WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b9738a8-5062-444b-96f5-2517f8d4c6d5?elinkdata=9008" target="_blank">Tyler Favretto</a>&nbsp;of (RV) Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Baseball Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Wednesday. Student-athletes for the KCAC Player of the Week program are selected for their performances from April 8-14 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/34ee2d16-326d-4207-af76-4adb264aaf00?elinkdata=9008" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.

Favretto had a great week for the Coyotes helping KWU to a 5-1 week. His best three games came against No. 23 ranked Tabor as he went 8-for-9 in the series and drove in eight runs, while hitting five homers in the three-game stretch. On the week, he was on base at a .737 clip for the conference games, only striking out one time. This marks the second time this season Favretto has been named the KCAC Baseball Player of the Week.

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b9738a8-5062-444b-96f5-2517f8d4c6d5?elinkdata=9008" target="_blank">Tyler Favretto</a>&nbsp;of (RV) Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Baseball Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Wednesday. Student-athletes for the KCAC Player of the Week program are selected for their performances from April 8-14 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/34ee2d16-326d-4207-af76-4adb264aaf00?elinkdata=9008" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.Favretto had a great week for the Coyotes helping KWU to a 5-1 week. His best three games came against No. 23 ranked Tabor as he went 8-for-9 in the series and drove in eight runs, while hitting five homers in the three-game stretch. On the week, he was on base at a .737 clip for the conference games, only striking out one time. This marks the second time this season Favretto has been named the KCAC Baseball Player of the Week.

Favretto named KCAC Baseball Player of the Week

CHICAGO (AP) — Gavin Sheets homered, Erick Fedde pitched scoreless ball into the sixth inning and the struggling Chicago White Sox edged the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Wednesday for a doubleheader split that ended a six-game slide.

Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning of the opener to put the Royals ahead, and Kansas City went on to win 4-2.

Paul DeJong had a five-hit day, adding two singles in the second game after going 3 for 3 in the first with a homer, double and walk. The White Sox are off to the worst start in franchise history at 3-15.

“I don't think I've played a doubleheader where we did 30 minutes in-between,” DeJong said. "Two full nines, so it was a grinder day, but we got it done in the second game.

“To win a tight game against a team that's kind of beaten us all year, that's special for us."

The doubleheader was scheduled after Tuesday night’s game was rained out. The Royals (12-7) are 6-1 against the AL Central rival White Sox.

Fedde (1-0) allowed three hits, including two infield singles, over 5 2/3 innings for his first win with Chicago. The 31-year-old right-hander signed with the White Sox in December after pitching in South Korea last season.

“It went really well,” Fedde said of his fourth start with Chicago. “I felt like I was able to get leadoff guys out, control counts. Had a few walks (three), but I picked my places with it and got to good situations overall.”

Sheets' solo shot in the sixth off Michael Wacha struck the right-field foul pole and put Chicago ahead 2-0. Dominic Fletcher drove in Chicago's first run with a single in the fourth.

Hunter Renfroe knocked in a run with a groundout in the seventh against Tanner Banks, Chicago's first reliever. Deivi Garcia followed with two scoreless innings for his second career save and first this season.

Wacha (1-1) yielded two runs and four hits in six innings. The veteran righty struck out four and walked two.

“Our hitters will be there. They come up clutch, they get timely hitting,” Wacha said. “It just wasn't in the cards today.”

It was in the opener, though, when Perez homered off Michael Kopech to left-center to give the Royals a 3-2 lead. Kansas City’s eight-time All-Star catcher started both ends of the twinbill after missing Monday's game with a groin injury.

“Clearly, that home run was the huge point in the game," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But regardless, I thought (Perez) looked really good prior to that, too.”

Perez launched the first pitch he saw from the hard-throwing Kopech with two outs for his fifth home run.

“Not surprised. He earned that,” Quatraro said. “I mean, Kopech, that guy's got an electric arm. To be able to turn a fastball around like that, that's impressive.”

Perez, who turns 34 next month, was injured in a collision at the plate in a 2-1 loss to the Mets in New York on Sunday.

Renfroe added a solo shot in the ninth and Adam Frazier drove in the Royals’ first run with a single. Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and was aboard for Perez's homer after beating out an infield single.

DeJong hit a two-run homer off Royals starter Brady Singer.

Nick Anderson (1-1), the second of four Kansas City relievers, pitched a scoreless seventh for the win. James McArthur worked around DeJong's double in the ninth for his fourth save.

Kopech (0-2) allowed two runs on two hits in the eighth and was charged with his first blown save.

Singer yielded two runs and three hits in five innings, walking three and striking out five. The right-hander had given up just two runs over 18 1/3 innings in three previous starts for a 0.98 ERA.

White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon pitched five strong innings in his major league debut and exited with a 2-1 lead. The lanky 23-year-old right-hander allowed three hits, struck out three and walked one while throwing 54 of 79 pitches for strikes.

“I thought I did well. I thought I executed a lot of pitches,” said Cannon, who had family and friends in the stands. "I was really able to execute my game plan going in.

“It was a dream come true, really," he added.

Cannon retired his first five hitters and should have gotten a sixth to end the second. Nelson Velázquez hit a line drive to center field, but Fletcher slipped twice and the ball sailed over him for a double.

Chicago jumped on top 2-1 in the bottom half on DeJong’s third homer.

Veteran outfielder Tommy Pham was expected to report to Triple-A Charlotte after finalizing a minor league contract with the White Sox on Tuesday.

Royals: RHP Alec Marsh (2-0, 4.32 ERA) faces Baltimore RHP Dean Kremer (0-1, 4.96) in Kansas City on Friday.

White Sox: LHP Garrett Crochet (1-2, 3.57 ERA) takes the mound Friday in Philadelphia against RHP Spencer Turnbull (1-0, 1.80).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713393222199.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez runs the bases after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez runs the bases after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Gavin Sheets homered, Erick Fedde pitched scoreless ball into the sixth inning and the struggling Chicago White Sox edged the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Wednesday for a doubleheader split that ended a six-game slide.Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning of the opener to put the Royals ahead, and Kansas City went on to win 4-2.Paul DeJong had a five-hit day, adding two singles in the second game after going 3 for 3 in the first with a homer, double and walk. The White Sox are off to the worst start in franchise history at 3-15.“I don't think I've played a doubleheader where we did 30 minutes in-between,” DeJong said. "Two full nines, so it was a grinder day, but we got it done in the second game.“To win a tight game against a team that's kind of beaten us all year, that's special for us."The doubleheader was scheduled after Tuesday night’s game was rained out. The Royals (12-7) are 6-1 against the AL Central rival White Sox.Fedde (1-0) allowed three hits, including two infield singles, over 5 2/3 innings for his first win with Chicago. The 31-year-old right-hander signed with the White Sox in December after pitching in South Korea last season.“It went really well,” Fedde said of his fourth start with Chicago. “I felt like I was able to get leadoff guys out, control counts. Had a few walks (three), but I picked my places with it and got to good situations overall.”Sheets' solo shot in the sixth off Michael Wacha struck the right-field foul pole and put Chicago ahead 2-0. Dominic Fletcher drove in Chicago's first run with a single in the fourth.Hunter Renfroe knocked in a run with a groundout in the seventh against Tanner Banks, Chicago's first reliever. Deivi Garcia followed with two scoreless innings for his second career save and first this season.Wacha (1-1) yielded two runs and four hits in six innings. The veteran righty struck out four and walked two.“Our hitters will be there. They come up clutch, they get timely hitting,” Wacha said. “It just wasn't in the cards today.”It was in the opener, though, when Perez homered off Michael Kopech to left-center to give the Royals a 3-2 lead. Kansas City’s eight-time All-Star catcher started both ends of the twinbill after missing Monday's game with a groin injury.“Clearly, that home run was the huge point in the game," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But regardless, I thought (Perez) looked really good prior to that, too.”Perez launched the first pitch he saw from the hard-throwing Kopech with two outs for his fifth home run.“Not surprised. He earned that,” Quatraro said. “I mean, Kopech, that guy's got an electric arm. To be able to turn a fastball around like that, that's impressive.”Perez, who turns 34 next month, was injured in a collision at the plate in a 2-1 loss to the Mets in New York on Sunday.Renfroe added a solo shot in the ninth and Adam Frazier drove in the Royals’ first run with a single. Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and was aboard for Perez's homer after beating out an infield single.DeJong hit a two-run homer off Royals starter Brady Singer.Nick Anderson (1-1), the second of four Kansas City relievers, pitched a scoreless seventh for the win. James McArthur worked around DeJong's double in the ninth for his fourth save.Kopech (0-2) allowed two runs on two hits in the eighth and was charged with his first blown save.Singer yielded two runs and three hits in five innings, walking three and striking out five. The right-hander had given up just two runs over 18 1/3 innings in three previous starts for a 0.98 ERA.White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon pitched five strong innings in his major league debut and exited with a 2-1 lead. The lanky 23-year-old right-hander allowed three hits, struck out three and walked one while throwing 54 of 79 pitches for strikes.“I thought I did well. I thought I executed a lot of pitches,” said Cannon, who had family and friends in the stands. "I was really able to execute my game plan going in.“It was a dream come true, really," he added.Cannon retired his first five hitters and should have gotten a sixth to end the second. Nelson Velázquez hit a line drive to center field, but Fletcher slipped twice and the ball sailed over him for a double.Chicago jumped on top 2-1 in the bottom half on DeJong’s third homer.Veteran outfielder Tommy Pham was expected to report to Triple-A Charlotte after finalizing a minor league contract with the White Sox on Tuesday.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Alec Marsh (2-0, 4.32 ERA) faces Baltimore RHP Dean Kremer (0-1, 4.96) in Kansas City on Friday.White Sox: LHP Garrett Crochet (1-2, 3.57 ERA) takes the mound Friday in Philadelphia against RHP Spencer Turnbull (1-0, 1.80).

⚾ Royals, White Sox split doubleheader in Chicago

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Sacred Heart baseball team continued to roll on Tuesday night, completing a doubleheader sweep of another league rival in Ellsworth to remain undefeated on the year.

With a 12-11 walk-off win in game one and a confident 8-2 victory in game two, the 2nd-ranked Knights are now 12-0 on the year while Ellsworth drops to 7-3.

Early on, it looked like Sacred Heart might run away with the opener, as the Knights tallied a run in the first, four in the second, and two in the fourth to take a 7-1 lead into the sixth.

Evan Bogart looked borderline untouchable on the hill, fanning 12 batters and allowing just one run on four hits, issuing just two walks in the process.

In the top of the sixth, Bogart turned the game over to the bullpen, and down to their final six outs, the Bearcats exploded, capitalizing on four walks and a hit batter to rattle off seven runs and take an 8-7 lead.

With the tables turned, the Knights needed a big inning, and they got it, bringing in four more runs to reclaim the lead and add some insurance in the process.

Now down 11-8 and with just three more outs to give, Ellsworth needed a miracle, and they got it when Ben Hipp, Layton Leiker, and Will Cravens were each plunked by a pitch, and each came around to score just in time to tie the game at 11 all.

To lead off the home half of the seventh, senior Cam Yohe walked, stole second, and advanced to third on a passed ball.

Ellsworth recorded an out but Evan Bogart skied a ball to shallow left field, just deep enough for the speedy Yohe to tag from third and come in to score the walk-off run, securing the victory 12-2.

In the second contest, the Knights would record just four hits but took advantage of nine walks and two more hit batters to lock up the win 8-2.

This time around, Cam Yohe and Brady Wells would be the ones to silence the Bearcat bats, combining to toss seven innings of five-hit ball, recording four strikeouts, and stranding ten runners on base.

The Knights will return to the road this Friday when they travel to Minneapolis for a two-game set with the Lions while Ellsworth takes the rest of the week off ahead of a Tuesday tilt with Sylvan-Lucas.

Both games were streamed live as part of our Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine games of the week, to check out the full broadcast click the link below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713379145046.jpeg" alt="Scenes from James Matsen Field as the Bearcats took on Sacred Heart" />
 <figcaption>Scenes from James Matsen Field as the Bearcats took on Sacred Heart</figcaption>
 </figure>By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sacred Heart baseball team continued to roll on Tuesday night, completing a doubleheader sweep of another league rival in Ellsworth to remain undefeated on the year.With a 12-11 walk-off win in game one and a confident 8-2 victory in game two, the 2nd-ranked Knights are now 12-0 on the year while Ellsworth drops to 7-3.Early on, it looked like Sacred Heart might run away with the opener, as the Knights tallied a run in the first, four in the second, and two in the fourth to take a 7-1 lead into the sixth.Evan Bogart looked borderline untouchable on the hill, fanning 12 batters and allowing just one run on four hits, issuing just two walks in the process.In the top of the sixth, Bogart turned the game over to the bullpen, and down to their final six outs, the Bearcats exploded, capitalizing on four walks and a hit batter to rattle off seven runs and take an 8-7 lead.With the tables turned, the Knights needed a big inning, and they got it, bringing in four more runs to reclaim the lead and add some insurance in the process.Now down 11-8 and with just three more outs to give, Ellsworth needed a miracle, and they got it when Ben Hipp, Layton Leiker, and Will Cravens were each plunked by a pitch, and each came around to score just in time to tie the game at 11 all.To lead off the home half of the seventh, senior Cam Yohe walked, stole second, and advanced to third on a passed ball.Ellsworth recorded an out but Evan Bogart skied a ball to shallow left field, just deep enough for the speedy Yohe to tag from third and come in to score the walk-off run, securing the victory 12-2.In the second contest, the Knights would record just four hits but took advantage of nine walks and two more hit batters to lock up the win 8-2.This time around, Cam Yohe and Brady Wells would be the ones to silence the Bearcat bats, combining to toss seven innings of five-hit ball, recording four strikeouts, and stranding ten runners on base.The Knights will return to the road this Friday when they travel to Minneapolis for a two-game set with the Lions while Ellsworth takes the rest of the week off ahead of a Tuesday tilt with Sylvan-Lucas.Both games were streamed live as part of our Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine games of the week, to check out the full broadcast click the link below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fwjCOKzf0gU"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

⚾️ Bogart Walk Off Powers #2 Sacred Heart Past Bearcats

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

Salina Post has learned from Athletic Director Ryan Mortimer that John Darrow has resigned from his role as head boy's basketball coach at Minneapolis.

Darrow, who will be concluding a 30-year coaching career, spent 24 seasons working in Minneapolis, leading the girl's team for 15, and the boys for the last nine.

During his run at the head of the boys' program, Minneapolis posted an overall record of 75-114 but surged to three straight winning seasons from 2018-2021, earning a top-three league finish in each of those campaigns.

Darrow will finish out the school year teaching high school algebra and physics but plans to retire this spring.

For more on this developing situation stay tuned to the Salina Post

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Post has learned from Athletic Director Ryan Mortimer that John Darrow has resigned from his role as head boy's basketball coach at Minneapolis.Darrow, who will be concluding a 30-year coaching career, spent 24 seasons working in Minneapolis, leading the girl's team for 15, and the boys for the last nine.During his run at the head of the boys' program, Minneapolis posted an overall record of 75-114 but surged to three straight winning seasons from 2018-2021, earning a top-three league finish in each of those campaigns.Darrow will finish out the school year teaching high school algebra and physics but plans to retire this spring.For more on this developing situation stay tuned to the Salina Post

Head Coach John Darrow Resigns After 24 Years in Minneapolis

By Tyler Henry Lead Sportswriter

Hello and happy Wednesday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

On Tuesday it was officially announced that Southeast of Saline boy’s basketball head coach Bryson Flax will step down after six years leading the Trojans.

Flax concludes his time in Gypsum with an overall record of 94-47, including three-straight trips to the 3A state tournament, but will be stepping away to care for his family, after his youngest son was hospitalized multiple times throughout the season due to complications related to a battle with epilepsy

Flax became the second NCAA head coach to announce his resignation this week, but he wouldn’t be the last, as on Wednesday the story broke that long-time coach John Darrow has resigned his post as head boy’s basketball coach in Minneapolis

Darrow, who coached for 30 years including 24 seasons in Minneapolis, led the Lady Lions for 15 years before leading the Lions to a 75-114 record over the course of the last nine.

And finally, keeping things in the NCAA last night, the 2nd-ranked Sacred Heart baseball team staved off a league rival in Ellsworth, getting a walk-off sac fly from Evan Bogart to win game one 12-11, before taking game two 8-2.

To watch both full games you can head to our YouTube Page or the Salina Post, or to view the walk-off hit follow us on Facebook or Twitter @spostsports

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out the Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/6d3Pj09N-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kinasu 4-17-24" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div>By Tyler Henry Lead SportswriterHello and happy Wednesday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday it was officially announced that Southeast of Saline boy’s basketball head coach Bryson Flax will step down after six years leading the Trojans.Flax concludes his time in Gypsum with an overall record of 94-47, including three-straight trips to the 3A state tournament, but will be stepping away to care for his family, after his youngest son was hospitalized multiple times throughout the season due to complications related to a battle with epilepsy_________Flax became the second NCAA head coach to announce his resignation this week, but he wouldn’t be the last, as on Wednesday the story broke that long-time coach John Darrow has resigned his post as head boy’s basketball coach in MinneapolisDarrow, who coached for 30 years including 24 seasons in Minneapolis, led the Lady Lions for 15 years before leading the Lions to a 75-114 record over the course of the last nine._________And finally, keeping things in the NCAA last night, the 2nd-ranked Sacred Heart baseball team staved off a league rival in Ellsworth, getting a walk-off sac fly from Evan Bogart to win game one 12-11, before taking game two 8-2.To watch both full games you can head to our YouTube Page or the Salina Post, or to view the walk-off hit follow us on Facebook or Twitter @spostsports_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out the Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — April 17

The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes finished their series against the Sterling Warriors with their brooms held high, finishing the sweep with a 21-4 victory on Tuesday afternoon at Dean Evans Stadium.

Even though pitcher Zack Westbrook gave up back-to-back solo home runs to the Warriors early, Westbrook shut down the Sterling offense by only allowing two hits, two runs and two walks in five innings pitched.

Reliever Nate Galusha came in to finish the contest strong for Kansas Wesleyan with three hits and two earned runs in two innings pitched.The game started strong for the Coyotes with a six run first inning, including a grand slam from 2B&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/730ce76f-957f-4363-bbf3-58bb41d2088f?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Adrian Villalobos</a>, who finished the game 2-for-3 with five RBI.

Villalobos wasn't the only star of the afternoon for Kansas Wesleyan however, with eight separate batters recording at least one RBI. Villabos five,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cda0dbb2-572c-4dc5-a7d1-9ea7a2080d2b?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Jacob Williamson</a>&nbsp;one,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e2141330-1dbd-4303-9674-a31b3fd0596c?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Kendall Foster</a>&nbsp;two, Reese Bishop two,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ccf66561-22bb-48b2-8044-df89aceccc36?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Zack Beatty</a>&nbsp;three,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bb0ddbf6-d01d-44f2-8924-2f25b5b291a5?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Jalen Jones</a>&nbsp;one,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9a9b3673-64d0-4c96-8037-eea589d70475?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Jackson Harriger</a>&nbsp;two and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/937e9b9b-58b1-468b-9682-912c3c208907?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Alex Garcia</a>&nbsp;two.

After the quick start, the Coyotes kept the offense rolling with every starter in the lineup recording at least one hit.

"We got what we needed to do done,"&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d012315f-3c1c-4f6d-95d3-6bafeea1c456?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Coulson Riggs</a>&nbsp;said, after scoring four times in the game as a courtesy runner, and also recording a hit in a pinch-hit role in the sixth inning."

Tuesday's game marked the last midweek matchup for the Coyotes as they gear up for their final home series of the season against the Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles on Saturday and Sunday.

The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes finished their series against the Sterling Warriors with their brooms held high, finishing the sweep with a 21-4 victory on Tuesday afternoon at Dean Evans Stadium.Even though pitcher Zack Westbrook gave up back-to-back solo home runs to the Warriors early, Westbrook shut down the Sterling offense by only allowing two hits, two runs and two walks in five innings pitched.Reliever Nate Galusha came in to finish the contest strong for Kansas Wesleyan with three hits and two earned runs in two innings pitched.The game started strong for the Coyotes with a six run first inning, including a grand slam from 2B&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/730ce76f-957f-4363-bbf3-58bb41d2088f?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Adrian Villalobos</a>, who finished the game 2-for-3 with five RBI.Villalobos wasn't the only star of the afternoon for Kansas Wesleyan however, with eight separate batters recording at least one RBI. Villabos five,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cda0dbb2-572c-4dc5-a7d1-9ea7a2080d2b?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Jacob Williamson</a>&nbsp;one,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e2141330-1dbd-4303-9674-a31b3fd0596c?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Kendall Foster</a>&nbsp;two, Reese Bishop two,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ccf66561-22bb-48b2-8044-df89aceccc36?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Zack Beatty</a>&nbsp;three,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bb0ddbf6-d01d-44f2-8924-2f25b5b291a5?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Jalen Jones</a>&nbsp;one,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9a9b3673-64d0-4c96-8037-eea589d70475?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Jackson Harriger</a>&nbsp;two and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/937e9b9b-58b1-468b-9682-912c3c208907?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Alex Garcia</a>&nbsp;two.After the quick start, the Coyotes kept the offense rolling with every starter in the lineup recording at least one hit."We got what we needed to do done,"&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d012315f-3c1c-4f6d-95d3-6bafeea1c456?elinkdata=8986" target="_blank">Coulson Riggs</a>&nbsp;said, after scoring four times in the game as a courtesy runner, and also recording a hit in a pinch-hit role in the sixth inning."Now it's onto the next one.Tuesday's game marked the last midweek matchup for the Coyotes as they gear up for their final home series of the season against the Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles on Saturday and Sunday.

Baseball blasts Sterling 21-4 to complete series sweep

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;continued to construct his roster for the 2024-25 season with the signing of transfer guard&nbsp;Christian (C.J.) Jones&nbsp;(East St. Louis, Ill./East St. Louis/UIC)&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement on Monday afternoon (April 15).

A 6-foot-5, 195-pound guard, Jones arrives at K-State after 2 seasons (2022-24) at Illinois-Chicago (UIC), where he led the Flames in assists (159) and minutes played (1,102) while was second in scoring (11.4 ppg.) and steals (1.0 spg.) as a sophomore in 2023-24. He scored in double figures in 14 of his last 17 games – which was jumpstarted by a career-high 25 points against Bradley on Jan. 13 – while producing a pair of points/assists double-doubles. His 14 assists against Drake on Feb. 28 were the most by a Missouri Valley Conference player this season.

In his 2 seasons in Chicago, Jones averaged 9.0 points on 39.4 percent shooting (216-of-548), including 36 percent (54-of-150) from 3-point range, to go with 3.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 30.2 minutes per game while playing in 62 of a possible 65 games with 50 starts for head coach&nbsp;Luke Yaklich.

Jones is a former high school teammate of current Wildcat&nbsp;Macaleab Rich&nbsp;at East St. Louis High School, where the duo led the Flyers to a 27-6 record and a berth in the Class 3A Super Sectionals in 2021-22.

“We’re fired up to welcome C.J. and his family to K-State,” said Tang. “We had some familiarity with him having played with Buddy (Rich) at East St. Louis High School for head coach Mark Chambers. But C.J. stands out on his own. He is a big versatile guard with great decision-making abilities who can shoot the ball at a very high, efficient rate. We love his size and measurables (6-foot-5 frame with a 6-7 wingspan) and we think he can be an all-conference player as he continues to develop. We’re excited that C.J. and his family have chosen to continue his basketball career at K-State. We know this fan base is ready to embrace and welcome them to this community.”

Jones is the third player to sign with the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season, including the second Division I transfer following&nbsp;Dug McDaniel&nbsp;(Washington, D.C./St. Paul VI Catholic VI/Michigan)&nbsp;on April 4. The pair join top-50 high school prospect&nbsp;David Castillo&nbsp;(Bartlesville, Okla./Sunrise Christian Academy [Kan.]), who signed on Nov. 8.

In all, Jones scored 556 points in his UIC career on 39.4 percent (216-of-548) shooting, including 36 percent (54-of-150) from 3-point range, and 63.6 percent (70-of-110) from the free throw line to go with 221 assists (3.6 apg.), 170 rebounds (2.7 rpg.) and 54 steals (0.9 spg.) in 1,870 total minutes (30.2 mpg.).

Jones posted double figures in 26 games, including three 20-point efforts, with 14 of those double-digit scoring games and two of those 20-point performances coming in the last 17 games this past season. In that stretch to end the season, he averaged 13.7 points on 44.8 percent shooting, including 40.5 percent from 3-point range, with 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 34.4 minutes per game. In addition to his 25 points against Bradley on Jan. 13, he scored 22 points against George Washington on Nov. 25 and 24 points against Northern Iowa on Feb. 11.

This past season, Jones averaged 11.4 points on 42.5 percent (150-of-353) shooting, including 37.8 percent (31-of-82) from 3-point range, to go with 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 33.3 minutes per game. He scored in double figures 18 times, including three 20-point games. He led the Flames in assists (159) and minutes played (1,102) while he was second in scoring, field goals made and steals (31). He ranked in the Missouri Valley top-10 in both assists (4.82/4th) and assist/turnover ratio (1.71/10th) while he was 11th&nbsp;in minutes.

Jones had a pair of points/assists double-doubles in 2023-24, including a Missouri Valley high 14 assists to go with 16 points in a 3-overtime loss to Drake on Feb. 28. He also had a 17-point, 10-assist performance against Evansville on Feb. 21. He totaled three double-digit assist games during the year, which included an 11-assist effort against Western Michigan on Dec. 16.

As a true freshman in 2022-23, Jones played in 29 of 32 games with 19 starts. He averaged 6.2 points on 33.8 percent (66-of-195) shooting, including 33.8 percent (23-of-68) from 3-point range, to go with 2.1 assists, 1.9 rebounds and 0.8 steals in 26.6 minutes per game. He scored in double figures 8 times, including a season-high 15 points twice, first against Northeastern on Dec. 18, 2022, and again against Indiana State on Feb. 15, 2023.

Jones played 2 seasons at East St. Louis High School in East St. Louis, Ill., where he led the Flyers to a 27-6 record and a berth in the Class 3A Super Sectionals in 2021-22. As a senior, he averaged 15.5 points on 38.9 percent shooting with 7.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. He scored a season-high 31 points against Rockford East in his second game of the season.

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

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;continued to construct his roster for the 2024-25 season with the signing of transfer guard&nbsp;Christian (C.J.) Jones&nbsp;(East St. Louis, Ill./East St. Louis/UIC)&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement on Monday afternoon (April 15).A 6-foot-5, 195-pound guard, Jones arrives at K-State after 2 seasons (2022-24) at Illinois-Chicago (UIC), where he led the Flames in assists (159) and minutes played (1,102) while was second in scoring (11.4 ppg.) and steals (1.0 spg.) as a sophomore in 2023-24. He scored in double figures in 14 of his last 17 games – which was jumpstarted by a career-high 25 points against Bradley on Jan. 13 – while producing a pair of points/assists double-doubles. His 14 assists against Drake on Feb. 28 were the most by a Missouri Valley Conference player this season.In his 2 seasons in Chicago, Jones averaged 9.0 points on 39.4 percent shooting (216-of-548), including 36 percent (54-of-150) from 3-point range, to go with 3.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 30.2 minutes per game while playing in 62 of a possible 65 games with 50 starts for head coach&nbsp;Luke Yaklich.Jones is a former high school teammate of current Wildcat&nbsp;Macaleab Rich&nbsp;at East St. Louis High School, where the duo led the Flyers to a 27-6 record and a berth in the Class 3A Super Sectionals in 2021-22.“We’re fired up to welcome C.J. and his family to K-State,” said Tang. “We had some familiarity with him having played with Buddy (Rich) at East St. Louis High School for head coach Mark Chambers. But C.J. stands out on his own. He is a big versatile guard with great decision-making abilities who can shoot the ball at a very high, efficient rate. We love his size and measurables (6-foot-5 frame with a 6-7 wingspan) and we think he can be an all-conference player as he continues to develop. We’re excited that C.J. and his family have chosen to continue his basketball career at K-State. We know this fan base is ready to embrace and welcome them to this community.”Jones is the third player to sign with the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season, including the second Division I transfer following&nbsp;Dug McDaniel&nbsp;(Washington, D.C./St. Paul VI Catholic VI/Michigan)&nbsp;on April 4. The pair join top-50 high school prospect&nbsp;David Castillo&nbsp;(Bartlesville, Okla./Sunrise Christian Academy [Kan.]), who signed on Nov. 8.In all, Jones scored 556 points in his UIC career on 39.4 percent (216-of-548) shooting, including 36 percent (54-of-150) from 3-point range, and 63.6 percent (70-of-110) from the free throw line to go with 221 assists (3.6 apg.), 170 rebounds (2.7 rpg.) and 54 steals (0.9 spg.) in 1,870 total minutes (30.2 mpg.).Jones posted double figures in 26 games, including three 20-point efforts, with 14 of those double-digit scoring games and two of those 20-point performances coming in the last 17 games this past season. In that stretch to end the season, he averaged 13.7 points on 44.8 percent shooting, including 40.5 percent from 3-point range, with 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 34.4 minutes per game. In addition to his 25 points against Bradley on Jan. 13, he scored 22 points against George Washington on Nov. 25 and 24 points against Northern Iowa on Feb. 11.This past season, Jones averaged 11.4 points on 42.5 percent (150-of-353) shooting, including 37.8 percent (31-of-82) from 3-point range, to go with 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 33.3 minutes per game. He scored in double figures 18 times, including three 20-point games. He led the Flames in assists (159) and minutes played (1,102) while he was second in scoring, field goals made and steals (31). He ranked in the Missouri Valley top-10 in both assists (4.82/4th) and assist/turnover ratio (1.71/10th) while he was 11th&nbsp;in minutes.Jones had a pair of points/assists double-doubles in 2023-24, including a Missouri Valley high 14 assists to go with 16 points in a 3-overtime loss to Drake on Feb. 28. He also had a 17-point, 10-assist performance against Evansville on Feb. 21. He totaled three double-digit assist games during the year, which included an 11-assist effort against Western Michigan on Dec. 16.As a true freshman in 2022-23, Jones played in 29 of 32 games with 19 starts. He averaged 6.2 points on 33.8 percent (66-of-195) shooting, including 33.8 percent (23-of-68) from 3-point range, to go with 2.1 assists, 1.9 rebounds and 0.8 steals in 26.6 minutes per game. He scored in double figures 8 times, including a season-high 15 points twice, first against Northeastern on Dec. 18, 2022, and again against Indiana State on Feb. 15, 2023.Jones played 2 seasons at East St. Louis High School in East St. Louis, Ill., where he led the Flyers to a 27-6 record and a berth in the Class 3A Super Sectionals in 2021-22. As a senior, he averaged 15.5 points on 38.9 percent shooting with 7.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. He scored a season-high 31 points against Rockford East in his second game of the season.K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including a tie for ninth in the Big 12 with an 8-10 mark, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang’s&nbsp;tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.

Tang Signs Transfer C.J. Jones

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

After a storybook six-year run that concluded with three straight trips to the 3A state tournament, Bryson Flax has chosen to step down as head boy’s basketball coach at Southeast of Saline.

His final campaign may have been his magnum opus, as despite returning just one starter and a handful of varsity returners, the Trojans rattled off a Cinderella run, finishing fourth at state despite entering sub-state as a 4-seed.

While many know the story of that 2023-24 Trojan team, fewer know that Coach Flax’s youngest son was hospitalized multiple times throughout the season, battling complications related to epilepsy.

“This decision came with a lot of prayers and a lot of conversations with my wife,” Flax said. “But with my son’s health and how active my other kids are in their lives, it feels like this is the time for me to take a step back and focus on my family.”

Coach Flax leaves a lasting legacy at Southeast of Saline, finishing his six-year run with a 94-47 record, five winning seasons, and three top-four finishes at state.

“We were fortunate to have Bryson here as he built this program,” SES AD Doug Minneman said. “Whoever takes over will be in great shape because of his leadership. He was able to get the most out of all of his guys and generated a lot of excitement around this team. I can’t thank Bryson enough for all he did for the basketball program and the school here at Southeast of Saline.”

Over the last five years, Trojan basketball became a must-see event in the community, and by the end of this most recent chapter, there was rarely an empty seat in the house at the Purple Palace in Gypsum.

“The guys have been phenomenal, their families have been phenomenal and the community has been phenomenal,” Flax said. Our guys have gotten so much support and this community has gotten so excited about basketball, it was so great to see.”

While many will remember him for the success he had on the court, Flax, like any good coach, always understood that it was about so much more than numbers on a scoreboard.

“As a coach, you hope that it’s about more than wins and losses and you hope that you have some sort of a small hand in preparing these kids to be good fathers and husbands and outstanding people in their community,” he said. “We’ve been so blessed with good kids and I’m proud to have provided even just a tiny sliver of help in their development.”

The search for a replacement in Gypsum is already underway, and whoever inherits the role will have a great group to work with, returning several key pieces from last year’s state-bound squad.

“I’ll be the first to welcome whoever takes the position with open arms,” Flax said. “I think someone with a new energy can take this to new heights. I’ll be a lifetime supporter of this program but I know that success at Southeast doesn’t stop with me.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713285733003.jpeg" alt="Bryson Flax coaches his team to a home win over Ellinwood. Photo courtesy of Bryson Flax " />
 <figcaption>Bryson Flax coaches his team to a home win over Ellinwood. Photo courtesy of Bryson Flax </figcaption>
 </figure>By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>After a storybook six-year run that concluded with three straight trips to the 3A state tournament, Bryson Flax has chosen to step down as head boy’s basketball coach at Southeast of Saline.His final campaign may have been his magnum opus, as despite returning just one starter and a handful of varsity returners, the Trojans rattled off a Cinderella run, finishing fourth at state despite entering sub-state as a 4-seed.While many know the story of that 2023-24 Trojan team, fewer know that Coach Flax’s youngest son was hospitalized multiple times throughout the season, battling complications related to epilepsy.“This decision came with a lot of prayers and a lot of conversations with my wife,” Flax said. “But with my son’s health and how active my other kids are in their lives, it feels like this is the time for me to take a step back and focus on my family.”Coach Flax leaves a lasting legacy at Southeast of Saline, finishing his six-year run with a 94-47 record, five winning seasons, and three top-four finishes at state.“We were fortunate to have Bryson here as he built this program,” SES AD Doug Minneman said. “Whoever takes over will be in great shape because of his leadership. He was able to get the most out of all of his guys and generated a lot of excitement around this team. I can’t thank Bryson enough for all he did for the basketball program and the school here at Southeast of Saline.”Over the last five years, Trojan basketball became a must-see event in the community, and by the end of this most recent chapter, there was rarely an empty seat in the house at the Purple Palace in Gypsum.“The guys have been phenomenal, their families have been phenomenal and the community has been phenomenal,” Flax said. Our guys have gotten so much support and this community has gotten so excited about basketball, it was so great to see.”While many will remember him for the success he had on the court, Flax, like any good coach, always understood that it was about so much more than numbers on a scoreboard.“As a coach, you hope that it’s about more than wins and losses and you hope that you have some sort of a small hand in preparing these kids to be good fathers and husbands and outstanding people in their community,” he said. “We’ve been so blessed with good kids and I’m proud to have provided even just a tiny sliver of help in their development.”The search for a replacement in Gypsum is already underway, and whoever inherits the role will have a great group to work with, returning several key pieces from last year’s state-bound squad.“I’ll be the first to welcome whoever takes the position with open arms,” Flax said. “I think someone with a new energy can take this to new heights. I’ll be a lifetime supporter of this program but I know that success at Southeast doesn’t stop with me.”

Bryson Flax Steps Down as SES Boys Basketball Coach 

CHICAGO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals’ game at the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night has been postponed because of rain.

It will be made up on Wednesday afternoon as part of a straight doubleheader.

Kansas City beat Chicago&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-white-sox-score-lugo-9f51d9b56efae644197f5d1fac620cd7">2-0 in the series opener</a>&nbsp;on Monday night.

White Sox right-hander Jonathan Cannon takes the mound in the doubleheader opener for his big league debut. Right-hander Brady Singer starts for the Royals.

Kansas City right-hander Michael Wacha and Chicago right-hander Erick Fedde start the second game.

The rainout creates an extra day of rest for Royals catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-perez-b495ebd2ed1ecafd912c4f9f03d40e47">Salvador Perez</a>, who is dealing with a groin injury.

Perez was out of the starting lineup before the game was postponed, but manager Matt Quatraro said he was available off the bench.

“He came in early, got worked on ... did his hitting and running,” Quatraro said. “Really we’re just trying to use discretion a little bit. Hopefully he feels better tomorrow.”

Perez, who turns 34 next month, had an MRI on Monday that showed a mild groin strain. He got hurt during Kansas City’s series finale at the New York Mets on Sunday.

Perez is batting .339 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 16 games this season. He hit his 250th career homer on Saturday.

The slumping White Sox finalized a minor league contract with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-pham-716910dbbf8db68d1d8d96e572302d83">Tommy Pham</a>. The veteran outfielder will report to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday, giving him some time to ramp up before joining the big league team.

“He’s got a track record in this game, and he’s a really good hitter,” White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. “He’s got the ability to control the strike zone. ... He’s got an edge to him that I really like.”

Pham hit .256 with 16 homers and 68 RBIs in 129 games last season. He was traded from the New York Mets to Arizona on Aug. 1, and he helped the Diamondbacks make a surprising run to the World Series.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals’ game at the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night has been postponed because of rain.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/4CJMtTX7Xv">pic.twitter.com/4CJMtTX7Xv</a>&mdash; Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/1780370304151281928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It will be made up on Wednesday afternoon as part of a straight doubleheader.Kansas City beat Chicago&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-white-sox-score-lugo-9f51d9b56efae644197f5d1fac620cd7">2-0 in the series opener</a>&nbsp;on Monday night.White Sox right-hander Jonathan Cannon takes the mound in the doubleheader opener for his big league debut. Right-hander Brady Singer starts for the Royals.Kansas City right-hander Michael Wacha and Chicago right-hander Erick Fedde start the second game.The rainout creates an extra day of rest for Royals catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-perez-b495ebd2ed1ecafd912c4f9f03d40e47">Salvador Perez</a>, who is dealing with a groin injury.Perez was out of the starting lineup before the game was postponed, but manager Matt Quatraro said he was available off the bench.“He came in early, got worked on ... did his hitting and running,” Quatraro said. “Really we’re just trying to use discretion a little bit. Hopefully he feels better tomorrow.”Perez, who turns 34 next month, had an MRI on Monday that showed a mild groin strain. He got hurt during Kansas City’s series finale at the New York Mets on Sunday.Perez is batting .339 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 16 games this season. He hit his 250th career homer on Saturday.The slumping White Sox finalized a minor league contract with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-pham-716910dbbf8db68d1d8d96e572302d83">Tommy Pham</a>. The veteran outfielder will report to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday, giving him some time to ramp up before joining the big league team.“He’s got a track record in this game, and he’s a really good hitter,” White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. “He’s got the ability to control the strike zone. ... He’s got an edge to him that I really like.”Pham hit .256 with 16 homers and 68 RBIs in 129 games last season. He was traded from the New York Mets to Arizona on Aug. 1, and he helped the Diamondbacks make a surprising run to the World Series.

⚾ Royals game Tuesday postponed due to rain in Chicago

An all-NCAA showdown is brewing in Salina this evening as the 2nd-ranked and undefeated Sacred Heart baseball team prepares to host red-hot Ellsworth.

The Knights enter this two-game set at 10-0 overall and 4-0 in league play while the Bearcats come in at 7-1 and 3-1 respectively.

Sacred Heart swept this two-game set a season ago swiping wins of 17-7 and 19-10 in a pair of shootouts in Ellsworth, but the Bearcats will be eager to respond in kind to avoid falling behind in the brutally competitive NCAA.

“Our league is tough,” Sacred Heart head coach Dalton Dooley said. “Southeast always has a great team, Ellsworth has some good senior arms, and all around the league is tough which really helps prepare you for postseason play.”

For as good as the Knight’s lineup has been this season, racking up 124 runs in just ten games, its pitching, led by four senior returners in Cam Yohe, Evan Bogart, Jett Samuelson, and Cooper Ivey, has been even better, holding those same opponents to just 17 runs all year.

Ellsworth has also leaned on its pitching, holding its first eight opponents to 35 runs, while striking for 93 themselves for a +58 run differential.

“They’ve got some good pitchers coming back that we saw last year and I thought we did a good job to earn a few wins at their place,” Dooley said. “Good things will happen if we keep playing the way we’ve been playing.”

For the Knights, today’s doubleheader will give them an opportunity to take yet another step toward two team goals, as Sacred Heart looks to punch a ticket to state and win the NCAA outright for the first time in recent memory.

“We need to stay consistent,” he said. “We’ve gotta keep throwing strikes, backing up our pitchers, and keep improving our approach at the plate. If we get guys on base we’re going to score because we’ve got good speed and we can get guys moved around.”

First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 at James Matson Field in Salina, and both games will be broadcast with live audio and video on Salina Post.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>An all-NCAA showdown is brewing in Salina this evening as the 2nd-ranked and undefeated Sacred Heart baseball team prepares to host red-hot Ellsworth.The Knights enter this two-game set at 10-0 overall and 4-0 in league play while the Bearcats come in at 7-1 and 3-1 respectively.Sacred Heart swept this two-game set a season ago swiping wins of 17-7 and 19-10 in a pair of shootouts in Ellsworth, but the Bearcats will be eager to respond in kind to avoid falling behind in the brutally competitive NCAA.“Our league is tough,” Sacred Heart head coach Dalton Dooley said. “Southeast always has a great team, Ellsworth has some good senior arms, and all around the league is tough which really helps prepare you for postseason play.”For as good as the Knight’s lineup has been this season, racking up 124 runs in just ten games, its pitching, led by four senior returners in Cam Yohe, Evan Bogart, Jett Samuelson, and Cooper Ivey, has been even better, holding those same opponents to just 17 runs all year.Ellsworth has also leaned on its pitching, holding its first eight opponents to 35 runs, while striking for 93 themselves for a +58 run differential.“They’ve got some good pitchers coming back that we saw last year and I thought we did a good job to earn a few wins at their place,” Dooley said. “Good things will happen if we keep playing the way we’ve been playing.”For the Knights, today’s doubleheader will give them an opportunity to take yet another step toward two team goals, as Sacred Heart looks to punch a ticket to state and win the NCAA outright for the first time in recent memory.“We need to stay consistent,” he said. “We’ve gotta keep throwing strikes, backing up our pitchers, and keep improving our approach at the plate. If we get guys on base we’re going to score because we’ve got good speed and we can get guys moved around.”First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 at James Matson Field in Salina, and both games will be broadcast with live audio and video on Salina Post.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fwjCOKzf0gU"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

⚾️ Knights and Bearcats Collide on Game of the Week

NEW YORK (AP) — Whitey Herzog, the gruff and ingenious Hall of Fame manager who guided the St. Louis Cardinals to three pennants and a World Series title in the 1980s and perfected an intricate, nail-biting strategy known as "Whiteyball," has died. He was 92.

Cardinals spokesman Brian Bartow said Tuesday the team had been informed of his death by Herzog's family. The team was not yet sure whether it happened Monday night or Tuesday. Herzog had been at Busch Stadium on April 4 for the Cardinals' home opener.

A crew-cut, pot-bellied tobacco chewer who had no patience for the "buddy-buddy" school of management, Herzog joined the Cardinals in 1980 and helped end the team's decade-plus pennant drought by adapting it to the artificial surface and distant fences of Busch Memorial Stadium. A typical Cardinals victory under Herzog was a low-scoring, 1-run game, sealed in the final innings by a “bullpen by committee,” relievers who might be replaced after a single pitch, or temporarily shifted to the outfield, then brought back to the mound.

The Cardinals had power hitters in George Hendrick and Jack Clark, but they mostly relied on the speed and resourcefulness of switch-hitters Vince Coleman and Willie McGee, the acrobat fielding of shortstop and future Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and the effective pitching of starters such as John Tudor and Danny Cox and relievers Todd Worrell, Ken Dayley and Jeff Lahti. For the '82 champions, Herzog didn't bother rotating relievers, but simply brought in future Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter to finish the job.

"They (the media) seemed to think there was something wrong with the way we played baseball, with speed and defense and line-drive hitters," Herzog wrote in his memoir "White Rat: A Life in Baseball," published in 1987. "They called it 'Whiteyball' and said it couldn't last."

Under Herzog, the Cards won pennants in 1982, 1985 and 1987, and the World Series in 1982, when they edged the Milwaukee Brewers in seven games. Herzog managed the Kansas City Royals to division titles in 1976-78, but they lost each time in the league championship to the New York Yankees.

Overall, Herzog was a manager for 18 seasons, compiling a record of 1,281 wins and 1,125 losses. He was named Manager of the Year in 1985 and voted into the Hall by the Veterans Committee in 2010, his plaque noting his "stern, yet good-natured style," and his emphasis on speed, pitching and defense. Just before he formally entered the Hall, the Cardinals retired his uniform number, 24.

When asked about the secrets of managing, he would reply a sense of humor and a good bullpen.

Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog was born in New Athens, Illinois, a blue-collar community that would shape him long after he left. He excelled in baseball and basketball and was open to skipping the occasional class to take in a Cardinals game. Signed up by the Yankees, he was a center fielder who discovered that he had competition from a prospect born just weeks before him, Mickey Mantle.

Herzog never played for the Yankees, but he did get to know manager Casey Stengel, another master shuffler of players who became a key influence. The light-haired Herzog was named "The White Rat" because of his resemblance to Yankees pitcher Bob "The White Rat" Kuzava.

Like so many successful managers, Herzog was a mediocre player, batting just .257 over eight seasons and playing several positions. His best year was with Baltimore in 1961, when he hit .291. He also played for the Washington Senators, Kansas City Athletics and Detroit Tigers, with whom he ended his playing career, in 1963.

"Baseball has been good to me since I quit trying to play it," he liked to say.

After working as a scout and coach, Herzog was hired in 1967 by the New York Mets as director of player development, with Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan among the future stars he helped bring along. The Mets liked him well enough to designate him the successor to Gil Hodges, but when the manager died suddenly in 1972 the job went to Yogi Berra. Herzog instead debuted with the Texas Rangers the following season, finishing just 47-91 before being replaced by Billy Martin. He managed the Angels for a few games in 1974 and joined the Royals the following season, his time with Kansas City peaking in 1977 when the team finished 102-60.

Many players spoke warmly of Herzog, but he didn’t hesitate to rid his teams of those he no longer wanted, dumping such Cardinals stars as outfielder Lonnie Smith and starting pitcher Joaquin Andujar. One trade worked out brilliantly: Before the 1982 season, he exchanged .300 hitting shortstop Garry Templeton, whom Herzog had chastised for not hustling, for the Padres' light-hitting Ozzie Smith, now widely regarded as the best defensive shortstop in history. Another deal was less far successful: Gold Glove first baseman Keith Hernandez, with whom Herzog had feuded, to the Mets in the middle of 1983 for pitchers Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey. Hernandez led New York to the World Series title in 1986, while Allen and Ownbey were soon forgotten.

Herzog was just as tough on himself, resigning in the middle of 1990 because he was “embarrassed” by the team’s 33-47 record. He served as a consultant and general manager for the Angels in the early '90s and briefly considered managing the Red Sox before the 1997 season.

If the '82 championship was the highlight of his career, his greatest blow was the '85 series. The Cardinals were up 3 games to 2 against his former team, the Royals, and in Game 6 led 1-0 going into the bottom of the ninth, with Worrell brought in to finish the job.

Jorge Orta led off and grounded a 0-2 pitch between the mound and first base. In one of the most famous blown calls in baseball history, he was ruled safe by umpire Don Denkinger, even though replays showed first baseman Jack Clark's toss to Worrell was in time. The Cardinals never recovered. Kansas City rallied for two runs to tie the series and crushed the Cards 11-0 in Game 7.

"No, I'm not bitter at Denkinger," Herzog told the AP years later. "He's a good guy, he knows he made a mistake, and he's a human being. It happened at an inopportune time but I do think they ought to have instant replay in the playoffs and World Series."

As if testing Herzog's humor, the Hall inducted him alongside an umpire, Doug Harvey.

"I don't know why he should get in," Herzog joked at the time. "Doug kicked me out of more games than any other umpire."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713282597678.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Whitey Herzog, the gruff and ingenious Hall of Fame manager who guided the St. Louis Cardinals to three pennants and a World Series title in the 1980s and perfected an intricate, nail-biting strategy known as "Whiteyball," has died. He was 92.Cardinals spokesman Brian Bartow said Tuesday the team had been informed of his death by Herzog's family. The team was not yet sure whether it happened Monday night or Tuesday. Herzog had been at Busch Stadium on April 4 for the Cardinals' home opener.A crew-cut, pot-bellied tobacco chewer who had no patience for the "buddy-buddy" school of management, Herzog joined the Cardinals in 1980 and helped end the team's decade-plus pennant drought by adapting it to the artificial surface and distant fences of Busch Memorial Stadium. A typical Cardinals victory under Herzog was a low-scoring, 1-run game, sealed in the final innings by a “bullpen by committee,” relievers who might be replaced after a single pitch, or temporarily shifted to the outfield, then brought back to the mound.The Cardinals had power hitters in George Hendrick and Jack Clark, but they mostly relied on the speed and resourcefulness of switch-hitters Vince Coleman and Willie McGee, the acrobat fielding of shortstop and future Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and the effective pitching of starters such as John Tudor and Danny Cox and relievers Todd Worrell, Ken Dayley and Jeff Lahti. For the '82 champions, Herzog didn't bother rotating relievers, but simply brought in future Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter to finish the job."They (the media) seemed to think there was something wrong with the way we played baseball, with speed and defense and line-drive hitters," Herzog wrote in his memoir "White Rat: A Life in Baseball," published in 1987. "They called it 'Whiteyball' and said it couldn't last."Under Herzog, the Cards won pennants in 1982, 1985 and 1987, and the World Series in 1982, when they edged the Milwaukee Brewers in seven games. Herzog managed the Kansas City Royals to division titles in 1976-78, but they lost each time in the league championship to the New York Yankees.Overall, Herzog was a manager for 18 seasons, compiling a record of 1,281 wins and 1,125 losses. He was named Manager of the Year in 1985 and voted into the Hall by the Veterans Committee in 2010, his plaque noting his "stern, yet good-natured style," and his emphasis on speed, pitching and defense. Just before he formally entered the Hall, the Cardinals retired his uniform number, 24.When asked about the secrets of managing, he would reply a sense of humor and a good bullpen.Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog was born in New Athens, Illinois, a blue-collar community that would shape him long after he left. He excelled in baseball and basketball and was open to skipping the occasional class to take in a Cardinals game. Signed up by the Yankees, he was a center fielder who discovered that he had competition from a prospect born just weeks before him, Mickey Mantle.Herzog never played for the Yankees, but he did get to know manager Casey Stengel, another master shuffler of players who became a key influence. The light-haired Herzog was named "The White Rat" because of his resemblance to Yankees pitcher Bob "The White Rat" Kuzava.Like so many successful managers, Herzog was a mediocre player, batting just .257 over eight seasons and playing several positions. His best year was with Baltimore in 1961, when he hit .291. He also played for the Washington Senators, Kansas City Athletics and Detroit Tigers, with whom he ended his playing career, in 1963."Baseball has been good to me since I quit trying to play it," he liked to say.After working as a scout and coach, Herzog was hired in 1967 by the New York Mets as director of player development, with Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan among the future stars he helped bring along. The Mets liked him well enough to designate him the successor to Gil Hodges, but when the manager died suddenly in 1972 the job went to Yogi Berra. Herzog instead debuted with the Texas Rangers the following season, finishing just 47-91 before being replaced by Billy Martin. He managed the Angels for a few games in 1974 and joined the Royals the following season, his time with Kansas City peaking in 1977 when the team finished 102-60.Many players spoke warmly of Herzog, but he didn’t hesitate to rid his teams of those he no longer wanted, dumping such Cardinals stars as outfielder Lonnie Smith and starting pitcher Joaquin Andujar. One trade worked out brilliantly: Before the 1982 season, he exchanged .300 hitting shortstop Garry Templeton, whom Herzog had chastised for not hustling, for the Padres' light-hitting Ozzie Smith, now widely regarded as the best defensive shortstop in history. Another deal was less far successful: Gold Glove first baseman Keith Hernandez, with whom Herzog had feuded, to the Mets in the middle of 1983 for pitchers Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey. Hernandez led New York to the World Series title in 1986, while Allen and Ownbey were soon forgotten.Herzog was just as tough on himself, resigning in the middle of 1990 because he was “embarrassed” by the team’s 33-47 record. He served as a consultant and general manager for the Angels in the early '90s and briefly considered managing the Red Sox before the 1997 season.If the '82 championship was the highlight of his career, his greatest blow was the '85 series. The Cardinals were up 3 games to 2 against his former team, the Royals, and in Game 6 led 1-0 going into the bottom of the ninth, with Worrell brought in to finish the job.Jorge Orta led off and grounded a 0-2 pitch between the mound and first base. In one of the most famous blown calls in baseball history, he was ruled safe by umpire Don Denkinger, even though replays showed first baseman Jack Clark's toss to Worrell was in time. The Cardinals never recovered. Kansas City rallied for two runs to tie the series and crushed the Cards 11-0 in Game 7."No, I'm not bitter at Denkinger," Herzog told the AP years later. "He's a good guy, he knows he made a mistake, and he's a human being. It happened at an inopportune time but I do think they ought to have instant replay in the playoffs and World Series."As if testing Herzog's humor, the Hall inducted him alongside an umpire, Doug Harvey."I don't know why he should get in," Herzog joked at the time. "Doug kicked me out of more games than any other umpire."

Legendary Cardinals and Royals manager Whitey Herzog dies at 92

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter

Hello and happy Tuesday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

Last night, Seth Lugo pitched seven excellent innings, Vinnie Pasquantino homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0.

KC improves to 5-0 against Chicago already this season, and the Royals have allowed a major league-low 48 runs during their 11-6 start, while the White Sox have scored just 34 runs so far as a team, which is the lowest total in MLB.

Unfortunately for Royals fans the win didn’t come without some bad news as All-Star Catcher Salvador Perez missed that contest due to a left groin strain from an injury sustained during Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the Mets.

Fortunately however, Perez announced on Social media via his twitter account that he will return for Tuesday’s contest, telling Joel Goldberg that despite the strain he feels no pain, just light tightness&nbsp;

More locally, Salina Post confirmed on Monday that Ellsworth head boy’s basketball coach Brett Rolfs had resigned.

Rolfs finished his two-year run with a 31-14 record, and a trip to the 3A state tournament this year

And finally, speaking of Ellsworth the Bearcats baseball team will be in Salina this evening to take on Sacred Heart, and we will be broadcasting both games 100% free with live audio and video on our Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine games of the week

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/ZmJajANm-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kinasu 4-16-24" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter Hello and happy Tuesday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>_________Last night, Seth Lugo pitched seven excellent innings, Vinnie Pasquantino homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0.KC improves to 5-0 against Chicago already this season, and the Royals have allowed a major league-low 48 runs during their 11-6 start, while the White Sox have scored just 34 runs so far as a team, which is the lowest total in MLB.Unfortunately for Royals fans the win didn’t come without some bad news as All-Star Catcher Salvador Perez missed that contest due to a left groin strain from an injury sustained during Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the Mets.Fortunately however, Perez announced on Social media via his twitter account that he will return for Tuesday’s contest, telling Joel Goldberg that despite the strain he feels no pain, just light tightness&nbsp;_________More locally, Salina Post confirmed on Monday that Ellsworth head boy’s basketball coach Brett Rolfs had resigned.Rolfs finished his two-year run with a 31-14 record, and a trip to the 3A state tournament this year_________And finally, speaking of Ellsworth the Bearcats baseball team will be in Salina this evening to take on Sacred Heart, and we will be broadcasting both games 100% free with live audio and video on our Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine games of the week_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out the Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — April 16

CHICAGO (AP) — Seth Lugo pitched seven crisp innings, Vinnie Pasquantino homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0 on Monday night.

Lugo (3-0) allowed four hits — all singles — in his third straight win. The right-hander struck out four and walked one.

Kansas City improved to 5-0 against Chicago already this season. The surprising Royals have allowed a major league-low 48 runs during their 11-6 start, and the White Sox have scored 34 runs so far — also the lowest total in the big leagues.

Andrew Benintendi had two of Chicago's four hits in its fifth consecutive loss. The White Sox were shut out for the sixth time during their 2-14 start.

Braden Shewmake was the only Chicago runner to advance past first base. He singled and swiped second in the fifth, but was stranded there when Robbie Grossman flied out to the warning track in right.

Chris Stratton got three outs for Kansas City before James McArthur earned his third save.

Gavin Sheets was hit by a pitch with two down in the ninth, but McArthur struck out pinch-hitter Eloy Jiménez for the final out.

White Sox right-hander Nick Nastrini (0-1) permitted two runs and three hits over five innings in his major league debut. He struck out five and walked two.

Nastrini retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino connected for his third homer in the fourth, a 421-foot drive to right on a 2-1 fastball.

Kyle Isbel hit a two-out RBI single in the fifth for Kansas City's second run. The Royals had a chance to break it open, but Bobby Witt Jr. flied out to the wall in center with the bases loaded.

Royals: C&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-salvador-perez-6522c4ffa45c7f70f960653eb38ccf28">Salvador Perez</a>&nbsp;rested after he had an MRI that showed a mild groin strain. He was replaced by Freddy Fermin. Perez left Sunday’s 2-1 loss at the Mets following a fourth-inning collision at home plate with Starling Marte. ... INF Michael Massey (low back strain) had an off day as he continues his rehab stint with Triple-A Omaha. “He's progressing really well,” manager Matt Quatraro said.

White Sox:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-grifol-eloy-a4d061c6fc54ffada3dda229485b2845">Jiménez</a>&nbsp;was activated from the 10-day injured list. The slugger had been sidelined by a left adductor strain.

Right-handers Brady Singer and Jonathan Cannon take the mound on Tuesday night. Singer (2-0, 0.98 ERA) pitched five innings of one-run ball in Kansas City's 13-3 victory over Houston on Thursday. Cannon will make his major league debut for Chicago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713234319647.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo throws against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, April 15, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo throws against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, April 15, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Seth Lugo pitched seven crisp innings, Vinnie Pasquantino homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0 on Monday night.Lugo (3-0) allowed four hits — all singles — in his third straight win. The right-hander struck out four and walked one.Kansas City improved to 5-0 against Chicago already this season. The surprising Royals have allowed a major league-low 48 runs during their 11-6 start, and the White Sox have scored 34 runs so far — also the lowest total in the big leagues.Andrew Benintendi had two of Chicago's four hits in its fifth consecutive loss. The White Sox were shut out for the sixth time during their 2-14 start.Braden Shewmake was the only Chicago runner to advance past first base. He singled and swiped second in the fifth, but was stranded there when Robbie Grossman flied out to the warning track in right.Chris Stratton got three outs for Kansas City before James McArthur earned his third save.Gavin Sheets was hit by a pitch with two down in the ninth, but McArthur struck out pinch-hitter Eloy Jiménez for the final out.White Sox right-hander Nick Nastrini (0-1) permitted two runs and three hits over five innings in his major league debut. He struck out five and walked two.Nastrini retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino connected for his third homer in the fourth, a 421-foot drive to right on a 2-1 fastball.Kyle Isbel hit a two-out RBI single in the fifth for Kansas City's second run. The Royals had a chance to break it open, but Bobby Witt Jr. flied out to the wall in center with the bases loaded.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: C&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-salvador-perez-6522c4ffa45c7f70f960653eb38ccf28">Salvador Perez</a>&nbsp;rested after he had an MRI that showed a mild groin strain. He was replaced by Freddy Fermin. Perez left Sunday’s 2-1 loss at the Mets following a fourth-inning collision at home plate with Starling Marte. ... INF Michael Massey (low back strain) had an off day as he continues his rehab stint with Triple-A Omaha. “He's progressing really well,” manager Matt Quatraro said.White Sox:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-grifol-eloy-a4d061c6fc54ffada3dda229485b2845">Jiménez</a>&nbsp;was activated from the 10-day injured list. The slugger had been sidelined by a left adductor strain.UP NEXTRight-handers Brady Singer and Jonathan Cannon take the mound on Tuesday night. Singer (2-0, 0.98 ERA) pitched five innings of one-run ball in Kansas City's 13-3 victory over Houston on Thursday. Cannon will make his major league debut for Chicago.

⚾ Lugo pitches 7 crisp innings as the Royals beat the White Sox 

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Welcome back, we’re glad to be getting Phase One underway, we’re going to do it very similar to how we’ve done it the last few years…which several of them are down with Patrick (Mahomes) in Texas. It gives the guys a little more time away from here, but at the same time getting some of their offseason evaluation work done and the opportunity to move forward into this next season. As far as Rashee Rice goes, his situation, I’m leaving that like we’ve done for most of these, just for the law enforcement part of it to take place, then we will go from there with that. I have had an opportunity to talk to Rashee (Rice) and I’m obviously not going to get into that. That part has been gone through. Anyways, really with that, time’s yours here.”

Q: Besides (Former Outside Linebackers coach) Ken Flajole retiring, are there any other changes to your coaching staff?

REID:&nbsp;“That’s a good point. (Former Outside Linebackers coach) Ken Flajole did retire. We were able to move (Outside Linebackers Coach) Rod Wilson into that position, (Defensive Quality Control Coach) Alex Whittingham likewise will have a little bit of a bigger role from his position and we hired Louie Addazio at (the) Quality Control position on defense. Louie has a bunch of experience coaching. He also has been an offensive coach, a line coach and at the major college level and he’ll give us some good productive information for the defense going forward so that we’re able to add good quality to the mix there.”

Q: What is Rashee Rice’s status during the offseason program?

REID:&nbsp;“There’s no real participation other than probably Zoom so he’ll (Rashee Rice) participate in that but other than that we don’t have anything going on here that he would be involved with. To answer your question, he’s participating in Zoom. Just a reminder on this, it’s voluntary as we go forward, that’s another part of this.”

Q: Do you anticipate him being there on-site when the next phase takes place?

REID:&nbsp;“We’re just going to take it day by day here as we go.”

Q: What did you like about Irv Smith and Hollywood Brown and what role do you think they’ll have on the team?

REID:&nbsp;“Hollywood Brown is a good speed receiver, he can play inside or outside and I stay away from saying a deep threat although he can do that, he can play within the offense and do all of the different routes that we asked. He’s a nice addition and he has some experience and production. Irv (Smith) is a tight end and kind of does everything pretty good. He’s a good solid football player, he’s a good receiver, good after the catch, good blocker, not necessarily the biggest guy but really plays a good physical game and I kind of like what he’s shown in the past. I think it’s important for both of these guys that they’re able to keep themselves healthy and rolling and that’ll be a part of it as we go forward here.”

Q: You’ve stated that this stage is more beneficial for the offense. What does the defense get out of Phase One of the offseason program?

REID:&nbsp;“On the being more productive on the offense – because they can actually go out and throw the ball around and do that part of it. Defensively, it’s hard to set up an offense and have an offense do whatever they do against you. I think this Phase One favors the offense in a way but at the same time, we go through this whole scheme evaluation in the offseason offensively, defensively and special teams and that’s where you benefit with being able to just do that on Zoom or likewise in person. On Zoom, you can get everything done that you need to do there with the video and/or new things that you may want to slip in there.”

Q: What was your message to Kadarius Toney in your exit interview and what will you be looking for from him during the season?

REID:&nbsp;“Kadarius (Toney) is arguably one of the most talented guys we have on the team. It’s just a matter of staying healthy and being able to stay on the field. You always hear about the reliability, accountability, all of those things that go into it so I’m expecting him to come back ripping and ready to go. It’s great that’s he’s down there working with Pat (Mahomes) and putting the work in so that’s a positive. Listen, we like Kadarius it’s just a matter of having him on the field.”

Q: What benefits have you seen from the offseason training that Patrick holds down in Texas?

REID:&nbsp;“A couple things, coming off of a 21 game season, it’s a short offseason as you guys know. It gives the guys an opportunity to stay away from here (and) maybe a little bit more relaxed atmosphere but at the same time get a ton of work done. Also, there’s a little comradery that goes with it which is important on the offensive side that the guys work and play together and kind of are on the same side. It gives Pat (Mahomes) an opportunity along with the quarterbacks to be able to kind of talk to the guys about what they see and at a little bit slowed down pace. It’s been effective for us, the guys have come back in great shape and come back knowing what their responsibilities are. At the same time, they’re getting that influx of new and our scheme evaluation from last year thrown at them by the coaches.”

Q: Can you explain the process on whether or not Rashee Rice will be able to participate in the next phase of offseason training?