by the Los Angeles Rams. He is the seventh Wildcat all-time selected by the Rams.&nbsp;Also out of Manhattan, Kansas State added a piece to its backfield on Monday with the signing of transfer running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement. Edwards, who is transferring in from Colorado and will have three years of eligibility remaining, returns to his home state after playing high school football at Derby. Additionally, Edwards is a legacy Wildcat as his father, Leon, was a K-State running back who lettered from 1992 through 1994.&nbsp;Kansas Football standout defensive lineman Austin Booker was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday, chosen by the Chicago Bears at pick No. 144. Booker becomes the second Jayhawk selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, joining offensive lineman Dominick Puni, who was picked in the third round at No. 86 by the San Francisco 49ers. This is the first time since 2015 that Kansas has had multiple players selected in the NFL Draft.&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.&nbsp;

910 KINA Sports Headlines — April 29

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State added a piece to its backfield on Monday with the signing of transfer running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement.

Edwards, who is transferring in from Colorado and will have three years of eligibility remaining, returns to his home state after playing high school football at Derby. Additionally, Edwards is a legacy Wildcat as his father, Leon, was a K-State running back who lettered from 1992 through 1994.

During his lone season in Boulder, Edwards played in all 12 games with six starts and rushed for 321 yards and a touchdown while also serving as a receiving weapon out of the backfield by hauling in 36 receptions for 299 yards and another four scores. He became the first true freshman in Colorado history with at least 250 rushing yards and receiving yards in the same season and just the ninth Buffalo all-time to accomplish the feat.

Edwards began his collegiate career on a high note, accounting for 177 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns as the Buffaloes won at No. 17 TCU, 45-42. He became the first FBS freshman over the past 20 seasons with three receiving touchdowns and a rushing score in his collegiate debut en route to Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honors.

Coming out of Derby High School, Edwards was regarded as one of the top 200 players in the Class of 2023 by Rivals (No. 100) and ESPN (No. 140), while he was rated one of the top 25 running backs in the class by all four major recruiting services.

Prepping under former Wildcat Brandon Clark at Derby, Edwards helped the Panthers to a combined 42-7 record over his four seasons, including state championships as a freshman and sophomore and a runner-up finish as a junior.

In his high school career, Edwards rushed for 6,426 yards and 95 touchdowns on 622 carries as he produced 32 100-yard rushing games out of 36 total games played. He also recorded 556 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, 521 kickoff-return yards and three touchdowns, and he added 441 punt-return yards and three touchdowns.

Kansas State enters the 2024 season – the sixth season under head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;– after 9-4 campaign and a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory in 2023 as the Wildcats finished the year ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 (No. 18), AFCA Coaches Poll (No. 19) and College Football Playoff Top 25 (No. 25). The Wildcats are the only Big 12 program – and one of only 11 Power 4 teams – currently riding a streak of three eight-plus win seasons.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State added a piece to its backfield on Monday with the signing of transfer running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement.Edwards, who is transferring in from Colorado and will have three years of eligibility remaining, returns to his home state after playing high school football at Derby. Additionally, Edwards is a legacy Wildcat as his father, Leon, was a K-State running back who lettered from 1992 through 1994.During his lone season in Boulder, Edwards played in all 12 games with six starts and rushed for 321 yards and a touchdown while also serving as a receiving weapon out of the backfield by hauling in 36 receptions for 299 yards and another four scores. He became the first true freshman in Colorado history with at least 250 rushing yards and receiving yards in the same season and just the ninth Buffalo all-time to accomplish the feat.Edwards began his collegiate career on a high note, accounting for 177 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns as the Buffaloes won at No. 17 TCU, 45-42. He became the first FBS freshman over the past 20 seasons with three receiving touchdowns and a rushing score in his collegiate debut en route to Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honors.Coming out of Derby High School, Edwards was regarded as one of the top 200 players in the Class of 2023 by Rivals (No. 100) and ESPN (No. 140), while he was rated one of the top 25 running backs in the class by all four major recruiting services.Prepping under former Wildcat Brandon Clark at Derby, Edwards helped the Panthers to a combined 42-7 record over his four seasons, including state championships as a freshman and sophomore and a runner-up finish as a junior.In his high school career, Edwards rushed for 6,426 yards and 95 touchdowns on 622 carries as he produced 32 100-yard rushing games out of 36 total games played. He also recorded 556 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, 521 kickoff-return yards and three touchdowns, and he added 441 punt-return yards and three touchdowns.Kansas State enters the 2024 season – the sixth season under head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;– after 9-4 campaign and a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory in 2023 as the Wildcats finished the year ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 (No. 18), AFCA Coaches Poll (No. 19) and College Football Playoff Top 25 (No. 25). The Wildcats are the only Big 12 program – and one of only 11 Power 4 teams – currently riding a streak of three eight-plus win seasons.

K-State Signs Transfer Running Back Dylan Edwards

DETROIT (AP) — Wenceel Pérez hit a two-run drive for his first major league homer, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Sunday.

“He hit one to the track last night,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I guess he did a couple extra pushups this morning.”

Jake Rogers also homered for the Tigers, who have won five of seven. It was Detroit's 10th come-from-behind win of the season.

The Royals have lost two in a row after a four-game winning streak.

“I don't think we drove a ball after the first inning until maybe the seventh,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We couldn't square them up.”

Detroit left-hander Tarik Skubal (4-0) pitched seven innings of one-run ball.

“He gave up a seeing-eye double and a two-strike base hit in the first, but he got another gear after that,” Hinch said. “That's what you expect from a guy who is going to anchor your rotation.”

Skubal struck out six while improving to 2-7 with a 4.65 ERA in 12 career games against the Royals.

“We knew coming in it was going to be a challenge. He's one of the best pitchers in the league,” Quatraro said. “Upper-90s velocity, location, plus changeup, curveball — you name it.”

Jason Foley pitched the ninth for his ninth save.

Royals right-hander Michael Wacha (1-3) permitted four runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Kansas City took a 1-0 lead on Bobby Witt Jr.'s RBI single in the first, but Pérez put Detroit in front with a drive to right in the bottom half.

“As soon as I hit it, I knew it was gone,” said Pérez, who is hitting .286 since making his major league debut on April 8. “And when we give (Skubal) a lead, the game is done. We know he's going to do the job.”

The Tigers made it 3-1 in the second when Rogers singled, took third on Parker Meadows' double and scored on Riley Greene's sacrifice fly.

Rogers added his second homer of the season in the sixth, and Skubal stranded runners on first and third in the seventh.

“We were probably a little fastball heavy early in the game, but then he was really dominant with the changeup,” said Rogers, who has caught all of Skubal's starts this season.

Kansas City's Salvador Perez walked in the ninth, extending his on-base streak to 18 games.

Royals: Start a three-game series Monday in Toronto. Kansas City is expected to call up RHP Jonathan Bowlan (2024 debut) from Triple-A Omaha to face RHP Yariel Rodriguez (0-1, 3.86 ERA).

Tigers: Start a three-game series Monday against St. Louis. RHP Kenta Maeda (0-1, 5.96 ERA) is scheduled to start against Cardinals LHP Steven Matz (1-2, 5.55 ERA).

DETROIT (AP) — Wenceel Pérez hit a two-run drive for his first major league homer, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Sunday.“He hit one to the track last night,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I guess he did a couple extra pushups this morning.”Jake Rogers also homered for the Tigers, who have won five of seven. It was Detroit's 10th come-from-behind win of the season.The Royals have lost two in a row after a four-game winning streak.“I don't think we drove a ball after the first inning until maybe the seventh,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We couldn't square them up.”Detroit left-hander Tarik Skubal (4-0) pitched seven innings of one-run ball.“He gave up a seeing-eye double and a two-strike base hit in the first, but he got another gear after that,” Hinch said. “That's what you expect from a guy who is going to anchor your rotation.”Skubal struck out six while improving to 2-7 with a 4.65 ERA in 12 career games against the Royals.“We knew coming in it was going to be a challenge. He's one of the best pitchers in the league,” Quatraro said. “Upper-90s velocity, location, plus changeup, curveball — you name it.”Jason Foley pitched the ninth for his ninth save.Royals right-hander Michael Wacha (1-3) permitted four runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings.Kansas City took a 1-0 lead on Bobby Witt Jr.'s RBI single in the first, but Pérez put Detroit in front with a drive to right in the bottom half.“As soon as I hit it, I knew it was gone,” said Pérez, who is hitting .286 since making his major league debut on April 8. “And when we give (Skubal) a lead, the game is done. We know he's going to do the job.”The Tigers made it 3-1 in the second when Rogers singled, took third on Parker Meadows' double and scored on Riley Greene's sacrifice fly.Rogers added his second homer of the season in the sixth, and Skubal stranded runners on first and third in the seventh.“We were probably a little fastball heavy early in the game, but then he was really dominant with the changeup,” said Rogers, who has caught all of Skubal's starts this season.Kansas City's Salvador Perez walked in the ninth, extending his on-base streak to 18 games.UP NEXTRoyals: Start a three-game series Monday in Toronto. Kansas City is expected to call up RHP Jonathan Bowlan (2024 debut) from Triple-A Omaha to face RHP Yariel Rodriguez (0-1, 3.86 ERA).Tigers: Start a three-game series Monday against St. Louis. RHP Kenta Maeda (0-1, 5.96 ERA) is scheduled to start against Cardinals LHP Steven Matz (1-2, 5.55 ERA).

⚾Wenceel Pérez hits 1st big league homer as the Tigers beat the Royals

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Football standout defensive lineman Austin Booker was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday, chosen by the Chicago Bears at pick No. 144.

Booker becomes the second Jayhawk selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, joining offensive lineman Dominick Puni, who was picked in the third round at No. 86 by the San Francisco 49ers. This is the first time since 2015 that Kansas has had multiple players selected in the NFL Draft. Booker becomes the first Kansas defensive end drafted since Dorance Armstrong Jr. was a fourth-round pick, No. 116, by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.

Booker made an immediate impact in his first season at KU, ranking second in the Big 12 with 8.0 sacks and sixth with 12.0 tackles for loss. In total, he had 56 tackles, including 40 solo and 16 assists, while forcing two fumbles and recording one pass defended. Booker had a season-high nine tackles at Oklahoma State and a season-high 2.0 sacks in KU’s home win over Illinois.

“I had an amazing visit [to Chicago]…I know I will be in good hands going forward,” Booker said after being selected. “I’m 21, so I know that I have a lot of years ahead of me to get stronger and get faster, so I’m just looking to keep growing in the NFL.”

From Greenwood, Indiana, Booker was named an All-Big 12 First Team selection and the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year following the season. He was then invited to participate in the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Booker developed into an NFL Draft pick after transferring to Kansas from Minnesota.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Football standout defensive lineman Austin Booker was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday, chosen by the Chicago Bears at pick No. 144.Booker becomes the second Jayhawk selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, joining offensive lineman Dominick Puni, who was picked in the third round at No. 86 by the San Francisco 49ers. This is the first time since 2015 that Kansas has had multiple players selected in the NFL Draft. Booker becomes the first Kansas defensive end drafted since Dorance Armstrong Jr. was a fourth-round pick, No. 116, by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.Booker made an immediate impact in his first season at KU, ranking second in the Big 12 with 8.0 sacks and sixth with 12.0 tackles for loss. In total, he had 56 tackles, including 40 solo and 16 assists, while forcing two fumbles and recording one pass defended. Booker had a season-high nine tackles at Oklahoma State and a season-high 2.0 sacks in KU’s home win over Illinois.“I had an amazing visit [to Chicago]…I know I will be in good hands going forward,” Booker said after being selected. “I’m 21, so I know that I have a lot of years ahead of me to get stronger and get faster, so I’m just looking to keep growing in the NFL.”From Greenwood, Indiana, Booker was named an All-Big 12 First Team selection and the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year following the season. He was then invited to participate in the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Booker developed into an NFL Draft pick after transferring to Kansas from Minnesota.

Austin Booker Goes to Chicago Bears in Fifth Round of 2024 NFL Draft

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Following a pair of selections on Friday, Kansas State offensive lineman&nbsp;KT Leveston&nbsp;joined his two K-State teammates by hearing his name called on Saturday during the final round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Leveston was selected with the 34th&nbsp;pick of the seventh round – No. 254 overall – by the Los Angeles Rams. He is the seventh Wildcat all-time selected by the Rams, including the second in the last three years as current Los Angeles safety Russ Yeast was taken with the 253rd&nbsp;overall pick in 2021.

Earlier in the 2024 NFL Draft,&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;was selected by the Washington Commanders in the second round and&nbsp;Cooper Beebe&nbsp;was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round. Last season, the Wildcats had four NFL Draft picks – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Julius Brents, Josh Hayes and Deuce Vaughn – as it marks the first time since 2002 and 2003 that the Wildcats had at least three players selected in consecutive years.

A product of Waco, Texas, Leveston saw action in 50 career games with starts in 32 games, including a streak of 27 starts to close out his career. An All-Big 12 Honorable Mention pick each of his final two seasons, Leveston was only flagged for one in-play penalty over his final two campaigns, which spanned 1,842 offensive snaps.

Last season, Leveston helped the Wildcats rank in the top 10 in school history in 32 game or season categories, including a school-record 30 passing touchdowns, No. 2 rankings in offensive yards per game (445.2) and first downs (310), and a No. 3 showing in total yards (5,788). K-State also finished the season in the top 30 nationally in 11 offensive categories, including scoring (10th – 37.1 points per game), rushing (11th – 204.1 yards per game), third down conversions (11th – 47.9%), rushing touchdowns (12th – 32) and first downs (12th – 310).

More Wildcats could join NFL teams as organizations begin to sign rookie free agents in the coming days. Those will be announced as they made public by their respective organizations.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Following a pair of selections on Friday, Kansas State offensive lineman&nbsp;KT Leveston&nbsp;joined his two K-State teammates by hearing his name called on Saturday during the final round of the 2024 NFL Draft.Leveston was selected with the 34th&nbsp;pick of the seventh round – No. 254 overall – by the Los Angeles Rams. He is the seventh Wildcat all-time selected by the Rams, including the second in the last three years as current Los Angeles safety Russ Yeast was taken with the 253rd&nbsp;overall pick in 2021.Earlier in the 2024 NFL Draft,&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;was selected by the Washington Commanders in the second round and&nbsp;Cooper Beebe&nbsp;was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round. Last season, the Wildcats had four NFL Draft picks – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Julius Brents, Josh Hayes and Deuce Vaughn – as it marks the first time since 2002 and 2003 that the Wildcats had at least three players selected in consecutive years.A product of Waco, Texas, Leveston saw action in 50 career games with starts in 32 games, including a streak of 27 starts to close out his career. An All-Big 12 Honorable Mention pick each of his final two seasons, Leveston was only flagged for one in-play penalty over his final two campaigns, which spanned 1,842 offensive snaps.Last season, Leveston helped the Wildcats rank in the top 10 in school history in 32 game or season categories, including a school-record 30 passing touchdowns, No. 2 rankings in offensive yards per game (445.2) and first downs (310), and a No. 3 showing in total yards (5,788). K-State also finished the season in the top 30 nationally in 11 offensive categories, including scoring (10th – 37.1 points per game), rushing (11th – 204.1 yards per game), third down conversions (11th – 47.9%), rushing touchdowns (12th – 32) and first downs (12th – 310).More Wildcats could join NFL teams as organizations begin to sign rookie free agents in the coming days. Those will be announced as they made public by their respective organizations.

K-State’s Leveston Taken on Final Day of NFL Draft

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

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.

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.