<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14131">Tyler Boston</a>&nbsp;(JR/Dixon, Calif.) was one of the new guys on the block on a veteran Kansas Wesleyan football team last fall.

A running back and transfer from Shasta College (Calif.), Boston quickly fit in and became part of the backfield rotation finishing with 413 yards rushing and six touchdowns.

This spring, though, Boston is one of a small handful of returning Coyotes on an offense that saw nine starters graduate or depart. KWU coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/13353">Matt Myers</a>&nbsp;and his staff brought in 30 mid-year transfers to help fill the gaps and the rebuilding project began in earnest with spring practice.

Boston and the Coyotes went through 15 practice sessions that culminated with a controlled scrimmage Saturday afternoon at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.

Boston was front and center from his tailback perch gaining 42 yards on just six carries while displaying quickness, power and vision. He played on the first offensive group that was led by returning quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14106">Richard Lara</a>&nbsp;(SO/Bakersfield, Calif.).

"Definitely tons of progress made this spring season," Boston said, "A lot of guys that transferred didn't really know what was going on. This is just a showcase of what they've learned thus far. This fall they'll be a lot tougher and I'm excited."

The 68-play, 90-minute scrimmage before a large crowd gave fans a glimpse of what the 2023 Coyotes might be.

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Boston is part of a deep group of backs that also includes returner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14102">D'Heaven Domena</a>&nbsp;(FR/Charlotte, N.C.), transfers Eric Hunter from Diablo Valley (Calif.) C.C., Marquis Washington from Los Medanos (Calif.) C.C. (Calif.),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14119">Zarek Fewell</a>&nbsp;(JR/Fort Scott, Kan.) from Garden City C.C. and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14137">Erek Smith</a>&nbsp;(FR/Banning, Calif.), a talented freshman from Banning, Calif.

"I thought we did really well," Boston said. "We worked well together; we had each other's backs and helped each other out with whatever we were going through. We got our feet wet and this is going to help prepare us for the season to come."

"I thought our tempo was really good on offense," Myers said. "I think we put the defense in a little bit of a bind there with how well we were moving and specifically running the ball which was good to see."

The second offense was led by quarterback Trent Graves, a transfer from Sul Ross State (Texas). Jordan Moran, a transfer from Hudson Valley Community College (N.Y.) also played along with Taylor Daeden, a transfer from Feather River C.C. (Calif.), and returners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/13386">Silas Isaacs</a>&nbsp;(SO/Konowa, Okla.) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14114">Tyrese Wilson</a>&nbsp;(FR/Kansas City, Mo.).

Moran threw a touchdown pass to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14116">Laken Webb</a>&nbsp;(FR/Salina, Kan.), Graves ran five yards for a score and Isaacs ran for a TD. Domena scored the first touchdown of the day on a run.

"The quarterbacks distributed the ball down the field," Myers said. "Our tailbacks ran the ball really well; Boston looked good,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14137">Erek Smith</a>&nbsp;had a couple of really good runs and he's just a freshman. We were more efficient today than any practice we've had all spring, for sure. We scored a lot of touchdowns."

Myers said he was pleased with the spring session overall.

"From practice one to now it was leaps and bounds, we made a lot of progress," he said. "It was good to see us come out and execute with the pads on in front of a crowd. I'm satisfied."

The Coyotes open fall camp August 4 and play Kansas Conference newcomer Evangel in their season opener August 26 in Springfield, Mo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682257073307.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KWU Sports Information<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14131">Tyler Boston</a>&nbsp;(JR/Dixon, Calif.) was one of the new guys on the block on a veteran Kansas Wesleyan football team last fall.A running back and transfer from Shasta College (Calif.), Boston quickly fit in and became part of the backfield rotation finishing with 413 yards rushing and six touchdowns.This spring, though, Boston is one of a small handful of returning Coyotes on an offense that saw nine starters graduate or depart. KWU coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/13353">Matt Myers</a>&nbsp;and his staff brought in 30 mid-year transfers to help fill the gaps and the rebuilding project began in earnest with spring practice.Boston and the Coyotes went through 15 practice sessions that culminated with a controlled scrimmage Saturday afternoon at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.Boston was front and center from his tailback perch gaining 42 yards on just six carries while displaying quickness, power and vision. He played on the first offensive group that was led by returning quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14106">Richard Lara</a>&nbsp;(SO/Bakersfield, Calif.)."Definitely tons of progress made this spring season," Boston said, "A lot of guys that transferred didn't really know what was going on. This is just a showcase of what they've learned thus far. This fall they'll be a lot tougher and I'm excited."The 68-play, 90-minute scrimmage before a large crowd gave fans a glimpse of what the 2023 Coyotes might be.The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Boston is part of a deep group of backs that also includes returner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14102">D'Heaven Domena</a>&nbsp;(FR/Charlotte, N.C.), transfers Eric Hunter from Diablo Valley (Calif.) C.C., Marquis Washington from Los Medanos (Calif.) C.C. (Calif.),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14119">Zarek Fewell</a>&nbsp;(JR/Fort Scott, Kan.) from Garden City C.C. and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14137">Erek Smith</a>&nbsp;(FR/Banning, Calif.), a talented freshman from Banning, Calif."I thought we did really well," Boston said. "We worked well together; we had each other's backs and helped each other out with whatever we were going through. We got our feet wet and this is going to help prepare us for the season to come.""I thought our tempo was really good on offense," Myers said. "I think we put the defense in a little bit of a bind there with how well we were moving and specifically running the ball which was good to see."The second offense was led by quarterback Trent Graves, a transfer from Sul Ross State (Texas). Jordan Moran, a transfer from Hudson Valley Community College (N.Y.) also played along with Taylor Daeden, a transfer from Feather River C.C. (Calif.), and returners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/13386">Silas Isaacs</a>&nbsp;(SO/Konowa, Okla.) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14114">Tyrese Wilson</a>&nbsp;(FR/Kansas City, Mo.).Moran threw a touchdown pass to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14116">Laken Webb</a>&nbsp;(FR/Salina, Kan.), Graves ran five yards for a score and Isaacs ran for a TD. Domena scored the first touchdown of the day on a run."The quarterbacks distributed the ball down the field," Myers said. "Our tailbacks ran the ball really well; Boston looked good,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/5/14137">Erek Smith</a>&nbsp;had a couple of really good runs and he's just a freshman. We were more efficient today than any practice we've had all spring, for sure. We scored a lot of touchdowns."Myers said he was pleased with the spring session overall."From practice one to now it was leaps and bounds, we made a lot of progress," he said. "It was good to see us come out and execute with the pads on in front of a crowd. I'm satisfied."The Coyotes open fall camp August 4 and play Kansas Conference newcomer Evangel in their season opener August 26 in Springfield, Mo.

Revamped Coyotes make strong showing in spring scrimmage

TULSA, Okla. – Jake Rucker drilled a go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth inning to deliver the Wichita Wind Surge a 4-3 win over the Tulsa Drillers. &nbsp;

Kody Funderburk pitched two and a third innings, punched out five hitters in his first win of the season in relief.&nbsp; Hunter McMahon earned the save retiring Andy Pages for the final out.

The two teams traded the lead throughout the evening, after Jonny DeLuca started the game off with a lead-off home run.&nbsp; It’s the third consecutive game in which DeLuca has led off the bottom of the first with a home run. &nbsp;&nbsp;Will Holland slammed his first home run to tie the game in the second.&nbsp; Jolbert Vivas gave Tulsa the lead in the third with another long-ball.

Wichita took advantage of a two-out error and a wild pitch to plate two runs in the sixth to take the lead.&nbsp; Jose Ramos quickly tied it in the bottom of the inning with a solo homer.

The teams both had run scoring opportunities in the eighth inning but failed.&nbsp; The Wind Surge finished the game with eleven men left on base and one for twelve with runners in scoring position.&nbsp; Tulsa finished zero for eleven and left nine men on.

The Surge closed it out in the ninth and can get a split with a Sunday afternoon win.&nbsp; Wichita improved to 7-7 on the season and the Drillers fall to 9-6..

NOTES – &nbsp;The Wind Surge added catcher David Banuelos from Class AAA St Paul.&nbsp; The 25-year-old opened the season at Class AAA St Paul.&nbsp; He played 55 games last season with the Saints batting .204 with 8 home runs and 26 RBI.&nbsp; In 2021 he played 15 games in Wichita and 30 games with St Paul.&nbsp; To make room on the roster catcher Frank Nigro was assigned to FCL Twins.

UPCOMING – Wichita and Tulsa wrap up the six game series on Sunday afternoon.&nbsp; Wichita will start&nbsp;RH Carlos Luna against RH Landon Knack. &nbsp;Catch the game at MiLB App and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwindsurge.com%2f&amp;c=E,1,tQnMbXbKGjGd_XbWZijt5b5-cOxiRn5WzBk28FG0UQkENRqaECorsuX7ZOU-Ukm2cmUOkH3ePkp-SzzJ3Tyvi-rFodXTwhQV8wpt3RnbwV_dEzGo8cij0Wepgw,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>.&nbsp;

NEXT HOME GAME – Wichita will play against the St. Louis Cardinals affiliate the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at Riverfront Stadium. Promotion: $5 domestic beers from when gates open until first pitch. Get two tickets for the price of one when you show your Dillons Shopper Card or Dillons app at the box office and $1 hot dogs.

Wichita Wind SurgeTULSA, Okla. – Jake Rucker drilled a go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth inning to deliver the Wichita Wind Surge a 4-3 win over the Tulsa Drillers. &nbsp;Kody Funderburk pitched two and a third innings, punched out five hitters in his first win of the season in relief.&nbsp; Hunter McMahon earned the save retiring Andy Pages for the final out.The two teams traded the lead throughout the evening, after Jonny DeLuca started the game off with a lead-off home run.&nbsp; It’s the third consecutive game in which DeLuca has led off the bottom of the first with a home run. &nbsp;&nbsp;Will Holland slammed his first home run to tie the game in the second.&nbsp; Jolbert Vivas gave Tulsa the lead in the third with another long-ball.Wichita took advantage of a two-out error and a wild pitch to plate two runs in the sixth to take the lead.&nbsp; Jose Ramos quickly tied it in the bottom of the inning with a solo homer.The teams both had run scoring opportunities in the eighth inning but failed.&nbsp; The Wind Surge finished the game with eleven men left on base and one for twelve with runners in scoring position.&nbsp; Tulsa finished zero for eleven and left nine men on.The Surge closed it out in the ninth and can get a split with a Sunday afternoon win.&nbsp; Wichita improved to 7-7 on the season and the Drillers fall to 9-6..NOTES – &nbsp;The Wind Surge added catcher David Banuelos from Class AAA St Paul.&nbsp; The 25-year-old opened the season at Class AAA St Paul.&nbsp; He played 55 games last season with the Saints batting .204 with 8 home runs and 26 RBI.&nbsp; In 2021 he played 15 games in Wichita and 30 games with St Paul.&nbsp; To make room on the roster catcher Frank Nigro was assigned to FCL Twins.UPCOMING – Wichita and Tulsa wrap up the six game series on Sunday afternoon.&nbsp; Wichita will start&nbsp;RH Carlos Luna against RH Landon Knack. &nbsp;Catch the game at MiLB App and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwindsurge.com%2f&amp;c=E,1,tQnMbXbKGjGd_XbWZijt5b5-cOxiRn5WzBk28FG0UQkENRqaECorsuX7ZOU-Ukm2cmUOkH3ePkp-SzzJ3Tyvi-rFodXTwhQV8wpt3RnbwV_dEzGo8cij0Wepgw,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>.&nbsp;NEXT HOME GAME – Wichita will play against the St. Louis Cardinals affiliate the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at Riverfront Stadium. Promotion: $5 domestic beers from when gates open until first pitch. Get two tickets for the price of one when you show your Dillons Shopper Card or Dillons app at the box office and $1 hot dogs.

Ninth Inning homer leads to Wind Surge win

CONCORDIA - Twenty event victories and four meet records would highlight the Cloud County Community College women's and men's track and field teams' lone home meet of the season as the T-Birds hosted the 2023 Thunderbird Invitational at Harold M. Clark Stadium in Concordia on Saturday. Of the 20 event victories, 13 would come from the CCCC women in addition to three of the four meet records as the T-Birds would post strong marks throughout the day with action taking place throughout the afternoon. In total, six teams from the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference would be represented at the meet in addition to a handful of unattached athletes. Women's recap Both field events and track events would lead to event victories for the T-Bird women as the day would get started with event victories from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3f3d48e8-7c92-4036-ae6f-c3260b68c17f?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Tamara Thompson</a>&nbsp;in the discus (46.68 meters, 153 ft. - 2 in.),&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/ad6201bd-e799-4f26-83c9-179e1a343e77?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Vanessa Mercera</a>&nbsp;in the long jump (5.32 meters, 17 ft. - 5.5 in.), and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5a37dcdb-1da6-44cf-81ce-df2952a60e46?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Jasmine Sakaguchi</a>&nbsp;in the pole vault (3.57 meters, 11 ft. - 8.5 in.) after beating out teammate&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/ec135e2b-5554-49d8-bacf-948d6a9e786d?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Mia Manley</a>&nbsp;in a jump-off as the sophomore would also tie for the meet record in the event. The high jump would also lead to a meet record in the field events for the CCCC women with teammates&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/1a3d70e2-4c40-4fcb-9d7a-873b5ada7b2d?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Shackala Henry</a>&nbsp;and Mercera both clearing 1.72 meters (5 ft. - 7.75 in.) to finish in a tie for first out of seven competitors in the event. Other top marks for Cloud County in field events would include runner-up finishes from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/eff5704c-3af9-4e11-a001-2c59036dbb9f?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Mallory Callihan</a>&nbsp;in the hammer throw (44.05 meters, 144 ft. - 6 in.),&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/959ec08f-a637-406d-8c58-d4c693b8c914?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Tamara Thompson</a>&nbsp;in the shot put (11.91 meters, 39 ft. - 1 in.), and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/9e5bc21f-e459-4849-b287-101dd43d60af?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Tahisha Thompson</a>&nbsp;in the discus (39.40 meters, 129 ft. - 3 in.) in addition to third-place finishes from in the hammer throw (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/75d91e58-d70e-40fe-898f-2bceb0200bda?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Tahisha Thompson</a>), javelin (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/a09cfc55-f4d6-41a6-a7e7-c178c08aa849?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Emmy Punches</a>), and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c1c36c89-9e6b-4202-976a-6e9c2d24e1e5?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Mariem Soltani</a>&nbsp;(high jump). On the track, the T-Birds would see eight event wins starting with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/44fb1b5b-b5c7-4aec-b905-54780b4c494d?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Mary Kua</a>&nbsp;in the 1,500 meters after a time of 5:18.94 to edge out&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c904b018-7e29-430f-a390-408ad4ef67f0?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Nikola Prochazkova</a>&nbsp;who took second with a time of 5:19.48 before going on later in the day to win the 5,000 meters with a time of 19:45.54.&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/bf7cd243-dcf4-4042-847a-ec856cc6598d?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Miracle Thompson</a>&nbsp;would record two event wins by running the top time in the 100-meter hurdles (13.71 seconds) and 100-meter dash (11.90 seconds) before seeing&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/300a53ad-43f1-4b77-bb90-4cf9e007d618?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Passion Crews</a>&nbsp;set a meet-record in the 800 meters to win with a time of 2:18.05. Adding to a strong day in field events, Mercera would also pick up an event win in the 400-meter hurdles (1:06.41 seconds) while&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/553b05e4-69ec-42d1-8cb4-f6153d9c6faf?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Vimbayi Maisvorewa</a>&nbsp;would win the 200 meters (24.27 seconds) for two of the three remaining event wins. The lone CCCC relay team would come in the 4x400 meter relay where Kua, Sakaguchi,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3c4fc66d-7d06-47d4-9fa5-5497de0c5ae6?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Bailey Rock</a>, and Soltani would come together to run a winning time of 4:35.68 to finish off the meet with their 13th and final victory of the afternoon. In addition to the event wins on the track, Cloud County would see runner-up finishes come from Mercera in the 100-meter hurdles (14.52 seconds),&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/998bd45d-ec2f-40dd-a8c4-d888b2e9e0b8?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Lela Singleton</a>&nbsp;in the 400 meters (1:02.20), Maisvorewa in the 100 meters (12.07 seconds), and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c72f7900-e0cd-4d34-bcba-7a32abb2f1bf?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Lucy Ndungu</a>&nbsp;in both the 800 meters (2:21.17) and 5,000 meters (19:45.85). Men's recap It wouldn't take long for the CCCC men to pick up an event win and meet record when things would get started as sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/29de8bcb-494b-4ed4-84da-6987a44a9a62?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Mohamed Ahmed</a>&nbsp;would break his own meet record in the hammer throw by recording a mark of 63.77 meters (209 ft. - 3 in.) to best 13 other throws including teammate&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c04b662f-401f-4372-97a8-5190ea510097?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Davis Mick</a>&nbsp;who would take third with a throw of 45.94 meters (150 ft. - 9 in.). Also picking up an event win in the throwing events would be&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/be81996c-2855-4ca3-a982-40733f9f0eab?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Vincent Ugwoke</a>&nbsp;in his lone event of the day by recording a throw of 44.87 meters (147 ft. - 2 in.) in the discus before seeing Awakhiwe Ndlovu win the triple jump with a leap of 4.90 meters (48 ft. - 10.75 in.). Other top field-event marks for Cloud County would include runner-up finishes in the javelin from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/df7b167c-d7c3-4e97-bedb-3c054d143a9f?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Brandon Hutchinson</a>&nbsp;(47.05 meters, 154 ft. - 4 in.) and high jump by&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/23bdcd14-911a-4d0d-aef4-bfafe0fc3d54?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Arne Roehl</a>&nbsp;(1.92 meters, 6 ft. - 3.5 in.) while seeing&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/d7718b05-e217-4302-9b24-a7bf9a85997b?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Oageng Mdlela</a>&nbsp;take third in the long jump (6.58 meters, 21 ft. - 7.25 in.). An additional four event victories for the T-Birds would come on the track with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8c2b8e7a-1acf-422f-badb-16969b31c13e?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Quwayne Reid</a>&nbsp;running the winning time 800 meters (1:57.62) before going on to run the anchor leg of the 4x400 meter relay team of&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8ea2379f-25c1-4d4a-b1d8-f4c95ed3341c?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Mason Schurr</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5229500b-9d95-4f17-b2c5-deb45b45504d?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Jonathan Dende</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/452a81a5-121e-4b97-b530-501023ac566a?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Hassan Abidi</a>, and Reid with a time of 3:47.94. Also picking up an event win would be&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/adb3b323-1fd8-4655-a0dc-2c26c6ee092e?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Anson Moses</a>&nbsp;in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 56.73 seconds following a runner-up finish in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.06 seconds. Other runner-up finishes would include the 4x100 meter relay team of Dende,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/d1729d66-c340-4ec1-aae1-f7c60015106f?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Daniel Siaffa</a>, Schurr, and Mdlela with a time of 43.63 seconds along with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/2e5a6313-5579-418e-aaa5-9a793245deb5?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Raziel Patton</a>&nbsp;in the 1,500 meters (4:16.54), Abidi in the 400 meters (49.43 seconds),&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6dd3ba0c-3f2c-447e-9665-f0190bdeddb6?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Leroy Kamau</a>&nbsp;in both the 100 meters (10.54 seconds) and 200 meters (21.48 seconds) and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/13235872-b51e-4d8c-bae5-7be7b6b3927d?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Quinn Bertrand</a>&nbsp;in the 400-meter hurdles (58.60 seconds). The 200 meters would total five T-Birds in the top eight with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c76ab6bc-2a0b-447b-86c1-992968f08bbf?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Shadrick Tansi</a>&nbsp;(21.76 seconds), Anis (21.91 seconds),&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/30e09a2b-16d8-4fe4-9f8f-de0baf4af481?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Emmanuel Wanga</a>&nbsp;(21.93 seconds), and Siaffa (21.93 seconds) finishing in third, fourth, fifth, and seventh alongside the runner-up finish from Kamau. What's next? Just one more meet is currently scheduled in the regular season for Cloud County as CCCC will head to the University of Kansas Rock Chalk Classic in Lawrence on April 29. It will be the second time in the span of three weeks that the T-Birds will compete in Lawrence after having previously competed at the 2023 KU Relays back on April 13-15.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cloud County Sports InformationCONCORDIA - Twenty event victories and four meet records would highlight the Cloud County Community College women's and men's track and field teams' lone home meet of the season as the T-Birds hosted the 2023 Thunderbird Invitational at Harold M. Clark Stadium in Concordia on Saturday. Of the 20 event victories, 13 would come from the CCCC women in addition to three of the four meet records as the T-Birds would post strong marks throughout the day with action taking place throughout the afternoon. In total, six teams from the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference would be represented at the meet in addition to a handful of unattached athletes. Women's recap Both field events and track events would lead to event victories for the T-Bird women as the day would get started with event victories from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3f3d48e8-7c92-4036-ae6f-c3260b68c17f?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Tamara Thompson</a>&nbsp;in the discus (46.68 meters, 153 ft. - 2 in.),&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/ad6201bd-e799-4f26-83c9-179e1a343e77?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Vanessa Mercera</a>&nbsp;in the long jump (5.32 meters, 17 ft. - 5.5 in.), and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5a37dcdb-1da6-44cf-81ce-df2952a60e46?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Jasmine Sakaguchi</a>&nbsp;in the pole vault (3.57 meters, 11 ft. - 8.5 in.) after beating out teammate&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/ec135e2b-5554-49d8-bacf-948d6a9e786d?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Mia Manley</a>&nbsp;in a jump-off as the sophomore would also tie for the meet record in the event. The high jump would also lead to a meet record in the field events for the CCCC women with teammates&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/1a3d70e2-4c40-4fcb-9d7a-873b5ada7b2d?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Shackala Henry</a>&nbsp;and Mercera both clearing 1.72 meters (5 ft. - 7.75 in.) to finish in a tie for first out of seven competitors in the event. Other top marks for Cloud County in field events would include runner-up finishes from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/eff5704c-3af9-4e11-a001-2c59036dbb9f?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Mallory Callihan</a>&nbsp;in the hammer throw (44.05 meters, 144 ft. - 6 in.),&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/959ec08f-a637-406d-8c58-d4c693b8c914?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Tamara Thompson</a>&nbsp;in the shot put (11.91 meters, 39 ft. - 1 in.), and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/9e5bc21f-e459-4849-b287-101dd43d60af?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Tahisha Thompson</a>&nbsp;in the discus (39.40 meters, 129 ft. - 3 in.) in addition to third-place finishes from in the hammer throw (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/75d91e58-d70e-40fe-898f-2bceb0200bda?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Tahisha Thompson</a>), javelin (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/a09cfc55-f4d6-41a6-a7e7-c178c08aa849?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Emmy Punches</a>), and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c1c36c89-9e6b-4202-976a-6e9c2d24e1e5?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Mariem Soltani</a>&nbsp;(high jump). On the track, the T-Birds would see eight event wins starting with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/44fb1b5b-b5c7-4aec-b905-54780b4c494d?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Mary Kua</a>&nbsp;in the 1,500 meters after a time of 5:18.94 to edge out&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c904b018-7e29-430f-a390-408ad4ef67f0?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Nikola Prochazkova</a>&nbsp;who took second with a time of 5:19.48 before going on later in the day to win the 5,000 meters with a time of 19:45.54.&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/bf7cd243-dcf4-4042-847a-ec856cc6598d?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Miracle Thompson</a>&nbsp;would record two event wins by running the top time in the 100-meter hurdles (13.71 seconds) and 100-meter dash (11.90 seconds) before seeing&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/300a53ad-43f1-4b77-bb90-4cf9e007d618?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Passion Crews</a>&nbsp;set a meet-record in the 800 meters to win with a time of 2:18.05. Adding to a strong day in field events, Mercera would also pick up an event win in the 400-meter hurdles (1:06.41 seconds) while&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/553b05e4-69ec-42d1-8cb4-f6153d9c6faf?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Vimbayi Maisvorewa</a>&nbsp;would win the 200 meters (24.27 seconds) for two of the three remaining event wins. The lone CCCC relay team would come in the 4x400 meter relay where Kua, Sakaguchi,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3c4fc66d-7d06-47d4-9fa5-5497de0c5ae6?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Bailey Rock</a>, and Soltani would come together to run a winning time of 4:35.68 to finish off the meet with their 13th and final victory of the afternoon. In addition to the event wins on the track, Cloud County would see runner-up finishes come from Mercera in the 100-meter hurdles (14.52 seconds),&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/998bd45d-ec2f-40dd-a8c4-d888b2e9e0b8?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Lela Singleton</a>&nbsp;in the 400 meters (1:02.20), Maisvorewa in the 100 meters (12.07 seconds), and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c72f7900-e0cd-4d34-bcba-7a32abb2f1bf?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Lucy Ndungu</a>&nbsp;in both the 800 meters (2:21.17) and 5,000 meters (19:45.85). Men's recap It wouldn't take long for the CCCC men to pick up an event win and meet record when things would get started as sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/29de8bcb-494b-4ed4-84da-6987a44a9a62?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Mohamed Ahmed</a>&nbsp;would break his own meet record in the hammer throw by recording a mark of 63.77 meters (209 ft. - 3 in.) to best 13 other throws including teammate&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c04b662f-401f-4372-97a8-5190ea510097?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Davis Mick</a>&nbsp;who would take third with a throw of 45.94 meters (150 ft. - 9 in.). Also picking up an event win in the throwing events would be&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/be81996c-2855-4ca3-a982-40733f9f0eab?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Vincent Ugwoke</a>&nbsp;in his lone event of the day by recording a throw of 44.87 meters (147 ft. - 2 in.) in the discus before seeing Awakhiwe Ndlovu win the triple jump with a leap of 4.90 meters (48 ft. - 10.75 in.). Other top field-event marks for Cloud County would include runner-up finishes in the javelin from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/df7b167c-d7c3-4e97-bedb-3c054d143a9f?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Brandon Hutchinson</a>&nbsp;(47.05 meters, 154 ft. - 4 in.) and high jump by&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/23bdcd14-911a-4d0d-aef4-bfafe0fc3d54?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Arne Roehl</a>&nbsp;(1.92 meters, 6 ft. - 3.5 in.) while seeing&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/d7718b05-e217-4302-9b24-a7bf9a85997b?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Oageng Mdlela</a>&nbsp;take third in the long jump (6.58 meters, 21 ft. - 7.25 in.). An additional four event victories for the T-Birds would come on the track with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8c2b8e7a-1acf-422f-badb-16969b31c13e?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Quwayne Reid</a>&nbsp;running the winning time 800 meters (1:57.62) before going on to run the anchor leg of the 4x400 meter relay team of&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8ea2379f-25c1-4d4a-b1d8-f4c95ed3341c?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Mason Schurr</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5229500b-9d95-4f17-b2c5-deb45b45504d?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Jonathan Dende</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/452a81a5-121e-4b97-b530-501023ac566a?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Hassan Abidi</a>, and Reid with a time of 3:47.94. Also picking up an event win would be&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/adb3b323-1fd8-4655-a0dc-2c26c6ee092e?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Anson Moses</a>&nbsp;in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 56.73 seconds following a runner-up finish in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.06 seconds. Other runner-up finishes would include the 4x100 meter relay team of Dende,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/d1729d66-c340-4ec1-aae1-f7c60015106f?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Daniel Siaffa</a>, Schurr, and Mdlela with a time of 43.63 seconds along with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/2e5a6313-5579-418e-aaa5-9a793245deb5?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Raziel Patton</a>&nbsp;in the 1,500 meters (4:16.54), Abidi in the 400 meters (49.43 seconds),&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6dd3ba0c-3f2c-447e-9665-f0190bdeddb6?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Leroy Kamau</a>&nbsp;in both the 100 meters (10.54 seconds) and 200 meters (21.48 seconds) and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/13235872-b51e-4d8c-bae5-7be7b6b3927d?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Quinn Bertrand</a>&nbsp;in the 400-meter hurdles (58.60 seconds). The 200 meters would total five T-Birds in the top eight with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c76ab6bc-2a0b-447b-86c1-992968f08bbf?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Shadrick Tansi</a>&nbsp;(21.76 seconds), Anis (21.91 seconds),&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/30e09a2b-16d8-4fe4-9f8f-de0baf4af481?elinkdata=49044" target="_blank">Emmanuel Wanga</a>&nbsp;(21.93 seconds), and Siaffa (21.93 seconds) finishing in third, fourth, fifth, and seventh alongside the runner-up finish from Kamau. What's next? Just one more meet is currently scheduled in the regular season for Cloud County as CCCC will head to the University of Kansas Rock Chalk Classic in Lawrence on April 29. It will be the second time in the span of three weeks that the T-Birds will compete in Lawrence after having previously competed at the 2023 KU Relays back on April 13-15.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cloud County track shines in lone home event of 2023

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Giacomo Vrioni scored two goals a few minutes apart to lead the New England Revolution to a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.

Vrioni first-timed a cross played by Emmanuel Boateng to open the scoring in the 31st minute and made it 2-0 in the 35th minute with a putback of a missed shot by Carles Gil.

Johnny Russell scored for Sporting KC (0-6-3).

The Revolution outshot Sporting KC 16-8, with nine shots on goal to three for Sporting KC.

Djordje Petrovic had two saves for the Revolution. Tim Melia stopped seven shots for Sporting KC.

Sporting played a man down after Andreu Fontàs was shown a red card for denying an obvious run scoring opportunity in the 61st minute.

Both teams next play Saturday. The Revolution host Cincinnati and Sporting KC hosts Montreal.

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Giacomo Vrioni scored two goals a few minutes apart to lead the New England Revolution to a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.Vrioni first-timed a cross played by Emmanuel Boateng to open the scoring in the 31st minute and made it 2-0 in the 35th minute with a putback of a missed shot by Carles Gil.Johnny Russell scored for Sporting KC (0-6-3).The Revolution outshot Sporting KC 16-8, with nine shots on goal to three for Sporting KC.Djordje Petrovic had two saves for the Revolution. Tim Melia stopped seven shots for Sporting KC.Sporting played a man down after Andreu Fontàs was shown a red card for denying an obvious run scoring opportunity in the 61st minute.Both teams next play Saturday. The Revolution host Cincinnati and Sporting KC hosts Montreal.The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Vrioni scores 2 goals as Revolution beats Sporting KC 2-1

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer

ANAHEIM, Calif — MJ Melendez was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded as the Kansas City Royals scored five times in the ninth inning to rally for an 11-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels that snapped a six-game losing streak Saturday night.

Hunter Dozier had three hits and three RBIs, including a two-run single in the ninth that provided some insurance for the Royals. Matt Duffy also had three hits.

The Angels lost despite hitting four home runs for the second time this season. Matt Thaiss gave the Halos an 8-6 lead in the eighth inning with a two-run shot, but José Quijada (0-1) was unable to hold it.

Hunter Renfroe went deep twice and Mike Trout homered for the first time in two weeks. It is the sixth time since 2020 the Angels have lost when hitting at least four homers.

Quijada hit two Royals batters with pitches in the ninth. Nicky Lopez reached to lead off the inning after getting plunked and then scored when Kyle Isbel doubled off the right-center wall. Isbel advanced to third on a throwing error and scored to tie it at 8 on Edward Olivares' one-out base hit.

Quijada loaded the bases with walks to Salvador Perez and Duffy before he hit Melendez with an 0-2 fastball to bring Olivares home with the go-ahead run.

Scott Barlow retired the Angels in order in the ninth for his second save.

Renfroe led off the eighth with a double. Gio Urshela grounded out and Brandon Drury struck out looking before Thaiss connected on a first-pitch slider from Jose Cuas (1-0) to give the Halos an 8-6 advantage.

Renfroe had a pair of solo shots to left field for the 18th multi-homer game of his career. His homer in the fourth inning got the Angels to 3-2. It barely stayed fair and made it over the short wall in the left-field corner as Kansas City outfielder Nate Eaton was unable to get to it in time.

Renfroe's team-leading sixth homer leading off the sixth was a no-doubter.

Trout, out of Friday's lineup after the Angels' cross-country trip, had a two-run shot in the fifth for his fourth of the season.

Kansas City appeared to get out of the sixth with a 6-5 lead after Zach Neto flied out, but plate umpire Mark Ripperger called a balk before the pitch, keeping the inning alive.

Drury advanced to second on the balk and scored the tying run two pitches later when Neto singled to right field.

Royals: LHP Daniel Lynch (rotator cuff strain) went two innings during an extended spring training outing.

Angels: OF Taylor Ward, who has only two hits in his last 26 at-bats, got the night off.

The teams wrap up their weekend series Sunday. Kansas City RHP Jordan Lyles (0-3, 4.62 ERA), who has a 4-4 career mark against the Angels, takes on Reid Detmers (0-1, 4.50). The left-hander allowed five earned runs in his only previous start against the Royals last season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682223582776.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals second baseman Matt Duffy (15) celebrates in the dugout after scoring off of a triple by MJ Melendez during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., Saturday.&nbsp;(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals second baseman Matt Duffy (15) celebrates in the dugout after scoring off of a triple by MJ Melendez during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., Saturday.&nbsp;(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOE REEDY AP Sports WriterANAHEIM, Calif — MJ Melendez was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded as the Kansas City Royals scored five times in the ninth inning to rally for an 11-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels that snapped a six-game losing streak Saturday night.Hunter Dozier had three hits and three RBIs, including a two-run single in the ninth that provided some insurance for the Royals. Matt Duffy also had three hits.The Angels lost despite hitting four home runs for the second time this season. Matt Thaiss gave the Halos an 8-6 lead in the eighth inning with a two-run shot, but José Quijada (0-1) was unable to hold it.Hunter Renfroe went deep twice and Mike Trout homered for the first time in two weeks. It is the sixth time since 2020 the Angels have lost when hitting at least four homers.Quijada hit two Royals batters with pitches in the ninth. Nicky Lopez reached to lead off the inning after getting plunked and then scored when Kyle Isbel doubled off the right-center wall. Isbel advanced to third on a throwing error and scored to tie it at 8 on Edward Olivares' one-out base hit.Quijada loaded the bases with walks to Salvador Perez and Duffy before he hit Melendez with an 0-2 fastball to bring Olivares home with the go-ahead run.Scott Barlow retired the Angels in order in the ninth for his second save.Renfroe led off the eighth with a double. Gio Urshela grounded out and Brandon Drury struck out looking before Thaiss connected on a first-pitch slider from Jose Cuas (1-0) to give the Halos an 8-6 advantage.ALL FOR NAUGHTRenfroe had a pair of solo shots to left field for the 18th multi-homer game of his career. His homer in the fourth inning got the Angels to 3-2. It barely stayed fair and made it over the short wall in the left-field corner as Kansas City outfielder Nate Eaton was unable to get to it in time.Renfroe's team-leading sixth homer leading off the sixth was a no-doubter.Trout, out of Friday's lineup after the Angels' cross-country trip, had a two-run shot in the fifth for his fourth of the season.NOT SO FASTKansas City appeared to get out of the sixth with a 6-5 lead after Zach Neto flied out, but plate umpire Mark Ripperger called a balk before the pitch, keeping the inning alive.Drury advanced to second on the balk and scored the tying run two pitches later when Neto singled to right field.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: LHP Daniel Lynch (rotator cuff strain) went two innings during an extended spring training outing.Angels: OF Taylor Ward, who has only two hits in his last 26 at-bats, got the night off.UP NEXTThe teams wrap up their weekend series Sunday. Kansas City RHP Jordan Lyles (0-3, 4.62 ERA), who has a 4-4 career mark against the Angels, takes on Reid Detmers (0-1, 4.50). The left-hander allowed five earned runs in his only previous start against the Royals last season.

Royals rally with 5 in 9th for 11-8 victory over Angels

CONCORDIA - With multiple alumni in attendance and a large home crowd on hand, the Cloud County Community College baseball team would do something that no other team has been able to do this season by handing fifth-ranked Barton Community College back-to-back losses by earning a 2-0 shutout win in game one before picking up a 6-1 game two victory to sweep a doubleheader at Lee Doyen Field in Concordia on Saturday. Responding in a big way after dropping a pair to the Cougars to open a four-game series on Thursday afternoon, Cloud County improves to 30-17 overall and 15-9 in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference west division while becoming the first KJCCC team to not lose a conference series to Barton this season. BCC drops to 40-7 overall and 19-5 in the KJCCC West while being shut out for the first time since April 15, 2021, when Butler defeated the Cougars by a score of 6-0. Game one While offense would be limited in the opening game of the day, Cloud County would make the most of their opportunities as a leadoff walk and one-out infield single for Barton would be stranded in the top of the first before seeing a leadoff triple for&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/1558b0ef-5fbb-4a91-92d0-032844127668?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Gavin Roy</a>&nbsp;set up a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/60857495-0559-4a60-977c-d0c1146a9f75?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Demitri Shakotko</a>&nbsp;RBI groundout to give CCCC a 1-0 lead just two batters into the bottom of the first. Retiring the Cougars in order in the second, the T-Birds would be unable to do anything with a two-out single before working around a one-out hit batter in the third to keep the game at 1-0. A chance to add to their lead for Cloud County would see CCCC get an infield single from Alex Diaz to flip the lineup over to Roy for a base hit single as the T-Birds would load the bases with just one out. With a prime opportunity to add to their lead, the T-Birds would see BCC induce an inning-ending double play to strand a pair of Cloud County runners and flip momentum to the Cougars. Following the missed opportunity from CCCC, BCC would be unable to convert a two-out single in the top of the fourth into a run to strand their fourth runner of the contest. Continuing the pitching duel into the sixth, Cloud County would be able to break a stretch of eight consecutive batters in the game retired in order by getting a Shakotko leadoff double before moving the Fredericton, New Brunswick native to third on a sacrifice bunt with hopes to push across an insurance run prior to the seventh. A groundout to the left side of the infield would force Shakotko to remain at third before seeing a throwing error on a softly hit ground ball to third lead to an unearned run for the T-Birds to double their lead to 2-0 heading to the final scheduled inning of the game. The two-run advantage would allow Cloud County starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3e21040c-f271-422b-8a33-7901b0ce2f17?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Jack Mount</a>&nbsp;to be sent back out for the seventh inning before a leadoff walk would lead to a call to the bullpen with the CCCC coaching staff turning to closer&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3e20f4f1-0b8c-4e1f-8a88-aed29949365b?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Cole Askew</a>&nbsp;to try and convert his sixth save of the year. Three-straight strikeouts would not only end the game but convert the save for the Topeka, Kansas native as the Cougars would be unable to put up a true threat in their final opportunity at the plate. A pitching gem from Mount would see the sophomore right-hander throw 100 total pitches and strikeout six while allowing just three hits and two walks over six-plus innings of work while running his season record to 5-3 overall. The Val Des Monts, Quebec native is now just 14 strikeouts away from the CCCC career record of 142 held by Blake Renner (2002-03). Offensively, Cloud County would be held to just five hits with Roy finishing as the only player in the game with multiple hits after a two-for-three performance while scoring the game's first run. The T-Birds would strand four runners compared to six for Barton as the Cougars would finish with just six total base runners in the game. Game two With momentum favoring CCCC after handing BCC just their sixth loss of the year, Cloud County would see another strong start on the mound lead to just one Barton hit through three innings despite being held to just one base runner through two innings. In the bottom of the third, an&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8381e7c0-4d4c-4e28-bd84-06ddf9a2b9fe?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Eric Foufoulas</a>&nbsp;walk would be followed by two quick outs on bunts to bring up Shakotko. Extending the inning with an RBI single into shallow center field to score Foufoulas and break a scoreless tie, CCCC would string together six-straight hits with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5ff060ec-cb8f-41e5-bced-89225ba59fef?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Danny Infante</a>&nbsp;hitting an RBI double down the left field line before back-to-back infield singles from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8476b6f9-3d89-48db-8c5a-37c69070da59?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Brock Wollin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5a4bb773-867d-4a4e-9207-2253892fc73b?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Landon Meyer</a>. Holding a 3-0 lead following the Meyer single,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/bb835d41-2e9d-42bf-9c8e-6d44cf591974?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Kolden Howerton</a>&nbsp;would drive in a pair of runs with a single into left field that would be misplayed and allow the Topeka, Kansas native to take second before seeing the inning capped off with an&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/ba896c98-ed8a-41f8-b15e-e4f776e0823f?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Anthony Taggart</a>&nbsp;RBI triple that would just stay inside the field of play in center field to knock BCC starter Reece Hemmerling from the contest. Six runs of support would prove to be more than enough for T-Bird starter&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6a6d4d04-143d-44ae-b1e1-811a0400a407?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Cayden Castellanos</a>&nbsp;with Barton recording solo hits in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings while combining to strand four base runners over the three-inning stretch to continue to allow Cloud County to hold momentum. After stranding a leadoff single from Foufoulas in the bottom of the sixth, CCCC would see a stretch of 16 consecutive scoreless innings against Barton come to an end as the Cougars would turn a leadoff single, two hit batters, and a walk into their first run of the afternoon before leaving the bases loaded on a strikeout to end the inning and once again waste a potential chance at putting pressure on the T-Birds. Cloud County would be held scoreless in the bottom of the seventh before playing a scoreless eighth by stranding two more BCC runners to send things to the ninth while holding a five-run lead. With CCCC previously turning to Askew in the top of the eighth, the T-Birds would look to the sophomore to end his second game of the day on the mound before running into trouble as a leadoff hit batter and one-out double would be followed by a walk to load the bases and put the game-tying runner in the on-deck circle. Not taking any chances, a call to the bullpen would see&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/07844892-16d0-44ef-b6e9-7b980b68b0fd?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Blayne Fritcher</a>&nbsp;called upon to try and record the final two outs of the game as the Giddings, Texas native would work back-to-back strikeouts to end the game and record his first career save in a T-Bird uniform while stranding three Cougar runners. Stranded runners would again be the storyline for Barton as 13 base runners would be left on base despite seeing BCC strike out 14 times and record just six hits while allowing 12 hits to CCCC. The T-Birds would strand eight runners of their own despite two-hit performances from Infante, Meyer, Howerton, and Foufoulas with Howerton driving in a game-high two RBI. What's next? The final two-week stretch of the regular season will see Cloud County return to action on Thursday to open their penultimate KJCCC West series against Colby Community College with a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Lee Doyen Field. Colby fell to 11-33 overall and 4-20 in the KJCCC on Saturday afternoon after dropping two games to Hutchinson in Hutch and have lost nine consecutive conference games dating back to April 8.

Cloud County Sports InformationCONCORDIA - With multiple alumni in attendance and a large home crowd on hand, the Cloud County Community College baseball team would do something that no other team has been able to do this season by handing fifth-ranked Barton Community College back-to-back losses by earning a 2-0 shutout win in game one before picking up a 6-1 game two victory to sweep a doubleheader at Lee Doyen Field in Concordia on Saturday. Responding in a big way after dropping a pair to the Cougars to open a four-game series on Thursday afternoon, Cloud County improves to 30-17 overall and 15-9 in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference west division while becoming the first KJCCC team to not lose a conference series to Barton this season. BCC drops to 40-7 overall and 19-5 in the KJCCC West while being shut out for the first time since April 15, 2021, when Butler defeated the Cougars by a score of 6-0. Game one While offense would be limited in the opening game of the day, Cloud County would make the most of their opportunities as a leadoff walk and one-out infield single for Barton would be stranded in the top of the first before seeing a leadoff triple for&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/1558b0ef-5fbb-4a91-92d0-032844127668?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Gavin Roy</a>&nbsp;set up a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/60857495-0559-4a60-977c-d0c1146a9f75?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Demitri Shakotko</a>&nbsp;RBI groundout to give CCCC a 1-0 lead just two batters into the bottom of the first. Retiring the Cougars in order in the second, the T-Birds would be unable to do anything with a two-out single before working around a one-out hit batter in the third to keep the game at 1-0. A chance to add to their lead for Cloud County would see CCCC get an infield single from Alex Diaz to flip the lineup over to Roy for a base hit single as the T-Birds would load the bases with just one out. With a prime opportunity to add to their lead, the T-Birds would see BCC induce an inning-ending double play to strand a pair of Cloud County runners and flip momentum to the Cougars. Following the missed opportunity from CCCC, BCC would be unable to convert a two-out single in the top of the fourth into a run to strand their fourth runner of the contest. Continuing the pitching duel into the sixth, Cloud County would be able to break a stretch of eight consecutive batters in the game retired in order by getting a Shakotko leadoff double before moving the Fredericton, New Brunswick native to third on a sacrifice bunt with hopes to push across an insurance run prior to the seventh. A groundout to the left side of the infield would force Shakotko to remain at third before seeing a throwing error on a softly hit ground ball to third lead to an unearned run for the T-Birds to double their lead to 2-0 heading to the final scheduled inning of the game. The two-run advantage would allow Cloud County starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3e21040c-f271-422b-8a33-7901b0ce2f17?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Jack Mount</a>&nbsp;to be sent back out for the seventh inning before a leadoff walk would lead to a call to the bullpen with the CCCC coaching staff turning to closer&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3e20f4f1-0b8c-4e1f-8a88-aed29949365b?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Cole Askew</a>&nbsp;to try and convert his sixth save of the year. Three-straight strikeouts would not only end the game but convert the save for the Topeka, Kansas native as the Cougars would be unable to put up a true threat in their final opportunity at the plate. A pitching gem from Mount would see the sophomore right-hander throw 100 total pitches and strikeout six while allowing just three hits and two walks over six-plus innings of work while running his season record to 5-3 overall. The Val Des Monts, Quebec native is now just 14 strikeouts away from the CCCC career record of 142 held by Blake Renner (2002-03). Offensively, Cloud County would be held to just five hits with Roy finishing as the only player in the game with multiple hits after a two-for-three performance while scoring the game's first run. The T-Birds would strand four runners compared to six for Barton as the Cougars would finish with just six total base runners in the game. Game two With momentum favoring CCCC after handing BCC just their sixth loss of the year, Cloud County would see another strong start on the mound lead to just one Barton hit through three innings despite being held to just one base runner through two innings. In the bottom of the third, an&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8381e7c0-4d4c-4e28-bd84-06ddf9a2b9fe?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Eric Foufoulas</a>&nbsp;walk would be followed by two quick outs on bunts to bring up Shakotko. Extending the inning with an RBI single into shallow center field to score Foufoulas and break a scoreless tie, CCCC would string together six-straight hits with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5ff060ec-cb8f-41e5-bced-89225ba59fef?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Danny Infante</a>&nbsp;hitting an RBI double down the left field line before back-to-back infield singles from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8476b6f9-3d89-48db-8c5a-37c69070da59?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Brock Wollin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5a4bb773-867d-4a4e-9207-2253892fc73b?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Landon Meyer</a>. Holding a 3-0 lead following the Meyer single,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/bb835d41-2e9d-42bf-9c8e-6d44cf591974?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Kolden Howerton</a>&nbsp;would drive in a pair of runs with a single into left field that would be misplayed and allow the Topeka, Kansas native to take second before seeing the inning capped off with an&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/ba896c98-ed8a-41f8-b15e-e4f776e0823f?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Anthony Taggart</a>&nbsp;RBI triple that would just stay inside the field of play in center field to knock BCC starter Reece Hemmerling from the contest. Six runs of support would prove to be more than enough for T-Bird starter&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6a6d4d04-143d-44ae-b1e1-811a0400a407?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Cayden Castellanos</a>&nbsp;with Barton recording solo hits in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings while combining to strand four base runners over the three-inning stretch to continue to allow Cloud County to hold momentum. After stranding a leadoff single from Foufoulas in the bottom of the sixth, CCCC would see a stretch of 16 consecutive scoreless innings against Barton come to an end as the Cougars would turn a leadoff single, two hit batters, and a walk into their first run of the afternoon before leaving the bases loaded on a strikeout to end the inning and once again waste a potential chance at putting pressure on the T-Birds. Cloud County would be held scoreless in the bottom of the seventh before playing a scoreless eighth by stranding two more BCC runners to send things to the ninth while holding a five-run lead. With CCCC previously turning to Askew in the top of the eighth, the T-Birds would look to the sophomore to end his second game of the day on the mound before running into trouble as a leadoff hit batter and one-out double would be followed by a walk to load the bases and put the game-tying runner in the on-deck circle. Not taking any chances, a call to the bullpen would see&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/07844892-16d0-44ef-b6e9-7b980b68b0fd?elinkdata=48946" target="_blank">Blayne Fritcher</a>&nbsp;called upon to try and record the final two outs of the game as the Giddings, Texas native would work back-to-back strikeouts to end the game and record his first career save in a T-Bird uniform while stranding three Cougar runners. Stranded runners would again be the storyline for Barton as 13 base runners would be left on base despite seeing BCC strike out 14 times and record just six hits while allowing 12 hits to CCCC. The T-Birds would strand eight runners of their own despite two-hit performances from Infante, Meyer, Howerton, and Foufoulas with Howerton driving in a game-high two RBI. What's next? The final two-week stretch of the regular season will see Cloud County return to action on Thursday to open their penultimate KJCCC West series against Colby Community College with a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Lee Doyen Field. Colby fell to 11-33 overall and 4-20 in the KJCCC on Saturday afternoon after dropping two games to Hutchinson in Hutch and have lost nine consecutive conference games dating back to April 8.

T-Bird baseball sweeps doubleheader against No. 5 Barton County

Kansas Wesleyan track and field coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14340">Kyle Hiser</a>&nbsp;wanted to have a home event to showcase his athletes and their handsome facility inside JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14354">Garrett Young</a>, KWU's cross country coach and assistant for the track program, had the perfect solution: the Coyote Distance Carnival.

"I can't take any credit, it was coach Young's idea when he came here (from Southwestern in June, 2022)," Hiser said Friday night following the inaugural event. "We've been wanting to host a meet; we have one of the best facilities in the (Kansas) Conference and Kansas.

"We were trying figure out what to do to get teams here and coach Young said 'let's have a distance carnival.' I said 'heck yeah, let's do it.'"

The carnival featured five men's and four women's distance races – 1,500 meters, men's 3,000-meter steeplechase, 400-meter dash, 5,000-meter run and 800-meter run. There were no sprints, throws, hurdles or jumps.

"It's fun to run under the lights at your home track," Hiser said. "Our kids said it was easy to know where you're at in the race because we train here all the time. Seeing all the kids' parents and families here means a lot because you don't get to race at home a whole lot – just once."

Tabor, McPherson, Bethel, Allen County and Cowley College competed with the Coyotes on a chilly and windy night.

KWU athletes led the way in the 400 meters.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14346">Eryk Kyser</a>&nbsp;(JR/Caney, Kan.) dominated the men's race, easily winning in a personal record time of 49.02 seconds.

"He's strong in the long jump but seeing him go out there and crush the 400 is always fun," Hiser said.

Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14362">Riley Garcia</a>&nbsp;(FR/San Antonio, Texas) finished fourth (51.51), Kamal Murphy sixth (53.93) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14361">Tyler Fontenot</a>&nbsp;(FR/Houston, Texas) seventh (55.49).

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14310">Grace Pearson</a>&nbsp;(FR/Cypress, Texas) won the women's 400 in thrilling fashion, edging Bethel's Mia Roman at the finish line by less than a second (1:00.76 to 1:01.00).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14302">Bailey Mann</a>&nbsp;(SO/Ferris, Texas) was third (1:04.06) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14313">Grayce Tankersley</a>&nbsp;(FR/Hillsboro, Kan.) fifth (1:06.32).

Three Coyote men ran under two minutes in the 800 meters – Will Griffith placed third (1:56.22),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14348">Ty Davidson</a>&nbsp;(SO/Lakin, Kan.) fourth (1:56.84) and Nicholas Martinez night (1:59.79).

"Martinez for the first time in his life,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14348">Ty Davidson</a>&nbsp;had a PR and Will was really close to his PR," Hiser said. "That was really fun."

Griffith, who ran at Salina Central High School, was pleased with his effort.

"It felt really good," he said. "I've had a bad few weeks so getting back into&nbsp;running feels a lot better. It was kind of getting in my mind but I'm starting to get out of it, starting to get a better mindset. I feel better body-wise too."

Griffith said it was nice to run at home.

"If feels a lot better," he said. "I hate going outside of town all the time. Just being done with the meet a little bit quicker is nice."

KWU's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14311">Joni Schroeder</a>&nbsp;(FR/Salina, Kan.) was seventh in the women's 800 meters (2:35.82).

Two Coyotes were runners-up in the 1,500 meters.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14308">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>&nbsp;(FR/Salina, Kan.) was second in the women's race in 5:03.20,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14303">Josie Koppes</a>&nbsp;(SO/Manhattan, Kan.) took third (5:06.39),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14296">Daniella Gaona</a>&nbsp;(JR/Clifton, Texas) 11th&nbsp;(5:44.28) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14298">Savannah Pilsner</a>&nbsp;(SO/Columbus, Texas) 12th&nbsp;(6:15.45).

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14352">Giovanni Rios</a>&nbsp;(SO/Temecula, Calif.)' second-place time in the men's race was 4:10.49.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14358">Jake Cruz</a>&nbsp;(FR/Pasadena, Texas) was fifth (4:16.36),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14350">Jack Horacek</a>&nbsp;(SO/Topeka. Kan.) sixth (4:18.09),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14357">Julian Avila</a>&nbsp;(SO/Manhattan, Kan.) (4:19.87) and Stevie Merrill ninth (4:21.88).

In the men's 5,000 meters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14342">Shane Calvin</a>&nbsp;(JR/Lakin, Kan.) placed fourth (15:34.75),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14343">Austin Hess</a>&nbsp;(JR/Garden City, Kan.) fifth (15:35.96) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14349">Cisco Alvarez</a>&nbsp;(SO/Colorado Springs, Colo.) ninth (15:56.14).

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14309">Charlee Lind</a>&nbsp;(FR/Wamego, Kan.) was the top KWU in the women's 5,000 placing third (20:07.16).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14300">Alayna Behrman</a>&nbsp;(SO/Craig, Colo.) was fourth (21:00.21) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14295">Regan Rhodes</a>&nbsp;(SR/Mullinville, Kan.) fifth (21:07.31).

KWU didn't have an entry in the men's steeplechase.

Hiser has big plans for future distance carnivals.

"We're going to make it better, we're going to have more music and some different things to make it unique in the next few years," he said. "Hopefully it will continue to grow and become a premier event."

The Coyotes will compete in the Tabor Invitational on Saturday in Hillsboro then travel to Winfield for the Southwestern Relays on April 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682203760360.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KWU Sports InformationKansas Wesleyan track and field coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14340">Kyle Hiser</a>&nbsp;wanted to have a home event to showcase his athletes and their handsome facility inside JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14354">Garrett Young</a>, KWU's cross country coach and assistant for the track program, had the perfect solution: the Coyote Distance Carnival."I can't take any credit, it was coach Young's idea when he came here (from Southwestern in June, 2022)," Hiser said Friday night following the inaugural event. "We've been wanting to host a meet; we have one of the best facilities in the (Kansas) Conference and Kansas."We were trying figure out what to do to get teams here and coach Young said 'let's have a distance carnival.' I said 'heck yeah, let's do it.'"The carnival featured five men's and four women's distance races – 1,500 meters, men's 3,000-meter steeplechase, 400-meter dash, 5,000-meter run and 800-meter run. There were no sprints, throws, hurdles or jumps."It's fun to run under the lights at your home track," Hiser said. "Our kids said it was easy to know where you're at in the race because we train here all the time. Seeing all the kids' parents and families here means a lot because you don't get to race at home a whole lot – just once."Tabor, McPherson, Bethel, Allen County and Cowley College competed with the Coyotes on a chilly and windy night.KWU athletes led the way in the 400 meters.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14346">Eryk Kyser</a>&nbsp;(JR/Caney, Kan.) dominated the men's race, easily winning in a personal record time of 49.02 seconds."He's strong in the long jump but seeing him go out there and crush the 400 is always fun," Hiser said.Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14362">Riley Garcia</a>&nbsp;(FR/San Antonio, Texas) finished fourth (51.51), Kamal Murphy sixth (53.93) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14361">Tyler Fontenot</a>&nbsp;(FR/Houston, Texas) seventh (55.49).<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14310">Grace Pearson</a>&nbsp;(FR/Cypress, Texas) won the women's 400 in thrilling fashion, edging Bethel's Mia Roman at the finish line by less than a second (1:00.76 to 1:01.00).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14302">Bailey Mann</a>&nbsp;(SO/Ferris, Texas) was third (1:04.06) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14313">Grayce Tankersley</a>&nbsp;(FR/Hillsboro, Kan.) fifth (1:06.32).Three Coyote men ran under two minutes in the 800 meters – Will Griffith placed third (1:56.22),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14348">Ty Davidson</a>&nbsp;(SO/Lakin, Kan.) fourth (1:56.84) and Nicholas Martinez night (1:59.79)."Martinez for the first time in his life,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14348">Ty Davidson</a>&nbsp;had a PR and Will was really close to his PR," Hiser said. "That was really fun."Griffith, who ran at Salina Central High School, was pleased with his effort."It felt really good," he said. "I've had a bad few weeks so getting back into&nbsp;running feels a lot better. It was kind of getting in my mind but I'm starting to get out of it, starting to get a better mindset. I feel better body-wise too."Griffith said it was nice to run at home."If feels a lot better," he said. "I hate going outside of town all the time. Just being done with the meet a little bit quicker is nice."KWU's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14311">Joni Schroeder</a>&nbsp;(FR/Salina, Kan.) was seventh in the women's 800 meters (2:35.82).Two Coyotes were runners-up in the 1,500 meters.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14308">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>&nbsp;(FR/Salina, Kan.) was second in the women's race in 5:03.20,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14303">Josie Koppes</a>&nbsp;(SO/Manhattan, Kan.) took third (5:06.39),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14296">Daniella Gaona</a>&nbsp;(JR/Clifton, Texas) 11th&nbsp;(5:44.28) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14298">Savannah Pilsner</a>&nbsp;(SO/Columbus, Texas) 12th&nbsp;(6:15.45).<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14352">Giovanni Rios</a>&nbsp;(SO/Temecula, Calif.)' second-place time in the men's race was 4:10.49.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14358">Jake Cruz</a>&nbsp;(FR/Pasadena, Texas) was fifth (4:16.36),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14350">Jack Horacek</a>&nbsp;(SO/Topeka. Kan.) sixth (4:18.09),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14357">Julian Avila</a>&nbsp;(SO/Manhattan, Kan.) (4:19.87) and Stevie Merrill ninth (4:21.88).In the men's 5,000 meters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14342">Shane Calvin</a>&nbsp;(JR/Lakin, Kan.) placed fourth (15:34.75),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14343">Austin Hess</a>&nbsp;(JR/Garden City, Kan.) fifth (15:35.96) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14349">Cisco Alvarez</a>&nbsp;(SO/Colorado Springs, Colo.) ninth (15:56.14).<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14309">Charlee Lind</a>&nbsp;(FR/Wamego, Kan.) was the top KWU in the women's 5,000 placing third (20:07.16).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14300">Alayna Behrman</a>&nbsp;(SO/Craig, Colo.) was fourth (21:00.21) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/17/14295">Regan Rhodes</a>&nbsp;(SR/Mullinville, Kan.) fifth (21:07.31).KWU didn't have an entry in the men's steeplechase.Hiser has big plans for future distance carnivals."We're going to make it better, we're going to have more music and some different things to make it unique in the next few years," he said. "Hopefully it will continue to grow and become a premier event."The Coyotes will compete in the Tabor Invitational on Saturday in Hillsboro then travel to Winfield for the Southwestern Relays on April 29.

KWU runners have solid performances at Coyote Distance Carnival

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;The No. 22 ranked Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes opened their series with the Avila Eagles on Friday at the Zarda Multisport Complex with a 20-9 win.

The Coyotes also set a new school record for homeruns in a season, eclipsing the 100-homer plateau for the first time in school history, now with 103 for the season, breaking last season's school record mark of 96.

Wesleyan clubbed seven over the fence in Friday's contest, including two by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13271">Zach Olson</a>&nbsp;(JR/Red Deer, Alberta).

After a quiet first inning, the Coyotes got on the board in the second when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13260">Jarrett Gable</a>&nbsp;(SR/Colleyville, Texas) doubled and then scored on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13268">Kevin Esquilin-Cruz</a>&nbsp;(SR/Trujilo Alto, Puerto Rico)'s homer.

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14208">Zack Beatty</a>&nbsp;(JR/Maple Park, Ill.) homered for the Coyotes in the third, a 3-run shot, putting the Coyotes up 5-0. Avila got three back in the bottom of the inning.

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14204">William Dryburgh</a>&nbsp;(SR/St. Joseph, Mo.) hit a 3-tun homer in the fourth inning for the Coyotes, only to see Avila respond with three in the bottom half of its inning.

The Coyotes broke it open in the fifth with five runs. Olson hit a 2-run homer after Esquilin-Cruz reached on a single, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14228">Jackson Newman</a>&nbsp;(JR/Bixby, Okla.) followed with a solo homer. Dryburgh doubled,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14219">Kendall Foster</a>&nbsp;(SR/Prosper, Texs) was hit by a pitch, and so was Sipe.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14201">Haydn Brown</a>&nbsp;(SR/Gardnerville, Nev.) followed with a 2-run single.

Olson's second homer of the game accounted for KWU's only sixth inning run, but the Coyotes added two more in the seventh on Sipe's 2-run blast.

Avila got two back in the bottom of the inning, but the Coyotes pushed the game into run-rule territory in the eighth with four runs. Esquilin-Cruz tripled, Olson was hit, Newman drove in a run with a double, Dryburgh followed with a RBI single, Foster drove in a run on a sacrifice fly and Sipe drove in a run with a single.

A couple players nearly hit for the cycle for the Coyotes as Esquilin-Cruz needed a double and Dryburgh a triple to complete the feat.

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13272">Tyler Triano</a>&nbsp;(SR/Hollister, Calif.) went five on the mound for the Coyotes, striking out five.

KWU Sports InformationKANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;The No. 22 ranked Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes opened their series with the Avila Eagles on Friday at the Zarda Multisport Complex with a 20-9 win.The Coyotes also set a new school record for homeruns in a season, eclipsing the 100-homer plateau for the first time in school history, now with 103 for the season, breaking last season's school record mark of 96.Wesleyan clubbed seven over the fence in Friday's contest, including two by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13271">Zach Olson</a>&nbsp;(JR/Red Deer, Alberta).After a quiet first inning, the Coyotes got on the board in the second when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13260">Jarrett Gable</a>&nbsp;(SR/Colleyville, Texas) doubled and then scored on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13268">Kevin Esquilin-Cruz</a>&nbsp;(SR/Trujilo Alto, Puerto Rico)'s homer.<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14208">Zack Beatty</a>&nbsp;(JR/Maple Park, Ill.) homered for the Coyotes in the third, a 3-run shot, putting the Coyotes up 5-0. Avila got three back in the bottom of the inning.<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14204">William Dryburgh</a>&nbsp;(SR/St. Joseph, Mo.) hit a 3-tun homer in the fourth inning for the Coyotes, only to see Avila respond with three in the bottom half of its inning.The Coyotes broke it open in the fifth with five runs. Olson hit a 2-run homer after Esquilin-Cruz reached on a single, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14228">Jackson Newman</a>&nbsp;(JR/Bixby, Okla.) followed with a solo homer. Dryburgh doubled,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14219">Kendall Foster</a>&nbsp;(SR/Prosper, Texs) was hit by a pitch, and so was Sipe.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14201">Haydn Brown</a>&nbsp;(SR/Gardnerville, Nev.) followed with a 2-run single.Olson's second homer of the game accounted for KWU's only sixth inning run, but the Coyotes added two more in the seventh on Sipe's 2-run blast.Avila got two back in the bottom of the inning, but the Coyotes pushed the game into run-rule territory in the eighth with four runs. Esquilin-Cruz tripled, Olson was hit, Newman drove in a run with a double, Dryburgh followed with a RBI single, Foster drove in a run on a sacrifice fly and Sipe drove in a run with a single.A couple players nearly hit for the cycle for the Coyotes as Esquilin-Cruz needed a double and Dryburgh a triple to complete the feat.<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13272">Tyler Triano</a>&nbsp;(SR/Hollister, Calif.) went five on the mound for the Coyotes, striking out five.

Coyote baseball thumps Avila 20-9

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Shohei Ohtani struck out the side on 12 pitches in the first inning Friday night, throwing sweepers that broke horizontally like Frisbees and punctuating them with a 98.7-mph fastball. Angels manager Phil Nevin said he had never seen an inning more dominant during his nearly three decades in the big leagues.

Ohtani remained far too much for the Kansas City Royals to handle in his latest outstanding start.

Ohtani struck out a season-high 11 and allowed two hits over seven innings, and fill-in catcher Chad Wallach hit a two-run homer in Los Angeles' 2-0 victory.

Ohtani (3-0) returned to the mound just four days after a lengthy rain delay limited him to two innings in Boston, and the two-way superstar didn't miss a beat in his spectacular season on the mound. After fanning the side in that incredible first, Ohtani also struck out his final six batters — and in between, Kansas City managed two singles and two walks while getting just one runner to second base.

"From a hitter's standpoint, I would have no idea what to prepare for," Nevin said. "Because he's got 98 in there, but he doesn't usually throw the fastball a lot. The sweeper is kind of unhittable when he's throwing it for strikes. I'm glad I don't have to face him. I'm glad he's on my side."

Ohtani has given up two runs and eight hits over 28 innings with 38 strikeouts while lowering his ERA to 0.64 — the lowest in franchise history through a pitcher's first five starts. Ohtani also extended his franchise record with his 12th consecutive start allowing two runs or fewer.

Wallach stepped up impressively in the absence of injured rookie catcher Logan O'Hoppe, helping Ohtani behind the plate and also delivering the decisive homer in his first major league at-bat of the season.

"I love catching him," Wallach said. "Probably the best stuff I've ever seen, so it's fun for me to be back there and just catch pitches. ... (The first inning) was the best I've ever seen. He was throwing it exactly where he wanted to, and just all the pitches were nasty."

After issuing a leadoff walk in the sixth, Ohtani fanned six in a row to secure his major league-best 12th double-digit strikeout game since the start of 2022.

Carlos Estévez and Jose Quijada completed a three-hit shutout, with Quijada giving up a one-out single to Bobby Witt Jr. before finishing his fourth save in front of Angel Stadium's third sellout crowd of the year.

Kansas City opened a 10-game trip with its seventh consecutive loss and its 10th in 11 games.

"He's special pretty much any night he takes the field," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Ohtani. "He came out, struck out the side in the first, and then I think our at-bats got better over the next four innings or so, and then he introduced that curveball late. We hadn't seen that, and it kept us off balance. He's got a huge arsenal. Overall, the at-bats were pretty good, considering we were facing him. But it wasn't good enough. … (Ohtani) seems like somebody who can do whatever he sets out to do."

Wallach, who joined the Angels earlier Friday from Triple-A Salt Lake, drove a changeup from Ryan Yarbrough (0-2) 424 feet in the third inning for just his second big league homer since 2020.

Kansas City pitched a bullpen game in the rotation slot of injured left-hander Kris Bubic, with opener Taylor Clarke throwing two scoreless innings.

Mike Trout got the night off for the Angels in their return from a disappointing seven-game East Coast trip.

Angels rookie shortstop Zach Neto was hit by a pitch in each of his first two at-bats. He already has been hit by five pitches in his first seven games in the majors.

Royals: Bubic will have Tommy John surgery next week. He made three starts this season and showed improved form before his elbow ligament woes were diagnosed.

Angels: O'Hoppe went on the 10-day injured list with a shoulder problem. The promising rookie hurt himself on swings Monday and again Thursday, but the team hasn't revealed much about the nature of his injury. Wallach and Matt Thaiss are the Angels' two remaining catchers, with Max Stassi yet to make his season debut.

Tyler Anderson (1-0, 6.75 ERA) makes the fourth start of his Angels career in search of his first victory over the Royals, who counter with former Angels right-hander Zack Greinke (0-3. 4.03).

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports WriterANAHEIM, Calif. — Shohei Ohtani struck out the side on 12 pitches in the first inning Friday night, throwing sweepers that broke horizontally like Frisbees and punctuating them with a 98.7-mph fastball. Angels manager Phil Nevin said he had never seen an inning more dominant during his nearly three decades in the big leagues.Ohtani remained far too much for the Kansas City Royals to handle in his latest outstanding start.Ohtani struck out a season-high 11 and allowed two hits over seven innings, and fill-in catcher Chad Wallach hit a two-run homer in Los Angeles' 2-0 victory.Ohtani (3-0) returned to the mound just four days after a lengthy rain delay limited him to two innings in Boston, and the two-way superstar didn't miss a beat in his spectacular season on the mound. After fanning the side in that incredible first, Ohtani also struck out his final six batters — and in between, Kansas City managed two singles and two walks while getting just one runner to second base."From a hitter's standpoint, I would have no idea what to prepare for," Nevin said. "Because he's got 98 in there, but he doesn't usually throw the fastball a lot. The sweeper is kind of unhittable when he's throwing it for strikes. I'm glad I don't have to face him. I'm glad he's on my side."Ohtani has given up two runs and eight hits over 28 innings with 38 strikeouts while lowering his ERA to 0.64 — the lowest in franchise history through a pitcher's first five starts. Ohtani also extended his franchise record with his 12th consecutive start allowing two runs or fewer.Wallach stepped up impressively in the absence of injured rookie catcher Logan O'Hoppe, helping Ohtani behind the plate and also delivering the decisive homer in his first major league at-bat of the season."I love catching him," Wallach said. "Probably the best stuff I've ever seen, so it's fun for me to be back there and just catch pitches. ... (The first inning) was the best I've ever seen. He was throwing it exactly where he wanted to, and just all the pitches were nasty."After issuing a leadoff walk in the sixth, Ohtani fanned six in a row to secure his major league-best 12th double-digit strikeout game since the start of 2022.Carlos Estévez and Jose Quijada completed a three-hit shutout, with Quijada giving up a one-out single to Bobby Witt Jr. before finishing his fourth save in front of Angel Stadium's third sellout crowd of the year.Kansas City opened a 10-game trip with its seventh consecutive loss and its 10th in 11 games."He's special pretty much any night he takes the field," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Ohtani. "He came out, struck out the side in the first, and then I think our at-bats got better over the next four innings or so, and then he introduced that curveball late. We hadn't seen that, and it kept us off balance. He's got a huge arsenal. Overall, the at-bats were pretty good, considering we were facing him. But it wasn't good enough. … (Ohtani) seems like somebody who can do whatever he sets out to do."Wallach, who joined the Angels earlier Friday from Triple-A Salt Lake, drove a changeup from Ryan Yarbrough (0-2) 424 feet in the third inning for just his second big league homer since 2020.Kansas City pitched a bullpen game in the rotation slot of injured left-hander Kris Bubic, with opener Taylor Clarke throwing two scoreless innings.Mike Trout got the night off for the Angels in their return from a disappointing seven-game East Coast trip.KERPLUNKAngels rookie shortstop Zach Neto was hit by a pitch in each of his first two at-bats. He already has been hit by five pitches in his first seven games in the majors.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Bubic will have Tommy John surgery next week. He made three starts this season and showed improved form before his elbow ligament woes were diagnosed.Angels: O'Hoppe went on the 10-day injured list with a shoulder problem. The promising rookie hurt himself on swings Monday and again Thursday, but the team hasn't revealed much about the nature of his injury. Wallach and Matt Thaiss are the Angels' two remaining catchers, with Max Stassi yet to make his season debut.UP NEXTTyler Anderson (1-0, 6.75 ERA) makes the fourth start of his Angels career in search of his first victory over the Royals, who counter with former Angels right-hander Zack Greinke (0-3. 4.03).

Shohei Ohtani strikes out 11; Angels beat Royals 2-0

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

After a brief stumble last week at the hands of the Omaha Beef, the Salina Liberty will look to get back in the win column this Saturday when they play host to the Southwest Kansas Storm.

The Liberty will enter this contest in 4th place in the CIF standings at 4-2 while the Storm continue to battle in 6th at 2-3.

Salina will return to Tony’s Pizza Events Center with an ace up it’s sleeve this week, following the signing of new quarterback Ed Crouch, who brings a wealth of indoor experience in addition to a championship-winning pedigree.

Crouch was named MVP of the Fan Controlled Football League in 2021 after leading his Wild Aces to an FCF championship, defeating the Glacier Boyz 46-40.

The dual-threat finished that season completing 39 of his 69 passes for 673 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only five picks, racking up an additional 242 yards and 10 TDs on the ground all in just seven games.

Crouch also brings CIF experience as a former signal-caller for the Wichita Force, which only improved the confidence in the Liberty staff to bring the elite talent on board.

“I’m very excited to bring him in,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “I saw firsthand what that young man was capable of in Wichita. He’s a dual-threat quarterback with incredible accuracy and the mindset of a competitor. Getting to work with a guy like this is going to be a lot of fun and we believe he’s the missing piece to our offense.”

The first test for Crouch will come in the form of a Southwest Kansas team that ranks third in the league in total defense, and fourth in scoring defense, and one that will unveil a new QB of its own in Josh Hollins.

“They play good defense and they can keep the pedal to the metal offensively,” O’Neal said. “They added a new quarterback from Wyoming and revamped their offensive line to add to a strong core of skill guys. Defensively they’ve always been strong but now they have a weapon at quarterback to really open up their offense.”

In order to get things back on track, Salina will need to ensure that they win the battle in the trenches this week, a task that will be entrusted to several new recruits making their Liberty debuts on Saturday.

“We need to control the line of scrimmage,” O’Neal said. “That’s something we didn’t do in that Omaha game and we didn't really do it against Billings either which led us to bring some guys in on that line.”

Kickoff between the Liberty and Storm is set for 6:35 pm at Tony’s Pizza Events Center, and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

For continuing coverage of Liberty football all season 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/2021/4/1617387097958.png" alt="Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>After a brief stumble last week at the hands of the Omaha Beef, the Salina Liberty will look to get back in the win column this Saturday when they play host to the Southwest Kansas Storm.The Liberty will enter this contest in 4th place in the CIF standings at 4-2 while the Storm continue to battle in 6th at 2-3.Salina will return to Tony’s Pizza Events Center with an ace up it’s sleeve this week, following the signing of new quarterback Ed Crouch, who brings a wealth of indoor experience in addition to a championship-winning pedigree.Crouch was named MVP of the Fan Controlled Football League in 2021 after leading his Wild Aces to an FCF championship, defeating the Glacier Boyz 46-40.The dual-threat finished that season completing 39 of his 69 passes for 673 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only five picks, racking up an additional 242 yards and 10 TDs on the ground all in just seven games.Crouch also brings CIF experience as a former signal-caller for the Wichita Force, which only improved the confidence in the Liberty staff to bring the elite talent on board.“I’m very excited to bring him in,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “I saw firsthand what that young man was capable of in Wichita. He’s a dual-threat quarterback with incredible accuracy and the mindset of a competitor. Getting to work with a guy like this is going to be a lot of fun and we believe he’s the missing piece to our offense.”The first test for Crouch will come in the form of a Southwest Kansas team that ranks third in the league in total defense, and fourth in scoring defense, and one that will unveil a new QB of its own in Josh Hollins.“They play good defense and they can keep the pedal to the metal offensively,” O’Neal said. “They added a new quarterback from Wyoming and revamped their offensive line to add to a strong core of skill guys. Defensively they’ve always been strong but now they have a weapon at quarterback to really open up their offense.”In order to get things back on track, Salina will need to ensure that they win the battle in the trenches this week, a task that will be entrusted to several new recruits making their Liberty debuts on Saturday.“We need to control the line of scrimmage,” O’Neal said. “That’s something we didn’t do in that Omaha game and we didn't really do it against Billings either which led us to bring some guys in on that line.”Kickoff between the Liberty and Storm is set for 6:35 pm at Tony’s Pizza Events Center, and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.For continuing coverage of Liberty football all season long, stay tuned to the Salina, JC, and Little Apple Posts.

Liberty excited to unveil new weapons in matchup with Storm

The Southeast of Saline track and field teams were back in action on Friday at this year’s Abilene Invitational and performed well despite stacking up against much larger competition.

The boy's team finished their meet in third place with 107 points, just behind 5A Hays and 4A Wamego, with eight individuals and two relay teams accounting for 14 podium finishes.

Meanwhile, a trio of Lady Trojans would find the podium in four different events as the girl’s team closed out their meet in seventh with 41 points.

Below you can find full results and podium finishers for SES from the invitational.

Michael Murray - 100m dash (1st) - 200m dash (1st) - Long jump (3rd)

Nakari Morrical-Palmer - 200m dash (2nd) - 400 (2nd) - High jump (3rd)

Team - Throws relay (1st) - 4x400m relay

Ashley Prochazka - 3200 (1st) - 1600 (2nd)

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of Trojan track is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Trojan track is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Southeast of Saline track and field teams were back in action on Friday at this year’s Abilene Invitational and performed well despite stacking up against much larger competition.The boy's team finished their meet in third place with 107 points, just behind 5A Hays and 4A Wamego, with eight individuals and two relay teams accounting for 14 podium finishes.Meanwhile, a trio of Lady Trojans would find the podium in four different events as the girl’s team closed out their meet in seventh with 41 points.Below you can find full results and podium finishers for SES from the invitational.Boys (3rd/9, 107 points)Michael Murray - 100m dash (1st) - 200m dash (1st) - Long jump (3rd)Tate Nurnberg - High jump (1st)Nakari Morrical-Palmer - 200m dash (2nd) - 400 (2nd) - High jump (3rd)Damion Jackson - 3200 (2nd)Caden Parry - 110m hurdles (2nd)Brayden Walker - 1600 (2nd)Cayden Walker - 3200 (3rd)Nate Friesen - Pole vault (3rd)Team - Throws relay (1st) - 4x400m relayGirls (7th/9, 41 pts)Ashley Prochazka - 3200 (1st) - 1600 (2nd)Breckyn Alderson - 3200 (2nd)Elliana Smith - Pole vault (3rd)Photo credit: Jessica Sprecker

Trojan track takes 3rd and 7th at Abilene Invite

TULSA, Okla. – The Tulsa Drillers rallied and scored in the eighth inning to tie the game and a run in the ninth to defeat the Wichita Wind Surge 6-5 in a back-and-forth game. &nbsp;

In the ninth Tulsa loaded the bases and Diego Cartaya hit a sacrifice fly to center field to bring home the winning run.&nbsp; The Drillers have won three in a row in the series and have taken a three-games-to-one lead in the series.

Tulsa started the scoring in the first inning with a lead-off home run from Jonny DeLuca.&nbsp; The Wind Surge answered with a solo homer in the second by Armani Smith.&nbsp; Tulsa regained the lead in the third with a Josh Stowers home run.&nbsp; Jake Rucker joined the home run parade in the fifth to tie the game with a solo shot.&nbsp;

The Wind Surge took the lead with a two run, two out single from Will Holland in the fifth inning.&nbsp;

Jordan Leasure pitched the ninth for the win and Alex Scherff suffered a blown save and the loss.

Tulsa improved to 9-5 on the season and Wichita is 6-7.

NOTES – &nbsp;The Wind Surge left eleven men on base in the game and finished two for ten with runners in scoring position.&nbsp; Tulsa pitchers hit a season high three Wind Surge hitters. &nbsp;The Wind Surge scored in the second inning of the game, ending a streak of 20 consecutive innings without a run, longest in franchise history. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Surge lose on walk-off for the first time this season in front of an attendance of 8,379. &nbsp;&nbsp;

UPCOMING – Wichita will play against the Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate the Tulsa Drillers in game five of a six-game series Saturday night at 7:05. &nbsp;RH Chad Donato will face RH Emmet Sheehan. &nbsp;Catch the game on MiLB App and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwindsurge.com%2f&amp;c=E,1,tQnMbXbKGjGd_XbWZijt5b5-cOxiRn5WzBk28FG0UQkENRqaECorsuX7ZOU-Ukm2cmUOkH3ePkp-SzzJ3Tyvi-rFodXTwhQV8wpt3RnbwV_dEzGo8cij0Wepgw,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>.&nbsp;

Wichita Wind SurgeTULSA, Okla. – The Tulsa Drillers rallied and scored in the eighth inning to tie the game and a run in the ninth to defeat the Wichita Wind Surge 6-5 in a back-and-forth game. &nbsp;In the ninth Tulsa loaded the bases and Diego Cartaya hit a sacrifice fly to center field to bring home the winning run.&nbsp; The Drillers have won three in a row in the series and have taken a three-games-to-one lead in the series.Tulsa started the scoring in the first inning with a lead-off home run from Jonny DeLuca.&nbsp; The Wind Surge answered with a solo homer in the second by Armani Smith.&nbsp; Tulsa regained the lead in the third with a Josh Stowers home run.&nbsp; Jake Rucker joined the home run parade in the fifth to tie the game with a solo shot.&nbsp;The Wind Surge took the lead with a two run, two out single from Will Holland in the fifth inning.&nbsp;Jordan Leasure pitched the ninth for the win and Alex Scherff suffered a blown save and the loss.Tulsa improved to 9-5 on the season and Wichita is 6-7.NOTES – &nbsp;The Wind Surge left eleven men on base in the game and finished two for ten with runners in scoring position.&nbsp; Tulsa pitchers hit a season high three Wind Surge hitters. &nbsp;The Wind Surge scored in the second inning of the game, ending a streak of 20 consecutive innings without a run, longest in franchise history. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Surge lose on walk-off for the first time this season in front of an attendance of 8,379. &nbsp;&nbsp;UPCOMING – Wichita will play against the Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate the Tulsa Drillers in game five of a six-game series Saturday night at 7:05. &nbsp;RH Chad Donato will face RH Emmet Sheehan. &nbsp;Catch the game on MiLB App and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwindsurge.com%2f&amp;c=E,1,tQnMbXbKGjGd_XbWZijt5b5-cOxiRn5WzBk28FG0UQkENRqaECorsuX7ZOU-Ukm2cmUOkH3ePkp-SzzJ3Tyvi-rFodXTwhQV8wpt3RnbwV_dEzGo8cij0Wepgw,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>.&nbsp;NEXT HOME GAME – Wichita will play against the St. Louis Cardinals affiliate the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at Riverfront Stadium. Promotion: $5 domestic beers from when gates open until first pitch. Get two tickets for the price of one when you show your Dillons Shopper Card or Dillons app at the box office and $1 hot dogs.

Drillers down Wind Surge, 6-5

Salina Liberty hosts the Southwest Kansas Storm tonight in Tony's Pizza Events Center.&nbsp;

The game is scheduled to begin at 6:35 p.m. Saturday. If you can't make it to the game, you can watch it live on Salina Post. Use the QR code or click the link below to watch the game.

By SALINA POSTSalina Liberty hosts the Southwest Kansas Storm tonight in Tony's Pizza Events Center.&nbsp;The game is scheduled to begin at 6:35 p.m. Saturday. If you can't make it to the game, you can watch it live on Salina Post. Use the QR code or click the link below to watch the game.<figure>
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🎥Watch live as Salina Liberty takes on SW Kansas Storm

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Kansas City Royals left-hander Kris Bubic will have Tommy John surgery next week, the team announced Friday.

Bubic experienced forearm tightness last weekend during his start against Atlanta, and further examination revealed he needed major surgery. Dr. Neal ElAttrache will perform the procedure in Los Angeles.

Bubic went 0-2 with a 3.94 ERA in three starts for the Royals this season, his fourth in the major leagues. The Bay Area native and Stanford product went 3-13 last year in his first full season in Kansas City's starting rotation, and he has one victory in his last 15 starts combined.

But Bubic made major changes to his approach in the offseason and entered this year with increased velocity and a new slider. He had 13 strikeouts and just one walk in his first two starts this season before his final start on a cold, rainy day in Kansas City.

The Royals used right-handed reliever Taylor Clarke as an opener Friday night to fill Bubic's spot in the rotation when they opened a weekend road series against the Los Angeles Angels. Kansas City has lost six straight and nine of 10.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Kansas City Royals left-hander Kris Bubic will have Tommy John surgery next week, the team announced Friday.Bubic experienced forearm tightness last weekend during his start against Atlanta, and further examination revealed he needed major surgery. Dr. Neal ElAttrache will perform the procedure in Los Angeles.Bubic went 0-2 with a 3.94 ERA in three starts for the Royals this season, his fourth in the major leagues. The Bay Area native and Stanford product went 3-13 last year in his first full season in Kansas City's starting rotation, and he has one victory in his last 15 starts combined.But Bubic made major changes to his approach in the offseason and entered this year with increased velocity and a new slider. He had 13 strikeouts and just one walk in his first two starts this season before his final start on a cold, rainy day in Kansas City.The Royals used right-handed reliever Taylor Clarke as an opener Friday night to fill Bubic's spot in the rotation when they opened a weekend road series against the Los Angeles Angels. Kansas City has lost six straight and nine of 10.

Royals' lefty Kris Bubic to have Tommy John surgery

After steamrolling their way to an 11-1 record, the Southeast of Saline softball team made the trip to Beloit for the most pivotal doubleheader of their 2023 season.

With the NCAA title hanging in the balance, the Lady Trojans fell to Beloit 1-0 in game one, but struck back with a vengeance in game two, securing the split with a run-rule-shortened 13-2 drubbing.

Following this split, SES moves to 12-2 on the season and maintains an excellent chance to lock up at least a share of this year’s league title at 5-1.

The Lady Trojans also collected their ninth mercy-rule win of the campaign and extended their run differential to +145.

Game one of this doubleheader was a pitcher's duel through and through, with neither team recording so much as a run until the bottom of the final frame.

Carly Commerford had things working for the Lady Trojans, striking out nine and walking just one through six innings before turning the ball over to Bryna Baird.

On the other side of the matchup, Chloe Odle was on in the circle for Beloit, and cruised through the Southeast lineup, fanning 12 and allowing just five total runners to reach.

Between the two teams, 16 baserunners would be left stranded until the bottom of the seventh, where Beloit would finally break through, walking off Southeast to take game one 1-0.

Despite dropping just their second game of the season and their first in league play, SES refused to let this result dampen their spirits, and got right to work in game two, scoring their first run of the day in the top of the first.

From there, the purple and white would record four runs in the second, five in the third, two in the fourth, and one more in the fifth to trounce the rival Trojans in a 13-2 rout.

The bats woke up all throughout the Southeast lineup as eight of the nine members of the order drove in at least one run, with all nine recording at least one hit on the day.

In the circle, Lexi Jacobson put on a show once again, allowing just two unearned runs and three total hits, walking one and striking out five.

With just three doubleheaders left in their regular season, Southeast sits just two games back of Beloit in the league standings, with two fewer league games played.

If both teams win out the rest of the way, each will finish 9-1 and the two will split this year’s league title.

The Lady Trojans will be back in action on Tuesday when they make the trip to Minneapolis to battle the Lady Lions.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of SES softball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of SES softball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>After steamrolling their way to an 11-1 record, the Southeast of Saline softball team made the trip to Beloit for the most pivotal doubleheader of their 2023 season.With the NCAA title hanging in the balance, the Lady Trojans fell to Beloit 1-0 in game one, but struck back with a vengeance in game two, securing the split with a run-rule-shortened 13-2 drubbing.Following this split, SES moves to 12-2 on the season and maintains an excellent chance to lock up at least a share of this year’s league title at 5-1.The Lady Trojans also collected their ninth mercy-rule win of the campaign and extended their run differential to +145.Game one of this doubleheader was a pitcher's duel through and through, with neither team recording so much as a run until the bottom of the final frame.Carly Commerford had things working for the Lady Trojans, striking out nine and walking just one through six innings before turning the ball over to Bryna Baird.On the other side of the matchup, Chloe Odle was on in the circle for Beloit, and cruised through the Southeast lineup, fanning 12 and allowing just five total runners to reach.Between the two teams, 16 baserunners would be left stranded until the bottom of the seventh, where Beloit would finally break through, walking off Southeast to take game one 1-0.Despite dropping just their second game of the season and their first in league play, SES refused to let this result dampen their spirits, and got right to work in game two, scoring their first run of the day in the top of the first.From there, the purple and white would record four runs in the second, five in the third, two in the fourth, and one more in the fifth to trounce the rival Trojans in a 13-2 rout.The bats woke up all throughout the Southeast lineup as eight of the nine members of the order drove in at least one run, with all nine recording at least one hit on the day.In the circle, Lexi Jacobson put on a show once again, allowing just two unearned runs and three total hits, walking one and striking out five.With just three doubleheaders left in their regular season, Southeast sits just two games back of Beloit in the league standings, with two fewer league games played.If both teams win out the rest of the way, each will finish 9-1 and the two will split this year’s league title.The Lady Trojans will be back in action on Tuesday when they make the trip to Minneapolis to battle the Lady Lions.

Southeast softball splits with Beloit to keep leauge title hopes alive

After falling in five of their last six games, the Southeast of Saline baseball team was in need of a bounce back, and re-emerged with a vengeance in Beloit, trouncing the rival Trojans in a merciless sweep on Thursday.

With run-rule-shortened wins of 19-0 and 12-0, SES moves to 9-5 on the year and maintains a strong position at 5-1 in league play.

In addition to helping the Trojans improve their run differential to +94 on the season, Southeast has now won six games by mercy rule, and five via the shutout.

The Trojans in purple wasted no time getting to work in game one, taking a 3-0 lead in the top of the first, and adding five more in the second and one in the third before exploding for a ten-run fourth to put the final nails in the Beliot coffin.

At the midway mark of their campaign, pitching was the big question mark for SES, but in game one it didn’t look to be in question at all, as sophomore Cole Gilpin delivered a gem, tossing four scoreless innings and allowing just two hits, fanning seven without a single walk.

Offensively SES dealt their damage by committee, with all nine members of the lineup either scoring or driving in a run.

The effort at the plate was led by Landen Allen, Greyson Pembelton, and Grady Gebhardt, who combined to go 7 for 8, driving in 11 of the Trojan’s 19 runs in a 19-0 victory.

In game two, Southeast picked up right where they left off, plating five runs in the top of the first, six in the second, and one in the fourth to cruise to a 12-0 win in five innings.

Immaculate pitching held throughout the late game, and this time it was Jake Gebhardt’s turn to deliver, as the senior completed five scoreless innings, striking out four and allowing just five hits.

On the day Gilpin and Gebhardt combined for nine total innings without surrendering a single run or walking a single batter, racking up 11 strikeouts and allowing just seven hits.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of SES baseball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of SES baseball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>After falling in five of their last six games, the Southeast of Saline baseball team was in need of a bounce back, and re-emerged with a vengeance in Beloit, trouncing the rival Trojans in a merciless sweep on Thursday.With run-rule-shortened wins of 19-0 and 12-0, SES moves to 9-5 on the year and maintains a strong position at 5-1 in league play.In addition to helping the Trojans improve their run differential to +94 on the season, Southeast has now won six games by mercy rule, and five via the shutout.The Trojans in purple wasted no time getting to work in game one, taking a 3-0 lead in the top of the first, and adding five more in the second and one in the third before exploding for a ten-run fourth to put the final nails in the Beliot coffin.At the midway mark of their campaign, pitching was the big question mark for SES, but in game one it didn’t look to be in question at all, as sophomore Cole Gilpin delivered a gem, tossing four scoreless innings and allowing just two hits, fanning seven without a single walk.Offensively SES dealt their damage by committee, with all nine members of the lineup either scoring or driving in a run.The effort at the plate was led by Landen Allen, Greyson Pembelton, and Grady Gebhardt, who combined to go 7 for 8, driving in 11 of the Trojan’s 19 runs in a 19-0 victory.In game two, Southeast picked up right where they left off, plating five runs in the top of the first, six in the second, and one in the fourth to cruise to a 12-0 win in five innings.Immaculate pitching held throughout the late game, and this time it was Jake Gebhardt’s turn to deliver, as the senior completed five scoreless innings, striking out four and allowing just five hits.On the day Gilpin and Gebhardt combined for nine total innings without surrendering a single run or walking a single batter, racking up 11 strikeouts and allowing just seven hits.At the dish, 11 different Trojans stepped up for an at-bat, with nine recording a hit and five recording at least one run driven in throughout game two.Southeast will have just three more doubleheaders before regionals on May 15th and will be back in action next Tuesday when they travel to Minneapolis for a pair of games with the Lions.