Class 3A (Haven Regional) *All games played at Haven Monday, May 13 4 p.m. E Field: [1] Haven (20-2) vs. [8] Lyons/Chase (0-22) 4 p.m. W Field: [2] Cheney (14-2) vs. [7] Nickerson (3-17) 5:30 p.m. E Field: [4] Hesston (14-6) vs. [5] Kingman/Norwich (14-8) 5:30 p.m. W Field: [3] Halstead (19-3) vs. [6] Anthony/Harper-Chaparral (4-12) 7 p.m. E Field: Haven/Lyons-Chase winner vs. Hesston/Kingman-Norwich winner 7 p.m. W Field: Cheney/Nickerson winner vs. Halstead/Anthony-Harper-Chaparral winner Tuesday, May 14 5:30 p.m. E Field: Championship Game <a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Softball/3ARegional.cfm?Activity=2&amp;Class=4&amp;WeekID=5810">Click here for Haven Regional bracket</a>

Class 2-1A (Marion Regional)&nbsp; Monday, May 13 3 p.m. at Marion: [8] Hillsboro (3-17) vs. [9] Marion (1-19) 4 p.m. at Inman: [2] Inman (14-4) vs. [7] Sedgwick (4-12) 4:30 p.m. at Marion: [1] Remington (17-2) vs. Hillsboro/Marion winner 5:30 p.m. at Inman: [3] Canton Galva/Elyria Christian (12-8) vs. [6] Hutchinson Trinity Catholic (5-15) 6 p.m. at Marion: [4] Sterling (12-8) vs. [5] Moundridge (11-9) Tuesday, May 14 3 p.m. at Marion: Remington/Hillsboro/Marion winner vs. Sterling/Moundridge winner 4:30 p.m. at Marion: Inman/Sedgwick winner vs. Canton Galva-Elyria Christian/Trinity Catholic winner 6 p.m. at Marion: Championship Game <a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Softball/2-1ARegional.cfm?Activity=2&amp;Class=8&amp;WeekID=5813">Click here for Marion Regional bracket</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715192672795.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Class 3A (Haven Regional) *All games played at Haven Monday, May 13 4 p.m. E Field: [1] Haven (20-2) vs. [8] Lyons/Chase (0-22) 4 p.m. W Field: [2] Cheney (14-2) vs. [7] Nickerson (3-17) 5:30 p.m. E Field: [4] Hesston (14-6) vs. [5] Kingman/Norwich (14-8) 5:30 p.m. W Field: [3] Halstead (19-3) vs. [6] Anthony/Harper-Chaparral (4-12) 7 p.m. E Field: Haven/Lyons-Chase winner vs. Hesston/Kingman-Norwich winner 7 p.m. W Field: Cheney/Nickerson winner vs. Halstead/Anthony-Harper-Chaparral winner Tuesday, May 14 5:30 p.m. E Field: Championship Game <a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Softball/3ARegional.cfm?Activity=2&amp;Class=4&amp;WeekID=5810">Click here for Haven Regional bracket</a>Class 2-1A (Marion Regional)&nbsp; Monday, May 13 3 p.m. at Marion: [8] Hillsboro (3-17) vs. [9] Marion (1-19) 4 p.m. at Inman: [2] Inman (14-4) vs. [7] Sedgwick (4-12) 4:30 p.m. at Marion: [1] Remington (17-2) vs. Hillsboro/Marion winner 5:30 p.m. at Inman: [3] Canton Galva/Elyria Christian (12-8) vs. [6] Hutchinson Trinity Catholic (5-15) 6 p.m. at Marion: [4] Sterling (12-8) vs. [5] Moundridge (11-9) Tuesday, May 14 3 p.m. at Marion: Remington/Hillsboro/Marion winner vs. Sterling/Moundridge winner 4:30 p.m. at Marion: Inman/Sedgwick winner vs. Canton Galva-Elyria Christian/Trinity Catholic winner 6 p.m. at Marion: Championship Game <a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Softball/2-1ARegional.cfm?Activity=2&amp;Class=8&amp;WeekID=5813">Click here for Marion Regional bracket</a>

🥎 Area regional brackets for classes 3A, 2-1A

<a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/598498-avctl-division-3-2024/results">AVCTL-III Meet Results</a>

McPHERSON, Kan. — The Buhler High School track teams swept the AVCTL-III titles on Thursday at McPherson High School.

The Crusader girls won the title by over 40 points, while the Crusader boys won theirs by 25 points, both teams were followed in second place by McPherson.

Girls Team Results 1. Buhler, 223 2. McPherson, 181.5 3. Circle, 78.5 4. Winfield, 56 5. Augusta, 13 6. Mulvane, 3 Boys Team Results 1. Buhler, 168 2. McPherson, 143 3. Circle, 72 4. Augusta, 67 5. Mulvane, 62 6. Winfield, 40

---------------------------------------------------------

<a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/619918-hopl-track-championship-2024/results">Heart of the Plains League Meet Results</a>

PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Central Christian girls track &amp; field team claimed the Heart of Plains League title on Thursday at Pretty Prairie High School.&nbsp;

Girls Team Results 1. Central Christian, 110.5 2. Norwich, 89 3. Pretty Prairie, 86 4. Cunningham, 82 5. South Barber, 79 6. Skyline, 60 7. Attica, 58 8. Fairfield, 34 9. Stafford, 19.5 10. Burrton, 19 Boys Team Results 1. Cunningham, 139 2. Central Christian, 130 3. Skyline, 85 4. Norwich, 63.5 5. South Barber, 63 6. Fairfield, 55.5 6. Pretty Prairie, 55.5 8. Stafford, 35.5 9. Attica, 17 10. Burrton, 9

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715350057552.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy @SeuserJ on X" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy @SeuserJ on X</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/598498-avctl-division-3-2024/results">AVCTL-III Meet Results</a>McPHERSON, Kan. — The Buhler High School track teams swept the AVCTL-III titles on Thursday at McPherson High School.The Crusader girls won the title by over 40 points, while the Crusader boys won theirs by 25 points, both teams were followed in second place by McPherson.Girls Team Results 1. Buhler, 223 2. McPherson, 181.5 3. Circle, 78.5 4. Winfield, 56 5. Augusta, 13 6. Mulvane, 3 Boys Team Results 1. Buhler, 168 2. McPherson, 143 3. Circle, 72 4. Augusta, 67 5. Mulvane, 62 6. Winfield, 40---------------------------------------------------------<a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/619918-hopl-track-championship-2024/results">Heart of the Plains League Meet Results</a>PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Central Christian girls track &amp; field team claimed the Heart of Plains League title on Thursday at Pretty Prairie High School.&nbsp;Girls Team Results 1. Central Christian, 110.5 2. Norwich, 89 3. Pretty Prairie, 86 4. Cunningham, 82 5. South Barber, 79 6. Skyline, 60 7. Attica, 58 8. Fairfield, 34 9. Stafford, 19.5 10. Burrton, 19 Boys Team Results 1. Cunningham, 139 2. Central Christian, 130 3. Skyline, 85 4. Norwich, 63.5 5. South Barber, 63 6. Fairfield, 55.5 6. Pretty Prairie, 55.5 8. Stafford, 35.5 9. Attica, 17 10. Burrton, 9

👟 Buhler sweeps league titles; Central Christian girls claim HOPL title

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, May 10th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, May 10th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="May 10th, 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=w2f62-160b611-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 win again  ⚾ Wind Surge wins 4th game in a row

MOUNDRIDGE - As Kreighton Kanitz signed his basketball letter of intent recently with Barton Community College, he went to his God for His thoughts.

“When signing and deciding on Barton, I spoke to God and everything about it just gave me peace,” the Moundridge Wildcat standout said. “What should probably be a more stressful time in my life deciding and committing, I had complete peace. That type of peace is only from God.”

That reassurance from The Greatest Himself has one of the greats in Moundridge history playing the game he loves for the next two years with the Cougars.

“It’s a true blessing,” said Kanitz, who just two months ago led the Kanitz Kats to a Class 2A state basketball championship. “I get to continue to play the sport that I love. It’s been my goal since I can remember to play college basketball and I get to all thanks to God.”

Barton was the right choice for the 6-foot-2&nbsp;&nbsp;machine.

“Barton was the right fit because they are a winning program coming off a national championship and they have a great group of guys,” Kanitz said. “I saw it as my best opportunity to push myself and become the best possible version of myself.”

“It’s amazing,” younger brother Kaizer Kanitz said. “Seeing him go to a very good school and fulfill his dreams is awesome to see as a brother.”

“I am so happy for him. He gets to continue to play a game he loves,” his coach but more importantly his Dad Dustan Kanitz said. “He puts in lots of reps to continue to get better, but he absolutely loves being in the gym and weight room.”

The Kanitz Klan and Moundridge basketball seem to be perfect together like hot fudge and vanilla ice cream on a 99-degree Kansas summer day. Or peanut butter meeting old reliable grape jelly for a classic on two slices of bread that could have been raised from a nearby hard red winter wheat field.

It only took one season for the perfect marriage to cement after the five guys plus Mom Brooke family moved from up-the-road McPherson. Coach Kanitz was named the boys basketball coach in his first chance at being a head coach.&nbsp;

It seemed to work out A-OK as Kreighton hoisted his Kats on his broad back and helped bring home the eighth boys state championship in the school’s proud history.

“Kreighton played a huge role on our team,” Zach Dixon said. “He showed up and showed out at all moments which was what we needed. Kreighton made practice and games a lot of fun, overall it was really great having him on our team.”

“Kre was a great teammate and a great leader,” Heath Churchill said. “He always pushed his teammates in practice and made us a lot better.”

The Kanitz Kats ended the 2023-24 season with an 11-game winning streak and capped a 23-3 season with a victory over Goliath-imposter Lyndon in the 2A title game.

Kanitz averaged 17 points per game his senior year.

“It means so much to be able to showcase what I can do. I was just scratching the surface of what I’m capable of my senior year,” he said. “I’m just now figuring out how big these gifts are that God has blessed me with. I’m excited to see just how big God’s plans are for me.”

“Kreighton is an amazing leader as well as amazing player. He plays with energy and is a terrific scorer and defender,” Dustin Kanitz said. “He can score on anyone playing any position and when needed to will guard whoever he needs to. He's very strong and can score from anywhere on the court. Averaging 17 ppg and leading our team through the whole season to the state championship winning it back to back is why he will go down a great in Moundridge history.”

“His confidence continued to grow. He took on the role of being the senior leader of our team,” Coach Kanitz said. “He wasn’t afraid to take and make the big shot our team needed. He also believed in our team. His confidence in his teammates was contagious and made our team unstoppable in our state championship run.”

Kanitz’s spring has him in track where his locomotive approach gaining speed down the runway positions him with the 10th-best triple jump in 2A (41-6).

“He’s a humble guy, he’s good at what he does. Does multiple jumping events which is hard to do in track,” Sedgwick’s Noah Little, 2A’s top triple jumper, said. “Just an all-around good athlete, proven by him going to play basketball at the next level.”

“It feels really good going out at the top. It’s been pretty relaxed going through track season,” Kreighton  said. “I’ve been working on parts of my game that I feel I need to improve. I’ve also been fully recovering for the summer.”

A summer that will be capped with a move to Great Bend and his beginning in life as a college basketball player.&nbsp;

“In my eyes Barton is getting a player that is going to work as hard as he possibly can to become the best player and teammate I can be,” Kreighton said. “They are also getting a winner who will never quit.”

“They are getting a great athlete and teammate,” Coach Kanitz said. “He will work to make his team better. He was a tough matchup for teams in high school because of his strength and ability to shoot or get to the rim. Defensively, he takes pride in frustrating his opponents. I am excited to see how his game evolves as he gains experience as a college player.”

After Kreighton made his college decision recently, Dustin had this to say to his oldest of four boys.&nbsp;

“That I was extremely proud of him. What a great opportunity to continue to learn from the game of basketball. A very small percentage of athletes will ever get to experience the opportunity that he has,” 1.0 said.

And Kreighton  has this message for Kanitz Kat Nation.&nbsp;

“Thank you for supporting me,” he said. “This town and its supporters are very special and made this an easy transition for me my senior year and gave me memories that I’ll cherish forever.”

“I’m blessed to have been chosen to be here in this community, surrounded by family, playing for my dad and welcomed by everyone. I’m so thankful for God’s perfect plan for my life,” Kreighton said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715334446542.jpeg" alt="Moundridge Wildcat Kreighton Kanitz signs with Barton CC." />
 <figcaption>Moundridge Wildcat Kreighton Kanitz signs with Barton CC.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Gary Van Cleave&nbsp;Special to Hutchpost.comMOUNDRIDGE - As Kreighton Kanitz signed his basketball letter of intent recently with Barton Community College, he went to his God for His thoughts.“When signing and deciding on Barton, I spoke to God and everything about it just gave me peace,” the Moundridge Wildcat standout said. “What should probably be a more stressful time in my life deciding and committing, I had complete peace. That type of peace is only from God.”That reassurance from The Greatest Himself has one of the greats in Moundridge history playing the game he loves for the next two years with the Cougars.“It’s a true blessing,” said Kanitz, who just two months ago led the Kanitz Kats to a Class 2A state basketball championship. “I get to continue to play the sport that I love. It’s been my goal since I can remember to play college basketball and I get to all thanks to God.”Barton was the right choice for the 6-foot-2&nbsp;&nbsp;machine.“Barton was the right fit because they are a winning program coming off a national championship and they have a great group of guys,” Kanitz said. “I saw it as my best opportunity to push myself and become the best possible version of myself.”“It’s amazing,” younger brother Kaizer Kanitz said. “Seeing him go to a very good school and fulfill his dreams is awesome to see as a brother.”“I am so happy for him. He gets to continue to play a game he loves,” his coach but more importantly his Dad Dustan Kanitz said. “He puts in lots of reps to continue to get better, but he absolutely loves being in the gym and weight room.”The Kanitz Klan and Moundridge basketball seem to be perfect together like hot fudge and vanilla ice cream on a 99-degree Kansas summer day. Or peanut butter meeting old reliable grape jelly for a classic on two slices of bread that could have been raised from a nearby hard red winter wheat field.It only took one season for the perfect marriage to cement after the five guys plus Mom Brooke family moved from up-the-road McPherson. Coach Kanitz was named the boys basketball coach in his first chance at being a head coach.&nbsp;It seemed to work out A-OK as Kreighton hoisted his Kats on his broad back and helped bring home the eighth boys state championship in the school’s proud history.“Kreighton played a huge role on our team,” Zach Dixon said. “He showed up and showed out at all moments which was what we needed. Kreighton made practice and games a lot of fun, overall it was really great having him on our team.”“Kre was a great teammate and a great leader,” Heath Churchill said. “He always pushed his teammates in practice and made us a lot better.”The Kanitz Kats ended the 2023-24 season with an 11-game winning streak and capped a 23-3 season with a victory over Goliath-imposter Lyndon in the 2A title game.Kanitz averaged 17 points per game his senior year.“It means so much to be able to showcase what I can do. I was just scratching the surface of what I’m capable of my senior year,” he said. “I’m just now figuring out how big these gifts are that God has blessed me with. I’m excited to see just how big God’s plans are for me.”“Kreighton is an amazing leader as well as amazing player. He plays with energy and is a terrific scorer and defender,” Dustin Kanitz said. “He can score on anyone playing any position and when needed to will guard whoever he needs to. He's very strong and can score from anywhere on the court. Averaging 17 ppg and leading our team through the whole season to the state championship winning it back to back is why he will go down a great in Moundridge history.”“His confidence continued to grow. He took on the role of being the senior leader of our team,” Coach Kanitz said. “He wasn’t afraid to take and make the big shot our team needed. He also believed in our team. His confidence in his teammates was contagious and made our team unstoppable in our state championship run.”Kanitz’s spring has him in track where his locomotive approach gaining speed down the runway positions him with the 10th-best triple jump in 2A (41-6).“He’s a humble guy, he’s good at what he does. Does multiple jumping events which is hard to do in track,” Sedgwick’s Noah Little, 2A’s top triple jumper, said. “Just an all-around good athlete, proven by him going to play basketball at the next level.”“It feels really good going out at the top. It’s been pretty relaxed going through track season,” Kreighton said. “I’ve been working on parts of my game that I feel I need to improve. I’ve also been fully recovering for the summer.”A summer that will be capped with a move to Great Bend and his beginning in life as a college basketball player.&nbsp;“In my eyes Barton is getting a player that is going to work as hard as he possibly can to become the best player and teammate I can be,” Kreighton said. “They are also getting a winner who will never quit.”“They are getting a great athlete and teammate,” Coach Kanitz said. “He will work to make his team better. He was a tough matchup for teams in high school because of his strength and ability to shoot or get to the rim. Defensively, he takes pride in frustrating his opponents. I am excited to see how his game evolves as he gains experience as a college player.”After Kreighton made his college decision recently, Dustin had this to say to his oldest of four boys.&nbsp;“That I was extremely proud of him. What a great opportunity to continue to learn from the game of basketball. A very small percentage of athletes will ever get to experience the opportunity that he has,” 1.0 said.And Kreighton has this message for Kanitz Kat Nation.&nbsp;“Thank you for supporting me,” he said. “This town and its supporters are very special and made this an easy transition for me my senior year and gave me memories that I’ll cherish forever.”He concluded.“I’m blessed to have been chosen to be here in this community, surrounded by family, playing for my dad and welcomed by everyone. I’m so thankful for God’s perfect plan for my life,” Kreighton said.

🏀 BBB: Moundridge star signs with NJCAA champ Barton

WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge took their third straight win over the Arkansas Travelers by a 6-2 final at Riverfront Stadium. Wichita has won four consecutive games since Saturday, May 4, an 8-7 victory over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

Andrew Cossetti&nbsp;slugged his fourth home run of the year on a solo shot to left in the bottom of the second.&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;followed with an RBI single to center in the frame to bring home&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;and give the Wind Surge a 2-0 lead.

The visiting Travelers equalized the score after an infield error in the top of the seventh. Spencer Packard and Tyler Locklear were the two scorers on the play.

Carson McCusker&nbsp;broke the then-tie game open on a bases-clearing double to the left-center alley after the stretch in the last of the seventh.&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez,&nbsp;Noah Cardenas, and Cossetti all scored to put Wichita ahead 5-2 heading into the final two innings of baseball.

Rodriguez guided a run-scoring double to the left field corner to provide an insurance run in the form of&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;in the bottom of the eighth. Despite a leadoff walk in the ninth,&nbsp;Jared Solomon&nbsp;struck out the following batter and forced a game-ending 5-4-3 double play.

Scott Engler&nbsp;earned the win to improve to 1-0 on the year after retiring his lone batter in relief of&nbsp;Zebby Matthews. The latter struck out nine batters in six and two-thirds innings while giving up two unearned runs on three hits in his Double-A debut with the Wind Surge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715335668195.jpeg" alt="Wichita Win Fourth Straight Behind Matthews’ Double-A Pitching Debut, McCusker’s Three-Run Double." />
 <figcaption>Wichita Win Fourth Straight Behind Matthews’ Double-A Pitching Debut, McCusker’s Three-Run Double.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge took their third straight win over the Arkansas Travelers by a 6-2 final at Riverfront Stadium. Wichita has won four consecutive games since Saturday, May 4, an 8-7 victory over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.Andrew Cossetti&nbsp;slugged his fourth home run of the year on a solo shot to left in the bottom of the second.&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;followed with an RBI single to center in the frame to bring home&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;and give the Wind Surge a 2-0 lead.The visiting Travelers equalized the score after an infield error in the top of the seventh. Spencer Packard and Tyler Locklear were the two scorers on the play.Carson McCusker&nbsp;broke the then-tie game open on a bases-clearing double to the left-center alley after the stretch in the last of the seventh.&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez,&nbsp;Noah Cardenas, and Cossetti all scored to put Wichita ahead 5-2 heading into the final two innings of baseball.Rodriguez guided a run-scoring double to the left field corner to provide an insurance run in the form of&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;in the bottom of the eighth. Despite a leadoff walk in the ninth,&nbsp;Jared Solomon&nbsp;struck out the following batter and forced a game-ending 5-4-3 double play.Scott Engler&nbsp;earned the win to improve to 1-0 on the year after retiring his lone batter in relief of&nbsp;Zebby Matthews. The latter struck out nine batters in six and two-thirds innings while giving up two unearned runs on three hits in his Double-A debut with the Wind Surge.

⚾ Wind Surge earns 3rd straight win over Naturals

AP Sports in a Minute for May 10th, 2024:

Mitchell's 29 points help Cavaliers blow out Celtics 118-94, tie series at 1 game apiece

BOSTON (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points and Evan Mobley had 21 points and 10 rebounds to help the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the top-seeded Boston Celtics 118-94 and tie their second-round playoff series at one game apiece. Two nights after losing by 25, the Cavaliers seized the lead in the third quarter and answered with a blowout of their own. Mitchell scored 16 in the third. Jayson Tatum scored 25 for Boston, and Jaylen Brown added 19 points. The series moves to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday, with a return trip to Boston for Game 5 on Wednesday.

Doncic scores 29 points as Mavericks top Thunder 119-110 to tie series at 1-1

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Luka Doncic had 29 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, and the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-110 to even their Western Conference semifinals series at one win apiece. The Thunder held Doncic to 19 points on 6-for-19 shooting in Game 1. He bounced back and made 11 of 21 field goals in Game 2. P.J. Washington added 29 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavericks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists and Jalen Williams added 20 points for the Thunder. Oklahoma City lost for the first time in the postseason.

Artemi Panarin scores in overtime, Rangers beat Hurricanes 3-2 to take 3-0 series lead

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Artemi Panarin redirected a pass between his legs at the crease to beat Pyotr Kochetkov just 1:43 into overtime and the New York Rangers beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 on Thursday night to take a 3-0 lead in the second-round playoff series. Panarin scored after Carolina defenseman Dmitry Orlov lost control of a puck in the corner in the defensive zone. Vincent Trocheck collected it on the right side and sent it toward the crease to Panarin, who tipped the puck behind him as defenseman Jalen Chatfield tried to push him away from the crease. The puck slipped under the right elbow and past the ribs of Kochetkov. The Rangers can complete the sweep in Game 4 here Saturday night.

Miro Heiskanen scores 2 power-play goals and Stars beat Avs 5-3 in Game 2 to even series

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas defenseman Miro Heiskanen scored two power-play goals, Roope Hintz had a goal and three assists and the Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-3 in Game 2 on Thursday night to even the second-round Western Conference series. Tyler Seguin got his first goal this postseason on a short-hander at the end of a 3-on-1 breakaway for the Stars that put them up 4-0 late in the second period. Esa Lindell added an empty-netter with 20 seconds left. Jake Oettinger had 28 saves for Dallas. Joel Kiviranta, Brandon Duhaime and Valeri Nichushkin scored in the third period for the Avalanche

Carlisle: 'Small-market teams deserve a fair shot.' Pacers send calls for NBA review, AP source says

NEW YORK (AP) — The Indiana Pacers have, as coach Rick Carlisle said they would, sent 78 plays they believe were officiated incorrectly from the first two games of their series against the New York Knicks to the NBA office for review, a person with knowledge of the action said Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because neither the Pacers nor the league had publicly confirmed the clips were actually sent. Officials acknowledged an incorrectly called kicked ball violation late in Game 1, but the Pacers believed there were plenty other instances of wrong whistles.

Suns fire coach Frank Vogel after getting swept out of the playoffs in the opening round

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have fired coach Frank Vogel after one disappointing season. The team made the announcement on Thursday, less than two weeks after getting swept out of the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Suns finished the regular season with a 49-33 record. Vogel won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Vogel was hired last summer to lead the Suns' All-Star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, but the group was never quite able to gel.

OG Anunoby won't play and Jalen Brunson is questionable for the Knicks in Game 3 against the Pacers

NEW YORK (AP) — OG Anunoby won't play for the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Friday night because of a strained left hamstring. Jalen Brunson is questionable with his sore right foot. Brunson returned from his injury after missing the second quarter to lead the Knicks to a 130-121 victory Wednesday for a 2-0 lead over the Indiana Pacers. But Anunoby was hurt in the second half after scoring a career playoff-high 28 points, leaving the Knicks' injury-depleted frontcourt without yet another starter. The forward limped off the court holding the back of his leg. The Knicks are 26-5 this season with Anunoby in the lineup.

Raucous crowd roars its approval for Caitlin Clark in her home debut with Fever, an 83-80 win

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark walked into her new home arena with No. 22 shirts and jerseys peppered from floor to ceiling. A late-arriving but louder-than-usual crowd roared during her first official introduction to Fever fans on Thursday night. And when the former Iowa star made the layup for her first basket with 7:00 left in the first quarter, the applause grew. It was even louder when she completed a three-point play a few minutes later. She had 12 points to help lead the Fever to an 83-80 preseason win over the Atlanta Dream. It was a moment Fever fans have dreaming about since they won the lottery in December.

Schauffele shoots 67 to take Wells Fargo lead. McIlroy in contention again at Quail Hollow

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rory McIlroy hoped that his victory with Shane Lowry two weeks ago in the Zurich Classic team event would serve as a springboard for the remainder of the season. He's off to a good start. McIlroy positioned himself for a run at a record fourth Wells Fargo Championship title Thursday, opening with a 4-under 67 that left him three shots behind leader Xander Schauffele. Collin Morikawa and Alex Noren also shot 67, and Justin Thomas topped the group at 68. Quail Hollow is one of McIlroy's favorite courses, and with good reason after victories in 2010, '15 and '21.

McIlroy says he and Adam Scott also involved in Saudi meetings

Tiger Woods has company in player negotiations with the Saudi-backers of LIV Golf. Rory McIlroy says he and Adam Scott also are on the transactional subcommittee of the PGA Tour Enterprises board. It was yet another twist in the bizarre governance being played among as the PGA Tour tries to work out a deal with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. The tour disclosed only five people on the subcommittee. Its latest release shows McIlroy and Scott part of the group. McIlroy says he's already been involved in discussions. He says he has no vote, only a voice.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		Cincinnati	at	San Francisco	10:15 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, May 10th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, May 10th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports in a Minute for May 10th, 2024:<div><iframe title="May 10th, 2024 AP Sports in a Minute" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=r9aff-160b45d-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>Mitchell's 29 points help Cavaliers blow out Celtics 118-94, tie series at 1 game apieceBOSTON (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points and Evan Mobley had 21 points and 10 rebounds to help the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the top-seeded Boston Celtics 118-94 and tie their second-round playoff series at one game apiece. Two nights after losing by 25, the Cavaliers seized the lead in the third quarter and answered with a blowout of their own. Mitchell scored 16 in the third. Jayson Tatum scored 25 for Boston, and Jaylen Brown added 19 points. The series moves to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday, with a return trip to Boston for Game 5 on Wednesday.Doncic scores 29 points as Mavericks top Thunder 119-110 to tie series at 1-1OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Luka Doncic had 29 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, and the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-110 to even their Western Conference semifinals series at one win apiece. The Thunder held Doncic to 19 points on 6-for-19 shooting in Game 1. He bounced back and made 11 of 21 field goals in Game 2. P.J. Washington added 29 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavericks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists and Jalen Williams added 20 points for the Thunder. Oklahoma City lost for the first time in the postseason.Artemi Panarin scores in overtime, Rangers beat Hurricanes 3-2 to take 3-0 series leadRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Artemi Panarin redirected a pass between his legs at the crease to beat Pyotr Kochetkov just 1:43 into overtime and the New York Rangers beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 on Thursday night to take a 3-0 lead in the second-round playoff series. Panarin scored after Carolina defenseman Dmitry Orlov lost control of a puck in the corner in the defensive zone. Vincent Trocheck collected it on the right side and sent it toward the crease to Panarin, who tipped the puck behind him as defenseman Jalen Chatfield tried to push him away from the crease. The puck slipped under the right elbow and past the ribs of Kochetkov. The Rangers can complete the sweep in Game 4 here Saturday night.Miro Heiskanen scores 2 power-play goals and Stars beat Avs 5-3 in Game 2 to even seriesDALLAS (AP) — Dallas defenseman Miro Heiskanen scored two power-play goals, Roope Hintz had a goal and three assists and the Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-3 in Game 2 on Thursday night to even the second-round Western Conference series. Tyler Seguin got his first goal this postseason on a short-hander at the end of a 3-on-1 breakaway for the Stars that put them up 4-0 late in the second period. Esa Lindell added an empty-netter with 20 seconds left. Jake Oettinger had 28 saves for Dallas. Joel Kiviranta, Brandon Duhaime and Valeri Nichushkin scored in the third period for the AvalancheCarlisle: 'Small-market teams deserve a fair shot.' Pacers send calls for NBA review, AP source saysNEW YORK (AP) — The Indiana Pacers have, as coach Rick Carlisle said they would, sent 78 plays they believe were officiated incorrectly from the first two games of their series against the New York Knicks to the NBA office for review, a person with knowledge of the action said Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because neither the Pacers nor the league had publicly confirmed the clips were actually sent. Officials acknowledged an incorrectly called kicked ball violation late in Game 1, but the Pacers believed there were plenty other instances of wrong whistles.Suns fire coach Frank Vogel after getting swept out of the playoffs in the opening roundPHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have fired coach Frank Vogel after one disappointing season. The team made the announcement on Thursday, less than two weeks after getting swept out of the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Suns finished the regular season with a 49-33 record. Vogel won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Vogel was hired last summer to lead the Suns' All-Star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, but the group was never quite able to gel.OG Anunoby won't play and Jalen Brunson is questionable for the Knicks in Game 3 against the PacersNEW YORK (AP) — OG Anunoby won't play for the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Friday night because of a strained left hamstring. Jalen Brunson is questionable with his sore right foot. Brunson returned from his injury after missing the second quarter to lead the Knicks to a 130-121 victory Wednesday for a 2-0 lead over the Indiana Pacers. But Anunoby was hurt in the second half after scoring a career playoff-high 28 points, leaving the Knicks' injury-depleted frontcourt without yet another starter. The forward limped off the court holding the back of his leg. The Knicks are 26-5 this season with Anunoby in the lineup.Raucous crowd roars its approval for Caitlin Clark in her home debut with Fever, an 83-80 winINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark walked into her new home arena with No. 22 shirts and jerseys peppered from floor to ceiling. A late-arriving but louder-than-usual crowd roared during her first official introduction to Fever fans on Thursday night. And when the former Iowa star made the layup for her first basket with 7:00 left in the first quarter, the applause grew. It was even louder when she completed a three-point play a few minutes later. She had 12 points to help lead the Fever to an 83-80 preseason win over the Atlanta Dream. It was a moment Fever fans have dreaming about since they won the lottery in December.Schauffele shoots 67 to take Wells Fargo lead. McIlroy in contention again at Quail HollowCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rory McIlroy hoped that his victory with Shane Lowry two weeks ago in the Zurich Classic team event would serve as a springboard for the remainder of the season. He's off to a good start. McIlroy positioned himself for a run at a record fourth Wells Fargo Championship title Thursday, opening with a 4-under 67 that left him three shots behind leader Xander Schauffele. Collin Morikawa and Alex Noren also shot 67, and Justin Thomas topped the group at 68. Quail Hollow is one of McIlroy's favorite courses, and with good reason after victories in 2010, '15 and '21.McIlroy says he and Adam Scott also involved in Saudi meetingsTiger Woods has company in player negotiations with the Saudi-backers of LIV Golf. Rory McIlroy says he and Adam Scott also are on the transactional subcommittee of the PGA Tour Enterprises board. It was yet another twist in the bizarre governance being played among as the PGA Tour tries to work out a deal with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. The tour disclosed only five people on the subcommittee. Its latest release shows McIlroy and Scott part of the group. McIlroy says he's already been involved in discussions. He says he has no vote, only a voice.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Minnesota	11	Seattle	1	Final	Houston	4	N.Y. Yankees	3	Final	Chicago White Sox	3	Cleveland	2	Final	Kansas City	10	L.A. Angels	4	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Arizona	5	Cincinnati	4	Final	Colorado	9	San Francisco	1	Final	Milwaukee	7	St. Louis	1	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Cleveland	118	Boston	94	Final	Dallas	119	Oklahoma City	110	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal OT	N-Y Rangers	3	Carolina	2	Final	Dallas	5	Colorado	3	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Arizona	at	Baltimore	7:05 p.m.			Washington	at	Boston	7:10 p.m.			Texas	at	Colorado	8:40 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Houston	at	Detroit	6:40 p.m.			N-Y Yankees	at	Tampa Bay	6:50 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Toronto	7:07 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Chi White Sox	7:40 p.m.			Kansas City	at	L-A Angels	9:38 p.m.			Oakland	at	Seattle	9:40 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Chi Cubs	at	Pittsburgh	6:40 p.m.			Atlanta	at	N-Y Mets	7:10 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Miami	7:10 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Milwaukee	8:10 p.m.			L-A Dodgers	at	San Diego	9:40 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	San Francisco	10:15 p.m.	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS		New York	at	Indiana	7 p.m.			Denver	at	Minnesota	9:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS		Florida	at	Boston	7 p.m.			Edmonton	at	Vancouver	10 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Friday

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Dairon Blanco had three hits, including a two-run homer in the third inning, Michael Wacha picked up his first win in over a month and the Kansas City Royals rolled to a 10-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night.

“He comes ready to play whenever he’s in the lineup, whether that’s starting or just coming off the bench,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Blanco, who is mostly used as a pinch runner, but has hit safely in five of his seven starts this season.

Vinnie Pasquantino also had a two-run homer in the third and drove in three runs for the Royals, who have won three of four. Pasquantino has nine RBIs in his last five games.

Maikel Garcia added three hits, including a two-run double in the sixth.

Wacha (2-4) — who went 0-4 in his previous five starts. — allowed only two hits in six innings before running into trouble in the seventh. The Angels loaded the bases as their first three hitters got aboard when Luis Guillorme and Cole Tucker drew bases-loaded walks to chase the right-hander.

“Those first six innings I felt like I was locked in, you know. Then, kind of lost it in the seventh,” said Wacha, who gave up three runs (two earned) on three hits and struck out six in six-plus innings. “I’m not going to let that affect how I feel coming out of there. The stuff was good and had a good mix.”

The Angels had runners at first and second with one out, but reliever Daniel Lynch IV made a great grab of Kevin Pillar’s grounder to start a double play and end the inning.

The Angels had five hits and are 4-12 at The Big A, the worst home start in franchise history.

Angels starter Reid Detmers (3-4) retired the first six Royals before running into trouble in the third. Hunter Renfroe drew a leadoff walk and Blanco followed by driving Detmers' slider into the left-field bullpens. Later in the inning, Pasquantino's two-run shot to right went 442 feet, the farthest he has hit in his three years in the majors.

Detmers allowed six runs and seven hits and struck out five in five innings. The left-hander has allowed at least four runs in four straight starts after giving up four runs (three earned) through his first four starts.

“Tonight, everything he landed they got to and he wasn't landing very much. Tonight wasn't his night,” manager Ron Washington said of Detmers. “When he did make a good pitch, they found a way to put it into play. We struck out 13 tonight and they still had 12 hits and put 10 runs on the board.”

Angels: Infielders Brandon Drury (left hamstring strain) and Luis Rengifo (viral infection) were placed on the 10-day injured list. The moves and Los Angeles' lineup were not announced until 8 minutes before first pitch.

Kansas City RHP Alec Marsh (3-0, 2.70 ERA), who had a right elbow contusion, is expected to come off the 15-day injured list Friday. RHP Griffin Canning (1-4, 6.69 ERA) gets the call for Los Angeles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715317703148.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Dairon Blanco, right, is congratulated by Salvador Perez after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Dairon Blanco, right, is congratulated by Salvador Perez after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)</figcaption>
 </figure>JOE REEDY AP Sports WriterANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Dairon Blanco had three hits, including a two-run homer in the third inning, Michael Wacha picked up his first win in over a month and the Kansas City Royals rolled to a 10-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night.“He comes ready to play whenever he’s in the lineup, whether that’s starting or just coming off the bench,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Blanco, who is mostly used as a pinch runner, but has hit safely in five of his seven starts this season.Vinnie Pasquantino also had a two-run homer in the third and drove in three runs for the Royals, who have won three of four. Pasquantino has nine RBIs in his last five games.Maikel Garcia added three hits, including a two-run double in the sixth.Wacha (2-4) — who went 0-4 in his previous five starts. — allowed only two hits in six innings before running into trouble in the seventh. The Angels loaded the bases as their first three hitters got aboard when Luis Guillorme and Cole Tucker drew bases-loaded walks to chase the right-hander.“Those first six innings I felt like I was locked in, you know. Then, kind of lost it in the seventh,” said Wacha, who gave up three runs (two earned) on three hits and struck out six in six-plus innings. “I’m not going to let that affect how I feel coming out of there. The stuff was good and had a good mix.”The Angels had runners at first and second with one out, but reliever Daniel Lynch IV made a great grab of Kevin Pillar’s grounder to start a double play and end the inning.The Angels had five hits and are 4-12 at The Big A, the worst home start in franchise history.Angels starter Reid Detmers (3-4) retired the first six Royals before running into trouble in the third. Hunter Renfroe drew a leadoff walk and Blanco followed by driving Detmers' slider into the left-field bullpens. Later in the inning, Pasquantino's two-run shot to right went 442 feet, the farthest he has hit in his three years in the majors.Detmers allowed six runs and seven hits and struck out five in five innings. The left-hander has allowed at least four runs in four straight starts after giving up four runs (three earned) through his first four starts.“Tonight, everything he landed they got to and he wasn't landing very much. Tonight wasn't his night,” manager Ron Washington said of Detmers. “When he did make a good pitch, they found a way to put it into play. We struck out 13 tonight and they still had 12 hits and put 10 runs on the board.”TRAINER'S ROOMAngels: Infielders Brandon Drury (left hamstring strain) and Luis Rengifo (viral infection) were placed on the 10-day injured list. The moves and Los Angeles' lineup were not announced until 8 minutes before first pitch.UP NEXTKansas City RHP Alec Marsh (3-0, 2.70 ERA), who had a right elbow contusion, is expected to come off the 15-day injured list Friday. RHP Griffin Canning (1-4, 6.69 ERA) gets the call for Los Angeles.

⚾ Royals win in Anaheim Thursday

Sophomore pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/giesbrecht_ethan_qz2n">Ethan Giesbrecht</a>&nbsp;won his 11th game of the season and sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/bradford_blake_6h1a">Blake Bradford</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/pimental-guerrero_luis_ubag">Luis Pimentel-Guerrero</a>&nbsp;combined for seven RBIs as the No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College baseball team rolled past the Labette Cardinals on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field.

The Blue Dragons hammered out 14 hits and stole eight bases to cruise to a 10-0 run-rule victory over the Cardinals in Game 1 of the Region VI Tournament opening-round series.

Game 2 of the series will be at 1 p.m. on Friday at Hobart-Detter Field.

BLUE DRAGON BASEBALL No. 15 Hutchinson (45-11) vs. Labette (14-36) - Region 6 Opening-Round Series Game 2 When: Friday, May 10, 2024 Time: 1 p.m. Admission: Free Video: Blue Dragon Sports Network, 12:50 p.m. Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=1081431">https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=1081431</a>

With the victory, the Blue Dragons, now 45-11, tie the 2000 Blue Dragons for the third-most wins in program history. Labette fell to 14-36.

Giesbrecht (11-2) worked the first six innings and was part of his fourth shutout of the season (1 complete game and three combined shutouts). The sophomore starter was in trouble in the first inning when a walk, error and hit batter loaded the bases with one out. Giesbrecht got out of the jam with a flyout to shallow left field and a strikeout.

Giesbrecht gave up a single in the second and a single and walk in the third, but a rare 5-4-6 double play ended the third inning and the Blue Dragon sophomore went on to retire the final 10 batters he faced.

Giesbrecht allowed two hits over six shutout innings. He struck out five wand walked two.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/perkins_ashton_8hhl">Ashton Perkins</a>&nbsp;struck out two and allowed a hit and walk in a scoreless seventh to close out the game.

The Blue Dragons started giving Giesbrecht some offensive support in the second inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/tucker_jordan_v8wz">Jordan Tucker</a>&nbsp;had an RBI infield single in the second inning to get the Dragons on the board. Pimentel-Guerrero then hit a three-run opposite-field double down the left-field line to give Hutchinson a 4-0 lead.

The Dragons made it 7-0 with three runs in the third inning. Bradford hit a two-run infield single and pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/davis_jon_e1bh">Jon Davis</a>&nbsp;sacrifice fly to push the lead to seven runs. Bradford's two-run single through the left side of the infield in the fourth inning made it 9-0. Tucker scored on the back end of a double-steal attempt in the sixth to make it 10-0.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wesslund_cooper_2jkh">Cooper Wesslund</a>&nbsp;went 3 for 3 to lead Hutchinson's 14-hit attack, his team-high 24th multi-hit game this season. Wesslund also had two stolen bases.

Bradford had his fourth game of four or more RBIs this season with four driven in on 2 for 3 at the plate with a walk.

Pimentel-Guerrero extended his hitting streak to 18 games going 1 for 4 with a double and three RBIs. Pimentel-Guerrero tied Michael Helman (2017) for the fourth-longest consecutive game hitting streak in Blue Dragon history.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;extended his current hitting streak to 10 games after a 2 for 4 game with a double.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/vassart_tyson_020j">Tyson Vassart</a>&nbsp;doubled as well. All nine Blue Dragon starters had at lead one hit.

The Dragons were 8 of 9 in stolen bases on Thursday. Tucker had a career high three steals to lead the Blue Dragons.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/babin_kael_g1ow">Kael Babin</a>&nbsp;had one steal to tie Carlos Akins for the Blue Dragon career stolen bases with 73 career steals.

The Blue Dragons also broke the program record for runs scored in a season with 569.

POSTGAME NOTES+ The Blue Dragons are now 22-14 all-time in the best-of-3 opening-round format which started in 2014, including 7-1 in four series vs. Labette.

+ The 2024 Blue Dragons became the first team in program history to reach 200 stolen bases in one season, now with 201.

+ The Dragons extend their season team record for hit by pitches with 168.

+ The Dragons now have 19 games this season of five or more stolen bases.

+ The Blue Dragons are 23-2 this season at Hobart-Detter Field.

+ Now with a 15-4 career pitching record for his career,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/giesbrecht_ethan_qz2n">Ethan Giesbrecht</a>&nbsp;ties Craig Reed (1999-2000), Shawn Lewick (2009-10) and Kyle Simonds (2013-14) for fifth on the career wins list.

+ Now with 125 career strikeouts, Giesbrecht moved past Simonds into eighth place on the career strikeout list and with his 85 seas strikeouts, he ties Max Simpson (2015) for seventh on the single-season strikeout list.

+ The 2024 Blue Dragons are now fourth in single-season history with 616 hits for the season. They are seventh in season walks with 248 base on balls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715308035450.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon starter Ethan Giesbrecht tosses six innings of two-hit shutout ball to earn his 11th victory of the season in No. 15 Hutchinson's 10-0 win over Labette in Game 1 of the Region VI opening-round series on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon starter Ethan Giesbrecht tosses six innings of two-hit shutout ball to earn his 11th victory of the season in No. 15 Hutchinson's 10-0 win over Labette in Game 1 of the Region VI opening-round series on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationSophomore pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/giesbrecht_ethan_qz2n">Ethan Giesbrecht</a>&nbsp;won his 11th game of the season and sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/bradford_blake_6h1a">Blake Bradford</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/pimental-guerrero_luis_ubag">Luis Pimentel-Guerrero</a>&nbsp;combined for seven RBIs as the No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College baseball team rolled past the Labette Cardinals on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field.The Blue Dragons hammered out 14 hits and stole eight bases to cruise to a 10-0 run-rule victory over the Cardinals in Game 1 of the Region VI Tournament opening-round series.Game 2 of the series will be at 1 p.m. on Friday at Hobart-Detter Field.BLUE DRAGON BASEBALL No. 15 Hutchinson (45-11) vs. Labette (14-36) - Region 6 Opening-Round Series Game 2 When: Friday, May 10, 2024 Time: 1 p.m. Admission: Free Video: Blue Dragon Sports Network, 12:50 p.m. Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=1081431">https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=1081431</a>With the victory, the Blue Dragons, now 45-11, tie the 2000 Blue Dragons for the third-most wins in program history. Labette fell to 14-36.Giesbrecht (11-2) worked the first six innings and was part of his fourth shutout of the season (1 complete game and three combined shutouts). The sophomore starter was in trouble in the first inning when a walk, error and hit batter loaded the bases with one out. Giesbrecht got out of the jam with a flyout to shallow left field and a strikeout.Giesbrecht gave up a single in the second and a single and walk in the third, but a rare 5-4-6 double play ended the third inning and the Blue Dragon sophomore went on to retire the final 10 batters he faced.Giesbrecht allowed two hits over six shutout innings. He struck out five wand walked two.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/perkins_ashton_8hhl">Ashton Perkins</a>&nbsp;struck out two and allowed a hit and walk in a scoreless seventh to close out the game.The Blue Dragons started giving Giesbrecht some offensive support in the second inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/tucker_jordan_v8wz">Jordan Tucker</a>&nbsp;had an RBI infield single in the second inning to get the Dragons on the board. Pimentel-Guerrero then hit a three-run opposite-field double down the left-field line to give Hutchinson a 4-0 lead.The Dragons made it 7-0 with three runs in the third inning. Bradford hit a two-run infield single and pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/davis_jon_e1bh">Jon Davis</a>&nbsp;sacrifice fly to push the lead to seven runs. Bradford's two-run single through the left side of the infield in the fourth inning made it 9-0. Tucker scored on the back end of a double-steal attempt in the sixth to make it 10-0.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wesslund_cooper_2jkh">Cooper Wesslund</a>&nbsp;went 3 for 3 to lead Hutchinson's 14-hit attack, his team-high 24th multi-hit game this season. Wesslund also had two stolen bases.Bradford had his fourth game of four or more RBIs this season with four driven in on 2 for 3 at the plate with a walk.Pimentel-Guerrero extended his hitting streak to 18 games going 1 for 4 with a double and three RBIs. Pimentel-Guerrero tied Michael Helman (2017) for the fourth-longest consecutive game hitting streak in Blue Dragon history.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;extended his current hitting streak to 10 games after a 2 for 4 game with a double.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/vassart_tyson_020j">Tyson Vassart</a>&nbsp;doubled as well. All nine Blue Dragon starters had at lead one hit.The Dragons were 8 of 9 in stolen bases on Thursday. Tucker had a career high three steals to lead the Blue Dragons.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/babin_kael_g1ow">Kael Babin</a>&nbsp;had one steal to tie Carlos Akins for the Blue Dragon career stolen bases with 73 career steals.The Blue Dragons also broke the program record for runs scored in a season with 569.POSTGAME NOTES+ The Blue Dragons are now 22-14 all-time in the best-of-3 opening-round format which started in 2014, including 7-1 in four series vs. Labette.+ The 2024 Blue Dragons became the first team in program history to reach 200 stolen bases in one season, now with 201.+ The Dragons extend their season team record for hit by pitches with 168.+ The Dragons now have 19 games this season of five or more stolen bases.+ The Blue Dragons are 23-2 this season at Hobart-Detter Field.+ Now with a 15-4 career pitching record for his career,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/giesbrecht_ethan_qz2n">Ethan Giesbrecht</a>&nbsp;ties Craig Reed (1999-2000), Shawn Lewick (2009-10) and Kyle Simonds (2013-14) for fifth on the career wins list.+ Now with 125 career strikeouts, Giesbrecht moved past Simonds into eighth place on the career strikeout list and with his 85 seas strikeouts, he ties Max Simpson (2015) for seventh on the single-season strikeout list.+ The 2024 Blue Dragons are now fourth in single-season history with 616 hits for the season. They are seventh in season walks with 248 base on balls.

⚾ Blue Dragons roll past Labette in game 1

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715307874130.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State Sports Information<div>WICHITA, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">Addison Barnard</a></dfn>&nbsp;is not ready for her career to end. For the second straight day, the senior hit multiple home runs, including the go-ahead grand slam in the bottom of the fifth to push the Shockers past No. 5 seed Tulsa, 11-9, at Wilkins Stadium. Fourth-seeded Wichita State (27-21) will now face the top seed Florida Atlantic in Friday&apos;s semifinals at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+. After Thursday&apos;s two-home run game vs. Tulsa, Barnard is now 6-for-7 with five home runs, a double and 11 RBI in two games of the American Athletic Conference Championship. She finished the day 2-for-3 with two home runs and six RBI. Her fifth inning grand slam was the fourth of her career. She now has 92 career home runs, placing her in a tie for fourth on the NCAA all-time home run list. Her season total stands at 23, meaning she holds the top three single season home run records at Wichita State (33, 2022; 23, 2024; 22, 2021). <dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">CC Wong</a></dfn>&nbsp;had another big impact, going 1-for-2 with a double, two walks, an RBI and two runs scored.&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7565" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">Sami Hood</a></dfn>&nbsp;drove in a run behind two hits and&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7559" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">Lainee Brown</a></dfn>&nbsp;delivered a pair of hits, none bigger than her fifth inning single that helped ignite Wichita State&apos;s seven-run inning.&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jessica-garcia/7563" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">Jessica Garcia</a></dfn>&nbsp;recorded Wichita State&apos;s eighth hit, also in the monster fifth inning. <dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/7573" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">Chloe Barber</a></dfn>&nbsp;threw 6.1 innings, including the final 2.0 after re-entering. Her final line included seven hits, six runs, four walks and five strikeouts. Tulsa grabbed early momentum three batters into the game on a two-run home run, but the Shockers would respond. Wong&apos;s leadoff double made way for the hottest hitter on the planet. After a three-home run game the night before, Barnard sent the first pitch she saw over the decks in right field to promptly tie the game at 2. Wichita State then grabbed a 3-2 lead two batters later on a Hood RBI double. In the fourth, Wichita State loaded the bases with one out, but only scored one run out of it on a Wong walk. Leading 4-2, Wichita State had momentum on its side and just nine outs away from a win. However, Tulsa had other plans. The Golden Hurricane scored six runs in the top of the fifth to suck the life out of Wilkins Stadium, grabbing an 8-4 lead. Tulsa scored all six of its runs with two outs, starting with a two-run bloop single to right to tie the game. Wichita State didn&apos;t hit the panic button though.&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-urban/7572" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">Bailey Urban</a></dfn>&nbsp;opened the bottom of the fifth drawing a walk. Back-to-back singles from Hood and Brown quickly loaded the bases with no outs. A&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/caroline-tallent/7571" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">Caroline Tallent</a></dfn>&nbsp;grounder to third should have been an out at home but the Tulsa catcher couldn&apos;t handle the throw, allowing two Shockers to score, cutting the deficit to just two. With runners on second and third, Garcia grounded out to short, but the third run of the frame came across to make it 8-7. Another Tulsa error and a Wong walk again loaded the bases, setting the scene for Barnard. On a 1-1 pitch, Barnard sent a deep drive to right, easily clearing the wall to send the near sellout crowd into a frenzy. Considering the stakes, her 92nd career home run might just have been the biggest and most memorable of them all. After a scoreless sixth, Tulsa came to the plate with one last chance in the seventh. A leadoff home run on a 2-2 pitch had the Golden Hurricane right back within two. Barber would calm her nerves to induce a ground out and line out, needing just one more out to complete the comeback. A lined shot off&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">Taylor Sedlacek&apos;s</a></dfn>&nbsp;glove in the hole gave Tulsa one last hope and the tying run coming to the plate. On the first pitch of the at bat MacKenzie Denson hit a soft grounder to Hood who fielded and fired to first for the final out.</div>

🥎 Barnard’s heroics send Shockers to AAC semifinals

University of Kansas Sports Information

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. –&nbsp;The seventh seeded&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Jayhawks dropped their Big 12 Quarterfinals matchup to the second seeded&nbsp;Oklahoma Sooners&nbsp;10-1&nbsp;Thursday at ODE Energy Field at Devon Park.

Kansas was the first to score, but the Sooners, ranked No. 4 nationally,&nbsp;jumped out to a big lead early and didn’t look back as they run-ruled the Jayhawks in five innings. Kansas fell to 28-25-1 while Oklahoma improved to 47-6.

Kansas will await its postseason fate as the 64-team NCAA Tournament will be finalized this Sunday with the NCAA Selection Show set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2.

PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Kelly Maxwell (17-2) Final line: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 SO Loss: Lizzy Ludwig (0-3) Final line: 1.1 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 2 BB, 0 SO

QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES “I think we built a really good resume and we had a lot of great games early on that, hopefully, the committee will look at and see the body of work that we’ve done. The Big 12 is really tough this year, and hopefully they look at our strength of schedule and those last few weekends were just a gauntlet for us. I hope we have a chance, just for this team’s sake, to experience postseason and see new opponents. I think if we get the opportunity we would do really well.” – Head Coach Jennifer McFalls

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715307731686.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>University of Kansas Sports InformationOKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. –&nbsp;The seventh seeded&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Jayhawks dropped their Big 12 Quarterfinals matchup to the second seeded&nbsp;Oklahoma Sooners&nbsp;10-1&nbsp;Thursday at ODE Energy Field at Devon Park.Kansas was the first to score, but the Sooners, ranked No. 4 nationally,&nbsp;jumped out to a big lead early and didn’t look back as they run-ruled the Jayhawks in five innings. Kansas fell to 28-25-1 while Oklahoma improved to 47-6.Kansas will await its postseason fate as the 64-team NCAA Tournament will be finalized this Sunday with the NCAA Selection Show set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2.HOW IT HAPPENED<ul>
 <li>Kansas got in the scoring column first in the top of the first inning. Presley Limbaugh and Aynslee Linduff opened the game with back-to-back singles before Lyric Moore followed with a single of her own to bring Limbaugh home with no outs. However, Kansas left runners stranded on third and second as it took a 1-0 lead into the bottom half of the first.</li><li>The Sooners answered right back in the bottom of the first. After loading the bases with a pair of walks and a single, OU doubled to right to bring in two runs. Oklahoma added three more with a sacrifice fly to right, its second double of the inning and scoring before a runner was caught stealing to take a 5-1 lead into the second.</li><li>&nbsp;Oklahoma didn’t let up in the second. It added three runs, which began with a home run to left. After two singles, a Kansas error brought it OU’s second run of the inning before a wild pitch scored the third run of the frame as Oklahoma took an 8-1 lead into the third.</li><li>&nbsp;The Jayhawks had a chance to cut into OU’s lead in the third. Limbaugh drew a walk and was called safe at second after Linduff forced a fielder’s choice. Both runners were moved a base but were left stranded at third and second.</li><li>&nbsp;The Sooners added two more in third. OU started the inning with a double and a walk. After a strikeout, Oklahoma doubled again to extend its lead to 10-1 before Kansas got the last two outs of the inning.</li>
 </ul>PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Kelly Maxwell (17-2) Final line: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 SO Loss: Lizzy Ludwig (0-3) Final line: 1.1 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 2 BB, 0 SOQUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES “I think we built a really good resume and we had a lot of great games early on that, hopefully, the committee will look at and see the body of work that we’ve done. The Big 12 is really tough this year, and hopefully they look at our strength of schedule and those last few weekends were just a gauntlet for us. I hope we have a chance, just for this team’s sake, to experience postseason and see new opponents. I think if we get the opportunity we would do really well.” – Head Coach Jennifer McFalls<ul>
 <li>&nbsp;Moore caught a runner stealing in the first to put her season total at 13, which leads the Big 12.</li><li>&nbsp;With her single in the first, Limbaugh increased her hitting streak to seven, her second-longest this season.</li><li>&nbsp;Linduff singled in the first to increase her hitting streak to six.</li>
 </ul>

🥎 KU falls to No. 4 Oklahoma in Big 12 quarterfinals

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Thursday, May 9th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Thursday, May 9th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="May 9th, 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=q7uqm-1609f93-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 back in the win column ⚾ Hutch High hosts signing day ⚾ Wind Surge gets walk-off win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a home run and scored three times to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Milwaukee Brewers 6-4. Both starting pitchers struggled out of the gate Wednesday but settled down and limited the damage. The Royals’ Brady Singer allowed one run on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out four. Joe Ross allowed three runs on three hits in five-plus innings, walking two and striking out two. James McArthur picked up his eighth save after blowing his last two chances.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals game has been rained out. The teams will instead play at 5:15 p.m. on Aug. 5 in St. Louis. The Mets were looking to sweep the series on Wednesday. The last time they swept the Cardinals was in April 2007 to open that season. New York won the series’ first two games 4-3 and 7-5. It’s the team’s first series win since April 19-21 at the Dodgers. The Mets were looking for their first road series sweep of the season.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson returned from a right foot injury to score 24 of his 29 points in the second half, leading the New York Knicks to a 130-121 victory over the Indiana Pacers for a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. On the anniversary of Willis Reed’s dramatic emergence from the locker room before Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals to lead the Knicks to their first title, Brunson sent the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy when he came out to warm up at halftime after missing the entire second quarter while the Pacers surged ahead to a double-figure lead. The Knicks moved halfway to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000.

UNDATED (AP) — Nikola Jokic did it all again. And the NBA MVP trophy is his again. The Denver Nuggets star from Serbia was announced Wednesday night as the league’s Most Valuable Player. It's his third time winning the award in the past four seasons, a feat that just six other players in NBA history have accomplished. Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists. Others averaged more in each category, but he was the only player to rank in the NBA’s top 10 in points, rebounds and assists per game this season.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Conor Garland broke a tie with 5:34 left and the Vancouver Canucks overcame a three-goal deficit to beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the second-round playoff series. Garland took a short pass from Dakota Joshua, faked a slap shot at the right circle and slipped a wrist shot between goalie Stuart Skinner’s legs from a sharp angle for Vancouver’s second goal in 39 seconds and third in 4:48. Game 2 is Friday night in Vancouver. Elias Lindholm got the comeback started with 2:59 left in the second period. J.T. Miller cut it to 4-3 at 9:38 of the third, and Nikita Zadorov tied it with 6:13 remaining.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Aleksander Barkov had two goals and two assists, Sam Reinhart added four assists and the Florida Panthers beat the Boston Bruins 6-1 on Wednesday night to tie the second-round series at a game apiece. Brandon Montour had a goal and two assists for Florida, which also got goals from Steven Lorentz, Gustav Forsling and Eetu Luostarinen. The Panthers chased Bruins starter Jeremy Swayman early in the third period after four straight goals, then added two more against Linus Ullmark. Sergei Bobrovsky finished with 14 saves for the Panthers. The five-goal margin matched Florida’s biggest ever in a playoff game, tying the mark set against Tampa Bay in another 6-1 win on April 29. Charlie Coyle had the goal for the Bruins.

UNDATED (AP) — Two Republican congressmen have introduced a bill that would provide the NCAA, college conferences and member schools with federal protection from legal challenges that undercut their ability to govern college sports. The Protect the Ball Act is sponsored by Reps. Russell Fry of South Carolina and Barry Moore of Alabama. The bill is intended to provide legal safe harbor for the entities that run college sports, which has been under siege from antitrust lawsuits. Fry and Moore are members of the House Judiciary Committee. The NCAA and power conferences are considering a settlement in an antitrust case that could cost billions in damages.

UNDATED (AP) — Colleges and universities are having a difficult time hiring, recruiting and retaining members of their athletic training staffs because of a number of below-market conditions, a survey shows. The survey, by the National Athletics Trainers’ Association and the American College of Sports Medicine, of 1,120 athletic trainers at all collegiate levels identified four areas of most common concern: compensation, organizational culture, burnout and increased work responsibility, according to a joint statement. Among the findings, more than 50% of athletic trainers were caring for more than 100 student-athletes and 65% had been given additional responsibilities without a pay increase.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Athletic departments across the country are trying to figure out the best way to manage the name, image and likeness landscape when it comes to athletes earning endorsement money. Michigan is the 18th school to hire a NIL general manager in a partnership with Altius Sports Partners. It will give the company more than $250,000 a year Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel says it’s the right time to bring in a company that has had three years to develop strategies and NIL connections.

UNDATED (AP) — A settlement being discussed in an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA and major college conferences could cost billions and pave the way for a new compensation model for college athletes. An agreement has not been finalized and questions about how exactly a new system would work remain unanswered. It is also unclear if new rules could withstand further legal scrutiny, but it appears college sports is heading down a revolutionary path with at least some schools directly paying athletes to participate. How much could be heading their way, who gets paid and who and what could stand in the way?

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case. Prosecutors alleged Ippei Mizuhara stole nearly $17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts. Mizuhara’s scheduled arraignment Thursday in federal court in Los Angeles was postponed earlier Tuesday. The scandal shocked baseball fans from the U.S. to Japan when the news broke in March. Mizuhara was initially charged with one count of bank fraud. Authorities say there was no evidence that Ohtani was involved in or aware of Mizuhara’s gambling, and the player is cooperating with investigators.

CLIFTON, N.J. (AP) — Nelly Korda will try to become the first woman to win six consecutive LPGA Tour starts when play begins in the 72-hole Cognizant Founders Cup on Thursday at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, New Jersey. The 25-year-old is coming into the event after taking two weeks off following a three-stroke win in The Chevron Championship in Texas. Korda's streak ties her with Hall of Famers Annika Sorenstam (2004-05) and Nancy Lopez (1978) for most consecutive LPGA tournament wins. Byron Nelson holds golf’s all-time record with 11 straight wins in 1945. Korda missed the cut in this event last year.

UNDATED (AP) — Tiger Woods is the only player on a five-member subcommittee that will be negotiating with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf. Woods is on the PGA Tour Enterprise transaction subcommittee. That group is involved in day-to-day dealings with the Public Investment Fund as the Saudi group tries to become a minority investor. It caps a busy day of tour governance. It started with Rory McIlroy losing the inside track on rejoining the board. Commissioner Jay Monahan says McIlroy's voice remains important. He says the decision was based more on following the proper process for a player joining the board.

UNDATED (AP) — Travis Kelce continues to work in the NFL off season. The Super Bowl winner has booked a role on a new horror drama series called “Grotesquerie” for FX. Fellow cast member Niecy Nash posted a series of Instagram stories Tuesday of her and Kelce on set. In one video, the show's creator, Ryan Murphy, embraces Kelce and says, “You were wonderful.” This is the second TV job for Kelce in recent months. He wrapped production as host of the new game show “Are You Smarter than a Celebrity?” for Prime Video. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end is dating music superstar Taylor Swift who starts the European leg of her world tour in Paris on Thursday.

N-Y Mets at St. Louis 5:15 p.m. (Postponed)

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for May 9th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for May 9th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports in a Minute for May 9th, 2024<div><iframe title="May 9th, 2024 AP Sports in a Minute" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7f2uv-1609f52-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>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a home run and scored three times to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Milwaukee Brewers 6-4. Both starting pitchers struggled out of the gate Wednesday but settled down and limited the damage. The Royals’ Brady Singer allowed one run on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out four. Joe Ross allowed three runs on three hits in five-plus innings, walking two and striking out two. James McArthur picked up his eighth save after blowing his last two chances.ST. LOUIS (AP) — The New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals game has been rained out. The teams will instead play at 5:15 p.m. on Aug. 5 in St. Louis. The Mets were looking to sweep the series on Wednesday. The last time they swept the Cardinals was in April 2007 to open that season. New York won the series’ first two games 4-3 and 7-5. It’s the team’s first series win since April 19-21 at the Dodgers. The Mets were looking for their first road series sweep of the season.NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson returned from a right foot injury to score 24 of his 29 points in the second half, leading the New York Knicks to a 130-121 victory over the Indiana Pacers for a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. On the anniversary of Willis Reed’s dramatic emergence from the locker room before Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals to lead the Knicks to their first title, Brunson sent the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy when he came out to warm up at halftime after missing the entire second quarter while the Pacers surged ahead to a double-figure lead. The Knicks moved halfway to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000.UNDATED (AP) — Nikola Jokic did it all again. And the NBA MVP trophy is his again. The Denver Nuggets star from Serbia was announced Wednesday night as the league’s Most Valuable Player. It's his third time winning the award in the past four seasons, a feat that just six other players in NBA history have accomplished. Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists. Others averaged more in each category, but he was the only player to rank in the NBA’s top 10 in points, rebounds and assists per game this season.VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Conor Garland broke a tie with 5:34 left and the Vancouver Canucks overcame a three-goal deficit to beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the second-round playoff series. Garland took a short pass from Dakota Joshua, faked a slap shot at the right circle and slipped a wrist shot between goalie Stuart Skinner’s legs from a sharp angle for Vancouver’s second goal in 39 seconds and third in 4:48. Game 2 is Friday night in Vancouver. Elias Lindholm got the comeback started with 2:59 left in the second period. J.T. Miller cut it to 4-3 at 9:38 of the third, and Nikita Zadorov tied it with 6:13 remaining.SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Aleksander Barkov had two goals and two assists, Sam Reinhart added four assists and the Florida Panthers beat the Boston Bruins 6-1 on Wednesday night to tie the second-round series at a game apiece. Brandon Montour had a goal and two assists for Florida, which also got goals from Steven Lorentz, Gustav Forsling and Eetu Luostarinen. The Panthers chased Bruins starter Jeremy Swayman early in the third period after four straight goals, then added two more against Linus Ullmark. Sergei Bobrovsky finished with 14 saves for the Panthers. The five-goal margin matched Florida’s biggest ever in a playoff game, tying the mark set against Tampa Bay in another 6-1 win on April 29. Charlie Coyle had the goal for the Bruins.UNDATED (AP) — Two Republican congressmen have introduced a bill that would provide the NCAA, college conferences and member schools with federal protection from legal challenges that undercut their ability to govern college sports. The Protect the Ball Act is sponsored by Reps. Russell Fry of South Carolina and Barry Moore of Alabama. The bill is intended to provide legal safe harbor for the entities that run college sports, which has been under siege from antitrust lawsuits. Fry and Moore are members of the House Judiciary Committee. The NCAA and power conferences are considering a settlement in an antitrust case that could cost billions in damages.UNDATED (AP) — Colleges and universities are having a difficult time hiring, recruiting and retaining members of their athletic training staffs because of a number of below-market conditions, a survey shows. The survey, by the National Athletics Trainers’ Association and the American College of Sports Medicine, of 1,120 athletic trainers at all collegiate levels identified four areas of most common concern: compensation, organizational culture, burnout and increased work responsibility, according to a joint statement. Among the findings, more than 50% of athletic trainers were caring for more than 100 student-athletes and 65% had been given additional responsibilities without a pay increase.ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Athletic departments across the country are trying to figure out the best way to manage the name, image and likeness landscape when it comes to athletes earning endorsement money. Michigan is the 18th school to hire a NIL general manager in a partnership with Altius Sports Partners. It will give the company more than $250,000 a year Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel says it’s the right time to bring in a company that has had three years to develop strategies and NIL connections.UNDATED (AP) — A settlement being discussed in an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA and major college conferences could cost billions and pave the way for a new compensation model for college athletes. An agreement has not been finalized and questions about how exactly a new system would work remain unanswered. It is also unclear if new rules could withstand further legal scrutiny, but it appears college sports is heading down a revolutionary path with at least some schools directly paying athletes to participate. How much could be heading their way, who gets paid and who and what could stand in the way?LOS ANGELES (AP) — The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case. Prosecutors alleged Ippei Mizuhara stole nearly $17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts. Mizuhara’s scheduled arraignment Thursday in federal court in Los Angeles was postponed earlier Tuesday. The scandal shocked baseball fans from the U.S. to Japan when the news broke in March. Mizuhara was initially charged with one count of bank fraud. Authorities say there was no evidence that Ohtani was involved in or aware of Mizuhara’s gambling, and the player is cooperating with investigators.CLIFTON, N.J. (AP) — Nelly Korda will try to become the first woman to win six consecutive LPGA Tour starts when play begins in the 72-hole Cognizant Founders Cup on Thursday at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, New Jersey. The 25-year-old is coming into the event after taking two weeks off following a three-stroke win in The Chevron Championship in Texas. Korda's streak ties her with Hall of Famers Annika Sorenstam (2004-05) and Nancy Lopez (1978) for most consecutive LPGA tournament wins. Byron Nelson holds golf’s all-time record with 11 straight wins in 1945. Korda missed the cut in this event last year.UNDATED (AP) — Tiger Woods is the only player on a five-member subcommittee that will be negotiating with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf. Woods is on the PGA Tour Enterprise transaction subcommittee. That group is involved in day-to-day dealings with the Public Investment Fund as the Saudi group tries to become a minority investor. It caps a busy day of tour governance. It started with Rory McIlroy losing the inside track on rejoining the board. Commissioner Jay Monahan says McIlroy's voice remains important. He says the decision was based more on following the proper process for a player joining the board.UNDATED (AP) — Travis Kelce continues to work in the NFL off season. The Super Bowl winner has booked a role on a new horror drama series called “Grotesquerie” for FX. Fellow cast member Niecy Nash posted a series of Instagram stories Tuesday of her and Kelce on set. In one video, the show's creator, Ryan Murphy, embraces Kelce and says, “You were wonderful.” This is the second TV job for Kelce in recent months. He wrapped production as host of the new game show “Are You Smarter than a Celebrity?” for Prime Video. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end is dating music superstar Taylor Swift who starts the European leg of her world tour in Paris on Thursday.WEDNESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal L.A. Angels 5 Pittsburgh 4Final Toronto 5 Philadelphia 3Final Kansas City 6 Milwaukee 4Final Atlanta 5 Boston 0Final Baltimore 7 Washington 6AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Cleveland 5 Detroit 4Final Oakland 9 Texas 4Final Chicago White Sox 4 Tampa Bay 1Final N.Y. Yankees 9 Houston 4Final Minnesota 6 Seattle 3Final Texas 12 Oakland 11NATIONAL LEAGUEN-Y Mets at St. Louis 5:15 p.m. (Postponed)Final San Diego 3 Chicago Cubs 0Final L.A. Dodgers 3 Miami 1Final Arizona 4 Cincinnati 3Final San Francisco 8 Colorado 6NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal New York 130 Indiana 121NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal Florida 6 Boston 1

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Thursday

WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge walked off the Arkansas Travelers 5-4 on an infield error at Riverfront Stadium. The Wind Surge have won three straight games and four in a row at home.

Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;recorded his first Wichita outfield assist by throwing out Cole Young at second for the first out of the game.

Arkansas took a two-run advantage on a Spencer Packard single to right field off Wichita starter&nbsp;Pierson Ohl&nbsp;in the top of the third. Packard advanced to third on the play on an error.

Jorel Ortega&nbsp;got the Wind Surge on the board with an RBI single to center field in the bottom of the sixth.&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;came home on the base knock. Ortega also stole home later in the frame to tie the game at 2-2 while&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;evaded a rundown and scampered back to first.

The Travelers regained the lead after adding two more runs in the opening half of the eighth inning. An RBI single to right by Kaden Polcovitch brought in the first run, while Jake Anchia scored on a throwing error.

Jeferson Morales&nbsp;doubled home a run in the form of Ortega in the bottom of the eighth to cut the Travelers lead to 4-3. The Wind Surge loaded the bases an inning later for&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;in the last of the ninth. Wichita’s shortstop dribbled a grounder to Travelers reliever Travis Kuhn, who threw the ball off the glove of his catcher Anchia.&nbsp;Alerick Soularie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;scored from third and second on the error to end the game in a 5-4 final Wind Surge victory.

Miguel Rodriguez&nbsp;earned the win to move to 1-2 on the season by surrendering just a hit in an inning and a third of relief.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715254844118.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Wichita Wind Surge ReleaseWICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge walked off the Arkansas Travelers 5-4 on an infield error at Riverfront Stadium. The Wind Surge have won three straight games and four in a row at home.Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;recorded his first Wichita outfield assist by throwing out Cole Young at second for the first out of the game.Arkansas took a two-run advantage on a Spencer Packard single to right field off Wichita starter&nbsp;Pierson Ohl&nbsp;in the top of the third. Packard advanced to third on the play on an error.Jorel Ortega&nbsp;got the Wind Surge on the board with an RBI single to center field in the bottom of the sixth.&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;came home on the base knock. Ortega also stole home later in the frame to tie the game at 2-2 while&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;evaded a rundown and scampered back to first.The Travelers regained the lead after adding two more runs in the opening half of the eighth inning. An RBI single to right by Kaden Polcovitch brought in the first run, while Jake Anchia scored on a throwing error.Jeferson Morales&nbsp;doubled home a run in the form of Ortega in the bottom of the eighth to cut the Travelers lead to 4-3. The Wind Surge loaded the bases an inning later for&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;in the last of the ninth. Wichita’s shortstop dribbled a grounder to Travelers reliever Travis Kuhn, who threw the ball off the glove of his catcher Anchia.&nbsp;Alerick Soularie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;scored from third and second on the error to end the game in a 5-4 final Wind Surge victory.Miguel Rodriguez&nbsp;earned the win to move to 1-2 on the season by surrendering just a hit in an inning and a third of relief.

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge earn walk-off win over Travelers on error 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three Class of 2024 Salthawk student-athletes, along with their families, participated in the Spring Signing Day at Hutchinson High School today, as part of a long-standing tradition.

Lakin Franz will attend Kansas Wesleyan University in the fall to play baseball. He chose KWU because of their strong campus and athletics culture. He plans to double major in Sports Management and Business. While at Hutchinson High School he excelled in baseball and swimming. As a sophomore he made honorable mention catcher, and as a junior played second team utility. In swimming, Franz participated in the relay events and placed 7th&nbsp;at State.&nbsp;The Salthawks ended the regular season last night against Derby. Their record stands at 17-9 overall and 8-4 in the AVCTL-I. The 17 wins are the most by a Salthawks team since the 2004 team finished 17-4.

ReyJon Redenbaugh will join the soccer team this fall at Manhattan Christian College. Redenbaugh stated he chose MCC because the “staff, soccer team, and coach were very welcoming and friendly. Also, I have previous teammates and friends that attend Manhattan Christian College.” Redenbaugh has not determined his college major at this time but is most interested in Business. The Salthawk soccer team ended their season in the fall of 2023 with a 7-8-2 record.

Daylee VanSyckle signs on as a Coffeyville Community College Red Raven for the fall of 2024. The 6’4” Senior is most excited about leveling up his football skills and career next year. He was impressed with the Coffeeville coaches throughout the recruitment process. VanSyckle enjoyed a strong Salthawk football career with three years on the starting line. The past two seasons he has been named First Team All-State in the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League. VanSyckle served as team Captain last fall when the Salthawk Football team went 7-3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648640359585.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>USD 308 ReleaseHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three Class of 2024 Salthawk student-athletes, along with their families, participated in the Spring Signing Day at Hutchinson High School today, as part of a long-standing tradition.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715253980630.jpeg" alt="Lakin Franz signed to play baseball at Kansas Wesleyan University" />
 <figcaption>Lakin Franz signed to play baseball at Kansas Wesleyan University</figcaption>
 </figure>Lakin Franz will attend Kansas Wesleyan University in the fall to play baseball. He chose KWU because of their strong campus and athletics culture. He plans to double major in Sports Management and Business. While at Hutchinson High School he excelled in baseball and swimming. As a sophomore he made honorable mention catcher, and as a junior played second team utility. In swimming, Franz participated in the relay events and placed 7th&nbsp;at State.&nbsp;The Salthawks ended the regular season last night against Derby. Their record stands at 17-9 overall and 8-4 in the AVCTL-I. The 17 wins are the most by a Salthawks team since the 2004 team finished 17-4.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715254020847.jpeg" alt="ReyJon Redenbaugh signed with Manhattan Christian College" />
 <figcaption>ReyJon Redenbaugh signed with Manhattan Christian College</figcaption>
 </figure>ReyJon Redenbaugh will join the soccer team this fall at Manhattan Christian College. Redenbaugh stated he chose MCC because the “staff, soccer team, and coach were very welcoming and friendly. Also, I have previous teammates and friends that attend Manhattan Christian College.” Redenbaugh has not determined his college major at this time but is most interested in Business. The Salthawk soccer team ended their season in the fall of 2023 with a 7-8-2 record.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715254069141.jpeg" alt="Daylee VanSyckle will play football at Coffeyville Community College" />
 <figcaption>Daylee VanSyckle will play football at Coffeyville Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>Daylee VanSyckle signs on as a Coffeyville Community College Red Raven for the fall of 2024. The 6’4” Senior is most excited about leveling up his football skills and career next year. He was impressed with the Coffeeville coaches throughout the recruitment process. VanSyckle enjoyed a strong Salthawk football career with three years on the starting line. The past two seasons he has been named First Team All-State in the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League. VanSyckle served as team Captain last fall when the Salthawk Football team went 7-3.

⚾⚽🏈 3 Hutch High seniors participated in the Spring Signing Day

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a home run and scored three times to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Milwaukee Brewers 6-4 on Wednesday.

Both starting pitchers struggled out of the gate but settled down and limited the damage. The Royals' Brady Singer (3-1) allowed one run on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out four. Joe Ross (1-4) allowed three runs on three hits in five-plus innings, walking two and striking out two.

“I think the sinker had a lot of action on it,” Singer said. “I was able to locate that pretty well, get it in on the lefthanders. I wanted to go deeper in the game, but the first two innings the pitch count was pretty high.”

James McArthur picked up his eighth save after blowing his last two chances.

“We thought we had a chance to not have to bring him in, but clearly we needed to,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “He came in and executed right off the bat. He only had to throw three pitches.”

The Brewers opened the first with back-to-back doubles by Brice Turang and William Contreras to grab a 1-0 lead.

The Royals answered with back-to-back doubles by Maikel Garcia and Witt, but didn't score until Vinnie Pasquantino's sacrifice fly. Witt's double looked like a flyout to center, keeping Garcia at second. But Blake Perkins slipped in center and the ball dropped untouched. Michael Massey's sacrifice fly scored Witt to give KC a 2-1 lead.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy wasn't lamenting the mistakes after the game.

“They're all winnable,” he said. “You make mistakes and then it piles on. Give them credit, they capitalized when they had to. But we had a couple of things happen to us early. But there were a lot of good things today, too. Gary Sanchez continues to have great at-bats. Joe Ross pitched good.”

After both starters settled down, Massey got his second sacrifice fly in the sixth, scoring Witt. The sacrifice fly isn't as glamorous as an RBI hit, but the runs help.

“It's knowing the situation and getting a pitch you can do something with,” Quatraro said. “You have to understand that you don't have to do too much. Both Vinnie and Massey had big at-bats.”

Sanchez connected for his fifth home run leading off the seventh for Milwaukee. With one out and a runner at second, Turang lined one to left, but Oliver Dunn was thrown out at the plate by left fielder MJ Melendez.

“I'm just trying to find a way to help this team win,” said Melendez, who entered the game hitting .185 and struck out in his two at-bats. “Obviously I'm not getting the job done on offense. I'm trying to make up for it on the other side of the ball.”

His contributions have not gone unnoticed by his teammates.

“I think he's got one of the best arms out there,” Witt said. “His accuracy is unbelievable. It's great to see him out there doing his thing.”

Witt hit his first home run since April 11 leading off the eighth.

“That was a slider,” Witt said. “Those are the pitches you're supposed to hit out when they back up like that.”

Adam Frazier and Freddy Fermin added RBI singles. The Brewers got two runs in the ninth.

Christian Yelich went 0 for 5 for the Brewers in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brewers-yelich-4d7a6765cdff6915ba9cae4c05c7d523">first game back</a>&nbsp;from a low back strain.

Royals: RHP Alec Marsh is eligible to come off the IL on Friday. Manager Matt Quatraro said Marsh is on schedule to start for the Royals in Anaheim.

Brewers: return to Milwaukee to start a four-game series with the Cardinals. Milwaukee will hand the ball to RHP Tobias Myers (0-2, 6.23 ERA). The Cardinals have not announced their starter.

Royals: will begin a four-game series in Anaheim on Thursday. RHP Michael Wacha (1-4, 5.50 ERA) will start for KC against LHP Reid Detmers (3-3, 4.24 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715251048984.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr., left, runs past Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras to score on a sacrifice fly hit by Michael Massey during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr., left, runs past Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras to score on a sacrifice fly hit by Michael Massey during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a home run and scored three times to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Milwaukee Brewers 6-4 on Wednesday.Both starting pitchers struggled out of the gate but settled down and limited the damage. The Royals' Brady Singer (3-1) allowed one run on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out four. Joe Ross (1-4) allowed three runs on three hits in five-plus innings, walking two and striking out two.“I think the sinker had a lot of action on it,” Singer said. “I was able to locate that pretty well, get it in on the lefthanders. I wanted to go deeper in the game, but the first two innings the pitch count was pretty high.”James McArthur picked up his eighth save after blowing his last two chances.“We thought we had a chance to not have to bring him in, but clearly we needed to,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “He came in and executed right off the bat. He only had to throw three pitches.”The Brewers opened the first with back-to-back doubles by Brice Turang and William Contreras to grab a 1-0 lead.The Royals answered with back-to-back doubles by Maikel Garcia and Witt, but didn't score until Vinnie Pasquantino's sacrifice fly. Witt's double looked like a flyout to center, keeping Garcia at second. But Blake Perkins slipped in center and the ball dropped untouched. Michael Massey's sacrifice fly scored Witt to give KC a 2-1 lead.Brewers manager Pat Murphy wasn't lamenting the mistakes after the game.“They're all winnable,” he said. “You make mistakes and then it piles on. Give them credit, they capitalized when they had to. But we had a couple of things happen to us early. But there were a lot of good things today, too. Gary Sanchez continues to have great at-bats. Joe Ross pitched good.”After both starters settled down, Massey got his second sacrifice fly in the sixth, scoring Witt. The sacrifice fly isn't as glamorous as an RBI hit, but the runs help.“It's knowing the situation and getting a pitch you can do something with,” Quatraro said. “You have to understand that you don't have to do too much. Both Vinnie and Massey had big at-bats.”Sanchez connected for his fifth home run leading off the seventh for Milwaukee. With one out and a runner at second, Turang lined one to left, but Oliver Dunn was thrown out at the plate by left fielder MJ Melendez.“I'm just trying to find a way to help this team win,” said Melendez, who entered the game hitting .185 and struck out in his two at-bats. “Obviously I'm not getting the job done on offense. I'm trying to make up for it on the other side of the ball.”His contributions have not gone unnoticed by his teammates.“I think he's got one of the best arms out there,” Witt said. “His accuracy is unbelievable. It's great to see him out there doing his thing.”Witt hit his first home run since April 11 leading off the eighth.“That was a slider,” Witt said. “Those are the pitches you're supposed to hit out when they back up like that.”Adam Frazier and Freddy Fermin added RBI singles. The Brewers got two runs in the ninth.Christian Yelich went 0 for 5 for the Brewers in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brewers-yelich-4d7a6765cdff6915ba9cae4c05c7d523">first game back</a>&nbsp;from a low back strain.TRAINING ROOMRoyals: RHP Alec Marsh is eligible to come off the IL on Friday. Manager Matt Quatraro said Marsh is on schedule to start for the Royals in Anaheim.UP NEXTBrewers: return to Milwaukee to start a four-game series with the Cardinals. Milwaukee will hand the ball to RHP Tobias Myers (0-2, 6.23 ERA). The Cardinals have not announced their starter.Royals: will begin a four-game series in Anaheim on Thursday. RHP Michael Wacha (1-4, 5.50 ERA) will start for KC against LHP Reid Detmers (3-3, 4.24 ERA).

⚾ Royals win Wednesday

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics

&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;homered for the first of three times in the first inning and No. 4 seed Wichita State never looked back in a 13-0 rout of No. 9 UTSA in the opening round of the American Athletic Conference Championship Wednesday night at Wilkins Stadium.

Wichita State (26-21) advances to Thursday's second round where they will face No. 5 seed Tulsa at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+.

The Shockers homered four times, three of those belonging to Barnard, in front of their home crowd. Wichita State finished the night with 10 hits, seven of those being extra base hits. Barnard's big bat supplied the most damage, going 4-for-4 with a double, three home runs and five RBI. Her four hits and three home runs both tied career highs, bringing her season home run total to 21 and career total to 90. She has now had 20 or more home runs in three of her four seasons at Wichita State. Her 90 career homers move her into a tie for 8th on the NCAA all-time home run list.

Barnard set American Athletic Conference Championship records in home runs and total bases (14).

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7559">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;was a perfect 3-for-3 with a double and three RBI. Her three hits and three RBI tied career highs.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;scored three times to go with a three-run home run, moving her season total to 14.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7565">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;had a pair of hits, including a double.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>&nbsp;was held hitless, but scored three times thanks to three walks.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7566">Lauren Howell</a>&nbsp;got the start, but never looked completely comfortable. She went just 1.2 innings, allowing one hit and two walks, while striking out a pair.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7561">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;(6-8) came in with the bases loaded in the second inning and promptly got the Shockers out of the jam with a strikeout. She struck out three in 3.1 innings of relief, allowing just one hit and one walk.

Two batters into the bottom of the first, UTSA got a taste of how the night was going to go. After Wong walked, Barnard unloaded a mammoth two-run home run into the wind. After a pair of UTSA errors and a wild pitch moved two more into scoring position, Brown dropped down a perfect bunt, allowing Sedlacek to slide in before the tag to make it 3-0.

The bottom of the second started the exact same way as the first. Wong drew a leadoff walk, setting the stage for Barnard. On the 11th pitch of the at bat, Barnard drilled a full count pitch over the wall in left-center to make it 5-0. Following a Sedlacek walk and Hood ground-rule double, Brown added a double of her own to drive in two more. Another UTSA error made it a five-run inning and the lead, 8-0.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715272545584.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.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;homered for the first of three times in the first inning and No. 4 seed Wichita State never looked back in a 13-0 rout of No. 9 UTSA in the opening round of the American Athletic Conference Championship Wednesday night at Wilkins Stadium.Wichita State (26-21) advances to Thursday's second round where they will face No. 5 seed Tulsa at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+.The Shockers homered four times, three of those belonging to Barnard, in front of their home crowd. Wichita State finished the night with 10 hits, seven of those being extra base hits. Barnard's big bat supplied the most damage, going 4-for-4 with a double, three home runs and five RBI. Her four hits and three home runs both tied career highs, bringing her season home run total to 21 and career total to 90. She has now had 20 or more home runs in three of her four seasons at Wichita State. Her 90 career homers move her into a tie for 8th on the NCAA all-time home run list.Barnard set American Athletic Conference Championship records in home runs and total bases (14).<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7559">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;was a perfect 3-for-3 with a double and three RBI. Her three hits and three RBI tied career highs.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;scored three times to go with a three-run home run, moving her season total to 14.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7565">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;had a pair of hits, including a double.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>&nbsp;was held hitless, but scored three times thanks to three walks.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7566">Lauren Howell</a>&nbsp;got the start, but never looked completely comfortable. She went just 1.2 innings, allowing one hit and two walks, while striking out a pair.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7561">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;(6-8) came in with the bases loaded in the second inning and promptly got the Shockers out of the jam with a strikeout. She struck out three in 3.1 innings of relief, allowing just one hit and one walk.Two batters into the bottom of the first, UTSA got a taste of how the night was going to go. After Wong walked, Barnard unloaded a mammoth two-run home run into the wind. After a pair of UTSA errors and a wild pitch moved two more into scoring position, Brown dropped down a perfect bunt, allowing Sedlacek to slide in before the tag to make it 3-0.The bottom of the second started the exact same way as the first. Wong drew a leadoff walk, setting the stage for Barnard. On the 11th pitch of the at bat, Barnard drilled a full count pitch over the wall in left-center to make it 5-0. Following a Sedlacek walk and Hood ground-rule double, Brown added a double of her own to drive in two more. Another UTSA error made it a five-run inning and the lead, 8-0.In the third, Barnard followed up yet another Wong walk with a lousy double (sarcasm), paving the way for a Sedlacek three-run blast. Singles from Hood and Brown and a&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/caroline-tallent/7571">Caroline Tallent</a>&nbsp;hit by pitch loaded the bases for&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jessica-garcia/7563">Jessica Garcia</a>. A deep drive to left would stay in the yard, but plenty deep enough for a sac fly to put the Shockers up 12-0.The icing on the cake came in the bottom of the fourth with you know who coming to the plate for a fourth time. She promptly sent the first pitch she saw on a missile to center, again clearing the wall easily to cap off her three home run night.&nbsp;&nbsp;