KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat Baltimore 9-4 on Friday night and stop the Orioles’ four-game winning streak.

Adley Rutschman hit his first career grand slam for the Orioles, a seventh-inning homer off Will Smith.

Dean Kremer (0-2) retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino drove a 1-1 splitter into the right-field bullpen for his fourth homer.

Pasquantino has four homers and 11 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.

“Vinnie did a great job getting us going with that homer,” Michael Massey said. “It felt like one of those nights where we had to scratch and claw, and it broke open late for us.”

Returning from the injured list in his season debut, Massey had two hits and two RBIs.

MJ Melendez sparked a five-run sixth with an RBI single that ended an 0-for-23 slide. Massey and Hunter Renfroe each had two-run hits for a 6-0 lead.

“We were able to find some good at-bats late when we needed to and have a big inning,” Melendez said.

Maikel Garcia stopped an 0-for-26 slide with a leadoff single in the seventh and Melendez hit a three-run homer off Dillon Tate.

“A sinker, middle of the plate,” said Melendez. “Didn’t miss it.”

Kansas City won its ninth straight home game, their longest home winning streak since May 27-June 15, 2016.

Marsh (3-0) escaped jams in the first and fourth innings, working around a pair of Rutschman singles. Marsh allowed three hits and two walks, striking out six in 5 2/3 scoreless innings.

“We made a couple of mistakes there in the first with the scoring opportunity, and then with the bases loaded off a guy we’ve had a tough time with,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Just didn’t push any runs across.”

Kremer allowed three runs, two hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. Three Baltimore relievers surrendered six runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings.

“Dean threw the ball great,” Hyde said. “A couple of walks in the sixth, but left with two outs in a 1-0 game. We’ve got to do a batter job of shutting the door for him. We just didn’t pitch great out of the pen.”

Baltimore stopped a five-game streak of hitting at least three home runs, falling one shy of the major league record set by the 1987 Orioles.

Massey was 2 for 4 after recovering from lower back tightness that had sidelined him since spring training. Kansas City optioned infielder Nick Loftin to Triple-A Omaha.

Orioles RHP Corbin Burnes (2-0, 2.28 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-1, 1.93) on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713581267441.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Nelson Velazquez, left, and Michael Massey celebrate after scoring on a double hit by Hunter Renfroe during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Friday, April 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Nelson Velazquez, left, and Michael Massey celebrate after scoring on a double hit by Hunter Renfroe during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Friday, April 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC BOWMAN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat Baltimore 9-4 on Friday night and stop the Orioles’ four-game winning streak.Adley Rutschman hit his first career grand slam for the Orioles, a seventh-inning homer off Will Smith.Dean Kremer (0-2) retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino drove a 1-1 splitter into the right-field bullpen for his fourth homer.Pasquantino has four homers and 11 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.“Vinnie did a great job getting us going with that homer,” Michael Massey said. “It felt like one of those nights where we had to scratch and claw, and it broke open late for us.”Returning from the injured list in his season debut, Massey had two hits and two RBIs.MJ Melendez sparked a five-run sixth with an RBI single that ended an 0-for-23 slide. Massey and Hunter Renfroe each had two-run hits for a 6-0 lead.“We were able to find some good at-bats late when we needed to and have a big inning,” Melendez said.Maikel Garcia stopped an 0-for-26 slide with a leadoff single in the seventh and Melendez hit a three-run homer off Dillon Tate.“A sinker, middle of the plate,” said Melendez. “Didn’t miss it.”Kansas City won its ninth straight home game, their longest home winning streak since May 27-June 15, 2016.Marsh (3-0) escaped jams in the first and fourth innings, working around a pair of Rutschman singles. Marsh allowed three hits and two walks, striking out six in 5 2/3 scoreless innings.“We made a couple of mistakes there in the first with the scoring opportunity, and then with the bases loaded off a guy we’ve had a tough time with,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Just didn’t push any runs across.”Kremer allowed three runs, two hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. Three Baltimore relievers surrendered six runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings.“Dean threw the ball great,” Hyde said. “A couple of walks in the sixth, but left with two outs in a 1-0 game. We’ve got to do a batter job of shutting the door for him. We just didn’t pitch great out of the pen.”Baltimore stopped a five-game streak of hitting at least three home runs, falling one shy of the major league record set by the 1987 Orioles.TRAINER’S ROOMMassey was 2 for 4 after recovering from lower back tightness that had sidelined him since spring training. Kansas City optioned infielder Nick Loftin to Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTOrioles RHP Corbin Burnes (2-0, 2.28 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-1, 1.93) on Saturday.

⚾ Royals win Friday over Baltimore

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. —Wichita State managed just two hits and was shutout in a 3-0 loss to UAB Friday night at Wilkins Stadium.

Wichita State (19-19, 10-9) saw its losing streak reach four in a row in a crucial conference series with only eight league games remaining this season.

An&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;double in the sixth and a&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7559">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;single in the seventh were the lone hits on the night for the home team.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7561">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;(5-7) settled in after giving up a pair of runs in the first and retired 12 straight Blazers at one point, but the lack of run support didn't help her cause. She finished the night allowing three runs on four hits and two walks in 5.2 innings, while striking out four.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7566">Lauren Howell</a>&nbsp;struck out two and the Blazers had just one hit against her in 1.1 innings of relief.

UAB applied early pressure in the top of the first by putting its first two batters on base. After a sac bunt moved the runners into scoring position, the Blazers capitalized on a two-run triple down the right field line to go up 2-0.

An insurance run in the top of the sixth proved to be more than enough cushion for UAB.

Wichita State really threatened only twice with scoring opportunities on the night. The Shockers had two in scoring position in the bottom of the first with no outs and failed to score. Then in the sixth Barnard was left stranded at third following a double.

Up Next:Wichita State and UAB take the field again on Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713595475188.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. —Wichita State managed just two hits and was shutout in a 3-0 loss to UAB Friday night at Wilkins Stadium.Wichita State (19-19, 10-9) saw its losing streak reach four in a row in a crucial conference series with only eight league games remaining this season.An&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;double in the sixth and a&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7559">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;single in the seventh were the lone hits on the night for the home team.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7561">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;(5-7) settled in after giving up a pair of runs in the first and retired 12 straight Blazers at one point, but the lack of run support didn't help her cause. She finished the night allowing three runs on four hits and two walks in 5.2 innings, while striking out four.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7566">Lauren Howell</a>&nbsp;struck out two and the Blazers had just one hit against her in 1.1 innings of relief.UAB applied early pressure in the top of the first by putting its first two batters on base. After a sac bunt moved the runners into scoring position, the Blazers capitalized on a two-run triple down the right field line to go up 2-0.An insurance run in the top of the sixth proved to be more than enough cushion for UAB.Wichita State really threatened only twice with scoring opportunities on the night. The Shockers had two in scoring position in the bottom of the first with no outs and failed to score. Then in the sixth Barnard was left stranded at third following a double. Up Next:Wichita State and UAB take the field again on Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

🥎 Blazers blank Shockers in series opener

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713581457445.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas Athletics<div><div style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 14px;border: 0px;">
 <div style="font-size: 14px;border: 0px;">
 <div style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash; &nbsp;Kansas softball dropped the series opener to No. 1 Texas, 4-2, at Arrocha Ballpark in Lawrence, Kansas on Friday evening in front of 1,188 fans.
 The Jayhawks kept it close but fell to 27-15-1 on the season and 11-8 in Big 12 Conference play, while the Longhorns improved to 36-6 overall and 15-4 in the Big 12.&nbsp;
 Sophomore Lizzy Ludwig pitched seven innings, allowing six hits and four runs in her first start of the season. Kansas matched Texas&rsquo; six hits, one of which was a two-run blast from junior Olivia Bruno, her third home run of the season and second in as many games.
 HOW IT HAPPENED
 <ul style="font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Presley Limbaugh started off the bottom half of the first with a leadoff single, which extended her hitting streak to 10 games, the longest by a Jayhawk this season. Lyric Moore would reach base via a walk, though both runners would be left stranded.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Following back-to-back walks to start the top of the second inning, Texas&rsquo; Katie Stewart put Texas on the board with a blooper that dropped down the right field line, scoring Alyssa Washington from second. Texas scored one more on a sacrifice fly to put the Longhorns up 2-0 after the top of the first.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">In the bottom of the third inning, Kansas put two runners on base following a Linduff single and a Cripe walk. With two outs, Bruno grounded out to third for the force out.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">In the top of the fourth inning, Texas&rsquo; Kayden Henry lined out to right field, where Linduff made an athletic play to make the grab before picking off the runner at first base to end the inning.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Campbell Bagshaw started the bottom of the fourth with a leadoff single, which led to runners on first and second with two outs after Angela Price was hit by a pitch. Both runners would be left on base after Limbaugh flew out to right to end the inning.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Texas&rsquo; Mia Scott doubled the Longhorns&rsquo; score with a two-run home run in the top of the fifth inning. The Longhorns led 4-0.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Kansas got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth inning on a two-run home run from Bruno, scoring Moore who reached on a walk. The home run brought Texas&rsquo; lead down to 4-2.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Both teams went scoreless in the sixth and seventh innings, as Texas brought in pitcher Mac Morgan to close things down. The Jayhawks had the tying run at the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning but were unable to capitalize.</li>
 </ul>
 PITCHERS OF RECORD
 Win: Teagan Kavan (13-3)
 Final line: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 3 SO
 Loss: Lizzy Ludwing (0-1)
 Final line: 7.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 5 BB, 2 SO
 QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES
 &ldquo;I was really proud of Lizzy (Ludwig) tonight, we needed Lizzy to get back to feeling good and having confidence in the circle. I was really proud of what she did for us tonight. They&rsquo;re (Texas) a great hitting team and she gave up six hits. I thought we competed really well and hopefully we&rsquo;ll get those little balls fall for us tomorrow. I thought we had a lot of confidence in the box today. Bruno gave us three quality at-bats and her two-run home run was significant to keep us in the game that late. Gotta bounce back tomorrow. &rdquo; &ndash; Head Coach Jennifer McFalls
 <ul style="font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Ludwig made her seventh appearance and first start in the circle on Friday, making a solid effort of seven innings pitched, allowing six hits and four runs.&nbsp;</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Limbaugh&rsquo;s single in the first inning extended her hitting streak to a team-high 10 games. Limbaugh&rsquo;s streak is the longest active streak on the team, while matching Aynslee Linduff&rsquo;s 10-game hitting streak from Feb. 16 (Penn State) to March 5 (Creighton) .</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Bruno&rsquo;s two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning was her third of the season and second in as many games. Bruno also climbed into KU&rsquo;s top-10 all-time home runs list at ninth with 24 career home runs.</li>
 </ul>
 UP NEXT
 Kansas gets set for game two of the series against No. 1 Texas on Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m. at Arrocha Ballpark, followed by the series finale on Sunday, April 21 at 12 p.m.
 </div>
 </div>
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🥎 Jayhawks drop series opener to No. 1 Texas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team continued to prove its a program on the rise, as the Salthawks swept its doubleheader over Goddard on Friday at Hobart-Detter Field.

Hutchinson (10-7) has now won six games in a row for the first time since 2013. The Salthawks ended the Lions' eight-game winning streak after an 8-3 win in the first game. Hutchinson finished off the sweep with a 5-4 win in game two. Goddard (11-6) had beaten Andover Central twice on Tuesday, ending the Jaguars' quest for an unbeaten season.

Game 1: Hutchinson 8, Goddard 3 The Salthawks' pitching staff struck out 11 batters and only walked one in the five-run win over the Lions.

Starting pitcher Jack Davis earned the win, going 5 2/3 innings on the bump, striking out seven and walking the final batter he faced in the sixth inning. 

Lakin Franz inherited a bases loaded situation in the sixth in relief of Davis. The senior struck out the Goddard batter looking to end the threat. Franz then struck out the side in the seventh to secure the win, as he faced the 3-4-5 hitters.

Hutchinson scored all eight of its runs with two outs, two in the second, four in the third and two more in the fifth.

Gabe Valadez finished 3 for 4 at the plate with an RBI single in the third inning. Carter Morgan reached safely in four of his five plate appearances, while driving in three runs. Cole Bleything finished 1 for 3 at the dish with an RBI double in the fifth inning.

Goddard - 001 011 0 - 3 7 3 Hutchinson - 024 020 x -8 9 4 W: Jack Davis. L: Boston Arnold. Time: 2:04.

Game 2: Hutchinson 5, Goddard 4 The Salthawks scored four in the bottom of the fifth inning to grab its first lead in game two and never looked back en route to completing the sweep.

The Salthawks sent eight to the plate in the fifth and had an RBI single from Morgan and a sacrifice fly from Valadez.&nbsp;

Hutchinson starting pitcher Juju Lyons picked up his fourth win of the season, tossing 5+ innings, allowing three runs, only one of which was earned.

Morgan finished 3 for 3 at the plate with an RBI, while Landon Parks, Franz and Valadez each drove in a run.

Franz came into the game in relief for Lyons, striking out two in two frames.

Goddard - 100 021 0 - 4 3 0 Hutchinson - 001 040 x - 5 5 2 W: Juju Lyons. L: Maddox Stevens. S: Franz. Time: 1:51.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713567810548.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson junior Jack Davis delivers a pitch in game one of the doubleheader against Goddard on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Hobart-Detter Field. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson junior Jack Davis delivers a pitch in game one of the doubleheader against Goddard on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Hobart-Detter Field. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team continued to prove its a program on the rise, as the Salthawks swept its doubleheader over Goddard on Friday at Hobart-Detter Field.Hutchinson (10-7) has now won six games in a row for the first time since 2013. The Salthawks ended the Lions' eight-game winning streak after an 8-3 win in the first game. Hutchinson finished off the sweep with a 5-4 win in game two. Goddard (11-6) had beaten Andover Central twice on Tuesday, ending the Jaguars' quest for an unbeaten season.Game 1: Hutchinson 8, Goddard 3 The Salthawks' pitching staff struck out 11 batters and only walked one in the five-run win over the Lions.Starting pitcher Jack Davis earned the win, going 5 2/3 innings on the bump, striking out seven and walking the final batter he faced in the sixth inning. Lakin Franz inherited a bases loaded situation in the sixth in relief of Davis. The senior struck out the Goddard batter looking to end the threat. Franz then struck out the side in the seventh to secure the win, as he faced the 3-4-5 hitters.Hutchinson scored all eight of its runs with two outs, two in the second, four in the third and two more in the fifth.Gabe Valadez finished 3 for 4 at the plate with an RBI single in the third inning. Carter Morgan reached safely in four of his five plate appearances, while driving in three runs. Cole Bleything finished 1 for 3 at the dish with an RBI double in the fifth inning.Goddard - 001 011 0 - 3 7 3 Hutchinson - 024 020 x -8 9 4 W: Jack Davis. L: Boston Arnold. Time: 2:04.Game 2: Hutchinson 5, Goddard 4 The Salthawks scored four in the bottom of the fifth inning to grab its first lead in game two and never looked back en route to completing the sweep.The Salthawks sent eight to the plate in the fifth and had an RBI single from Morgan and a sacrifice fly from Valadez.&nbsp;Hutchinson starting pitcher Juju Lyons picked up his fourth win of the season, tossing 5+ innings, allowing three runs, only one of which was earned.Morgan finished 3 for 3 at the plate with an RBI, while Landon Parks, Franz and Valadez each drove in a run.Franz came into the game in relief for Lyons, striking out two in two frames.Goddard - 100 021 0 - 4 3 0 Hutchinson - 001 040 x - 5 5 2 W: Juju Lyons. L: Maddox Stevens. S: Franz. Time: 1:51.

⚾ Salthawks sweep Goddard, win sixth straight

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks will host the Goddard Lions today at 4 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field.

Catch all the action on hutchpost.com and the NFHS Network. Sean Boston with the call and&nbsp; Hutch High junior Matt Peterson will provide the NFHS Network and Hutchpost.com video stream for all the home games. 

Catch all the road games here on hutchpost.com with audio only.

The broadcast is available and archived on the Hutch High&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/">NFHS Video Stream</a>. The stream&nbsp;is free but you must register to watch if you don't have a NFHS Network account.&nbsp;

Here is a "How to Video" to assist you in setting up your NFHS Network account. &nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/yzsjAoVP5Ts">CLICK HERE</a>

First pitch will be at 4 p.m. today on hutchpost.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713544822090.png" alt="GameDay vs Goddard - April 19th 2024 on the NFHS Network" />
 <figcaption>GameDay vs Goddard - April 19th 2024 on the NFHS Network</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks will host the Goddard Lions today at 4 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field.Catch all the action on hutchpost.com and the NFHS Network. Sean Boston with the call and&nbsp; Hutch High junior Matt Peterson will provide the NFHS Network and Hutchpost.com video stream for all the home games. Catch all the road games here on hutchpost.com with audio only.The broadcast is available and archived on the Hutch High&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/">NFHS Video Stream</a>. The stream&nbsp;is free but you must register to watch if you don't have a NFHS Network account.&nbsp;

Here is a "How to Video" to assist you in setting up your NFHS Network account. &nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/yzsjAoVP5Ts">CLICK HERE</a>First pitch will be at 4 p.m. today on hutchpost.com.<div><iframe src="https://player.nfhsnetwork.com/#/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam170913253a" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" width="640" height="360"></iframe>
</div>

🎧🎥⚾ Hutch High plays host to Goddard

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs general manager Brett Veach tends to stick with the well-worn mantra of taking the “best player available” when the NFL draft rolls around.

However he also is willing to acknowledge that sometimes specific needs might make that a challenge.

There are couple of very specific needs as Kansas City prepares to make its selections beginning April 25.

The Chiefs won their second consecutive Super Bowl, and third in five years, despite a wide receiver group that struggled with drops, poor productivity and seldom provided a big play. In fact, the Chiefs had to swing a midseason trade with the Jets to bring back Mecole Hardman, who is hardly a No. 1 option, just to give their wide receiver group some depth.

The Chiefs thought they had begun to address the deficiency when they signed “Hollywood” Brown in free agency, pairing the injury-prone speedster with Rashee Rice, a breakout star a year ago. But Rice is facing felony charges in connection with a chain-reaction traffic crash in Texas, and nobody quite knows how much — or if at all — he will be able to play this upcoming season.

So, wide receiver is back to being the biggest need in the draft for Kansas City.

"I think much like any position, we're always looking to get better," Veach said. “We put a high priority on the depth in our roster, so we’ll attack that much like we do all positions and try to get the very best players we can.”

Given the Chiefs are due to pick last in the first round, it helps their cause that wide receiver is among the deepest positions in the draft. Three are expected to go in the top 10 and six or more could go before the first night has concluded.

The other priority for Kansas City is left tackle, where Donovan Smith hit free agency and the position largely remains vacant.

Wanya Morris was shaky when he got opportunities to play as a rookie, and he may need more seasoning before he is tasked with protecting Patrick Mahomes' blind side. Lucas Niang is another option, but he has struggled to stay healthy.

Other positions where the Chiefs could add some depth including running back, tight end and defensive back.

“Every team’s process is a little bit different and unique. We have ours and there’s always a chance to refine and tune things,” Veach said. “Again, I think in this league because of such a long season — I’m talking a 20-game season, it’s a marathon, you have to attack every position with a mindset of having that depth because it’s not a matter of if, but when, players go down.”

Wide receiver and left tackle are not the only needs. The Chiefs also could use more help at running back, even after bringing back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on a prove-it deal, and perhaps another tight end to groom for post-Travis Kelce life.

The Chiefs chose to keep one of the league's best defenses intact, re-signing All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones to a mammoth deal along with five other regulars. So after drafting heavily on defense the past few years, the Chiefs are largely good on that entire side of the ball, though they might take a late flier on a pass rusher or defensive back.

The Chiefs have the final pick in each round after winning their second straight Super Bowl and third in five years, so unless they make a trade, their initial selection will be No. 32 overall. They have late picks in each of the rounds except for the fifth, where a trade with Dallas last year moved them up and they also have a compensatory selection.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707336003255.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs general manager Brett Veach tends to stick with the well-worn mantra of taking the “best player available” when the NFL draft rolls around.However he also is willing to acknowledge that sometimes specific needs might make that a challenge.There are couple of very specific needs as Kansas City prepares to make its selections beginning April 25.The Chiefs won their second consecutive Super Bowl, and third in five years, despite a wide receiver group that struggled with drops, poor productivity and seldom provided a big play. In fact, the Chiefs had to swing a midseason trade with the Jets to bring back Mecole Hardman, who is hardly a No. 1 option, just to give their wide receiver group some depth.The Chiefs thought they had begun to address the deficiency when they signed “Hollywood” Brown in free agency, pairing the injury-prone speedster with Rashee Rice, a breakout star a year ago. But Rice is facing felony charges in connection with a chain-reaction traffic crash in Texas, and nobody quite knows how much — or if at all — he will be able to play this upcoming season.So, wide receiver is back to being the biggest need in the draft for Kansas City."I think much like any position, we're always looking to get better," Veach said. “We put a high priority on the depth in our roster, so we’ll attack that much like we do all positions and try to get the very best players we can.”Given the Chiefs are due to pick last in the first round, it helps their cause that wide receiver is among the deepest positions in the draft. Three are expected to go in the top 10 and six or more could go before the first night has concluded.The other priority for Kansas City is left tackle, where Donovan Smith hit free agency and the position largely remains vacant.Wanya Morris was shaky when he got opportunities to play as a rookie, and he may need more seasoning before he is tasked with protecting Patrick Mahomes' blind side. Lucas Niang is another option, but he has struggled to stay healthy.Other positions where the Chiefs could add some depth including running back, tight end and defensive back.“Every team’s process is a little bit different and unique. We have ours and there’s always a chance to refine and tune things,” Veach said. “Again, I think in this league because of such a long season — I’m talking a 20-game season, it’s a marathon, you have to attack every position with a mindset of having that depth because it’s not a matter of if, but when, players go down.”NEEDSWide receiver and left tackle are not the only needs. The Chiefs also could use more help at running back, even after bringing back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on a prove-it deal, and perhaps another tight end to groom for post-Travis Kelce life.DON’T NEEDThe Chiefs chose to keep one of the league's best defenses intact, re-signing All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones to a mammoth deal along with five other regulars. So after drafting heavily on defense the past few years, the Chiefs are largely good on that entire side of the ball, though they might take a late flier on a pass rusher or defensive back.PICK ’EMThe Chiefs have the final pick in each round after winning their second straight Super Bowl and third in five years, so unless they make a trade, their initial selection will be No. 32 overall. They have late picks in each of the rounds except for the fifth, where a trade with Dallas last year moved them up and they also have a compensatory selection.

🏈 Chiefs have specific needs in NFL Draft

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, April 19th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, April 19th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="April 19th, 2024 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rgc8k-15ed120-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Wind Surge win in walk off 🏀 Thompson selected to all-star game

Butler, Williamson injuries are part of story for Heat-Bulls and Kings-Pelicans play-in finales

MIAMI (AP) — All four teams in the finales of the NBA play-in tournament on Friday night are dealing with injury issues. Chicago goes to Miami and then Sacramento plays at New Orleans. The winner of the Bulls-Heat game meets Boston in Round 1 and the Kings-Pelicans winner meets Oklahoma City. The Heat will be without Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier for their game against the Bulls, who had guard Alex Caruso go down to a sprained ankle in Wednesday's win over Atlanta. The Pelicans will be without Zion Williamson because of a hamstring injury.

NFL draft has potential to set a record for most players on offense selected in the first round

The 2024 NFL draft has the potential to set a record for most players on offense selected in the first round. No draft has seen more than 19 players on offense chosen in the first round. That happened three times, most recently in 2009. Many draft experts are predicting more than 20 offensive players will go in the first round and some have up to 25. The AP's final mock draft had 22 going in the first round, including 10 offensive linemen, six wide receivers, five quarterbacks and one tight end. Only once in the past 57 years have the first seven picks all been offensive players. That happened in 2021.

GM Mike Dunleavy, Warriors look to regroup after missing the playoffs with Curry, Green, Thompson

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the rest of Golden State's front office staff had a feeling this season would wind up short of the ultimate goal. That's the way the season went for Stephen Curry and Co. — losing big leads, making costly mistakes, repeatedly unable to deliver the big defensive stop when it mattered most. After the Warriors lost at Sacramento in the play-in tournament on Tuesday night, Dunleavy now has to try to improve the team while also fulfilling his stated goal of bringing veteran Klay Thompson back. The Warriors have won four titles in the past decade with their now-aging core of Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green.

Utah and Florida clinch final two spots at NCAA championship, denying Oklahoma's bid for three-peat

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Utah and Florida clinched the remaining two spots at the NCAA women's gymnastics championship on Thursday night, denying No. 1 overall seed Oklahoma a chance at a three-peat. Utah took the lead on the first rotation after posting a season-high 49.6375 on the beam — with a 9.950 from Abby Paulson and Malie O'Keefe. Jaylene Gilstrap and O'Keefe also posted 9.950 on the floor to keep Utah in front. The Utes finished with 197.9375 points, while the Gators had 197.8750 for the fifth-highest score in program history at the championships. Defending champion Oklahoma suffered from five falls to place third with 196.6625, followed by Alabama (196.4125). Fifth-seeded Utah and No. 4 Florida join No. 2 LSU and No. 3 California in Saturday's finals.

Soldiers who lost limbs in Gaza fighting are finding healing on Israel's amputee soccer team

RAMAT GAN, Israel (AP) — Israel's national amputee soccer team is heading to France for the 2024 European Amputee Football Championships in June. The team lineup includes two Israeli soldiers who were seriously wounded and lost limbs during the war in Gaza sparked when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7. Another team member was wounded in the militants' attack on the Tribe of Nova music festival. Amputee soccer teams have six field players who are missing lower limbs and a goalkeeper with a missing upper extremity. Sixteen teams, mostly from Europe, will participate in the competition.

Chasing 5th straight win, Nelly Korda is 2 shots back at Chevron Championship after a first-round 68

THE WOODLANDS, Texas (AP) — Nelly Korda, who is looking to tie an LPGA Tour record with her fifth straight win, shot a 4-under 68 in the opening round of the Chevron Championship. That leaves her two shots behind leader Lauren Coughlin in the year's first major. The top-ranked Korda is seeking her second major after winning the Women's PGA Championship in 2021. She could join Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam as the only players to win five consecutive LPGA events. The 31-year-old Coughlin has never won on the LPGA Tour and shot a bogey-free 66.

Scheffler wiped out from Masters and opens with a 69 at Hilton Head. He trails Poston by 6 shots

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler is wiped out from his emotional Masters win and he's already back to work. He hit a shank. He was annoyed by mud balls. He still managed a 69 and trails J.T. Poston by six shots after the first round of the RBC Heritage. Poston ran off six birdies over seven holes for his great start. He leads Collin Morikawa and Seamus Power by two shots. Masters runner-up Ludvig Aberg is another shot behind. Scheffler didn't have much time to prepare and says he was giving himself some grace for not playing at his typical level.

Virginia law allows the state's colleges and universities to directly pay athletes through NIL deals

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia's governor has signed a law that allows state colleges and universities to directly pay athletes through name, image and likeness endorsement deals. The law signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin bypasses NCAA rules. It takes effect on July 1. NIL rules, enacted in 2021, allow college athletes to agree to deals with brands and businesses that compensate them for advertising or personal appearances. The NCAA says rules against "pay for play" and schools directly paying their athletes remain in place.

NHL team moving from Arizona to Salt Lake City will have a name starting with Utah

The NHL team moving from Arizona to Salt Lake City will be known as Utah, at least initially. New owner Ryan Smith says the name will begin with Utah and he does not want to rush the process of rebranding the franchise upon relocation. The league's board of governors unanimously approved the sale of the team to Smith Entertainment Group on Thursday. Smith has already contracted with an agency to oversee the process of determining a team name and logo. Former owner Alex Meruelo keeps the Coyotes name and has the chance to reactivate the franchise if he's able to build an arena.

NHL PLAYOFFS: 'It's wide open' is the theme as the race to the Stanley Cup begins

There is no prohibitive favorite to win the Stanley Cup as the NHL playoffs begin this weekend. Carolina gets the slight edge after the Hurricanes won 16 of their final 21 games and look every bit like a team poised for a long run. So did Boston last year after setting league records for the most wins and points in a season. This time it wouldn't be surprising if any one of nearly a dozen teams is the last one left standing in June. That group includes defending champion Vegas, 2023 East winner Florida and Connor McDavid's Edmonton Oilers.

		Miami	at	Chi Cubs	7:40 p.m.	(Postponed)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, April 19th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, April 19th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for April 19th, 2024.<div><iframe title="April 19th, 2024 AP Sports Update" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wbgvt-15ed083-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Butler, Williamson injuries are part of story for Heat-Bulls and Kings-Pelicans play-in finalesMIAMI (AP) — All four teams in the finales of the NBA play-in tournament on Friday night are dealing with injury issues. Chicago goes to Miami and then Sacramento plays at New Orleans. The winner of the Bulls-Heat game meets Boston in Round 1 and the Kings-Pelicans winner meets Oklahoma City. The Heat will be without Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier for their game against the Bulls, who had guard Alex Caruso go down to a sprained ankle in Wednesday's win over Atlanta. The Pelicans will be without Zion Williamson because of a hamstring injury.NFL draft has potential to set a record for most players on offense selected in the first roundThe 2024 NFL draft has the potential to set a record for most players on offense selected in the first round. No draft has seen more than 19 players on offense chosen in the first round. That happened three times, most recently in 2009. Many draft experts are predicting more than 20 offensive players will go in the first round and some have up to 25. The AP's final mock draft had 22 going in the first round, including 10 offensive linemen, six wide receivers, five quarterbacks and one tight end. Only once in the past 57 years have the first seven picks all been offensive players. That happened in 2021.GM Mike Dunleavy, Warriors look to regroup after missing the playoffs with Curry, Green, ThompsonSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the rest of Golden State's front office staff had a feeling this season would wind up short of the ultimate goal. That's the way the season went for Stephen Curry and Co. — losing big leads, making costly mistakes, repeatedly unable to deliver the big defensive stop when it mattered most. After the Warriors lost at Sacramento in the play-in tournament on Tuesday night, Dunleavy now has to try to improve the team while also fulfilling his stated goal of bringing veteran Klay Thompson back. The Warriors have won four titles in the past decade with their now-aging core of Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green.Utah and Florida clinch final two spots at NCAA championship, denying Oklahoma's bid for three-peatFORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Utah and Florida clinched the remaining two spots at the NCAA women's gymnastics championship on Thursday night, denying No. 1 overall seed Oklahoma a chance at a three-peat. Utah took the lead on the first rotation after posting a season-high 49.6375 on the beam — with a 9.950 from Abby Paulson and Malie O'Keefe. Jaylene Gilstrap and O'Keefe also posted 9.950 on the floor to keep Utah in front. The Utes finished with 197.9375 points, while the Gators had 197.8750 for the fifth-highest score in program history at the championships. Defending champion Oklahoma suffered from five falls to place third with 196.6625, followed by Alabama (196.4125). Fifth-seeded Utah and No. 4 Florida join No. 2 LSU and No. 3 California in Saturday's finals.Soldiers who lost limbs in Gaza fighting are finding healing on Israel's amputee soccer teamRAMAT GAN, Israel (AP) — Israel's national amputee soccer team is heading to France for the 2024 European Amputee Football Championships in June. The team lineup includes two Israeli soldiers who were seriously wounded and lost limbs during the war in Gaza sparked when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7. Another team member was wounded in the militants' attack on the Tribe of Nova music festival. Amputee soccer teams have six field players who are missing lower limbs and a goalkeeper with a missing upper extremity. Sixteen teams, mostly from Europe, will participate in the competition.Chasing 5th straight win, Nelly Korda is 2 shots back at Chevron Championship after a first-round 68THE WOODLANDS, Texas (AP) — Nelly Korda, who is looking to tie an LPGA Tour record with her fifth straight win, shot a 4-under 68 in the opening round of the Chevron Championship. That leaves her two shots behind leader Lauren Coughlin in the year's first major. The top-ranked Korda is seeking her second major after winning the Women's PGA Championship in 2021. She could join Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam as the only players to win five consecutive LPGA events. The 31-year-old Coughlin has never won on the LPGA Tour and shot a bogey-free 66.Scheffler wiped out from Masters and opens with a 69 at Hilton Head. He trails Poston by 6 shotsHILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler is wiped out from his emotional Masters win and he's already back to work. He hit a shank. He was annoyed by mud balls. He still managed a 69 and trails J.T. Poston by six shots after the first round of the RBC Heritage. Poston ran off six birdies over seven holes for his great start. He leads Collin Morikawa and Seamus Power by two shots. Masters runner-up Ludvig Aberg is another shot behind. Scheffler didn't have much time to prepare and says he was giving himself some grace for not playing at his typical level.Virginia law allows the state's colleges and universities to directly pay athletes through NIL dealsRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia's governor has signed a law that allows state colleges and universities to directly pay athletes through name, image and likeness endorsement deals. The law signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin bypasses NCAA rules. It takes effect on July 1. NIL rules, enacted in 2021, allow college athletes to agree to deals with brands and businesses that compensate them for advertising or personal appearances. The NCAA says rules against "pay for play" and schools directly paying their athletes remain in place.NHL team moving from Arizona to Salt Lake City will have a name starting with UtahThe NHL team moving from Arizona to Salt Lake City will be known as Utah, at least initially. New owner Ryan Smith says the name will begin with Utah and he does not want to rush the process of rebranding the franchise upon relocation. The league's board of governors unanimously approved the sale of the team to Smith Entertainment Group on Thursday. Smith has already contracted with an agency to oversee the process of determining a team name and logo. Former owner Alex Meruelo keeps the Coyotes name and has the chance to reactivate the franchise if he's able to build an arena.NHL PLAYOFFS: 'It's wide open' is the theme as the race to the Stanley Cup beginsThere is no prohibitive favorite to win the Stanley Cup as the NHL playoffs begin this weekend. Carolina gets the slight edge after the Hurricanes won 16 of their final 21 games and look every bit like a team poised for a long run. So did Boston last year after setting league records for the most wins and points in a season. This time it wouldn't be surprising if any one of nearly a dozen teams is the last one left standing in June. That group includes defending champion Vegas, 2023 East winner Florida and Connor McDavid's Edmonton Oilers.AP-ScorecardTODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Tampa Bay	2	L.A. Angels	1	Final	Cleveland	5	Boston	4	Final	Texas	9	Detroit	7	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Miami	at	Chi Cubs	7:40 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	San Francisco	5	Arizona	0	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Seattle	4	Minnesota	3	Final	Winnipeg	4	Vancouver	2	Final	Calgary	5	San Jose	1	Final	Colorado	5	Edmonton	1	Final	Anaheim	4	Vegas	1	Final OT	Los Angeles	5	Chicago	4	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Friday

WICHITA, Kan.—Ben Ross&nbsp;floated a single to center field to secure a 7-6 walk-off win for the Wichita Wind Surge in the bottom of the 10th inning over the Tulsa Drillers. For Wichita, they win their first game in 12 days and end a franchise-record nine-game losing streak.

After falling to an initial 4-0 Tulsa deficit on a two-run home run, RBI single, and sacrifice fly, The Wind Surge loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth inning.&nbsp;Noah Cardenas&nbsp;singled up the middle to bring in&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Andrew Cossetti. Cardenas later moved to second base after a Drillers throwing error. Two batters later, Jake Rucker grounded a double that hugged the third base line to score Cardenas and&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario, who stood 90 feet away on third base.

Wichita improved their lead to a 6-4 advantage by adding a run each in the fifth and sixth innings on an infield single by&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;in the bottom half of the fifth and a bases-loaded double play from Schobel in the sixth.

The Drillers scored two runs when they were down to their last outs in the top of the ninth to tie the game, and the Wind Surge didn’t respond in the last of the frame to head to extra innings for the second consecutive night.

Taylor Floyd&nbsp;struck out a pair of Drillers in the Tulsa tenth on a night when Wind Surge pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts, a whole 10 more than the previous game. Cardenas walked to open the bottom of the tenth, and although he was retired a batter later on a force out, pinch runner&nbsp;Alerick Soularie&nbsp;reached third base. Ross proceeded to end the game as the following batter with his long single to center field to score Soularie.

Wichita continues their series with Tulsa tomorrow, Friday, April 19, at Riverfront Stadium, with the first pitch time set for 7:05 PM. The game is the second Fireworks Friday of the year and the first of two this weekend where the Wind Surge play as the Chili Buns. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;to view the upcoming 2024 MiLB schedule.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713504668409.jpeg" alt="Walk off win for the Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Walk off win for the Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—Ben Ross&nbsp;floated a single to center field to secure a 7-6 walk-off win for the Wichita Wind Surge in the bottom of the 10th inning over the Tulsa Drillers. For Wichita, they win their first game in 12 days and end a franchise-record nine-game losing streak.After falling to an initial 4-0 Tulsa deficit on a two-run home run, RBI single, and sacrifice fly, The Wind Surge loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth inning.&nbsp;Noah Cardenas&nbsp;singled up the middle to bring in&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Andrew Cossetti. Cardenas later moved to second base after a Drillers throwing error. Two batters later, Jake Rucker grounded a double that hugged the third base line to score Cardenas and&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario, who stood 90 feet away on third base.Wichita improved their lead to a 6-4 advantage by adding a run each in the fifth and sixth innings on an infield single by&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;in the bottom half of the fifth and a bases-loaded double play from Schobel in the sixth.The Drillers scored two runs when they were down to their last outs in the top of the ninth to tie the game, and the Wind Surge didn’t respond in the last of the frame to head to extra innings for the second consecutive night.Taylor Floyd&nbsp;struck out a pair of Drillers in the Tulsa tenth on a night when Wind Surge pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts, a whole 10 more than the previous game. Cardenas walked to open the bottom of the tenth, and although he was retired a batter later on a force out, pinch runner&nbsp;Alerick Soularie&nbsp;reached third base. Ross proceeded to end the game as the following batter with his long single to center field to score Soularie.Wichita continues their series with Tulsa tomorrow, Friday, April 19, at Riverfront Stadium, with the first pitch time set for 7:05 PM. The game is the second Fireworks Friday of the year and the first of two this weekend where the Wind Surge play as the Chili Buns. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;to view the upcoming 2024 MiLB schedule.

⚾ Wichita walks off Tulsa to snap nine game losing skid

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Former Hutchinson High School Salthawk and current Barton Community College Cougar Myles Thompson has been selected as a participant in the 2024 NJCAA Men's Basketball All-Star Game.

The game will be played on Saturday, May 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada at Orleans Arena at 4 p.m. MDT.

Mozae Downing-Rivers of Barton will join Thompson as the two lone representatives from the Jayhawk Conference.

The 6-foot-7 redshirt sophomore from the Salt City averaged 14 points and seven rebounds in 37 appearances and 37 starts.&nbsp;

Thompson had a breakout national tournament appearance in the Sports Arena, averaging 20.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. He scored 20 or more points in three of the four games in the tournament, helping guide the Cougars to their first-ever national title.

He was selected as a first team all-conference selection, as well as on the all-tournament teams for the Region VI Tournament and the NJCAA National Tournament.

Participants are selected by the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association. There are 27 players on the roster for the game.

This year’s event had 13 Division I players, nine Division II players, five Division III players fill up the two rosters. Players will be selected by the coaches and separated into teams at a later date.&nbsp;

The coaches of this year’s teams will be all three NJCAA national championship coaches –&nbsp;Jeremy Coombs&nbsp;of Barton,&nbsp;Dillon Hargrove&nbsp;of National Park and&nbsp;Josh Mills&nbsp;of Dallas-North Lake.

This is the 14th&nbsp;NJCAA Men’s Basketball All-Star Game dating back to 2009.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713491092772.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy JCBCA on X" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy JCBCA on X</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Former Hutchinson High School Salthawk and current Barton Community College Cougar Myles Thompson has been selected as a participant in the 2024 NJCAA Men's Basketball All-Star Game.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🌟2024 ALL-STAR SELECTION🌟 Myles Thompson (<a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealMylesT_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRealMylesT_</a> ) of <a href="https://twitter.com/BartonHoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Bartonhoops</a> has been selected as a 2024 NJCAA Men&#39;s Basketball All-Star! ✅1st Team All-Conference ✅NJCAA All-Tournament Team 🏀 Averaged 14 PPG<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJCAABasketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJCAABasketball</a>🏀 <a href="https://t.co/ikLpSJToaz">pic.twitter.com/ikLpSJToaz</a>&mdash; JCBCA (@NJCAAMBBCoaches) <a href="https://twitter.com/NJCAAMBBCoaches/status/1781052580552171973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The game will be played on Saturday, May 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada at Orleans Arena at 4 p.m. MDT.Mozae Downing-Rivers of Barton will join Thompson as the two lone representatives from the Jayhawk Conference.The 6-foot-7 redshirt sophomore from the Salt City averaged 14 points and seven rebounds in 37 appearances and 37 starts.&nbsp;Thompson had a breakout national tournament appearance in the Sports Arena, averaging 20.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. He scored 20 or more points in three of the four games in the tournament, helping guide the Cougars to their first-ever national title.He was selected as a first team all-conference selection, as well as on the all-tournament teams for the Region VI Tournament and the NJCAA National Tournament.Participants are selected by the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association. There are 27 players on the roster for the game.This year’s event had 13 Division I players, nine Division II players, five Division III players fill up the two rosters. Players will be selected by the coaches and separated into teams at a later date.&nbsp;The coaches of this year’s teams will be all three NJCAA national championship coaches –&nbsp;Jeremy Coombs&nbsp;of Barton,&nbsp;Dillon Hargrove&nbsp;of National Park and&nbsp;Josh Mills&nbsp;of Dallas-North Lake.This is the 14th&nbsp;NJCAA Men’s Basketball All-Star Game dating back to 2009.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: Former Salthawk Thompson selected for national all-star game

LAWRENCE, Kan. — University of Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self received good news on Thursday, as AJ Storr, one of the top players in the transfer portal has committed to play for the Jayhawks next school year.

Storr is a 4-star ranked transfer according to 247Sports and was the third overall player in the portal this offseason.

The 6-foot-7 Storr appeared in 69 games in two seasons for the Badgers, averaging over 13 points and three rebounds.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713464019478.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wisconsin Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wisconsin Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. — University of Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self received good news on Thursday, as AJ Storr, one of the top players in the transfer portal has committed to play for the Jayhawks next school year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NCAA news: Wisconsin sophomore transfer AJ Storr – one of the top players in the portal – has chosen to play for the University of Kansas, he told <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthletic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAthletic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Stadium?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Stadium</a>. John Calipari&#39;s Arkansas, Illinois, Texas were finalists. Storr averaged 17 points and 4 rebounds this season.&mdash; Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1781012331247583742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Storr is a 4-star ranked transfer according to 247Sports and was the third overall player in the portal this offseason.The 6-foot-7 Storr appeared in 69 games in two seasons for the Badgers, averaging over 13 points and three rebounds.&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: KU receives commitment from Wisconsin transfer Storr

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

&nbsp; BROOKLINE, Mass. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/11461">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;had a game-high three RBI and the K-State pitching staff combined for 14 strikeouts, as the Wildcats held on for a 9-8 victory in 11 innings over Northeastern Wednesday at Friedman Diamond to jump back into the win column and end a four-game losing streak.

&nbsp; "Crazy game you know," K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2461">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;said following the game. "Baseball, it's a momentum game that can swing either way and it's about how you come back and respond."

&nbsp; After Northeastern (27-9) leveled the score to send the game into extras,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/11460">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;singled into left center to lead off the 11th&nbsp;inning before advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt and a ground out. With two outs and the go-ahead run on third, Huskies' reliever Jack Beauchesne spiked a 1-1 pitch into the turf for Culpepper to safely dive across the plate for the game-winning run.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It could have been catastrophic. There's no doubt about it, but it happens in the game. It's how you respond, and our kids responded great with high character and our bullpen came in and made pitches we needed," Hughes commented.

&nbsp; "I thought&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/11470">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/11477">Jackson Wentworth</a>&nbsp;were unbelievable coming in there when the momentum completely shifted, and then we get [Culpepper] at the top of the order there to lead off that inning and gets a big hit and was able to score the winning run.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; Wentworth displayed another dominant relief performance, as he tossed two perfect innings with four strikeouts to close the game. Neighbors surrendered three runs (two earned) on three hits in his two innings of work after inheriting a bases loaded jam in the eighth.

"Big character win for our program excited for our guys. That's a big win against a really good team."

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-wintroub/11539">Josh Wintroub</a>&nbsp;logged 4 1/3 scoreless innings in his first midweek start of the season. The Littleton, Colo., product scattered just two hits and retired 14 of 19 batters he faced with a game-high six strikeouts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; In its third extra-inning game of the season, K-State (22-14) had five different players produce hits including multi-hit efforts from four. Day, who hit second in the lineup for the first time all season, went 2-for-4 at the plate and drove in a game-high three runs with two walks and scored a run. Culpepper,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-bishop/11518">David Bishop</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-parsons/11530">Jaden Parsons</a>&nbsp;also turned in two-hit days.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; Five of K-State's six RBI were with two outs, as the Wildcats hit .257 (4-for-15) with two outs.&nbsp;

&nbsp; Northeastern sent eight pitchers to the mound with Beauchesne credited with the loss after allowing the final run.&nbsp;

THE RUNDOWN K-State scored five runs in three consecutive innings led off by a solo shot from Day. With out in the first frame, the Cats' second baseman belted his seventh homer of the season out to right center to open the game.

The Huskies immediately responded and quickly loaded the bases with a single and two hit batters but were left stranded as Wintroub locked in and retired six consecutive batters to help K-State build its lead.

With bases loaded in the second, Day delivered a two-out, two-run single to extend the Cats lead until Bishop launched his second homer of the year off the Huskies' scoreboard in left center to make it a five-run ballgame, 5-0.

&nbsp; The Wildcats stretched their lead out to seven with Bishop and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/11466">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;each scoring on a wild pitch.

Northwestern began to claw its way back into the game, scoring eight runs in a four-inning span.

Down 7-2, three Huskies were hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs forcing K-State to bring Neighbors to the mound. The Wildcats reliever got a ground ball, but a costly throwing error and a single to left capped the Cats' lead to two until Northeastern rallied for two runs in the ninth to send the game into extras.

&nbsp; The two squads went back-and-forth until Culpepper broke through with a base knock to left in the 11th&nbsp;and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Jones and groundout by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/11526">Chuck Ingram</a>. With two outs, a wild pitch got under the glove and away from the Huskies catcher to bring home a diving headfirst Culpepper for the deciding run.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713456909693.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp; BROOKLINE, Mass. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/11461">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;had a game-high three RBI and the K-State pitching staff combined for 14 strikeouts, as the Wildcats held on for a 9-8 victory in 11 innings over Northeastern Wednesday at Friedman Diamond to jump back into the win column and end a four-game losing streak.&nbsp; "Crazy game you know," K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2461">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;said following the game. "Baseball, it's a momentum game that can swing either way and it's about how you come back and respond."&nbsp; After Northeastern (27-9) leveled the score to send the game into extras,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/11460">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;singled into left center to lead off the 11th&nbsp;inning before advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt and a ground out. With two outs and the go-ahead run on third, Huskies' reliever Jack Beauchesne spiked a 1-1 pitch into the turf for Culpepper to safely dive across the plate for the game-winning run.&nbsp;&nbsp;"It could have been catastrophic. There's no doubt about it, but it happens in the game. It's how you respond, and our kids responded great with high character and our bullpen came in and made pitches we needed," Hughes commented.&nbsp; "I thought&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/11470">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/11477">Jackson Wentworth</a>&nbsp;were unbelievable coming in there when the momentum completely shifted, and then we get [Culpepper] at the top of the order there to lead off that inning and gets a big hit and was able to score the winning run.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wentworth displayed another dominant relief performance, as he tossed two perfect innings with four strikeouts to close the game. Neighbors surrendered three runs (two earned) on three hits in his two innings of work after inheriting a bases loaded jam in the eighth."Big character win for our program excited for our guys. That's a big win against a really good team."<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-wintroub/11539">Josh Wintroub</a>&nbsp;logged 4 1/3 scoreless innings in his first midweek start of the season. The Littleton, Colo., product scattered just two hits and retired 14 of 19 batters he faced with a game-high six strikeouts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In its third extra-inning game of the season, K-State (22-14) had five different players produce hits including multi-hit efforts from four. Day, who hit second in the lineup for the first time all season, went 2-for-4 at the plate and drove in a game-high three runs with two walks and scored a run. Culpepper,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-bishop/11518">David Bishop</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-parsons/11530">Jaden Parsons</a>&nbsp;also turned in two-hit days.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Five of K-State's six RBI were with two outs, as the Wildcats hit .257 (4-for-15) with two outs.&nbsp;&nbsp; Northeastern sent eight pitchers to the mound with Beauchesne credited with the loss after allowing the final run.&nbsp;THE RUNDOWN K-State scored five runs in three consecutive innings led off by a solo shot from Day. With out in the first frame, the Cats' second baseman belted his seventh homer of the season out to right center to open the game.The Huskies immediately responded and quickly loaded the bases with a single and two hit batters but were left stranded as Wintroub locked in and retired six consecutive batters to help K-State build its lead.With bases loaded in the second, Day delivered a two-out, two-run single to extend the Cats lead until Bishop launched his second homer of the year off the Huskies' scoreboard in left center to make it a five-run ballgame, 5-0.&nbsp; The Wildcats stretched their lead out to seven with Bishop and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/11466">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;each scoring on a wild pitch. Northwestern began to claw its way back into the game, scoring eight runs in a four-inning span.Down 7-2, three Huskies were hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs forcing K-State to bring Neighbors to the mound. The Wildcats reliever got a ground ball, but a costly throwing error and a single to left capped the Cats' lead to two until Northeastern rallied for two runs in the ninth to send the game into extras.&nbsp; The two squads went back-and-forth until Culpepper broke through with a base knock to left in the 11th&nbsp;and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Jones and groundout by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/11526">Chuck Ingram</a>. With two outs, a wild pitch got under the glove and away from the Huskies catcher to bring home a diving headfirst Culpepper for the deciding run.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ K-State survives Northeastern in extras

COLBY, Kan. — The HutchCC Blue Dragon softball team bounced back from its weekend losses to Butler with a doubleheader sweep of Colby on Wednesday afternoon at Carl Adams Park.

The Blue Dragons won game one, 3-0, and game two, 11-2 in five innings.

HutchCC is now 35-9 overall, 22-4 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons will host Seward County on Saturday at Fun Valley for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.

The Blue Dragons are currently four games back of first place Butler, and have a two-game lead on Saturdays opponent, Seward County.&nbsp;

Game 1: Hutchinson 3, Colby 0 Freshman Dakota Lake tossed a complete-game one-hit shutout, while striking out nine.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons scored all three of their runs in the top of the seventh inning to break the scoreless tie. Haven native, Brie Brawner drove in the games first run on an RBI single to left field, scoring Korri Lies. Three batters later, Newton native, Olivia Sandoval drove in two with a single to center field.

Lake faced the minimum in the bottom of the seventh to secure the Blue Dragon win.

Hutchinson - 000 000 3 - 3 6 1 Colby - 000 000 0 - 0 1 0 W: Lake. L: Villalobos Carillo.

Game 2 (5 Innings): Hutchinson 11, Colby 2 The Blue Dragons scored seven runs in the fourth inning to help break the game open and pick up the run-rule victory over the Trojans.

HutchCC struck first in the top of the first on an RBI double by Bel Aire native, Annie Kealy. The Blue Dragons scored one more in the second on a sacrifice fly from Attica native, Tamara Lozoya to put Hutch in front 2-0.

Colby scored its two runs in the third inning on a sacrifice fly and an RBI single. The Trojans&nbsp;

Hutch broke the 2-2 tie with a two-run double from Lozoya in the fourth inning. The next four batters all reached via base on balls, giving the Blue Dragons the 6-2 lead. Maize native, Alexis Mastin drove in two runs with a single to left field to put Hutch in front 8-2. Lies followed Mastin's hit up with an RBI single to center to cap the seven-run fourth inning.

The Blue Dragons added its final two runs in the fifth inning on a single to center from Jaeliegh Darnell.&nbsp;

Hutchinson - 110 720 x - 11 9 1&nbsp; Colby - 002 00x x - 2 6 2 W: Tomlinson. L: Rauzi.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713453058741.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>COLBY, Kan. — The HutchCC Blue Dragon softball team bounced back from its weekend losses to Butler with a doubleheader sweep of Colby on Wednesday afternoon at Carl Adams Park.The Blue Dragons won game one, 3-0, and game two, 11-2 in five innings.HutchCC is now 35-9 overall, 22-4 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons will host Seward County on Saturday at Fun Valley for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.The Blue Dragons are currently four games back of first place Butler, and have a two-game lead on Saturdays opponent, Seward County.&nbsp;Game 1: Hutchinson 3, Colby 0 Freshman Dakota Lake tossed a complete-game one-hit shutout, while striking out nine.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons scored all three of their runs in the top of the seventh inning to break the scoreless tie. Haven native, Brie Brawner drove in the games first run on an RBI single to left field, scoring Korri Lies. Three batters later, Newton native, Olivia Sandoval drove in two with a single to center field.Lake faced the minimum in the bottom of the seventh to secure the Blue Dragon win.Hutchinson - 000 000 3 - 3 6 1 Colby - 000 000 0 - 0 1 0 W: Lake. L: Villalobos Carillo.---Game 2 (5 Innings): Hutchinson 11, Colby 2 The Blue Dragons scored seven runs in the fourth inning to help break the game open and pick up the run-rule victory over the Trojans.HutchCC struck first in the top of the first on an RBI double by Bel Aire native, Annie Kealy. The Blue Dragons scored one more in the second on a sacrifice fly from Attica native, Tamara Lozoya to put Hutch in front 2-0.Colby scored its two runs in the third inning on a sacrifice fly and an RBI single. The Trojans&nbsp;Hutch broke the 2-2 tie with a two-run double from Lozoya in the fourth inning. The next four batters all reached via base on balls, giving the Blue Dragons the 6-2 lead. Maize native, Alexis Mastin drove in two runs with a single to left field to put Hutch in front 8-2. Lies followed Mastin's hit up with an RBI single to center to cap the seven-run fourth inning.The Blue Dragons added its final two runs in the fifth inning on a single to center from Jaeliegh Darnell.&nbsp;Hutchinson - 110 720 x - 11 9 1&nbsp; Colby - 002 00x x - 2 6 2 W: Tomlinson. L: Rauzi.

🥎 Blue Dragons sweep doubleheader at Colby

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College men's basketball sophomore guard Kamryn Thomas signed his letter of intent to further his academic and athletic career at the University of Nebraska Omaha on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.

Thomas played one season at HutchCC and earned <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/mbkb/2023-24/div1/all-americans/index">Third Team All-American honors</a> by the NJCAA. The 6-foot-8 guard from Chicago, Illinois played in 33 games, starting 31 of those. He averaged 16.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and shot 43.1 percent from behind the arc. Thomas finished fifth in single-season 3-point field goal makes in program history with 78.

Nebraska Omaha is a NCAA Division I school in Omaha and is a member of the Summit League. The Mavericks finished 15-18 this past season and are coached by Chris Crutchfield, who just completed his second season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713450976983.jpeg" alt="Kam Thomas signs his NLI with Nebraska Omaha on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Kam Thomas signs his NLI with Nebraska Omaha on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College men's basketball sophomore guard Kamryn Thomas signed his letter of intent to further his academic and athletic career at the University of Nebraska Omaha on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.Thomas played one season at HutchCC and earned <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/mbkb/2023-24/div1/all-americans/index">Third Team All-American honors</a> by the NJCAA. The 6-foot-8 guard from Chicago, Illinois played in 33 games, starting 31 of those. He averaged 16.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and shot 43.1 percent from behind the arc. Thomas finished fifth in single-season 3-point field goal makes in program history with 78.Nebraska Omaha is a NCAA Division I school in Omaha and is a member of the Summit League. The Mavericks finished 15-18 this past season and are coached by Chris Crutchfield, who just completed his second season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713451415480.jpeg" alt="HutchCC sophomore Kamryn Thomas is surrounded by teammates in the Club 1928 Room at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>HutchCC sophomore Kamryn Thomas is surrounded by teammates in the Club 1928 Room at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 MBB: HutchCC's Thomas inks with Nebraska Omaha

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Thursday, April 18th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Thursday, April 18th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="April 18th, 2024 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8ig45-15eb595-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals split with Sox ⚾ HutchCC Kam Thomas signs with Nebraska Omaha

Local Sports for April 18th, 2024 with Rob Dreher:

Joel Embiid scores 23 points, has the big assist as 76ers beat Heat in play-in to earn No. 7 seed

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid had 23 points, 15 rebounds and one huge assist to Kelly Oubre Jr. on a late go-ahead three-point play that led the 76ers to a 105-104 win over the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament on Wednesday night. The 76ers earned the seventh seed and advance to play the second-seeded New York Knicks in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Game 1 is Saturday at Madison Square Garden. The Heat - who went from the play-in tourney to the NBA Finals a year ago — host Chicago on Friday night. The winner gets the No. 8 seed.

NBA bans Jontay Porter after gambling probe shows he shared information, bet on games

The NBA has banned Toronto player Jontay Porter after a league probe found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors and bet on games. Porter, the league said, gave a bettor information about his own health status prior to Toronto's game on March 20. The league said another individual, known to be an NBA bettor, placed an $80,000 bet that Porter would not hit the numbers set for him in parlays through an online sports book. That bet would have won $1.1 million. Porter is the second person to be banned by Commissioner Adam Silver for violating league rules. The other was now-former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling in 2014.

Kimmich heads Bayern Munich past Arsenal and into Champions League semifinals

MUNICH (AP) — Joshua Kimmich's header powered Bayern Munich to a 1-0 win over Arsenal to reach the Champions League semifinals with a 3-2 victory on aggregate. Kimmich's header off Raphael Guerreiro's pinpoint cross put Bayern ahead in the 63rd minute as Bayern largely neutralized the English team's attack. Bayern kept alive its hopes of finishing the season with a trophy three days after Bayer Leverkusen ended Bayern's 11-year reign as German champion. Arsenal's Champions League exit follows a heavy blow to its Premier League title ambitions in a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Real Madrid beats Man City 4-3 on penalties to advance to the Champions League semifinals

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Real Madrid has advanced to the semifinals of the Champions League after beating Manchester City 4-3 on penalties at Etihad Stadium. Antonio Rudiger struck the decisive spot kick after the game had finished 1-1 through extra time and 4-4 on aggregate. Rodrygo fired 14-time champion Madrid ahead in the 12th minute with a twice-taken effort from close range to beat City goalkeeper Ederson on the rebound. City dominated the game from then on with Kevin De Bruyne leveling in the 76th by lifting a shot high into the net from close range.

Vinícius Junior injured in Real Madrid's Champions League quarterfinals match against Man City

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Vinícius Junior was taken off injured in the Champions League quarterfinals second leg between Manchester City and Real Madrid. The Brazil winger appeared to hurt his groin during a race to the ball with City defender Kyle Walker in extra time at Etihad Stadium. He was holding the inside of his thigh and dropped to the ground in pain before being replaced by Lucas Vazquez in the 103rd minute. The game had gone into extra time after finishing 1-1 in regulation. The match was tied 4-4 on aggregate after the first leg ended 3-3 in Madrid last week.

Stephen Curry tells the AP why 2024 is the right time to make his Olympic debut

Golden State guard Stephen Curry knew he was running out of chances to play in what would be his first Olympics, so he and his wife Ayesha started planning many months ago about how to make the Paris Games work for their family. Their growing family, that is. Ayesha Curry revealed in March that she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child and the baby is due in June. That's not entirely by accident; the couple thought ahead with hopes of keeping the Olympic months of July and August clear. Just in case. And USA Basketball made it official Wednesday, saying Curry is on the roster picked for the Paris Games.

Zion Williamson out for playoff play-in game vs. Kings; out 2 weeks if Pelicans advance

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zion Williamson has been ruled out of the New Orleans Pelicans' Western Conference play-in game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday night because of a left hamstring injury. And Williamson is expected to miss up to two weeks should New Orleans advance to the NBA playoffs. Williamson's status is the latest in a series of untimely injuries during his first five NBA seasons and removes the Pelicans leading scorer from their lineup for a do-or-die, play-in tournament finale that will decide the eighth seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Williamson missed most of his first four seasons because of a series of injuries but played in 70 games this season.

Party's over: Coyotes end tenure in the desert with raucous atmosphere before move

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah. For 60 minutes, they got one last chance to watch the team they came to love before the franchise as they know it is no more. The Coyotes are moving to Salt Lake City in a deal that could be signed less than 24 hours after Wednesday night's 5-2 win over Edmonton. Hockey could return, perhaps within five years, but the stark reality is this is the end for the foreseeable future. Not knowing if or when hockey will return, Coyotes fans treated the Mullett finale like one big party, even if it was a wake.

Dallas Stars clinch top seed in Western Conference by getting to overtime against Blues

DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Stars will be the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs for the first time since 2016. Dallas earned the point it needed by getting to overtime against St. Louis, then added another one by beating the Blues 2-1 in a shootout. The Stars finished with 113 points, the most since their franchise-record 114 on the way to winning their only Stanley Cup title in the 1998-99 season. Pacific Division champion Vancouver can only reach 111 points with a victory in its regular-season finale Thursday night. The Stars will play either reigning Stanley Cup champion Vegas or the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs.

Caitlin Clark looks like a natural as Indiana Fever introduce WNBA's top draft pick

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark walked to the dais in Indianapolis and looked like a natural. The former Iowa star and No. 1 overall draft pick discussed the WNBA's new television deal and the impact it could have on every player in the league. She talked about how she'd fit in with her new Indiana Fever teammates. She even explained the fear she had appearing on Saturday Night Live last weekend and teased Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton about playing at her rival school, Iowa State. But most of all, Clark talked about her desire to help the Fever win.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, April 18th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, April 18th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>Local Sports for April 18th, 2024 with Rob Dreher:<div><iframe title="April 18th, 2024 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8ig45-15eb595-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>AP Sports Summary for April 18th, 2024:<div><iframe title="April 18th, 2024 AP Sports in a Minute" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=c64cs-15eb518-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Joel Embiid scores 23 points, has the big assist as 76ers beat Heat in play-in to earn No. 7 seedPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid had 23 points, 15 rebounds and one huge assist to Kelly Oubre Jr. on a late go-ahead three-point play that led the 76ers to a 105-104 win over the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament on Wednesday night. The 76ers earned the seventh seed and advance to play the second-seeded New York Knicks in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Game 1 is Saturday at Madison Square Garden. The Heat - who went from the play-in tourney to the NBA Finals a year ago — host Chicago on Friday night. The winner gets the No. 8 seed.NBA bans Jontay Porter after gambling probe shows he shared information, bet on gamesThe NBA has banned Toronto player Jontay Porter after a league probe found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors and bet on games. Porter, the league said, gave a bettor information about his own health status prior to Toronto's game on March 20. The league said another individual, known to be an NBA bettor, placed an $80,000 bet that Porter would not hit the numbers set for him in parlays through an online sports book. That bet would have won $1.1 million. Porter is the second person to be banned by Commissioner Adam Silver for violating league rules. The other was now-former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling in 2014.Kimmich heads Bayern Munich past Arsenal and into Champions League semifinalsMUNICH (AP) — Joshua Kimmich's header powered Bayern Munich to a 1-0 win over Arsenal to reach the Champions League semifinals with a 3-2 victory on aggregate. Kimmich's header off Raphael Guerreiro's pinpoint cross put Bayern ahead in the 63rd minute as Bayern largely neutralized the English team's attack. Bayern kept alive its hopes of finishing the season with a trophy three days after Bayer Leverkusen ended Bayern's 11-year reign as German champion. Arsenal's Champions League exit follows a heavy blow to its Premier League title ambitions in a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa on Sunday.Real Madrid beats Man City 4-3 on penalties to advance to the Champions League semifinalsMANCHESTER, England (AP) — Real Madrid has advanced to the semifinals of the Champions League after beating Manchester City 4-3 on penalties at Etihad Stadium. Antonio Rudiger struck the decisive spot kick after the game had finished 1-1 through extra time and 4-4 on aggregate. Rodrygo fired 14-time champion Madrid ahead in the 12th minute with a twice-taken effort from close range to beat City goalkeeper Ederson on the rebound. City dominated the game from then on with Kevin De Bruyne leveling in the 76th by lifting a shot high into the net from close range.Vinícius Junior injured in Real Madrid's Champions League quarterfinals match against Man CityMANCHESTER, England (AP) — Vinícius Junior was taken off injured in the Champions League quarterfinals second leg between Manchester City and Real Madrid. The Brazil winger appeared to hurt his groin during a race to the ball with City defender Kyle Walker in extra time at Etihad Stadium. He was holding the inside of his thigh and dropped to the ground in pain before being replaced by Lucas Vazquez in the 103rd minute. The game had gone into extra time after finishing 1-1 in regulation. The match was tied 4-4 on aggregate after the first leg ended 3-3 in Madrid last week.Stephen Curry tells the AP why 2024 is the right time to make his Olympic debutGolden State guard Stephen Curry knew he was running out of chances to play in what would be his first Olympics, so he and his wife Ayesha started planning many months ago about how to make the Paris Games work for their family. Their growing family, that is. Ayesha Curry revealed in March that she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child and the baby is due in June. That's not entirely by accident; the couple thought ahead with hopes of keeping the Olympic months of July and August clear. Just in case. And USA Basketball made it official Wednesday, saying Curry is on the roster picked for the Paris Games.Zion Williamson out for playoff play-in game vs. Kings; out 2 weeks if Pelicans advanceNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zion Williamson has been ruled out of the New Orleans Pelicans' Western Conference play-in game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday night because of a left hamstring injury. And Williamson is expected to miss up to two weeks should New Orleans advance to the NBA playoffs. Williamson's status is the latest in a series of untimely injuries during his first five NBA seasons and removes the Pelicans leading scorer from their lineup for a do-or-die, play-in tournament finale that will decide the eighth seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Williamson missed most of his first four seasons because of a series of injuries but played in 70 games this season.Party's over: Coyotes end tenure in the desert with raucous atmosphere before moveTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah. For 60 minutes, they got one last chance to watch the team they came to love before the franchise as they know it is no more. The Coyotes are moving to Salt Lake City in a deal that could be signed less than 24 hours after Wednesday night's 5-2 win over Edmonton. Hockey could return, perhaps within five years, but the stark reality is this is the end for the foreseeable future. Not knowing if or when hockey will return, Coyotes fans treated the Mullett finale like one big party, even if it was a wake.Dallas Stars clinch top seed in Western Conference by getting to overtime against BluesDALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Stars will be the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs for the first time since 2016. Dallas earned the point it needed by getting to overtime against St. Louis, then added another one by beating the Blues 2-1 in a shootout. The Stars finished with 113 points, the most since their franchise-record 114 on the way to winning their only Stanley Cup title in the 1998-99 season. Pacific Division champion Vancouver can only reach 111 points with a victory in its regular-season finale Thursday night. The Stars will play either reigning Stanley Cup champion Vegas or the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs.Caitlin Clark looks like a natural as Indiana Fever introduce WNBA's top draft pickINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark walked to the dais in Indianapolis and looked like a natural. The former Iowa star and No. 1 overall draft pick discussed the WNBA's new television deal and the impact it could have on every player in the league. She talked about how she'd fit in with her new Indiana Fever teammates. She even explained the fear she had appearing on Saturday Night Live last weekend and teased Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton about playing at her rival school, Iowa State. But most of all, Clark talked about her desire to help the Fever win.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Atlanta	5	Houston	4	Final	Oakland	6	St. Louis	3	Final	Seattle	5	Cincinnati	1	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	4	Minnesota	2	Final	Texas	5	Detroit	4	Final	Kansas City	4	Chicago White Sox	2	Final	N.Y. Yankees	6	Toronto	4	Final	Chicago White Sox	2	Kansas City	1	Final	Boston	2	Cleveland	0	Final	L.A. Angels	5	Tampa Bay	4	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	San Francisco	3	Miami	1	Final	Milwaukee	1	San Diego	0	Final	N.Y. Mets	9	Pittsburgh	1	Final	Washington	2	L.A. Dodgers	0	Final	Chicago Cubs	5	Arizona	3	Final	Philadelphia	7	Colorado	6	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Philadelphia	105	Miami	104	Final	Chicago	131	Atlanta	116	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Tampa Bay	6	Toronto	4	Final	N-Y Islanders	5	Pittsburgh	4	Final SO	Dallas	2	St. Louis	1	Final	Arizona	5	Edmonton	2	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___AMERICAN LEAGUE		L-A Angels	at	Tampa Bay	1:10 p.m.			Texas	at	Detroit	1:10 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Boston	1:35 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Miami	at	Chi Cubs	7:40 p.m.			Arizona	at	San Francisco	9:45 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Seattle	at	Minnesota	7 p.m.			Vancouver	at	Winnipeg	8 p.m.			San Jose	at	Calgary	9 p.m.			Edmonton	at	Colorado	9:30 p.m.			Anaheim	at	Vegas	10 p.m.			Chicago	at	Los Angeles	10:30 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Thursday

WICHITA, Kan.—Kyler Fedko&nbsp;got his second straight game with an RBI on a single in the fifth to score&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;before the Wichita Wind Surge lost 2-1 in 11 innings against the Tulsa Drillers.

What looked to be trouble in the top of the second inning was left stranded when&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;caught a flyout to end the frame with the bases loaded with Drillers.

The Wichita fielding shined the brightest on the first Education Day of the season at Riverfront Stadium.&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;started one to end the top of the fifth on a shovel pass to&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;to start a 6-4-3.&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;also spun after collecting a ground ball to start the second, which went around the horn 5-4-3 in the top half of the ninth.

The go-ahead run for the Drillers came across on a single to left field at the top of the eleventh. The Wind Surge went down 1-2-3 to end the game, adding to their franchise-record losing streak, which now stands at nine consecutive contests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713442949244.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge fall in extra innings to Tulsa" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge fall in extra innings to Tulsa</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—Kyler Fedko&nbsp;got his second straight game with an RBI on a single in the fifth to score&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;before the Wichita Wind Surge lost 2-1 in 11 innings against the Tulsa Drillers.What looked to be trouble in the top of the second inning was left stranded when&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;caught a flyout to end the frame with the bases loaded with Drillers.The Wichita fielding shined the brightest on the first Education Day of the season at Riverfront Stadium.&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;started one to end the top of the fifth on a shovel pass to&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;to start a 6-4-3.&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;also spun after collecting a ground ball to start the second, which went around the horn 5-4-3 in the top half of the ninth.The go-ahead run for the Drillers came across on a single to left field at the top of the eleventh. The Wind Surge went down 1-2-3 to end the game, adding to their franchise-record losing streak, which now stands at nine consecutive contests.

⚾ Wichita falls in extra innings again

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.

<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>MATT CARLSON Associated PressCHICAGO (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).