By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Southeast of Saline softball team took one more step toward another consecutive league title on Tuesday as they swept the Ellsworth Lady Bearcats in Gypsum.

Game One: SE of Saline 5, Ellsworth 1

Southeast of Saline would actually be outhit in both games of this doubleheader, but solid pitching and aggressive baserunning would win the day for the Lady Trojans.

Despite collecting just three hits, SES would strike for a run in the first, three in the second, and one more in the sixth, muting the Bearcat bats for the final six innings of play.

That good work in the circle was done by Carlee Dye, whose lone run allowed was not earned, and who struck out two alongside a zero-walk outing.

Ashley Whelchel had two of Southeast’s three RBIs on the day, a critical performance in a slow outing for the offense.

Game Two: SE of Saline 11, Ellsworth 3

Fortunately for the Lady Trojans, the bats came alive in the nightcap, plating two runs in the first, one in the second and third, four in the fourth, two in the fifth, and one more in the sixth.

Ellsworth managed a run in the fifth, sixth, and seventh, but it was too little, too late as Southeast secured the sweep.

At the plate, Abby Wyatt was the only bat to record a multi-hit day as the Lady Bearcats actually outhit SES 9-7, but when it mattered most, the Southeast staff knuckled down and stranded critical runners.

Karlee Zurfluh, Hannah Thiel, and Riley Donnelly combined to toss seven innings, allowing just two earned runs on nine hits, striking out nine and walking just two.

With this win, Southeast remains on the path to a league title at 17-3 overall and 6-0 in league play while Ellsworth falls to 0-10 in the NCAA.

Updated NCAA Standings 1. SE of Saline (8-0) 2. Minneapolis (10-2) 3. Beloit (4-2) 4. Republic County (4-4) 5. Lyons (3-7) 6. Sacred Heart (3-7) 7. Ellsworth (0-10)

The Lady Trojans will conclude their campaign with back-to-back league sets against Lyons and Beloit.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline softball team took one more step toward another consecutive league title on Tuesday as they swept the Ellsworth Lady Bearcats in Gypsum.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.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>Game One: SE of Saline 5, Ellsworth 1Southeast of Saline would actually be outhit in both games of this doubleheader, but solid pitching and aggressive baserunning would win the day for the Lady Trojans.Despite collecting just three hits, SES would strike for a run in the first, three in the second, and one more in the sixth, muting the Bearcat bats for the final six innings of play.That good work in the circle was done by Carlee Dye, whose lone run allowed was not earned, and who struck out two alongside a zero-walk outing.Ashley Whelchel had two of Southeast’s three RBIs on the day, a critical performance in a slow outing for the offense.Game Two: SE of Saline 11, Ellsworth 3Fortunately for the Lady Trojans, the bats came alive in the nightcap, plating two runs in the first, one in the second and third, four in the fourth, two in the fifth, and one more in the sixth.Ellsworth managed a run in the fifth, sixth, and seventh, but it was too little, too late as Southeast secured the sweep.At the plate, Abby Wyatt was the only bat to record a multi-hit day as the Lady Bearcats actually outhit SES 9-7, but when it mattered most, the Southeast staff knuckled down and stranded critical runners.Karlee Zurfluh, Hannah Thiel, and Riley Donnelly combined to toss seven innings, allowing just two earned runs on nine hits, striking out nine and walking just two.With this win, Southeast remains on the path to a league title at 17-3 overall and 6-0 in league play while Ellsworth falls to 0-10 in the NCAA.Updated NCAA Standings 1. SE of Saline (8-0) 2. Minneapolis (10-2) 3. Beloit (4-2) 4. Republic County (4-4) 5. Lyons (3-7) 6. Sacred Heart (3-7) 7. Ellsworth (0-10)The Lady Trojans will conclude their campaign with back-to-back league sets against Lyons and Beloit.

🥎 Lady Trojans sweep Bearcats, inch closer to league title

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Ray Thomas, who has served on the Kansas State football strength and conditioning staff for the past four seasons, has been promoted to Director of Strength and Conditioning, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Wednesday.

“We are pleased to elevate Ray to lead our strength and conditioning program,” Klieman said. “Our players and coaches have the utmost respect for him, and his style and leadership will fit in seamlessly with our program as we enter the summer training months and into the season.”

Thomas was a driving force this offseason in helping K-State football players collectively gain 700 pounds of muscle while maintaining top-end speed as 33 players were clocked at over 21 miles per hour, six were over 22 miles per hour and four –&nbsp;VJ Payne,&nbsp;Dylan Edwards,&nbsp;Donovan McIntosh&nbsp;and&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;– hit 23 miles per hour.

“I am blessed and thankful for the opportunity this new role presents,” Thomas said. “I look forward to helping continue to lead these young men with Coach Klieman’s vision in mind. It’s time to get to work and begin preparations for summer workouts and the 2025 season.”

Originally coming to Manhattan as an assistant strength and conditioning coach in 2021, Thomas was promoted to associate strength and conditioning coach prior to the 2023 season. Before his arrival at K-State, Thomas worked the 2018 season at Colorado State, 2019 at Arkansas and 2020 at South Florida.

Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree in health performance and physical education from Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, as he was a football player for the Grizzlies from 2006 to 2010. He then went through a two-year teaching program for Pikes Peak BOCES, which serves 14 school districts in the Pikes Peak area of Colorado before earning his master’s degree in coaching from West Virginia in 2019.

Thomas became a certified strength and conditioning specialist in May 2018 and earned his USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coaching Certification three months prior. A native of Woodland Park, Colorado, Thomas and his wife, Arianne, have identical twin boys, Tre and Rowan, and a daughter, Maylee.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Ray Thomas, who has served on the Kansas State football strength and conditioning staff for the past four seasons, has been promoted to Director of Strength and Conditioning, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Wednesday.“We are pleased to elevate Ray to lead our strength and conditioning program,” Klieman said. “Our players and coaches have the utmost respect for him, and his style and leadership will fit in seamlessly with our program as we enter the summer training months and into the season.”Thomas was a driving force this offseason in helping K-State football players collectively gain 700 pounds of muscle while maintaining top-end speed as 33 players were clocked at over 21 miles per hour, six were over 22 miles per hour and four –&nbsp;VJ Payne,&nbsp;Dylan Edwards,&nbsp;Donovan McIntosh&nbsp;and&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;– hit 23 miles per hour.“I am blessed and thankful for the opportunity this new role presents,” Thomas said. “I look forward to helping continue to lead these young men with Coach Klieman’s vision in mind. It’s time to get to work and begin preparations for summer workouts and the 2025 season.”Originally coming to Manhattan as an assistant strength and conditioning coach in 2021, Thomas was promoted to associate strength and conditioning coach prior to the 2023 season. Before his arrival at K-State, Thomas worked the 2018 season at Colorado State, 2019 at Arkansas and 2020 at South Florida.Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree in health performance and physical education from Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, as he was a football player for the Grizzlies from 2006 to 2010. He then went through a two-year teaching program for Pikes Peak BOCES, which serves 14 school districts in the Pikes Peak area of Colorado before earning his master’s degree in coaching from West Virginia in 2019.Thomas became a certified strength and conditioning specialist in May 2018 and earned his USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coaching Certification three months prior. A native of Woodland Park, Colorado, Thomas and his wife, Arianne, have identical twin boys, Tre and Rowan, and a daughter, Maylee.

K-State Promotes Ray Thomas to Director of Strength and Conditioning

The Battle for Dickinson County was a fierce one this year on the baseball diamond, with the Chapman Fighting Irish taking the opener, and the Abilene Cowboys coming back to secure a split in the nightcap.

Cooper Lewis was masterful on the mound for the Irish in game one, holding Abilene completely in check for six scoreless innings.

At the plate, Chapman struck for a pair of runs in the third, fifth, and seventh, around one more run in the sixth.

Cooper Lewis epitomized the leadoff hitter, reaching base in four of his five plate appearances with a pair of singles and a pair of walks.

Twice in this game, Lewis would be scored by Aven Woods, who drove in four of Chapman’s seven runs in the victory, including a two-run blast in the top of the fifth.

Every member of the Chapman lineup reached, and the defense did its job in an error-free contest.

Abilene’s struggles at the plate finally ended in the bottom of the seventh, where the Cowboys rallied for four runs, but it would be too little, too late as the Irish capitalized on a baserunning error to take game one.

Lewis allowed just three runs on three hits, striking out three before turning things over to Jed Moody who locked up the save.

Just like they did in the first game of this set, the Irish pounced first in game two, with Cade Hanney and Karson Craig each driving in runs to put Chapman in front 2-0.

The first seven Cowboys to bat went down in short order, but then, Jake Bartley happened.

In the third inning, Bartley put his team ahead with a three-run tank to right that flipped a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead.

The very next inning, Bartley got back to work, clearing the bases on a double in the opposite gap to stretch the lead to four.

Finally, in the bottom of the sixth, he gave the Cowboys some much-needed breathing room, adding two final runs before the Abilene bullpen slammed the door shut.

All told, Bartley went 3-4 in game two, tallying five hits and eight RBI in the doubleheader, including seven RBI in this 8-4 win.

On the bump, Thomas Keener would record the win, but it was Heath Hoekman who got the Cowboys over the finish line, striking out eight in four innings of two-hit ball where he allowed just one earned run.

With this split, Abilene improves to 13-9 while Chapman moves to 11-9.

The Irish will close out their regular season with St. Mary’s on Thursday and Wamego on Tuesday, while the Cowboys face the Raiders in their final doubleheader of the season this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Battle for Dickinson County was a fierce one this year on the baseball diamond, with the Chapman Fighting Irish taking the opener, and the Abilene Cowboys coming back to secure a split in the nightcap.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.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>Game One: Chapman 7, Abilene 4Cooper Lewis was masterful on the mound for the Irish in game one, holding Abilene completely in check for six scoreless innings.At the plate, Chapman struck for a pair of runs in the third, fifth, and seventh, around one more run in the sixth.Cooper Lewis epitomized the leadoff hitter, reaching base in four of his five plate appearances with a pair of singles and a pair of walks.Twice in this game, Lewis would be scored by Aven Woods, who drove in four of Chapman’s seven runs in the victory, including a two-run blast in the top of the fifth.Every member of the Chapman lineup reached, and the defense did its job in an error-free contest.Abilene’s struggles at the plate finally ended in the bottom of the seventh, where the Cowboys rallied for four runs, but it would be too little, too late as the Irish capitalized on a baserunning error to take game one.Lewis allowed just three runs on three hits, striking out three before turning things over to Jed Moody who locked up the save.Game Two: Abilene 8, Chapman 4Just like they did in the first game of this set, the Irish pounced first in game two, with Cade Hanney and Karson Craig each driving in runs to put Chapman in front 2-0.The first seven Cowboys to bat went down in short order, but then, Jake Bartley happened.In the third inning, Bartley put his team ahead with a three-run tank to right that flipped a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead.The very next inning, Bartley got back to work, clearing the bases on a double in the opposite gap to stretch the lead to four.Finally, in the bottom of the sixth, he gave the Cowboys some much-needed breathing room, adding two final runs before the Abilene bullpen slammed the door shut.All told, Bartley went 3-4 in game two, tallying five hits and eight RBI in the doubleheader, including seven RBI in this 8-4 win.On the bump, Thomas Keener would record the win, but it was Heath Hoekman who got the Cowboys over the finish line, striking out eight in four innings of two-hit ball where he allowed just one earned run.With this split, Abilene improves to 13-9 while Chapman moves to 11-9.The Irish will close out their regular season with St. Mary’s on Thursday and Wamego on Tuesday, while the Cowboys face the Raiders in their final doubleheader of the season this Friday.

⚾️ Chapman and Abilene split battle for Dickinson County

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt singled with the bases loaded to cap a crazy rally in the bottom of the ninth as the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Tuesday night.

It was the second walk-off hit of Witt's career, following a game-ending grand slam in 2023.

Mark Canha coaxed a walk off Cam Boozer (0-3) to lead off the ninth. Drew Waters blooped it to very short right field, but Michael A. Taylor's throw was wide at second. Freddy Fermin bunted for a hit to load the bases. After Kyle Isbel popped out, Jonathan India drove in the tying run with a fielder's choice and Witt followed with a single to center.

Taylor Clarke (1-0) earned the win in relief.

The White Sox got on the board first with an RBI single from Brooks Baldwin in the fourth, scoring Matt Thaiss.

Thaiss led off the sixth with a single and went to second on a wild pitch. He went to third on a ground out and scored when Vaughn's grounder went under the glove of third baseman Jonathan India for an error.

Isbel led off the bottom of the sixth with a line drive home run that just cleared the fence in right center.

The White Sox added a run in the eighth on an RBI single by Josh Rojas to make it 3-1.

Salvador Perez had a double in the eighth, scoring Vinnie Pasquantino, to pull the Royals within one.

The Royals had first and second with one out, trailing 2-1 in the seventh. However, reliever Steven Wilson got Fermin to foul out and then retired Isbel on a fielder's choice to end the inning.

The White Sox have lost nine straight at Kauffman Stadium, their most ever in Kansas City.

White Sox RHP Jonathan Cannon (2-3, 4.26 ERA) goes against Royals RHP Michael Wacha (1-4, 3.52 ERA) on Wednesday in the third game of a four-game series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746585240000.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt singled with the bases loaded to cap a crazy rally in the bottom of the ninth as the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Tuesday night.It was the second walk-off hit of Witt's career, following a game-ending grand slam in 2023.Mark Canha coaxed a walk off Cam Boozer (0-3) to lead off the ninth. Drew Waters blooped it to very short right field, but Michael A. Taylor's throw was wide at second. Freddy Fermin bunted for a hit to load the bases. After Kyle Isbel popped out, Jonathan India drove in the tying run with a fielder's choice and Witt followed with a single to center.Taylor Clarke (1-0) earned the win in relief.The White Sox got on the board first with an RBI single from Brooks Baldwin in the fourth, scoring Matt Thaiss.Thaiss led off the sixth with a single and went to second on a wild pitch. He went to third on a ground out and scored when Vaughn's grounder went under the glove of third baseman Jonathan India for an error.Isbel led off the bottom of the sixth with a line drive home run that just cleared the fence in right center.The White Sox added a run in the eighth on an RBI single by Josh Rojas to make it 3-1.Salvador Perez had a double in the eighth, scoring Vinnie Pasquantino, to pull the Royals within one.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals had first and second with one out, trailing 2-1 in the seventh. However, reliever Steven Wilson got Fermin to foul out and then retired Isbel on a fielder's choice to end the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The White Sox have lost nine straight at Kauffman Stadium, their most ever in Kansas City.<h2>Up next</h2>White Sox RHP Jonathan Cannon (2-3, 4.26 ERA) goes against Royals RHP Michael Wacha (1-4, 3.52 ERA) on Wednesday in the third game of a four-game series.

⚾ Witt has RBI single in the 9th to rally Royals over White Sox

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. scored the first run and drove in the second to back five overpowering innings and 11 strikeouts from Cole Ragans as the Kansas City Royals stayed hot with a 3-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.

The Royals (20-16) took the opener of a four-game series to begin a seven-game homestand. They have won three straight and 11 of 13.

Witt, who walked and stole a base before being stranded in the first, led off the fourth with a single. He stole his 11th base, advanced to third on a wild pitch by rookie Shane Smith and scored on a one-out single by Maikel Garcia.

Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India reached on one-out singles and Witt doubled to right to make it 2-0 in the fifth.

Ragans (2-1), who missed a start with a mild groin strain, came in averaging an MLB-best 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings. The left-hander allowed three hits and walked two in his fourth outing with 10 or more strikeouts this season and his ninth in 60 career starts.

Four relievers finished a six-hitter. Carlos Estévez pitched a one-hit ninth for his 10th save.

Smith (1-2) allowed two runs and five hits in five innings.

Caleb Freeman made his major league debut in the eighth for Chicago and struck out Salvador Perez before walking Garcia, who stole second and moved to third on a flyout. Drew Waters singled with two strikes for a 3-0 lead.

Kansas City hit a club-record seven home runs in an 11-6 win over the Orioles on Sunday after launching three solo shots in 4-0 victory Saturday. The Royals entered the series with an MLB-low 15 homers.

RHP Sean Burke (2-4, 4.91 ERA) starts Tuesday for the White Sox against RHP Seth Lugo (3-3, 3.07).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746498118765.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. scored the first run and drove in the second to back five overpowering innings and 11 strikeouts from Cole Ragans as the Kansas City Royals stayed hot with a 3-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.The Royals (20-16) took the opener of a four-game series to begin a seven-game homestand. They have won three straight and 11 of 13.Witt, who walked and stole a base before being stranded in the first, led off the fourth with a single. He stole his 11th base, advanced to third on a wild pitch by rookie Shane Smith and scored on a one-out single by Maikel Garcia.Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India reached on one-out singles and Witt doubled to right to make it 2-0 in the fifth.Ragans (2-1), who missed a start with a mild groin strain, came in averaging an MLB-best 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings. The left-hander allowed three hits and walked two in his fourth outing with 10 or more strikeouts this season and his ninth in 60 career starts.Four relievers finished a six-hitter. Carlos Estévez pitched a one-hit ninth for his 10th save.Smith (1-2) allowed two runs and five hits in five innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>Caleb Freeman made his major league debut in the eighth for Chicago and struck out Salvador Perez before walking Garcia, who stole second and moved to third on a flyout. Drew Waters singled with two strikes for a 3-0 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City hit a club-record seven home runs in an 11-6 win over the Orioles on Sunday after launching three solo shots in 4-0 victory Saturday. The Royals entered the series with an MLB-low 15 homers.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Sean Burke (2-4, 4.91 ERA) starts Tuesday for the White Sox against RHP Seth Lugo (3-3, 3.07).

⚾ Witt and Ragans lead surging Royals to win over White Sox

NASHVILLE – Longtime NFL and Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden has become a Partner with the Nashville Kats and their ownership group, Fisher Football Ventures LLC.

Kats President and Partner Jeff Fisher made the announcement today that Gruden will be a Partner with consulting and advisory roles in all aspects of the team’s football and business operations.

“The Nashville Kats and the Arena Football 1 league are very excited to have someone with Jon’s experience, expertise, and success to not only be part of the ownership but also take an active role in a variety of ways within the organization,” said Fisher, who also serves as AF1 Commissioner.

Gruden was head coach of the Oakland Raiders (19989-2001), Tampa Bay Bucs (2002-08,) and Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2018-21). He led the Bucs to a championship in Super Bowl XXXVII over Oakland and has been inducted into Tampa Bay’s Ring of Honor.

“I have been a fan of indoor football for a long time and jumped at the opportunity to be involved with Jeff and the Nashville Kats as part of the ownership group,” Gruden said. “I have so much respect for what Jeff has done over his career and continues to do with the Nashville Kats and as commissioner of AF1. I’m excited to be part of the team.”

Gruden joined Barstool Sports in November 2024 in a variety of roles, including playing host to the popular social media postings of his receiving boxes of merchandise from various collegiate and professional programs.

Gruden’s brother, former Washington Commanders head coach Jay Gruden, was an assistant coach for the Nashville Kats in 1997 before becoming head coach of the Orlando Predators (1998-2001). As a player and coach, Jay Gruden was inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame.

“Obviously, I followed all of Jay’s playing and coaching days in Arena Football and knew how much he enjoyed all those years,” Gruden said. “I look forward to having that same kind of excitement with the Nashville Kats.”

Under Head Coach and General Manager Darren Arbet, the Nashville Kats (3-2) have won three games in a row, including last Saturday’s 41-17 win at Southwest Kansas in Dodge City. They currently sit in third place behind league-leading Albany Firebirds (7-0).

After a bye week, the Kats return to action at Albany on Saturday, May 10, with a 6 p.m. CDT kickoff time and 5:30 p.m. broadcast start with the pre-game show on Totally Hits 93.3. The Kats’ next home game is Saturday, May 24 at 5 p.m. versus the Oregon Lightning at historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville.

“With the recent success of the team on the field and the addition of Jon Gruden to assist in all areas of our operations, there is so much forward momentum for the Nashville Kats right now,” Kats CEO and Partner Bobby DeVoursney said. “We can’t be more thrilled to be just a few months into this new era for the Nashville Kats and to have such incredible local support and growing nationally as well.”

All AF1 games, including the Nashville Kats, can be viewed on the EvergreenNow streaming platform. AF1 also has a Vice TV Game of the Week broadcast live.

NASHVILLE – Longtime NFL and Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden has become a Partner with the Nashville Kats and their ownership group, Fisher Football Ventures LLC.Kats President and Partner Jeff Fisher made the announcement today that Gruden will be a Partner with consulting and advisory roles in all aspects of the team’s football and business operations.“The Nashville Kats and the Arena Football 1 league are very excited to have someone with Jon’s experience, expertise, and success to not only be part of the ownership but also take an active role in a variety of ways within the organization,” said Fisher, who also serves as AF1 Commissioner.Gruden was head coach of the Oakland Raiders (19989-2001), Tampa Bay Bucs (2002-08,) and Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2018-21). He led the Bucs to a championship in Super Bowl XXXVII over Oakland and has been inducted into Tampa Bay’s Ring of Honor.“I have been a fan of indoor football for a long time and jumped at the opportunity to be involved with Jeff and the Nashville Kats as part of the ownership group,” Gruden said. “I have so much respect for what Jeff has done over his career and continues to do with the Nashville Kats and as commissioner of AF1. I’m excited to be part of the team.”Gruden joined Barstool Sports in November 2024 in a variety of roles, including playing host to the popular social media postings of his receiving boxes of merchandise from various collegiate and professional programs.Gruden’s brother, former Washington Commanders head coach Jay Gruden, was an assistant coach for the Nashville Kats in 1997 before becoming head coach of the Orlando Predators (1998-2001). As a player and coach, Jay Gruden was inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame.“Obviously, I followed all of Jay’s playing and coaching days in Arena Football and knew how much he enjoyed all those years,” Gruden said. “I look forward to having that same kind of excitement with the Nashville Kats.”Under Head Coach and General Manager Darren Arbet, the Nashville Kats (3-2) have won three games in a row, including last Saturday’s 41-17 win at Southwest Kansas in Dodge City. They currently sit in third place behind league-leading Albany Firebirds (7-0).After a bye week, the Kats return to action at Albany on Saturday, May 10, with a 6 p.m. CDT kickoff time and 5:30 p.m. broadcast start with the pre-game show on Totally Hits 93.3. The Kats’ next home game is Saturday, May 24 at 5 p.m. versus the Oregon Lightning at historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville.“With the recent success of the team on the field and the addition of Jon Gruden to assist in all areas of our operations, there is so much forward momentum for the Nashville Kats right now,” Kats CEO and Partner Bobby DeVoursney said. “We can’t be more thrilled to be just a few months into this new era for the Nashville Kats and to have such incredible local support and growing nationally as well.”All AF1 games, including the Nashville Kats, can be viewed on the EvergreenNow streaming platform. AF1 also has a Vice TV Game of the Week broadcast live.

Jon Gruden Joins Nashville Kats Ownership Group as Partner

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State’s running back position received added depth on Monday as the Wildcats signed transfer&nbsp;Antonio Martin Jr.

Martin spent spring practices at ULM after competing the 2024 season at Southeastern Louisiana. Prior to that, the Atlanta, Georgia, native was at Blinn College in 2023 after redshirting the 2022 season at Georgia Tech.

Last season at Southeastern, Martin played in 12 games with nine starts as he totaled 1,228 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to All-Southland Conference First Team honors. He was also named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the top offensive player in the FCS. He ranked 12th&nbsp;in the FCS with 102.3 rushing yards per game, while he was 14th&nbsp;in total rushing yards and 35th&nbsp;in all-purpose yards per game (108.50).

Martin’s best game of 2024 came against Tarleton State when he racked up 206 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries, earning Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week accolades. His 206 rushing yads were the 12th&nbsp;most by an FCS player in a single game last year, while his three touchdowns tied for 13th. He also tallied 100-yard rushing games against Eastern Washington (149 yards), East Texas A&amp;M (185 yards) and Northwestern State (110 yards).

In 2023 at Blinn, Martin ranked 10th&nbsp;in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) with 80.4 rushing yards per game, thanks in part to three 100-yard rushing performances.

Martin was regarded as the 256th-best overall prospect in the Class of 2022 by ESPN, which also rated him the 21st-best running back. He ran for 1,114 yards and 16 touchdowns during his senior season as he earned first team all-state honors from the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association and honorable mention accolades from the&nbsp;Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Following a 9-4 campaign in 2024 – its third-straight season with at least nine wins – Kansas State kicks off the 2025 season by taking on Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, August 23, at Avivia Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State’s running back position received added depth on Monday as the Wildcats signed transfer&nbsp;Antonio Martin Jr.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746457030446.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Martin spent spring practices at ULM after competing the 2024 season at Southeastern Louisiana. Prior to that, the Atlanta, Georgia, native was at Blinn College in 2023 after redshirting the 2022 season at Georgia Tech.Last season at Southeastern, Martin played in 12 games with nine starts as he totaled 1,228 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to All-Southland Conference First Team honors. He was also named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the top offensive player in the FCS. He ranked 12th&nbsp;in the FCS with 102.3 rushing yards per game, while he was 14th&nbsp;in total rushing yards and 35th&nbsp;in all-purpose yards per game (108.50).Martin’s best game of 2024 came against Tarleton State when he racked up 206 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries, earning Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week accolades. His 206 rushing yads were the 12th&nbsp;most by an FCS player in a single game last year, while his three touchdowns tied for 13th. He also tallied 100-yard rushing games against Eastern Washington (149 yards), East Texas A&amp;M (185 yards) and Northwestern State (110 yards).In 2023 at Blinn, Martin ranked 10th&nbsp;in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) with 80.4 rushing yards per game, thanks in part to three 100-yard rushing performances.Martin was regarded as the 256th-best overall prospect in the Class of 2022 by ESPN, which also rated him the 21st-best running back. He ran for 1,114 yards and 16 touchdowns during his senior season as he earned first team all-state honors from the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association and honorable mention accolades from the&nbsp;Atlanta Journal-Constitution.Following a 9-4 campaign in 2024 – its third-straight season with at least nine wins – Kansas State kicks off the 2025 season by taking on Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, August 23, at Avivia Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

Running Back Antonio Martin Jr. Signs with Kansas State

JOPLIN, Mo. - The Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes are the 2025 KCAC Baseball Championship Tournament Champions.

The Coyotes beat the Tabor College Bluejays 7-4 on Sunday at Joe Becker Stadium to claim the tournament title, the program's first since 2022, when the Coyotes also beat Tabor to claim the tournament title.

The victory gives the Coyotes the second automatic berth to the NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round which begins on May 12 at campus sites around the country. The NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round Selection Show will be on Wednesday, May 7 at 4 p.m., to find out where the Coyotes are headed for the Opening Round.

It will be the fourth straight appearance in the Opening Round for the Coyotes, the longest streak in program history. It will be KWU's seventh appearance in the NAIA Opening Round since the format began in 2009.

The Coyotes sent <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/795f368e-1e03-4b71-88a8-5a857fb36e5f?elinkdata=26397">Brett Maddock</a> out for his second start of the tournament on short rest and held the Bluejays off the board until giving up a run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

It was a scoreless game until the top of the fourth inning when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/92fbee2c-9378-4a73-85a9-09095f90f442?elinkdata=26397">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> hit a 2-run homerun that also brought in <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cb3a358d-481c-4a9f-8e23-4e9690a237a1?elinkdata=26397">Garrett Garfield</a> who singled earlier in the inning.

The Coyotes held the 2-1 lead until the top of the eighth when Wesleyan put five on the board. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bcfeceb3-f5ea-478a-81be-e8eaddca12e4?elinkdata=26397">Tyler Favretto</a> walked to start the inning, and Garfield was hit by a pitch. After a Tabor pitching change, Ruvalcaba drove in another run with a single to left.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dc31ecce-eb8c-4e55-96bf-bc7d47768504?elinkdata=26397">Carter Allen</a> then reached on an error that kept the inning going, and pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7d3741f2-712c-4df0-b1e6-5d8cfc450ce0?elinkdata=26397">Lakin Franz</a> scored on the play. After a couple of outs, the Coyotes kept the line moving as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/328286a6-5f74-43f8-9810-fab011d990d0?elinkdata=26397">Coulson Riggs</a> singled to third to drive in a run, a wild pitch yielded another, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bf113c84-501c-4c50-8d12-1fbcb7523ca3?elinkdata=26397">Eric Romero</a> doubled to bring in the fifth run of the inning.

Tabor got a run in the eighth to make it 7-2.

In the ninth, Tabor tried to rally. The Bluejays loaded the bases with nobody out before a sacrifice fly brought in a run. A fielder's choice with an error did not yield an out and loaded the bases again. Another fielder's choice brought in another run, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fb4d2688-5e2d-48b2-8f98-0fdc48a7a2cd?elinkdata=26397">Hunter Blea</a> would get the final out on a strikeout and throw down to first to end the game.

Maddock went six innings to get the win, allowing one run on four hits with three strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6b48b378-1f96-49fe-8c84-1864388e819e?elinkdata=26397">Ritter Steinmann</a> went two innings plus before getting in trouble in the ninth and was responsible for all the runs in the ninth. Blea got all three outs in the ninth for the save, entering the game with the possible tying run on deck.

JOPLIN, Mo. - The Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes are the 2025 KCAC Baseball Championship Tournament Champions.The Coyotes beat the Tabor College Bluejays 7-4 on Sunday at Joe Becker Stadium to claim the tournament title, the program's first since 2022, when the Coyotes also beat Tabor to claim the tournament title.The victory gives the Coyotes the second automatic berth to the NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round which begins on May 12 at campus sites around the country. The NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round Selection Show will be on Wednesday, May 7 at 4 p.m., to find out where the Coyotes are headed for the Opening Round.It will be the fourth straight appearance in the Opening Round for the Coyotes, the longest streak in program history. It will be KWU's seventh appearance in the NAIA Opening Round since the format began in 2009.The Coyotes sent <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/795f368e-1e03-4b71-88a8-5a857fb36e5f?elinkdata=26397">Brett Maddock</a> out for his second start of the tournament on short rest and held the Bluejays off the board until giving up a run in the bottom of the sixth inning.It was a scoreless game until the top of the fourth inning when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/92fbee2c-9378-4a73-85a9-09095f90f442?elinkdata=26397">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> hit a 2-run homerun that also brought in <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cb3a358d-481c-4a9f-8e23-4e9690a237a1?elinkdata=26397">Garrett Garfield</a> who singled earlier in the inning.The Coyotes held the 2-1 lead until the top of the eighth when Wesleyan put five on the board. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bcfeceb3-f5ea-478a-81be-e8eaddca12e4?elinkdata=26397">Tyler Favretto</a> walked to start the inning, and Garfield was hit by a pitch. After a Tabor pitching change, Ruvalcaba drove in another run with a single to left.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dc31ecce-eb8c-4e55-96bf-bc7d47768504?elinkdata=26397">Carter Allen</a> then reached on an error that kept the inning going, and pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7d3741f2-712c-4df0-b1e6-5d8cfc450ce0?elinkdata=26397">Lakin Franz</a> scored on the play. After a couple of outs, the Coyotes kept the line moving as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/328286a6-5f74-43f8-9810-fab011d990d0?elinkdata=26397">Coulson Riggs</a> singled to third to drive in a run, a wild pitch yielded another, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bf113c84-501c-4c50-8d12-1fbcb7523ca3?elinkdata=26397">Eric Romero</a> doubled to bring in the fifth run of the inning.Tabor got a run in the eighth to make it 7-2.In the ninth, Tabor tried to rally. The Bluejays loaded the bases with nobody out before a sacrifice fly brought in a run. A fielder's choice with an error did not yield an out and loaded the bases again. Another fielder's choice brought in another run, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fb4d2688-5e2d-48b2-8f98-0fdc48a7a2cd?elinkdata=26397">Hunter Blea</a> would get the final out on a strikeout and throw down to first to end the game.Maddock went six innings to get the win, allowing one run on four hits with three strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6b48b378-1f96-49fe-8c84-1864388e819e?elinkdata=26397">Ritter Steinmann</a> went two innings plus before getting in trouble in the ninth and was responsible for all the runs in the ninth. Blea got all three outs in the ninth for the save, entering the game with the possible tying run on deck.

Coyotes beat Tabor 7-4 to claim KCAC Baseball Tournament Championship

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, (it’s) great to be back here and (be) able to get onto the practice field with some of our young guys. They looked good yesterday; it’s a good group. I think (General Manager) Brett (Veach) and his gang have done a great job of bringing in some real good football players, whether they were drafted or free agents. It looks like a good crew. Just real quick with BJ Thompson, I think you saw where we waived him to (the) NFI designation there. He is making progress but just not quite there yet, but he’s made great strides. In this day and age, the way football is we had to do something there, and this is the route that we went. It doesn’t mean his career is over by any means, it’s just where we’re at today. Other than that, the time’s yours.”

Q: What’s the most important thing the draft picks have to do for you this week? What do they have to show you?

REID:&nbsp;“Literally that. There’s only maybe 16 – 15, 16 of them that – whether it’s the seven draft picks and 10 or so others that have been signed as free agents, college free agents. The rest of the guys are just invites to this camp as free agents, and that’s a challenge for them to catch our eye but they’re going about it the right way and it’s literally that. Are you going to make the catch? Are you going to make the throw? Are you going to make the coverage adjustment that you need to make on the backend? Defensive line, it’s all pass so do you have rush ability in that. Linebackers, same way – coverage and kind of an understanding (and) grasping the defensive part that we’re asking so anyways, all of that is part of it. That’s what we look at.”

Q: What’s your initial impression of Jalen Royals?

REID:&nbsp;“You can see his (Jalen Royals) talent for sure. He did a couple good things yesterday, (we’ll) just see how he does today. We load them up again today and they actually have a walkthrough, so it’s very much like training camp. They have a walkthrough and then they have the practice in the afternoon. Sometimes the second day can be a nice challenge for them with the overload part of it.”

Q: What’s your first impression of Josh Simmons? Is he where you expected him to be physically?

REID:&nbsp;“Josh (Simmons) is doing mostly the individual work. We try to keep him out of the team stuff if we’re going against a defense, so just taking it slow here. We’re just kind of getting a feel of where he’s at with this. He had kind of a heavy traffic travel schedule during the 30-visit thing so just make sure that thing’s strong. He looks like he’s got some talent there, Matt (Derrick) doggonit. That’s a good thing, right? For what we can do. That’s a plus.”

Q: How will you evaluate Josh Simmons’ preparation to play?

REID:&nbsp;“(It) looks like he’s (Josh Simmons) moving around good. He’s right on that – where he just needs a little bit more time but he’s moving around well. I was surprised on how well he was doing out there – moving. He looks like he’s comfortable with it.”

Q: Have you had anybody with Brashard Smith’s skillset?

REID:&nbsp;“I probably haven’t seen enough of him there. He (Brashard Smith) looks like – some of the backs have that low center of gravity that can kind of move and – lower or they can drop their weight a little bit. He looks like he has that. Now, nobody’s hit him either, so it’ll be a little different story there but it looks like he has good hands.”

Q: Does Brashard Smith remind you of Jerick McKinnon a little bit?

REID:&nbsp;“Little different run style than Jerick (McKinnon). Yeah, a little different run style. Jerick was a little more upright. I’m not sure who I’d compare it to, but it looks like he (Brashard Smith) has talent, he can catch the football.”

Q: How do you assess the three drafted linemen in a noncontact practice?

REID:&nbsp;“You get a little idea on pass rush for the two defensive guys. Again, we’re keeping the other kid out of the – (Josh) Simmons out of the contact part of it – or out of the team stuff. The defensive lineman look like they have high motors, and they have good quickness. It looks like good lower body (and) core strength which is very important for getting banged around in there.”

Q: How did you end up with 64 at BYU? What did it mean to you?

REID:&nbsp;“That was one of the numbers that was available. (PFHOF and Packers G) Jerry Kramer wore it, so I snuck it. I had read “Instant Replay” by that time. I was always a fan of his.”

Q: Did you retire 64? Are the kids still wearing it?

REID:&nbsp;“No, they’re still wearing it.”

Q: What has this experience been like so far? Is rookie minicamp what you expected?

SMITH:&nbsp;“Yes sir, for sure. I expected to come in and just learn and pick up from all the coaches and stuff so for sure, yes sir.”

Q: How was the rookie dinner? What was it like?

SMITH:&nbsp;“It was great, I really had a fun time. Just getting to meet all of the greats that came here and just learning the history behind Kansas City, it was big-time for me. I learned a lot for sure.”

Q: When you went into college did you think you were going to play wide receiver? Did you want to play as a running back?

SMITH:&nbsp;“Going into college, I got recruited for a receiver – slot receiver. As I – going into college and being in different systems and being in different offenses, I was moving around a lot, so I played running back and slot receiver a lot.”

Q:&nbsp;What are your initial impressions of Steve Spagnuolo and what he intends to accomplish with you?

BASSA:&nbsp;“So far, I mean everybody knows that (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Coach Spags’ defense is really complex, but coming into rookie minicamp you obviously want to get a head start on that, right? I feel the opportunity to come out here for rookie minicamp, learn the defense, kind of go through the first couple installs has been really good for me. Overall, I feel like I’m catching on pretty well. Honestly, right now I feel like I’m at a good stage where I can keep going back and looking at the notes and looking at the film and say, ‘Okay, I was supposed to do this instead of this,’ right? So, just catching on slowly day-by-day.”

Q:&nbsp;How nice is it to land with a franchise like this?

BASSA:&nbsp;“It’s truly a blessing. Walking past Josh (Simmons), obviously he went to the school that knocked us out of the playoffs, but (laughs) I’m sure we’ll have jokes about that down the road and stuff. Overall, it’s truly a blessing to come to such a great franchise and a great organization. Like I’ll keep saying, I’m so blessed to be here and just to have the opportunity of walking into the building every day and just seeing the Kansas City Chiefs logo everywhere and meeting the coaches that you watch on TV and you’re like, ‘Wow, I really love the opportunity and chance to play there.’ To be here and now (and) to be living in the moment, it’s truly amazing.”

Q:&nbsp;How do your communication abilities drive your game?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesMay 4, 2025OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, (it’s) great to be back here and (be) able to get onto the practice field with some of our young guys. They looked good yesterday; it’s a good group. I think (General Manager) Brett (Veach) and his gang have done a great job of bringing in some real good football players, whether they were drafted or free agents. It looks like a good crew. Just real quick with BJ Thompson, I think you saw where we waived him to (the) NFI designation there. He is making progress but just not quite there yet, but he’s made great strides. In this day and age, the way football is we had to do something there, and this is the route that we went. It doesn’t mean his career is over by any means, it’s just where we’re at today. Other than that, the time’s yours.”Q: What’s the most important thing the draft picks have to do for you this week? What do they have to show you?REID:&nbsp;“Literally that. There’s only maybe 16 – 15, 16 of them that – whether it’s the seven draft picks and 10 or so others that have been signed as free agents, college free agents. The rest of the guys are just invites to this camp as free agents, and that’s a challenge for them to catch our eye but they’re going about it the right way and it’s literally that. Are you going to make the catch? Are you going to make the throw? Are you going to make the coverage adjustment that you need to make on the backend? Defensive line, it’s all pass so do you have rush ability in that. Linebackers, same way – coverage and kind of an understanding (and) grasping the defensive part that we’re asking so anyways, all of that is part of it. That’s what we look at.”Q: What’s your initial impression of Jalen Royals?REID:&nbsp;“You can see his (Jalen Royals) talent for sure. He did a couple good things yesterday, (we’ll) just see how he does today. We load them up again today and they actually have a walkthrough, so it’s very much like training camp. They have a walkthrough and then they have the practice in the afternoon. Sometimes the second day can be a nice challenge for them with the overload part of it.”Q: What’s your first impression of Josh Simmons? Is he where you expected him to be physically?REID:&nbsp;“Josh (Simmons) is doing mostly the individual work. We try to keep him out of the team stuff if we’re going against a defense, so just taking it slow here. We’re just kind of getting a feel of where he’s at with this. He had kind of a heavy traffic travel schedule during the 30-visit thing so just make sure that thing’s strong. He looks like he’s got some talent there, Matt (Derrick) doggonit. That’s a good thing, right? For what we can do. That’s a plus.”Q: How will you evaluate Josh Simmons’ preparation to play?REID:&nbsp;“(It) looks like he’s (Josh Simmons) moving around good. He’s right on that – where he just needs a little bit more time but he’s moving around well. I was surprised on how well he was doing out there – moving. He looks like he’s comfortable with it.”Q: Have you had anybody with Brashard Smith’s skillset?REID:&nbsp;“I probably haven’t seen enough of him there. He (Brashard Smith) looks like – some of the backs have that low center of gravity that can kind of move and – lower or they can drop their weight a little bit. He looks like he has that. Now, nobody’s hit him either, so it’ll be a little different story there but it looks like he has good hands.”Q: Does Brashard Smith remind you of Jerick McKinnon a little bit?REID:&nbsp;“Little different run style than Jerick (McKinnon). Yeah, a little different run style. Jerick was a little more upright. I’m not sure who I’d compare it to, but it looks like he (Brashard Smith) has talent, he can catch the football.”Q: How do you assess the three drafted linemen in a noncontact practice?REID:&nbsp;“You get a little idea on pass rush for the two defensive guys. Again, we’re keeping the other kid out of the – (Josh) Simmons out of the contact part of it – or out of the team stuff. The defensive lineman look like they have high motors, and they have good quickness. It looks like good lower body (and) core strength which is very important for getting banged around in there.”Q: How did you end up with 64 at BYU? What did it mean to you?REID:&nbsp;“That was one of the numbers that was available. (PFHOF and Packers G) Jerry Kramer wore it, so I snuck it. I had read “Instant Replay” by that time. I was always a fan of his.”Q: Did you retire 64? Are the kids still wearing it?REID:&nbsp;“No, they’re still wearing it.”Chiefs Player QuotesMay 4, 2025RB BRASHARD SMITHQ: What has this experience been like so far? Is rookie minicamp what you expected?SMITH:&nbsp;“Yes sir, for sure. I expected to come in and just learn and pick up from all the coaches and stuff so for sure, yes sir.”Q: How was the rookie dinner? What was it like?SMITH:&nbsp;“It was great, I really had a fun time. Just getting to meet all of the greats that came here and just learning the history behind Kansas City, it was big-time for me. I learned a lot for sure.”Q: When you went into college did you think you were going to play wide receiver? Did you want to play as a running back?SMITH:&nbsp;“Going into college, I got recruited for a receiver – slot receiver. As I – going into college and being in different systems and being in different offenses, I was moving around a lot, so I played running back and slot receiver a lot.”LB JEFFREY BASSAQ:&nbsp;What are your initial impressions of Steve Spagnuolo and what he intends to accomplish with you?BASSA:&nbsp;“So far, I mean everybody knows that (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Coach Spags’ defense is really complex, but coming into rookie minicamp you obviously want to get a head start on that, right? I feel the opportunity to come out here for rookie minicamp, learn the defense, kind of go through the first couple installs has been really good for me. Overall, I feel like I’m catching on pretty well. Honestly, right now I feel like I’m at a good stage where I can keep going back and looking at the notes and looking at the film and say, ‘Okay, I was supposed to do this instead of this,’ right? So, just catching on slowly day-by-day.”Q:&nbsp;How nice is it to land with a franchise like this?BASSA:&nbsp;“It’s truly a blessing. Walking past Josh (Simmons), obviously he went to the school that knocked us out of the playoffs, but (laughs) I’m sure we’ll have jokes about that down the road and stuff. Overall, it’s truly a blessing to come to such a great franchise and a great organization. Like I’ll keep saying, I’m so blessed to be here and just to have the opportunity of walking into the building every day and just seeing the Kansas City Chiefs logo everywhere and meeting the coaches that you watch on TV and you’re like, ‘Wow, I really love the opportunity and chance to play there.’ To be here and now (and) to be living in the moment, it’s truly amazing.”Q:&nbsp;How do your communication abilities drive your game?

Chiefs Quotes: 5-4-25

BALTIMORE (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit two of Kansas City's franchise-record seven home runs, a rare long-ball barrage that enabled the Royals to beat the Baltimore Orioles 11-6 on Sunday.

Bobby Witt Jr. broke a 5-5 tie with a seventh-inning solo shot off Yennier Cano (0-1), and Vinnie Pasquantino followed with drive into the right-field seats. Cano had not allowed a run in his previous 12 outings this season.

Jonathan India, Luke Maile and Michael Massey also went deep for the Royals. Massey's ninth-inning shot set the club record for home runs in a game.

Kansas City entered with a major league-low 18 homers in its first 34 games. It hadn't hit as many as six in a game since 2020.

Jackson Holliday went deep twice for Baltimore in his first career multihomer game. Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins each hit a solo shot.

Orioles starter Kyle Gibson gave up three runs and five hits in four innings. In his season debut on Tuesday, the 37-year-old yielded four first-inning homers to the Yankees and was pulled in the fourth after allowing nine runs and 11 hits.

Making his 100th career start, Kansas City's Michael Lorenzen surrendered a career-high four home runs and was pulled in the fifth. The four HRs equaled the total he gave up in his previous six starts this season.

Angel Zerpa (2-0) gave up one run in 1 2/3 innings to earn the win.

Baltimore scored twice and had the tying run at the plate with no outs in the eighth when Lucas Erceg entered and got three straight outs.

Kansas City took two of three for its first regular-season series win in Baltimore since 2014. The Royals also won the season series from the Orioles (4-2) for the first time since 2018.

Royals: LHP Cole Ragans (1-1, 4.40 ERA) starts Monday night in the opener of a four-game series against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

Orioles: After taking Monday off, LHP Cade Povich (1-2, 5.16 ERA) faces Minnesota on the road on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746392200936.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit two of Kansas City's franchise-record seven home runs, a rare long-ball barrage that enabled the Royals to beat the Baltimore Orioles 11-6 on Sunday.Bobby Witt Jr. broke a 5-5 tie with a seventh-inning solo shot off Yennier Cano (0-1), and Vinnie Pasquantino followed with drive into the right-field seats. Cano had not allowed a run in his previous 12 outings this season.Jonathan India, Luke Maile and Michael Massey also went deep for the Royals. Massey's ninth-inning shot set the club record for home runs in a game.Kansas City entered with a major league-low 18 homers in its first 34 games. It hadn't hit as many as six in a game since 2020.Jackson Holliday went deep twice for Baltimore in his first career multihomer game. Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins each hit a solo shot.Orioles starter Kyle Gibson gave up three runs and five hits in four innings. In his season debut on Tuesday, the 37-year-old yielded four first-inning homers to the Yankees and was pulled in the fourth after allowing nine runs and 11 hits.Making his 100th career start, Kansas City's Michael Lorenzen surrendered a career-high four home runs and was pulled in the fifth. The four HRs equaled the total he gave up in his previous six starts this season.Angel Zerpa (2-0) gave up one run in 1 2/3 innings to earn the win.<h2>Key moment</h2>Baltimore scored twice and had the tying run at the plate with no outs in the eighth when Lucas Erceg entered and got three straight outs.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City took two of three for its first regular-season series win in Baltimore since 2014. The Royals also won the season series from the Orioles (4-2) for the first time since 2018.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals: LHP Cole Ragans (1-1, 4.40 ERA) starts Monday night in the opener of a four-game series against the visiting Chicago White Sox.Orioles: After taking Monday off, LHP Cade Povich (1-2, 5.16 ERA) faces Minnesota on the road on Tuesday night.

⚾ Royals hit a club-record 7 HRs in win over Orioles

RIVERSIDE, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan Flag Football is in Pool C of the 2025 NAIA Flag Football Finals and will face Midland (Neb.) and Thomas (Ga.) in Pool Play before advancing into one of the two brackets for the event.

In its fifth season of competition at the NAIA level, flag football still remains at Emerging Sport status, meaning the FInals event is not an official NAIA National Championship.

All games for the Finals will be played at the KC Current Training Center in Riverside, Mo., located at 1 Teal Rising Way, in Riverside, Missouri. The facility just played host to the KCAC Championships in late April.

KWU will play both its Pool Play games on Tuesday, May 6, first against KCAC opponent Midland at 10 a.m. on Field 3, then will play Thomas at 2 p.m. on Field 3.

KWU has faced Thomas twice before, once in 2022 in a game at an event in Babson Park, Florida and then last season in the NAIA Flag Finals in Pool Play.

KWU and Midland have played many times as members of the KCAC. KWU holds a 14-3 all-time record in the series and has won the last 12 meetings, including two thrillers this year, a 15-14 walkoff win on March 18 at Midland, and a 20-13 win on April 17 in Salina.

KWU enters the Finals with a 14-5 record on the season and were runners-up in the KCAC Tournament to Ottawa. Four of KWU's five losses have come to Ottawa this season. The Coyotes are averaging 30.1 points per game this season while holding opponents to 13.7.

The Coyotes average 290 yards of total offense per game, 260.6 through the air. The Coyotes as a team are 485 of 717 passing for 4952 yards and 75 touchdowns, a majority of the work coming from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6006c0ee-4063-453b-b6c8-b4bdd526a241?elinkdata=26335">Chihiro Iwata</a> who is 422 of 615 passing, completing 68.6 percent of passes for 4426 yards and 64 touchdowns, averaging 232.9 yards per game.

Receiving-wise, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5d26a084-6079-40a3-99a3-be4b5334524c?elinkdata=26335">Aliyah Wood</a> leads the Coyotes with 103 catches for 1018 yards, becoming only the second KWU player in program history to have over 1000 yards receiving in a season. She has a team-high 15 touchdowns. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/adff295e-c0b1-47ca-9247-16347c365c91?elinkdata=26335">Ciaran DeCuir</a> has 51 catches for 741 yards and 10 scores. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e624eb9a-e755-445d-9129-a1043069b992?elinkdata=26335">Angel Roman</a> has 78 catches for 737 yards and 14 touchdowns and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bb0fb9f4-c654-4511-9e92-2b80adeb8156?elinkdata=26335">Jazmine Whitfield</a> has 64 catches for 656 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Defensively, the Coyotes are led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/80781add-1bd7-4418-96c3-c3757bde8320?elinkdata=26335">Alexa Mansur</a> with 69 flag pulls. She also has two interceptions and eight pass breakups. Wood is the team interception leader with eight, while Roman has six interceptions and is second on the team with 47 flag pulls. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/125fd51f-12d5-420f-844a-397e5fed54f8?elinkdata=26335">Nyjah Green</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/54ca914d-498e-419c-855d-2bea718e5906?elinkdata=26335">Khylie Douglas</a> have five sacks each and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1d58ee68-d7ba-44af-8399-4135dd4bd581?elinkdata=26335">Ansdiane Rabano</a> has four.

Midland heads into the Flag Finals with an 8-7 record on the season. The Warriors are averaging 23.9 points per game and holding opponents to 17.3. Midland averages 228.4 yards per game while allowing 205.2.

Angel Ioane Kaio is Midland's quarterback, throwing for 2825 yards and 38 touchdowns, going 300 of 518 passing with 17 interceptions.

Allaya Livingston has 56 receptions for 667 yards and 12 touchdowns. Olivia Dominguez-Millsop has 50 catches for 453 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Defensively, Cydnee Redd has 67 flag pulls on the season. Dominguez-Millsop has six interceptions and NaTaija Blaylock has 12 sacks.

The Thomas Night Hawks are 15-1 on the season and went 8-0 in the Sun Conference, but fell to Keiser in the conference championship game.

Thomas comes into the Flag Finals averaging 39.6 points per game, but are very defensive minded, holding opponents to an average of 5.13 points per contest. The Night Hawks average 280.3 yards per game of total offense, 269.5 coming through the air and have thrown 74 touchdowns.

Thomas has two quarterbacks that share the load of action. Keelin Coleman is 182 of 258 passing for 1954 yards and 36 touchdowns, completing 70 percent of her passes. Alexa Wilson is 131 of 191 passing for 1415 yards and 21 touchdowns, completing 68.5 percent of passes.

Janae Scott is Thomas's leading receiver with 51 catches for 337 yards and nine touchdowns. Maddie Hougland has 39 catches for 511 yards and 10 touchdowns and Zoe Jackson has 47 catches for 477 yards and 11 scores.

Scott has 68 flag pulls on defense to lead the team and also had four sacks and five interceptions. Houghland had seven interceptions to lead the team while Dyva Jones, a transfer from Midland, has six. Kaitlyn Herb has 16 sacks to lead the Night Hawks.

After Pool Play is completed, teams will move into bracket play. The top eight teams will play in the Championship Bracket, while the bottom six will play in the Playoff Bracket. Bracket play begins on May 7. The two bracket championship games will be played on Thursday, May 8.

RIVERSIDE, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan Flag Football is in Pool C of the 2025 NAIA Flag Football Finals and will face Midland (Neb.) and Thomas (Ga.) in Pool Play before advancing into one of the two brackets for the event.In its fifth season of competition at the NAIA level, flag football still remains at Emerging Sport status, meaning the FInals event is not an official NAIA National Championship.All games for the Finals will be played at the KC Current Training Center in Riverside, Mo., located at 1 Teal Rising Way, in Riverside, Missouri. The facility just played host to the KCAC Championships in late April.KWU will play both its Pool Play games on Tuesday, May 6, first against KCAC opponent Midland at 10 a.m. on Field 3, then will play Thomas at 2 p.m. on Field 3.KWU has faced Thomas twice before, once in 2022 in a game at an event in Babson Park, Florida and then last season in the NAIA Flag Finals in Pool Play.KWU and Midland have played many times as members of the KCAC. KWU holds a 14-3 all-time record in the series and has won the last 12 meetings, including two thrillers this year, a 15-14 walkoff win on March 18 at Midland, and a 20-13 win on April 17 in Salina.KWU enters the Finals with a 14-5 record on the season and were runners-up in the KCAC Tournament to Ottawa. Four of KWU's five losses have come to Ottawa this season. The Coyotes are averaging 30.1 points per game this season while holding opponents to 13.7.The Coyotes average 290 yards of total offense per game, 260.6 through the air. The Coyotes as a team are 485 of 717 passing for 4952 yards and 75 touchdowns, a majority of the work coming from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6006c0ee-4063-453b-b6c8-b4bdd526a241?elinkdata=26335">Chihiro Iwata</a> who is 422 of 615 passing, completing 68.6 percent of passes for 4426 yards and 64 touchdowns, averaging 232.9 yards per game.Receiving-wise, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5d26a084-6079-40a3-99a3-be4b5334524c?elinkdata=26335">Aliyah Wood</a> leads the Coyotes with 103 catches for 1018 yards, becoming only the second KWU player in program history to have over 1000 yards receiving in a season. She has a team-high 15 touchdowns. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/adff295e-c0b1-47ca-9247-16347c365c91?elinkdata=26335">Ciaran DeCuir</a> has 51 catches for 741 yards and 10 scores. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e624eb9a-e755-445d-9129-a1043069b992?elinkdata=26335">Angel Roman</a> has 78 catches for 737 yards and 14 touchdowns and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bb0fb9f4-c654-4511-9e92-2b80adeb8156?elinkdata=26335">Jazmine Whitfield</a> has 64 catches for 656 yards and 10 touchdowns.Defensively, the Coyotes are led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/80781add-1bd7-4418-96c3-c3757bde8320?elinkdata=26335">Alexa Mansur</a> with 69 flag pulls. She also has two interceptions and eight pass breakups. Wood is the team interception leader with eight, while Roman has six interceptions and is second on the team with 47 flag pulls. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/125fd51f-12d5-420f-844a-397e5fed54f8?elinkdata=26335">Nyjah Green</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/54ca914d-498e-419c-855d-2bea718e5906?elinkdata=26335">Khylie Douglas</a> have five sacks each and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1d58ee68-d7ba-44af-8399-4135dd4bd581?elinkdata=26335">Ansdiane Rabano</a> has four.Midland heads into the Flag Finals with an 8-7 record on the season. The Warriors are averaging 23.9 points per game and holding opponents to 17.3. Midland averages 228.4 yards per game while allowing 205.2.Angel Ioane Kaio is Midland's quarterback, throwing for 2825 yards and 38 touchdowns, going 300 of 518 passing with 17 interceptions.Allaya Livingston has 56 receptions for 667 yards and 12 touchdowns. Olivia Dominguez-Millsop has 50 catches for 453 yards and 11 touchdowns.Defensively, Cydnee Redd has 67 flag pulls on the season. Dominguez-Millsop has six interceptions and NaTaija Blaylock has 12 sacks.The Thomas Night Hawks are 15-1 on the season and went 8-0 in the Sun Conference, but fell to Keiser in the conference championship game.Thomas comes into the Flag Finals averaging 39.6 points per game, but are very defensive minded, holding opponents to an average of 5.13 points per contest. The Night Hawks average 280.3 yards per game of total offense, 269.5 coming through the air and have thrown 74 touchdowns.Thomas has two quarterbacks that share the load of action. Keelin Coleman is 182 of 258 passing for 1954 yards and 36 touchdowns, completing 70 percent of her passes. Alexa Wilson is 131 of 191 passing for 1415 yards and 21 touchdowns, completing 68.5 percent of passes.Janae Scott is Thomas's leading receiver with 51 catches for 337 yards and nine touchdowns. Maddie Hougland has 39 catches for 511 yards and 10 touchdowns and Zoe Jackson has 47 catches for 477 yards and 11 scores.Scott has 68 flag pulls on defense to lead the team and also had four sacks and five interceptions. Houghland had seven interceptions to lead the team while Dyva Jones, a transfer from Midland, has six. Kaitlyn Herb has 16 sacks to lead the Night Hawks.After Pool Play is completed, teams will move into bracket play. The top eight teams will play in the Championship Bracket, while the bottom six will play in the Playoff Bracket. Bracket play begins on May 7. The two bracket championship games will be played on Thursday, May 8.

KWU Flag Football readies for 2025 NAIA Flag Football Finals this week

JOPLIN, Mo. - A hot start by the Kansas Wesleyan Baseball team sparked the Coyotes to a 16-6 win over the Friends Falcons on Saturday at Joe Becker Stadium in the KWU half of the bracket.

The win advances the Coyotes to the Championship Game on Sunday at 2:15 p.m. at Joe Becker Stadium. They'll face the winner between Oklahoma Wesleyan and Tabor, who will play the "if necessary" game on their side of the bracket on Sunday at 11 a.m. Tabor beat OKWU on Friday night, but OKWU came back to beat the Bluejays on Saturday evening 7-2 to force the extra game.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1dabfe0e-051e-4dba-942c-3262b755fc9d?elinkdata=26366">Jacob Williamson</a> led off the bottom of the first hit by a pitch then <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/63256065-3943-4993-82e6-e74e440180d5?elinkdata=26366">Tyler Favretto</a> followed with a single. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/777e0e43-f6e1-4dfc-84d3-c846515fc8fe?elinkdata=26366">Garrett Garfield</a> brought in the first run with a single and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5b6851f6-abdd-4412-8253-73fd999e3cd7?elinkdata=26366">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> drove in a run with a hit. After <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3ab8beea-2168-4e65-a651-92d3ddc78da3?elinkdata=26366">Carter Allen</a> walked to load the bases, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8e5ac5c0-66a6-4bc8-b207-a12e96f9a5e3?elinkdata=26366">Joe Finder</a> doubled home a pair. A Friends pitching change didn't slow KWU's momentum much as a wild pitch brought in a run and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7eda73b5-fffc-4d69-bb8d-cb4eb94133ea?elinkdata=26366">Blake Dale</a> followed with a RBI single for the sixth run of the frame.

Friends got one back in the second, but the Coyotes added one in the bottom of the inning as Callen singled to score Ruvalcaba who had doubled earlier.

Favretto drove in a run in the bringing in <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/279f6ece-331a-47cc-bf11-c00350058b8d?elinkdata=26366">Eric Romero</a> who walked earlier in the inning.

The Falcons got two in the fourth and three more in the fifth to make it 8-6 before the Coyotes gained control in the bottom of the fifth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dc55ef84-51ca-4f3b-b6dd-9d90d0a7de43?elinkdata=26366">Coulson Riggs</a> and Romero were both hit by pitches to start the inning, and Williamson knocked in the first run of the inning with a hit. Favretto walked and Garfield followed with a RBI single. Allen then brought in two more with a hit and Finder followed with a run scoring on a fielder's choice plus error and Dale brought in a run with a double.

Wesleyan added two more in the seventh as Favretto was hit to open the inning and then courtesy runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9429cd1c-75bd-4791-87b8-fc00c46f43c5?elinkdata=26366">Alex Garcia</a> scored on Ruvalcaba's single along with Garfield who doubled earlier in the inning.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0eb43beb-b0a0-42ac-8214-f56bca48edb3?elinkdata=26366">Riley Gwin</a> picked up the win in relief for the Coyotes, going three and a third innings, allowing just one hit with two strikeouts and only throwing 28 pitches. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9496ee83-39dd-4ad6-be4d-1e3c032e80a0?elinkdata=26366">Shaw Lee</a> went four and two-thirds allowing six runs, five earned on nine hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a6b0aab0-1a9d-4e3a-b070-6d64c6202a5c?elinkdata=26366">Hunter Blea</a> pitched a perfect ninth inning.

Garfield, Ruvalcaba and Dale all had three hits for the Coyotes. Williamson, Favretto and Allen had two. Allen drove in three runs.

JOPLIN, Mo. - A hot start by the Kansas Wesleyan Baseball team sparked the Coyotes to a 16-6 win over the Friends Falcons on Saturday at Joe Becker Stadium in the KWU half of the bracket.The win advances the Coyotes to the Championship Game on Sunday at 2:15 p.m. at Joe Becker Stadium. They'll face the winner between Oklahoma Wesleyan and Tabor, who will play the "if necessary" game on their side of the bracket on Sunday at 11 a.m. Tabor beat OKWU on Friday night, but OKWU came back to beat the Bluejays on Saturday evening 7-2 to force the extra game.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1dabfe0e-051e-4dba-942c-3262b755fc9d?elinkdata=26366">Jacob Williamson</a> led off the bottom of the first hit by a pitch then <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/63256065-3943-4993-82e6-e74e440180d5?elinkdata=26366">Tyler Favretto</a> followed with a single. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/777e0e43-f6e1-4dfc-84d3-c846515fc8fe?elinkdata=26366">Garrett Garfield</a> brought in the first run with a single and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5b6851f6-abdd-4412-8253-73fd999e3cd7?elinkdata=26366">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> drove in a run with a hit. After <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3ab8beea-2168-4e65-a651-92d3ddc78da3?elinkdata=26366">Carter Allen</a> walked to load the bases, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8e5ac5c0-66a6-4bc8-b207-a12e96f9a5e3?elinkdata=26366">Joe Finder</a> doubled home a pair. A Friends pitching change didn't slow KWU's momentum much as a wild pitch brought in a run and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7eda73b5-fffc-4d69-bb8d-cb4eb94133ea?elinkdata=26366">Blake Dale</a> followed with a RBI single for the sixth run of the frame.Friends got one back in the second, but the Coyotes added one in the bottom of the inning as Callen singled to score Ruvalcaba who had doubled earlier.Favretto drove in a run in the bringing in <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/279f6ece-331a-47cc-bf11-c00350058b8d?elinkdata=26366">Eric Romero</a> who walked earlier in the inning.The Falcons got two in the fourth and three more in the fifth to make it 8-6 before the Coyotes gained control in the bottom of the fifth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dc55ef84-51ca-4f3b-b6dd-9d90d0a7de43?elinkdata=26366">Coulson Riggs</a> and Romero were both hit by pitches to start the inning, and Williamson knocked in the first run of the inning with a hit. Favretto walked and Garfield followed with a RBI single. Allen then brought in two more with a hit and Finder followed with a run scoring on a fielder's choice plus error and Dale brought in a run with a double.Wesleyan added two more in the seventh as Favretto was hit to open the inning and then courtesy runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9429cd1c-75bd-4791-87b8-fc00c46f43c5?elinkdata=26366">Alex Garcia</a> scored on Ruvalcaba's single along with Garfield who doubled earlier in the inning.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0eb43beb-b0a0-42ac-8214-f56bca48edb3?elinkdata=26366">Riley Gwin</a> picked up the win in relief for the Coyotes, going three and a third innings, allowing just one hit with two strikeouts and only throwing 28 pitches. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9496ee83-39dd-4ad6-be4d-1e3c032e80a0?elinkdata=26366">Shaw Lee</a> went four and two-thirds allowing six runs, five earned on nine hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a6b0aab0-1a9d-4e3a-b070-6d64c6202a5c?elinkdata=26366">Hunter Blea</a> pitched a perfect ninth inning.Garfield, Ruvalcaba and Dale all had three hits for the Coyotes. Williamson, Favretto and Allen had two. Allen drove in three runs.

⚾️ Hot start fuels rout of Friends advancing Coyotes to Championship

BALTIMORE (AP) — Kris Bubic made it through five innings despite an early rain delay, and the Kansas City Royals hit three solo homers in a 4-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday night.

Cavan Biggio, Kyle Isbel and Vinnie Pasquantino went deep for Kansas City, which has won 10 of its last 12. The Royals have pitched four shutouts in their last eight games.

The game was delayed 57 minutes because of a thunderstorm after the first inning. Both starters stayed in the game anyway. Bubic (3-2) allowed four hits before three Royals relievers closed out the game.

Tomoyuki Sugano (3-2) permitted two runs and four hits in six innings.

Jonathan India led off the fourth with a double and eventually came home on Maikel Garcia's two-out single. Biggio's drive — his first homer of the year — made it 2-0 the following inning. Isbel and Pasquantino went deep in the eighth off Seranthony Domínguez.

Garcia had three hits, as did Baltimore's Gunnar Henderson.

The Orioles only had one runner reach scoring position, and that was in the first with one out. Bubic then struck out Ryan Mountcastle and retired Ryan O'Hearn on a flyout.

The Orioles fell to 2-9 in games against left-handed starters this season. They're batting a major league-worst .174 against southpaws, a number that actually improved when they went 5 for 25 against Bubic and reliever Daniel Lynch IV on Saturday. Lynch worked two innings.

In the final scheduled game between these teams this season, Baltimore's Kyle Gibson (0-1) starts against Kansas City's Michael Lorenzen (3-3) on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746354845208.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Kris Bubic made it through five innings despite an early rain delay, and the Kansas City Royals hit three solo homers in a 4-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday night.Cavan Biggio, Kyle Isbel and Vinnie Pasquantino went deep for Kansas City, which has won 10 of its last 12. The Royals have pitched four shutouts in their last eight games.The game was delayed 57 minutes because of a thunderstorm after the first inning. Both starters stayed in the game anyway. Bubic (3-2) allowed four hits before three Royals relievers closed out the game.Tomoyuki Sugano (3-2) permitted two runs and four hits in six innings.Jonathan India led off the fourth with a double and eventually came home on Maikel Garcia's two-out single. Biggio's drive — his first homer of the year — made it 2-0 the following inning. Isbel and Pasquantino went deep in the eighth off Seranthony Domínguez.Garcia had three hits, as did Baltimore's Gunnar Henderson.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Orioles only had one runner reach scoring position, and that was in the first with one out. Bubic then struck out Ryan Mountcastle and retired Ryan O'Hearn on a flyout.<h2>Key stats</h2>The Orioles fell to 2-9 in games against left-handed starters this season. They're batting a major league-worst .174 against southpaws, a number that actually improved when they went 5 for 25 against Bubic and reliever Daniel Lynch IV on Saturday. Lynch worked two innings.<h2>Up next</h2>In the final scheduled game between these teams this season, Baltimore's Kyle Gibson (0-1) starts against Kansas City's Michael Lorenzen (3-3) on Sunday.

⚾ Royals hit three home runs in shutout of Orioles

On Friday the Bennington softball team rode into Brookville for a rivalry series with Ell-Saline and took both games in a clean sweep with wins of 12-6 and 3-2.

Game One: Bennington 12, Ell-Saline 6

The Lady Bulldogs would strike first in the opener taking a short-lived 1-0 lead in the top of the first before a two-run Bret Hecker home run put Ell-Saline on top in the bottom of the first.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostOn Friday the Bennington softball team rode into Brookville for a rivalry series with Ell-Saline and took both games in a clean sweep with wins of 12-6 and 3-2.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.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>Game One: Bennington 12, Ell-Saline 6The Lady Bulldogs would strike first in the opener taking a short-lived 1-0 lead in the top of the first before a two-run Bret Hecker home run put Ell-Saline on top in the bottom of the first.The Lady Cards would extend that lead in the second inning, but Bennington quickly got both runs back in the third on a pair of RBI hits by Gracie Caswell and Rylee Benien.Benien would go on to break the 3-3 deadlock in the fifth on an RBI double, her second extra base hit of the game, and came in to score another run on a passed ball.Bennington almost ended the game on a sacrifice fly that would have triggered the mercy rule in the seventh, but their sixth run of the inning was not to be as Isabelle Porter hosed the runner at the plate on an F8-2 double play.Ell-Saline rode that momentum into a do or die seventh inning, scoring three runs but running out of steam as the Lady Bulldogs took the game 12-6.Game Two: Bennington 3, Ell-Saline 2The nightcap was a much closer game, with both starting pitchers reprising their roles in the circle.Neither team managed to get on the board until the third inning, where an RBI single by Kailea Nisbeth and a two-run shot from Brooklyn Clark put the Lady Bulldogs on top 3-0.Bennington appeared to have added a run in the fifth but an appeal of third confirmed that the runner left early on a sacrifice fly, leaving the door cracked for Ell-Saline.Starting pitcher Callee Bradley did all she could to will her team to a win, hitting an RBI double in the fifth to cut the lead to two, and another in the seventh to make it a one-run game.Ell-Saline got the tying run to third and the go-ahead run to second but a looking strikeout would seal the sweep for Bennington.Junior Haylee Blake collected two wins in the circle for Bennington, recording 16 strikeouts to just two walks in 14 innings of work.With this sweep, the Lady Bulldogs improve to 17-1 while Ell-Saline falls to 3-9.Bennington goes on the road to Canton Galva next Tuesday, while the Lady Cardinals travel to Hutch Trinity.