By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

On Tuesday, the Abilene baseball team did it again.

Despite being on the road and underdogs in not one, but two regional games, the Cowboys came from seemingly out of nowhere to punch their ticket back to the 4A state tournament in Salina next week.

Abilene defeated Concordia 7-3 before stunning the hosts in Pratt by a final score of 4-2.

4A regional quarterifinal: Abilene 7, Concordia 3

First up was a Concordia team that swept the Cowboys earlier this season, but Abilene would have its revenge, rallying to put the game away late.

In the bottom of the third, Concordia doubled to take a 3-1 lead, but the Cowboys quickly overturned their advantage in the top of the fourth when Thomas Keener drove in two runs with a bases-clearing RBI single.

That lead would be the only one the Panthers would ever hold as in the top of the sixth, Abilene added three more, including two on a hard-hit Jake Bartley single.

On the hill, Thomas Keener went the distance, ensuring Concordia never sniffed another run. Keener finished the day surrendering just three runs and one walk, striking out two.

4A regional semifinal: Abilene 4, Pratt 2

At 22-4, Pratt looked like a buzzsaw coming into their own home regional, but Jake Bartley and the Abilene defense quieted the green giant, putting the Greenbacks’ hopes of another state title run to rest.

The Cowboys struck first in this game when Heath Hoekman drove in Thomas Keener on an RBI single in the top of the first.

Pratt would respond with two runs of their own in the bottom of the frame, and for a while both offenses struggled to score, but in the top of the sixth, Thomas Keener bolted home on a passed ball to re-deliver a 2-1 lead to Abilene.

The Cowboys added two more runs in the top of the seventh thanks to a sac bunt and a Levi Evans RBI single, and once again, the pitching was ready to slam the door shut.

This time, it was Jake Bartley’s time to go the distance, allowing just two runs and two walks in a complete game effort where he struck out four and surrendered just six hits.

The Cowboys will head to Salina for the 4A state tournament, joining McPherson, Mulvane, Clay Center, Paola and Rock Creek, who all punched their tickets today with two wins of their own. 

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostOn Tuesday, the Abilene baseball team did it again.Despite being on the road and underdogs in not one, but two regional games, the Cowboys came from seemingly out of nowhere to punch their ticket back to the 4A state tournament in Salina next week.Abilene defeated Concordia 7-3 before stunning the hosts in Pratt by a final score of 4-2.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.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>4A regional quarterifinal: Abilene 7, Concordia 3First up was a Concordia team that swept the Cowboys earlier this season, but Abilene would have its revenge, rallying to put the game away late.In the bottom of the third, Concordia doubled to take a 3-1 lead, but the Cowboys quickly overturned their advantage in the top of the fourth when Thomas Keener drove in two runs with a bases-clearing RBI single.That lead would be the only one the Panthers would ever hold as in the top of the sixth, Abilene added three more, including two on a hard-hit Jake Bartley single.On the hill, Thomas Keener went the distance, ensuring Concordia never sniffed another run. Keener finished the day surrendering just three runs and one walk, striking out two.4A regional semifinal: Abilene 4, Pratt 2At 22-4, Pratt looked like a buzzsaw coming into their own home regional, but Jake Bartley and the Abilene defense quieted the green giant, putting the Greenbacks’ hopes of another state title run to rest.The Cowboys struck first in this game when Heath Hoekman drove in Thomas Keener on an RBI single in the top of the first.Pratt would respond with two runs of their own in the bottom of the frame, and for a while both offenses struggled to score, but in the top of the sixth, Thomas Keener bolted home on a passed ball to re-deliver a 2-1 lead to Abilene.The Cowboys added two more runs in the top of the seventh thanks to a sac bunt and a Levi Evans RBI single, and once again, the pitching was ready to slam the door shut.This time, it was Jake Bartley’s time to go the distance, allowing just two runs and two walks in a complete game effort where he struck out four and surrendered just six hits.The Cowboys will head to Salina for the 4A state tournament, joining McPherson, Mulvane, Clay Center, Paola and Rock Creek, who all punched their tickets today with two wins of their own.

⚾️ Abilene pulls off two upsets to win regional, return to 4A state tournament

The Southeast of Saline softball postseason began right where the regular season ended, with a pair of victories over Herington and Council Grove to advance the Lady Trojans to the regional championship game.

SES will face Silver Lake in Osage City on Thursday at 5:00 for a ticket to this year’s 3A state tournament.

3A regional quarterifinal: SE of Saline 16, Herington 0

The opening round of this year’s regional bracket was pure domination for the Lady Trojans, who scored eight runs in the first and second, never needing to bat in the third inning to clear the first hurdle.

The top of the Southeast’s lineup raked in this game, as Reese Heinrich, Kyiah Samuelson and Abby Wyatt combined to hit 6-7 with 9 RBI on the day.

In the circle, Carlee Dye dominated, striking out five and issuing zero walks as part of a one-hit shutout.

3A regional semifinal: SE of Saline 5, Council Grove 2

Game two of Tuesday’s doubleheader was far from as straightforward as Council Grove put up a good fight in a low-scoring affair.

Neither team put a single run on the board until the bottom of the fifth, when the Lady Trojans finally scratched across a pair of runs.

Southeast followed that up with two more in the sixth, and by the time Council Grove got on the board, it was too late as SES survived and advanced 5-2.

This time around, Reese Heinrich and Emma Zurfluh were the only Lady Trojans with an RBI, as SES capitalized on five different Council Grove errors in the field.

In the circle, Karlee Zurfluh shut down the Lady Braves, racking up 13 strikeouts and allowing just two unearned runs on four hits in a complete game effort that saw her issue zero walks.

The Lady Trojans will travel to Osage City this Thursday to battle Silver Lake, who defeated St. Mary’s 11-0 and Riley County 11-0, at 5:00.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline softball postseason began right where the regular season ended, with a pair of victories over Herington and Council Grove to advance the Lady Trojans to the regional championship game.SES will face Silver Lake in Osage City on Thursday at 5:00 for a ticket to this year’s 3A state tournament.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.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>3A regional quarterifinal: SE of Saline 16, Herington 0The opening round of this year’s regional bracket was pure domination for the Lady Trojans, who scored eight runs in the first and second, never needing to bat in the third inning to clear the first hurdle.The top of the Southeast’s lineup raked in this game, as Reese Heinrich, Kyiah Samuelson and Abby Wyatt combined to hit 6-7 with 9 RBI on the day.In the circle, Carlee Dye dominated, striking out five and issuing zero walks as part of a one-hit shutout.3A regional semifinal: SE of Saline 5, Council Grove 2Game two of Tuesday’s doubleheader was far from as straightforward as Council Grove put up a good fight in a low-scoring affair.Neither team put a single run on the board until the bottom of the fifth, when the Lady Trojans finally scratched across a pair of runs.Southeast followed that up with two more in the sixth, and by the time Council Grove got on the board, it was too late as SES survived and advanced 5-2.This time around, Reese Heinrich and Emma Zurfluh were the only Lady Trojans with an RBI, as SES capitalized on five different Council Grove errors in the field.In the circle, Karlee Zurfluh shut down the Lady Braves, racking up 13 strikeouts and allowing just two unearned runs on four hits in a complete game effort that saw her issue zero walks.The Lady Trojans will travel to Osage City this Thursday to battle Silver Lake, who defeated St. Mary’s 11-0 and Riley County 11-0, at 5:00.

🥎 SES advances to regional final with pair of Tuesday wins

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hayden Birdsong threw five sharp innings in his first start of the season and the San Francisco Giants beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Birdsong (2-0) was moved from the bullpen to the rotation in place of Jordan Hicks and provided just what manager Bob Melvin hoped he would deliver when he made the move.

Birdsong allowed one unearned run, five hits and no walks to give the Giants their fourth win in the last five games.

Ryan Walker pitched the ninth for his ninth save in 11 chances.

Willy Adames hit an RBI triple in the fourth inning against Michael Lorenzen (3-5) and scored on a single by Casey Schmitt to give San Francisco a 2-1 lead.

Lorenzen allowed three runs — two earned — and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings in his shortest start of the season for Kansas City.

Kyle Isbel hit a sacrifice fly in the third and Bobby Witt Jr. had a run-scoring infield single in the eighth for the Royals, who have been held to four runs or fewer in 42 of 50 games.

The Giants added an insurance run in the fifth after Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino threw wildly to second when he tried to get a force on a grounder by Wilmer Flores. Jung Hoo Lee followed with an RBI single to make it 3-1.

San Francisco improved to 25-9 this season against right-handed starters.

RHP Logan Webb (5-3, 2.42 ERA) pitches the series finale for the Giants. Webb is 3-0 with a 0.64 ERA in four starts at home. The Royals are undecided on their starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747822320850.jpeg" alt="San Francisco Giants' Jung Hoo Lee hits an RBI single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)" />
 <figcaption>San Francisco Giants' Jung Hoo Lee hits an RBI single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hayden Birdsong threw five sharp innings in his first start of the season and the San Francisco Giants beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Tuesday night.Birdsong (2-0) was moved from the bullpen to the rotation in place of Jordan Hicks and provided just what manager Bob Melvin hoped he would deliver when he made the move.Birdsong allowed one unearned run, five hits and no walks to give the Giants their fourth win in the last five games.Ryan Walker pitched the ninth for his ninth save in 11 chances.Willy Adames hit an RBI triple in the fourth inning against Michael Lorenzen (3-5) and scored on a single by Casey Schmitt to give San Francisco a 2-1 lead.Lorenzen allowed three runs — two earned — and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings in his shortest start of the season for Kansas City.Kyle Isbel hit a sacrifice fly in the third and Bobby Witt Jr. had a run-scoring infield single in the eighth for the Royals, who have been held to four runs or fewer in 42 of 50 games.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Giants added an insurance run in the fifth after Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino threw wildly to second when he tried to get a force on a grounder by Wilmer Flores. Jung Hoo Lee followed with an RBI single to make it 3-1.<h2>Key stat</h2>San Francisco improved to 25-9 this season against right-handed starters.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Logan Webb (5-3, 2.42 ERA) pitches the series finale for the Giants. Webb is 3-0 with a 0.64 ERA in four starts at home. The Royals are undecided on their starter.

⚾️ Birdsong pitches the Giants past the Royals in his 1st start of the season

For the first time in over two decades, the Salina Central Lady Mustangs are headed to the 5A state tournament, following a pair of huge wins at the Salina South regional on Tuesday.

A Central win over Emporia and a South victory over Newton led to a bonus Salina Showdown for a regional title that would go emphatically to the Lady Mustangs by a final score of 15-8.

5A regional semifinal: Salina Central 8, Emporia 0

The opener of this three-game set saw Central dominate out of the gate, holding the Lady Spartans to just three hits while allowing just seven total baserunners.

A pitcher's duel appeared to be in order after two scoreless innings, but in the third, Val VanZant and Ellie Riekhof each drove in a run to get Central on the board.

The Lady Mustangs scored three runs in the third, two in the fourth, and three more in the sixth, pulling away and advancing to the second round.

Riekhof, VanZant, and Charlotte Gordon led the charge at the plate, combining to go 10-12 with two triples, five doubles, and six runs scored.

In the circle, Sophia Johnson dominated, striking out eight while walking just three and allowing just two hits in a complete-game shutout.

5A regional semifinal: Salina South 16, Newton 1

In the second game of this year’s regional, it was the host’s time to show off, and the Lady Cougars delivered in a dominant mercy-rule victory.

South scored a pair of runs in the first, three in the third, and eleven in the fourth to win by 15 in walk-off fashion.

All nine members of the Salina South lineup reached base and came in to score at least one run, with Macy Yost driving in the game-winning runs on a bases-clearing 3 RBI triple.

In the circle, Paityn Fritz shut down the Lady Railer bats, allowing just one run on one hit and recording four strikeouts.

5A regional final: Salina Central 15, Salina South 8

At last, it was time for the main event, a highly anticipated rivalry matchup with a ticket to the 5A state tournament on the line.

Central may have been the underdogs without the history on their side, but the Lady Mustangs came out swinging, taking the lead on a three-run Ellie Riekhof blast.

That home run doubled Central’s season total, and in the second inning, they’d add another when Val VanZant took a high riseball onto the street beyond the left field wall.

The two teams would trade punches back and forth with South cutting the lead down to four in the fifth, but three runs in the sixth and seventh allowed Central to hold on and punch a ticket to the 5A state tournament for the first time in over 20 years.

This was a true team effort at the plate as all nine spots in the order reached base three times, with eight different Lady Mustangs crossing the plate for at least one run.

In the circle, VanZant would collect the win, and freshman Paxtyn Ekberg slammed the door shut, the two combining to allow just eight hits in a high-scoring affair.

The Lady Mustangs will join Maize South, Topeka-Seaman, Pittsburg, and three other winners to be determined on Wednesday on the campus of Wichita State University to battle for a state title next week.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostFor the first time in over two decades, the Salina Central Lady Mustangs are headed to the 5A state tournament, following a pair of huge wins at the Salina South regional on Tuesday.A Central win over Emporia and a South victory over Newton led to a bonus Salina Showdown for a regional title that would go emphatically to the Lady Mustangs by a final score of 15-8.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.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>5A regional semifinal: Salina Central 8, Emporia 0The opener of this three-game set saw Central dominate out of the gate, holding the Lady Spartans to just three hits while allowing just seven total baserunners.A pitcher's duel appeared to be in order after two scoreless innings, but in the third, Val VanZant and Ellie Riekhof each drove in a run to get Central on the board.The Lady Mustangs scored three runs in the third, two in the fourth, and three more in the sixth, pulling away and advancing to the second round.Riekhof, VanZant, and Charlotte Gordon led the charge at the plate, combining to go 10-12 with two triples, five doubles, and six runs scored.In the circle, Sophia Johnson dominated, striking out eight while walking just three and allowing just two hits in a complete-game shutout.5A regional semifinal: Salina South 16, Newton 1In the second game of this year’s regional, it was the host’s time to show off, and the Lady Cougars delivered in a dominant mercy-rule victory.South scored a pair of runs in the first, three in the third, and eleven in the fourth to win by 15 in walk-off fashion.All nine members of the Salina South lineup reached base and came in to score at least one run, with Macy Yost driving in the game-winning runs on a bases-clearing 3 RBI triple.In the circle, Paityn Fritz shut down the Lady Railer bats, allowing just one run on one hit and recording four strikeouts.5A regional final: Salina Central 15, Salina South 8At last, it was time for the main event, a highly anticipated rivalry matchup with a ticket to the 5A state tournament on the line.Central may have been the underdogs without the history on their side, but the Lady Mustangs came out swinging, taking the lead on a three-run Ellie Riekhof blast.That home run doubled Central’s season total, and in the second inning, they’d add another when Val VanZant took a high riseball onto the street beyond the left field wall.The two teams would trade punches back and forth with South cutting the lead down to four in the fifth, but three runs in the sixth and seventh allowed Central to hold on and punch a ticket to the 5A state tournament for the first time in over 20 years.This was a true team effort at the plate as all nine spots in the order reached base three times, with eight different Lady Mustangs crossing the plate for at least one run.In the circle, VanZant would collect the win, and freshman Paxtyn Ekberg slammed the door shut, the two combining to allow just eight hits in a high-scoring affair.The Lady Mustangs will join Maize South, Topeka-Seaman, Pittsburg, and three other winners to be determined on Wednesday on the campus of Wichita State University to battle for a state title next week.

🥎 Central punches ticket to first state tournament in over 20 years

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Kris Bubic threw seven scoreless innings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bubic-nohitter-royals-massey-error-flores-e0228b731773cfba601e75c8f21c75d2">losing a no-hit bid in the sixth on an official scoring change,</a>&nbsp;and Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run homer in the eighth as the Kansas City Royals got past the San Francisco Giants 3-1 on Monday night.

Bubic, a left-hander who went to Mitty High School in San Jose and then to Stanford, carried his no-hit bid until there were two outs in the sixth. Wilmer Flores hit a grounder to the right side. Second baseman Michael Massey ranged to his left and slipped as the ball got past him. The play originally was ruled an error on Massey, then was changed to a single.

Casey Schmitt’s clean double down the left-field line with one out in the seventh was the only other hit Bubic (5-2) allowed. His ERA fell to 1.47 as he struck out five and walked three.

Giants left-hander Robbie Ray also worked seven shutout innings, lowering his ERA to 2.67. Ray gave up six hits, struck out seven and walked one.

Tyler Rogers (2-2) replaced Ray to begin the eighth in a scoreless game. Jonathan India’s one-out double preceded Pasquantino’s two-out drive over the right-field wall, the first baseman’s eighth home run of the season.

The Giants scored on Jung Hoo Lee’s RBI double in the bottom of the eighth but the Royals got an insurance run on Kyle Isbel’s RBI single off Jordan Hicks in the ninth.

Carlos Estévez pitched a scoreless inning for his 14th save.

After Schmitt’s double, the Giants had runners at second and third with one out in the seventh. Tyler Fitzgerald then hit a soft liner to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who flipped the ball to third baseman Maikel Garcia to double off Willy Adames and end the inning.

The Giants had won all nine of Ray’s starts this season before Monday.

Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-4, 3.76 ERA) faces Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong (1-0, 2.31) on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747737194488.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Kris Bubic threw seven scoreless innings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bubic-nohitter-royals-massey-error-flores-e0228b731773cfba601e75c8f21c75d2">losing a no-hit bid in the sixth on an official scoring change,</a>&nbsp;and Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run homer in the eighth as the Kansas City Royals got past the San Francisco Giants 3-1 on Monday night.Bubic, a left-hander who went to Mitty High School in San Jose and then to Stanford, carried his no-hit bid until there were two outs in the sixth. Wilmer Flores hit a grounder to the right side. Second baseman Michael Massey ranged to his left and slipped as the ball got past him. The play originally was ruled an error on Massey, then was changed to a single.Casey Schmitt’s clean double down the left-field line with one out in the seventh was the only other hit Bubic (5-2) allowed. His ERA fell to 1.47 as he struck out five and walked three.Giants left-hander Robbie Ray also worked seven shutout innings, lowering his ERA to 2.67. Ray gave up six hits, struck out seven and walked one.Tyler Rogers (2-2) replaced Ray to begin the eighth in a scoreless game. Jonathan India’s one-out double preceded Pasquantino’s two-out drive over the right-field wall, the first baseman’s eighth home run of the season.The Giants scored on Jung Hoo Lee’s RBI double in the bottom of the eighth but the Royals got an insurance run on Kyle Isbel’s RBI single off Jordan Hicks in the ninth.Carlos Estévez pitched a scoreless inning for his 14th save.<h2>Key moment</h2>After Schmitt’s double, the Giants had runners at second and third with one out in the seventh. Tyler Fitzgerald then hit a soft liner to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who flipped the ball to third baseman Maikel Garcia to double off Willy Adames and end the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Giants had won all nine of Ray’s starts this season before Monday.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-4, 3.76 ERA) faces Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong (1-0, 2.31) on Tuesday night.

⚾️ Bubic's 7 shutout innings, Pasquantino's homer lift the Royals over the Giants 

The Minneapolis Lady Lions steamrolled their way through the first two rounds of their home regional, knocking off Plainville 15-0 in four innings and Smoky Valley 13-3 in five innings to advance to the regional championship on Wednesday.

3A Regional Quarterfinal: Minneapolis 15, Plainville 0

Chaos reigned supreme early in this game as the first six Lady Lions were all hit by a pitch.

Minneapolis scored 11 runs in the bottom of the first on the strength of just one hit and never looked back, adding another in the second, three more in the third, and one more in the fifth to punch their ticket to the semifinals.

At the plate, Kaegan Hardesty reached base in all four plate appearances, including an infield single in the third and the game-winning RBI single in the fifth.

In the circle, Hardesty and Braedee Weatherman shut down the Lady Cardinal order, combining to toss a shortened perfect game, striking out seven without allowing a single baserunner.

Weatherman’s second strikeout put her in rare air as the senior collected her 100th punchout of the season.

This win advanced the Lady Lions to 19-4 while Plainville’s season came to a close at 1-22.

3A Regional Semifinal: Minneapolis 13, Smoky Valley 3

In the semifinals, the Lady Lions picked up right where they left off, plating two runs in the first, three in the second, two in the third and fourth, and four in the fifth to eliminate Smoky Valley and advance to the championship round.

Every single member of the Minneapolis lineup would score at least one run in this game, with Sierra Cosaart leading the charge with a double, two singles, and four RBI.

This time, it was Weatherman who took to the circle for the start, earning her tenth win while allowing just three runs on five hits, striking out ten in the process.

Minneapolis will host league rival Beloit in the regional final at 6:00 on Wednesday. The Lady Trojans walked off Nickerson 7-6 to escape an upset before decimating Lyons 15-0 in the semis.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Minneapolis Lady Lions steamrolled their way through the first two rounds of their home regional, knocking off Plainville 15-0 in four innings and Smoky Valley 13-3 in five innings to advance to the regional championship on Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.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>3A Regional Quarterfinal: Minneapolis 15, Plainville 0Chaos reigned supreme early in this game as the first six Lady Lions were all hit by a pitch.Minneapolis scored 11 runs in the bottom of the first on the strength of just one hit and never looked back, adding another in the second, three more in the third, and one more in the fifth to punch their ticket to the semifinals.At the plate, Kaegan Hardesty reached base in all four plate appearances, including an infield single in the third and the game-winning RBI single in the fifth.In the circle, Hardesty and Braedee Weatherman shut down the Lady Cardinal order, combining to toss a shortened perfect game, striking out seven without allowing a single baserunner.Weatherman’s second strikeout put her in rare air as the senior collected her 100th punchout of the season.This win advanced the Lady Lions to 19-4 while Plainville’s season came to a close at 1-22.3A Regional Semifinal: Minneapolis 13, Smoky Valley 3In the semifinals, the Lady Lions picked up right where they left off, plating two runs in the first, three in the second, two in the third and fourth, and four in the fifth to eliminate Smoky Valley and advance to the championship round.Every single member of the Minneapolis lineup would score at least one run in this game, with Sierra Cosaart leading the charge with a double, two singles, and four RBI.This time, it was Weatherman who took to the circle for the start, earning her tenth win while allowing just three runs on five hits, striking out ten in the process.Minneapolis will host league rival Beloit in the regional final at 6:00 on Wednesday. The Lady Trojans walked off Nickerson 7-6 to escape an upset before decimating Lyons 15-0 in the semis.

🥎 Lady Lions cruise past Plainville, Smoky Valley on quest for regional title

WICHITA, Kan. (May 18, 2025)—Jorel Ortega homered twice and the first seven Wind Surge hitters all reached and scored in the seventh inning of a 15-7 victory over the Arkansas Travelers at Equity Bank Park. The Wind Surge scored multiple runs in three different innings along the way to their second straight win.&nbsp;

Wichita scored three times in the bottom of the first on run-scoring hits by Kala’i Rosario and Noah Cardenas, with a Ben Ross sacrifice fly providing the third tally of the frame for a 3-0 lead.&nbsp; Tyler Dearden later recorded his sixth RBI of the season on a single up the middle in the bottom of the third.

Hunter Fitz-Gerald doubled out near the Travelers bullpen in right center for the first Arkansas run in the top of the fourth. It would be the first of four straight scored by the Travelers, who brought in three more on five hits in the top of the fifth.&nbsp;

Once the bottom half of the fifth began, the Wind Surge ran wild. Wichita’s first seven hitters all reached base and scored to make the score 11-4 Wind Surge. Three more runs followed on an Ortega two-run home run and an error over the sixth and seventh innings.&nbsp;

A Hogan Windish triple plated a pair in the top of the eighth before a groundout brought him in. Ortega left the yard for the second consecutive plate appearance on a solo shot in the bottom of eighth for a new 15-7 score. Cody Laweryson pitched a routine ninth to finalize the win for the Wind Surge.&nbsp;

Pierson Ohl earned his second win of the season as the first reliever of the starter Trent Baker. Ohl gave up six hits and three earned runs with a walk and a strikeout over an inning and two-thirds.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (May 18, 2025)—Jorel Ortega homered twice and the first seven Wind Surge hitters all reached and scored in the seventh inning of a 15-7 victory over the Arkansas Travelers at Equity Bank Park. The Wind Surge scored multiple runs in three different innings along the way to their second straight win.&nbsp;Wichita scored three times in the bottom of the first on run-scoring hits by Kala’i Rosario and Noah Cardenas, with a Ben Ross sacrifice fly providing the third tally of the frame for a 3-0 lead.&nbsp; Tyler Dearden later recorded his sixth RBI of the season on a single up the middle in the bottom of the third.Hunter Fitz-Gerald doubled out near the Travelers bullpen in right center for the first Arkansas run in the top of the fourth. It would be the first of four straight scored by the Travelers, who brought in three more on five hits in the top of the fifth.&nbsp;Once the bottom half of the fifth began, the Wind Surge ran wild. Wichita’s first seven hitters all reached base and scored to make the score 11-4 Wind Surge. Three more runs followed on an Ortega two-run home run and an error over the sixth and seventh innings.&nbsp;A Hogan Windish triple plated a pair in the top of the eighth before a groundout brought him in. Ortega left the yard for the second consecutive plate appearance on a solo shot in the bottom of eighth for a new 15-7 score. Cody Laweryson pitched a routine ninth to finalize the win for the Wind Surge.&nbsp;Pierson Ohl earned his second win of the season as the first reliever of the starter Trent Baker. Ohl gave up six hits and three earned runs with a walk and a strikeout over an inning and two-thirds.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Earlier today, the Minnesota Twins promoted Carson McCusker; he is the 37th former Wind Surge player to get promoted to Major League Baseball.&nbsp;</li><li>The 15 runs is a new season-high scored in a game by Wichita in 2025.</li><li>Six Wind Surge players record multi-hit games, with four tallying multiple RBI.</li><li>Every Wichita hitter scored.</li><li>The Wind Surge now travel to San Antonio for a series with the Missions.</li>
 </ul>

Wind Surge Reclaims First Place In Texas League North In Shootout With Travelers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Waters led off the seventh inning with a pinch-hit triple, Maikel Garcia drove him in with a single and the Kansas City Royals snapped a four-game skid and avoided a series sweep with a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.

With the game tied at 1, Waters batted in place of Dairon Blanco and tripled to right field on the first pitch from reliever Chris Roycroft (1-3). Garcia hit Roycroft's second pitch to right to score Waters with the go-ahead run.

Lucas Erceg (1-0) got five outs for the win and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth and worked around a double by Brendan Donovan for his 13th save in 15 opportunities.

Kansas City's Michael Wacha started against his former team and allowed one run and eight hits in five innings with six strikeouts and no walks. The Royals have scored two runs or less with Wacha on the mound in nine of his 10 starts.

Alec Burleson put the Cardinals up 1-0 in the fourth with his fourth homer of the season.

The Royals then tied it against Matthew Liberatore when Hunter Renfroe led off the bottom half of the fourth with a double and scored on a two-out double by Blanco in his first game of the season.

Liberatore allowed one run and six hits in six innings. He has gone at least six innings in seven of nine starts.

Donovan went 4 for 5 with his 15th double for St. Louis, which had won three straight and 12 of 13.

Salvador Perez had two hits for the Royals after entering in a 1-for-21 slump.

The first two pitches thrown by Roycroft proved to be the difference.

The Cardinals are 50-27 all time at Kaufmann Stadium and 31-30 at home in the series.

Cardinals: RHP Sonny Gray (4-1, 4.50) starts Monday to begin a six-game homestand with three against Detroit.

Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.66) starts Monday in the first of three against San Francisco to begin a six-game trip.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747601968559.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Waters led off the seventh inning with a pinch-hit triple, Maikel Garcia drove him in with a single and the Kansas City Royals snapped a four-game skid and avoided a series sweep with a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.With the game tied at 1, Waters batted in place of Dairon Blanco and tripled to right field on the first pitch from reliever Chris Roycroft (1-3). Garcia hit Roycroft's second pitch to right to score Waters with the go-ahead run.Lucas Erceg (1-0) got five outs for the win and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth and worked around a double by Brendan Donovan for his 13th save in 15 opportunities.Kansas City's Michael Wacha started against his former team and allowed one run and eight hits in five innings with six strikeouts and no walks. The Royals have scored two runs or less with Wacha on the mound in nine of his 10 starts.Alec Burleson put the Cardinals up 1-0 in the fourth with his fourth homer of the season.The Royals then tied it against Matthew Liberatore when Hunter Renfroe led off the bottom half of the fourth with a double and scored on a two-out double by Blanco in his first game of the season.Liberatore allowed one run and six hits in six innings. He has gone at least six innings in seven of nine starts.Donovan went 4 for 5 with his 15th double for St. Louis, which had won three straight and 12 of 13.Salvador Perez had two hits for the Royals after entering in a 1-for-21 slump.<h2>Key moment</h2>The first two pitches thrown by Roycroft proved to be the difference.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Cardinals are 50-27 all time at Kaufmann Stadium and 31-30 at home in the series.<h2>Up next</h2>Cardinals: RHP Sonny Gray (4-1, 4.50) starts Monday to begin a six-game homestand with three against Detroit.Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.66) starts Monday in the first of three against San Francisco to begin a six-game trip.

⚾️ Waters' triple in the 7th sparks Royals to victory over Cardinals

WICHITA, Kan. (May 17, 2025)—Andrew Cossetti, Kyler Fedko, and Tanner Schobel all hit home runs in an 11-2 Wichita Wind Surge victory over the Arkansas Travelers at Equity Bank Park. The Wind Surge scored nine unanswered runs between the fifth and eighth innings.

Victor Labrada homered on the game’s first pitch out to right field. Fedko tied the game on a double to the left center gap in the bottom of the first ahead of scoring on an infield knock by Aaron Sabato for a 2-1 Wichita lead after an inning.&nbsp;

On the first pitch of the second inning, Caleb Cali hit one out to the Wind Surge bullpen to tie the game.&nbsp;

Fedko connected on a go-ahead three-run jack to left field in the bottom of the fifth for a 5-2 Wichita lead. He’s now left the yard in consecutive games and improved his stance on the Texas League leaderboards with his team leading seventh long ball.&nbsp;

Six more runs followed for the Wind Surge throughout the sixth and eighth innings on seven hits, including homers from Cossetti and Schobel. After Mike Paredes and Jarret Whorff combined to shut out the Travelers over the final five innings, the 11-2 final secured a Wind Surge win and another tie for first place in the Texas League North.&nbsp;

Paredes won his fifth game of the season, throwing three innings of three-hit baseball with two walks and five strikeouts.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (May 17, 2025)—Andrew Cossetti, Kyler Fedko, and Tanner Schobel all hit home runs in an 11-2 Wichita Wind Surge victory over the Arkansas Travelers at Equity Bank Park. The Wind Surge scored nine unanswered runs between the fifth and eighth innings.Victor Labrada homered on the game’s first pitch out to right field. Fedko tied the game on a double to the left center gap in the bottom of the first ahead of scoring on an infield knock by Aaron Sabato for a 2-1 Wichita lead after an inning.&nbsp;On the first pitch of the second inning, Caleb Cali hit one out to the Wind Surge bullpen to tie the game.&nbsp;Fedko connected on a go-ahead three-run jack to left field in the bottom of the fifth for a 5-2 Wichita lead. He’s now left the yard in consecutive games and improved his stance on the Texas League leaderboards with his team leading seventh long ball.&nbsp;Six more runs followed for the Wind Surge throughout the sixth and eighth innings on seven hits, including homers from Cossetti and Schobel. After Mike Paredes and Jarret Whorff combined to shut out the Travelers over the final five innings, the 11-2 final secured a Wind Surge win and another tie for first place in the Texas League North.&nbsp;Paredes won his fifth game of the season, throwing three innings of three-hit baseball with two walks and five strikeouts.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Kyler Fedko’s seven home runs tie for fourth in the Texas League.</li><li>Mike Paredes’ five wins tie for the best in the Texas League.&nbsp;</li><li>In both Wichita’s wins this week, they’ve scored 10 or more runs.&nbsp;</li><li>Tyler Dearden is up to five RBIs in the series.&nbsp;</li><li>The Wind Surge and Travelers now stand tied for first place in the Texas League North at matching 21-17 records.</li>
 </ul>

Wichita Barrage Arkansas With Three Home Runs In Rout

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jordan Walker homered and Miles Mikolas pitched six sharp innings to lead the surging St. Louis Cardinals past the Kansas City Royals 1-0 on Saturday night.

Mikolas (3-2) allowed two hits with four strikeouts and two walks for the Cardinals, who have won three straight and 12 of 13. St. Louis is 7-1 on a nine-game trip to three cities, winning all three series.

Walker connected leading off sixth. Iván Herrera’s two-out single in the fifth was the only other hit for the Cardinals.

Kyle Leahy permitted two hits in two innings of relief and Ryan Helsley finished the four-hitter for his ninth save.

Hard-luck loser Noah Cameron (1-1) went 6 1/3 innings in his second major league start. The 25-year-old left-hander from St. Joseph, Missouri, became the first pitcher to begin his career with consecutive starts of 6 1/3 or more innings without giving up more than two hits in either one.

Kansas City stranded five runners and has been held to four or fewer runs in seven of the last eight games. The Royals have scored four or more 38 times this season, second-most in the majors.

Walker hit a 422-foot shot to left field for his third homer of the season. He began the night batting .186.

St. Louis has its first seven-win road trip since 2021. ... The Royals have lost four in a row, and six of seven since a seven-game winning streak from May 3-9.

Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 3.11 ERA) faces RHP Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.96) in the series finale Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747534891207.png" alt="Photo St. Louis Cardinals" />
 <figcaption>Photo St. Louis Cardinals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jordan Walker homered and Miles Mikolas pitched six sharp innings to lead the surging St. Louis Cardinals past the Kansas City Royals 1-0 on Saturday night.Mikolas (3-2) allowed two hits with four strikeouts and two walks for the Cardinals, who have won three straight and 12 of 13. St. Louis is 7-1 on a nine-game trip to three cities, winning all three series.Walker connected leading off sixth. Iván Herrera’s two-out single in the fifth was the only other hit for the Cardinals.Kyle Leahy permitted two hits in two innings of relief and Ryan Helsley finished the four-hitter for his ninth save.Hard-luck loser Noah Cameron (1-1) went 6 1/3 innings in his second major league start. The 25-year-old left-hander from St. Joseph, Missouri, became the first pitcher to begin his career with consecutive starts of 6 1/3 or more innings without giving up more than two hits in either one.Kansas City stranded five runners and has been held to four or fewer runs in seven of the last eight games. The Royals have scored four or more 38 times this season, second-most in the majors.<h2>Key moment</h2>Walker hit a 422-foot shot to left field for his third homer of the season. He began the night batting .186.<h2>Key stats</h2>St. Louis has its first seven-win road trip since 2021. ... The Royals have lost four in a row, and six of seven since a seven-game winning streak from May 3-9.<h2>Up next</h2>Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 3.11 ERA) faces RHP Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.96) in the series finale Sunday.

⚾️ Walker homers and Mikolas pitches streaking Cardinals past the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Iván Herrera had three hits and four RBIs, Andre Pallante allowed two runs in seven innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Kansas City Royals 10-3 on Friday night.

Willson Contreras doubled twice and drove in a run for the Cardinals, who have won 11 of 12. The Royals have dropped five of six since a seven-game winning streak.

Contreras doubled and scored on a two-out wild pitch by Cole Ragans (2-3) in the second. Brendan Donovan doubled leading off the fourth and scored on a one-out double by Contreras for a two-run lead. Herrera singled in Contreras to make it 3-0.

Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the fourth against Pallante (4-2). Kyle Isbel tripled in the fifth and scored on a balk.

Pallante threw 100 pitches. He gave up seven hits, struck out four and walked none.

Ragans surrendered four runs on five hits in five innings with seven strikeouts. Four Kansas City relievers combined to allow six runs on eight hits.

Herrera doubled and scored on an infield single by Jordan Walker in the eighth.

Ragans departed after a leadoff single by Masyn Winn in the sixth, and Brendan Donovan greeted John Schreiber with a single. Contreras reached on an error by second baseman Jonathan India. Herrera cleared the bases with a double before scoring on a single by Pedro Pagés.

The Cardinals lead the all-time series 80-56, including a 49-26 record at Kauffman Stadium.

RHP Miles Mikolas (2-2, 4.35 ERA) starts Saturday for the Cardinals. The Royals hadn't named a starter after RHP Seth Lugo (3-4, 3.02) had his start pushed back with right middle finger inflammation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747449937246.jpeg" alt="Photo St. Louis Cardinals" />
 <figcaption>Photo St. Louis Cardinals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Iván Herrera had three hits and four RBIs, Andre Pallante allowed two runs in seven innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Kansas City Royals 10-3 on Friday night.Willson Contreras doubled twice and drove in a run for the Cardinals, who have won 11 of 12. The Royals have dropped five of six since a seven-game winning streak.Contreras doubled and scored on a two-out wild pitch by Cole Ragans (2-3) in the second. Brendan Donovan doubled leading off the fourth and scored on a one-out double by Contreras for a two-run lead. Herrera singled in Contreras to make it 3-0.Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the fourth against Pallante (4-2). Kyle Isbel tripled in the fifth and scored on a balk.Pallante threw 100 pitches. He gave up seven hits, struck out four and walked none.Ragans surrendered four runs on five hits in five innings with seven strikeouts. Four Kansas City relievers combined to allow six runs on eight hits.Herrera doubled and scored on an infield single by Jordan Walker in the eighth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Ragans departed after a leadoff single by Masyn Winn in the sixth, and Brendan Donovan greeted John Schreiber with a single. Contreras reached on an error by second baseman Jonathan India. Herrera cleared the bases with a double before scoring on a single by Pedro Pagés.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Cardinals lead the all-time series 80-56, including a 49-26 record at Kauffman Stadium.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Miles Mikolas (2-2, 4.35 ERA) starts Saturday for the Cardinals. The Royals hadn't named a starter after RHP Seth Lugo (3-4, 3.02) had his start pushed back with right middle finger inflammation.___

⚾️ Herrera drives in 4 as Cardinals beat the Royals

The Sacred Heart baseball team steamrolled through the opening round of this year’s TMP regional, rolling Republic County 15-0 in just four innings to advance to the semifinals.

The Knights wasted no time opening up the scoring, with the first seven members of its lineup all reaching base safely, scoring nine runs in the bottom of the first.

In the second, Sacred Heart picked up right where they left off, adding four more and batting around the order for a second time.

Republic County would quiet the bats in the third inning but in the bottom of the fourth, Leon Rowe delivered an RBI single that made it 15-0 and officially triggered the mercy rule.

All nine members of the Sacred Heart lineup reached base at least once, seven members recorded at least one hit and six drove in two or more runs.

Rowe was chief among that group, driving in four runs on a perfect 4-4 day at the plate.

Graham Armstrong matched Rowe’s pace, plating four runs of his own on a pair of big hits.

On the mound, Cayson Ivey took over for Maddox Wells in the second inning and tossed a masterpiece, recording all nine outs via the strikeout and allowing just one runner to reach base on an error.

With this win, the Knights (18-7) are through to the second round to face Ellis (16-8) at 4:00 on May 21st.

Republic County’s season draws to a close at 2-21.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Sacred Heart baseball team steamrolled through the opening round of this year’s TMP regional, rolling Republic County 15-0 in just four innings to advance to the semifinals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.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 Knights wasted no time opening up the scoring, with the first seven members of its lineup all reaching base safely, scoring nine runs in the bottom of the first.In the second, Sacred Heart picked up right where they left off, adding four more and batting around the order for a second time.Republic County would quiet the bats in the third inning but in the bottom of the fourth, Leon Rowe delivered an RBI single that made it 15-0 and officially triggered the mercy rule.All nine members of the Sacred Heart lineup reached base at least once, seven members recorded at least one hit and six drove in two or more runs.Rowe was chief among that group, driving in four runs on a perfect 4-4 day at the plate.Graham Armstrong matched Rowe’s pace, plating four runs of his own on a pair of big hits.On the mound, Cayson Ivey took over for Maddox Wells in the second inning and tossed a masterpiece, recording all nine outs via the strikeout and allowing just one runner to reach base on an error.With this win, the Knights (18-7) are through to the second round to face Ellis (16-8) at 4:00 on May 21st.Republic County’s season draws to a close at 2-21.

⚾️ Sacred Heart routs Republic County to advance to regional semis

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added a frontcourt piece to the 2025-26 roster, as Jenessa Cotton has signed with the Wildcats.

White, a 6’2” forward from Orange, California, played her first collegiate season in 2024-25 at Duke. She saw action in eight games with 44 minutes played. Cotton carded eight points (1.0 ppg) on a .286 field goal percentage (4-of-14), hauled in six rebounds (0.8 rpg), dished out two assists and blocked two shots.

She made her collegiate debut against K-State on November 25 in Henderson, Nevada. In the following game against Oklahoma, she played a season-high 13 minutes and scored a season-high four points and hauled in a season-high three rebounds.

In her high school career at Mater Dei High School, ranked 80th in the nation in the espnW Top 100 for the class of 2024 and was a four-star prospect and an Elite 150 member by Prospects Nation. She was the 2024&nbsp;Orange County Register&nbsp;Player of the Year and 2024 Trinity League MVP by averaging 17.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.9 steals while leading Mater Dei to a 25-8 overall record and the CIF-SS semifinals. She was a two-time CIF All-Trinity League First Team selection (2023, 2024).

In her junior season, she averaged 12.4 points and 6.1 boards while helping Mater Dei to the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs. She was named a 2023 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Second Team, a 2023&nbsp;Orange County Register&nbsp;Girls Basketball First Team and a 2023 All-CIF SS Open Division First Team. In her sophomore season, she was a 2022 CIF All-Trinity League Second Team honoree.

K-State concluded the 2024-25 season ranked 13th&nbsp;in the Associated Press poll and 15th&nbsp;in the USA Today Coaches poll and were ranked in both polls for the entirety of the season. The Wildcats achieved the 19th&nbsp;NCAA Tournament bid and the fourth Sweet 16 appearance in program history. K-State registered the second-most wins in a season in school history with 28 and tied for the second-most wins in a two-season span (54).

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added a frontcourt piece to the 2025-26 roster, as Jenessa Cotton has signed with the Wildcats.White, a 6’2” forward from Orange, California, played her first collegiate season in 2024-25 at Duke. She saw action in eight games with 44 minutes played. Cotton carded eight points (1.0 ppg) on a .286 field goal percentage (4-of-14), hauled in six rebounds (0.8 rpg), dished out two assists and blocked two shots.She made her collegiate debut against K-State on November 25 in Henderson, Nevada. In the following game against Oklahoma, she played a season-high 13 minutes and scored a season-high four points and hauled in a season-high three rebounds.In her high school career at Mater Dei High School, ranked 80th in the nation in the espnW Top 100 for the class of 2024 and was a four-star prospect and an Elite 150 member by Prospects Nation. She was the 2024&nbsp;Orange County Register&nbsp;Player of the Year and 2024 Trinity League MVP by averaging 17.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.9 steals while leading Mater Dei to a 25-8 overall record and the CIF-SS semifinals. She was a two-time CIF All-Trinity League First Team selection (2023, 2024).In her junior season, she averaged 12.4 points and 6.1 boards while helping Mater Dei to the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs. She was named a 2023 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Second Team, a 2023&nbsp;Orange County Register&nbsp;Girls Basketball First Team and a 2023 All-CIF SS Open Division First Team. In her sophomore season, she was a 2022 CIF All-Trinity League Second Team honoree.K-State concluded the 2024-25 season ranked 13th&nbsp;in the Associated Press poll and 15th&nbsp;in the USA Today Coaches poll and were ranked in both polls for the entirety of the season. The Wildcats achieved the 19th&nbsp;NCAA Tournament bid and the fourth Sweet 16 appearance in program history. K-State registered the second-most wins in a season in school history with 28 and tied for the second-most wins in a two-season span (54).

K-State Adds Cotton to the 2025-26 Roster

UPLAND, Ind. - Kansas Wesleyan Baseball saw its season come to a close on Thursday as the Coyotes dropped a pair of games to the Grand View Vikings in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round at Taylor University.

Grand View claimed the first game of the championship series 5-3, then booked their trip to the AVISTA NAIA World Series with a 16-2 win in the second game.

In the first game, the Coyotes had a 2-0 lead in the third inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85a35b67-90e8-42d9-a48e-7b9d4238cf60?elinkdata=26769">Coulson Riggs</a> walked and two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/60723260-f3df-452d-99a2-0878e03c213e?elinkdata=26769">Jacob Williamson</a> smashed a 2-run homer to give the Coyotes the lead.

The score stayed the same until the bottom of the sixth inning when Grand View hit a 3-run home run to take a 3-2 lead.

In the seventh, the Vikings added two more runs taking advantage of an error by the Coyotes in the inning.

The Coyotes tried to rally in the ninth as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/76fb963d-60d6-4fe4-9bae-fcd3e33c45b6?elinkdata=26769">Joe Finder</a> homered and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cf02f77c-97bf-4f7b-986b-331cc2724aa9?elinkdata=26769">Blake Dale</a> followed with a double to bring the tying run to the plate. KWU could not push another run across and dropped the first championship game 5-3.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85a1ea67-7dd9-4946-80e4-354ca5f84f14?elinkdata=26769">Riley Gwin</a> took the loss allowing two runs on three hits in an inning of work. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/498c68e7-2483-4419-9a48-cf309bfd9e30?elinkdata=26769">Shaw Lee</a> went five and a third innings, allowing two runs on four hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eb56a0c7-07e8-4f81-a5c4-e4ad39dfec19?elinkdata=26769">Tyler Favretto</a> had two hits for the Coyotes.

After a short break, the teams met again for the winner-take-all game.

Grand View took an early lead in the top of the second with a homerun, but in the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes tied things up on another solo homer by Finder.

The Vikings took control of the game in the top of the third, scoring six runs to take a 7-1 lead.

Grand View added another run in the fourth and then added five more in the fifth to extend the lead.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c07b61db-c0b4-4bc6-9a0a-aab6b2b0f137?elinkdata=26769">Eric Romero</a> hit his first homerun of the season in the bottom of the seventh but it wasn't enough to spark a rally for the Coyotes.

Ruvalcaba, Finder, Dale,all had two hits for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0522a709-812c-4bb1-9a93-1a8d2ddc0ae6?elinkdata=26769">Brett Maddock</a> suffered the loss allowing seven runs on seven hits in two and two-thirds innings.

UPLAND, Ind. - Kansas Wesleyan Baseball saw its season come to a close on Thursday as the Coyotes dropped a pair of games to the Grand View Vikings in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round at Taylor University.Grand View claimed the first game of the championship series 5-3, then booked their trip to the AVISTA NAIA World Series with a 16-2 win in the second game.In the first game, the Coyotes had a 2-0 lead in the third inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85a35b67-90e8-42d9-a48e-7b9d4238cf60?elinkdata=26769">Coulson Riggs</a> walked and two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/60723260-f3df-452d-99a2-0878e03c213e?elinkdata=26769">Jacob Williamson</a> smashed a 2-run homer to give the Coyotes the lead.The score stayed the same until the bottom of the sixth inning when Grand View hit a 3-run home run to take a 3-2 lead.In the seventh, the Vikings added two more runs taking advantage of an error by the Coyotes in the inning.The Coyotes tried to rally in the ninth as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/76fb963d-60d6-4fe4-9bae-fcd3e33c45b6?elinkdata=26769">Joe Finder</a> homered and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cf02f77c-97bf-4f7b-986b-331cc2724aa9?elinkdata=26769">Blake Dale</a> followed with a double to bring the tying run to the plate. KWU could not push another run across and dropped the first championship game 5-3.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85a1ea67-7dd9-4946-80e4-354ca5f84f14?elinkdata=26769">Riley Gwin</a> took the loss allowing two runs on three hits in an inning of work. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/498c68e7-2483-4419-9a48-cf309bfd9e30?elinkdata=26769">Shaw Lee</a> went five and a third innings, allowing two runs on four hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eb56a0c7-07e8-4f81-a5c4-e4ad39dfec19?elinkdata=26769">Tyler Favretto</a> had two hits for the Coyotes.After a short break, the teams met again for the winner-take-all game.Grand View took an early lead in the top of the second with a homerun, but in the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes tied things up on another solo homer by Finder.The Vikings took control of the game in the top of the third, scoring six runs to take a 7-1 lead.Grand View added another run in the fourth and then added five more in the fifth to extend the lead.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c07b61db-c0b4-4bc6-9a0a-aab6b2b0f137?elinkdata=26769">Eric Romero</a> hit his first homerun of the season in the bottom of the seventh but it wasn't enough to spark a rally for the Coyotes.Ruvalcaba, Finder, Dale,all had two hits for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0522a709-812c-4bb1-9a93-1a8d2ddc0ae6?elinkdata=26769">Brett Maddock</a> suffered the loss allowing seven runs on seven hits in two and two-thirds innings.

⚾️ Coyotes see season come to end at NAIA Opening Round

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Chase Driscoll, an assistant coach at North Florida the past four years, has been hired as the Director of Video and Analytics by head coach Jerome Tang on Thursday morning (May 15).

Driscoll, who started his new job on Tuesday, is the second hire made by Tang this offseason following the arrival of new assistant coach Bill Peterson on April 29.

“I’m fired up to bring Chase Driscoll on board as our new video coordinator,” said Tang. “His eye for detail, passion for the game, and work ethic make him a huge asset to our program. I can’t wait to see the impact he’ll have on our preparation, player development, and overall success.”

Driscoll arrives at K-State after a four-year stint (2021-25) at his alma mater North Florida, where he served as an assistant coach and director of operations for his father, Matthew Driscoll, who is both the UNF and Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) all-time winningest coach with 248 career victories.

His father, Matthew, coached alongside Tang for six seasons (2003-09) at Baylor as an original member of head coach Scott Drew’s coaching staff prior to becoming head coach at UNF.

The younger Driscoll helped lead the Ospreys to 56 wins, including 33 in ASUN play, the last four seasons (2021-25) with a 16-16 record in 2023-24 and a 15-17 record in 2024-25. This past season, the squad made national noise with road victories at South Carolina and Georgia Tech.

In addition, Driscoll assisted in the development of three all-conference selections in Carter Hendrickson, Jose Placer and Chaz Lanier while at UNF. Hendricksen scored more than 1,600 career points in his Osprey career en route to earning All-ASUN honors three times. Placer averaged more than 14 points per game in three seasons before transferring to South Florida in 2023-24. Lanier was a First Team All-ASUN pick in 2023-24 before becoming a Third Team All-American, the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award winner and the SEC Newcomer of the Year in his lone season at Tennessee in 2024-25.

"I'm incredibly honored to join the Kansas State men's basketball program and grateful to Coach Tang for the chance to be a part of his winning culture built on hard work and accountability,” said Driscoll. “I’m excited for the opportunity to live life with the staff and the people of Manhattan. I am looking forward to helping our team prepare, compete, and win at the highest level. Ready to get to work!"

Driscoll returned to his alma mater in 2021 after a one-year stint (2020-21) as an assistant coach and developmental head coach at Webber International, an NAIA program based in Babson Park, Fla., for interim head coach Gabriel Rutledge. Dealing with the aftermath of the COVID-19 season, he helped coach a pair of Second Team All-Sun Conference selections in Rasheem Etienne and Jaylon Myles.

Driscoll began his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Oral Roberts during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons for current Wichita State head coach Paul Mills. He helped lay the foundation for a Golden Eagles team that advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2021, as the squad went from 11 wins in Driscoll’s first season in 2018-19 to 17 and a berth in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) in year two in 2019-20.

Driscoll has helped develop eight all-conference players during his young coaching career, including Emmanuel Nzekwesi, Kevin Obanor and Deondre Burns at ORU, Rasheem Etienne and Jaylon Myles at Webber International and Carter Hendricksen, Jose Placer and Chaz Lanier at UNF. In addition, Nzekwesi (2016-17) and Obanor (2018-19) were both Summit League Rookies of the Year with the Golden Eagles.

Driscoll was part of 74 wins and a pair of Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) regular-season championships (2015, 2016) during his four-year playing career (2014-18) at UNF.

Prior to his playing career at UNF, Driscoll was a standout at Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Fla., where he helped the Crusaders to back-to-back district titles in 2013 and 2014 and a State Final Four appearance during his junior season in 2013.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Driscoll earned his bachelor's degree in Athletic and Education Leadership from North Florida in 2018 before obtaining a Master’s in Science, Sports and Leisure Administration from Oral Roberts in 2020.

Coaching Experience Graduate Assistant Coach, Oral Roberts, 2018-20 Assistant Coach, Webber International, 2020-21 Assistant Coach/Director of Operations, North Florida, 2021-25 Director of Men’s Basketball Video and Analytics, 2025-present

Playing Experience North Florida, 2014-18 Education Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic and Education Leadership, North Florida, 2018 Master’s in Science, Sports and Leisure Administration, Oral Roberts, 2020

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Chase Driscoll, an assistant coach at North Florida the past four years, has been hired as the Director of Video and Analytics by head coach Jerome Tang on Thursday morning (May 15).Driscoll, who started his new job on Tuesday, is the second hire made by Tang this offseason following the arrival of new assistant coach Bill Peterson on April 29.“I’m fired up to bring Chase Driscoll on board as our new video coordinator,” said Tang. “His eye for detail, passion for the game, and work ethic make him a huge asset to our program. I can’t wait to see the impact he’ll have on our preparation, player development, and overall success.”Driscoll arrives at K-State after a four-year stint (2021-25) at his alma mater North Florida, where he served as an assistant coach and director of operations for his father, Matthew Driscoll, who is both the UNF and Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) all-time winningest coach with 248 career victories.His father, Matthew, coached alongside Tang for six seasons (2003-09) at Baylor as an original member of head coach Scott Drew’s coaching staff prior to becoming head coach at UNF.The younger Driscoll helped lead the Ospreys to 56 wins, including 33 in ASUN play, the last four seasons (2021-25) with a 16-16 record in 2023-24 and a 15-17 record in 2024-25. This past season, the squad made national noise with road victories at South Carolina and Georgia Tech.In addition, Driscoll assisted in the development of three all-conference selections in Carter Hendrickson, Jose Placer and Chaz Lanier while at UNF. Hendricksen scored more than 1,600 career points in his Osprey career en route to earning All-ASUN honors three times. Placer averaged more than 14 points per game in three seasons before transferring to South Florida in 2023-24. Lanier was a First Team All-ASUN pick in 2023-24 before becoming a Third Team All-American, the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award winner and the SEC Newcomer of the Year in his lone season at Tennessee in 2024-25."I'm incredibly honored to join the Kansas State men's basketball program and grateful to Coach Tang for the chance to be a part of his winning culture built on hard work and accountability,” said Driscoll. “I’m excited for the opportunity to live life with the staff and the people of Manhattan. I am looking forward to helping our team prepare, compete, and win at the highest level. Ready to get to work!"Driscoll returned to his alma mater in 2021 after a one-year stint (2020-21) as an assistant coach and developmental head coach at Webber International, an NAIA program based in Babson Park, Fla., for interim head coach Gabriel Rutledge. Dealing with the aftermath of the COVID-19 season, he helped coach a pair of Second Team All-Sun Conference selections in Rasheem Etienne and Jaylon Myles.Driscoll began his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Oral Roberts during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons for current Wichita State head coach Paul Mills. He helped lay the foundation for a Golden Eagles team that advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2021, as the squad went from 11 wins in Driscoll’s first season in 2018-19 to 17 and a berth in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) in year two in 2019-20.Driscoll has helped develop eight all-conference players during his young coaching career, including Emmanuel Nzekwesi, Kevin Obanor and Deondre Burns at ORU, Rasheem Etienne and Jaylon Myles at Webber International and Carter Hendricksen, Jose Placer and Chaz Lanier at UNF. In addition, Nzekwesi (2016-17) and Obanor (2018-19) were both Summit League Rookies of the Year with the Golden Eagles.Driscoll was part of 74 wins and a pair of Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) regular-season championships (2015, 2016) during his four-year playing career (2014-18) at UNF.Prior to his playing career at UNF, Driscoll was a standout at Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Fla., where he helped the Crusaders to back-to-back district titles in 2013 and 2014 and a State Final Four appearance during his junior season in 2013.A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Driscoll earned his bachelor's degree in Athletic and Education Leadership from North Florida in 2018 before obtaining a Master’s in Science, Sports and Leisure Administration from Oral Roberts in 2020.Coaching Experience Graduate Assistant Coach, Oral Roberts, 2018-20 Assistant Coach, Webber International, 2020-21 Assistant Coach/Director of Operations, North Florida, 2021-25 Director of Men’s Basketball Video and Analytics, 2025-presentPlaying Experience North Florida, 2014-18 Education Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic and Education Leadership, North Florida, 2018 Master’s in Science, Sports and Leisure Administration, Oral Roberts, 2020