BY ADAM COULTER Salina Post Contributor

The Sacred Heart golf team is preparing for another season and the goal of winning a ninth straight state championship. 

The Knights have won a total of nine state golf titles beginning in 1997, and have won eight straight since 2015, with the lone exception of the canceled 2020 Covid season.

Sacred Heart returns five golfers from last year’s team including Michael Matteucci, Hunter Newell, Luke Newell, Walker Tuttle, and Jason Marrs. 

The rest of the roster consists of Dominic Matteucci, Luke Newell, Ethan Newell, Will Tuttle, Ben Marrs, Cody Burr, and Mason Brown.

Interestingly, the team includes four sets of brothers.

Patrick Newell is the head coach for the Knights and has been in that position since the 2021 season. Prior to his tenure at Sacred Heart, he was the Salina Central Head Boys Golf Coach from 2002-2020.

"Practices have been very competitive this spring," Coach Newell said. "We have a solid top four of Michael, Hunter, Luke, and Walker. Jason, Dominic, Ethan, Ben, Cody, Mason, and Dayne are all battling it out for the other two remaining varsity spots."

"Even though we are in 2A, we play a mainly 5A schedule and play against some of the top players in the state," Newell added. "Big tournaments are at Bishop Carroll, Hays, Dodge City, and Goddard Eisenhower along with Hutchinson which has a 36-team field and is the largest tournament in the state.

Coach Newell spoke on some of the individual golfers who are primed for big seasons again this year. 

"Michael Matteucci is one of the most competitive golfers that I’ve coached," he said. "He is a multi-sport guy. He was starting quarterback for the football team and starting point guard for the basketball team. I have never seen such a tenacious appetite to succeed at everything that he does." 

Last year, Matteucci was the individual champion at 2A regionals at the Salina Municipal Golf Course and he was the individual State 2A champion at Hesston. The senior intends to sign with Washburn to play golf for the Ichibods in the fall of 2024.

Hunter Newell was part of a three-way tie for 2nd at the 2A regional last year. Two years ago he played in the First Tee Senior PGA tournament at Pebble Beach with Senior PGA tour player Rocco Mediate. Newell is planning on playing golf at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Walker Tuttle tied Newell for 2nd at 2A Regionals last year and finished tied for 4th at 2A State last year.

Luke Newell finished as the third member tied for 2nd at 2A regionals last year, and went on to take 3rd place at the 2A state tournament.

Some of the players also shared their thoughts on the upcoming season.&nbsp;

"My individual goal for the season is to win at least one golf tournament during the regular season and to have a scoring average under 77,"&nbsp;Hunter Newell said. "I believe that one of the team goals for the year is to win four to five tournaments in the regular season while winning League, Regionals, and State." 

He continued, "The relationships that I have with my teammates and the relationship we all have is what has helped build the Sacred Heart golf dynasty in that we all share the love for golf and get better at it every day. We love being able to have fun on the course while knowing when it comes to tournaments, we have to dial in and be ready to help the team out by not giving up and staying with our scores."

Michael Matteucci's goals are to win at state as an individual, have the lowest scoring average of his four years, and win two tournaments. 

As a team, the goals are to win state again, win multiple tournaments, and attempt to shoot a school-record-low score at a tournament.&nbsp;

"My relationship with my teammates is different from most people's," Matteucci said. "We have all been playing golf together since we were kids. We all get along great and always have a great time on road trips to tournaments or at our daily practices. This helps our team succeed."

"One of my individual goals this year is to shoot even par in a tournament,"&nbsp;Walker Tuttle said, "We all have great relationships not only just on the golf course but also outside of practice. We play on the weekends and travel to play different courses to prepare for our tournaments. I think this helps our team's camaraderie and benefits us greatly."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"One of my individual goals this year is to improve my scoring average to 75 or below, and a major goal for me is to win state as a team and as an individual," Luke Newell said. As a team, we all build each other up and every day we look forward to competing and getting better. Being able to compete against each other and have the fire to try and beat each other every single day is what makes us such competitive and amazing golfers."

The Knights' first tournament and quest for another state championship begins on Friday at the Salina Municipal Golf Course. 

In addition to Sacred Heart, the Invitational includes teams from Clay Center, Ell-Saline, Ellinwood, Ellsworth, Smith Center, and Southeast of Saline.

BY ADAM COULTER Salina Post Contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sacred Heart golf team is preparing for another season and the goal of winning a ninth straight state championship. The Knights have won a total of nine state golf titles beginning in 1997, and have won eight straight since 2015, with the lone exception of the canceled 2020 Covid season.Sacred Heart returns five golfers from last year’s team including Michael Matteucci, Hunter Newell, Luke Newell, Walker Tuttle, and Jason Marrs. The rest of the roster consists of Dominic Matteucci, Luke Newell, Ethan Newell, Will Tuttle, Ben Marrs, Cody Burr, and Mason Brown.Interestingly, the team includes four sets of brothers.Patrick Newell is the head coach for the Knights and has been in that position since the 2021 season. Prior to his tenure at Sacred Heart, he was the Salina Central Head Boys Golf Coach from 2002-2020."Practices have been very competitive this spring," Coach Newell said. "We have a solid top four of Michael, Hunter, Luke, and Walker. Jason, Dominic, Ethan, Ben, Cody, Mason, and Dayne are all battling it out for the other two remaining varsity spots.""Even though we are in 2A, we play a mainly 5A schedule and play against some of the top players in the state," Newell added. "Big tournaments are at Bishop Carroll, Hays, Dodge City, and Goddard Eisenhower along with Hutchinson which has a 36-team field and is the largest tournament in the state.Coach Newell spoke on some of the individual golfers who are primed for big seasons again this year. "Michael Matteucci is one of the most competitive golfers that I’ve coached," he said. "He is a multi-sport guy. He was starting quarterback for the football team and starting point guard for the basketball team. I have never seen such a tenacious appetite to succeed at everything that he does." Last year, Matteucci was the individual champion at 2A regionals at the Salina Municipal Golf Course and he was the individual State 2A champion at Hesston. The senior intends to sign with Washburn to play golf for the Ichibods in the fall of 2024.Hunter Newell was part of a three-way tie for 2nd at the 2A regional last year. Two years ago he played in the First Tee Senior PGA tournament at Pebble Beach with Senior PGA tour player Rocco Mediate. Newell is planning on playing golf at Kansas Wesleyan University.Walker Tuttle tied Newell for 2nd at 2A Regionals last year and finished tied for 4th at 2A State last year.Luke Newell finished as the third member tied for 2nd at 2A regionals last year, and went on to take 3rd place at the 2A state tournament.Some of the players also shared their thoughts on the upcoming season.&nbsp;"My individual goal for the season is to win at least one golf tournament during the regular season and to have a scoring average under 77,"&nbsp;Hunter Newell said. "I believe that one of the team goals for the year is to win four to five tournaments in the regular season while winning League, Regionals, and State." He continued, "The relationships that I have with my teammates and the relationship we all have is what has helped build the Sacred Heart golf dynasty in that we all share the love for golf and get better at it every day. We love being able to have fun on the course while knowing when it comes to tournaments, we have to dial in and be ready to help the team out by not giving up and staying with our scores."Michael Matteucci's goals are to win at state as an individual, have the lowest scoring average of his four years, and win two tournaments. As a team, the goals are to win state again, win multiple tournaments, and attempt to shoot a school-record-low score at a tournament.&nbsp;"My relationship with my teammates is different from most people's," Matteucci said. "We have all been playing golf together since we were kids. We all get along great and always have a great time on road trips to tournaments or at our daily practices. This helps our team succeed.""One of my individual goals this year is to shoot even par in a tournament,"&nbsp;Walker Tuttle said, "We all have great relationships not only just on the golf course but also outside of practice. We play on the weekends and travel to play different courses to prepare for our tournaments. I think this helps our team's camaraderie and benefits us greatly."&nbsp;&nbsp;"One of my individual goals this year is to improve my scoring average to 75 or below, and a major goal for me is to win state as a team and as an individual," Luke Newell said. As a team, we all build each other up and every day we look forward to competing and getting better. Being able to compete against each other and have the fire to try and beat each other every single day is what makes us such competitive and amazing golfers."The Knights' first tournament and quest for another state championship begins on Friday at the Salina Municipal Golf Course. In addition to Sacred Heart, the Invitational includes teams from Clay Center, Ell-Saline, Ellinwood, Ellsworth, Smith Center, and Southeast of Saline.

Sacred Heart Golf in Search of Ninth Straight State Championship

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;made a significant addition to his 2024-25 roster with the signing of impact transfer guard&nbsp;Dug McDaniel&nbsp;(Washington, D.C./St. Paul VI Catholic VI/Michigan)&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement on Wednesday (April 3).

A 5-foot-11, 175-pound guard, McDaniel arrives at K-State after 2 seasons (2022-24) at Michigan, where he led the Wolverines in scoring (16.3 ppg.), 3-point field goals (56), assists (4.7 apg.), steals (1.1 spg.) and minutes (35.4 mpg.) as a sophomore in 2023-24. In his 2 seasons in Ann Arbor, he averaged 12 points on 40 percent shooting (255-of-639), including 36.3 percent (89-of-245) from 3-point range, to go with 4.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 32.8 minutes per game while playing in 60 of a possible 66 games with 52 starts.

“It’s always a great day to be a Wildcat but even better when you get to welcome a player like Dug and his family to K-State,” said Tang. “Obviously he’s a tremendously skilled basketball player with a history of winning at both Paul VI and Team Takeover. When you combine that with playing two years in the Big Ten at Michigan it made him a priority for us as soon as he became available. Dug is not only a high-level scorer with the ability to create for his teammates, but a tough, relentless player who can also be a disruptor on the defensive end. Our fans are going to really enjoy getting to know him and his family.”

McDaniel is the second player to sign with the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season, following the signing of consensus top-50 high school prospect&nbsp;David Castillo&nbsp;(Bartlesville, Okla./Sunrise Christian Academy [Kan.])&nbsp;on Nov. 8, 2023.

In all, McDaniel scored 717 points in his Michigan career on 40 percent (255-of-639) shooting, including 36.3 percent (89-of-245) from 3-point range, and 77.1 percent (118-of-153) from the free throw line to go with 243 assists (4.1 apg.), 201 rebounds (3.4 rpg.) and 67 steals (1.1 spg.) in 1,965 total minutes (32.8 mpg.).

McDaniel posted double figures in 37 games, including seven 20-point efforts and two 30-point performances. He scored a career-high 33 points twice in a nearly 2-week span this past season, first at Oregon on Dec. 2, then again vs. Florida on Dec. 19. He knocked down a career 7 3-pointers on 12-of-21 shooting against the Ducks while he made 12-of-13 free throws against the Gators, along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

This past season, McDaniel averaged a team-best 16.3 points on 41 percent (151-of-368) shooting, including 36.8 percent (56-of-152) from 3-point range, and 77.4 percent (65-of-84) from the free throw line to go with 4.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 35.4 minutes per game. He scored in double figures 24 times, including six 20-point outings and a pair of 30-point performances.

In addition to scoring, McDaniel led the Wolverines in field goals attempted (368), 3-point field goals made (56) and attempted (152), free throw percentage (77.4), assists (121), steals (29) and minutes (35.4 mpg.) while he was second in field goals made (151). He ranked in the Big Ten’s top-20 in 8 categories, including 10th&nbsp;in scoring, seventh in assists, eighth in 3-point field goals/game (2.2) and fourth in minutes.

As a true freshman in 2022-23, McDaniel played in all 34 games with 26 starts for a Wolverine team that won 18 games and advanced to the NIT Second Round. He started the last 26 games of the season, including all 20 in Big Ten play, after a season-ending injury to starter&nbsp;Jaelin Llewellyn. He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Dec. 12 after posting 15 points, 7 assists and 3 steals in his first start in a win at Minnesota on Dec. 8.

McDaniel averaged 8.6 points on 38.4 percent (104-of-271) shooting, including 35.5 percent (33-of-93) from 3-point range, to go with 3.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 30.7 minutes per game as a freshman in 2022-23. He scored in double figures 13 times, including a season-best 20 points in an overtime win over Wisconsin on Feb. 26, 2023. He led the Wolverines in assists (122), while he was second in steals (38) and fourth in scoring. He was the first freshman to post a 100-plus assist season since&nbsp;Trey Burke&nbsp;in 2011-12.

McDaniel was a consensus Top 100 recruit out of St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly, Va., leading the Panthers to a 31-5 record and VISAA (Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Association) Division I State Championship as a senior in 2021-22. He was the DMV Elite All-Northern Virginia Player of the Year and the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Player of the Year as well as a VISAA Division I All-State First Team selection in 2022.

McDaniel led Paul VI to an 85-22 record in his prep career (not counting the shortened 2020-21 COVID-19 season), including two VISAA Division I State Championships (2020, 2022) and a pair of WCAC Tournament titles.

McDaniel also played for the ultra-successful Team Takeover on the Nike EYBL circuit.

K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including a tie for ninth in the Big 12 with an 8-10 mark, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang’s&nbsp;tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;made a significant addition to his 2024-25 roster with the signing of impact transfer guard&nbsp;Dug McDaniel&nbsp;(Washington, D.C./St. Paul VI Catholic VI/Michigan)&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement on Wednesday (April 3).A 5-foot-11, 175-pound guard, McDaniel arrives at K-State after 2 seasons (2022-24) at Michigan, where he led the Wolverines in scoring (16.3 ppg.), 3-point field goals (56), assists (4.7 apg.), steals (1.1 spg.) and minutes (35.4 mpg.) as a sophomore in 2023-24. In his 2 seasons in Ann Arbor, he averaged 12 points on 40 percent shooting (255-of-639), including 36.3 percent (89-of-245) from 3-point range, to go with 4.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 32.8 minutes per game while playing in 60 of a possible 66 games with 52 starts.“It’s always a great day to be a Wildcat but even better when you get to welcome a player like Dug and his family to K-State,” said Tang. “Obviously he’s a tremendously skilled basketball player with a history of winning at both Paul VI and Team Takeover. When you combine that with playing two years in the Big Ten at Michigan it made him a priority for us as soon as he became available. Dug is not only a high-level scorer with the ability to create for his teammates, but a tough, relentless player who can also be a disruptor on the defensive end. Our fans are going to really enjoy getting to know him and his family.”McDaniel is the second player to sign with the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season, following the signing of consensus top-50 high school prospect&nbsp;David Castillo&nbsp;(Bartlesville, Okla./Sunrise Christian Academy [Kan.])&nbsp;on Nov. 8, 2023.In all, McDaniel scored 717 points in his Michigan career on 40 percent (255-of-639) shooting, including 36.3 percent (89-of-245) from 3-point range, and 77.1 percent (118-of-153) from the free throw line to go with 243 assists (4.1 apg.), 201 rebounds (3.4 rpg.) and 67 steals (1.1 spg.) in 1,965 total minutes (32.8 mpg.).McDaniel posted double figures in 37 games, including seven 20-point efforts and two 30-point performances. He scored a career-high 33 points twice in a nearly 2-week span this past season, first at Oregon on Dec. 2, then again vs. Florida on Dec. 19. He knocked down a career 7 3-pointers on 12-of-21 shooting against the Ducks while he made 12-of-13 free throws against the Gators, along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists.This past season, McDaniel averaged a team-best 16.3 points on 41 percent (151-of-368) shooting, including 36.8 percent (56-of-152) from 3-point range, and 77.4 percent (65-of-84) from the free throw line to go with 4.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 35.4 minutes per game. He scored in double figures 24 times, including six 20-point outings and a pair of 30-point performances.In addition to scoring, McDaniel led the Wolverines in field goals attempted (368), 3-point field goals made (56) and attempted (152), free throw percentage (77.4), assists (121), steals (29) and minutes (35.4 mpg.) while he was second in field goals made (151). He ranked in the Big Ten’s top-20 in 8 categories, including 10th&nbsp;in scoring, seventh in assists, eighth in 3-point field goals/game (2.2) and fourth in minutes.As a true freshman in 2022-23, McDaniel played in all 34 games with 26 starts for a Wolverine team that won 18 games and advanced to the NIT Second Round. He started the last 26 games of the season, including all 20 in Big Ten play, after a season-ending injury to starter&nbsp;Jaelin Llewellyn. He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Dec. 12 after posting 15 points, 7 assists and 3 steals in his first start in a win at Minnesota on Dec. 8.McDaniel averaged 8.6 points on 38.4 percent (104-of-271) shooting, including 35.5 percent (33-of-93) from 3-point range, to go with 3.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 30.7 minutes per game as a freshman in 2022-23. He scored in double figures 13 times, including a season-best 20 points in an overtime win over Wisconsin on Feb. 26, 2023. He led the Wolverines in assists (122), while he was second in steals (38) and fourth in scoring. He was the first freshman to post a 100-plus assist season since&nbsp;Trey Burke&nbsp;in 2011-12.McDaniel was a consensus Top 100 recruit out of St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly, Va., leading the Panthers to a 31-5 record and VISAA (Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Association) Division I State Championship as a senior in 2021-22. He was the DMV Elite All-Northern Virginia Player of the Year and the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Player of the Year as well as a VISAA Division I All-State First Team selection in 2022.McDaniel led Paul VI to an 85-22 record in his prep career (not counting the shortened 2020-21 COVID-19 season), including two VISAA Division I State Championships (2020, 2022) and a pair of WCAC Tournament titles.McDaniel also played for the ultra-successful Team Takeover on the Nike EYBL circuit.K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including a tie for ninth in the Big 12 with an 8-10 mark, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang’s&nbsp;tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.

Tang Signs Transfer Dug McDaniel

Q:&nbsp;You are here on a one-year deal, what are you hoping to get out of this season in Kansas City if it’s your only one?

WENTZ:&nbsp;“Lots of unknowns about the&nbsp;future, take it one day at a time first and foremost. (The) Big intrigue to wanting to come here and why I am here today is the winning culture. Seeing it from afar, seeing it from around the league for the last couple of years, just the culture that (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid has set, you see it. I’ve admired it for years, that was a big piece of the puzzle for me and the desire to be here on a winning team, in a good culture, in a good community, with a good fan base – just seemed like a good fit.”

Q:&nbsp;Did you talk to your former teammates QB Nick Foles about what it is like to play under Head Coach Andy Reid and Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy?

WENTZ:&nbsp;“I actually never did in this process, but when I played with Nick (Foles), I remember all the good things he had to say about his time here. He absolutely loved it, he loved working with those guys, those things he said to me back then definitely still rang true in my head as I was making this decision so to speak. I just remember all the positive things he said about the organization, the coaches, those names you just mentioned (Head Coach Andy Reid and Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy). Those things were definitely a factor and gave me a little more peace and comfort in knowing what I was getting into.”

Q:&nbsp;How much will the time you spent with Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson when he was your coach in Philadelphia help you be ready for the offense here?

WENTZ:&nbsp;“I don’t know the X’s and O’s yet; I see them from afar watching film or watching games whenever I’d see the Chiefs on film. I would image it will make sense to me pretty quick because of that, being five years with (Jaguars Head) Coach (Doug) Pederson in that offense. Obviously, there is always little intricacies and differences, but I think it will make sense to me and resonate with me pretty quickly. That part I am looking forward to, the last couple of years’ offenses have been very different that I’ve been in, so I’ve gotten to see a lot, experience a lot. I think this one will kind of hit home so to speak and be the most familiar for me over the last couple of years.”

QB CARSON WENTZQ:&nbsp;You are here on a one-year deal, what are you hoping to get out of this season in Kansas City if it’s your only one?WENTZ:&nbsp;“Lots of unknowns about the&nbsp;future, take it one day at a time first and foremost. (The) Big intrigue to wanting to come here and why I am here today is the winning culture. Seeing it from afar, seeing it from around the league for the last couple of years, just the culture that (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid has set, you see it. I’ve admired it for years, that was a big piece of the puzzle for me and the desire to be here on a winning team, in a good culture, in a good community, with a good fan base – just seemed like a good fit.”Q:&nbsp;Did you talk to your former teammates QB Nick Foles about what it is like to play under Head Coach Andy Reid and Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy?WENTZ:&nbsp;“I actually never did in this process, but when I played with Nick (Foles), I remember all the good things he had to say about his time here. He absolutely loved it, he loved working with those guys, those things he said to me back then definitely still rang true in my head as I was making this decision so to speak. I just remember all the positive things he said about the organization, the coaches, those names you just mentioned (Head Coach Andy Reid and Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy). Those things were definitely a factor and gave me a little more peace and comfort in knowing what I was getting into.”Q:&nbsp;How much will the time you spent with Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson when he was your coach in Philadelphia help you be ready for the offense here?WENTZ:&nbsp;“I don’t know the X’s and O’s yet; I see them from afar watching film or watching games whenever I’d see the Chiefs on film. I would image it will make sense to me pretty quick because of that, being five years with (Jaguars Head) Coach (Doug) Pederson in that offense. Obviously, there is always little intricacies and differences, but I think it will make sense to me and resonate with me pretty quickly. That part I am looking forward to, the last couple of years’ offenses have been very different that I’ve been in, so I’ve gotten to see a lot, experience a lot. I think this one will kind of hit home so to speak and be the most familiar for me over the last couple of years.”

Chiefs Quotes: Carson Wentz 4-4-24

By TYLER HENRY Lead sports writer for Salina Post

Hello and Happy Thursday everybody it's Tyler Henry back with another 910KINA Sports Update presented by Solana Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

 The future of the Royals and chiefs in Kansas City was thrown into question on Tuesday night when residents of Jackson County Missouri resoundingly voted down a sales tax measure that would have helped to fund a new downtown ballpark, along with major renovations to Arrowhead Stadium.

Despite that Royals owner John Sherman and chiefs President Mark Donovan both acknowledged long before the final tally that they thought the initiative would likely fail. More than 58% of voters ultimately rejected the plan that would have replaced an existing three eighths of a cent sales tax that's been paying for the upkeep of Truman Sports Complex, the home for more than 50 years of Kaufman and Arrowhead Stadiums with a similar tax that would have been in place for the next 40 years.

More locally, K-State senior Tyler Perry was among 21 players chosen to participate in the 2024 NABC Reese's Division One College All-Star game, which will be played on Friday, April 6, at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. As part of the Final Four festivities.

 Friday's game will air nationally on CBS network with a 4:30 p.m. tip time and admission to the game as well as all of Reese's final for Friday is free to the public. 

And finally the Kansas City Royals fell in another Heartbreaker last night as the Orioles emerged from a five hour rain delay to walk off Casey in the night on a James McCann RBI single. 

That's all for your sports update for today. But for even more great area sports content like this, check out this Atlanta post and stay tuned to <a href="https://910kina.com/">910KINA</a> and <a href="http://Salinapost.com">Salinapost.com</a>

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/4mAfVflD-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kinasu 4-4-24" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div>By TYLER HENRY Lead sports writer for Salina PostTranscript from featured audioHello and Happy Thursday everybody it's Tyler Henry back with another 910KINA Sports Update presented by Solana Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. The future of the Royals and chiefs in Kansas City was thrown into question on Tuesday night when residents of Jackson County Missouri resoundingly voted down a sales tax measure that would have helped to fund a new downtown ballpark, along with major renovations to Arrowhead Stadium.Despite that Royals owner John Sherman and chiefs President Mark Donovan both acknowledged long before the final tally that they thought the initiative would likely fail. More than 58% of voters ultimately rejected the plan that would have replaced an existing three eighths of a cent sales tax that's been paying for the upkeep of Truman Sports Complex, the home for more than 50 years of Kaufman and Arrowhead Stadiums with a similar tax that would have been in place for the next 40 years.More locally, K-State senior Tyler Perry was among 21 players chosen to participate in the 2024 NABC Reese's Division One College All-Star game, which will be played on Friday, April 6, at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. As part of the Final Four festivities. Friday's game will air nationally on CBS network with a 4:30 p.m. tip time and admission to the game as well as all of Reese's final for Friday is free to the public. And finally the Kansas City Royals fell in another Heartbreaker last night as the Orioles emerged from a five hour rain delay to walk off Casey in the night on a James McCann RBI single. That's all for your sports update for today. But for even more great area sports content like this, check out this Atlanta post and stay tuned to <a href="https://910kina.com/">910KINA</a> and <a href="http://Salinapost.com">Salinapost.com</a>

910 KINA sports headlines — April 4

BALTIMORE (AP) — James McCann had a two-out, two-run single in the ninth inning and the Baltimore Orioles emerged from a five-hour rain delay to beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Wednesday night.

Baltimore trailed 3-0 in the eighth before scoring twice against the Kansas City bullpen, which wasted a masterful performance by starter Cole Ragans.

It was 3-2 in the ninth when Royals closer Will Smith (0-2) walked Ryan Mountcastle and gave up a single to Anthony Santander. After a sacrifice bunt, an intentional walk to load the bases and a strikeout, McCann lined a single into left to end it.

The deciding matchup in the three-game series was supposed to start at 1:05 p.m., but didn’t get under way until early evening. The Royals weren’t scheduled to return to Baltimore after the game, so waiting out a persistent rainstorm meant the teams wouldn’t have to play a makeup months down the road.

The fans who endured the long wait were rewarded by being allowed to choose any open seat in addition to receiving a voucher for a future weekday game.

Ragans retired 18 of the first 19 batters, the lone exception a fourth-inning double by Adley Rutschman. The right-hander was pulled in the seventh after walking two and striking out Santander.

Ragan worked 6 1/3 shutout innings, allowing one hit and two walks with seven strikeouts.

Maikel Garcia homered and Salvador Perez had three hits and two RBIs for the Royals, who lost both games in the series on Baltimore's final at-bat.

Orioles starter Corbin Burnes gave up two runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. Although the right-hander kept the game close, his performance was a notch below his Orioles debut on opening day, when he limited the Los Angeles Angels to one hit over six innings while striking out 11.

Perez hit RBI singles in the first and third innings, and Garcia went deep against Mike Baumann in the seventh.

In the Baltimore eighth, Gunnar Henderson hit a sacrifice fly and Rutschman singled in a run but was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double.

Yennier Cano (1-0) got the win with a scoreless ninth.

Royals: Seth Lugo (0-0, 0.00 ERA) faces the visiting Chicago White Sox on Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series.

Orioles: After a day off Thursday, the Orioles hit the road for the first time this season, sending Grayson Rodriguez (1-0, 1.50) to the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712193045820.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro, left, argues with home plate umpire Paul Clemons, right, after a play where Bobby Witt Jr. (7) was tagged out in a rundown between third and home against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro, left, argues with home plate umpire Paul Clemons, right, after a play where Bobby Witt Jr. (7) was tagged out in a rundown between third and home against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — James McCann had a two-out, two-run single in the ninth inning and the Baltimore Orioles emerged from a five-hour rain delay to beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Wednesday night.Baltimore trailed 3-0 in the eighth before scoring twice against the Kansas City bullpen, which wasted a masterful performance by starter Cole Ragans.It was 3-2 in the ninth when Royals closer Will Smith (0-2) walked Ryan Mountcastle and gave up a single to Anthony Santander. After a sacrifice bunt, an intentional walk to load the bases and a strikeout, McCann lined a single into left to end it.The deciding matchup in the three-game series was supposed to start at 1:05 p.m., but didn’t get under way until early evening. The Royals weren’t scheduled to return to Baltimore after the game, so waiting out a persistent rainstorm meant the teams wouldn’t have to play a makeup months down the road.The fans who endured the long wait were rewarded by being allowed to choose any open seat in addition to receiving a voucher for a future weekday game.Ragans retired 18 of the first 19 batters, the lone exception a fourth-inning double by Adley Rutschman. The right-hander was pulled in the seventh after walking two and striking out Santander.Ragan worked 6 1/3 shutout innings, allowing one hit and two walks with seven strikeouts.Maikel Garcia homered and Salvador Perez had three hits and two RBIs for the Royals, who lost both games in the series on Baltimore's final at-bat.Orioles starter Corbin Burnes gave up two runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. Although the right-hander kept the game close, his performance was a notch below his Orioles debut on opening day, when he limited the Los Angeles Angels to one hit over six innings while striking out 11.Perez hit RBI singles in the first and third innings, and Garcia went deep against Mike Baumann in the seventh.In the Baltimore eighth, Gunnar Henderson hit a sacrifice fly and Rutschman singled in a run but was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double.Yennier Cano (1-0) got the win with a scoreless ninth.UP NEXTRoyals: Seth Lugo (0-0, 0.00 ERA) faces the visiting Chicago White Sox on Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series.Orioles: After a day off Thursday, the Orioles hit the road for the first time this season, sending Grayson Rodriguez (1-0, 1.50) to the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.____

 ⚾ Orioles emerge from 5-hour rain delay to beat Royals 

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

On the heels of his team's third 4A state appearance in four years, Abilene head boy's basketball head coach Erik Graefe resigned from his post on Tuesday.

"This was a difficult decision but I feel like it's the right time for me to step aside," Graefe said. "I leave with nothing but love for Abilene. I was so fortunate to have coached with Tyler Bryson, and I am forever indebted to all of the players who played so hard for us."

During his four-year tenure leading the varsity team, Graefe's Cowboys posted a record of 59-27, and flirted with bringing Abilene their second state title in school history.

That run included a 19-4 campaign a season ago, that saw the Cowboys collect yet another sub-state title and finish the year with two All-State selections (Brax Fisher and Stocton Timbrook) on the KBCA team.

Prior to his time as head varsity basketball coach, Graefe served Abilene coaching the JV team, and prior to that, coached the middle school team, for a total of 18 years of service.

While surprising, the two parties will be parting ways on excellent terms, and Coach Graefe will be fondly remembered by all in Cowboy Country, having laid the groundwork for whoever steps up to lead Abilene next.

“On behalf of Abilene High School and the community, I would like to thank Coach Graefe for all his years of service to our youth," Abilene Athletic Director Will Burton said. "Not just for the last four years as our head high school coach but also for his years as an assistant at the high school level and as head coach at our middle school. I wish him the best in his future endeavors."

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>On the heels of his team's third 4A state appearance in four years, Abilene head boy's basketball head coach Erik Graefe resigned from his post on Tuesday."This was a difficult decision but I feel like it's the right time for me to step aside," Graefe said. "I leave with nothing but love for Abilene. I was so fortunate to have coached with Tyler Bryson, and I am forever indebted to all of the players who played so hard for us."During his four-year tenure leading the varsity team, Graefe's Cowboys posted a record of 59-27, and flirted with bringing Abilene their second state title in school history.That run included a 19-4 campaign a season ago, that saw the Cowboys collect yet another sub-state title and finish the year with two All-State selections (Brax Fisher and Stocton Timbrook) on the KBCA team.Prior to his time as head varsity basketball coach, Graefe served Abilene coaching the JV team, and prior to that, coached the middle school team, for a total of 18 years of service.While surprising, the two parties will be parting ways on excellent terms, and Coach Graefe will be fondly remembered by all in Cowboy Country, having laid the groundwork for whoever steps up to lead Abilene next.“On behalf of Abilene High School and the community, I would like to thank Coach Graefe for all his years of service to our youth," Abilene Athletic Director Will Burton said. "Not just for the last four years as our head high school coach but also for his years as an assistant at the high school level and as head coach at our middle school. I wish him the best in his future endeavors."Photo courtesy of Erik Graefe

Graefe Resigns as Head Boys Basketball Coach After 18 Years in Abilene

After a brief stumble out of the gates, the Southeast of Saline baseball team has caught fire, winning their last six games including a doubleheader sweep of Republic County on Tuesday.

With wins of 19-1 and 19-0 the Trojans move to 6-2 overall and 2-0 in league play while the Buffaloes drop to 0-6 and 0-2.

During this six-game stretch, Southeast has won all of its games by mercy rule, and has posted an obscene run differential of +98.

Game one was a quick one for the Trojans, who racked up five runs in the first, six in the second, and eight in the third to take a run-rule-shortened 19-1 victory.

Southeast rattled off eight hits and capitalized on 11 Buffalo blunders, with Sam Knopf leading the charge on a two-hit, three-run, 4 RBI day.

On the bump the Trojans looked dominant with Killian Vaughan and Cole Gilpin combining to toss three innings of three-hit ball, surrendering just one unearned run and striking out six.

Game two saw more of the same as Southeast struck for three in the first, seven in the second, three in the third and six in the fourth to win another shortened contest 19-0.

This time around it was the combined effort of Noah Rupert, Treytan Olson, and Lyrick Lilley who shut down Republic County from the mound, allowing just two hits and striking out five in a shutout win.

In game two six different members of the lineup recorded a hit, and a trio of Trojans in Treytan Olson, Evan Watkins, and Sam Knopf all drove in four runs.

SES will be tested on the road this Friday when they travel to Abilene for a two-game set with the 8th-ranked Cowboys.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>After a brief stumble out of the gates, the Southeast of Saline baseball team has caught fire, winning their last six games including a doubleheader sweep of Republic County on Tuesday.With wins of 19-1 and 19-0 the Trojans move to 6-2 overall and 2-0 in league play while the Buffaloes drop to 0-6 and 0-2.During this six-game stretch, Southeast has won all of its games by mercy rule, and has posted an obscene run differential of +98.Game one was a quick one for the Trojans, who racked up five runs in the first, six in the second, and eight in the third to take a run-rule-shortened 19-1 victory.Southeast rattled off eight hits and capitalized on 11 Buffalo blunders, with Sam Knopf leading the charge on a two-hit, three-run, 4 RBI day.On the bump the Trojans looked dominant with Killian Vaughan and Cole Gilpin combining to toss three innings of three-hit ball, surrendering just one unearned run and striking out six.Game two saw more of the same as Southeast struck for three in the first, seven in the second, three in the third and six in the fourth to win another shortened contest 19-0.This time around it was the combined effort of Noah Rupert, Treytan Olson, and Lyrick Lilley who shut down Republic County from the mound, allowing just two hits and striking out five in a shutout win.In game two six different members of the lineup recorded a hit, and a trio of Trojans in Treytan Olson, Evan Watkins, and Sam Knopf all drove in four runs.SES will be tested on the road this Friday when they travel to Abilene for a two-game set with the 8th-ranked Cowboys.

Trojans Bash Buffaloes in Doubleheader Sweep

Southeast of Saline’s softball team picked up right where they left off on Tuesday, sweeping Republic County in dominant fashion to remain a perfect 4-0 on the year.

With wins of 19-1 and 14-1, the Lady Trojans also open league play at 2-0 while the Lady Buffs drop to 0-2 and 2-4 overall.

SES has won all four of their games by mercy rule and already holds a run differential of +51 less than a full week into their season.

It took the Southeast bats some time to warm up in the first game of their doubleheader as the Lady Trojans led just 3-1 after three, but a six-run fourth and a ten-run fifth allowed SES to put the opener to bed 19-1.

It turns out those three runs would have been more than enough as Lexi Jacobson was masterful once again in the circle, fanning eight batters and allowing just one unearned run on two hits all day.

Once Southeast turned up the heat they never looked back, as the top four bats in the order combined for ten hits, driving in ten more in the process.

Game two saw more of the same as SES allowed just one more run while striking for four in the first, five in the second, one in the third, and two more in the fourth and fifth for a 14-1 win.

This time it was Bryna Baird’s turn to baffle batters from the circle, allowing one run on three hits, striking out six, and walking just two.

Baird helped her own cause at the plate as well, recording three RBI on three hits, contributing more than the entire Republic County lineup combined.

It was also a good day at the plate for junior Abby Wyatt, who brought two more runs in to score on three hits.

The Lady Trojans will be back in action this Friday when they travel to Abilene for a 4:30 doubleheader with the Cowgirls.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Southeast of Saline’s softball team picked up right where they left off on Tuesday, sweeping Republic County in dominant fashion to remain a perfect 4-0 on the year.With wins of 19-1 and 14-1, the Lady Trojans also open league play at 2-0 while the Lady Buffs drop to 0-2 and 2-4 overall.SES has won all four of their games by mercy rule and already holds a run differential of +51 less than a full week into their season.It took the Southeast bats some time to warm up in the first game of their doubleheader as the Lady Trojans led just 3-1 after three, but a six-run fourth and a ten-run fifth allowed SES to put the opener to bed 19-1.It turns out those three runs would have been more than enough as Lexi Jacobson was masterful once again in the circle, fanning eight batters and allowing just one unearned run on two hits all day.Once Southeast turned up the heat they never looked back, as the top four bats in the order combined for ten hits, driving in ten more in the process.Game two saw more of the same as SES allowed just one more run while striking for four in the first, five in the second, one in the third, and two more in the fourth and fifth for a 14-1 win.This time it was Bryna Baird’s turn to baffle batters from the circle, allowing one run on three hits, striking out six, and walking just two.Baird helped her own cause at the plate as well, recording three RBI on three hits, contributing more than the entire Republic County lineup combined.It was also a good day at the plate for junior Abby Wyatt, who brought two more runs in to score on three hits.The Lady Trojans will be back in action this Friday when they travel to Abilene for a 4:30 doubleheader with the Cowgirls.

Lady Trojans Rout Republic County, Move to 4-0

It was reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday that the Kansas City Chiefs had agreed to a one-year deal with veteran quarterback Carson Wentz.

Wentz will replace former backup Blaine Gabbert, who is now an unrestricted free agent, and comes to Kansas City after spending the last two seasons as a backup with the Colts, Commanders, and Rams.

A Super Bowl winner with the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz has completed 62.7% of his career passes for 22,292 yards, 153 touchdowns, and 67 interceptions.

This news broke alongside a Tuesday report from NFL insider Ian Rappaport that the Chiefs have agreed to a one-year deal to keep former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire in Kansas City.

Edwards-Helaire will return to the backfield alongside Isaiah Pacheco and could receive even more aid as Kansas City welcomed former Raven and current free-agent J.K. Dobbins in for a visit on Tuesday.

It was reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday that the Kansas City Chiefs had agreed to a one-year deal with veteran quarterback Carson Wentz.Wentz will replace former backup Blaine Gabbert, who is now an unrestricted free agent, and comes to Kansas City after spending the last two seasons as a backup with the Colts, Commanders, and Rams.A Super Bowl winner with the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz has completed 62.7% of his career passes for 22,292 yards, 153 touchdowns, and 67 interceptions.This news broke alongside a Tuesday report from NFL insider Ian Rappaport that the Chiefs have agreed to a one-year deal to keep former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire in Kansas City.Edwards-Helaire will return to the backfield alongside Isaiah Pacheco and could receive even more aid as Kansas City welcomed former Raven and current free-agent J.K. Dobbins in for a visit on Tuesday.

Chiefs Sign Carson Wentz, Re-Sign Clyde Edwards Helaire

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The future of the Royals and Chiefs in Kansas City was thrown into question Tuesday night when residents of Jackson County, Missouri, resoundingly voted down a sales tax measure that would have helped to fund a new downtown ballpark along with major renovations to Arrowhead Stadium.

Royals owner John Sherman and Chiefs president Mark Donovan acknowledged long before the final tally that the initiative would fail.

 More than 58% of voters ultimately rejected the plan, which would have replaced an existing three-eighths of a cent sales tax that has been paying for the upkeep of Truman Sports Complex — the home for more than 50 years to Kauffman and Arrowhead Stadiums — with a similar tax that would have been in place for the next 40 years.

The Royals, who had pledged at least $1 billion from ownership for their project, wanted to use their share of the tax revenue to help fund a $2 billion-plus ballpark district. The Super Bowl champion Chiefs, who had committed $300 million in private money, would have used their share as part of an $800 million overhaul of Arrowhead Stadium.

“We’re deeply disappointed as we are steadfast in our belief that Jackson County is better with the Chiefs and the Royals,” said Sherman, who left without taking questions. “As someone whose roots run deep in this town, who has been a dedicated fan and season-ticket holder for both of these teams, and now leading a remarkable ownership group.”

Donovan said the Chiefs would do “what is in the best interest of our fans and our organization as we move forward.”

That could mean many things: The Chiefs could try again with a reworked plan more agreeable to voters, change their entire funding approach to include more private investment, or they could even listen to offers from competing cities and states — such as Kansas, just across the state line to the west — that would provide the public funding they desire.

“We’ve been talking a lot about the democratic process. We respect the process,” Donovan said. “We feel we put forth the best offer for Jackson County. We’re ready to extend the longstanding partnership the teams have enjoyed with this county.”

The current lease lease at Truman Sports Complex lasts through Jan. 31, 2031. And while Sherman has said the Royals would not play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season, the Chiefs are hopeful of remaining at Arrowhead Stadium.

The tax — or, more accurately, the stadium plans — received significant public pushback almost from the start, when the teams struggled to put concrete plans before voters and were accused of lacking transparency throughout the process.

Last fall, the Royals unveiled two potential locations for their ballpark district, one on the eastern edge of downtown and the other across the Missouri River in Clay County, Missouri.

But, a self-imposed deadline to finalize their location lapsed without a plan, and in February, they finally announced they had scrapped both concepts and chosen a different downtown spot.

The new area, known as the Crossroads, has a vibrant arts and restaurant scene, and it is just blocks away from the T-Mobile Center and the bustling Power &amp; Light entertainment district. It also is close to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the 18th &amp; Vine district, which is home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

But even then, plans remained vague. The latest ballpark renderings were made obsolete just last week when the Royals acquiesced to Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’ request that a major street that would have been part of the stadium footprint remain open; Lucas did not endorse the tax initiative until the Royals agreed to the change.

“I think everyone has the same mixed feelings,” said Deidre Chasteen, a voter from Independence, Missouri, who remembers attending games downtown at old Municipal Stadium when the Royals played there from 1969-72.

“It’s not that we mind paying the three-eighths-cent sales tax. I think the problem is putting the stadium where it is,” Chasteen said. “We’re saying don’t ruin businesses that have been established down there for years.”

The club also had not reached sales agreements with many landowners in the Crossroads, and other businesses had expressed concerns about traffic, congestion and parking in an already thriving residential neighborhood.

Sarah Tourville, the Royals’ executive vice president, said the goal was to move into the stadium for opening day in 2028.

The Royals moved from Municipal Stadium to Kauffman Stadium in 1973 and extensively renovated the ballpark from 2009-12. Arrowhead Stadium was built alongside Kauffman Stadium and also was renovated around the same time.

While the Royals insist on playing in a new ballpark, the Chiefs wanted to stay put with a renovation that would have touched every aspect of their 52-year-old building, from the seating bowl to luxury amenities to the tailgating scene.

“We would not be willing to sign a lease for another 25 years without the financing to properly renovate and reimagine the stadium,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, whose father, Lamar Hunt, helped get the existing stadiums built, said before Tuesday’s vote. “The financing puzzle is very important to us to make sure we have enough funds to do everything we’ve outlined.”

The Chiefs had hoped their success, including three Super Bowl titles in the last five years, would sway voters in their favor.

“What my dad loved best about the stadium was the connection the team had with our fanbase,” Hunt said. “He loved this building for what it means to the fans, and we still believe it is one of the best stadiums in the National Football League and a bucket-list destination for fans across the NFL.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712112749211.jpeg" alt="An Air Force B2 bomber flies over Kauffman Stadium before a baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Minnesota Twins Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)." />
 <figcaption>An Air Force B2 bomber flies over Kauffman Stadium before a baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Minnesota Twins Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel).</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The future of the Royals and Chiefs in Kansas City was thrown into question Tuesday night when residents of Jackson County, Missouri, resoundingly voted down a sales tax measure that would have helped to fund a new downtown ballpark along with major renovations to Arrowhead Stadium.Royals owner John Sherman and Chiefs president Mark Donovan acknowledged long before the final tally that the initiative would fail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712104528404.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure> More than 58% of voters ultimately rejected the plan, which would have replaced an existing three-eighths of a cent sales tax that has been paying for the upkeep of Truman Sports Complex — the home for more than 50 years to Kauffman and Arrowhead Stadiums — with a similar tax that would have been in place for the next 40 years.The Royals, who had pledged at least $1 billion from ownership for their project, wanted to use their share of the tax revenue to help fund a $2 billion-plus ballpark district. The Super Bowl champion Chiefs, who had committed $300 million in private money, would have used their share as part of an $800 million overhaul of Arrowhead Stadium.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A statement from John Sherman regarding today&#39;s Jackson County election: <a href="https://t.co/t85qx0Cwfh">pic.twitter.com/t85qx0Cwfh</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1775347697345610113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We’re deeply disappointed as we are steadfast in our belief that Jackson County is better with the Chiefs and the Royals,” said Sherman, who left without taking questions. “As someone whose roots run deep in this town, who has been a dedicated fan and season-ticket holder for both of these teams, and now leading a remarkable ownership group.”Donovan said the Chiefs would do “what is in the best interest of our fans and our organization as we move forward.”That could mean many things: The Chiefs could try again with a reworked plan more agreeable to voters, change their entire funding approach to include more private investment, or they could even listen to offers from competing cities and states — such as Kansas, just across the state line to the west — that would provide the public funding they desire.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/JacksonCountyMO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JacksonCountyMO</a>⁩ voters have spoken. I’ll say more on the election results and what happens next soon. Stay tuned! <a href="https://t.co/emqsBfJqYq">pic.twitter.com/emqsBfJqYq</a>&mdash; Frank White (@JCEFrankWhite) <a href="https://twitter.com/JCEFrankWhite/status/1775364416424280068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We’ve been talking a lot about the democratic process. We respect the process,” Donovan said. “We feel we put forth the best offer for Jackson County. We’re ready to extend the longstanding partnership the teams have enjoyed with this county.”The current lease lease at Truman Sports Complex lasts through Jan. 31, 2031. And while Sherman has said the Royals would not play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season, the Chiefs are hopeful of remaining at Arrowhead Stadium.The tax — or, more accurately, the stadium plans — received significant public pushback almost from the start, when the teams struggled to put concrete plans before voters and were accused of lacking transparency throughout the process.Last fall, the Royals unveiled two potential locations for their ballpark district, one on the eastern edge of downtown and the other across the Missouri River in Clay County, Missouri.But, a self-imposed deadline to finalize their location lapsed without a plan, and in February, they finally announced they had scrapped both concepts and chosen a different downtown spot.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/ijleg960iH">pic.twitter.com/ijleg960iH</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1775340879663825097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The new area, known as the Crossroads, has a vibrant arts and restaurant scene, and it is just blocks away from the T-Mobile Center and the bustling Power &amp; Light entertainment district. It also is close to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the 18th &amp; Vine district, which is home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.But even then, plans remained vague. The latest ballpark renderings were made obsolete just last week when the Royals acquiesced to Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’ request that a major street that would have been part of the stadium footprint remain open; Lucas did not endorse the tax initiative until the Royals agreed to the change.“I think everyone has the same mixed feelings,” said Deidre Chasteen, a voter from Independence, Missouri, who remembers attending games downtown at old Municipal Stadium when the Royals played there from 1969-72.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712112786193.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman, left, address the media while Kansas City Chiefs president Mark Donovan looks on during a news conference about a plan to extend a sales tax to provide funding to build a new stadium for the Royals and stadium improvement for the Chiefs Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Jackson County, Mo. residents will vote on the question Tuesday, April 2. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman, left, address the media while Kansas City Chiefs president Mark Donovan looks on during a news conference about a plan to extend a sales tax to provide funding to build a new stadium for the Royals and stadium improvement for the Chiefs Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Jackson County, Mo. residents will vote on the question Tuesday, April 2. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel).</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s not that we mind paying the three-eighths-cent sales tax. I think the problem is putting the stadium where it is,” Chasteen said. “We’re saying don’t ruin businesses that have been established down there for years.”The club also had not reached sales agreements with many landowners in the Crossroads, and other businesses had expressed concerns about traffic, congestion and parking in an already thriving residential neighborhood.Sarah Tourville, the Royals’ executive vice president, said the goal was to move into the stadium for opening day in 2028.The Royals moved from Municipal Stadium to Kauffman Stadium in 1973 and extensively renovated the ballpark from 2009-12. Arrowhead Stadium was built alongside Kauffman Stadium and also was renovated around the same time.While the Royals insist on playing in a new ballpark, the Chiefs wanted to stay put with a renovation that would have touched every aspect of their 52-year-old building, from the seating bowl to luxury amenities to the tailgating scene.“We would not be willing to sign a lease for another 25 years without the financing to properly renovate and reimagine the stadium,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, whose father, Lamar Hunt, helped get the existing stadiums built, said before Tuesday’s vote. “The financing puzzle is very important to us to make sure we have enough funds to do everything we’ve outlined.”The Chiefs had hoped their success, including three Super Bowl titles in the last five years, would sway voters in their favor.“What my dad loved best about the stadium was the connection the team had with our fanbase,” Hunt said. “He loved this building for what it means to the fans, and we still believe it is one of the best stadiums in the National Football League and a bucket-list destination for fans across the NFL.”

Voters reject stadium tax for Royals and Chiefs, leaving future in KC in question

BALTIMORE (AP) — Alec Marsh pitched seven innings of two-hit ball, Maikel Garcia drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals breezed past the Baltimore Orioles 4-1 Tuesday night at wet and chilly Camden Yards.

Marsh (1-0) turned in the best performance of his budding career, dominating the defending AL East champions with an exceptional display of control. He&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1775323645696495719">struck out five</a>, walked one and retired the side in order five times.

“He was outstanding,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Marsh. “Adverse conditions to pitch in against a really good lineup, and he did nothing but attack, right from the get-go.”

Now in his second season, Marsh previously hadn't gone more than six innings and never allowed fewer than three hits in any outing longer than an inning. In this one, the right-hander threw 72 pitches, only 18 of which were called balls.

“You couldn't ask for anything more,” Quatraro said.

Marsh received offensive support from Garcia, who hit a two-run double in the second inning and added an RBI triple in the fourth.

A persistent, light rain soaked the players and the announced crowd of 9,404. Temperatures dipped into the 40s soon after the game started, and a crisp breeze provided the stouthearted fans additional discomfort.

The Orioles gave their supporters little reason to stand up and cheer. Baltimore's only run came in the third inning on successive doubles by Jordan Westburg and Colton Cowser, but that only served to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Kansas City answered in the fourth with a walk and a triple by Garcia on a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportsKC/status/1775305527985062234">liner off the right-field wall</a>. That was more than enough backing for Marsh, who earned the fifth spot in the Royals rotation with a strong showing in spring training.

As a rookie in 2023, Marsh lost his first eight decisions before ending up 3-9 with a 5.69 ERA.

The solid finish, along with his productive spring, gave Marsh some momentum heading into the 2024 season.

“He's been on a mission,” Quatraro said. “That's one game. We don't want to proclaim this to be a finished product. He's a very young pitcher in his big league career, but there's a lot of upside and we're excited about it.”

When the Orioles got good wood on the ball, there always seemed to be someone there to catch it.

“Good fastball, curveball had a lot of depth on it,” Baltimore's Ryan O’Hearn said. “It was one of those nights. I feel like we had a lot of balls hit right at guys. Sometimes it happens that way.”

After Marsh put in his seven innings, the bullpen finished up without incident. John Schreiber gave up a single in the eighth and Will Smith got three straight outs for his first save.

Orioles starter Cole Irvin (0-1) gave up four runs and seven hits in five innings. The 30-year-old is attempting to bounce back from a disappointing season in which he went 1-4, endured three stints in the minor leagues and did not appear on Baltimore's postseason roster.

Royals reliever Jake Brentz threw in the bullpen for the first time since going on the IL last month with a left hamstring strain. Brentz, 29, hasn't pitched in the big leagues since undergoing elbow surgery in July of 2022.

The teams face a rainy forecast for Wednesday's series finale, which matches Orioles ace Corbin Burnes (1-0, 1.50 ERA) and Royals opening day starter Cole Ragans (0-1, 3.00).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712106555574.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Alec Marsh throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Alec Marsh throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Alec Marsh pitched seven innings of two-hit ball, Maikel Garcia drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals breezed past the Baltimore Orioles 4-1 Tuesday night at wet and chilly Camden Yards.Marsh (1-0) turned in the best performance of his budding career, dominating the defending AL East champions with an exceptional display of control. He&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1775323645696495719">struck out five</a>, walked one and retired the side in order five times.“He was outstanding,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Marsh. “Adverse conditions to pitch in against a really good lineup, and he did nothing but attack, right from the get-go.”Now in his second season, Marsh previously hadn't gone more than six innings and never allowed fewer than three hits in any outing longer than an inning. In this one, the right-hander threw 72 pitches, only 18 of which were called balls.“You couldn't ask for anything more,” Quatraro said.Marsh received offensive support from Garcia, who hit a two-run double in the second inning and added an RBI triple in the fourth.A persistent, light rain soaked the players and the announced crowd of 9,404. Temperatures dipped into the 40s soon after the game started, and a crisp breeze provided the stouthearted fans additional discomfort.The Orioles gave their supporters little reason to stand up and cheer. Baltimore's only run came in the third inning on successive doubles by Jordan Westburg and Colton Cowser, but that only served to cut the deficit to 3-1.Kansas City answered in the fourth with a walk and a triple by Garcia on a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportsKC/status/1775305527985062234">liner off the right-field wall</a>. That was more than enough backing for Marsh, who earned the fifth spot in the Royals rotation with a strong showing in spring training.As a rookie in 2023, Marsh lost his first eight decisions before ending up 3-9 with a 5.69 ERA.The solid finish, along with his productive spring, gave Marsh some momentum heading into the 2024 season.“He's been on a mission,” Quatraro said. “That's one game. We don't want to proclaim this to be a finished product. He's a very young pitcher in his big league career, but there's a lot of upside and we're excited about it.”When the Orioles got good wood on the ball, there always seemed to be someone there to catch it.“Good fastball, curveball had a lot of depth on it,” Baltimore's Ryan O’Hearn said. “It was one of those nights. I feel like we had a lot of balls hit right at guys. Sometimes it happens that way.”After Marsh put in his seven innings, the bullpen finished up without incident. John Schreiber gave up a single in the eighth and Will Smith got three straight outs for his first save.Orioles starter Cole Irvin (0-1) gave up four runs and seven hits in five innings. The 30-year-old is attempting to bounce back from a disappointing season in which he went 1-4, endured three stints in the minor leagues and did not appear on Baltimore's postseason roster.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals reliever Jake Brentz threw in the bullpen for the first time since going on the IL last month with a left hamstring strain. Brentz, 29, hasn't pitched in the big leagues since undergoing elbow surgery in July of 2022.UP NEXTThe teams face a rainy forecast for Wednesday's series finale, which matches Orioles ace Corbin Burnes (1-0, 1.50 ERA) and Royals opening day starter Cole Ragans (0-1, 3.00).

⚾ Alec Marsh throws 7 dominant innings to lead Royals past Orioles 

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Senior&nbsp;Tylor Perry&nbsp;was among 21 players chosen to participate in the 2024 NABC-Reese’s Division I College All-Star Game, which will be played on Friday (April 5) at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, Ariz., as part of Final Four festivities.

Friday’s game will air nationally on CBS Sports Network at 4:30 p.m., CT. Admission to the game as well as all of Reese’s Final Four Friday is free to the public.

Perry will play on the West team, which will be coached by San Diego head coach&nbsp;Steve Lavin. Perry is the first Wildcat to play in the All-Star Game since&nbsp;Mark Smith&nbsp;in 2022.

Perry will be joined on the West team by a few familiar faces in 2023-24 opponents – West Virginia’s&nbsp;Jesse Edwards&nbsp;and Nebraska’s&nbsp;Keisei Tominaga. Other teammates include Utah’s&nbsp;Branden Carlson, Missouri’s&nbsp;Sean East II, Akron’s&nbsp;Enrique Freeman, New Mexico’s&nbsp;Jalen House&nbsp;and Washington State’s&nbsp;Isaac Jones.

The East team, which will be led by Oakland head coach&nbsp;Greg Kampe, includes NCAA Tournament sensation&nbsp;Jack Gohlke, Providence’s&nbsp;Josh Oduro, UNC Asheville’s&nbsp;Drew Pember&nbsp;and Maryland’s&nbsp;Jahmir Young.

A 5-foot-11, 180-pound guard from Fort Coffee, Okla., Perry earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors in his one season at K-State, where he averaged a team-best 15.3 points on 93 made 3-pointers to go with 4.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals in starting all 34 games this past season. He scored in double figures in 24 games, including a team-best 11 20-point games.

Perry put together one of the most impressive single-season scoring seasons in school history in 2023-24, as his 94 made 3-point field goals and 90.9 free throw percentage were the fourth-most by a Wildcat. It was the most 3-point makes since&nbsp;Nijel Pack&nbsp;had 95 in 2021-22, while his free throw percentage was the highest since&nbsp;Steve Henson&nbsp;shot 92 percent from the line in 1988-89.

Perry finished his college career with nearly 2,500 points, including 1,562 at the Division I level (North Texas). He led teams to 128 victories in his career, including 4 20-win seasons, one NJCAA national championship (Coffeyville Community College), one NIT title (North Texas) and two conference championships.

In addition to his Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors, he was named the Big 12 Player of the Week on March 4. In his career, he was the 2023 NIT Most Outstanding Player and the 2023 Conference USA Player of the Year as well as the 2022 C-USA Sixth Man of the Year and a two-time All-CUSA First Team selection. He was also a member of the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Senior&nbsp;Tylor Perry&nbsp;was among 21 players chosen to participate in the 2024 NABC-Reese’s Division I College All-Star Game, which will be played on Friday (April 5) at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, Ariz., as part of Final Four festivities.Friday’s game will air nationally on CBS Sports Network at 4:30 p.m., CT. Admission to the game as well as all of Reese’s Final Four Friday is free to the public.Perry will play on the West team, which will be coached by San Diego head coach&nbsp;Steve Lavin. Perry is the first Wildcat to play in the All-Star Game since&nbsp;Mark Smith&nbsp;in 2022.Perry will be joined on the West team by a few familiar faces in 2023-24 opponents – West Virginia’s&nbsp;Jesse Edwards&nbsp;and Nebraska’s&nbsp;Keisei Tominaga. Other teammates include Utah’s&nbsp;Branden Carlson, Missouri’s&nbsp;Sean East II, Akron’s&nbsp;Enrique Freeman, New Mexico’s&nbsp;Jalen House&nbsp;and Washington State’s&nbsp;Isaac Jones.The East team, which will be led by Oakland head coach&nbsp;Greg Kampe, includes NCAA Tournament sensation&nbsp;Jack Gohlke, Providence’s&nbsp;Josh Oduro, UNC Asheville’s&nbsp;Drew Pember&nbsp;and Maryland’s&nbsp;Jahmir Young.A 5-foot-11, 180-pound guard from Fort Coffee, Okla., Perry earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors in his one season at K-State, where he averaged a team-best 15.3 points on 93 made 3-pointers to go with 4.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals in starting all 34 games this past season. He scored in double figures in 24 games, including a team-best 11 20-point games.Perry put together one of the most impressive single-season scoring seasons in school history in 2023-24, as his 94 made 3-point field goals and 90.9 free throw percentage were the fourth-most by a Wildcat. It was the most 3-point makes since&nbsp;Nijel Pack&nbsp;had 95 in 2021-22, while his free throw percentage was the highest since&nbsp;Steve Henson&nbsp;shot 92 percent from the line in 1988-89.Perry finished his college career with nearly 2,500 points, including 1,562 at the Division I level (North Texas). He led teams to 128 victories in his career, including 4 20-win seasons, one NJCAA national championship (Coffeyville Community College), one NIT title (North Texas) and two conference championships.In addition to his Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors, he was named the Big 12 Player of the Week on March 4. In his career, he was the 2023 NIT Most Outstanding Player and the 2023 Conference USA Player of the Year as well as the 2022 C-USA Sixth Man of the Year and a two-time All-CUSA First Team selection. He was also a member of the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team.K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including a tie for ninth in the Big 12 with an 8-10 mark, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang’s&nbsp;tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.

Perry To Play in NABC-Reese’s College All-Star Game

On Monday, the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association unveiled its All-State basketball teams for classes 1-6A, and our area was well represented with 15 of our local athletes making the cut.

Among those honored were 12 boys and 3 girls from the Salina area, with four on the first team, two on the second team, four on the third team, and five honorable mentions.

Boys Brax Fisher- 4A First Team (Abilene) Stocton Timbrook- 4A Honorable Mention (Abilene) Kelan Gruver- 4A Honorable Mention (Chapman)

Will Cravens- 3A First Team (Ellsworth) Gannon Jacobson- 3A Second Team (SE of Saline) Eli Lawson- 2A First Team (Bennington) Michael Matteucci- 2A Second Team (Sacred Heart) Max Ehrlich- 2A Third Team (Sacred Heart) Mister Smith- 2A Third Team (Bennington) Brogan Rowley- 2A Third Team (Ell-Saline) Evan Bogart- 2A Honorable Mention (Sacred Heart)

Paityn Fritz- 5A Honorable Mention (South) Kiera Jones- 4A Honorable Mention (Chapman) Rori Miles- 2A Third Team (Bennington)

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association unveiled its All-State basketball teams for classes 1-6A, and our area was well represented with 15 of our local athletes making the cut.Among those honored were 12 boys and 3 girls from the Salina area, with four on the first team, two on the second team, four on the third team, and five honorable mentions.Boys Brax Fisher- 4A First Team (Abilene) Stocton Timbrook- 4A Honorable Mention (Abilene) Kelan Gruver- 4A Honorable Mention (Chapman)Will Cravens- 3A First Team (Ellsworth) Gannon Jacobson- 3A Second Team (SE of Saline) Eli Lawson- 2A First Team (Bennington) Michael Matteucci- 2A Second Team (Sacred Heart) Max Ehrlich- 2A Third Team (Sacred Heart) Mister Smith- 2A Third Team (Bennington) Brogan Rowley- 2A Third Team (Ell-Saline) Evan Bogart- 2A Honorable Mention (Sacred Heart) Spencer Coup- 1A-DI First Team (Solomon)GirlsPaityn Fritz- 5A Honorable Mention (South) Kiera Jones- 4A Honorable Mention (Chapman) Rori Miles- 2A Third Team (Bennington)

15 Area Athletes Named to KBCA All-State Basketball Teams

BALTIMORE (AP) — Jordan Westburg hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to carry the Baltimore Orioles past the Kansas City Royals 6-4 on Monday night.

Westburg's opposite-field drive to right came on an 0-2 pitch from Nick Anderson (0-1) after the Royals rallied to tie the game in the top of the inning.

“I really wasn't trying to do too much, just trying to move the ball and get to the next man (in the lineup)," Westburg said.

Instead, the second-year infielder&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Orioles/status/1774968257365061846">put an end to a tight contest</a>.

“That was the coolest moment of my career so far,” Westburg said. “I've never had a walk-off in all my years I've played baseball. To have my first one here in Baltimore is pretty special.”

Ryan Mountcastle homered and drove in three runs for the Orioles.

Bobby&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1774941300736889340">Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez homered</a>&nbsp;for the Royals, the second straight game in which each went deep.

With the score tied at 3 in the eighth, singles by Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman put runners at the corners with two outs for Mountcastle, who&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Orioles/status/1774962570069246236">reached on an RBI infield single</a>&nbsp;when first baseman Nick Loftin couldn't handle the throw from the shortstop Witt.

That gave closer Craig Kimbrel (1-0) a chance to seal the victory in his Baltimore debut. But Kyle Isbel singled, and pinch-runner Dairon Blanco stole second and third before scoring on a fly ball by Maikel Garcia.

Westburg delivered in the bottom half. He leaped in joy after rounding first base and was drenched in water after arriving at the plate.

“It just an euphoric feeling, seeing that ball go over the wall,” he said.

Making his Kansas City debut after signing a two-year, $32 million contract in December, Michael Wacha gave up three runs in five innings. The only three hits he allowed came in succession in the fourth, when Baltimore bounced back from a 3-0 deficit to pull even.

“Good one to build off of,” Wacha said. “I felt like I had good command of stuff early, and carried it toward the end of my outing as well.”

Orioles starter Dean Kremer allowed three runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Witt hit a solo shot in the third and Perez added a two-run drive to put the Royals up 3-0.

Rutschman doubled leading off the Baltimore fourth, Anthony Santander followed with an RBI single and Mountcastle went deep.

“Our guys went out and put up a three-spot, and as a pitcher you want to be able to hold that lead,” Wacha said. “It was frustrating giving it right back to them a couple innings later.”

The Orioles fumbled two grounders for errors in the first inning, but a pair of superb fielding plays kept the game tied in the seventh. After Nelson Velázquez hit a one-out double, Mountcastle dived to snare a grounder past first base and beat Isbel to the bag. Henderson then charged to pick up a short-hop grounder to shortstop and threw out speedy Maikel Garcia.

Orioles: LHP John Means (elbow) began his rehabilitation assignment by yielding two homers and seven runs in one-plus innings for Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday. “The numbers didn't show great success but he felt good physically,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Monday. “That's what matters in any rehab, for sure.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712053097707.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Jordan Westburg hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to carry the Baltimore Orioles past the Kansas City Royals 6-4 on Monday night.Westburg's opposite-field drive to right came on an 0-2 pitch from Nick Anderson (0-1) after the Royals rallied to tie the game in the top of the inning.“I really wasn't trying to do too much, just trying to move the ball and get to the next man (in the lineup)," Westburg said.Instead, the second-year infielder&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Orioles/status/1774968257365061846">put an end to a tight contest</a>.“That was the coolest moment of my career so far,” Westburg said. “I've never had a walk-off in all my years I've played baseball. To have my first one here in Baltimore is pretty special.”Ryan Mountcastle homered and drove in three runs for the Orioles.Bobby&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1774941300736889340">Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez homered</a>&nbsp;for the Royals, the second straight game in which each went deep.With the score tied at 3 in the eighth, singles by Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman put runners at the corners with two outs for Mountcastle, who&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Orioles/status/1774962570069246236">reached on an RBI infield single</a>&nbsp;when first baseman Nick Loftin couldn't handle the throw from the shortstop Witt.That gave closer Craig Kimbrel (1-0) a chance to seal the victory in his Baltimore debut. But Kyle Isbel singled, and pinch-runner Dairon Blanco stole second and third before scoring on a fly ball by Maikel Garcia.Westburg delivered in the bottom half. He leaped in joy after rounding first base and was drenched in water after arriving at the plate.“It just an euphoric feeling, seeing that ball go over the wall,” he said.Making his Kansas City debut after signing a two-year, $32 million contract in December, Michael Wacha gave up three runs in five innings. The only three hits he allowed came in succession in the fourth, when Baltimore bounced back from a 3-0 deficit to pull even.“Good one to build off of,” Wacha said. “I felt like I had good command of stuff early, and carried it toward the end of my outing as well.”Orioles starter Dean Kremer allowed three runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings.Witt hit a solo shot in the third and Perez added a two-run drive to put the Royals up 3-0.Rutschman doubled leading off the Baltimore fourth, Anthony Santander followed with an RBI single and Mountcastle went deep.“Our guys went out and put up a three-spot, and as a pitcher you want to be able to hold that lead,” Wacha said. “It was frustrating giving it right back to them a couple innings later.”FIELDING GEMSThe Orioles fumbled two grounders for errors in the first inning, but a pair of superb fielding plays kept the game tied in the seventh. After Nelson Velázquez hit a one-out double, Mountcastle dived to snare a grounder past first base and beat Isbel to the bag. Henderson then charged to pick up a short-hop grounder to shortstop and threw out speedy Maikel Garcia.TRAINER'S ROOMOrioles: LHP John Means (elbow) began his rehabilitation assignment by yielding two homers and seven runs in one-plus innings for Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday. “The numbers didn't show great success but he felt good physically,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Monday. “That's what matters in any rehab, for sure.”Royals: INF Michael Massey (lower back strain) is “progressing well” and could begin a rehab assignment “in the next few days,” manager Matt Quatraro said.UP NEXTThere's rain in the forecast Tuesday night, when Orioles starter Cole Irvin is scheduled to face the Royals and Alec Marsh, who lost his first eight decisions as a rookie last year before finishing 3-9.