MANHATTAN&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a></a>Kickoff times and television selections for four of K-State’s first five football games of 2023 have been announced as the Big 12 Conference and its television partners have made selections for the first three weeks of the season and special weeknight contests.

The Wildcats will open their Big 12-defending season on Sept. 2 against SEMO at 6 p.m., in a game shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+, and they stay at Bill Snyder Family Stadium the next Sept. 9, with an 11 a.m., tilt against Sun Belt Champion Troy that will be aired on FS1.

K-State hits the road for the first time in 2023 with an 11 a.m., contest at Missouri that will be broadcast by SEC Network. It is the Wildcats’ first trip to Columbia, Mo., since 2010 when the Tigers were members of the Big 12.

Kansas State will face Oklahoma State in a special Friday-night matchup on Oct. 6 that will kick at 6:30 p.m., and be shown on ESPN.

Season tickets are on sale now for the 2023 season and start at less than $30 per game. Single-game tickets will go on sale to Ahearn Fund members on June 12 and to the general public on June 15. Fans can order tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>, by phone at 1-800-221-CATS or at the main ticket office inside Bramlage Coliseum.

K-State SportsMANHATTAN&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a></a>Kickoff times and television selections for four of K-State’s first five football games of 2023 have been announced as the Big 12 Conference and its television partners have made selections for the first three weeks of the season and special weeknight contests.The Wildcats will open their Big 12-defending season on Sept. 2 against SEMO at 6 p.m., in a game shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+, and they stay at Bill Snyder Family Stadium the next Sept. 9, with an 11 a.m., tilt against Sun Belt Champion Troy that will be aired on FS1.K-State hits the road for the first time in 2023 with an 11 a.m., contest at Missouri that will be broadcast by SEC Network. It is the Wildcats’ first trip to Columbia, Mo., since 2010 when the Tigers were members of the Big 12.Kansas State will face Oklahoma State in a special Friday-night matchup on Oct. 6 that will kick at 6:30 p.m., and be shown on ESPN.Season tickets are on sale now for the 2023 season and start at less than $30 per game. Single-game tickets will go on sale to Ahearn Fund members on June 12 and to the general public on June 15. Fans can order tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>, by phone at 1-800-221-CATS or at the main ticket office inside Bramlage Coliseum.

K-State, Big 12 announce four football game times

LAWRENCE –&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference released a portion of the early television broadcast assignments and kickoff times for the 2023 college football season on Wednesday. 

Times and TV designations are now set for Kansas’ games vs. Missouri State on Aug. 31 and at Nevada on Sept. 16. The season opener vs. Missouri State will kick off at 7 p.m. CT on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. It will be the third meeting all-time between the schools and the first since 2002. The Thursday night opener will mark the third-straight year Kansas has opened on a weeknight but is the first time opening on a Thursday after beginning the previous two seasons on Friday nights. The Jayhawks will kick off their road slate on Sept. 16 when they take on Nevada at 9:30 p.m. CT on CBS Sports Network. It will be the first meeting between the two schools, while Kansas holds a 13-4 record against the Mountain West all-time. Kansas’ 2023 schedule also features home games against Illinois (Sept. 9), BYU (Sept. 23), UCF (Oct. 7), Oklahoma (Oct. 28), Texas Tech (No. 11) and Kansas State (Nov. 16). The Jayhawks away schedule features additional games at Texas (Sept. 30), Oklahoma State (Oct. 14), Iowa State (Nov. 4) and Cincinnati (Nov. 25). The remainder of the season’s television selections will be announced on a 12-day or six-day notice via Big12Sports.com and the Conference’s official digital platforms. Information on the Illinois game should be available in the coming weeks. The Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship will return to AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for the ninth year. The game is slated for Dec. 2 with an 11 a.m. kickoff on ABC. The Big 12 had the second-highest attendance of last season’s conference title games with 69,335 spectators. The Championship delivered 9.4M viewers on ABC, the most-watched Big 12 Championship since 2018. It peaked at 12.7M viewers, the most of any conference championship across all networks. Big 12 Football Early Season and Special Date Television Selections (all times listed as Central) Aug. 31 Missouri State at Kansas (Big 12 Now on ESPN+), 7 p.m.&nbsp; Sept. 16 Kansas at Nevada (CBSSN), 9:30 p.m. Dec. 2 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship (ABC), 11 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KU AthleticsLAWRENCE –&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference released a portion of the early television broadcast assignments and kickoff times for the 2023 college football season on Wednesday. Times and TV designations are now set for Kansas’ games vs. Missouri State on Aug. 31 and at Nevada on Sept. 16. The season opener vs. Missouri State will kick off at 7 p.m. CT on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. It will be the third meeting all-time between the schools and the first since 2002. The Thursday night opener will mark the third-straight year Kansas has opened on a weeknight but is the first time opening on a Thursday after beginning the previous two seasons on Friday nights. The Jayhawks will kick off their road slate on Sept. 16 when they take on Nevada at 9:30 p.m. CT on CBS Sports Network. It will be the first meeting between the two schools, while Kansas holds a 13-4 record against the Mountain West all-time. Kansas’ 2023 schedule also features home games against Illinois (Sept. 9), BYU (Sept. 23), UCF (Oct. 7), Oklahoma (Oct. 28), Texas Tech (No. 11) and Kansas State (Nov. 16). The Jayhawks away schedule features additional games at Texas (Sept. 30), Oklahoma State (Oct. 14), Iowa State (Nov. 4) and Cincinnati (Nov. 25). The remainder of the season’s television selections will be announced on a 12-day or six-day notice via Big12Sports.com and the Conference’s official digital platforms. Information on the Illinois game should be available in the coming weeks. The Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship will return to AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for the ninth year. The game is slated for Dec. 2 with an 11 a.m. kickoff on ABC. The Big 12 had the second-highest attendance of last season’s conference title games with 69,335 spectators. The Championship delivered 9.4M viewers on ABC, the most-watched Big 12 Championship since 2018. It peaked at 12.7M viewers, the most of any conference championship across all networks. Big 12 Football Early Season and Special Date Television Selections (all times listed as Central) Aug. 31 Missouri State at Kansas (Big 12 Now on ESPN+), 7 p.m.&nbsp; Sept. 16 Kansas at Nevada (CBSSN), 9:30 p.m. Dec. 2 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship (ABC), 11 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KU football game times announced for Missouri State, Nevada games

MANHATTAN&nbsp;– Season tickets for the 2023-24 men’s and women’s basketball teams will go on-sale at 8:30 p.m., CT on Monday, athletic department officials announced on Wednesday.

Fans will once again want to make plans to be at Bramlage Coliseum in 2023-24, as excitement continues to grow for the men’s and women’s teams coming off outstanding seasons. The Wildcat men return several key components from a team that advanced to the Elite Eight and went 15-1 at Bramlage Coliseum under National Coach of the Year&nbsp;Jerome Tang. The women’s team is garnering preseason Top 25 mention for a squad that is expected to return consensus All-American&nbsp;Ayoka Lee, along with All-Big 12 selections&nbsp;Gabby Gregory&nbsp;and&nbsp;Serena Sundell, after winning 19 games and advancing to the WNIT Super 16.

The two teams attracted more than 200,000 fans to Bramlage Coliseum in 2022-23, including eight sellouts by the men’s team which were the most by the program in nearly a decade. The women’s team was once again one of the nation’s leaders in attendance, ranking 31st&nbsp;nationally.

Fans have a variety of ticket prices and locations from which to choose from, with men’s basketball bench season tickets starting at $345 each. With the Wildcat 4-Pack, fans can purchase four (4) season tickets in the bench or Cat Cushion areas starting at $900, which is less than $15 per game.

General admission women's basketball season tickets start at $50 for football and men’s basketball season ticket holders, $75 for public, or $200 for a 4-Pack. Wildcat 4-Packs are available for approximately $3 per game.

Fans who order season tickets by the Incentive Deadline of June 30 will have the $10 processing fee waived, and a 4-month payment plan option. Those who order before the Renewal Deadline of Aug. 1 will be able to retain their seat and parking locations as well as receive a 3-month payment plan option. Online seat and parking upgrades will begin on Aug. 22.

New full season-ticket requests will be able to select their seat during the ordering process from any seat location available from the 2022-23 season.&nbsp;An Ahearn Fund contribution is required for all premium, chairback and cushioned seating. Specific required giving levels by section are listed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ahearnfund.com/" target="_blank">www.AhearnFund.com</a>.

There are a number of premium seating options at Bramlage Coliseum, including 19 new courtside seats along the southeast baseline of the arena. For more information on premium seating opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ahearnfund.com/sports/2023/3/21/premium-seating-update.aspx" target="_blank">ahearnfund.com/premiumseating</a>&nbsp;or contact the Ahearn Fund at (888) 232-9074.

The men’s 2023-24 home schedule will include premier matchups with Villanova on Dec. 5 in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle and Nebraska on Dec. 17, along with nine high-caliber conference games in the new-look Big 12, which welcomes BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF as new members.

In addition, season-ticket holders will have the first opportunity to pre-order tickets at a discounted rate for the Wildcat Classic against in-state foe Wichita State at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Thursday, Dec. 21.

In addition to nine Big 12 home games, the women's 2023-24 home schedule includes a return visit from Big Ten foe Wisconsin.

Fans can purchase season tickets in a variety of ways, including toll free at (800) 221.CATS (2287) and online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

K-State SportsMANHATTAN&nbsp;– Season tickets for the 2023-24 men’s and women’s basketball teams will go on-sale at 8:30 p.m., CT on Monday, athletic department officials announced on Wednesday.Fans will once again want to make plans to be at Bramlage Coliseum in 2023-24, as excitement continues to grow for the men’s and women’s teams coming off outstanding seasons. The Wildcat men return several key components from a team that advanced to the Elite Eight and went 15-1 at Bramlage Coliseum under National Coach of the Year&nbsp;Jerome Tang. The women’s team is garnering preseason Top 25 mention for a squad that is expected to return consensus All-American&nbsp;Ayoka Lee, along with All-Big 12 selections&nbsp;Gabby Gregory&nbsp;and&nbsp;Serena Sundell, after winning 19 games and advancing to the WNIT Super 16.The two teams attracted more than 200,000 fans to Bramlage Coliseum in 2022-23, including eight sellouts by the men’s team which were the most by the program in nearly a decade. The women’s team was once again one of the nation’s leaders in attendance, ranking 31st&nbsp;nationally.Fans have a variety of ticket prices and locations from which to choose from, with men’s basketball bench season tickets starting at $345 each. With the Wildcat 4-Pack, fans can purchase four (4) season tickets in the bench or Cat Cushion areas starting at $900, which is less than $15 per game.General admission women's basketball season tickets start at $50 for football and men’s basketball season ticket holders, $75 for public, or $200 for a 4-Pack. Wildcat 4-Packs are available for approximately $3 per game.Fans who order season tickets by the Incentive Deadline of June 30 will have the $10 processing fee waived, and a 4-month payment plan option. Those who order before the Renewal Deadline of Aug. 1 will be able to retain their seat and parking locations as well as receive a 3-month payment plan option. Online seat and parking upgrades will begin on Aug. 22.New full season-ticket requests will be able to select their seat during the ordering process from any seat location available from the 2022-23 season.&nbsp;An Ahearn Fund contribution is required for all premium, chairback and cushioned seating. Specific required giving levels by section are listed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ahearnfund.com/" target="_blank">www.AhearnFund.com</a>.There are a number of premium seating options at Bramlage Coliseum, including 19 new courtside seats along the southeast baseline of the arena. For more information on premium seating opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ahearnfund.com/sports/2023/3/21/premium-seating-update.aspx" target="_blank">ahearnfund.com/premiumseating</a>&nbsp;or contact the Ahearn Fund at (888) 232-9074.The men’s 2023-24 home schedule will include premier matchups with Villanova on Dec. 5 in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle and Nebraska on Dec. 17, along with nine high-caliber conference games in the new-look Big 12, which welcomes BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF as new members.In addition, season-ticket holders will have the first opportunity to pre-order tickets at a discounted rate for the Wildcat Classic against in-state foe Wichita State at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Thursday, Dec. 21.In addition to nine Big 12 home games, the women's 2023-24 home schedule includes a return visit from Big Ten foe Wisconsin.Fans can purchase season tickets in a variety of ways, including toll free at (800) 221.CATS (2287) and online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

K-State basketball 2023-24 season tickets on sale Monday

LAWRENCE –&nbsp;For the second straight semester, Kansas student-athletes established a new non-COVID era record, recording a combined department grade point average of 3.40.

Eleven programs established new program records with their grade point averages, while 89 student-athletes earned a 4.0 term GPA and 79 percent of all student-athletes earned AD Honor Roll status.

For the second straight semester, all 16 programs had a team GPA over 3.0 for the semester.

“This was another incredibly successful semester in the classroom, and I am especially proud that this is becoming the standard here because of the impressive work from our student-athletes and academic staff,” Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. “It is also an exceptional achievement to have 11 programs establish new records and continue to raise the bar each and every semester.”

So far this year, Kansas has had 106 student-athletes earn Academic All-Conference honors from the Big 12, including 74 in the fall and 32 in the winter. The spring sports teams will be announced in June.

KU AthleticsLAWRENCE –&nbsp;For the second straight semester, Kansas student-athletes established a new non-COVID era record, recording a combined department grade point average of 3.40.Eleven programs established new program records with their grade point averages, while 89 student-athletes earned a 4.0 term GPA and 79 percent of all student-athletes earned AD Honor Roll status.For the second straight semester, all 16 programs had a team GPA over 3.0 for the semester.“This was another incredibly successful semester in the classroom, and I am especially proud that this is becoming the standard here because of the impressive work from our student-athletes and academic staff,” Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. “It is also an exceptional achievement to have 11 programs establish new records and continue to raise the bar each and every semester.”So far this year, Kansas has had 106 student-athletes earn Academic All-Conference honors from the Big 12, including 74 in the fall and 32 in the winter. The spring sports teams will be announced in June.

KU student-athletes have record-breaking semester in classroom

WICHITA – The Tulsa Drillers scored nine unanswered runs and defeated Wichita 9-8 in the series opener.

The Wind Surge stormed out to a great start scoring four first inning runs.&nbsp; Patrick Winkle started the scoring with a two run triple and Alex Isola followed with a two run home run.&nbsp; Wichita added runs in second and the fourth to extend the lead to 6-0.&nbsp;

Blayne Enlow dominated early pitching four innings and allowed a hit and punched out nine hitters.&nbsp; The Drillers offense broke out in the fifth inning and knocked Enlow out after retiring one hitter.&nbsp; Diego Cartaya hit a two run home run to put the Drillers on the board.&nbsp; Enlow picked up strikeout number ten and then the Drillers took advantage of an error.&nbsp; Tulsa added a three run home run from Imanol Vargas.&nbsp;

Tulsa scored a pair of runs in the eighth inning to take the lead with a Brandon Lewis RBI single.&nbsp; Brayden Fisher earned the win and Francis Peguero took the loss.&nbsp;

NOTES: The Drillers lead the 2023 Propeller Series five games to two.&nbsp; Yunior Severino hit his 11th&nbsp;home run of the season tied for second in the league.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge continues the home series against the Tulsa Drillers on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m.&nbsp; RH Carlos Luna will face RH Kyle Hurt.&nbsp;

BROADCAST:&nbsp;&nbsp;Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge continue the series against LA Dodgers affiliate the Tulsa Drillers on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.&nbsp; Fans can enjoy special discounts on food, drinks, etc., from 6-7 p.m. for Happy Hour.&nbsp; The Surge will host the Drillers though Sunday at Riverfront.

Wichita Wind SurgeWICHITA – The Tulsa Drillers scored nine unanswered runs and defeated Wichita 9-8 in the series opener.The Wind Surge stormed out to a great start scoring four first inning runs.&nbsp; Patrick Winkle started the scoring with a two run triple and Alex Isola followed with a two run home run.&nbsp; Wichita added runs in second and the fourth to extend the lead to 6-0.&nbsp;Blayne Enlow dominated early pitching four innings and allowed a hit and punched out nine hitters.&nbsp; The Drillers offense broke out in the fifth inning and knocked Enlow out after retiring one hitter.&nbsp; Diego Cartaya hit a two run home run to put the Drillers on the board.&nbsp; Enlow picked up strikeout number ten and then the Drillers took advantage of an error.&nbsp; Tulsa added a three run home run from Imanol Vargas.&nbsp;Tulsa scored a pair of runs in the eighth inning to take the lead with a Brandon Lewis RBI single.&nbsp; Brayden Fisher earned the win and Francis Peguero took the loss.&nbsp;NOTES: The Drillers lead the 2023 Propeller Series five games to two.&nbsp; Yunior Severino hit his 11th&nbsp;home run of the season tied for second in the league.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge continues the home series against the Tulsa Drillers on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m.&nbsp; RH Carlos Luna will face RH Kyle Hurt.&nbsp;BROADCAST:&nbsp;&nbsp;Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.&nbsp;&nbsp;NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge continue the series against LA Dodgers affiliate the Tulsa Drillers on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.&nbsp; Fans can enjoy special discounts on food, drinks, etc., from 6-7 p.m. for Happy Hour.&nbsp; The Surge will host the Drillers though Sunday at Riverfront.

Drillers down Wind Surge, 9-8

Ten student-athletes from the Fort Hays State men's and women's track and field teams were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for 2023, announced on Wednesday. 

Individuals receiving the honor include&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/98907018-bb0d-4732-9580-db6912cd179b?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Addie Berens</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/94daec2d-b2ed-4c55-b57f-1456cefcc1c3?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/68747878-a1fa-4568-8fdc-a027cf09eb59?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0b6d3588-b2dc-4666-9521-27784b5115a9?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/e968a4b7-4195-4d14-9959-84806f7fb8c0?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;from the women's team and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b33d0543-45b3-4946-b06a-077c73bc49fb?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0245a22d-8516-4659-a7cf-28fb1f4fe59a?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ethan Lang</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b68d7079-e0df-4542-a816-5e5e3b3511b2?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Kolgan Ohl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/8e04c81f-3e28-40c3-8181-1dc210efaa1b?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/d5ef4a66-d935-49f4-8b0b-3bbb9c585bd2?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;from the men's squad. College Sports Communicators (CSC) is the new name for College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), changed prior to the start of the 2022-23 academic year. This award honors a combination of academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/bce26450-1a5a-46a5-8e7b-cbbb381569e1?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Addie Berens</a>&nbsp;earned her third All-American honor this season, placing seventh in the javelin throw at last week's NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships. She is also a three-time All-MIAA honoree. Berens maintains a 3.77 GPA as an elementary education major. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/77c7e2aa-72ae-4752-914a-9c09ab39a574?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;wrapped up a decorated career this season, winning her fifth MIAA Championship with the 200m outdoor title in 2023. The seven-time All-American and 10-time All-MIAA honoree competed at her fifth national championship meet this season. Holman holds seven school records, including five sprints and two relays. She completed a degree in psychology this spring with a GPA of 3.53. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/3a4db104-cd2e-4e7c-80d2-f9ca7f6bd490?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;picked up three All-American honors and four All-MIAA awards during the 2023 indoor and outdoor seasons, giving her nine All-American awards and seven All-MIAA recognitions for her career. She wrapped up her career with seven school records, including five individual marks and two relays. Rossi earned a bachelors degree in agricultural business with a GPA of 3.73 and holds a 3.90 GPA in the MBA program. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/2c3447d1-fd9f-4ce9-9f80-6b5a0a525c99?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;stepped onto the All-MIAA podium for a third time this season, placing second in the 1,500m run at the 2023 outdoor league meet. She is the school-record holder in both the indoor and outdoor 800m run. Salmans completed an undergraduate degree in elementary education with a GPA of 3.99 and holds a 4.00 GPA in graduate school while studying education with an emphasis as a reading specialist. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/5bec16c3-5679-466e-b58e-221b8440ce07?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;concluded her junior season with her first All-American honor, placing eighth in the 400m hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. She is a four-time All-MIAA award winner, including two medals this season. Savolt is a part of two school-record relays. She earned a bachelors degree in marketing with a GPA of 3.90 and currently holds a GPA of 3.80 in the MBA program emphasizing in tourism and hospitality management. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/fb6912c0-3167-4bfc-8c19-b7ca6de6be73?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;lifted his third All-American trophy during the 2023 indoor season, placing seventh in the 400m dash at the indoor national meet. He is a three-time All-American, six-time All-MIAA honoree and two-time MIAA champion. Albright holds five school records, including the indoor 400m dash and four relays, all of which were set this season. He is an information networking and telecommunications major emphasizing in cybersecurity that maintains a 3.79 GPA. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/4c1245b7-0dab-40d8-bafd-1b13cbc15339?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;added five All-MIAA medals to the trophy case this season, including one conference title with the indoor 4x400m relay. For his career, Lang is a two-time All-American, 12-time All-MIAA winner and three-time conference champion. His name appears next to five school records, including the indoor 600y run and four relays. Lang completed a degree in finance emphasizing in financial planning this spring with a GPA of 3.76. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/ce49fdc4-1c5e-4ecc-a1e7-ed64ef66b408?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Kolgan Ohl</a>&nbsp;ranked 20th in the country in the hammer throw this season and placed fourth at the MIAA Championships in the same event. He earned eight team points at the conference championships in his career. Ohl completed a degree in agriculture emphasizing in agronomy this spring with a GPA of 3.88. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/1e893e95-57f3-4208-bd3a-cdf694a91646?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;is a two-time All-MIAA honoree, one-time MIAA champion and one-time All-American. He competed at three different NCAA DII national championships while earning 21.5 points at the conference championships during his career. He ranks first at FHSU during the DII era in the indoor triple jump. Robinson achieved a degree in finance this spring with a GPA of 3.77. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/93bdba11-bc1c-4593-831b-ec48f1a304c3?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;concluded an incredible career with another MIAA championship, two All-MIAA medals and two All-American trophies in 2022-23. A two-time national champion and two-time MIAA champion, Stanley earned eight All-American honors and five All-MIAA awards for his career. He previously earned CoSIDA Academic All-America status in 2021 in addition to earning the MIAA Spring Student-Athlete of the Year Award that same year. He is a finalist for the MIAA's Ken B. Jones Award this season, an honor given to the top student-athlete in the league. Stanley carried an undergraduate GPA of 3.95 as a double major in management and foreign language while currently maintaining a 3.63 GPA in graduate school studying for an MBA with an emphasis in human resource management. As All-District selections, all 10 Tigers will now be considered for Academic All-America honors voted on by Sports Information/Athletic Communication professionals nationwide in NCAA Division II.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU AthleticsTen student-athletes from the Fort Hays State men's and women's track and field teams were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for 2023, announced on Wednesday. Individuals receiving the honor include&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/98907018-bb0d-4732-9580-db6912cd179b?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Addie Berens</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/94daec2d-b2ed-4c55-b57f-1456cefcc1c3?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/68747878-a1fa-4568-8fdc-a027cf09eb59?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0b6d3588-b2dc-4666-9521-27784b5115a9?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/e968a4b7-4195-4d14-9959-84806f7fb8c0?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;from the women's team and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b33d0543-45b3-4946-b06a-077c73bc49fb?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0245a22d-8516-4659-a7cf-28fb1f4fe59a?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ethan Lang</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b68d7079-e0df-4542-a816-5e5e3b3511b2?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Kolgan Ohl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/8e04c81f-3e28-40c3-8181-1dc210efaa1b?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/d5ef4a66-d935-49f4-8b0b-3bbb9c585bd2?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;from the men's squad. College Sports Communicators (CSC) is the new name for College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), changed prior to the start of the 2022-23 academic year. This award honors a combination of academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/bce26450-1a5a-46a5-8e7b-cbbb381569e1?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Addie Berens</a>&nbsp;earned her third All-American honor this season, placing seventh in the javelin throw at last week's NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships. She is also a three-time All-MIAA honoree. Berens maintains a 3.77 GPA as an elementary education major. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/77c7e2aa-72ae-4752-914a-9c09ab39a574?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;wrapped up a decorated career this season, winning her fifth MIAA Championship with the 200m outdoor title in 2023. The seven-time All-American and 10-time All-MIAA honoree competed at her fifth national championship meet this season. Holman holds seven school records, including five sprints and two relays. She completed a degree in psychology this spring with a GPA of 3.53. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/3a4db104-cd2e-4e7c-80d2-f9ca7f6bd490?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;picked up three All-American honors and four All-MIAA awards during the 2023 indoor and outdoor seasons, giving her nine All-American awards and seven All-MIAA recognitions for her career. She wrapped up her career with seven school records, including five individual marks and two relays. Rossi earned a bachelors degree in agricultural business with a GPA of 3.73 and holds a 3.90 GPA in the MBA program. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/2c3447d1-fd9f-4ce9-9f80-6b5a0a525c99?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;stepped onto the All-MIAA podium for a third time this season, placing second in the 1,500m run at the 2023 outdoor league meet. She is the school-record holder in both the indoor and outdoor 800m run. Salmans completed an undergraduate degree in elementary education with a GPA of 3.99 and holds a 4.00 GPA in graduate school while studying education with an emphasis as a reading specialist. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/5bec16c3-5679-466e-b58e-221b8440ce07?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;concluded her junior season with her first All-American honor, placing eighth in the 400m hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. She is a four-time All-MIAA award winner, including two medals this season. Savolt is a part of two school-record relays. She earned a bachelors degree in marketing with a GPA of 3.90 and currently holds a GPA of 3.80 in the MBA program emphasizing in tourism and hospitality management. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/fb6912c0-3167-4bfc-8c19-b7ca6de6be73?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;lifted his third All-American trophy during the 2023 indoor season, placing seventh in the 400m dash at the indoor national meet. He is a three-time All-American, six-time All-MIAA honoree and two-time MIAA champion. Albright holds five school records, including the indoor 400m dash and four relays, all of which were set this season. He is an information networking and telecommunications major emphasizing in cybersecurity that maintains a 3.79 GPA. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/4c1245b7-0dab-40d8-bafd-1b13cbc15339?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;added five All-MIAA medals to the trophy case this season, including one conference title with the indoor 4x400m relay. For his career, Lang is a two-time All-American, 12-time All-MIAA winner and three-time conference champion. His name appears next to five school records, including the indoor 600y run and four relays. Lang completed a degree in finance emphasizing in financial planning this spring with a GPA of 3.76. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/ce49fdc4-1c5e-4ecc-a1e7-ed64ef66b408?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Kolgan Ohl</a>&nbsp;ranked 20th in the country in the hammer throw this season and placed fourth at the MIAA Championships in the same event. He earned eight team points at the conference championships in his career. Ohl completed a degree in agriculture emphasizing in agronomy this spring with a GPA of 3.88. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/1e893e95-57f3-4208-bd3a-cdf694a91646?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;is a two-time All-MIAA honoree, one-time MIAA champion and one-time All-American. He competed at three different NCAA DII national championships while earning 21.5 points at the conference championships during his career. He ranks first at FHSU during the DII era in the indoor triple jump. Robinson achieved a degree in finance this spring with a GPA of 3.77. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/93bdba11-bc1c-4593-831b-ec48f1a304c3?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;concluded an incredible career with another MIAA championship, two All-MIAA medals and two All-American trophies in 2022-23. A two-time national champion and two-time MIAA champion, Stanley earned eight All-American honors and five All-MIAA awards for his career. He previously earned CoSIDA Academic All-America status in 2021 in addition to earning the MIAA Spring Student-Athlete of the Year Award that same year. He is a finalist for the MIAA's Ken B. Jones Award this season, an honor given to the top student-athlete in the league. Stanley carried an undergraduate GPA of 3.95 as a double major in management and foreign language while currently maintaining a 3.63 GPA in graduate school studying for an MBA with an emphasis in human resource management. As All-District selections, all 10 Tigers will now be considered for Academic All-America honors voted on by Sports Information/Athletic Communication professionals nationwide in NCAA Division II.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tiger track and field earns 10 CSC Academic All-District honors

By WARREN MAYES Associated Press

ST. LOUIS — Miles Mikolas pitched eight shutout innings, Nolan Arenado hit an RBI double and Nolan Gorman drove in a run with a sacrifice fly as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Tuesday night to split the two-game set between the I-70 rivals.

Mikolas (4-1) matched a career high with 10 strikeouts and allowed three hits. The strikeout total matched the 34-year-old right-hander's effort against Milwaukee in 2019.

The Cardinals needed a defensive gem in the fourth inning to keep the game scoreless. With two outs and MJ Melendez on second, Michael Massey singled to right. Brendan Donovan threw a strike to the plate and Willson Contreras applied the tag to Melendez.

Gionvanny Gallegos replaced Mikolas in the ninth and gave up a double and single to start the inning. Vinnie Pasquantino scored on a fielder's choice by Bobby Witt Jr., cutting the deficit to a run. Gallegos went on to retire the next two hitters and record his seventh save.

The Cardinals got a run in the sixth with two outs against Carlos Hernández (0-2). Paul Goldschmidt reached first on an infield single. Arenado hit a run-scoring double to left-center. Arenado has a team-high 18 RBIs in interleague play this season.

St. Louis extended its lead to 2-0 in the eighth Gorman's sac fly off Aroldis Chapman, scoring Tommy Edman.

Zack Greinke started for the Royals but didn't figure in the decision. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing two hits and a walk with six strikeouts. He ranks first in starts (526) and innings pitched (3,309 1/3), second in wins (224) and third in strikeouts (2,929) among active pitchers.

After off days Wednesday and Thursday, the Cardinals return Friday, continuing a stretch of 13 of 15 games on the road between May 22-June 7.

Tommy Edman made his first career start and third overall appearance in center field in the regular season, previously appearing as a defensive replacement on July 12, 2019 verus Arizona (one inning) and May 21, 2022 at Pittsburgh (five innings). The 28-year-old Edman also appeared in center in Game 4 of the NLCS at Washington (one inning). This season, the former Gold Glove second baseman has appeared at shortstop (27 games), second base (21 games), and right field (seven games).

With a win, the Cardinals (15-13) achieved a winning month of May for the 16th time since 2000.

Royals: OF Kyle Isbel (left hamstring strain) still undergoing a rehab process after getting hurt running out a bunt earlier this month against Baltimore. He is doing more baseball activity, but a rehab assignment is not in the immediate future.

Cardinals: OF Lars Nootbar (back spasms) is getting treatment and listed as day to day. He left Monday's game in third inning under his own power while walking with trainers. … RHP Jake Woodford (right shoulder inflammation) began an injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday night, starting for the Redbirds at the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Royals' affiliate. Woodford has missed the last 24 games.

Royals: The club has off Wednesday and Thursday before before hosting Colorado on Friday. No starter for either club has been named.

Cardinals: The team has Wednesday and Thursday off before playing Friday at Pittsburgh. No starter has been determined.

By WARREN MAYES Associated PressST. LOUIS — Miles Mikolas pitched eight shutout innings, Nolan Arenado hit an RBI double and Nolan Gorman drove in a run with a sacrifice fly as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Tuesday night to split the two-game set between the I-70 rivals.Mikolas (4-1) matched a career high with 10 strikeouts and allowed three hits. The strikeout total matched the 34-year-old right-hander's effort against Milwaukee in 2019.The Cardinals needed a defensive gem in the fourth inning to keep the game scoreless. With two outs and MJ Melendez on second, Michael Massey singled to right. Brendan Donovan threw a strike to the plate and Willson Contreras applied the tag to Melendez.Gionvanny Gallegos replaced Mikolas in the ninth and gave up a double and single to start the inning. Vinnie Pasquantino scored on a fielder's choice by Bobby Witt Jr., cutting the deficit to a run. Gallegos went on to retire the next two hitters and record his seventh save.The Cardinals got a run in the sixth with two outs against Carlos Hernández (0-2). Paul Goldschmidt reached first on an infield single. Arenado hit a run-scoring double to left-center. Arenado has a team-high 18 RBIs in interleague play this season.St. Louis extended its lead to 2-0 in the eighth Gorman's sac fly off Aroldis Chapman, scoring Tommy Edman.Zack Greinke started for the Royals but didn't figure in the decision. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing two hits and a walk with six strikeouts. He ranks first in starts (526) and innings pitched (3,309 1/3), second in wins (224) and third in strikeouts (2,929) among active pitchers.ROAD TRIPPING REDBIRDSAfter off days Wednesday and Thursday, the Cardinals return Friday, continuing a stretch of 13 of 15 games on the road between May 22-June 7.TOMMY BOYTommy Edman made his first career start and third overall appearance in center field in the regular season, previously appearing as a defensive replacement on July 12, 2019 verus Arizona (one inning) and May 21, 2022 at Pittsburgh (five innings). The 28-year-old Edman also appeared in center in Game 4 of the NLCS at Washington (one inning). This season, the former Gold Glove second baseman has appeared at shortstop (27 games), second base (21 games), and right field (seven games).MAY DAYWith a win, the Cardinals (15-13) achieved a winning month of May for the 16th time since 2000.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: OF Kyle Isbel (left hamstring strain) still undergoing a rehab process after getting hurt running out a bunt earlier this month against Baltimore. He is doing more baseball activity, but a rehab assignment is not in the immediate future.Cardinals: OF Lars Nootbar (back spasms) is getting treatment and listed as day to day. He left Monday's game in third inning under his own power while walking with trainers. … RHP Jake Woodford (right shoulder inflammation) began an injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday night, starting for the Redbirds at the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Royals' affiliate. Woodford has missed the last 24 games.UP NEXTRoyals: The club has off Wednesday and Thursday before before hosting Colorado on Friday. No starter for either club has been named.Cardinals: The team has Wednesday and Thursday off before playing Friday at Pittsburgh. No starter has been determined.

Mikolas works 8 shutout innings, leads Cardinals to win over Royals

MARION, Ind. – Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14367">Cole Parker</a>&nbsp;finished in 13th place in the shot put on the final day at the 2023 NAIA Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championships last week.

Parker posted a best mark of 15.81m on his second toss of the day after opening with a 14.96m, and finished with a mark of 15.74m.

Parker edged out Caleb Rutherford of Mount Mercy who had a mark of 15.71m, and just missed 12th place by a centimeter as Luke King of Southern Oregon had a mark of 15.82m.

Midland's Dylan Kucera repeated as NAIA champion in the event, uncorking a 19.41m mark in his final attempt of the day to win the title by nearly two meters over Tanner Nett of Eastern Oregon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685480328526.jpeg" alt="Cole Parker. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Cole Parker. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KWU Sports InformationMARION, Ind. – Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14367">Cole Parker</a>&nbsp;finished in 13th place in the shot put on the final day at the 2023 NAIA Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championships last week.Parker posted a best mark of 15.81m on his second toss of the day after opening with a 14.96m, and finished with a mark of 15.74m.Parker edged out Caleb Rutherford of Mount Mercy who had a mark of 15.71m, and just missed 12th place by a centimeter as Luke King of Southern Oregon had a mark of 15.82m.Midland's Dylan Kucera repeated as NAIA champion in the event, uncorking a 19.41m mark in his final attempt of the day to win the title by nearly two meters over Tanner Nett of Eastern Oregon.

KWU's Parker finishes 13th at NAIA National Championships

ST. LOUIS — Josh Staumont and Mike Mayers came within six outs of the first combined perfect game in major league history before Nolan Arenado lined a leadoff single in the eighth inning of the Kansas City Royals' 7-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.

Staumont, a 29-year-old right-hander, served as the opener in a planned bullpen game for the Royals. He made his first major league start in his 167th appearance and struck out two in a 1-2-3 inning, throwing 14 pitches.

Mayers, a 31-year-old left-hander who pitched for the Cardinals from 2016-19, made his third appearance for the Royals this season after eight starts at Triple-A Omaha. He retired 18 consecutive batters before Arenado lined a 1-0 slider to left on his 72nd pitch. Willson Contreras followed with a single to center that stopped an 0 for 27 slide.

Taylor Clarke relieved and retired Brendan Donovan, Paul DeJong and Alex Burleson in order. Amir Garrett pitched a perfect ninth to finish a two-hitter and Kansas City's second shutout this year.

St. Louis was shut out for the sixth time and has scored 13 runs in its last six games.

There have been 23 perfect games, the last by Seattle's Félix Hernández against Tampa Bay on Aug. 15, 2012. All perfect games have been complete games.

Kansas City had not shut out the Cardinals since May 22, 2015, and had not blanked them in St. Louis since June 2, 2014.

In the opener of a two-game series, the Royals tied their season high with 16 hits and stranded 14 runners, one shy of their high.

Nicky Lopez matched his career high with four hits, and Nick Pratto and Vinnie Pasquantino had three each. Mike Massey hit a two-run homer and Bobby Witt Jr. added a solo homer.

Adam Wainwright (2-1) allowed three runs and nine hits in five innings for the Cardinals, playing their 18th game in a stretch of 19 days in a row. The Cardinals and the Royals have back-to-back days off Wednesday and Thursday.

Pasquantino hit an RBI double in the third. MJ Melendez hit a run-scoring triple in the fifth and scored on Freddy Fermin's bunt down the first-base line for a 3-0 lead.

Pasquantino had an RBI single off Steven Matz in the eighth, and Witt and Massey homered in the ninth against Drew VerHagen.

CF Lars Nootbar left after Pratto doubled leading off the third inning, appearing to pull up near the wall. Nootbar has slammed into the wall catching a Massey drive in the second. The Cardinals said Nootbar had back spasms.

Royals: RHP Brad Keller (right shoulder impingement syndrome) is progressing well after throwing a recent bullpen.

Cardinals: OF Dylan Carlson (left ankle sprain) has been taking swings from the right side. On Monday, he took swings left-handed. Once he is comfortable, he will have short rehab stint in the minors.

RHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.55) starts Tuesday for the Royals and RHP Miles Mikolas (3-1, 4.23) for the Cardinals. Grienke is 13-7 with a 3.48 ERA against St. Louis. Mikolas pitched a four-hit shutout in his only game against the Royals on May 21, 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685397386878.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the ninth inning of the game against the Cardinals Monday in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the ninth inning of the game against the Cardinals Monday in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By WARREN MAYES Associated PressST. LOUIS — Josh Staumont and Mike Mayers came within six outs of the first combined perfect game in major league history before Nolan Arenado lined a leadoff single in the eighth inning of the Kansas City Royals' 7-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.Staumont, a 29-year-old right-hander, served as the opener in a planned bullpen game for the Royals. He made his first major league start in his 167th appearance and struck out two in a 1-2-3 inning, throwing 14 pitches.Mayers, a 31-year-old left-hander who pitched for the Cardinals from 2016-19, made his third appearance for the Royals this season after eight starts at Triple-A Omaha. He retired 18 consecutive batters before Arenado lined a 1-0 slider to left on his 72nd pitch. Willson Contreras followed with a single to center that stopped an 0 for 27 slide.Taylor Clarke relieved and retired Brendan Donovan, Paul DeJong and Alex Burleson in order. Amir Garrett pitched a perfect ninth to finish a two-hitter and Kansas City's second shutout this year.St. Louis was shut out for the sixth time and has scored 13 runs in its last six games.There have been 23 perfect games, the last by Seattle's Félix Hernández against Tampa Bay on Aug. 15, 2012. All perfect games have been complete games.Kansas City had not shut out the Cardinals since May 22, 2015, and had not blanked them in St. Louis since June 2, 2014.In the opener of a two-game series, the Royals tied their season high with 16 hits and stranded 14 runners, one shy of their high.Nicky Lopez matched his career high with four hits, and Nick Pratto and Vinnie Pasquantino had three each. Mike Massey hit a two-run homer and Bobby Witt Jr. added a solo homer.Adam Wainwright (2-1) allowed three runs and nine hits in five innings for the Cardinals, playing their 18th game in a stretch of 19 days in a row. The Cardinals and the Royals have back-to-back days off Wednesday and Thursday.Pasquantino hit an RBI double in the third. MJ Melendez hit a run-scoring triple in the fifth and scored on Freddy Fermin's bunt down the first-base line for a 3-0 lead.Pasquantino had an RBI single off Steven Matz in the eighth, and Witt and Massey homered in the ninth against Drew VerHagen.NOOTBAR HURTCF Lars Nootbar left after Pratto doubled leading off the third inning, appearing to pull up near the wall. Nootbar has slammed into the wall catching a Massey drive in the second. The Cardinals said Nootbar had back spasms.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP Brad Keller (right shoulder impingement syndrome) is progressing well after throwing a recent bullpen.Cardinals: OF Dylan Carlson (left ankle sprain) has been taking swings from the right side. On Monday, he took swings left-handed. Once he is comfortable, he will have short rehab stint in the minors.UP NEXTRHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.55) starts Tuesday for the Royals and RHP Miles Mikolas (3-1, 4.23) for the Cardinals. Grienke is 13-7 with a 3.48 ERA against St. Louis. Mikolas pitched a four-hit shutout in his only game against the Royals on May 21, 2018.

Royals' Staumont, Mayers within 6 outs of perfect game in win over Cards

Following are the sports programs and events scheduled for KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) this week.

Saturday MRN&nbsp; Nascar Live&nbsp; 8am.

Sunday PRN The Pit Reporters:&nbsp; 9 a.m.

MRN Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison, Ill.:&nbsp; 1:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By SALINA POSTFollowing are the sports programs and events scheduled for KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) this week.Saturday MRN&nbsp; Nascar Live&nbsp; 8am. Sunday PRN The Pit Reporters:&nbsp; 9 a.m. MRN Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison, Ill.:&nbsp; 1:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sports on KINA this week

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Springfield Cardinals hit three home runs and defeated the Wichita Wind Surge 10-5 in the series finale.&nbsp; The Cardinals win the series taking four of six games and leap ahead of Wichita into third place in the division.

The Cardinals scored five runs in the second inning which included a three run home run from Mike Antico.&nbsp; The Cards added a run in the third and three in the fourth inning.&nbsp;

DaShawn Keirsey, Jr led the Wind Surge with a pair of hits and two RBI.&nbsp; Anthony Prato and Alex Isola also added two hits.&nbsp;

Kenny Hernandez pitched six innings for the Cardinals to earn the win. Chad Donato exited in the third and inning and dropped his season record to 1-4.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Surge dropped to 20-24 and Springfield improved to 21-24.&nbsp;

NOTES: The Surge dropped to 1-6 in series finales. The Wind Surge drop to 12-14 on the road and lose their fourth series of the season.

UPCOMING – The Wichita Wind Surge return home for a six game series against Tulsa.&nbsp; The Wind Surge and Drillers meet in the Propeller Series and Tuesday will feature RH Blayne Enlow (2-1, 3.02) vs. Tulsa&nbsp;RH Landon Knack (1-0, 1.32).

NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home for a six game homestand on Tuesday vs. Tulsa Drillers.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will offer $1 hot dogs and Dillons Two for Tuesday, buy one ticket and get a free ticket with your Dillons Shoppers Card or App.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will host the Drillers all next week, Tuesday-Sunday at Riverfront.

Wichita Wind SurgeSPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Springfield Cardinals hit three home runs and defeated the Wichita Wind Surge 10-5 in the series finale.&nbsp; The Cardinals win the series taking four of six games and leap ahead of Wichita into third place in the division.The Cardinals scored five runs in the second inning which included a three run home run from Mike Antico.&nbsp; The Cards added a run in the third and three in the fourth inning.&nbsp;DaShawn Keirsey, Jr led the Wind Surge with a pair of hits and two RBI.&nbsp; Anthony Prato and Alex Isola also added two hits.&nbsp;Kenny Hernandez pitched six innings for the Cardinals to earn the win. Chad Donato exited in the third and inning and dropped his season record to 1-4.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Surge dropped to 20-24 and Springfield improved to 21-24.&nbsp;NOTES: The Surge dropped to 1-6 in series finales. The Wind Surge drop to 12-14 on the road and lose their fourth series of the season.UPCOMING – The Wichita Wind Surge return home for a six game series against Tulsa.&nbsp; The Wind Surge and Drillers meet in the Propeller Series and Tuesday will feature RH Blayne Enlow (2-1, 3.02) vs. Tulsa&nbsp;RH Landon Knack (1-0, 1.32).BROADCAST:&nbsp;&nbsp;Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.&nbsp;&nbsp;NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home for a six game homestand on Tuesday vs. Tulsa Drillers.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will offer $1 hot dogs and Dillons Two for Tuesday, buy one ticket and get a free ticket with your Dillons Shoppers Card or App.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will host the Drillers all next week, Tuesday-Sunday at Riverfront.

Surge drops series finale, returns home

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis 500 is the one race Josef Newgarden desperately wanted to win.

It's basically the only race that matters to his boss.

Coming up empty for 11 consecutive years had become personal for the two-time IndyCar champion.

Newgarden finally broke through Sunday, though, winning the Indy 500 to extend team owner Roger Penske's record to 19 victories — and the first since he bought Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Newgarden did it with an audacious pass of defending race winner Marcus Ericsson during a frantic, controversial 2.5-mile sprint to the finish.

"We've had a tough go here the last three, four years, and we've had a lot of questions to answer every day, after every qualifying weekend. We've had to come out and put on a brave face," Newgarden said. "It's just not an easy place to succeed at. I don't necessarily subscribe to the fact that if you don't win the 500, your career is a failure.

"But I think a lot of people view this race and this championship with that lens," Newgarden continued. "The 500 stands alone and if you are not able to capture one, the career really is a failure."

After the race was red-flagged for the third time in the final 16 laps, Newgarden was moved from fourth to second by race control following a review of the running order at the time the yellow flag waved.

He took advantage of his improved position to slingshot around Ericsson on the restart and hold him off from there.

Newgarden brought his Chevrolet-powered car to a stop on the front stretch, jumped out and found a hole in the fence, diving into part of a crowd estimated at more than 300,000 to celebrate. Then, Newgarden climbed the fence to mimic longtime Team Penske driver and four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves.

The 32-year-old from Nashville is the first American to win the Indy 500 since Alexander Rossi in 2016. He led five of the 200 laps and beat Ericsson in the fourth-closest finish in 107 years with a margin of victory of .0974 seconds.

"I'm just so thankful to be here. I started out as a fan in the crowd, and this place is amazing, regardless of where you're sitting," Newgarden said after pouring a bottle of whole milk over his head. "Everyone kept asking why I hadn't won this race, and they look at you like you're a failure if you haven't won it. I knew I was capable. I knew I could."

Ericsson finished second in a Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing, and he immediately criticized IndyCar's decision to hold a one-lap shootout to the checkered flag. The Swede believed the race should have ended under caution, with him the winner, rather than having the green flag fly on the first lap out of the pits.

"I think it wasn't enough laps to go to do what we did. I don't think it's safe to go out of the pits on cold tires for a restart when half the field is sort of still trying to get out on track when we go green," Ericsson said. "I can't agree with that."

Newgarden and Ericsson were followed by Santino Ferrucci, who gave 88-year-old A.J. Foyt his team's best finish in the iconic race that Super Tex won four times since Kenny Bräck reached victory lane in 1999.

Alex Palou, the pole sitter and race favorite for Chip Ganassi Racing, finished fourth after recovering from a crash on pit road, and Rossi was fifth on what was an otherwise disappointing day for Arrow McLaren.

What was on pace to be the fastest Indy 500 in history ended with three red flags in the final 16 laps.

The first came for a crash involving Felix Rosenqvist and Kyle Kirkwood, who were near the front of the lead pack. Kirkwood went upside down into the catch fence, beginning a terrifying, spark-filled ride through the short chute.

One of Kirkwood's wheels sailed over the fencing and narrowly cleared the packed grandstand. Nobody was injured. His tire smashed the hood of a Chevrolet in a parking lot next to the grandstand.

"All I know is I was up in the fence, which is never a good thing in IndyCar. Thank God these cars are so safe," Kirkwood said. "I saw sparks flying everywhere. That's the scary part. You're upside-down and you're kind of stuck at that point."

On the restart, Pato O'Ward — who already had a restart called off for setting too slow of a pace — was shuffled from first to third as Newgarden shot to the lead. O'Ward and Ericsson were then side by side entering Turn 3 and touched wheels, and O'Ward slid into the wall and out of the race in another disappointment for Arrow McLaren.

Agustin Canapino did a 360-spin behind him, snapping a break line. He was unable to stop and collided with O'Ward's car.

"I was a little too nice there," O'Ward said. "I just feel so bummed for the team. ... I got onto the apron to give (Ericsson) room. I got squeezed. Yeah, I won't forget that."

Suddenly, the race had its second red flag with six laps to go.

Last year's race was red-flagged with five to go, when Ericsson was leading O'Ward to the finish. Ericsson held him off the rest of the way, and many criticized O'Ward for not making a more aggressive move for the win.

Newgarden didn't make the same mistake with Ericsson out in front of him.

As Newgarden crossed the yard of bricks, Penske and his entire executive committee jumped up and down in celebration on an elevated platform near the start-finish line. And for a moment, the 86-year-old team owner looked like a child filled with joy.

"The last two laps, I forgot about being the track owner and said 'Let's go for it,'" said Penske, who joined Newgarden in an open-top Chevy Camaro for a victory lap around the speedway. It was the first Indy win for a Team Penske driver since 2019, the year before Roger Penske bought the track.

"We always want to win this place, but 2019 was the last time that we had won and somebody else owned the place before," Penske president Tim Cindric said. "I apologize it's taken four years."

Roger Penske's parking spot inside the speedway has been marked simply 18 for the last four years. Newgarden was still doing postrace media obligations and the spot had already been changed to 19.

"I think back about coming here in 1951 with my dad to see the first race of my own with him, and of course never realized that many, many years would pass and I would be here today, our family as the steward of the track, and also to have 19 wins," Penske said.

AP Sports Writer Dave Skretta contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685316632158.jpeg" alt="Josef Newgarden celebrates after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis Sunday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)" />
 <figcaption>Josef Newgarden celebrates after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis Sunday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing WriterINDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis 500 is the one race Josef Newgarden desperately wanted to win.It's basically the only race that matters to his boss.Coming up empty for 11 consecutive years had become personal for the two-time IndyCar champion.Newgarden finally broke through Sunday, though, winning the Indy 500 to extend team owner Roger Penske's record to 19 victories — and the first since he bought Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Newgarden did it with an audacious pass of defending race winner Marcus Ericsson during a frantic, controversial 2.5-mile sprint to the finish."We've had a tough go here the last three, four years, and we've had a lot of questions to answer every day, after every qualifying weekend. We've had to come out and put on a brave face," Newgarden said. "It's just not an easy place to succeed at. I don't necessarily subscribe to the fact that if you don't win the 500, your career is a failure."But I think a lot of people view this race and this championship with that lens," Newgarden continued. "The 500 stands alone and if you are not able to capture one, the career really is a failure."After the race was red-flagged for the third time in the final 16 laps, Newgarden was moved from fourth to second by race control following a review of the running order at the time the yellow flag waved.He took advantage of his improved position to slingshot around Ericsson on the restart and hold him off from there.Newgarden brought his Chevrolet-powered car to a stop on the front stretch, jumped out and found a hole in the fence, diving into part of a crowd estimated at more than 300,000 to celebrate. Then, Newgarden climbed the fence to mimic longtime Team Penske driver and four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves.The 32-year-old from Nashville is the first American to win the Indy 500 since Alexander Rossi in 2016. He led five of the 200 laps and beat Ericsson in the fourth-closest finish in 107 years with a margin of victory of .0974 seconds."I'm just so thankful to be here. I started out as a fan in the crowd, and this place is amazing, regardless of where you're sitting," Newgarden said after pouring a bottle of whole milk over his head. "Everyone kept asking why I hadn't won this race, and they look at you like you're a failure if you haven't won it. I knew I was capable. I knew I could."Ericsson finished second in a Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing, and he immediately criticized IndyCar's decision to hold a one-lap shootout to the checkered flag. The Swede believed the race should have ended under caution, with him the winner, rather than having the green flag fly on the first lap out of the pits."I think it wasn't enough laps to go to do what we did. I don't think it's safe to go out of the pits on cold tires for a restart when half the field is sort of still trying to get out on track when we go green," Ericsson said. "I can't agree with that."Newgarden and Ericsson were followed by Santino Ferrucci, who gave 88-year-old A.J. Foyt his team's best finish in the iconic race that Super Tex won four times since Kenny Bräck reached victory lane in 1999.Alex Palou, the pole sitter and race favorite for Chip Ganassi Racing, finished fourth after recovering from a crash on pit road, and Rossi was fifth on what was an otherwise disappointing day for Arrow McLaren.What was on pace to be the fastest Indy 500 in history ended with three red flags in the final 16 laps.The first came for a crash involving Felix Rosenqvist and Kyle Kirkwood, who were near the front of the lead pack. Kirkwood went upside down into the catch fence, beginning a terrifying, spark-filled ride through the short chute.One of Kirkwood's wheels sailed over the fencing and narrowly cleared the packed grandstand. Nobody was injured. His tire smashed the hood of a Chevrolet in a parking lot next to the grandstand."All I know is I was up in the fence, which is never a good thing in IndyCar. Thank God these cars are so safe," Kirkwood said. "I saw sparks flying everywhere. That's the scary part. You're upside-down and you're kind of stuck at that point."On the restart, Pato O'Ward — who already had a restart called off for setting too slow of a pace — was shuffled from first to third as Newgarden shot to the lead. O'Ward and Ericsson were then side by side entering Turn 3 and touched wheels, and O'Ward slid into the wall and out of the race in another disappointment for Arrow McLaren.Agustin Canapino did a 360-spin behind him, snapping a break line. He was unable to stop and collided with O'Ward's car."I was a little too nice there," O'Ward said. "I just feel so bummed for the team. ... I got onto the apron to give (Ericsson) room. I got squeezed. Yeah, I won't forget that."Suddenly, the race had its second red flag with six laps to go.Last year's race was red-flagged with five to go, when Ericsson was leading O'Ward to the finish. Ericsson held him off the rest of the way, and many criticized O'Ward for not making a more aggressive move for the win.Newgarden didn't make the same mistake with Ericsson out in front of him.As Newgarden crossed the yard of bricks, Penske and his entire executive committee jumped up and down in celebration on an elevated platform near the start-finish line. And for a moment, the 86-year-old team owner looked like a child filled with joy."The last two laps, I forgot about being the track owner and said 'Let's go for it,'" said Penske, who joined Newgarden in an open-top Chevy Camaro for a victory lap around the speedway. It was the first Indy win for a Team Penske driver since 2019, the year before Roger Penske bought the track."We always want to win this place, but 2019 was the last time that we had won and somebody else owned the place before," Penske president Tim Cindric said. "I apologize it's taken four years."Roger Penske's parking spot inside the speedway has been marked simply 18 for the last four years. Newgarden was still doing postrace media obligations and the spot had already been changed to 19."I think back about coming here in 1951 with my dad to see the first race of my own with him, and of course never realized that many, many years would pass and I would be here today, our family as the steward of the track, and also to have 19 wins," Penske said.AP Sports Writer Dave Skretta contributed to this report.

Newgarden wins 1st Indianapolis 500, extends Roger Penske's record

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Dániel Sallói scored the go-ahead goal and Sporting Kansas City used an own-goal by Portland's Larrys Mabiala to provide some cushion in a 4-1 victory over the Timbers on Sunday.

Portland jumped on top early on Franck Boli's third goal of the season — unassisted in the 8th minute.

Erik Thommy scored the equalizer for Sporting KC (3-8-4) when he took a pass from Marinos Tzionis in the 33rd minute and notched his second goal this season.

Things fell apart for the Timbers (4-7-4) over a two-minute span of the second half.

First, Sallói scored for a third time this season, using an assist from Graham Zusi to find the net in the 66th minute. Then came Mabiala's own-goal two minutes later and Portland never recovered.

Roger Espinoza picked up an assist in the third minute of stoppage time on Felipe Hernández's first netter of the season.

Kendall McIntosh finished with two saves in his third start for Sporting KC. Aljaz Ivacic saved four shots for the Timbers.

The Timbers beat Sporting KC 1-0 in the season opener. Portland has never beaten SKC twice in the same season.

Sporting KC will host FC Dallas on Wednesday. Portland travels to play the Seattle Sounders on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685316179980.jpeg" alt="Sporting Kansas City midfielder Marinos Tzionis (77) and Portland Timbers defender Claudio Bravo (5) battle for the ball during the first half of the match Sunday in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Sporting Kansas City midfielder Marinos Tzionis (77) and Portland Timbers defender Claudio Bravo (5) battle for the ball during the first half of the match Sunday in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Dániel Sallói scored the go-ahead goal and Sporting Kansas City used an own-goal by Portland's Larrys Mabiala to provide some cushion in a 4-1 victory over the Timbers on Sunday.Portland jumped on top early on Franck Boli's third goal of the season — unassisted in the 8th minute.Erik Thommy scored the equalizer for Sporting KC (3-8-4) when he took a pass from Marinos Tzionis in the 33rd minute and notched his second goal this season.Things fell apart for the Timbers (4-7-4) over a two-minute span of the second half.First, Sallói scored for a third time this season, using an assist from Graham Zusi to find the net in the 66th minute. Then came Mabiala's own-goal two minutes later and Portland never recovered.Roger Espinoza picked up an assist in the third minute of stoppage time on Felipe Hernández's first netter of the season.Kendall McIntosh finished with two saves in his third start for Sporting KC. Aljaz Ivacic saved four shots for the Timbers.The Timbers beat Sporting KC 1-0 in the season opener. Portland has never beaten SKC twice in the same season.Sporting KC will host FC Dallas on Wednesday. Portland travels to play the Seattle Sounders on Saturday.

Sallói sparks Sporting KC to 4-1 victory over Timbers

By AVERY OSEN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Michael Massey's single with two outs in the ninth scored MJ Melendez to cap a late rally that lifted the Kansas City Royals to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on Sunday.

The Royals hit homers in the seventh and eighth innings to tie the game, then pulled it out in the ninth to avoid a sweep.

Melendez reached with one out on an error by first baseman Dominic Smith and scored when Massey lined a single into right off Chad Kuhl (0-3) that fell in front of Lane Thomas.

"I was trying to be selectively aggressive," Massey said. "I was just making sure I was staying in the spot I was looking and didn't help the pitcher out. I thought the outfielder was going to get it, but then luckily it had some top spin and dove on him. Luckily it fell in there for us."

Washington's Mackenzie Gore struck out a career-high 11 over seven innings and allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk. He gave up a double to the leadoff batter, then didn't allow another hit until the sixth inning.

"It was good," Gore said. "We did a lot of good things today and look, we just won the series. It's a tough loss, but we just have to keep taking it one day at a time. We put some guys away today and the last few outings I haven't done that so that was a lot of fun."

But Melendez homered off him in the seventh before Edward Olivares hit a 452-foot shot off Kuhl in the eighth to tie it.

The Nationals got on the board first with an RBI double by Ildemaro Vargas that bounced off the top of the left field wall to score Smith in the fourth inning. Vargas scored on the next at-bat when Michael Chavis hit a bloop single to center field to give Washington a 2-0 lead.

"We didn't have our late-inning guys available," Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. "That last play there is a do-or-die play and you can't let that ball bounce in front of you like that. You've got to try up and catch that and if it gets by you, it gets by you and the game is over anyway."

In his season debut, Daniel Lynch went 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits with three walks and six strikeouts.

"That was the first real game that I have seen him pitch. I thought he had good intent," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "He attacked hitters, his breaking ball looked good and he threw some good changeups. More so than anything he felt really good. He was throwing the ball really well."

Scott Barlow (2-3) pitched a scoreless ninth inning and got the win.

The Royals reinstated LHP Daniel Lynch and placed LHP Josh Taylor (left shoulder impingement syndrome) on the 15-day Injured List.

The Nationals send RHP Trevor Williams to the mound on the road against the Dodgers on Monday. The Royals travel to St. Louis, but haven't announced a starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685311769742.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey (19) is mobbed by teammates and has a cooler of water dumped on him after hitting a walkoff single in the ninth inning to defeat the Washington Nationals Sunday in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey (19) is mobbed by teammates and has a cooler of water dumped on him after hitting a walkoff single in the ninth inning to defeat the Washington Nationals Sunday in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AVERY OSEN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Michael Massey's single with two outs in the ninth scored MJ Melendez to cap a late rally that lifted the Kansas City Royals to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on Sunday.The Royals hit homers in the seventh and eighth innings to tie the game, then pulled it out in the ninth to avoid a sweep.Melendez reached with one out on an error by first baseman Dominic Smith and scored when Massey lined a single into right off Chad Kuhl (0-3) that fell in front of Lane Thomas."I was trying to be selectively aggressive," Massey said. "I was just making sure I was staying in the spot I was looking and didn't help the pitcher out. I thought the outfielder was going to get it, but then luckily it had some top spin and dove on him. Luckily it fell in there for us."Washington's Mackenzie Gore struck out a career-high 11 over seven innings and allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk. He gave up a double to the leadoff batter, then didn't allow another hit until the sixth inning."It was good," Gore said. "We did a lot of good things today and look, we just won the series. It's a tough loss, but we just have to keep taking it one day at a time. We put some guys away today and the last few outings I haven't done that so that was a lot of fun."But Melendez homered off him in the seventh before Edward Olivares hit a 452-foot shot off Kuhl in the eighth to tie it.The Nationals got on the board first with an RBI double by Ildemaro Vargas that bounced off the top of the left field wall to score Smith in the fourth inning. Vargas scored on the next at-bat when Michael Chavis hit a bloop single to center field to give Washington a 2-0 lead."We didn't have our late-inning guys available," Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. "That last play there is a do-or-die play and you can't let that ball bounce in front of you like that. You've got to try up and catch that and if it gets by you, it gets by you and the game is over anyway."In his season debut, Daniel Lynch went 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits with three walks and six strikeouts."That was the first real game that I have seen him pitch. I thought he had good intent," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "He attacked hitters, his breaking ball looked good and he threw some good changeups. More so than anything he felt really good. He was throwing the ball really well."Scott Barlow (2-3) pitched a scoreless ninth inning and got the win.ROSTER MOVESThe Royals reinstated LHP Daniel Lynch and placed LHP Josh Taylor (left shoulder impingement syndrome) on the 15-day Injured List.UP NEXTThe Nationals send RHP Trevor Williams to the mound on the road against the Dodgers on Monday. The Royals travel to St. Louis, but haven't announced a starter.

Massey's walk-off single caps Royals' rally for 3-2 win over Nationals

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

The Salina Liberty closed out the regular season with a bang on Saturday, defeating the Gillette Mustangs 43-41 at the Camplex to secure the 2-seed in this year’s CIF playoffs.

After beginning the campaign 4-2, the Liberty rattled off four consecutive wins to close out the regular season, all against members of this year’s playoff field.

Salina’s regular season comes to a close at 8-2 and is good enough to earn the Liberty a first-round bye and a home game in this year’s CIF semifinals.

The other first-round bye and 1-seed went to the Omaha Beef, who will be the only undefeated team in this year’s playoffs at 10-0.

The CIF playoffs will get underway on Saturday, June 3rd when the 3-seeded Gillette Mustangs play host to the 6-seeded Southwest Kansas Storm.

That Monday will see the other quarterfinal played in Billings as the 4-seeded Outlaws welcome in the 5-seed in Sioux City.

For continuing coverage of Salina Liberty football all postseason long stay tuned to the Salina, JC, and Little Apple Posts.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617409785202.png" alt="Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Liberty closed out the regular season with a bang on Saturday, defeating the Gillette Mustangs 43-41 at the Camplex to secure the 2-seed in this year’s CIF playoffs.After beginning the campaign 4-2, the Liberty rattled off four consecutive wins to close out the regular season, all against members of this year’s playoff field.Salina’s regular season comes to a close at 8-2 and is good enough to earn the Liberty a first-round bye and a home game in this year’s CIF semifinals.The other first-round bye and 1-seed went to the Omaha Beef, who will be the only undefeated team in this year’s playoffs at 10-0.The CIF playoffs will get underway on Saturday, June 3rd when the 3-seeded Gillette Mustangs play host to the 6-seeded Southwest Kansas Storm.That Monday will see the other quarterfinal played in Billings as the 4-seeded Outlaws welcome in the 5-seed in Sioux City.For continuing coverage of Salina Liberty football all postseason long stay tuned to the Salina, JC, and Little Apple Posts.

Liberty lock up 2-seed with road win in Gillette

SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Wichita Wind Surge scored four tenth inning runs and snap a two game losing streak defeating the Springfield Cardinals 6-3 in extra innings.&nbsp;

The Wind Surge loaded the bases in the tenth inning and pinch hitter Yoyner Fajardo delivered a two run go ahead single for his first game winning RBI of the season.&nbsp; Will Holland followed him with a two run triple and the Surge cap a four run tenth.

The Cardinals scored first with an unearned run in the second inning.&nbsp; Wichita answered with pair of runs in the third with a run scoring hits from Yunior Severino and Patrick Winkel. &nbsp;

The game was tied in fourth and remained that way until the tenth inning.&nbsp; Travis Adams started for Wichita and worked six innings and allowed one earned run in a quality start.&nbsp; Denny Bentley pitched out of a jam in the ninth and earned the win.&nbsp;

The Surge improved to 20-23 and Springfield dropped to 20-24 with Andre Granillo taking the loss.

NOTES: The Wind Surge improve to 2-1 in extra-inning games.&nbsp; The Surge turned a season high three double plays and also committed a season high three errors.&nbsp; Yunior Severino started at second base for the first time this season.&nbsp; The Wind Surge added Francis Peguero from injured list and placed Osiris German on development roster.

UPCOMING – The Wichita Wind Surge wrap up the road trip in Springfield on Sunday at 6:05 p.m.&nbsp; Surge will start RH Chad Donato against Cardinals LH Kenny Hernandez.

BROADCAST:&nbsp; Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home for a six game homestand on Tuesday vs Tulsa Drillers.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will offer $1 hot dogs and Dillons Two for Tuesday, buy one ticket and get a free ticket with your Dillons Shoppers Card or App.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will host the Drillers all next week, Tuesday-Sunday at Riverfront.

Wichita Wind SurgeSPRINGFIELD, MO – The Wichita Wind Surge scored four tenth inning runs and snap a two game losing streak defeating the Springfield Cardinals 6-3 in extra innings.&nbsp;The Wind Surge loaded the bases in the tenth inning and pinch hitter Yoyner Fajardo delivered a two run go ahead single for his first game winning RBI of the season.&nbsp; Will Holland followed him with a two run triple and the Surge cap a four run tenth.The Cardinals scored first with an unearned run in the second inning.&nbsp; Wichita answered with pair of runs in the third with a run scoring hits from Yunior Severino and Patrick Winkel. &nbsp;The game was tied in fourth and remained that way until the tenth inning.&nbsp; Travis Adams started for Wichita and worked six innings and allowed one earned run in a quality start.&nbsp; Denny Bentley pitched out of a jam in the ninth and earned the win.&nbsp;The Surge improved to 20-23 and Springfield dropped to 20-24 with Andre Granillo taking the loss.NOTES: The Wind Surge improve to 2-1 in extra-inning games.&nbsp; The Surge turned a season high three double plays and also committed a season high three errors.&nbsp; Yunior Severino started at second base for the first time this season.&nbsp; The Wind Surge added Francis Peguero from injured list and placed Osiris German on development roster.UPCOMING – The Wichita Wind Surge wrap up the road trip in Springfield on Sunday at 6:05 p.m.&nbsp; Surge will start RH Chad Donato against Cardinals LH Kenny Hernandez.BROADCAST:&nbsp; Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.&nbsp;&nbsp;NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home for a six game homestand on Tuesday vs Tulsa Drillers.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will offer $1 hot dogs and Dillons Two for Tuesday, buy one ticket and get a free ticket with your Dillons Shoppers Card or App.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will host the Drillers all next week, Tuesday-Sunday at Riverfront.

Wind Surge defeats Cardinals in extra innings

MARION, Ind. –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan continued its experience in the 2023 NAIA Men's Track and Field National Championships on Thursday as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14346">Eryk Kyser</a>&nbsp;competed in the long jump and Mark Benjamin ran in the 100m preliminaries at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Kyser would claim NAIA All-America status in the long jump with a second place finish in the event.

Kyser sat in second place after the first jump of the day where he had a mark of 7.46m. In his fifth jump of the day, Kyser bettered slightly with a mark of 7.49m, to hold the second place position in the final standings.

He narrowly finished second to Goodness Iredia from Cumberland (Tenn.) who had a mark of 7.63m in his first jump of the day which held for the top mark in the event.

Kyser bettered William Jones from Life University who was third with a mark of 7.44m.

It's Kyser's first All-America honor and equals the best finish for KWU Track and Field athlete at the National Championships in program history.

Also on Thursday on the track Mark Benjamin ran in the preliminaries of the 100m dash.

Benjamin ran a time of 10.73 seconds, finishing 33rd in the preliminaries, and did not qualify for Friday's finals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685281609481.jpeg" alt="Eryk Kyser. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Eryk Kyser. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KWU Sports InformationMARION, Ind. –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan continued its experience in the 2023 NAIA Men's Track and Field National Championships on Thursday as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14346">Eryk Kyser</a>&nbsp;competed in the long jump and Mark Benjamin ran in the 100m preliminaries at Indiana Wesleyan University.Kyser would claim NAIA All-America status in the long jump with a second place finish in the event.Kyser sat in second place after the first jump of the day where he had a mark of 7.46m. In his fifth jump of the day, Kyser bettered slightly with a mark of 7.49m, to hold the second place position in the final standings.He narrowly finished second to Goodness Iredia from Cumberland (Tenn.) who had a mark of 7.63m in his first jump of the day which held for the top mark in the event.Kyser bettered William Jones from Life University who was third with a mark of 7.44m.It's Kyser's first All-America honor and equals the best finish for KWU Track and Field athlete at the National Championships in program history.Also on Thursday on the track Mark Benjamin ran in the preliminaries of the 100m dash.Benjamin ran a time of 10.73 seconds, finishing 33rd in the preliminaries, and did not qualify for Friday's finals.

KWU's Kyser earns NAIA All-America status at nationals

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

The 2023 KSHSAA State Track meet is officially in the books and with another thrilling two days at Cessna Stadium behind us, let's take a look back at some of the best team, and individual finishes of the week.

Top Boys Teams - Southeast of Saline: 2nd (3A) - Ell-Saline: 4th (2A) - Abilene: 10th (4A)

Top Girls Teams - Smoky Valley: T2nd (3A) - Chapman: 4th (4A) - McPherson: 5th (4A) - Sacred Heart: 9th (2A)

Individual State Champions - Jace Ohlson (Bennington), 2A boys pole vault - Elyssa Frieze (Chapman), 4A girls 1600 - Katelyn Rupe (Salina Central), 5A girls 1600 - Brogan Rowley (Ell-Saline), 2A boys high jump - Breanne Peters (Smoky Valley), 3A girls 100m dash - Breanne Peters (Smoky Valley), 3A girls 200m dash - SE of Saline relay team, 3A boys 4x800

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685107033307.png" alt="Coverage of the 2023 State Track meet is presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of the 2023 State Track meet is presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2023 KSHSAA State Track meet is officially in the books and with another thrilling two days at Cessna Stadium behind us, let's take a look back at some of the best team, and individual finishes of the week.Top Boys Teams - Southeast of Saline: 2nd (3A) - Ell-Saline: 4th (2A) - Abilene: 10th (4A)Top Girls Teams - Smoky Valley: T2nd (3A) - Chapman: 4th (4A) - McPherson: 5th (4A) - Sacred Heart: 9th (2A)Individual State Champions - Jace Ohlson (Bennington), 2A boys pole vault - Elyssa Frieze (Chapman), 4A girls 1600 - Katelyn Rupe (Salina Central), 5A girls 1600 - Brogan Rowley (Ell-Saline), 2A boys high jump - Breanne Peters (Smoky Valley), 3A girls 100m dash - Breanne Peters (Smoky Valley), 3A girls 200m dash - SE of Saline relay team, 3A boys 4x800Individual Runners-Up - Nakari Morrical-Palmer (SES), 3A boys 200m dash - Nakari Morrical-Palmer (SES), 3A boys 400m dash - Katelyn Rupe (Salina Central), 5A girls 1600 - Breanne Peters (Smoky Valley), 3A girls triple jump - Breanne Peters (Smoky Valley), 3A girls pole vault - Brogan Rowley (Ell-Saline), 2A boys long jump - Haley Litzinger (Chapman), 4A girls long jump - SE of Saline relay team, 3A boys 4x400 - Sacred Heart relay team, 2A boys 4x800 - Smoky Valley relay team, 3A boys 4x800 - Abilene relay team, 4A boys 4x800Individual Third Place - Ashley Prochazka (SES), 3A girls 1600 - Judah Bowell (Abilene), 4A boys, 110m hurdles - Sophie Cavanaugh (Chapman), 4A girls high jump - Tanith Elliott (Chapman), 4A girls discus - Ell-Saline relay team, 2A boys 4x100 - Smoky Valley relay team, 3A boys 4x400