BY TIM REYNOLDS Associated Press

Kyrie Irving returning to Boston. Luka Doncic’s first trip to the title round. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, getting another chance at a ring. Kristaps Porzingis facing his former team, too.

Pick a storyline. There are many in these NBA Finals.

The matchup is now set: It’ll be Boston against Dallas for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, a series that starts on the Celtics’ home floor on June 6 — meaning everyone will be sitting around and waiting for about a week, a byproduct of the Celtics and Mavericks making short work of their respective conference finals.

Dallas eliminated Minnesota on Thursday night, winning 124-103 to finish off a 4-1 victory in the Western Conference finals. Boston’s spot was clinched Monday night, after the Celtics beat Indiana 108-105 to cap a 4-0 series in the East.

“We’re going to the NBA Finals,” Doncic said during the on-court celebration in Minneapolis on Thursday night. “Just can’t believe it, man.”

It’s Boston’s second time in the finals in the last three seasons, after falling to Golden State in six games in 2022. Dallas is in the title round for the first time since winning the championship against Miami in 2011.

Much will be made, and rightly so, of Irving and the Celtics meeting with a title on the line. Boston made a blockbuster move in 2017 by trading for Irving, with the hopes of seeing him grace its parquet floor in the NBA Finals.

Hey, it’ll happen now — just not as the sides envisioned seven years ago.

Irving was an All-Star in both of his Boston seasons, then left as a free agent to join the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 a few months after saying — vowing, really — that he would be staying with the Celtics. There have been some interesting moments in his returns to Boston; he’s been routinely booed and had a water bottle thrown at him, while he’s been fined for making an obscene gesture and raised ire by stomping on the Celtics’ leprechaun logo at midcourt following a Brooklyn playoff win there.

“Boston’s in the way and in between our goal,” Irving said when the West finals ended Thursday night.

Irving’s message to the Mavericks: Enjoy this moment.

“Nothing’s guaranteed in this league, especially making it to the finals every year,” said Irving, who won a title playing alongside LeBron James with Cleveland in 2016. “We couldn’t have done it without a collective responsibility, us working together every single day, practicing hard, doing the little things. We should reward ourselves by playing hard.”

Porzingis spent nearly three years in Dallas after being traded there by the New York Knicks in 2019. He’s in his first season in Boston and has been a huge part of the Celtics’ success — but got hurt in Round 1 against Miami and hasn’t played since, though it seems reasonable to think he may be ready for the NBA Finals.

“He’s progressing well and he’s working really hard to get back,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.

The Celtics won the two head-to-head meetings against the Mavericks in the regular season, 119-110 at Dallas on Jan. 22 and then 138-110 in Boston on March 1.

The Mavericks didn’t have an answer for Tatum; he had 39 points in the January game, 32 in the March matchup. The Celtics didn’t have an answer for Doncic; he had triple-doubles in both games — 33 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists in January, then 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in March.

“This group believes,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who played for the Dallas team that won a title in 2011. “They believe in each other. ... This is a special group.”

The Celtics are seeking their 18th title overall, which would break a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most in NBA history, and their first championship since 2008.

Against the Warriors two years ago, the championship experience of Golden State prevailed. Lessons were learned then, Boston has insisted since, and the Celtics will get a chance to finish the season differently this time.

“It’s a new challenge. It’s a different situation,” Celtics center Al Horford said. “I’m just excited to be in this position and to have this opportunity.”

The Celtics will have spent more than a week without a game before the finals start. Mazzulla said all that downtime won’t be spent idly.

“Nothing’s really valuable if you let it go to waste,” Mazzulla said. “Between now and June 6th, we have to take every experience that we’ve been through, and we’ve got to make sure we take advantage of it and that we utilize it to put ourselves in the best position to win.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591268114277.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY TIM REYNOLDS Associated PressKyrie Irving returning to Boston. Luka Doncic’s first trip to the title round. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, getting another chance at a ring. Kristaps Porzingis facing his former team, too.Pick a storyline. There are many in these NBA Finals.The matchup is now set: It’ll be Boston against Dallas for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, a series that starts on the Celtics’ home floor on June 6 — meaning everyone will be sitting around and waiting for about a week, a byproduct of the Celtics and Mavericks making short work of their respective conference finals.Dallas eliminated Minnesota on Thursday night, winning 124-103 to finish off a 4-1 victory in the Western Conference finals. Boston’s spot was clinched Monday night, after the Celtics beat Indiana 108-105 to cap a 4-0 series in the East.“We’re going to the NBA Finals,” Doncic said during the on-court celebration in Minneapolis on Thursday night. “Just can’t believe it, man.”It’s Boston’s second time in the finals in the last three seasons, after falling to Golden State in six games in 2022. Dallas is in the title round for the first time since winning the championship against Miami in 2011.Much will be made, and rightly so, of Irving and the Celtics meeting with a title on the line. Boston made a blockbuster move in 2017 by trading for Irving, with the hopes of seeing him grace its parquet floor in the NBA Finals.Hey, it’ll happen now — just not as the sides envisioned seven years ago.Irving was an All-Star in both of his Boston seasons, then left as a free agent to join the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 a few months after saying — vowing, really — that he would be staying with the Celtics. There have been some interesting moments in his returns to Boston; he’s been routinely booed and had a water bottle thrown at him, while he’s been fined for making an obscene gesture and raised ire by stomping on the Celtics’ leprechaun logo at midcourt following a Brooklyn playoff win there.“Boston’s in the way and in between our goal,” Irving said when the West finals ended Thursday night.Irving’s message to the Mavericks: Enjoy this moment.“Nothing’s guaranteed in this league, especially making it to the finals every year,” said Irving, who won a title playing alongside LeBron James with Cleveland in 2016. “We couldn’t have done it without a collective responsibility, us working together every single day, practicing hard, doing the little things. We should reward ourselves by playing hard.”Porzingis spent nearly three years in Dallas after being traded there by the New York Knicks in 2019. He’s in his first season in Boston and has been a huge part of the Celtics’ success — but got hurt in Round 1 against Miami and hasn’t played since, though it seems reasonable to think he may be ready for the NBA Finals.“He’s progressing well and he’s working really hard to get back,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.The Celtics won the two head-to-head meetings against the Mavericks in the regular season, 119-110 at Dallas on Jan. 22 and then 138-110 in Boston on March 1.The Mavericks didn’t have an answer for Tatum; he had 39 points in the January game, 32 in the March matchup. The Celtics didn’t have an answer for Doncic; he had triple-doubles in both games — 33 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists in January, then 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in March.Those games won’t mean much now.“This group believes,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who played for the Dallas team that won a title in 2011. “They believe in each other. ... This is a special group.”The Celtics are seeking their 18th title overall, which would break a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most in NBA history, and their first championship since 2008.Against the Warriors two years ago, the championship experience of Golden State prevailed. Lessons were learned then, Boston has insisted since, and the Celtics will get a chance to finish the season differently this time.“It’s a new challenge. It’s a different situation,” Celtics center Al Horford said. “I’m just excited to be in this position and to have this opportunity.”The Celtics will have spent more than a week without a game before the finals start. Mazzulla said all that downtime won’t be spent idly.“Nothing’s really valuable if you let it go to waste,” Mazzulla said. “Between now and June 6th, we have to take every experience that we’ve been through, and we’ve got to make sure we take advantage of it and that we utilize it to put ourselves in the best position to win.”

🏀 The NBA Finals are set, with Boston set to face Dallas for the Larry O’Brien Trophy

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, May 31st, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, May 31st, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="May 31st, 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=ct9a6-162abc8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Twins edge Royals; ⚾ Wind Surge lose to Springfield; 🏈 Chiefs to visit White House

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Ryan Jeffers homered twice and Carlos Correa added a two-out, bases-clearing triple in the sixth inning as the Minnesota Twins rallied from a four-run deficit for a 7-6 win over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday.

Reliever Chris Stratton (2-3) allowed pinch-hitter Max Kepler's RBI single and walked two batters to load the bases with two outs.

Correa lifted a 3-1 fastball down the right-field line to break a 4-4 tie. It was Correa's second triple of the season.

“Key at-bat in the game; I was just trying to stay inside the ball,” Correa said during a postgame interview with Bally Sports North. "I felt like I was pulling off the first couple at-bats, so I had to make an in-game adjustment and try to stay inside the ball on that one, and good things happened.”

Jeffers’ first home run of the game, a two-run blast into the left-field bullpen in the bottom of the fourth, cut the Royals’ 4-0 lead in half. Jeffers, who leads the Twins with 12 home runs, had gone 5 for 43 since his previous homer on May 14.

“It felt like it’s been forever,” said Jeffers, who had his third career multi-homer game. "I've been feeling really good. I think my swing has been back, my approach has been back."

“I like what we’re doing. I like how hard we’re playing. I like the intensity and the grit that we’re playing with. Once we get down, it doesn’t really matter.”

Reliever Caleb Thielbar (2-1) got the win for the Twins, who took three of four in the series. Minnesota is an American League-best 24-12 since a 7-13 start.

“Today was a good day,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “We’re finding ways to come back and win games. I think we’re playing tough.”

Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez each homered for Kansas City. Starting pitcher Daniel Lynch IV allowed two earned runs in five innings just hours after being called up from Triple-A Omaha.

Scheduled Kansas City starter Brady Singer was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-brady-singer-fdf2252d58ab6afb3e253495bbe20999">scratched</a>&nbsp;because of illness shortly before the 12:10 p.m. game. Lynch allowed five hits, including both Jeffers home runs, and struck out two in his second big-league start this season.

“He threw the ball well," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Lynch. "Forced contact, got them early swinging, pitch count was really low. They got to him with the home run ball, but other than that, I thought he threw it really well.”

Back in the lineup two days after a first-base collision with Byron Buxton, Pasquantino smashed a 1-0 curveball into the second deck of right-field seats to give Kansas City a 2-0 lead in the first. Bobby Witt Jr. added another run with a double to left-center field in the third, and Melendez homered off Twins starter Chris Paddack in the fourth inning over the right-field fence to make it 4-0.

Witt added a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth, but Twins closer Jhoan Duran retired Pasquantino on a grounder to the mound to earn his ninth save.

Paddack allowed four earned runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings for the Twins.

“You look at our season, it’s been very streaky,” Paddack said. “We just had a player meeting and reminded ourselves: ‘Go out there and have fun fellas.' We have every piece that we need in this clubhouse to get back to where we want to get to."

Royals: Optioned Carlos Hernández to Triple-A Omaha to make room on the roster for Lynch.

Royals: Right-hander Michael Wacha (4-5, 4.31 ERA) is scheduled to start Friday against Padres right-hander Dylan Cease (5-4, 3.29) in the first of a three-game series in Kansas City.

Twins: Begin a nine-game, 10-day road trip Friday when right-hander Pablo López (4-5, 5.25 ERA) faces Houston right-hander Ronel Blanco (5-0, 1.99).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708710110872.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PHIL ERVIN Associated PressMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Ryan Jeffers homered twice and Carlos Correa added a two-out, bases-clearing triple in the sixth inning as the Minnesota Twins rallied from a four-run deficit for a 7-6 win over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday.Reliever Chris Stratton (2-3) allowed pinch-hitter Max Kepler's RBI single and walked two batters to load the bases with two outs.Correa lifted a 3-1 fastball down the right-field line to break a 4-4 tie. It was Correa's second triple of the season.“Key at-bat in the game; I was just trying to stay inside the ball,” Correa said during a postgame interview with Bally Sports North. "I felt like I was pulling off the first couple at-bats, so I had to make an in-game adjustment and try to stay inside the ball on that one, and good things happened.”Jeffers’ first home run of the game, a two-run blast into the left-field bullpen in the bottom of the fourth, cut the Royals’ 4-0 lead in half. Jeffers, who leads the Twins with 12 home runs, had gone 5 for 43 since his previous homer on May 14.“It felt like it’s been forever,” said Jeffers, who had his third career multi-homer game. "I've been feeling really good. I think my swing has been back, my approach has been back."“I like what we’re doing. I like how hard we’re playing. I like the intensity and the grit that we’re playing with. Once we get down, it doesn’t really matter.”Reliever Caleb Thielbar (2-1) got the win for the Twins, who took three of four in the series. Minnesota is an American League-best 24-12 since a 7-13 start.“Today was a good day,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “We’re finding ways to come back and win games. I think we’re playing tough.”Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez each homered for Kansas City. Starting pitcher Daniel Lynch IV allowed two earned runs in five innings just hours after being called up from Triple-A Omaha.Scheduled Kansas City starter Brady Singer was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-brady-singer-fdf2252d58ab6afb3e253495bbe20999">scratched</a>&nbsp;because of illness shortly before the 12:10 p.m. game. Lynch allowed five hits, including both Jeffers home runs, and struck out two in his second big-league start this season.“He threw the ball well," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Lynch. "Forced contact, got them early swinging, pitch count was really low. They got to him with the home run ball, but other than that, I thought he threw it really well.”Back in the lineup two days after a first-base collision with Byron Buxton, Pasquantino smashed a 1-0 curveball into the second deck of right-field seats to give Kansas City a 2-0 lead in the first. Bobby Witt Jr. added another run with a double to left-center field in the third, and Melendez homered off Twins starter Chris Paddack in the fourth inning over the right-field fence to make it 4-0.Witt added a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth, but Twins closer Jhoan Duran retired Pasquantino on a grounder to the mound to earn his ninth save.Paddack allowed four earned runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings for the Twins.“You look at our season, it’s been very streaky,” Paddack said. “We just had a player meeting and reminded ourselves: ‘Go out there and have fun fellas.' We have every piece that we need in this clubhouse to get back to where we want to get to."TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Optioned Carlos Hernández to Triple-A Omaha to make room on the roster for Lynch.UP NEXTRoyals: Right-hander Michael Wacha (4-5, 4.31 ERA) is scheduled to start Friday against Padres right-hander Dylan Cease (5-4, 3.29) in the first of a three-game series in Kansas City.Twins: Begin a nine-game, 10-day road trip Friday when right-hander Pablo López (4-5, 5.25 ERA) faces Houston right-hander Ronel Blanco (5-0, 1.99).

⚾ Twins win over Royals Thursday

Doncic's 36 points spur Mavericks to NBA Finals with 124-103 toppling of Timberwolves in Game 5

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luka Doncic had a 20-point first quarter on his way to 36 points for his high this postseason, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-103 to breeze through the Western Conference finals in five games. Kyrie Irving also scored 36 points for the Mavericks. They built a 29-point halftime lead on 61% shooting to deflate the once-energized crowd and went up by 36 in the third quarter. The Mavs have a week to rest before the NBA Finals begin in Boston. Anthony Edwards scored 28 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 28 points and 12 rebounds for the Wolves.

The NBA Finals are set, with Boston set to face Dallas for the Larry O'Brien Trophy

Kyrie Irving returning to Boston. Luka Doncic's first trip to the title round. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, getting another chance at a ring. Kristaps Porzingis facing his former team, too. Pick a storyline. There are many in these NBA Finals. The matchup is now set: It'll be Boston vs. Dallas for the Larry O'Brien Trophy, a series that starts on the Celtics' home floor on June 6 — meaning everyone will be sitting around and waiting for about a week, a byproduct of the Celtics and Mavericks making short work of their respective conference finals.

Panthers beat Rangers 3-2 in Game 5 to move within win of Stanley Cup Final return

NEW YORK (AP) — Anton Lundell broke a tie with 9:38 left and the Florida Panthers moved within a victory of returning to the Stanley Cup Final, beating the New York Rangers 3-2 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final Thursday night. Gustav Forsling and Sam Bennett also scored, and Sergei Bobrovsky made 25 saves to help the Panthers win their second straight in the best-of-series series after losing Games 2 and 3 in overtime. Chris Kreider and Alexis Lafreniere scored for the Rangers, and Igor Shesterkin made 34 saves in another magnificent effort. The Panthers can end the series Saturday in Florida. If a seventh game is necessary, it will be at Madison Square Garden, where the Panthers have won twice this series.

Oh, Nelly! Korda makes a 10 on one hole and posts an 80 in U.S. Women's Open

LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) — For Nelly Korda, this was a most imperfect 10. The No. 1 player in women's golf had a shocker of a start in the U.S. Women's Open when she made a 10 on her third hole. She wound up with an 80, matching her worst score as a professional. Korda hit into the water three times on the par-3 12th hole. Korda hit her tee shot into a back bunker. Her sand shot went through the green into the water. She dropped on the other side of the stream, and her next two chips rolled back into the water. Korda says "today was just a bad day."

Jorge López cut by Mets, a day after the reliever threw his glove into the stands following ejection

NEW YORK (AP) — Jorge López has been cut by the struggling New York Mets, a day after the reliever threw his glove into the stands following his ejection at Citi Field. The Mets have seven days to trade or release López or to assign him outright to the minors if he goes unclaimed. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza had called the outburst "not acceptable" and said it would be handled internally. López expressed no remorse. López gave up a two-run homer to Shohei Ohtani late in a 10-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander was ejected moments later for shouting at third base umpire Ramon De Jesus.

American Peyton Stearns leads unseeded players pulling off upsets on a long day at the French Open

PARIS (AP) — Unseeded American Peyton Stearns' elimination of No. 10 Daria Kasatkina at the French Open was one of several losses for seeded women on a rainy day filled with matches. Play was still continuing after midnight as Thursday turned to Friday because weather delays kept stopping the action and organizers were determined to complete the second round. It's a good thing the French tennis federation installed artificial lights on every court at Roland Garros in 2021. Stearns is a 22-year-old from Cincinnati who won an NCAA singles title at the University of Texas. She used 17 forehand winners through the cold, damp and slow conditions to defeat Kasatkina 7-5, 6-2.

Saso survives brutal starts of US Women's Open that sent Korda to an 80

LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) — Yuka Saso is leading the U.S. Women's Open with a 68 on a day of survival at Lancaster Country Club. The course is playing so difficult that only four players broke par. One of them was Adela Cernousek, the recent NCAA champion from France. Nelly Korda turned in the biggest shocker. She made a 10 on her third hole and went on to shoot 80. Korda wasn't alone. The leading 10 players in the women's world ranking averaged 75.5. Brooke Henderson and Lydia Ko each shot 80. Rose Zhang had a 79. Saso won the Women's Open three years ago.

Dolphins agree to 3-year, $84.75 million contract extension with WR Jaylen Waddle, AP source says

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — A person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press that wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has agreed to a three-year, $84.75 million contract extension with the Miami Dolphins. The deal includes $76 million guaranteed and keeps Waddle under contract through the 2028 season. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract details have not been announced. Waddle will now become one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL after three productive seasons to start his pro career.

Schools in basketball-centric leagues face different economic challenges with NCAA settlement

Schools in basketball-centric leagues face the challenge of generating revenue to pay future players without the lucrative revenues from football. The NCAA and major college conferences approved the settlement of a federal class-action lawsuit on paying athletes. That includes paying $2.77 billion to former athletes over 10 years. But leagues like the Big East, Atlantic 10 and West Coast Conferences depend on basketball, which lags behind football in terms of generating revenue. That could create challenges in keeping up with teams in the power conferences when it comes to the ability to pay future players.

Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen appears headed to injured list after straining right hamstring

NEW YORK (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen appears headed to the injured list after straining his right hamstring five pitches into a 3-2 loss to the New York Mets. The 28-year-old right-hander, who finished among the top five in NL Cy Young Award voting in each of the last two seasons, was scheduled to return to Phoenix on Friday for a scan. Gallen felt the injury on his knuckle-curve that Francisco Lindor lined to center for a leadoff single. Gallen also felt a hamstring issue in an April 26 start at Seattle and a May 18 outing against Detroit.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		N-Y Yankees	at	San Francisco	10:15 p.m.	

		San Jose	at	New York City FC	7:30 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, May 31st, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, May 31st, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Report for May 31st, 2024:<div><iframe title="AP Sports Report for May 31st, 2024" 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=ggmw8-162ab77-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Doncic's 36 points spur Mavericks to NBA Finals with 124-103 toppling of Timberwolves in Game 5MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luka Doncic had a 20-point first quarter on his way to 36 points for his high this postseason, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-103 to breeze through the Western Conference finals in five games. Kyrie Irving also scored 36 points for the Mavericks. They built a 29-point halftime lead on 61% shooting to deflate the once-energized crowd and went up by 36 in the third quarter. The Mavs have a week to rest before the NBA Finals begin in Boston. Anthony Edwards scored 28 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 28 points and 12 rebounds for the Wolves.The NBA Finals are set, with Boston set to face Dallas for the Larry O'Brien TrophyKyrie Irving returning to Boston. Luka Doncic's first trip to the title round. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, getting another chance at a ring. Kristaps Porzingis facing his former team, too. Pick a storyline. There are many in these NBA Finals. The matchup is now set: It'll be Boston vs. Dallas for the Larry O'Brien Trophy, a series that starts on the Celtics' home floor on June 6 — meaning everyone will be sitting around and waiting for about a week, a byproduct of the Celtics and Mavericks making short work of their respective conference finals.Panthers beat Rangers 3-2 in Game 5 to move within win of Stanley Cup Final returnNEW YORK (AP) — Anton Lundell broke a tie with 9:38 left and the Florida Panthers moved within a victory of returning to the Stanley Cup Final, beating the New York Rangers 3-2 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final Thursday night. Gustav Forsling and Sam Bennett also scored, and Sergei Bobrovsky made 25 saves to help the Panthers win their second straight in the best-of-series series after losing Games 2 and 3 in overtime. Chris Kreider and Alexis Lafreniere scored for the Rangers, and Igor Shesterkin made 34 saves in another magnificent effort. The Panthers can end the series Saturday in Florida. If a seventh game is necessary, it will be at Madison Square Garden, where the Panthers have won twice this series.Oh, Nelly! Korda makes a 10 on one hole and posts an 80 in U.S. Women's OpenLANCASTER, Pa. (AP) — For Nelly Korda, this was a most imperfect 10. The No. 1 player in women's golf had a shocker of a start in the U.S. Women's Open when she made a 10 on her third hole. She wound up with an 80, matching her worst score as a professional. Korda hit into the water three times on the par-3 12th hole. Korda hit her tee shot into a back bunker. Her sand shot went through the green into the water. She dropped on the other side of the stream, and her next two chips rolled back into the water. Korda says "today was just a bad day."Jorge López cut by Mets, a day after the reliever threw his glove into the stands following ejectionNEW YORK (AP) — Jorge López has been cut by the struggling New York Mets, a day after the reliever threw his glove into the stands following his ejection at Citi Field. The Mets have seven days to trade or release López or to assign him outright to the minors if he goes unclaimed. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza had called the outburst "not acceptable" and said it would be handled internally. López expressed no remorse. López gave up a two-run homer to Shohei Ohtani late in a 10-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander was ejected moments later for shouting at third base umpire Ramon De Jesus.American Peyton Stearns leads unseeded players pulling off upsets on a long day at the French OpenPARIS (AP) — Unseeded American Peyton Stearns' elimination of No. 10 Daria Kasatkina at the French Open was one of several losses for seeded women on a rainy day filled with matches. Play was still continuing after midnight as Thursday turned to Friday because weather delays kept stopping the action and organizers were determined to complete the second round. It's a good thing the French tennis federation installed artificial lights on every court at Roland Garros in 2021. Stearns is a 22-year-old from Cincinnati who won an NCAA singles title at the University of Texas. She used 17 forehand winners through the cold, damp and slow conditions to defeat Kasatkina 7-5, 6-2.Saso survives brutal starts of US Women's Open that sent Korda to an 80LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) — Yuka Saso is leading the U.S. Women's Open with a 68 on a day of survival at Lancaster Country Club. The course is playing so difficult that only four players broke par. One of them was Adela Cernousek, the recent NCAA champion from France. Nelly Korda turned in the biggest shocker. She made a 10 on her third hole and went on to shoot 80. Korda wasn't alone. The leading 10 players in the women's world ranking averaged 75.5. Brooke Henderson and Lydia Ko each shot 80. Rose Zhang had a 79. Saso won the Women's Open three years ago.Dolphins agree to 3-year, $84.75 million contract extension with WR Jaylen Waddle, AP source saysMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — A person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press that wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has agreed to a three-year, $84.75 million contract extension with the Miami Dolphins. The deal includes $76 million guaranteed and keeps Waddle under contract through the 2028 season. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract details have not been announced. Waddle will now become one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL after three productive seasons to start his pro career.Schools in basketball-centric leagues face different economic challenges with NCAA settlementSchools in basketball-centric leagues face the challenge of generating revenue to pay future players without the lucrative revenues from football. The NCAA and major college conferences approved the settlement of a federal class-action lawsuit on paying athletes. That includes paying $2.77 billion to former athletes over 10 years. But leagues like the Big East, Atlantic 10 and West Coast Conferences depend on basketball, which lags behind football in terms of generating revenue. That could create challenges in keeping up with teams in the power conferences when it comes to the ability to pay future players.Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen appears headed to injured list after straining right hamstringNEW YORK (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen appears headed to the injured list after straining his right hamstring five pitches into a 3-2 loss to the New York Mets. The 28-year-old right-hander, who finished among the top five in NL Cy Young Award voting in each of the last two seasons, was scheduled to return to Phoenix on Friday for a scan. Gallen felt the injury on his knuckle-curve that Francisco Lindor lined to center for a leadoff single. Gallen also felt a hamstring issue in an April 26 start at Seattle and a May 18 outing against Detroit.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Minnesota	7	Kansas City	6	Final	Tampa Bay	6	Oakland	5	Final	Houston	4	Seattle	0	Final	Detroit	5	Boston	0	Final	N.Y. Yankees	8	L.A. Angels	3	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Milwaukee	6	Chicago Cubs	4	Final	N.Y. Mets	3	Arizona	2	Final	Washington	3	Atlanta	1	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Dallas	124	Minnesota	103	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Florida	3	N-Y Rangers	2	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Seattle	103	Indiana	88	Final	Chicago	83	Los Angeles	73	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Pittsburgh	at	Toronto	7:07 p.m.			Texas	at	Miami	7:10 p.m.			Washington	at	Cleveland	7:10 p.m.			Oakland	at	Atlanta	7:20 p.m.			Chi White Sox	at	Milwaukee	8:10 p.m.			San Diego	at	Kansas City	8:10 p.m.			N-Y Yankees	at	San Francisco	10:15 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Tampa Bay	at	Baltimore	7:05 p.m.			Detroit	at	Boston	7:10 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Houston	8:10 p.m.			L-A Angels	at	Seattle	10:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Cincinnati	at	Chi Cubs	2:20 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Philadelphia	6:40 p.m.			Arizona	at	N-Y Mets	7:10 p.m.			Colorado	at	L-A Dodgers	10:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS		Edmonton	at	Dallas	8:30 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Dallas	at	Connecticut	7:30 p.m.			Las Vegas	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.			Washington	at	New York	7:30 p.m.			Phoenix	at	Minnesota	9:30 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		San Jose	at	New York City FC	7:30 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Friday

WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge lost 7-5 against the Springfield Cardinals at Riverfront Stadium. Wichita trailed 7-1 early in this game, and despite making things close in the final innings, dropped their second of three this week against the North Division-leading Cardinals.

Springfield began the night by tagging Wind Surge starter&nbsp;Travis Adams&nbsp;for four runs in the top of the first thanks to a trio of run-scoring hits, including a two-RBI double by RJ Yeager. Nathan Church followed with a double to left field to score the fifth Cardinal run in the form of Mike Antico.

Tanner Schobel&nbsp;slapped a solo home run to the berm in left field in the last of the second to make the score 5-1. The blast is Schobel’s second home run of the season and first at Riverfront Stadium in 2024.

Thursday’s fourth inning saw scoring on both sides. Antico singled home Chandler Redmond on a knock to right field while an infield groundout added one more on the Springfield scoreboard.&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;looped a single to shallow left field to allow&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;to score in the bottom half of the frame.

Luke Keaschall&nbsp;brought Wichita within three at a 7-4 tally by driving home&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;on a base hit to left in the bottom of the fifth. The two ribbies were Keaschall’s first at the Double-A level since being called up from Cedar Rapids on Memorial Day.

A fifth Wind Surge run scored on a heavily contested double play in the bottom of the eighth off the bat of&nbsp;Carson McCusker. The Wind Surge loaded the bases down to their final outs in the ninth before Matt Svanson completed the four-out save for his Texas League-leading eighth of the year.

Adams fell to 2-4 on the season, being charged with seven earned runs on 11 hits opposite two strikeouts in five innings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717143751207.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge Go Down Swinging After Rallying Against Springfield." />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge Go Down Swinging After Rallying Against Springfield.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge lost 7-5 against the Springfield Cardinals at Riverfront Stadium. Wichita trailed 7-1 early in this game, and despite making things close in the final innings, dropped their second of three this week against the North Division-leading Cardinals.Springfield began the night by tagging Wind Surge starter&nbsp;Travis Adams&nbsp;for four runs in the top of the first thanks to a trio of run-scoring hits, including a two-RBI double by RJ Yeager. Nathan Church followed with a double to left field to score the fifth Cardinal run in the form of Mike Antico.Tanner Schobel&nbsp;slapped a solo home run to the berm in left field in the last of the second to make the score 5-1. The blast is Schobel’s second home run of the season and first at Riverfront Stadium in 2024.Thursday’s fourth inning saw scoring on both sides. Antico singled home Chandler Redmond on a knock to right field while an infield groundout added one more on the Springfield scoreboard.&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;looped a single to shallow left field to allow&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;to score in the bottom half of the frame.Luke Keaschall&nbsp;brought Wichita within three at a 7-4 tally by driving home&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;on a base hit to left in the bottom of the fifth. The two ribbies were Keaschall’s first at the Double-A level since being called up from Cedar Rapids on Memorial Day.A fifth Wind Surge run scored on a heavily contested double play in the bottom of the eighth off the bat of&nbsp;Carson McCusker. The Wind Surge loaded the bases down to their final outs in the ninth before Matt Svanson completed the four-out save for his Texas League-leading eighth of the year.Adams fell to 2-4 on the season, being charged with seven earned runs on 11 hits opposite two strikeouts in five innings.

⚾ Springfield edges Wind Surge

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State baseball returns to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013, as the Wildcats received an at-large bid and will compete in the NCAA Fayetteville Regional, hosted by No. 5 national seed Arkansas, starting Friday, May 31.

K-State (32-24) was selected as the No. 3 seed in the Fayetteville Regional and will take on the second-seeded Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (45-17) on Friday at 7 p.m. at Baum-Walker Stadium., in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

This is the program's fifth NCAA Tournament appearance in school history and the first under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2461">Pete Hughes</a>.

The Cats will send lefty graduate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 4.91 ERA) to the mound for the opening round and will go head-to-head with the Bulldogs' left-hander Luke Nichols (4-3, 3.74 ERA). With 99 strikeouts on the year, Boerema set a single-season senior-class record, breaking Jim Ripley's 2004 record of 90.

K-State and Louisiana Tech will meet for the fifth time in program history, with the Cats holding a 3-1 edge since the series start in 1986. The two squads last faced off on March 6, 2004, which led to K-State's 7-4 victory and extended its win streak to three over La Tech.

The winner of the Kansas State-Louisiana Tech game will play the winner of top-seeded Arkansas (43-14) and fourth-seeded SEMO (34-25) on Saturday, June 1.

The winner of the Fayetteville Regional will play the winner of the Charlottesville Regional in the best-of-three-game super regional from June 7-9 or June 8-10. No. 12 national seed and top-seeded Virginia (41-15) hosts second-seeded Mississippi State (38-21), third-seeded St. John's (37-16-1) and fourth-seeded Pennsylvania (24-23) in Charlottesville, Va.

Tickets are available through the Arkansas athletic ticket office. The Fayetteville Regional can be seen on ESPN+ and the ESPN app, while radio coverage is available on the K-State Sports Network. A free, live streaming audio is available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app.

How to follow the 'Cats:&nbsp;Stay up to date on K-State baseball online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and on the team's social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatebsb/">Facebook</a>, X formally known as&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KStateBSB">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatebsb/">Instagram</a>.

GAME #57 K-STATE (32-24) vs. Louisiana Tech (45-17) NCAA Fayetteville Regional // Hosted by Arkansas Friday, May 31 // 7 p.m. CT // Baum-Walker Stadium (10,700) Projected Starters: LHP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;vs. Luke Nichols Watch: ESPN+ // Jay Walker &amp; Derek Jones Radio: K-State Sports Network // Brian Smoller &amp; Matt Walters Listen Online:&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a>

NCAA Fayetteville Regional Friday, May 31 Game 1 – #1 Arkansas vs. #4 SEMO – 2 p.m. (ESPN+) Game 2 – #2 Louisiana Tech vs. #3 Kansas State – 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

Saturday, June 1 Game 3 – Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser – 2 p.m. (TBD) Game 4 – Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner – 8 p.m. (TBD)

Sunday, June 2 Game 5 – Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Loser – 1 p.m. (TBD) Game 6 – Game 4 Winner vs. Game 5 Winner – 6 p.m. (TBD)

Monday, June 3 (If Necessary)Game 7 – If the Game 5 Winner Wins Game 6 – TBD

A LOOK AT K-STATE K-State (32-24) heads into the 2024 NCAA Tournament as the No. 3 seed of the Fayetteville Regional, hosted by No. 5 national seed Arkansas, and will take on second-seeded Louisiana Tech ... The other half of the double-elimination regional is home to top-seeded Arkansas and fourth seeded SEMO ... K-State is coming off its fifth consecutive run in the Big 12 Championships, where it picked up an 8-4 win over West Virginia in the elimination round …

On the year, K-State has produced a slash line of .271/.377/.426 as a team including 92 doubles, 15 triples and 59 home runs with three starters hitting over .300 …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/11461">Brady Day's</a>&nbsp;.332 average leads the Cats offense followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/11460">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;(.316) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-parsons/11530">Jaden Parsons</a>&nbsp;(.305) … Day has driven in a team-leading 53 runs … Culpepper,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/11526">Chuck Ingram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/11471">Raphael Pelletier</a>&nbsp;each have belted nine homers this season …

K-State has stolen a league-high 127 bases this season led by 37 from Jones …The pitching staff has struck out record-breaking 550 batters this season and boasts a 5.44 team ERA with a 2.56 strikeout-to-walk-ratio … K-State will send lefty graduate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;to the mound for the opening round of the regional … With 99 strikeouts on the year, Boerema set a single-season senior-class record, breaking Jim Ripley's 2004 record of 90.

THE FAYETTEVILLE FIELD K-State will meet No. 2 seed Louisiana Tech (45-17) in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament ... On the other half of the regional bracket, No. 5 national seed and regional host Arkansas (43-14) will take on four-seeded SEMO (34-25) at 2 p.m. Friday … The winner of the Fayetteville Regional will play the winner of the Charlottesville Regional in the best-of-three-game super regional from June 7-9 or June 8-10. No. 12 national seed and top-seeded Virginia (41-15) hosts second-seeded Mississippi State (38-21), third-seeded St. John's (37-16-1) and fourth-seeded Pennsylvania (24-23) in Charlottesville, Va.

SCOUTING NO.5/1 ARKANSAS The Razorbacks enter the NCAA Tournament as the No. 5 national seed and were selected to host its 11th&nbsp;regional … Arkansas enters the weekend with a 43-14 overall and punched a ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the 35th&nbsp;time in program history … Arkansas was one of a NCAA record-breaking 11 teams for the SEC to make this year's tournament … The Razorbacks are hitting .268 as a team, with a .380 on-base percentage and .442 slugging percentage … Junior Peyton Stovall leads the offense with a .349 average while Wehiwa Aloy is the only player to send out 10+ homers this year (13) … Arkansas' enters with a regional-best 3.66 ERA led by a 1.48 from left-handed starter Hagen Smith, who has struck out 154 batters this season which second in the nation to Wake Forest's Chase Burns (184) … In its last regional appearance, K-State defeated Arkansas, 4-3, to claim the region title an advance to the super regionals in 2013 … Arkansas has a 30-19 advantage vs. the Cats in the all-time series, with just five games played outside of Fayetteville … The two squads last met in Kansas City on April 25, 2017, where the Razorbacks claimed a 6-5 10-inning victory …

SCOUTING NO. 2 LA TECH Second-seeded Louisiana Tech (45-17) makes its 11th&nbsp;NCAA Tournament appearance, and third in the last four years … The Bulldogs claimed the CUSA regular season title with an 18-6 record, while 30 of its 45 wins came at home … La Tech last made a run in the tournament in 2022 at the Austin Regional, where they faced Dallas Baptist, Texas, and Air Force … La Tech is slashing .299/.395/.478 as a team led by Cole McConnell's .380 average … The senior outfielder has belted a team-leading 18 homers this season, and is one of four to send out 10+ for the Bulldogs … With a 4.99 ERA, the pitching staff has held opponents to a .252 average with a regional-high 604 strikeouts, including 95 from right-handed reliever Sam Brodersen … Lefty Luke Nichols (4-3, 3.74 ERA) will make his 16th start Friday night … K-State and La Tech will meet for the fifth time in program history, with the Cats holding a 3-1 edge since the series start in 1986 … The two squads last faced off on March 6, 2004, which led to K-State's 7-4 victory and extended its win streak to three.

SCOUTING NO. 4 SEMO SEMO (34-25) was the only team from the Fayetteville Regional to clinch an automatic bid, after claiming its sixth Ohio Valley Conference Tournament title and third in the last four years under head coach Andy Sawyers … The Redhawks last appearance in the NCAA Tournament was in 2022 at the Louisville Regional, going 0-2 … SEMO has produced a slash line of .292/.398/.505 with 218 extra-base hits that includes 100 home runs and seven players hitting over .300, led by outfielder Michael Mugan (.322) … The pitching staff boasts a 5.72 ERA with an opponent average of .277 … The Wildcats lead the all-time series 3-1 against SEMO, after sweeping the Redhawks in a three-game set last season in Manhattan.

CATS IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT K-State heads into its fifth overall NCAA Tournament, and first since 2013, while this marks the Cats second appearance in the Fayetteville Regional … The Cats are 7-8 all-time in the postseason tournament, that includes a 1-2 record in the 2013 Corvallis Super Regional … K-State hosted the 2013 Manhattan Regional after winning the Big 12 regular-season title … The Cats went 3-0 in the regional with wins against Wichita State, Bryant and Arkansas.

FROM THE PEN The Cats' pitching staff has combined for a record-achieving 550 strikeouts in 2024, breaking the previous record of 541 set in 2021 … K-State has issued 215 walks, for a 2.56 strikeout-to-walk ratio which is second in the league ... Three members of the pitching staff earned All-Big 12 honors –Neighbors (Second Team), Boerema (Honorable Mention) and Wentworth (Honorable Mention) … K-State's pitching staff is third in the Big 12 in fewest walks allowed (215), third in fewest walks per nine innings (3.85), fourth in strikeouts per nine innings (9.8), third in total strikeouts, and third in saves (15) …

IN THE BOOKS With 10 strikeouts in his victory at the Big 12 Championships, Boerema set the senior-class single-season record as the lefty graduate has struck out 99 batters this season … Wentworth 107's strikeouts this season ranks second in the single-season records – 11 behind current Major Leaguer Jordan Wicks – while Boerema's 99 strikeouts is third in the single-season records … Boerema has compiled 194 strikeouts in his two seasons with K-State, ranking sixth all-time in school history …With 37 stolen bases this year, Jones is third in the single-season records while his 67 career stolen bases in third all-time …&nbsp; Jones is 11 career steals away from tying second all-time alongside Adam Muenster (2007-10) ... Neighbors collected his 19th&nbsp;career save and stands third all-time in school history … With 17 doubles on the season, true freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-english/11522">Nick English</a>&nbsp;has matched the freshmen class single-season doubles record set by current Major Leaguer Nick Martini (2009).

COACH HUGHES FILE <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2461">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;is in 27th season as a head coach and sixth at the helm of K-State baseball … With K-State's selection to the NCAA Tournament, Hughes has now led four squads to the tournament, that included two appearances with Virginia Tech in 2010 and 2013 … In 27 seasons, Hughes has compiled a career record of 817-632-3 (.564) as a head coach … His 817 career wins are the most by any active Big 12 head coaches … In six seasons as the head coach of the Wildcats, Hughes has put together a 165-140 (.541) record … In 2023, K-State turned in a 35-24 mark, its highest win total since posting 45 in 2013 … Two players were selected in the 2022 MLB First-Year Player Draft increasing Hughes' career draft total to 84, including 10 while at K-State, with 21 top-10 round picks after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;was taken in the seventh round by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2023 MLB Draft … In total, Hughes has recruited 138 players who were drafted and/or played professionally, including 22 major leaguers&nbsp;and seven first-round draft picks.&nbsp;

THE STRENGTH OF 2024 K-State finished with the toughest Big 12 schedule in the conference with an average opponent RPI of 55, that included an average opponent RPI of 48 in games on the road … The 13 road games played between April 1-May 2 was the most by any Power 5 team … 12 of the 13 games were against a team ranked 42 or higher in RPI … K-State scheduled five non-conference games vs. teams that made the 2023 NCAA postseason and played total of 10 teams (20 total games) that competed in the 2023 postseason.

ALL-BIG 12 HONOR ROLL K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/11461">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;was voted to the All-Big 12 First Team while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/11460">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/11470">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;received Second Team Honors to highlight the Wildcats' nine total selections, as the Big 12 Conference revealed its 2024 All-Big 12 Baseball Awards Monday … Additionally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-english/11522">Nick English</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/11466">Brendan Jones</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/11471">Raphael Pelletier</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/11477">Jackson Wentworth</a>&nbsp;each received honorable mention accolades while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/blake-dean/11520">Blake Dean</a>&nbsp;was named to the All-Freshman Team, as the awards were voted on by the league's nine head coaches … The Wildcats' nine selections match the program record that was set in 2013, while K-State was one of five schools from the Big 12 to have nine or more players receive All-Big 12 honors.

CALL THE COPS The Cats have stolen a league-high 127 bases this season, ranking 10th&nbsp;overall in Division I … The Cats 2.27 stolen bases/game is first in the Big 12 and 12th&nbsp;in the nation … Jones has stolen a league-high 37 bases this season, ranking sixth in Division I … K-State has stolen 100+ bases in consecutive seasons, while the 2024 team's 127 ranks third all-time in the record books … The K-State single-season record is 149 set in 2009 through 62 games.

COME BACK KIDS K-State has recorded 14 come-from behind victories this season, including three on the road … The Wildcats have overcome four-run deficits in four games, and five three-run games … In their comeback wins, K-State is outscoring opponents 121-75 (+46) … Of the 14 wins, six were one-run games while four ended with margins of victory larger than six runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717169716398.jpeg" alt="Graphic courtesy of Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Graphic courtesy of Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State baseball returns to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013, as the Wildcats received an at-large bid and will compete in the NCAA Fayetteville Regional, hosted by No. 5 national seed Arkansas, starting Friday, May 31.K-State (32-24) was selected as the No. 3 seed in the Fayetteville Regional and will take on the second-seeded Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (45-17) on Friday at 7 p.m. at Baum-Walker Stadium., in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.This is the program's fifth NCAA Tournament appearance in school history and the first under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2461">Pete Hughes</a>.The Cats will send lefty graduate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 4.91 ERA) to the mound for the opening round and will go head-to-head with the Bulldogs' left-hander Luke Nichols (4-3, 3.74 ERA). With 99 strikeouts on the year, Boerema set a single-season senior-class record, breaking Jim Ripley's 2004 record of 90.K-State and Louisiana Tech will meet for the fifth time in program history, with the Cats holding a 3-1 edge since the series start in 1986. The two squads last faced off on March 6, 2004, which led to K-State's 7-4 victory and extended its win streak to three over La Tech.The winner of the Kansas State-Louisiana Tech game will play the winner of top-seeded Arkansas (43-14) and fourth-seeded SEMO (34-25) on Saturday, June 1.The winner of the Fayetteville Regional will play the winner of the Charlottesville Regional in the best-of-three-game super regional from June 7-9 or June 8-10. No. 12 national seed and top-seeded Virginia (41-15) hosts second-seeded Mississippi State (38-21), third-seeded St. John's (37-16-1) and fourth-seeded Pennsylvania (24-23) in Charlottesville, Va.Tickets are available through the Arkansas athletic ticket office. The Fayetteville Regional can be seen on ESPN+ and the ESPN app, while radio coverage is available on the K-State Sports Network. A free, live streaming audio is available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app.How to follow the 'Cats:&nbsp;Stay up to date on K-State baseball online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and on the team's social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatebsb/">Facebook</a>, X formally known as&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KStateBSB">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatebsb/">Instagram</a>.GAME #57 K-STATE (32-24) vs. Louisiana Tech (45-17) NCAA Fayetteville Regional // Hosted by Arkansas Friday, May 31 // 7 p.m. CT // Baum-Walker Stadium (10,700) Projected Starters: LHP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;vs. Luke Nichols Watch: ESPN+ // Jay Walker &amp; Derek Jones Radio: K-State Sports Network // Brian Smoller &amp; Matt Walters Listen Online:&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a> NCAA Fayetteville Regional Friday, May 31 Game 1 – #1 Arkansas vs. #4 SEMO – 2 p.m. (ESPN+) Game 2 – #2 Louisiana Tech vs. #3 Kansas State – 7 p.m. (ESPN+) Saturday, June 1 Game 3 – Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser – 2 p.m. (TBD) Game 4 – Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner – 8 p.m. (TBD) Sunday, June 2 Game 5 – Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Loser – 1 p.m. (TBD) Game 6 – Game 4 Winner vs. Game 5 Winner – 6 p.m. (TBD) Monday, June 3 (If Necessary)Game 7 – If the Game 5 Winner Wins Game 6 – TBD A LOOK AT K-STATE K-State (32-24) heads into the 2024 NCAA Tournament as the No. 3 seed of the Fayetteville Regional, hosted by No. 5 national seed Arkansas, and will take on second-seeded Louisiana Tech ... The other half of the double-elimination regional is home to top-seeded Arkansas and fourth seeded SEMO ... K-State is coming off its fifth consecutive run in the Big 12 Championships, where it picked up an 8-4 win over West Virginia in the elimination round … On the year, K-State has produced a slash line of .271/.377/.426 as a team including 92 doubles, 15 triples and 59 home runs with three starters hitting over .300 …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/11461">Brady Day's</a>&nbsp;.332 average leads the Cats offense followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/11460">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;(.316) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-parsons/11530">Jaden Parsons</a>&nbsp;(.305) … Day has driven in a team-leading 53 runs … Culpepper,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/11526">Chuck Ingram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/11471">Raphael Pelletier</a>&nbsp;each have belted nine homers this season … K-State has stolen a league-high 127 bases this season led by 37 from Jones …The pitching staff has struck out record-breaking 550 batters this season and boasts a 5.44 team ERA with a 2.56 strikeout-to-walk-ratio … K-State will send lefty graduate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;to the mound for the opening round of the regional … With 99 strikeouts on the year, Boerema set a single-season senior-class record, breaking Jim Ripley's 2004 record of 90. THE FAYETTEVILLE FIELD K-State will meet No. 2 seed Louisiana Tech (45-17) in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament ... On the other half of the regional bracket, No. 5 national seed and regional host Arkansas (43-14) will take on four-seeded SEMO (34-25) at 2 p.m. Friday … The winner of the Fayetteville Regional will play the winner of the Charlottesville Regional in the best-of-three-game super regional from June 7-9 or June 8-10. No. 12 national seed and top-seeded Virginia (41-15) hosts second-seeded Mississippi State (38-21), third-seeded St. John's (37-16-1) and fourth-seeded Pennsylvania (24-23) in Charlottesville, Va. SCOUTING NO.5/1 ARKANSAS The Razorbacks enter the NCAA Tournament as the No. 5 national seed and were selected to host its 11th&nbsp;regional … Arkansas enters the weekend with a 43-14 overall and punched a ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the 35th&nbsp;time in program history … Arkansas was one of a NCAA record-breaking 11 teams for the SEC to make this year's tournament … The Razorbacks are hitting .268 as a team, with a .380 on-base percentage and .442 slugging percentage … Junior Peyton Stovall leads the offense with a .349 average while Wehiwa Aloy is the only player to send out 10+ homers this year (13) … Arkansas' enters with a regional-best 3.66 ERA led by a 1.48 from left-handed starter Hagen Smith, who has struck out 154 batters this season which second in the nation to Wake Forest's Chase Burns (184) … In its last regional appearance, K-State defeated Arkansas, 4-3, to claim the region title an advance to the super regionals in 2013 … Arkansas has a 30-19 advantage vs. the Cats in the all-time series, with just five games played outside of Fayetteville … The two squads last met in Kansas City on April 25, 2017, where the Razorbacks claimed a 6-5 10-inning victory … SCOUTING NO. 2 LA TECH Second-seeded Louisiana Tech (45-17) makes its 11th&nbsp;NCAA Tournament appearance, and third in the last four years … The Bulldogs claimed the CUSA regular season title with an 18-6 record, while 30 of its 45 wins came at home … La Tech last made a run in the tournament in 2022 at the Austin Regional, where they faced Dallas Baptist, Texas, and Air Force … La Tech is slashing .299/.395/.478 as a team led by Cole McConnell's .380 average … The senior outfielder has belted a team-leading 18 homers this season, and is one of four to send out 10+ for the Bulldogs … With a 4.99 ERA, the pitching staff has held opponents to a .252 average with a regional-high 604 strikeouts, including 95 from right-handed reliever Sam Brodersen … Lefty Luke Nichols (4-3, 3.74 ERA) will make his 16th start Friday night … K-State and La Tech will meet for the fifth time in program history, with the Cats holding a 3-1 edge since the series start in 1986 … The two squads last faced off on March 6, 2004, which led to K-State's 7-4 victory and extended its win streak to three. SCOUTING NO. 4 SEMO SEMO (34-25) was the only team from the Fayetteville Regional to clinch an automatic bid, after claiming its sixth Ohio Valley Conference Tournament title and third in the last four years under head coach Andy Sawyers … The Redhawks last appearance in the NCAA Tournament was in 2022 at the Louisville Regional, going 0-2 … SEMO has produced a slash line of .292/.398/.505 with 218 extra-base hits that includes 100 home runs and seven players hitting over .300, led by outfielder Michael Mugan (.322) … The pitching staff boasts a 5.72 ERA with an opponent average of .277 … The Wildcats lead the all-time series 3-1 against SEMO, after sweeping the Redhawks in a three-game set last season in Manhattan. CATS IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT K-State heads into its fifth overall NCAA Tournament, and first since 2013, while this marks the Cats second appearance in the Fayetteville Regional … The Cats are 7-8 all-time in the postseason tournament, that includes a 1-2 record in the 2013 Corvallis Super Regional … K-State hosted the 2013 Manhattan Regional after winning the Big 12 regular-season title … The Cats went 3-0 in the regional with wins against Wichita State, Bryant and Arkansas. FROM THE PEN The Cats' pitching staff has combined for a record-achieving 550 strikeouts in 2024, breaking the previous record of 541 set in 2021 … K-State has issued 215 walks, for a 2.56 strikeout-to-walk ratio which is second in the league ... Three members of the pitching staff earned All-Big 12 honors –Neighbors (Second Team), Boerema (Honorable Mention) and Wentworth (Honorable Mention) … K-State's pitching staff is third in the Big 12 in fewest walks allowed (215), third in fewest walks per nine innings (3.85), fourth in strikeouts per nine innings (9.8), third in total strikeouts, and third in saves (15) … IN THE BOOKS With 10 strikeouts in his victory at the Big 12 Championships, Boerema set the senior-class single-season record as the lefty graduate has struck out 99 batters this season … Wentworth 107's strikeouts this season ranks second in the single-season records – 11 behind current Major Leaguer Jordan Wicks – while Boerema's 99 strikeouts is third in the single-season records … Boerema has compiled 194 strikeouts in his two seasons with K-State, ranking sixth all-time in school history …With 37 stolen bases this year, Jones is third in the single-season records while his 67 career stolen bases in third all-time …&nbsp; Jones is 11 career steals away from tying second all-time alongside Adam Muenster (2007-10) ... Neighbors collected his 19th&nbsp;career save and stands third all-time in school history … With 17 doubles on the season, true freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-english/11522">Nick English</a>&nbsp;has matched the freshmen class single-season doubles record set by current Major Leaguer Nick Martini (2009). COACH HUGHES FILE <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2461">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;is in 27th season as a head coach and sixth at the helm of K-State baseball … With K-State's selection to the NCAA Tournament, Hughes has now led four squads to the tournament, that included two appearances with Virginia Tech in 2010 and 2013 … In 27 seasons, Hughes has compiled a career record of 817-632-3 (.564) as a head coach … His 817 career wins are the most by any active Big 12 head coaches … In six seasons as the head coach of the Wildcats, Hughes has put together a 165-140 (.541) record … In 2023, K-State turned in a 35-24 mark, its highest win total since posting 45 in 2013 … Two players were selected in the 2022 MLB First-Year Player Draft increasing Hughes' career draft total to 84, including 10 while at K-State, with 21 top-10 round picks after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;was taken in the seventh round by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2023 MLB Draft … In total, Hughes has recruited 138 players who were drafted and/or played professionally, including 22 major leaguers&nbsp;and seven first-round draft picks.&nbsp;THE STRENGTH OF 2024 K-State finished with the toughest Big 12 schedule in the conference with an average opponent RPI of 55, that included an average opponent RPI of 48 in games on the road … The 13 road games played between April 1-May 2 was the most by any Power 5 team … 12 of the 13 games were against a team ranked 42 or higher in RPI … K-State scheduled five non-conference games vs. teams that made the 2023 NCAA postseason and played total of 10 teams (20 total games) that competed in the 2023 postseason. ALL-BIG 12 HONOR ROLL K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/11461">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;was voted to the All-Big 12 First Team while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/11460">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/11470">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;received Second Team Honors to highlight the Wildcats' nine total selections, as the Big 12 Conference revealed its 2024 All-Big 12 Baseball Awards Monday … Additionally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-english/11522">Nick English</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/11466">Brendan Jones</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/11471">Raphael Pelletier</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/11477">Jackson Wentworth</a>&nbsp;each received honorable mention accolades while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/blake-dean/11520">Blake Dean</a>&nbsp;was named to the All-Freshman Team, as the awards were voted on by the league's nine head coaches … The Wildcats' nine selections match the program record that was set in 2013, while K-State was one of five schools from the Big 12 to have nine or more players receive All-Big 12 honors.CALL THE COPS The Cats have stolen a league-high 127 bases this season, ranking 10th&nbsp;overall in Division I … The Cats 2.27 stolen bases/game is first in the Big 12 and 12th&nbsp;in the nation … Jones has stolen a league-high 37 bases this season, ranking sixth in Division I … K-State has stolen 100+ bases in consecutive seasons, while the 2024 team's 127 ranks third all-time in the record books … The K-State single-season record is 149 set in 2009 through 62 games.COME BACK KIDS K-State has recorded 14 come-from behind victories this season, including three on the road … The Wildcats have overcome four-run deficits in four games, and five three-run games … In their comeback wins, K-State is outscoring opponents 121-75 (+46) … Of the 14 wins, six were one-run games while four ended with margins of victory larger than six runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾️ K-State set for NCAA Fayetteville Regional

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics

&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State softball will be one of 16 teams to compete in the 2025 Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational presented by EvoShield, Feb. 13-16, 2025,&nbsp;at the Eddie C. Moore Complex.

Considered one of the premier softball tournaments in the country, Wichita State will be making its first ever appearance at the Clearwater Invitational. Now in its sixth year, the 2025 Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational field features Alabama, Auburn, Charlotte, Clemson, Florida State, Kentucky, Liberty, Missouri, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, Texas A&amp;M, UCF, UCLA, Virginia and Wichita State.

Fourteen of the 16 teams are 2024 NCAA Regional participants. Alabama, Oklahoma State and UCLA advanced to the Women's College World Series.

All games will be featured on the ESPN family of networks. The event schedule for the 2025 Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield will be released this fall, followed by the on-sale date for tickets. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.clearwaterinvitational.com/">www.clearwaterinvitational.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717169990227.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 softball will be one of 16 teams to compete in the 2025 Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational presented by EvoShield, Feb. 13-16, 2025,&nbsp;at the Eddie C. Moore Complex.Considered one of the premier softball tournaments in the country, Wichita State will be making its first ever appearance at the Clearwater Invitational. Now in its sixth year, the 2025 Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational field features Alabama, Auburn, Charlotte, Clemson, Florida State, Kentucky, Liberty, Missouri, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, Texas A&amp;M, UCF, UCLA, Virginia and Wichita State.Fourteen of the 16 teams are 2024 NCAA Regional participants. Alabama, Oklahoma State and UCLA advanced to the Women's College World Series.All games will be featured on the ESPN family of networks. The event schedule for the 2025 Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield will be released this fall, followed by the on-sale date for tickets. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.clearwaterinvitational.com/">www.clearwaterinvitational.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Shockers to compete in 2025 Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a></a>Kickoff times and television selections for K-State’s first three football games of the 2024 campaign have been announced as the Big 12 Conference and its television partners have made selections for the first three weeks of the season in addition to weeknight contests.

Kansas State opens its 2024 slate on Saturday, August 31 against UT Martin at 6 p.m. in a game shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+, a timeslot and platform the Wildcats have featured for their home opener now seven of the last eight seasons.

K-State quickly hits the road for the first time in 2024 during week two as the Cats travel to Tulane to face the Green Wave on Saturday, September 7, in an 11 a.m. game that will be broadcast on either ESPN or ESPN2. The contest in New Orleans marks the second-straight season the Wildcats play a road non-conference game, their first time doing so since a three-year span in 2015 (UTSA), 2016 (Stanford) and 2017 (Vanderbilt).

As&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2024/5/22/k-states-week-three-matchup-set-for-fox-college-football-friday" target="_blank">announced last Wednesday</a>, the Wildcats will kick off the inaugural FOX College Football Friday television package at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 13 when they host new Big 12 foe Arizona in a non-conference game inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

<a>Season tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now by visiting&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-221-CATS. Select single-game tickets will be available starting Monday, June 10, for Ahearn Fund members and Wednesday, June 12, for the general public.

Time/TV for Select 2024 K-State Football Games

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717098332590.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State Athletics<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a></a>Kickoff times and television selections for K-State’s first three football games of the 2024 campaign have been announced as the Big 12 Conference and its television partners have made selections for the first three weeks of the season in addition to weeknight contests.Kansas State opens its 2024 slate on Saturday, August 31 against UT Martin at 6 p.m. in a game shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+, a timeslot and platform the Wildcats have featured for their home opener now seven of the last eight seasons.K-State quickly hits the road for the first time in 2024 during week two as the Cats travel to Tulane to face the Green Wave on Saturday, September 7, in an 11 a.m. game that will be broadcast on either ESPN or ESPN2. The contest in New Orleans marks the second-straight season the Wildcats play a road non-conference game, their first time doing so since a three-year span in 2015 (UTSA), 2016 (Stanford) and 2017 (Vanderbilt).As&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2024/5/22/k-states-week-three-matchup-set-for-fox-college-football-friday" target="_blank">announced last Wednesday</a>, the Wildcats will kick off the inaugural FOX College Football Friday television package at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 13 when they host new Big 12 foe Arizona in a non-conference game inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium.<a>Season tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now by visiting&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-221-CATS. Select single-game tickets will be available starting Monday, June 10, for Ahearn Fund members and Wednesday, June 12, for the general public.Time/TV for Select 2024 K-State Football Games<div><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: small;font-style: normal;font-weight: 400;text-align: start;background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);border-collapse: collapse;border: none;">
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🏈 K-State non-conference slate headlined by FOX College Football Friday

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– The 2024 Kansas Football season is under 100 days away, as Kansas’ non-conference game times and tv designations were announced by the Big 12 Conference on Thursday. The slate is highlighted by a Friday night ESPN Primetime showdown vs. UNLV on Friday, September 13 at 6 p.m.

Kansas will kick off its 2024 season on Thursday, August 29 against Lindenwood at 7 p.m. at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas on ESPN+. The season opener vs. Lindenwood will open Kansas’ 133rd&nbsp;season of football, while Lindenwood plays against its first-ever FBS opponent.

The Jayhawks will then travel to Champaign, Illinois to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday, September 7 at 6 p.m. on FS1. The matchup will be the second in as many years between the two teams, as Kansas defeated Illinois, 34-23, on Sept. 8, 2023, in Lawrence.

In a rematch of the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Kansas will host UNLV at Children’s Mercy Park on Friday, September 13 at 6 p.m. on ESPN. The game will serve as Kansas’ second home weekday ESPN Primetime game in as many years. The Jayhawks previously defeated Illinois in 2023, which was Kansas’ first weekday ESPN home primetime game since 1995. The game versus UNLV was previously scheduled for Saturday, September 14.

All six of Kansas’ 2024 home games will be played in the Kansas City metro area due to construction on the university’s Gateway District. For a full 2024 Kansas Football schedule,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/schedule/">click here</a>. Game times and television designations for the remainder of the schedule will be announced in-season, 12 days before the game date.

Fans will have the opportunity to purchase the 2024 Kansas Football 4-game season ticket package that includes all home games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The season ticket package will be launched to the general public on Monday, June 3rd&nbsp;at 10 am with prices starting as low as $230 for general stadium seating.

Other ticket options include the popular Family Zone as well as available Premium Seating opportunities. Purchasing a 4-game season ticket package also continues to enhance your priority to pick seats in the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for the 2025 season. 6-game season ticket packages which include the first two games at Children’s Mercy Park are sold out.

Single game tickets for the games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will go on sale at a later date. For those interested in getting more information from the Kansas Athletics Ticket Office on ticket options for the 2024 season, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.fanthreesixty.com%2F2024_ticket_interest_form_waitlist%3Fmnemonic%3Dku&amp;data=05%7C02%7Caeisch%40ku.edu%7Cd748b4c1c5bf4bfddc8c08dc80be5e45%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638526802323652401%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=IdmPDEfO8pri9eSwmXh2B6pP0QLQw5lDg%2BiuLOvRaeA%3D&amp;reserved=0">here</a>.

Week 1 Thursday 8/29/24 Lindenwood at Kansas, 7:00 pm CT, Big 12 Now ESPN+

Week 2 Saturday 9/7/24 Kansas at Illinois, 6:00 pm CT, FS1

Week 3 Friday 9/13/24 UNLV at Kansas, 6:00 pm CT,&nbsp;ESPN

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717093928241.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– The 2024 Kansas Football season is under 100 days away, as Kansas’ non-conference game times and tv designations were announced by the Big 12 Conference on Thursday. The slate is highlighted by a Friday night ESPN Primetime showdown vs. UNLV on Friday, September 13 at 6 p.m.Kansas will kick off its 2024 season on Thursday, August 29 against Lindenwood at 7 p.m. at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas on ESPN+. The season opener vs. Lindenwood will open Kansas’ 133rd&nbsp;season of football, while Lindenwood plays against its first-ever FBS opponent.The Jayhawks will then travel to Champaign, Illinois to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday, September 7 at 6 p.m. on FS1. The matchup will be the second in as many years between the two teams, as Kansas defeated Illinois, 34-23, on Sept. 8, 2023, in Lawrence.In a rematch of the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Kansas will host UNLV at Children’s Mercy Park on Friday, September 13 at 6 p.m. on ESPN. The game will serve as Kansas’ second home weekday ESPN Primetime game in as many years. The Jayhawks previously defeated Illinois in 2023, which was Kansas’ first weekday ESPN home primetime game since 1995. The game versus UNLV was previously scheduled for Saturday, September 14.All six of Kansas’ 2024 home games will be played in the Kansas City metro area due to construction on the university’s Gateway District. For a full 2024 Kansas Football schedule,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/schedule/">click here</a>. Game times and television designations for the remainder of the schedule will be announced in-season, 12 days before the game date.Fans will have the opportunity to purchase the 2024 Kansas Football 4-game season ticket package that includes all home games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The season ticket package will be launched to the general public on Monday, June 3rd&nbsp;at 10 am with prices starting as low as $230 for general stadium seating.Other ticket options include the popular Family Zone as well as available Premium Seating opportunities. Purchasing a 4-game season ticket package also continues to enhance your priority to pick seats in the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for the 2025 season. 6-game season ticket packages which include the first two games at Children’s Mercy Park are sold out.Single game tickets for the games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will go on sale at a later date. For those interested in getting more information from the Kansas Athletics Ticket Office on ticket options for the 2024 season, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.fanthreesixty.com%2F2024_ticket_interest_form_waitlist%3Fmnemonic%3Dku&amp;data=05%7C02%7Caeisch%40ku.edu%7Cd748b4c1c5bf4bfddc8c08dc80be5e45%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638526802323652401%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=IdmPDEfO8pri9eSwmXh2B6pP0QLQw5lDg%2BiuLOvRaeA%3D&amp;reserved=0">here</a>.Week 1 Thursday 8/29/24 Lindenwood at Kansas, 7:00 pm CT, Big 12 Now ESPN+Week 2 Saturday 9/7/24 Kansas at Illinois, 6:00 pm CT, FS1Week 3 Friday 9/13/24 UNLV at Kansas, 6:00 pm CT,&nbsp;ESPN

🏈 KU non-conference slate highlighted by ESPN Primetime matchup with UNLV

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Thursday, May 30th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Thursday, May 30th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="May 30th, 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=i3ge6-1627cd7-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals use long ball for win; ⚾ Wind Surge uses grand slam to win; 🏀 KU star to declare for NBA Draft

Charges against world's top golfer Scottie Scheffler dropped after arrest outside PGA Championship

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Criminal charges against Scottie Scheffler have been dismissed, ending a legal saga that began with images of the world's top golfer being arrested and handcuffed in Louisville during the PGA Championship. Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell, a local prosecutor, asked a judge Wednesday afternoon to drop the four charges against Scheffler. Scheffler was not required to be in the courtroom Wednesday. Scheffler was charged with a felony for assaulting a police officer with his vehicle, along with three misdemeanors. Scheffler has said he simply misunderstood the commands coming from traffic officers.

Mets to cut Jorge López after reliever throws glove into stands following ejection

NEW YORK (AP) — Jorge López will be cut by the struggling New York Mets after the reliever threw his glove into the stands following his ejection from a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza called the outburst "not acceptable" and said it would be handled internally. López expressed no remorse for his display, saying he didn't regret it. Afterward, the Mets began the process of designating López for assignment. They will have seven days to trade or release him, or send him outright to the minors if no other team claims him on waivers.

Oilers beat Stars 5-2 in Game 4 to tie Western Conference final

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Mattias Janmark and Leon Draisaitl scored in a 51-second span in the second period and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Dallas Stars 5-2 on Wednesday night in Game 4 to even the Western Conference final. Janmark tied it on a short-handed, 2-on-1 break with Connor Brown with 5:29 left in the period, and Draisaitl followed with his 10th of the postseason with 4:38 to go. Game 5 is Friday night in Dallas. Ryan McLeod, Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm, into a empty net with 1:53 remaining, also scored for Edmonton. Stuart Skinner made 20 saves. Wyatt Johnson and Esa Lindell scored as Dallas raced to a 2-0 lead in the first 5 1/2 minutes. McLeod and Bouchard countered for Edmonton late in the period.

Iga Swiatek saves a match point and comes back to beat Naomi Osaka at the French Open

PARIS (AP) — Iga Swiatek has saved a match point and come back to beat Naomi Osaka 7-6 (1), 1-6, 7-5 in the second round of the French Open. Both players own four Grand Slam titles. Swiatek is currently ranked No. 1 and Osaka is a former No. 1. But Osaka has taken a lot of time off in recent years for mental health breaks and to have a baby. She is ranked only 134th now. But she did not play like that on Wednesday night. It took every bit of Swiatek's guile and experience to allow her to extend her winning streak at Roland Garros to 16 matches.

Major leaguers praise inclusion of Negro Leagues statistics into major league records

CHICAGO (AP) — Baseball players and fans alike are learning more about the Negro Leagues after the statistics for more than 2,300 players — historic figures like Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston, Satchel Paige and Mule Suttles — were incorporated into the major league record book following a three-year research project. A 17-person committee chaired by John Thorn, Major League Baseball's official historian, met six times as part of the meticulous process of examining statistics from seven Negro Leagues from 1920-1948. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene calls the move "long overdue." Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen says he is doing some "deep diving" into some Negro Leagues players that he hadn't heard of before.

College sports departments gearing up for 'economic earthquake' with direct pay for athletes looming

Iowa State has already scrapped plans for a new wrestling facility. Texas A&amp;M laid off a dozen or so athletic staffers. That could be the tip of the iceberg when millions in college revenue starts going directly to the athletes instead of coaching salaries, facilities or athletic department staffs. A revenue-sharing model proposed in a court settlement would mean a school could pay up to about $21 million annually to its athletes. One economist called it "an economic earthquake" that will have impacts still being determined.

Infield fly and interference call loom large during 1st inning of Yankees-Angels game

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Yankees had the bases loaded with no outs in the first inning Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Angels when they were done in by an unconventional double play. Giancarlo Stanton hit a high popup near the bag at second. Umpires called an infield fly, but Juan Soto bumped into Angels shortstop Zach Neto with his hip as he tried to get back to second base, causing Neto to lose track of the ball and it landing in the infield. Second base umpire Vic Carapazza ruled that Soto interfered with Neto, leading to the second out.

Celebrations in Greece as Olympiakos beats Fiorentina 1-0 for first European title

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Olympiakos has won Greece's first European club title by beating Fiorentina 1-0 after extra time in the Europa Conference League final. Ayoub El Kaabi dived to nudge in a last-gasp goal in the second period of extra time with fans erupting in celebration after a lengthy wait for a VAR check for offside. The Morocco striker is the competition's top scorer. He struck in the 116th minute of the match after meeting a cross from Santiago Hezze to decide a game that had looked destined for a penalty shootout following an energetic but largely risk-free encounter at AEK Arena. Olympiakos coach Jose Luis Mendilibar secured a second straight European title after winning the Europa League with Sevilla last season.

Minnesota beats Boston 3-0, wins inaugural Walter Cup as Professional Women's Hockey League champs

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women's Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup. Liz Schepers scored to break a scoreless, second-period tie, Michela Cava made it 2-0 midway through the third period and Kendall Coyne Schofield added an empty-netter with two minutes left. Hensley, a two-time Olympian from Colorado, earned her second shutout of the playoffs after posting one in 14 regular-season games. Boston goalie Aerin Frankel made 41 saves for the runners-up.

Nelly Korda faces her toughest test at US Women's Open

LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) — Nelly Korda is playing so well she makes it look easy. But no one can expect an easy time at the U.S. Women's Open. It's billed as the toughest test in golf, and Lancaster Country Club figures to be every bit of that. Korda calls it a beast of a course. The 25-year-old American has won six of her last seven tournaments coming into the second major of the year. Only two players at No. 1 in the world have won the Women's Open since the world ranking began in 2006. Korda has only two top 10s in the Open.

Final	Vancouver	2	Sporting Kansas City	1	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for May 30th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for May 30th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Report for May 30th, 2024:<div><iframe title="AP Sports for May 30th, 2024" 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=jp4cr-1627b39-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Charges against world's top golfer Scottie Scheffler dropped after arrest outside PGA ChampionshipLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Criminal charges against Scottie Scheffler have been dismissed, ending a legal saga that began with images of the world's top golfer being arrested and handcuffed in Louisville during the PGA Championship. Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell, a local prosecutor, asked a judge Wednesday afternoon to drop the four charges against Scheffler. Scheffler was not required to be in the courtroom Wednesday. Scheffler was charged with a felony for assaulting a police officer with his vehicle, along with three misdemeanors. Scheffler has said he simply misunderstood the commands coming from traffic officers.Mets to cut Jorge López after reliever throws glove into stands following ejectionNEW YORK (AP) — Jorge López will be cut by the struggling New York Mets after the reliever threw his glove into the stands following his ejection from a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza called the outburst "not acceptable" and said it would be handled internally. López expressed no remorse for his display, saying he didn't regret it. Afterward, the Mets began the process of designating López for assignment. They will have seven days to trade or release him, or send him outright to the minors if no other team claims him on waivers.Oilers beat Stars 5-2 in Game 4 to tie Western Conference finalEDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Mattias Janmark and Leon Draisaitl scored in a 51-second span in the second period and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Dallas Stars 5-2 on Wednesday night in Game 4 to even the Western Conference final. Janmark tied it on a short-handed, 2-on-1 break with Connor Brown with 5:29 left in the period, and Draisaitl followed with his 10th of the postseason with 4:38 to go. Game 5 is Friday night in Dallas. Ryan McLeod, Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm, into a empty net with 1:53 remaining, also scored for Edmonton. Stuart Skinner made 20 saves. Wyatt Johnson and Esa Lindell scored as Dallas raced to a 2-0 lead in the first 5 1/2 minutes. McLeod and Bouchard countered for Edmonton late in the period.Iga Swiatek saves a match point and comes back to beat Naomi Osaka at the French OpenPARIS (AP) — Iga Swiatek has saved a match point and come back to beat Naomi Osaka 7-6 (1), 1-6, 7-5 in the second round of the French Open. Both players own four Grand Slam titles. Swiatek is currently ranked No. 1 and Osaka is a former No. 1. But Osaka has taken a lot of time off in recent years for mental health breaks and to have a baby. She is ranked only 134th now. But she did not play like that on Wednesday night. It took every bit of Swiatek's guile and experience to allow her to extend her winning streak at Roland Garros to 16 matches.Major leaguers praise inclusion of Negro Leagues statistics into major league recordsCHICAGO (AP) — Baseball players and fans alike are learning more about the Negro Leagues after the statistics for more than 2,300 players — historic figures like Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston, Satchel Paige and Mule Suttles — were incorporated into the major league record book following a three-year research project. A 17-person committee chaired by John Thorn, Major League Baseball's official historian, met six times as part of the meticulous process of examining statistics from seven Negro Leagues from 1920-1948. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene calls the move "long overdue." Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen says he is doing some "deep diving" into some Negro Leagues players that he hadn't heard of before.College sports departments gearing up for 'economic earthquake' with direct pay for athletes loomingIowa State has already scrapped plans for a new wrestling facility. Texas A&amp;M laid off a dozen or so athletic staffers. That could be the tip of the iceberg when millions in college revenue starts going directly to the athletes instead of coaching salaries, facilities or athletic department staffs. A revenue-sharing model proposed in a court settlement would mean a school could pay up to about $21 million annually to its athletes. One economist called it "an economic earthquake" that will have impacts still being determined.Infield fly and interference call loom large during 1st inning of Yankees-Angels gameANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Yankees had the bases loaded with no outs in the first inning Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Angels when they were done in by an unconventional double play. Giancarlo Stanton hit a high popup near the bag at second. Umpires called an infield fly, but Juan Soto bumped into Angels shortstop Zach Neto with his hip as he tried to get back to second base, causing Neto to lose track of the ball and it landing in the infield. Second base umpire Vic Carapazza ruled that Soto interfered with Neto, leading to the second out.Celebrations in Greece as Olympiakos beats Fiorentina 1-0 for first European titleATHENS, Greece (AP) — Olympiakos has won Greece's first European club title by beating Fiorentina 1-0 after extra time in the Europa Conference League final. Ayoub El Kaabi dived to nudge in a last-gasp goal in the second period of extra time with fans erupting in celebration after a lengthy wait for a VAR check for offside. The Morocco striker is the competition's top scorer. He struck in the 116th minute of the match after meeting a cross from Santiago Hezze to decide a game that had looked destined for a penalty shootout following an energetic but largely risk-free encounter at AEK Arena. Olympiakos coach Jose Luis Mendilibar secured a second straight European title after winning the Europa League with Sevilla last season.Minnesota beats Boston 3-0, wins inaugural Walter Cup as Professional Women's Hockey League champsLOWELL, Mass. (AP) — Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women's Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup. Liz Schepers scored to break a scoreless, second-period tie, Michela Cava made it 2-0 midway through the third period and Kendall Coyne Schofield added an empty-netter with two minutes left. Hensley, a two-time Olympian from Colorado, earned her second shutout of the playoffs after posting one in 14 regular-season games. Boston goalie Aerin Frankel made 41 saves for the runners-up.Nelly Korda faces her toughest test at US Women's OpenLANCASTER, Pa. (AP) — Nelly Korda is playing so well she makes it look easy. But no one can expect an easy time at the U.S. Women's Open. It's billed as the toughest test in golf, and Lancaster Country Club figures to be every bit of that. Korda calls it a beast of a course. The 25-year-old American has won six of her last seven tournaments coming into the second major of the year. Only two players at No. 1 in the world have won the Women's Open since the world ranking began in 2006. Korda has only two top 10s in the Open.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Detroit	8	Pittsburgh	0	Final	Texas	6	Arizona	1	Final	Pittsburgh	10	Detroit	2	Final	Colorado	7	Cleveland	4	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	6	Boston	1	Final	Tampa Bay	4	Oakland	3	Final	Kansas City	6	Minnesota	1	Final	Toronto	3	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	N.Y. Yankees	2	L.A. Angels	1	Final	Seattle	2	Houston	1	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	St. Louis	5	Cincinnati	3	Final	Philadelphia	6	San Francisco	1	Final	Miami	9	San Diego	1	Final	L.A. Dodgers	10	N.Y. Mets	3	Final	Milwaukee	10	Chicago Cubs	6	Final	Washington	7	Atlanta	2	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Edmonton	5	Dallas	2	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	New York	81	Phoenix	78	Final	Atlanta	73	Washington	67	Final	Las Vegas	80	Minnesota	66	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERFinal	Nashville	2	Cincinnati	0	Final	New England	0	Columbus	0	Final	Atlanta	3	Miami	1	Final	CF Montréal	4	D.C. United	2	Final	New York	3	Charlotte FC	1	Final tie	Toronto FC	0	Philadelphia	0	Final	Portland	2	Austin FC	0	Final tie	Orlando City	1	Chicago	1	Final	Houston	3	Colorado	1	Final	Vancouver	2	Sporting Kansas City	1	Final	LA Galaxy	3	FC Dallas	1	Final tie	Real Salt Lake	1	Seattle	1	Final	Los Angeles FC	2	Minnesota	0	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Kansas City	at	Minnesota	1:10 p.m.			Oakland	at	Tampa Bay	1:10 p.m.			Houston	at	Seattle	4:10 p.m.			Detroit	at	Boston	7:10 p.m.			N-Y Yankees	at	L-A Angels	9:38 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Chi Cubs	at	Milwaukee	1:10 p.m.			Arizona	at	N-Y Mets	7:10 p.m.			Washington	at	Atlanta	7:20 p.m.	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS		Dallas	at	Minnesota	8:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS		Florida	at	N-Y Rangers	8 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Seattle	at	Indiana	7 p.m.			Los Angeles	at	Chicago	8 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Thursday

WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge triumphed 4-2 over the Springfield Cardinals at Riverfront Stadium. The victory is the first Wichita win over Springfield in 2024, as they entered the game 0-7 against the Cardinals.

Wednesday’s first four innings continued the pitcher’s duel from the night before. The first hit didn’t come until&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;lined a single to left field in the last of the fifth. Springfield threatened by loading the bases in the top of the sixth on two singles and a walk before&nbsp;Austin Brice&nbsp;entered in from the bullpen to record an inning-ending strikeout.

Further back-and-forth donuts followed on the scoreboard until&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth. On a 2-2 pitch, the Wind Surge left fielder slugged a grand slam to the left field berm to give Wichita a 4-0 lead heading into the ninth. The slam was the second such in 2024 by a Wind Surge hitter.

Springfield would fight beak and claw when down to their final outs, tallying a pair of run-scoring singles. After putting runners on second and third, the former being the tying run,&nbsp;Taylor Floyd&nbsp;retired the next two batters on a swinging strikeout and an unassisted putout to secure the win for Wichita.

Jared Solomon&nbsp;earned his first win with the Wind Surge, striking out two batters against three hits, two earned runs, and a walk in one and one-thirds innings pitched.&nbsp;Taylor Floyd&nbsp;picked up his first save of 2024 after following Solomon in the top of the ninth and retiring his lone two batters faced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717062513088.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge Overcome Cardinals Behind Kala’i Rosario’s Grand Slam" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge Overcome Cardinals Behind Kala’i Rosario’s Grand Slam</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge triumphed 4-2 over the Springfield Cardinals at Riverfront Stadium. The victory is the first Wichita win over Springfield in 2024, as they entered the game 0-7 against the Cardinals.Wednesday’s first four innings continued the pitcher’s duel from the night before. The first hit didn’t come until&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;lined a single to left field in the last of the fifth. Springfield threatened by loading the bases in the top of the sixth on two singles and a walk before&nbsp;Austin Brice&nbsp;entered in from the bullpen to record an inning-ending strikeout.Further back-and-forth donuts followed on the scoreboard until&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth. On a 2-2 pitch, the Wind Surge left fielder slugged a grand slam to the left field berm to give Wichita a 4-0 lead heading into the ninth. The slam was the second such in 2024 by a Wind Surge hitter.Springfield would fight beak and claw when down to their final outs, tallying a pair of run-scoring singles. After putting runners on second and third, the former being the tying run,&nbsp;Taylor Floyd&nbsp;retired the next two batters on a swinging strikeout and an unassisted putout to secure the win for Wichita.Jared Solomon&nbsp;earned his first win with the Wind Surge, striking out two batters against three hits, two earned runs, and a walk in one and one-thirds innings pitched.&nbsp;Taylor Floyd&nbsp;picked up his first save of 2024 after following Solomon in the top of the ninth and retiring his lone two batters faced.

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge win thanks to Rosario's grand slam

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Nelson Velázquez homered twice, Salvador Perez hit his team-leading 10th homer of the season and the Kansas City Royals snapped a three-game skid with a 6-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night.

Velázquez’s first homer came in Kansas City’s four-run third inning. After Minnesota jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, the Royals countered with four runs off Twins starter Bailey Ober.

Perez drove in the go-ahead run with a double to left, and Veláquez knocked in Perez two batters later with a two-run shot to center for a 4-1 lead.

“The at-bats against Ober were good,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "I think even early on, you could tell we had an approach. We were trying to get certain pitches we were looking for. Some of them we didn’t miss. When you drive the ball out of the park, you get instant offense, you get instant runs on the board, and you get out to a lead, it really helps.”

Perez hit a solo homer in the fifth inning and Veláquez followed with his seventh homer of the season to give the Royals a 6-1 lead.

That was plenty of run support for Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (9-1), who earned his fourth win in as many starts. Lugo allowed one run on six hits in six innings for his career-best ninth win.

“They’ve got a bunch of good hitters in the lineup, so I couldn’t really get to a part where I could just cruise,” Lugo said. “They made me work out there and they put together a lot of good at-bats. Being able to get six after that and the W, it feels great.”

Lugo's ERA dropped to an MLB-best 1.72, the lowest ERA by a Royals pitcher through 12 starts in team history.

It was the second time this season the Royals roughed up Ober (5-3). The Twins' right-hander also surrendered three homers and eight total runs against Kansas City in his first start of the season on March 31.

Ober allowed six runs on nine hits in five innings on Wednesday.

“Not as sharp as normal Bailey that we get almost every time,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He had to work hard.”

The victory helped Kansas City avoid what would have been a season-high four-game losing streak. The Royals have lost three straight games three times this season.

Twins third baseman Jose Miranda drove in the game’s first run with a sacrifice fly to deep left field. It was the third straight game in the series that Miranda had the first RBI of the game. He homered in the third inning of Monday’s series opener for a 2-0 lead, and had a two-run single to open the scoring in Tuesday’s win.

Kansas City will send RHP Brady Singer (4-2, 2.70 ERA) to the mound for the series finale. Singer allowed just one earned run in each of his last two starts. Minnesota counters with RHP Chris Paddack (4-2, 4.39), who earned no-decisions in his previous two outings.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717035916046.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Nelson Velázquez homered twice, Salvador Perez hit his team-leading 10th homer of the season and the Kansas City Royals snapped a three-game skid with a 6-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night.Velázquez’s first homer came in Kansas City’s four-run third inning. After Minnesota jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, the Royals countered with four runs off Twins starter Bailey Ober.Perez drove in the go-ahead run with a double to left, and Veláquez knocked in Perez two batters later with a two-run shot to center for a 4-1 lead.“The at-bats against Ober were good,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "I think even early on, you could tell we had an approach. We were trying to get certain pitches we were looking for. Some of them we didn’t miss. When you drive the ball out of the park, you get instant offense, you get instant runs on the board, and you get out to a lead, it really helps.”Perez hit a solo homer in the fifth inning and Veláquez followed with his seventh homer of the season to give the Royals a 6-1 lead.That was plenty of run support for Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (9-1), who earned his fourth win in as many starts. Lugo allowed one run on six hits in six innings for his career-best ninth win.“They’ve got a bunch of good hitters in the lineup, so I couldn’t really get to a part where I could just cruise,” Lugo said. “They made me work out there and they put together a lot of good at-bats. Being able to get six after that and the W, it feels great.”Lugo's ERA dropped to an MLB-best 1.72, the lowest ERA by a Royals pitcher through 12 starts in team history.It was the second time this season the Royals roughed up Ober (5-3). The Twins' right-hander also surrendered three homers and eight total runs against Kansas City in his first start of the season on March 31.Ober allowed six runs on nine hits in five innings on Wednesday.“Not as sharp as normal Bailey that we get almost every time,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He had to work hard.”The victory helped Kansas City avoid what would have been a season-high four-game losing streak. The Royals have lost three straight games three times this season.Twins third baseman Jose Miranda drove in the game’s first run with a sacrifice fly to deep left field. It was the third straight game in the series that Miranda had the first RBI of the game. He homered in the third inning of Monday’s series opener for a 2-0 lead, and had a two-run single to open the scoring in Tuesday’s win.UP NEXTKansas City will send RHP Brady Singer (4-2, 2.70 ERA) to the mound for the series finale. Singer allowed just one earned run in each of his last two starts. Minnesota counters with RHP Chris Paddack (4-2, 4.39), who earned no-decisions in his previous two outings.

⚾ Royals homer three times in Wednesday win

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;University of Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff has signed a 7-year contract extension that will keep him at KU through 2031.

<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/ku-announces-contract-extension-for-director-of-athletics-travis-goff">The agreement extends Goff’s contract</a>&nbsp;– originally a five-year deal worth $700,000 annually – through May 31, 2031, and increases his base salary to $1.3 million. Goff’s title will also be elevated to Director of Athletics/Vice Chancellor for Athletics.

"Travis has proven to be among the most respected athletic directors in the country and terrific fit for KU at this moment in our history. He has established a culture of excellence and integrity within Kansas Athletics — and done so while navigating unprecedented changes to the collegiate athletics landscape and positioning KU for long-term success. We are thrilled he’s a Jayhawk, and we look forward to his leadership for years to come."

DOUGLAS A. GIROD, UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS CHANCELLOR

Since returning to his alma mater, Goff has hired Football Head Coach Lance Leipold, signed Basketball Head Coach Bill Self to an amended contract and helped raised nearly $300 million in combined donor and state support for the university’s Gateway District, which will include a transformed David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and a conference center to generate revenue for academic programming. Additionally, Allen Fieldhouse is currently in the final phase of a $50 million renovation that began in 2023 under Goff’s leadership.

More broadly, Goff has guided KU through an extraordinary shift in the collegiate athletics landscape that has included conference realignment, new long-term TV contracts, the implementation of name, image and likeness (NIL) policies, an overhaul of student-athlete transfer rules and congressional legislation that has greatly impacted the future of collegiate athletics. Also under his leadership, KU student-athletes have thrived academically, setting, or tying a department record for NCAA Graduation Success Rate for three straight years.

Prior to joining KU in April 2021, Goff served as Northwestern University’s deputy director of athletics and assistant vice president. Before joining Northwestern, he served as associate athletics director for external affairs at Tulane University and worked in athletics development at KU, where he earned his undergraduate degree.

"The University of Kansas is responsible for so many of the blessings in my life: an exceptional student experience and degree, my passion for college athletics and the opportunity for my wife Nancy and I to raise our family in this community, amongst many others,” Goff said. “I have the privilege to work with the best coaches and staff in the country and, together, we serve a remarkable University, passionate fanbase and, most importantly, 500 of the most inspiring young people in society – Jayhawk student-athletes."

Goff continued: “I am thankful to Chancellor Girod for his continued trust in our team and I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to continue leading Kansas Athletics through a pivotal time. Rest assured, our best days are ahead.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717015235150.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;University of Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff has signed a 7-year contract extension that will keep him at KU through 2031.<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/ku-announces-contract-extension-for-director-of-athletics-travis-goff">The agreement extends Goff’s contract</a>&nbsp;– originally a five-year deal worth $700,000 annually – through May 31, 2031, and increases his base salary to $1.3 million. Goff’s title will also be elevated to Director of Athletics/Vice Chancellor for Athletics."Travis has proven to be among the most respected athletic directors in the country and terrific fit for KU at this moment in our history. He has established a culture of excellence and integrity within Kansas Athletics — and done so while navigating unprecedented changes to the collegiate athletics landscape and positioning KU for long-term success. We are thrilled he’s a Jayhawk, and we look forward to his leadership for years to come."DOUGLAS A. GIROD, UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS CHANCELLORSince returning to his alma mater, Goff has hired Football Head Coach Lance Leipold, signed Basketball Head Coach Bill Self to an amended contract and helped raised nearly $300 million in combined donor and state support for the university’s Gateway District, which will include a transformed David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and a conference center to generate revenue for academic programming. Additionally, Allen Fieldhouse is currently in the final phase of a $50 million renovation that began in 2023 under Goff’s leadership.More broadly, Goff has guided KU through an extraordinary shift in the collegiate athletics landscape that has included conference realignment, new long-term TV contracts, the implementation of name, image and likeness (NIL) policies, an overhaul of student-athlete transfer rules and congressional legislation that has greatly impacted the future of collegiate athletics. Also under his leadership, KU student-athletes have thrived academically, setting, or tying a department record for NCAA Graduation Success Rate for three straight years.Prior to joining KU in April 2021, Goff served as Northwestern University’s deputy director of athletics and assistant vice president. Before joining Northwestern, he served as associate athletics director for external affairs at Tulane University and worked in athletics development at KU, where he earned his undergraduate degree."The University of Kansas is responsible for so many of the blessings in my life: an exceptional student experience and degree, my passion for college athletics and the opportunity for my wife Nancy and I to raise our family in this community, amongst many others,” Goff said. “I have the privilege to work with the best coaches and staff in the country and, together, we serve a remarkable University, passionate fanbase and, most importantly, 500 of the most inspiring young people in society – Jayhawk student-athletes."TRAVIS GOFF, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICSGoff continued: “I am thankful to Chancellor Girod for his continued trust in our team and I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to continue leading Kansas Athletics through a pivotal time. Rest assured, our best days are ahead.”