Can tennis, pickleball and padel co-exist? The folks in charge of the French Open think so

PARIS (AP) — Let other folks fret about whether tennis might lose athletes and audiences to pickleball or padel. The people in charge of tennis in France are embracing those other racket-adjacent sports, figuring, essentially: The more, the merrier. The French tennis federation (FFT) officially brought pickleball under its umbrella and is seeking government approval to hold a sanctioned national championship. French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, a former No. 1-ranked tennis player, and FFT president Gilles Moretton took part in a pickleball demonstration on one of the Grand Slam tournament's courts on Thursday as part of an effort to promote the sport.

Celtics rout Mavericks 107-89 in Game 1 of NBA Finals behind Brown, returning Porzingis

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 22 points, Kristaps Porzingis added 20 in his first game in more than a month and the Boston Celtics powered past the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 on Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Derrick White finished with 15 points for Boston, which led by 29 points in the first half and connected on 16 3-pointers in a powerful start to its quest for an 18th NBA title. Porzingis, who had been sidelined since April 29 with a strained right calf, came off the bench and provided an immediate spark, adding six rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes. Six Celtics finished in double figures.

Paris Olympics organizers unveil a display of the five Olympic rings mounted on the Eiffel Tower

PARIS (AP) — The Paris Olympics organizers have unveiled a display of the five Olympic rings mounted on the Eiffel Tower as the French capital marks 50 days until the start of the Summer Games. The structure of rings, made of recycled French steel, will be displayed on the south side of the 135-year-old landmark in central Paris, overlooking the Seine River. The hugely popular tower in central Paris has seen soaring visitor numbers in the leadup to the Games in the French capital.

Lakers conduct a public coaching search, considering Hurley and Redick, in hopes of pleasing LeBron

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers' reported plan to offer a massive contract to UConn coach Dan Hurley is the latest twist in the monthlong race to replace Darvin Ham. Former NBA player J.J. Redick and ex-Charlotte coach James Borrego are also reported candidates. The 17-time NBA champion franchise was knocked out of the first round of the current playoffs, but the Lakers have nicely filled the void of hoops drama during the week before the NBA Finals with steady leaks about the progress of their quest for a coach who can entice LeBron James to finish his career in purple and gold.

Oklahoma wins record fourth straight NCAA softball title, beating Texas 8-4 for 2-game sweep

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma slugged its way to a record fourth straight NCAA softball title, getting a go-ahead, bases-clearing double from Cydney Sanders and beating Texas 8-4 for a two-game sweep of the Women's College World Series championship. The Sooners won their eighth title overall, all under coach Patty Gasso, and moved into a tie with Arizona for the second-most national championships behind UCLA's 12. Second-seeded Oklahoma scored eight runs in each of the two games and pounded 21 hits total against a top-seeded Texas team that came in having thrown three consecutive one-hit shutouts in the World Series.

Yankees slugger Juan Soto exits game with left forearm discomfort, will undergo imaging Friday

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees slugger Juan Soto was removed from a game against the Minnesota Twins with left forearm discomfort. Soto will undergo imaging Friday. New York manager Aaron Boone said it's too early to tell if the right fielder will need to miss time. Soto was lifted to start the top of the sixth inning when play resumed following a 56-minute rain delay. Soto, who throws and bats left-handed, was 0 for 1 with two walks. He has started all 64 games in his first season with New York after being acquired from the San Diego Padres in a blockbuster trade last December. The three-time All-Star is batting .318 with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs, a big reason the Yankees have the best record in baseball.

Iga Swiatek defeats Coco Gauff at the French Open and will face Jasmine Paolini in the final

PARIS (AP) — Iga Swiatek has eliminated Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-4 in the French Open semifinals and will face Jasmine Paolini for the championship. The top-ranked Swiatek stretched her winning streak at Roland Garros to 20 matches with Thursday's victory as she tries to become the first woman with three consecutive titles in Paris since Justine Henin from 2005 to 2007. Paolini reached her first Grand Slam final with a 6-3, 6-1 victory against unseeded 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva. Swiatek improved to 11-1 against Gauff overall and has defeated her at the clay-court Grand Slam tournament three years in a row. That includes in the 2022 final and last year's quarterfinals. in Saturday's title match. Swiatek is 4-0 in major finals so far.

Connor McDavid, hockey's best player, finally gets a chance to win a Stanley Cup championship

For the first time in his nine-year NHL career, Connor McDavid is playing for the biggest prize in hockey with the chance to lift the Stanley Cup for the first time. He and the Edmonton Oilers are facing the Florida Panthers in the final starting Saturday. It's a chance for hockey's biggest star to finally win a championship. The spotlight is on the face of the sport to get the job done as an underdog against an opponent at this stage for a second consecutive season and is seeking the first title in franchise history.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says finalizing the new media rights deals is 'complex' process

BOSTON (AP) — Getting the NBA's next round of media rights deals completed is an extremely complex proposition, Commissioner Adam Silver said Thursday, especially because nobody can say with any certainty what the viewing landscape will look like in the future. Silver, speaking in his annual pre-NBA Finals news conference, did not offer any hints on when the next series of deals will be completed, other than saying "in the relative near term." The current deals with ABC-ESPN and Turner Sports expire after next season and the NBA has been talking with NBC, ESPN and Amazon, among other networks and platforms, about what comes next.

Dallas guard Irving has rough NBA Finals opener in response to boos (and worse) from Boston crowd

BOSTON (AP) — If Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving was hoping to quiet the Boston fans with a big game in the opener of the NBA Finals, it didn't quite go that way. Irving scored 12 points on 6 for 19 shooting and missed all five 3-point attempts. He turned the ball over three times as Boston beat Dallas 107-89 in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series. Irving had two assists, and Dallas had just nine in all. Boston fans booed Irving at every opportunity. They haven't forgiven him for opting out of his Celtics contract after the 2019 season.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, June 7th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, June 7th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Report for June 7th, 2024:<div><iframe title="AP Sports Report for June 7th, 2024" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=x2hfy-1635a56-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>Can tennis, pickleball and padel co-exist? The folks in charge of the French Open think soPARIS (AP) — Let other folks fret about whether tennis might lose athletes and audiences to pickleball or padel. The people in charge of tennis in France are embracing those other racket-adjacent sports, figuring, essentially: The more, the merrier. The French tennis federation (FFT) officially brought pickleball under its umbrella and is seeking government approval to hold a sanctioned national championship. French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, a former No. 1-ranked tennis player, and FFT president Gilles Moretton took part in a pickleball demonstration on one of the Grand Slam tournament's courts on Thursday as part of an effort to promote the sport.Celtics rout Mavericks 107-89 in Game 1 of NBA Finals behind Brown, returning PorzingisBOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 22 points, Kristaps Porzingis added 20 in his first game in more than a month and the Boston Celtics powered past the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 on Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Derrick White finished with 15 points for Boston, which led by 29 points in the first half and connected on 16 3-pointers in a powerful start to its quest for an 18th NBA title. Porzingis, who had been sidelined since April 29 with a strained right calf, came off the bench and provided an immediate spark, adding six rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes. Six Celtics finished in double figures.Paris Olympics organizers unveil a display of the five Olympic rings mounted on the Eiffel TowerPARIS (AP) — The Paris Olympics organizers have unveiled a display of the five Olympic rings mounted on the Eiffel Tower as the French capital marks 50 days until the start of the Summer Games. The structure of rings, made of recycled French steel, will be displayed on the south side of the 135-year-old landmark in central Paris, overlooking the Seine River. The hugely popular tower in central Paris has seen soaring visitor numbers in the leadup to the Games in the French capital.Lakers conduct a public coaching search, considering Hurley and Redick, in hopes of pleasing LeBronLOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers' reported plan to offer a massive contract to UConn coach Dan Hurley is the latest twist in the monthlong race to replace Darvin Ham. Former NBA player J.J. Redick and ex-Charlotte coach James Borrego are also reported candidates. The 17-time NBA champion franchise was knocked out of the first round of the current playoffs, but the Lakers have nicely filled the void of hoops drama during the week before the NBA Finals with steady leaks about the progress of their quest for a coach who can entice LeBron James to finish his career in purple and gold.Oklahoma wins record fourth straight NCAA softball title, beating Texas 8-4 for 2-game sweepOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma slugged its way to a record fourth straight NCAA softball title, getting a go-ahead, bases-clearing double from Cydney Sanders and beating Texas 8-4 for a two-game sweep of the Women's College World Series championship. The Sooners won their eighth title overall, all under coach Patty Gasso, and moved into a tie with Arizona for the second-most national championships behind UCLA's 12. Second-seeded Oklahoma scored eight runs in each of the two games and pounded 21 hits total against a top-seeded Texas team that came in having thrown three consecutive one-hit shutouts in the World Series.Yankees slugger Juan Soto exits game with left forearm discomfort, will undergo imaging FridayNEW YORK (AP) — Yankees slugger Juan Soto was removed from a game against the Minnesota Twins with left forearm discomfort. Soto will undergo imaging Friday. New York manager Aaron Boone said it's too early to tell if the right fielder will need to miss time. Soto was lifted to start the top of the sixth inning when play resumed following a 56-minute rain delay. Soto, who throws and bats left-handed, was 0 for 1 with two walks. He has started all 64 games in his first season with New York after being acquired from the San Diego Padres in a blockbuster trade last December. The three-time All-Star is batting .318 with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs, a big reason the Yankees have the best record in baseball.Iga Swiatek defeats Coco Gauff at the French Open and will face Jasmine Paolini in the finalPARIS (AP) — Iga Swiatek has eliminated Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-4 in the French Open semifinals and will face Jasmine Paolini for the championship. The top-ranked Swiatek stretched her winning streak at Roland Garros to 20 matches with Thursday's victory as she tries to become the first woman with three consecutive titles in Paris since Justine Henin from 2005 to 2007. Paolini reached her first Grand Slam final with a 6-3, 6-1 victory against unseeded 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva. Swiatek improved to 11-1 against Gauff overall and has defeated her at the clay-court Grand Slam tournament three years in a row. That includes in the 2022 final and last year's quarterfinals. in Saturday's title match. Swiatek is 4-0 in major finals so far.Connor McDavid, hockey's best player, finally gets a chance to win a Stanley Cup championshipFor the first time in his nine-year NHL career, Connor McDavid is playing for the biggest prize in hockey with the chance to lift the Stanley Cup for the first time. He and the Edmonton Oilers are facing the Florida Panthers in the final starting Saturday. It's a chance for hockey's biggest star to finally win a championship. The spotlight is on the face of the sport to get the job done as an underdog against an opponent at this stage for a second consecutive season and is seeking the first title in franchise history.NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says finalizing the new media rights deals is 'complex' processBOSTON (AP) — Getting the NBA's next round of media rights deals completed is an extremely complex proposition, Commissioner Adam Silver said Thursday, especially because nobody can say with any certainty what the viewing landscape will look like in the future. Silver, speaking in his annual pre-NBA Finals news conference, did not offer any hints on when the next series of deals will be completed, other than saying "in the relative near term." The current deals with ABC-ESPN and Turner Sports expire after next season and the NBA has been talking with NBC, ESPN and Amazon, among other networks and platforms, about what comes next.Dallas guard Irving has rough NBA Finals opener in response to boos (and worse) from Boston crowdBOSTON (AP) — If Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving was hoping to quiet the Boston fans with a big game in the opener of the NBA Finals, it didn't quite go that way. Irving scored 12 points on 6 for 19 shooting and missed all five 3-point attempts. He turned the ball over three times as Boston beat Dallas 107-89 in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series. Irving had two assists, and Dallas had just nine in all. Boston fans booed Irving at every opportunity. They haven't forgiven him for opting out of his Celtics contract after the 2019 season.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Toronto	6	Baltimore	5	Final	Kansas City	4	Cleveland	3	Final	Seattle	3	Oakland	0	Final	N.Y. Yankees	8	Minnesota	5	Final	Boston	14	Chicago White Sox	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Atlanta	5	Washington	2	Final	Cincinnati	8	Chicago Cubs	4	Final	L.A. Dodgers	11	Pittsburgh	7	Final	Colorado	3	St. Louis	2	Final	Arizona	4	San Diego	3	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Boston	107	Dallas	89	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Chicago	79	Washington	71	Final	New York	78	Atlanta	61	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Milwaukee	at	Detroit	6:40 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Pittsburgh	6:40 p.m.			L-A Dodgers	at	N-Y Yankees	7:05 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Miami	7:10 p.m.			San Francisco	at	Texas	8:05 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Baltimore	at	Tampa Bay	6:50 p.m.			Boston	at	Chi White Sox	8:10 p.m.			Seattle	at	Kansas City	8:10 p.m.			Houston	at	L-A Angels	9:38 p.m.			Toronto	at	Oakland	9:40 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Atlanta	at	Washington	6:45 p.m.			Chi Cubs	at	Cincinnati	7:10 p.m.			Colorado	at	St. Louis	8:15 p.m.			Arizona	at	San Diego	9:40 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Indiana	at	Washington	7:30 p.m.			Dallas	at	Los Angeles	10 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Phoenix	10 p.m.			Seattle	at	Las Vegas	10 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Friday

SPRINGDALE, Ark.—The Wichita Wind Surge swept a road doubleheader by final scores of 4-2 and 7-5 against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The sweep is the first time Wichita has accomplished this feat since May 6, 2022, at Riverfront Stadium against the Tulsa Drillers.

Jake Rucker&nbsp;laced his second RBI double in as many games to put the Wind Surge ahead in the top of the second in Game 1. Naturals second baseman Peyton Wilson tied the game in the bottom half of the frame on a sacrifice fly to center field.

Solo home runs left the yard to left field in the fourth and fifth innings off the respective bats of&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jorel Ortega. Northwest Arkansas rallied a second run home on a groundout in the home half of the sixth.

After the Naturals put the tying and winning runs at first and second,&nbsp;John Stankiewicz&nbsp;struck out a pinch-hitting Josh Lester swinging in the bottom of the seventh to secure a 4-2 Game 1 win for Wichita.

The Wind Surge scored first again in game two after an opposite field RBI double to right by&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;in the top of the second. McCusker came in after the next batter, Rucker, singled him home.

Wichita loaded the bases in the top of the third and put four more runs across on a pair of Naturals errors, a&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;sacrifice fly, and a Rucker walk. McCusker doubled again to the left-center alley in the top of the fifth to put the Wind Surge ahead 7-0.

Northwest Arkansas would attempt to rally back by scoring five runs across the sixth and seventh innings before&nbsp;Taylor Floyd&nbsp;struck out Josh Lester for the Wichita doubleheader sweep, marking the first time the Wind Surge have done so since May 6, 2022, at home against the Tulsa Drillers.

Rozek and Stankiewicz recorded the respective win and save in Game 1. Rozek, now 2-3 in 2024, gave up an earned run on three hits in five innings with five strikeouts, while Stankiewicz surrendered an earned run on a hit with a walk and a strikeout in the final two frames for his first save. Engler is 4-0 after two one-hit innings of relief before Floyd retired the final batter for his second save in Game 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717756898878.jpeg" alt="Wichita sweeps double-header with Naturals" />
 <figcaption>Wichita sweeps double-header with Naturals</figcaption>
 </figure>SPRINGDALE, Ark.—The Wichita Wind Surge swept a road doubleheader by final scores of 4-2 and 7-5 against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The sweep is the first time Wichita has accomplished this feat since May 6, 2022, at Riverfront Stadium against the Tulsa Drillers.Jake Rucker&nbsp;laced his second RBI double in as many games to put the Wind Surge ahead in the top of the second in Game 1. Naturals second baseman Peyton Wilson tied the game in the bottom half of the frame on a sacrifice fly to center field.Solo home runs left the yard to left field in the fourth and fifth innings off the respective bats of&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jorel Ortega. Northwest Arkansas rallied a second run home on a groundout in the home half of the sixth.After the Naturals put the tying and winning runs at first and second,&nbsp;John Stankiewicz&nbsp;struck out a pinch-hitting Josh Lester swinging in the bottom of the seventh to secure a 4-2 Game 1 win for Wichita.The Wind Surge scored first again in game two after an opposite field RBI double to right by&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;in the top of the second. McCusker came in after the next batter, Rucker, singled him home.Wichita loaded the bases in the top of the third and put four more runs across on a pair of Naturals errors, a&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;sacrifice fly, and a Rucker walk. McCusker doubled again to the left-center alley in the top of the fifth to put the Wind Surge ahead 7-0.Northwest Arkansas would attempt to rally back by scoring five runs across the sixth and seventh innings before&nbsp;Taylor Floyd&nbsp;struck out Josh Lester for the Wichita doubleheader sweep, marking the first time the Wind Surge have done so since May 6, 2022, at home against the Tulsa Drillers.Rozek and Stankiewicz recorded the respective win and save in Game 1. Rozek, now 2-3 in 2024, gave up an earned run on three hits in five innings with five strikeouts, while Stankiewicz surrendered an earned run on a hit with a walk and a strikeout in the final two frames for his first save. Engler is 4-0 after two one-hit innings of relief before Floyd retired the final batter for his second save in Game 2.

⚾ Wind Surge earns doubleheader sweep in Arkansas 

CLEVELAND (AP) —&nbsp;Kyle Isbel delivered the go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning&nbsp;to score Adam Frazier, two innings after driving in the tying run, and the Kansas City Royals beat the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Thursday.

Frazier doubled off Hunter Gaddis (3-2) with two outs in the eighth and Isbel followed with a liner to right, giving Kansas City a split of the two-game series. The clubs were rained out on Wednesday.

“I had a lot of opportunities today, late in the game with a chance to take the lead,” Isbel said. “I put a good swing on a ball and got a good pitch to hit.”

The Royals pulled within four games of Cleveland in the division, winning for the third time in 10 games since May 25. Sam Long (1-1) pitched the seventh and James McArthur picked up his 12th save as Kansas City’s bullpen pitched 5 1/3 hitless innings.

“We don’t win if they don’t put up the zeroes,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The Guardians have gone through a lot of these games, too, and that’s why these teams are winning.”

José Ramírez hit a solo homer and drove in two runs for the Guardians, who have the third-best record in baseball at 40-21, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees. Cleveland entered the day an MLB-best 21-7 at home.

Isbel was in the lineup for the first time since Sunday, when he sustained a head injury in a collision with teammate Bobby Witt Jr. against San Diego. He also is recovering from small facial fractures after fouling a ball off his face at Tampa Bay on May 25.

“Some freak accidents,” Isbel said. “I don’t wish that upon anybody, but I’m feeling good.”

Kansas City scored twice in the sixth to tie it at 3. Hunter Renfroe doubled in Freddy Fermin, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1798798489595359732">MJ Melendez jumped over the attempted tag</a>&nbsp;of Guardians catcher Bo Naylor and touched home on Isbel’s grounder. Home plate umpire Chris Conroy called Melendez out, but it was overturned on a replay challenge by the Royals.

“It was a tough play, just an unfortunate turn that didn’t go our way,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “I haven’t seen the replay, but I’m sure they got it right.”

Ramírez, who leads the majors with 60 RBIs, gave the Guardians a 2-1 lead in the third with a 422-foot blast into the right-field stands. He also singled home Steven Kwan in the fourth to make it 3-1, chasing Royals starter Brady Singer.

“I think I’ve tried everything against (Ramírez) and he’s still gotten me,” Singer said. “He’s a real, real good hitter.”

Ramírez homered for the eighth time in 20 games and has 50 RBIs in his last 46 contests. He also moved past Manny Ramirez into eighth place in franchise history with 806 career RBIs.

Guardians starter Tanner Bibee struck out seven in five innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits. Singer went 3 2/3 innings and gave up two earned runs after missing his previous turn in the rotation with an illness.

Royals: 2B Michael Massey (low back ligament strain), who was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 26, will be re-assessed Friday in Kansas City.

Guardians: RHP Eli Morgan (right elbow inflammation) had a “small shutdown, but is going to start his throwing progression again,” according to Vogt.

Royals: LHP Daniel Lynch IV (0-0, 1.50 ERA) faces Mariners RHP Bryce Miller (5-5, 3.18) as Kansas City begins a seven-game homestand Friday.

Guardians: LHP Logan Allen (6-3, 5.83 ERA) takes on Marlins LHP Ryan Weathers (3-5, 3.41 ERA) in the opener of a three-game road series Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717732189462.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' MJ Melendez scores over Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor on an RBI from Kyle Isbel in the sixth inning of Thursday's 4-3 win. (AP Photo/Nick Cammett)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' MJ Melendez scores over Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor on an RBI from Kyle Isbel in the sixth inning of Thursday's 4-3 win. (AP Photo/Nick Cammett)</figcaption>
 </figure>BRIAN DULIK Associated PressCLEVELAND (AP) —&nbsp;Kyle Isbel delivered the go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning&nbsp;to score Adam Frazier, two innings after driving in the tying run, and the Kansas City Royals beat the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Thursday.Frazier doubled off Hunter Gaddis (3-2) with two outs in the eighth and Isbel followed with a liner to right, giving Kansas City a split of the two-game series. The clubs were rained out on Wednesday.“I had a lot of opportunities today, late in the game with a chance to take the lead,” Isbel said. “I put a good swing on a ball and got a good pitch to hit.”The Royals pulled within four games of Cleveland in the division, winning for the third time in 10 games since May 25. Sam Long (1-1) pitched the seventh and James McArthur picked up his 12th save as Kansas City’s bullpen pitched 5 1/3 hitless innings.“We don’t win if they don’t put up the zeroes,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The Guardians have gone through a lot of these games, too, and that’s why these teams are winning.”José Ramírez hit a solo homer and drove in two runs for the Guardians, who have the third-best record in baseball at 40-21, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees. Cleveland entered the day an MLB-best 21-7 at home.Isbel was in the lineup for the first time since Sunday, when he sustained a head injury in a collision with teammate Bobby Witt Jr. against San Diego. He also is recovering from small facial fractures after fouling a ball off his face at Tampa Bay on May 25.“Some freak accidents,” Isbel said. “I don’t wish that upon anybody, but I’m feeling good.”Kansas City scored twice in the sixth to tie it at 3. Hunter Renfroe doubled in Freddy Fermin, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1798798489595359732">MJ Melendez jumped over the attempted tag</a>&nbsp;of Guardians catcher Bo Naylor and touched home on Isbel’s grounder. Home plate umpire Chris Conroy called Melendez out, but it was overturned on a replay challenge by the Royals.“It was a tough play, just an unfortunate turn that didn’t go our way,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “I haven’t seen the replay, but I’m sure they got it right.”Ramírez, who leads the majors with 60 RBIs, gave the Guardians a 2-1 lead in the third with a 422-foot blast into the right-field stands. He also singled home Steven Kwan in the fourth to make it 3-1, chasing Royals starter Brady Singer.“I think I’ve tried everything against (Ramírez) and he’s still gotten me,” Singer said. “He’s a real, real good hitter.”Ramírez homered for the eighth time in 20 games and has 50 RBIs in his last 46 contests. He also moved past Manny Ramirez into eighth place in franchise history with 806 career RBIs.Guardians starter Tanner Bibee struck out seven in five innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits. Singer went 3 2/3 innings and gave up two earned runs after missing his previous turn in the rotation with an illness.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: 2B Michael Massey (low back ligament strain), who was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 26, will be re-assessed Friday in Kansas City.Guardians: RHP Eli Morgan (right elbow inflammation) had a “small shutdown, but is going to start his throwing progression again,” according to Vogt.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Daniel Lynch IV (0-0, 1.50 ERA) faces Mariners RHP Bryce Miller (5-5, 3.18) as Kansas City begins a seven-game homestand Friday.Guardians: LHP Logan Allen (6-3, 5.83 ERA) takes on Marlins LHP Ryan Weathers (3-5, 3.41 ERA) in the opener of a three-game road series Friday.

⚾ Royals win Thursday in Cleveland

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan. — Fresh off its three-game sweep of the Fayetteville Regional, K-State is set to compete in the program's second NCAA Super Regional and face No. 12 national seed Virginia in a best-of-three series, starting Friday at Disharoon Park in Charlottesville Virginia.&nbsp;

The Fayetteville Regional Champions (35-24) are two wins away from Omaha, as the winner between the Cats and Cavaliers (44-15) will advance to the 2024 College World Series at Charles Schwab Field, beginning on June 14.

The Cats will send lefty graduate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 5.07 ERA) to the mound in Friday's series opener and will go head-to-head with the Cavaliers' left-hander Evan Blanco (7-3, 3.57). With 105 strikeouts this year, Boerema holds the single-season senior-class strikeouts record.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/11477">Jackson Wentworth</a>, who is nine strikeouts away from breaking current Major Leaguer Jordan Wicks' single-season strikeouts record, will start Saturday. &nbsp;

Friday's Super Regional opener marks the first meeting between K-State and Virginia in school history.

In the regional championship, K-State scored seven runs in a two-inning span over the second and third innings and received eight scoreless innings from its bullpen to defeat No. 4 seed SEMO, 7-2, and advance to the Super Regional.

Five Wildcats were named to the Fayetteville Regional all-tournament team with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/11460">Kaelen Culpepper</a>, who went 7-for-12 (.583) with two home runs and seven RBI, was named the Fayetteville Regional's most valuable player. Culpepper was joined by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-parsons/11530">Jaden Parsons</a>&nbsp;(third base),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/11526">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;(outfield),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/11477">Jackson Wentworth</a>&nbsp;(starting pitcher), and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/11470">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;(relief pitcher) on the regional's all-tournament team.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717704107034.jpeg" alt="Graphic courtesy of Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Graphic courtesy of Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan. — Fresh off its three-game sweep of the Fayetteville Regional, K-State is set to compete in the program's second NCAA Super Regional and face No. 12 national seed Virginia in a best-of-three series, starting Friday at Disharoon Park in Charlottesville Virginia.&nbsp;The Fayetteville Regional Champions (35-24) are two wins away from Omaha, as the winner between the Cats and Cavaliers (44-15) will advance to the 2024 College World Series at Charles Schwab Field, beginning on June 14.The Cats will send lefty graduate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 5.07 ERA) to the mound in Friday's series opener and will go head-to-head with the Cavaliers' left-hander Evan Blanco (7-3, 3.57). With 105 strikeouts this year, Boerema holds the single-season senior-class strikeouts record.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/11477">Jackson Wentworth</a>, who is nine strikeouts away from breaking current Major Leaguer Jordan Wicks' single-season strikeouts record, will start Saturday. &nbsp;Friday's Super Regional opener marks the first meeting between K-State and Virginia in school history.In the regional championship, K-State scored seven runs in a two-inning span over the second and third innings and received eight scoreless innings from its bullpen to defeat No. 4 seed SEMO, 7-2, and advance to the Super Regional.Five Wildcats were named to the Fayetteville Regional all-tournament team with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/11460">Kaelen Culpepper</a>, who went 7-for-12 (.583) with two home runs and seven RBI, was named the Fayetteville Regional's most valuable player. Culpepper was joined by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-parsons/11530">Jaden Parsons</a>&nbsp;(third base),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/11526">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;(outfield),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/11477">Jackson Wentworth</a>&nbsp;(starting pitcher), and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/11470">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;(relief pitcher) on the regional's all-tournament team.Tickets are available through the Virginia athletic ticket office. All three games of the Charlottesville Super Regional can be seen on ESPNU and the ESPN app, while radio coverage is available on the K-State Sports Network. A free, live streaming audio is available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app.

⚾ K-State prepped for NCAA Charlottesville Super Regional

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the event, said team trainers and medical staff were able to react quickly and treat Thompson until paramedics arrived.

The Chiefs planned to wrap up their voluntary offseason workouts on Thursday, but a team spokesman said the practice would be pushed to Friday. That is when Chiefs coach Andy Reid and other players will speak to reporters.

The 27-year-old Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs out of Stephen F. Austin in last year's draft. The only game Thompson appeared in was their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Kansas City already had clinched its playoff spot and the game's outcome was meaningless. Thompson had two tackles in that game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717698357421.png" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson (53) walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday, June 6, 2024, after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson (53) walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday, June 6, 2024, after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the event, said team trainers and medical staff were able to react quickly and treat Thompson until paramedics arrived.The Chiefs planned to wrap up their voluntary offseason workouts on Thursday, but a team spokesman said the practice would be pushed to Friday. That is when Chiefs coach Andy Reid and other players will speak to reporters.The 27-year-old Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs out of Stephen F. Austin in last year's draft. The only game Thompson appeared in was their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Kansas City already had clinched its playoff spot and the game's outcome was meaningless. Thompson had two tackles in that game.

Chiefs lineman hospitalized after cardiac event during team meeting

The College Football Bowl schedule for the 2024-25 season has officially been released on Thursday. There will be a total of 47 postseason games, including 46 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) games including the new College Football Playoff (CFP) format and the National Championship Game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717699936505.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy College Football Bowl Season" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy College Football Bowl Season</figcaption>
 </figure>The College Football Bowl schedule for the 2024-25 season has officially been released on Thursday. There will be a total of 47 postseason games, including 46 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) games including the new College Football Playoff (CFP) format and the National Championship Game.

🏈 Bowl schedule for 2024-25 season released

The 27-year-old Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs out of Stephen F. Austin in last year’s draft. The only game Thompson appeared in was their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Kansas City already had clinched its playoff spot and the game’s outcome was meaningless. Thompson had two tackles in that game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717698357421.png" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson (53) walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday, June 6, 2024, after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson (53) walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday, June 6, 2024, after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the event, said team trainers and medical staff were able to react quickly and treat Thompson until paramedics arrived.The Chiefs planned to wrap up their voluntary offseason workouts on Thursday, but a team spokesman said the practice would be pushed to Friday. That is when Chiefs coach Andy Reid and other players will speak to reporters.The 27-year-old Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs out of Stephen F. Austin in last year’s draft. The only game Thompson appeared in was their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Kansas City already had clinched its playoff spot and the game’s outcome was meaningless. Thompson had two tackles in that game.

🏈 Chiefs backup lineman taken to hospital after cardiac event during team meeting, AP source says

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717691178448.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
 
<div style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash; The University of Kansas announced Thursday that Head Women&rsquo;s Basketball Coach Brandon Schneider has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him in Lawrence through the 2027-28 season.
 The upcoming 2024-25 campaign will be Schneider&rsquo;s 10th season on the Kansas sideline. He was named the sixth coach in program history on April 20, 2015, and he previously signed a four-year contract in 2022.
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 <blockquote style="text-align: center;font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 &quot;Coach Schneider continues to demonstrate the ability to elevate Kansas Women&apos;s Basketball to new heights. On-court success has reached new levels, with three-straight postseason appearances and high-water marks for conference wins. He and his staff continue to recruit and develop high-character young women who represent KU exceptionally well in the classroom and in the community as well. Kansas Women&rsquo;s Basketball is a program that belongs on the national stage - competing for Big 12 Championships - and we are very excited about Brandon&rsquo;s future and our continued success in women&rsquo;s basketball.&quot;
 KANSAS DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS TRAVIS GOFF</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 Schneider has guided the Jayhawks to the postseason in each of the past three seasons, including NCAA Tournament appearances in 2022 and 2024 along with winning the 2023 WNIT Championship. The 2023-24 season featured KU&rsquo;s third-straight 20-win season as the Jayhawks finished 20-13, which included an 11-7 finish in Big 12 play. Kansas currently has its longest streak of 20-win seasons since doing it in three-straight years from 2011-13, and the Jayhawks have the program&rsquo;s third-straight season finishing .500 or better in Big 12 play, the longest such streak since four-straight from 1997-2000.
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 <blockquote style="text-align: center;font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 &quot;We are grateful for Chancellor Douglas Girod, Director of Athletics Travis Goff and Deputy Athletics Director Nicole Corcoran for their continued confidence in our ability to lead and advance the Kansas Women&rsquo;s Basketball program.&quot;
 BRANDON SCHNEIDER</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 Last season, Kansas recorded two wins against top 10 opponents and three wins over top 25 foes, both of which marked the first time a KU team had accomplished since the 1999-2000 season. The Jayhawks earned the program&rsquo;s first win over Baylor since 2014, defeating the then-No. 4 Bears 87-66 on Jan. 10, 2024, which was the program&rsquo;s third win over a top 5 opponent in school history and first since 2009. Kansas finished the season 20-13 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where KU faced top-seeded USC in one of the top five most-watched second round games in tournament history.
 Kansas finished the 2023-24 season 13-1 at Allen Fieldhouse, the best home record for the Jayhawks since 1997-98, and support followed as KU finished with an average attendance of 3,550 fans per game, which is the second-highest total in program history. Following the season, two-time WBCA All-America Honorable Mention selection Taiyanna Jackson was selected in the second round of the WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun. Jackson became the eighth WNBA Draft pick in program history, and the first since 2015.
 Season tickets for the 2024-25 Kansas Women&rsquo;s Basketball campaign are now on sale. For as low as $95, fans can reserve their seat at historic Allen Fieldhouse for the entire season. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting <a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=WBN&linkID=kansas&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=" style="color: transparent;font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">KUAthletics.com</a> or calling 800-34-HAWKS.
</div></div>

🏀 WBB: Schneider inks 2-year contract extension at KU

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687535007377.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Sports Commission" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Sports Commission</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Sports Commission
 
Wichita, KS&nbsp;&ndash; The Wichita Sports Commission announced today the finalists for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award.
A selection committee made up of Division I Baseball Coaches, Sports Information Directors and Major League Scouts selected these three outstanding catchers from a list of 16 semifinalists announced on May 22.&nbsp;
These three catchers will be invited to Wichita, KS with the winner being announced June 26th during the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet and Buster Posey Award presentation.
The National Collegiate Catcher of Year Award was established in 2000.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Buster Posey Award Finalists
Jacob Cozart, Jr. North Carolina State - Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) First Team
Walker Janek, Jr. Sam Houston State - Conference USA (CUSA) Defensive Player of the Year
Ryan Stafford, Jr. Cal Poly - Big West Conference Defensive Player of the Year
&nbsp;
More information and player stats can be seen at&nbsp;<a href="https://wichitasports.com/buster-posey-award/" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);border: 0px;">https://wichitasports.com/buster-posey-award/</a>
&nbsp;
The Greater Wichita Sports Banquet will be held at Intrust Bank Arena in downtown Wichita. Tickets go on sale to the public June 10. For updates on the events and tickets, visit wichitasports.com</div>

⚾ Finalists announced for Buster Posey Award

WICHITA –&nbsp;&nbsp;A 2024 matchup between the Shockers and Sooners is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 19 in Charles Koch Arena.

The last time the Sooners came to The Roundhouse, the Shockers claimed an 88-83 victory in 2019.

The Shockers are 7-15 all-time against Oklahoma and are seeking revenge after a loss in Norman a season ago when the Shockers took a first-half lead over then No. 23 Sooners, but Oklahoma's second-half effort gave them the win.

Game time and TV info will be announced at a later date. The remainder of the non-conference schedule will be released in the coming weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717688662712.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA –&nbsp;&nbsp;A 2024 matchup between the Shockers and Sooners is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 19 in Charles Koch Arena.The last time the Sooners came to The Roundhouse, the Shockers claimed an 88-83 victory in 2019.The Shockers are 7-15 all-time against Oklahoma and are seeking revenge after a loss in Norman a season ago when the Shockers took a first-half lead over then No. 23 Sooners, but Oklahoma's second-half effort gave them the win.Game time and TV info will be announced at a later date. The remainder of the non-conference schedule will be released in the coming weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WBB: WSU to host OU in November

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714490337713.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson Sports Arena. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Sports Arena. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>KSHSAA
 
TOPEKA, Kan.&nbsp;- The Kansas State High School Activities Association has selected sites for the 2025 KSHSAA state basketball championships. All seven sites have hosted at least once previously.&nbsp; &nbsp; After hosting the 1A Division I state championships last season, the Colby Event Center has been selected to host the 1A Division II state championships in 2025. The 2A tournaments will return to their traditional home at Bramlage Coliseum after a year&rsquo;s hiatus.&nbsp; &nbsp; The KSHSAA continues to have a strong relationship with Barton Community College who has hosted the 1A Division II Tournaments the last three years. Colby will be the fourth community to host the 1A Division II state championships since the class split into divisions in 2011. In 2019, Class 1A held a single tournament without divisions. &nbsp; &ldquo;The student-athletes, coaches, school communities and officials who participated in the 1A Division I tournament in Colby last year had a great experience,&rdquo; KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick said. &ldquo;Colby was given a chance last year and hosted great championship tournaments. We know they will do the same in 2025. With two new hotels coming online before the 2025 tournaments, the experience for teams, families, fans and officials will be even better.&rdquo; &nbsp; Barton Community College couldn&rsquo;t commit to hosting for a fourth year due to potential events on their campus the week of the state basketball tournaments. &nbsp; &ldquo;Trevor Rolfs and his team of Heather Panning, Todd Moore, Brooke Thompson, Brandon Smith, Kelsey Feist, Megan Besecker and more did a tremendous job hosting for us the past three years and we thank them for the outstanding job they did,&rdquo; KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Kyle Doperalski said. &ldquo;We appreciate their team and also understand the need for them to pass on a hosting opportunity in 2025.&rdquo; &nbsp; 2025 KSHSAA State Basketball Tournament Hosts: 6A: &nbsp;Wichita State University, Koch Arena 5A: &nbsp;Emporia Parks and Recreation, White Auditorium 4A: &nbsp;Tony&rsquo;s Pizza Event Center, Salina 3A: &nbsp;Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson Sports Arena 2A: &nbsp;Visit Manhattan, Bramlage Coliseum 1A DI: &nbsp;Dodge City High School and Dodge City Sports Commission, United Wireless Arena 1A DII: &nbsp;Colby Event Center, Colby</div>

🏀 KSHSAA announces 2025 state tournament sites

BY KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer

BOSTON (AP) — As the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-mavericks-celtics-c05210020bced129bb12bcf9fc841ffa">Dallas Mavericks</a>&nbsp;and Boston Celtics prepare to tip off the NBA Finals, the four biggest names in the series are looking at this moment through different lenses.

Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown – the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jayson-tatum-jaylen-brown-celtics-nba-finals-666a4277102481346e7c9b262528fde5">Celtics’ most tenured and scrutinized stars</a>&nbsp;on their roster – see it as a chance at redemption after falling just short two seasons ago and then failing to return last year.

“You think that you’re young, if you’ve been once, you’ll continue to keep going,” Tatum said. “We realized that last year. We kind of took it for granted at certain moments.”

“I’m not thinking about what it would mean for my legacy or anything like that,” he said. “Just excited to play some basketball ... and go out there and try to get the job done.”

Dallas’ Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving see it as their first opportunity to make good on a partnership that began late last season after Irving was traded from Brooklyn following a tumultuous run of two-plus seasons with the Nets.

But the duo was still learning to play with each other during their truncated time together last season and didn’t make it to the postseason. After a slow start this season, they found cohesion after the All-Star break and emerged from a deep Western Conference field.

For Irving, it has been a reminder that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-mavericks-celtics-kyrie-irving-ad6baa150b21fdc3039bc90339e3fd42">success can be fleeting</a>. He won his lone championship with Cleveland in 2016 and has played with three teams over the past eight years. His time in Dallas has reinvigorated him.

“These young guys are very hungry. They want a championship. I want a championship,” he said. “So our feelings are very mutual. But I’ve always reminded them that this is a process. Failure is going to be part of this, too. Get it out your mind that this is about to be a clean sweep or everything is about to feel good throughout this journey and all that.

“I’m just very real, very honest. That’s what’s helped me grow as a leader.”

Doncic credits the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luka-doncic-nba-finals-bd786b3d9611aad6742508b171369a8c">partnership with Irving</a>&nbsp;for uncorking the potential of a team that entered the postseason as a fifth seed.

“His leadership is amazing,” Doncic said. “The way he connects us. I think me and Kyrie are the leaders of this team, but he’s the one that’s been in the Finals. He’s the one that won in the Finals. He’s the one that is really leading it.”

They’ll matchup with a Boston team playing like a group that has learned from its recent shortcomings. That was exhibited during a 64-win regular season that established it as a favorite to raise the franchise’s 18th championship banner entering the postseason.

Through the first three rounds, the Celtics have met the challenge, losing just two games along the way under the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-mazzulla-celtics-nba-finals-ec3271c1bc95d73ef24209fe4fa874b5">guidance of second-year coach Joe Mazzulla</a>.

They’ve also benefited from an offseason shakeup of its roster that saw longtime emotional leader Marcus Smart and former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon traded in favor of 7-footer Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, who won a championship with Milwaukee in 2021.

Brown said a core that features seven players from the 2022 team that lost in the Finals to Golden State, is up to the challenge.

“I think this is a special group. I really do,” Brown said. “We’ve been able to go through the experiences of having success but not having success at the same time. I think to solidify the ultimate goal is to get over the hump and win. I think that will add a lot to our legacy. But as of right now, that story is kind of still untold.”

This stage is nothing new to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who is in the Finals for the fifth time as a player or coach.

He has experienced lows, such as losing back-to-back trips to the Finals in 2002 and 2003 as a player with the New Jersey Nets. He has also seen success, earning his lone title as a player with Dallas in 2011 at age 38 and one as an assistant on the Lakers 2020 championship team.

The biggest lesson he has taken away is to approach it like business and be ready to live with the results. That has been his message to his team throughout these playoffs.

“This is the best of the best at the highest level,” Kidd said. “It’s fun. That’s what the Finals are all about, is seeing what team is going to step forward and take advantage of mistakes.”

Mazzulla was an assistant on Ime Udoka’s staff in 2022. What he learned from that experience is that the details of winning never change, even on this stage.

“The toughest team will win,” Mazzulla said. “The team that makes the most plays will win. The team that can execute the details at a high level will win. It’s no different.”

Irving is ready for what he expects to be an icy greeting from Boston’s home crowd for Game 1 on Thursday.

Celtics fans haven’t held a high opinion of him since he ended two disappointing seasons in Boston by leaving for the Nets and joining Kevin Durant in free agency in 2019.

He then rankled the Boston faithful even more when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-nets-boston-celtics-nba-sports-b1b101e3944f3a75001bb88bc1cf27c4">flipped his middle finger</a>&nbsp;at fans after making a shot during Brooklyn’s first round playoff series loss to the Celtics in 2022. But he said he is looking forward to matching up with “brothers” and former teammates Tatum and Brown.

“They’ve gotten tremendously better. They’ve led their team to this point. So I’m proud of them,” Irving said. “I’m looking forward to the competition because this is what we’ve all strived for since we were kids, basketball at this level playing against the best of the best.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717678595184.png" alt="Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after making a basket during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers, Monday, May 27, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)" />
 <figcaption>Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after making a basket during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers, Monday, May 27, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports WriterBOSTON (AP) — As the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-mavericks-celtics-c05210020bced129bb12bcf9fc841ffa">Dallas Mavericks</a>&nbsp;and Boston Celtics prepare to tip off the NBA Finals, the four biggest names in the series are looking at this moment through different lenses.Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown – the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jayson-tatum-jaylen-brown-celtics-nba-finals-666a4277102481346e7c9b262528fde5">Celtics’ most tenured and scrutinized stars</a>&nbsp;on their roster – see it as a chance at redemption after falling just short two seasons ago and then failing to return last year.“You think that you’re young, if you’ve been once, you’ll continue to keep going,” Tatum said. “We realized that last year. We kind of took it for granted at certain moments.”And now?“I’m not thinking about what it would mean for my legacy or anything like that,” he said. “Just excited to play some basketball ... and go out there and try to get the job done.”Dallas’ Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving see it as their first opportunity to make good on a partnership that began late last season after Irving was traded from Brooklyn following a tumultuous run of two-plus seasons with the Nets.But the duo was still learning to play with each other during their truncated time together last season and didn’t make it to the postseason. After a slow start this season, they found cohesion after the All-Star break and emerged from a deep Western Conference field.For Irving, it has been a reminder that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-mavericks-celtics-kyrie-irving-ad6baa150b21fdc3039bc90339e3fd42">success can be fleeting</a>. He won his lone championship with Cleveland in 2016 and has played with three teams over the past eight years. His time in Dallas has reinvigorated him.“These young guys are very hungry. They want a championship. I want a championship,” he said. “So our feelings are very mutual. But I’ve always reminded them that this is a process. Failure is going to be part of this, too. Get it out your mind that this is about to be a clean sweep or everything is about to feel good throughout this journey and all that.“I’m just very real, very honest. That’s what’s helped me grow as a leader.”Doncic credits the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luka-doncic-nba-finals-bd786b3d9611aad6742508b171369a8c">partnership with Irving</a>&nbsp;for uncorking the potential of a team that entered the postseason as a fifth seed.“His leadership is amazing,” Doncic said. “The way he connects us. I think me and Kyrie are the leaders of this team, but he’s the one that’s been in the Finals. He’s the one that won in the Finals. He’s the one that is really leading it.”They’ll matchup with a Boston team playing like a group that has learned from its recent shortcomings. That was exhibited during a 64-win regular season that established it as a favorite to raise the franchise’s 18th championship banner entering the postseason.Through the first three rounds, the Celtics have met the challenge, losing just two games along the way under the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-mazzulla-celtics-nba-finals-ec3271c1bc95d73ef24209fe4fa874b5">guidance of second-year coach Joe Mazzulla</a>.They’ve also benefited from an offseason shakeup of its roster that saw longtime emotional leader Marcus Smart and former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon traded in favor of 7-footer Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, who won a championship with Milwaukee in 2021.Brown said a core that features seven players from the 2022 team that lost in the Finals to Golden State, is up to the challenge.“I think this is a special group. I really do,” Brown said. “We’ve been able to go through the experiences of having success but not having success at the same time. I think to solidify the ultimate goal is to get over the hump and win. I think that will add a lot to our legacy. But as of right now, that story is kind of still untold.”<h2>COACHING PERSPECTIVES</h2>This stage is nothing new to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who is in the Finals for the fifth time as a player or coach.He has experienced lows, such as losing back-to-back trips to the Finals in 2002 and 2003 as a player with the New Jersey Nets. He has also seen success, earning his lone title as a player with Dallas in 2011 at age 38 and one as an assistant on the Lakers 2020 championship team.The biggest lesson he has taken away is to approach it like business and be ready to live with the results. That has been his message to his team throughout these playoffs.“This is the best of the best at the highest level,” Kidd said. “It’s fun. That’s what the Finals are all about, is seeing what team is going to step forward and take advantage of mistakes.”Mazzulla was an assistant on Ime Udoka’s staff in 2022. What he learned from that experience is that the details of winning never change, even on this stage.“The toughest team will win,” Mazzulla said. “The team that makes the most plays will win. The team that can execute the details at a high level will win. It’s no different.”<h2>FRIENDS AND COMPETITORS</h2>Irving is ready for what he expects to be an icy greeting from Boston’s home crowd for Game 1 on Thursday.Celtics fans haven’t held a high opinion of him since he ended two disappointing seasons in Boston by leaving for the Nets and joining Kevin Durant in free agency in 2019.He then rankled the Boston faithful even more when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-nets-boston-celtics-nba-sports-b1b101e3944f3a75001bb88bc1cf27c4">flipped his middle finger</a>&nbsp;at fans after making a shot during Brooklyn’s first round playoff series loss to the Celtics in 2022. But he said he is looking forward to matching up with “brothers” and former teammates Tatum and Brown.“They’ve gotten tremendously better. They’ve led their team to this point. So I’m proud of them,” Irving said. “I’m looking forward to the competition because this is what we’ve all strived for since we were kids, basketball at this level playing against the best of the best.”

🏀 Redemption-minded Celtics set to match up with opportunistic Mavericks in NBA Finals

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717678415078.png" alt="Oklahoma players celebrate with Tiare Jennings (23) at home plate after she hit a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series championship series against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. Jennings (St. Anthony High) added an RBI single later in the game. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)" />
 <figcaption>Oklahoma players celebrate with Tiare Jennings (23) at home plate after she hit a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series championship series against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. Jennings (St. Anthony High) added an RBI single later in the game. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>By CLIFF BRUNT&nbsp; AP Sports Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY &mdash; Oklahoma needs just one more win to make softball history.
Tiare Jennings&rsquo; two-run homer in the first inning sparked an 8-3 win over Texas on Wednesday night that left the Sooners one victory short of a record fourth straight Women&rsquo;s College World Series title.
Oklahoma (58-7) had nine hits and three home runs against a Texas squad that had thrown three one-hit shutouts in three World Series games.
Sooners coach Patty Gasso said the plan was to help pitcher Kelly Maxwell by scoring early. <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2024/06/04/oklahoma-back-in-wcws-finals-after-walk-off-homer-against-florida/" style="color: var(--primary);border-left: 0px;border-right: 0px;border-top: 0px;border-bottom: 1px dotted var(--primary);">Maxwell had pitched a complete game the previous day in a semifinal victory over Florida</a>, and Gasso felt the senior might need some support.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s something that we really talked about, is trying to set the tone, give Kelly an opportunity to get settled,&rdquo; Gasso said. &ldquo;Very, very important. It was a goal of ours. They checked a lot of boxes tonight.&rdquo;
Jennings, a former Long Beach St. Anthony High star, had two hits and three RBIs and Kinzie Hansen (Norco High) had two hits, including a two-run homer, for the Sooners in Game 1 of the best-of-three series. The second-seeded Sooners could clinch their eighth overall championship in Game 2 on Thursday night (5 p.m. PT, ESPN).
Oklahoma was calm after the first game.
&ldquo;You see us here and we&rsquo;re not overjubilant because we know there&rsquo;s still a lot of work to do against a very, very good team that has very good pitchers, very good hitters,&rdquo; Gasso said. &ldquo;I mean, we know what&rsquo;s in front of us still. So you don&rsquo;t see us celebrating. There&rsquo;s still a lot of work to do.&rdquo;
Mia Scott hit a solo homer for top-seeded Texas (55-9), but there weren&rsquo;t many more highlights. Now, the Longhorns will embrace the role of underdog.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a mind game,&rdquo; Texas coach Mike White said. &ldquo;Champions reframe. How can we reframe from this loss, what we&rsquo;re facing right now? Come out and have a better game and see if we can play some good softball.&rdquo;
It was another chapter in the storied rivalry between the programs, which will both leave the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference next year. <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2022/06/09/oklahoma-sweeps-texas-to-win-2nd-straight-wcws-title/" style="color: var(--primary);border-left: 0px;border-right: 0px;border-top: 0px;border-bottom: 1px dotted var(--primary);">Oklahoma beat Texas in the national championship series in 2022</a>. Texas won the Big 12 regular-season title this year, but Oklahoma won the conference tournament.
The Sooners played Tuesday while Texas had the day off, but Maxwell negated any edge the rest might have provided for the Longhorns. A day after tossing 148 pitches against Florida, Maxwell threw 119 against the Longhorns. She gave up one earned run and four hits and struck out eight.
&ldquo;This is it,&rdquo; Maxwell said. &ldquo;This is my last opportunity. I&rsquo;m just going to do everything I can to keep this team in it. I know that they have my back and I&rsquo;ve got theirs.&rdquo;
Teagan Kavan, Texas&rsquo; freshman star, had thrown two one-hitters in victories at the World Series. She opened Wednesday&rsquo;s game by hitting Jayda Coleman with a pitch. Jennings, the next batter, launched one over the left field fence to put the Sooners ahead, 2-0. It was the 98th home run of Jennings&rsquo; career and her 11th at the World Series.
Hansen&rsquo;s two-run homer and Kasidi Pickering&rsquo;s solo shot back-to-back in the third gave the Sooners a 5-1 lead and chased Kavan.
&ldquo;It snowballed a little bit there,&rdquo; Texas&rsquo; Joley Mitchell said. &ldquo;We have to do our job individually and as a team. We got away from our plan. We weren&rsquo;t helping ourselves. We really need to stick to our plan and just play Texas softball.&rdquo;
Texas scored two in the sixth and had two on with two outs when Maxwell struck out Victoria Hunter swinging to keep Oklahoma ahead, 7-3.
Maxwell struck out the final two batters in the seventh to close out the game.
Now, the Sooners will try to close out a Texas team that has rallied before. The Longhorns lost the first game in the regular-season series with Oklahoma and won the last two. They also lost the first game of their super regional against Texas A&amp;M, then won the next two and advanced to the World Series.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re a tough team,&rdquo; Mitchell said. &ldquo;As long as we stay together, do the job, we&rsquo;ll be just fine the next two games.&rdquo;
 </div>

🥎 Oklahoma takes Game 1 of WCWS finals

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The Wichita Wind Surge relied on four consecutive runs and strong pitching in a 4-2 victory over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The win is Wichita’s first on the road in nearly three weeks, dating back to May 16 against Tulsa.

Rodolfo Durán continued his scorching start to the series with a solo home run that just got over the wall in right-center in the bottom of the third. He’s hit two round-trippers in two games this week against Wind Surge pitching, while the Naturals have left the yard 11 times in seven contests with Wichita.

Jeferson Morales&nbsp;pushed an RBI single the opposite way to tie the game on an&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;run in the top of the fourth.&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;followed in the frame with nearly identical run-scoring doubles down the left field line to put the Wind Surge up 3-1 through three and a half.

Carson McCusker&nbsp;grounded a single back up the middle, allowing Schobel to cross home plate in the top of the fifth. The Wichita corner outfielder has tallied three hits already against Northwest Arkansas this week.

Although Tyler Tolbert scored on a throwing error in the bottom of the eighth,&nbsp;Austin Brice&nbsp;would respond by striking out six of his final seven batters faced to secure the 4-2 win for the Wind Surge.

Adams improved to 3-4 on the season after receiving the win, allowing an earned run on four hits and two walks against three strikeouts in five innings. Brice earned his first save of the 2024 season and first since 2022, getting punchouts for every out across the final two innings.

Wichita continues their road series with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Thursday, June 6, for a doubleheader. Game 1 has a 4:05 PM first pitch, with Game 2 following shortly after Game 1 goes final. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717691375213.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita Wind SurgeSPRINGDALE, Ark. — The Wichita Wind Surge relied on four consecutive runs and strong pitching in a 4-2 victory over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The win is Wichita’s first on the road in nearly three weeks, dating back to May 16 against Tulsa.Rodolfo Durán continued his scorching start to the series with a solo home run that just got over the wall in right-center in the bottom of the third. He’s hit two round-trippers in two games this week against Wind Surge pitching, while the Naturals have left the yard 11 times in seven contests with Wichita.Jeferson Morales&nbsp;pushed an RBI single the opposite way to tie the game on an&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;run in the top of the fourth.&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;followed in the frame with nearly identical run-scoring doubles down the left field line to put the Wind Surge up 3-1 through three and a half.Carson McCusker&nbsp;grounded a single back up the middle, allowing Schobel to cross home plate in the top of the fifth. The Wichita corner outfielder has tallied three hits already against Northwest Arkansas this week.Although Tyler Tolbert scored on a throwing error in the bottom of the eighth,&nbsp;Austin Brice&nbsp;would respond by striking out six of his final seven batters faced to secure the 4-2 win for the Wind Surge.Adams improved to 3-4 on the season after receiving the win, allowing an earned run on four hits and two walks against three strikeouts in five innings. Brice earned his first save of the 2024 season and first since 2022, getting punchouts for every out across the final two innings.Wichita continues their road series with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Thursday, June 6, for a doubleheader. Game 1 has a 4:05 PM first pitch, with Game 2 following shortly after Game 1 goes final. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>.

⚾ Wind Surge top Naturals in Arkansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717612190623.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Big 12 Conference
 
OKLAHOMA CITY -&nbsp;For the second time in the last three seasons, the Women&rsquo;s College World Series championship series will be between two Big 12 teams as top-seeded&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/news/2024/6/4/texas-softball-clinches-spot-in-wcws-championship-series.aspx" style="text-align: start;color: black;font-size: 16px;">Texas</a>&nbsp;and second-seeded&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/news/2024/6/5/softball-colemans-walk-off-sends-sooners-to-womens-college-world-series-championship-finals.aspx" style="text-align: start;color: black;font-size: 16px;">Oklahoma</a>&nbsp;have advanced to the sport&rsquo;s final stage. The rivals and consensus top-two teams in the country will face off in a three-game series starting Wednesday, June 5 through Thursday, June 6/Friday, June 7 at OGE Field at Devon Park. Over the last three years, 83% of teams making it to the finals have been from the Big 12, while it&rsquo;s the first time that one league has had both teams in two of the three title matchups since the Pac-12 had four consecutive league members face off from 2001-04. The Big 12 has been represented in the championship series for five consecutive seasons and now seven of the last eight finals. For the last three years, out of the 12 teams to make the semifinals of the WCWS, 50% have been Big 12 teams, while the Conference has twice as many semifinal appearances as any other league. The Conference finished 2024 with a 50-37 mark against other Power Five leagues and sports a 33-29 record in non-conference Top 25 contests. Texas enters searching for the program&rsquo;s first national title while the Sooners are looking to become the only program to win four national championships in a row, including OU&rsquo;s sweep of UT in the 2022 title matchup. The Longhorns have given up as many hits as they&rsquo;ve collected wins in their 3-0 WCWS run to the championship series while the Sooners fought off elimination walking off Florida on a Jayda Coleman eighth-inning home run on the way to a 3-1 mark at this year&rsquo;s WCWS. Coleman&rsquo;s home run moved her past former Sooner Jocelyn Alo on the Big 12&apos;s all-time runs scored list with 282. Texas&rsquo; Reese Atwood is just two RBIs away from tying the single-season Big 12 record held by OU&rsquo;s Tiare Jennings (92, 2021). UT captured two out of the three games in Austin on its way to the&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/news/2024/5/5/texas-wins-2024-big-12-softball-regular-season-championship.aspx" style="text-align: start;color: black;font-size: 16px;">Big 12 regular season title</a>&nbsp;while OU evened the season series when it won the&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/news/2024/5/12/softball-sooners-defeat-texas-to-win-ninth-phillips-66-big-12-championship-title.aspx" style="text-align: start;color: black;font-size: 16px;">Phillips 66 Big 12 Softball Championship</a>&nbsp;over the Longhorns in OKC. All three games will start at 7 p.m. CT and air on ESPN. 2024 Women&rsquo;s College World Series Finals Schedule Wednesday, June 5 &nbsp; (#1) No. 1/1 Texas vs. (#2) No. 2/2 Oklahoma (ESPN) 7 p.m. CT &nbsp; Thursday, June 6 &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; (#1) No. 1/1 Texas vs. (#2) No. 2/2 Oklahoma (ESPN) 7 p.m. CT &nbsp; Friday, June 7 - If Necessary &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; (#1) No. 1/1 Texas vs. (#2) No. 2/2 Oklahoma (ESPN) 7 p.m. CT &nbsp; All times are subject to change. Rankings listed as USA Today/NFCA / ESPN.com/USA Softball.&nbsp; (#) NCAA Championship Seed All games are played in Oklahoma City.</div>

🥎 Red River rivals meet in WCWS Finals Wednesday

BELOIT, Kan. — Six Hutch Post area student-athletes will participate in the Kansas Eight-Man Football Association All-Star Game on Saturday afternoon at Trojan Stadium on the campus of Beloit High School.

You can find all of the rosters <a href="https://kemfa.weebly.com/2024-all-star-rosters.html">here</a>.

The Division I game will be played at 10 a.m. and the Division II game at 1:30 p.m.

Rosters were voted on and selected by member coaches of the KEMFA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717522027545.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Eight-Man Football Association" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Eight-Man Football Association</figcaption>
 </figure>BELOIT, Kan. — Six Hutch Post area student-athletes will participate in the Kansas Eight-Man Football Association All-Star Game on Saturday afternoon at Trojan Stadium on the campus of Beloit High School.<div>Division I (East Team)
Carter Stansbury, Little River
Andrew Smith, Little River
Kreighton Kanitz, Moundridge
Gage Bowers, Pretty Prairie
Tyler O&apos;Connor, Moundridge (Assistant Coach)
 
Division I (West Team)
Justus Novotny, Pratt-Skyline
 
Division II (East Team)
Calen Wente, Fairfield
 
 </div>You can find all of the rosters <a href="https://kemfa.weebly.com/2024-all-star-rosters.html">here</a>.The Division I game will be played at 10 a.m. and the Division II game at 1:30 p.m.Rosters were voted on and selected by member coaches of the KEMFA.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKSEMASF%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0u4UvFddP6ZBgdCyCGzZzz4sRb5oiSyyysVUBr9nGUVx6YvruLNE1RWM7KQYMsj34l&show_text=true&width=500&preview=comet_preview" width="500" height="614" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

🏈 6 area student-athletes to participate in KEMFA All-Star Game Saturday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717593924769.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Sterling College" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Sterling College</figcaption>
 </figure><div>KCAC
STERLING, Kan. &mdash;&nbsp;Sterling College Athletics and Vice President for Athletics Scott Downing announced Tuesday a change in leadership of the Warrior Football program. Coach Darren Jackson is no longer with the program. Sterling College will move forward by promoting Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach Reggie Langford, a former Warrior standout, to the Head Coach position. &quot;We are excited to have Coach Langford to take over the program,&quot; said Downing. &quot;He has shown his abilities both as a player and a coach, and we look forward to giving him this opportunity as Sterling&apos;s next head coach to take this program to the next level. He is a high-energy coach who works well with the players.&quot; Langford was named the offensive coordinator for the Warriors in December of 2022. Before that, Langford was the Offensive Coordinator for Bethel College (Kan.). In his short time at Bethel, Langford&apos;s offense ranked nationally in the top 20 in several categories. His offense ranked 2nd in rushing yards per game, 5th in rushing TDs, 5th in rushing yards, 16th in points per game, and 18th in red zone touchdowns. The addition should create some stability in the Warrior offense. &quot;I have always thought it would be an awesome opportunity to be the Head Coach at my Alma Mater, whether it was my high school or college,&quot; said Langford. &quot;I am excited to continue to coach the young men we have on the roster and our incoming recruiting class. We will strive to bring a level of excellence to the program on and off the field. My family and I feel truly blessed and look forward to continuing to be a part of the Sterling community. I want to thank Justin Morris, Scott Downing, and President Rich for believing in me leading this program.&quot; Before his year at Bethel College, Langford spent one season as the Head Coach at Nickerson High School after being on staff for four years. Langford spent four seasons playing football overseas in the Czech Republic. While still a player, Langford also served as an assistant coach in the Czech Republic, where he called plays, organized and oversaw practices, and implemented his offensive playbook. Langford coached the number-one offense in the league during the 2017 and 2019 seasons. After graduating, Langford spent one season as the Quarterbacks Coach at Sterling College. Langford still sits on several single-season top-10 lists for the Warriors. He is #1 in all-purpose yards, #2 in rushing yards, #2 and #6 in total TDs, and #5 and #6 in passing yards (all of these are single-season accomplishments since the 2005 season). He was also a part of the Warrior&apos;s first KCAC Football Championship in 2013. Langford graduated from Sterling College in 2015, where he played football. In 2017, he earned a Master of Science in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation from Pittsburg State University. This change in leadership will take place effective immediately. &nbsp;</div>

🏈 Sterling College announces new head coach

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Mark your calendars on Saturday, Dec. 21 for an in-state showdown in Charles Koch Arena between the Wichita State Shockers and Kansas State Wildcats.

The final year of a four-year contract will bring the Wildcats to the Roundhouse for the first time since 2002. The Shockers are 9-7 all-time vs. K-State in Wichita, but will look to snap a four-game losing streak to the Wildcats.

Current SASO members and men's basketball season ticket holders will have priority access to single game tickets vs. K-State. For more information on season tickets, contact the Shocker Ticket Office at 316-978-FANS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717593770384.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Mark your calendars on Saturday, Dec. 21 for an in-state showdown in Charles Koch Arena between the Wichita State Shockers and Kansas State Wildcats.The final year of a four-year contract will bring the Wildcats to the Roundhouse for the first time since 2002. The Shockers are 9-7 all-time vs. K-State in Wichita, but will look to snap a four-game losing streak to the Wildcats.Current SASO members and men's basketball season ticket holders will have priority access to single game tickets vs. K-State. For more information on season tickets, contact the Shocker Ticket Office at 316-978-FANS.Game time and TV info will be announced at a later date. The remainder of the non-conference schedule will be released in the coming weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: Shockers to host Wildcats in December

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Wednesday, June 5th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Wednesday, June 5th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="June 5th, 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=j7eeq-1632869-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Guardians outlast Royals; ⚾ Wind Surge bombed by Naturals

The NBA Finals were too late for Dallas' Luka Doncic to watch as a kid. Now, he's in them

BOSTON (AP) — Luka Doncic didn't stay up all night to watch NBA Finals games as a kid. They usually started at something like 3 a.m. in his native Slovenia. He had school to get to a few hours later. He'd wake up and find out who won. Make no mistake, though: Doncic was paying attention. The 25-year-old makes his NBA Finals debut for the Dallas Mavericks when they take on the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of this year's title series on Thursday night. He could become the first player to win a scoring title and a championship in the same season since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.

Analysis: Novak Djokovic's bad knee follows Rafael Nadal's injuries and Roger Federer's retirement

PARIS (AP) — It would be foolish to count Novak Djokovic out of any match, no matter how dire the circumstances or how big the deficit. He's shown that, over and over again, as recently as his last two wins at the French Open. It also would be a mistake to write off Djokovic after a torn meniscus in his right knee forced him to withdraw from the clay-court tournament where he was the defending champion and was supposed to play in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. And it would not make much sense at all to begin pondering whether this could presage the real and true end of the Big Three era.

MLB bans Tucupita Marcano for life for betting on baseball, four others get one-year suspensions

NEW YORK (AP) — San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano was banned from baseball for life for betting on the sport and four others were suspended for one year by Major League Baseball in the game's biggest gambling scandal in decades. MLB said Marcano placed 387 baseball bets totaling more than $150,000 in October 2022 and from last July through November with a legal sportsbook. He became the first active player in a century banned for life because of gambling. Oakland Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly was suspended for one year for betting on baseball while in the minor leagues and a three minor leaguers also were banned for one year for betting on big league games: pitchers Jay Groome of San Diego and Andrew Saalfrank of Arizona, and infielder José Rodríguez of Philadelphia.

Ippei Mizuhara spoke for baseball star Shohei Ohtani. He also stole nearly $17M from him

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — Baseball star Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter has pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud in a gambling case that stunned the sports community. Ippei Mizuhara entered his guilty plea Tuesday in federal court in Santa Ana, California. Prosecutors say he exploited the Japanese-English language barrier to isolate Ohtani and profit from his proximity to the two-way player's power. He admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani's Arizona bank account to cover his growing gambling bets and debts with an illegal bookmaker, plus $325,000 worth of baseball cards and his own medical bills. Ohtani says the plea has given him closure.

Caitlin Clark, physical play and questions about fouls dominating discussions around the WNBA

Caitlin Clark has been involved in several physical plays to start her WNBA career and Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides believes some of the fouls against the high-profile rookie have crossed the line. There are no shortage of opinions about what's happening, ranging from Clark is being targeted because of all the attention accompanying her transition into the league to race being a factor in the physical play. The conversations exploded following the latest non-basketball foul involving Clark. Chicago's Chennedy Carter sent the top-pick to the floor with a shoulder hit on Saturday. Clark says she now expects to be on the receiving end of a couple of hard fouls a game.

The NBA betting scandal that ended Jontay Porter's career yields a criminal case against an NYC man

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York man has been charged in a sports betting scandal that spurred the NBA to ban Jontay Porter for life. The charges Tuesday against Long Phi Pham mark the first known criminal fallout from the matter. Pham is accused of conspiring to defraud a sports betting company. He is being detained after an initial court appearance. A message seeking comment was left for his attorney. Porter is not named in the court complaint, but its specifics about "Player 1" match the details of the former Toronto Raptors player's downfall this spring. Federal prosecutors declined to comment on whether Porter is under investigation. Contact information for him could not immediately be found.

Kansas leaders and new group ramp up efforts to lure the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Kansas legislators have intensified efforts to woo the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs by offering to let the professional football franchise shape a plan for using state bonds to finance a new stadium in Kansas. State House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson said Tuesday that the Legislature would consider the proposal during a special session set to convene June 18. The two leaders invited the Chiefs to weigh in on the plan in a May 23 letter to the team's chairman and CEO. Meanwhile, a new nonprofit group called Scoop and Score has launched a campaign for the proposal and registered 20 lobbyists.

Stewart has 33 points and 14 rebounds, Angel Reese ejected as the Liberty beat the Sky 88-75

CHICAGO (AP) — Breanna Stewart scored a season-high 33 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the New York Liberty to an 88-75 victory Tuesday night over the Chicago Sky, who lost rookie Angel Reese to an ejection in the fourth quarter. Reese was thrown out with 2:31 remaining after receiving two technical fouls following a brief interaction with an official. Sabrina Ionescu added 24 points for the Liberty, who won their fourth straight. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 14 points for New York (8-2), which avenged a 90-81 loss to Chicago on May 23. Chennedy Carter scored 16 points and Reese had 13 points and 10 rebounds for Chicago.

Analysis: A year after PGA Tour's surprise deal with Saudis, still no clarity on where golf is going

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — One year after the PGA Tour announced a proposed deal with the backers of LIV Golf, there still aren't many answers about where golf is headed and how to repair the fractured landscape with great players on two tours. It remains one of the most stunning developments in golf. Not just making the deal with the Saudis, but keeping the entire membership in the dark. Perhaps the biggest change from a year ago is players now have a majority voice on the board. But what exactly do they want? Where is golf headed, and how does it get put back together?

Coco Gauff and defending champion Iga Swiatek will meet in the French Open semifinals

PARIS (AP) — Coco Gauff and defending champion Iga Swiatek have set up a showdown in the French Open semifinals. Gauff came back to defeat Ons Jabeur 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in Tuesday's first quarterfinal. Swiatek followed with a 6-0, 6-2 victory over Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova to stretch her Roland Garros winning streak to 19 matches as she seeks a fourth title in five years in Paris. Swiatek is ranked No. 1 and Gauff is No. 3. Gauff is the reigning U.S. Open champion and made it to the final four at the Australian Open in January. Swiatek has won 10 of their 11 previous meetings.

Final	Chicago Cubs	7	Chicago White Sox	6	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News.png" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News.png</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Report for June 5th, 2024:<div><iframe title="AP Sports Report for June 5th, 2024" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=43z95-16327f4-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The NBA Finals were too late for Dallas' Luka Doncic to watch as a kid. Now, he's in themBOSTON (AP) — Luka Doncic didn't stay up all night to watch NBA Finals games as a kid. They usually started at something like 3 a.m. in his native Slovenia. He had school to get to a few hours later. He'd wake up and find out who won. Make no mistake, though: Doncic was paying attention. The 25-year-old makes his NBA Finals debut for the Dallas Mavericks when they take on the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of this year's title series on Thursday night. He could become the first player to win a scoring title and a championship in the same season since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.Analysis: Novak Djokovic's bad knee follows Rafael Nadal's injuries and Roger Federer's retirementPARIS (AP) — It would be foolish to count Novak Djokovic out of any match, no matter how dire the circumstances or how big the deficit. He's shown that, over and over again, as recently as his last two wins at the French Open. It also would be a mistake to write off Djokovic after a torn meniscus in his right knee forced him to withdraw from the clay-court tournament where he was the defending champion and was supposed to play in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. And it would not make much sense at all to begin pondering whether this could presage the real and true end of the Big Three era.MLB bans Tucupita Marcano for life for betting on baseball, four others get one-year suspensionsNEW YORK (AP) — San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano was banned from baseball for life for betting on the sport and four others were suspended for one year by Major League Baseball in the game's biggest gambling scandal in decades. MLB said Marcano placed 387 baseball bets totaling more than $150,000 in October 2022 and from last July through November with a legal sportsbook. He became the first active player in a century banned for life because of gambling. Oakland Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly was suspended for one year for betting on baseball while in the minor leagues and a three minor leaguers also were banned for one year for betting on big league games: pitchers Jay Groome of San Diego and Andrew Saalfrank of Arizona, and infielder José Rodríguez of Philadelphia.Ippei Mizuhara spoke for baseball star Shohei Ohtani. He also stole nearly $17M from himSANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — Baseball star Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter has pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud in a gambling case that stunned the sports community. Ippei Mizuhara entered his guilty plea Tuesday in federal court in Santa Ana, California. Prosecutors say he exploited the Japanese-English language barrier to isolate Ohtani and profit from his proximity to the two-way player's power. He admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani's Arizona bank account to cover his growing gambling bets and debts with an illegal bookmaker, plus $325,000 worth of baseball cards and his own medical bills. Ohtani says the plea has given him closure.Caitlin Clark, physical play and questions about fouls dominating discussions around the WNBACaitlin Clark has been involved in several physical plays to start her WNBA career and Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides believes some of the fouls against the high-profile rookie have crossed the line. There are no shortage of opinions about what's happening, ranging from Clark is being targeted because of all the attention accompanying her transition into the league to race being a factor in the physical play. The conversations exploded following the latest non-basketball foul involving Clark. Chicago's Chennedy Carter sent the top-pick to the floor with a shoulder hit on Saturday. Clark says she now expects to be on the receiving end of a couple of hard fouls a game.The NBA betting scandal that ended Jontay Porter's career yields a criminal case against an NYC manNEW YORK (AP) — A New York man has been charged in a sports betting scandal that spurred the NBA to ban Jontay Porter for life. The charges Tuesday against Long Phi Pham mark the first known criminal fallout from the matter. Pham is accused of conspiring to defraud a sports betting company. He is being detained after an initial court appearance. A message seeking comment was left for his attorney. Porter is not named in the court complaint, but its specifics about "Player 1" match the details of the former Toronto Raptors player's downfall this spring. Federal prosecutors declined to comment on whether Porter is under investigation. Contact information for him could not immediately be found.Kansas leaders and new group ramp up efforts to lure the Kansas City Chiefs from MissouriTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Kansas legislators have intensified efforts to woo the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs by offering to let the professional football franchise shape a plan for using state bonds to finance a new stadium in Kansas. State House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson said Tuesday that the Legislature would consider the proposal during a special session set to convene June 18. The two leaders invited the Chiefs to weigh in on the plan in a May 23 letter to the team's chairman and CEO. Meanwhile, a new nonprofit group called Scoop and Score has launched a campaign for the proposal and registered 20 lobbyists.Stewart has 33 points and 14 rebounds, Angel Reese ejected as the Liberty beat the Sky 88-75CHICAGO (AP) — Breanna Stewart scored a season-high 33 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the New York Liberty to an 88-75 victory Tuesday night over the Chicago Sky, who lost rookie Angel Reese to an ejection in the fourth quarter. Reese was thrown out with 2:31 remaining after receiving two technical fouls following a brief interaction with an official. Sabrina Ionescu added 24 points for the Liberty, who won their fourth straight. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 14 points for New York (8-2), which avenged a 90-81 loss to Chicago on May 23. Chennedy Carter scored 16 points and Reese had 13 points and 10 rebounds for Chicago.Analysis: A year after PGA Tour's surprise deal with Saudis, still no clarity on where golf is goingDUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — One year after the PGA Tour announced a proposed deal with the backers of LIV Golf, there still aren't many answers about where golf is headed and how to repair the fractured landscape with great players on two tours. It remains one of the most stunning developments in golf. Not just making the deal with the Saudis, but keeping the entire membership in the dark. Perhaps the biggest change from a year ago is players now have a majority voice on the board. But what exactly do they want? Where is golf headed, and how does it get put back together?Coco Gauff and defending champion Iga Swiatek will meet in the French Open semifinalsPARIS (AP) — Coco Gauff and defending champion Iga Swiatek have set up a showdown in the French Open semifinals. Gauff came back to defeat Ons Jabeur 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in Tuesday's first quarterfinal. Swiatek followed with a 6-0, 6-2 victory over Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova to stretch her Roland Garros winning streak to 19 matches as she seeks a fourth title in five years in Paris. Swiatek is ranked No. 1 and Gauff is No. 3. Gauff is the reigning U.S. Open champion and made it to the final four at the Australian Open in January. Swiatek has won 10 of their 11 previous meetings.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Atlanta	8	Boston	3	Final	Tampa Bay	9	Miami	5	Final	Chicago Cubs	7	Chicago White Sox	6	Final	Houston	8	St. Louis	5	Final	L.A. Angels	4	San Diego	2	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	8	Kansas City	5	Final	N.Y. Yankees	5	Minnesota	1	Final	Baltimore	10	Toronto	1	Final	Detroit	3	Texas	1	Final	Seattle	4	Oakland	3	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	1	L.A. Dodgers	0	Final	N.Y. Mets	6	Washington	3	Final	Philadelphia	2	Milwaukee	1	Final	Cincinnati	4	Colorado	1	Final	Arizona	8	San Francisco	5	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Connecticut	76	Washington	59	Final	New York	88	Chicago	75	Final	Seattle	80	Phoenix	62	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Atlanta	at	Boston	1:35 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Houston	2:10 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	Miami	6:40 p.m.			Chi White Sox	at	Chi Cubs	8:05 p.m.			San Diego	at	L-A Angels	9:38 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Kansas City	at	Cleveland	6:40 p.m.			Minnesota	at	N-Y Yankees	7:05 p.m.			Baltimore	at	Toronto	7:07 p.m.			Detroit	at	Texas	8:05 p.m.			Seattle	at	Oakland	9:40 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Cincinnati	at	Colorado	3:10 p.m.			San Francisco	at	Arizona	3:40 p.m.			Milwaukee	at	Philadelphia	4:05 p.m.			N-Y Mets	at	Washington	4:05 p.m.			L-A Dodgers	at	Pittsburgh	6:40 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Las Vegas	at	Dallas	8 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Los Angeles	10 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Wednesday

SPRINGDALE, Ark.—The Wichita Wind Surge fell 10-1 in the series opener against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Northwest Arkansas hit three consecutive home runs against Wichita in the bottom of the third, just the second time a team has done that against the Wind Surge in team history.

Rodolfo Durán looped an RBI single to center field to put Northwest Arkansas on the board in the bottom of the first. Wichita opponents have now scored first against the Wind Surge for five consecutive games.

Durán and the Naturals four and five hitters Josh Lester and Luca Tresh laced back-to-back-to-back solo home runs two frames later to march ahead to a 4-0 lead. The occurrence is the second time ever a team has slugged three consecutive round-trippers against Wichita.

Ben Ross&nbsp;clubbed a solo shot of his own to left field in the top of the fifth to give the Wind Surge their lone run of the game. Ross’ third home run of the season would be matched by Josh Lester leaving the yard again in right-center on a two-run blast in the bottom half of the inning for a 6-1 Northwest Arkansas advantage.

The Naturals brought in four further runs on a trio of run-scoring hits across their halves of the seventh and eighth innings, eclipsing 10 runs for the third time this season and the second against Wichita, who went down to wrap the ballgame in the ninth.

Jaylen Nowlin&nbsp;received his first loss in a little over a month and second against Northwest Arkansas, now standing at 3-3 on the season. Despite giving up five earned runs on seven hits and a walk, he struck out six Naturals hitters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717587084674.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge drop series opener with NW Arkansas" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge drop series opener with NW Arkansas</figcaption>
 </figure>SPRINGDALE, Ark.—The Wichita Wind Surge fell 10-1 in the series opener against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Northwest Arkansas hit three consecutive home runs against Wichita in the bottom of the third, just the second time a team has done that against the Wind Surge in team history.Rodolfo Durán looped an RBI single to center field to put Northwest Arkansas on the board in the bottom of the first. Wichita opponents have now scored first against the Wind Surge for five consecutive games.Durán and the Naturals four and five hitters Josh Lester and Luca Tresh laced back-to-back-to-back solo home runs two frames later to march ahead to a 4-0 lead. The occurrence is the second time ever a team has slugged three consecutive round-trippers against Wichita.Ben Ross&nbsp;clubbed a solo shot of his own to left field in the top of the fifth to give the Wind Surge their lone run of the game. Ross’ third home run of the season would be matched by Josh Lester leaving the yard again in right-center on a two-run blast in the bottom half of the inning for a 6-1 Northwest Arkansas advantage.The Naturals brought in four further runs on a trio of run-scoring hits across their halves of the seventh and eighth innings, eclipsing 10 runs for the third time this season and the second against Wichita, who went down to wrap the ballgame in the ninth.Jaylen Nowlin&nbsp;received his first loss in a little over a month and second against Northwest Arkansas, now standing at 3-3 on the season. Despite giving up five earned runs on seven hits and a walk, he struck out six Naturals hitters.

⚾ Wind Surge drop series opener in Arkansas

CLEVELAND (AP) — Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt's Jr.'s throwing error led to Cleveland scoring three runs on an infield grounder in the seventh inning in the Guardians' 8-5 win over the Royals on Tuesday night, the first matchup this season between the AL Central’s top two teams.

The Guardians trailed 5-0 in the fourth before storming back to win the three-game series opener and push their division lead to five over the Royals.

Witt clobbered a pair of two-run homers totaling nearly 1,000 feet, but his errant throw in the seventh swung the game to Cleveland.

“I made a mistake,” Witt said. “It cost us the game.”

After Tyler Freeman's homer tied it 5-5 for the Guardians and chased Royals starter Seth Lugo, Cleveland loaded the bases on a fielder's choice and two walks — one by Sam Long (0-1) — with two outs when David Fry hit a grounder up the middle.

Witt gloved it to the right of the base and initially tried to beat Josh Naylor to second for a force. When Witt realized he couldn't get the sliding Naylor, he unleashed a wild throw that first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino had no chance of getting.

The ball wound up in the photographer's pit, and because Naylor had already gotten to second base, he was awarded third and home.

“I should have just thrown the ball to first and made the play," he said. “I just kind of slow played it and should have just made the decision to throw it to first. You learn from it and you try not to make those mistakes and do the little things right and tonight I didn’t.

"I’ve got to move on and learn from it,” he said while there was little conversation taking place in Kansas City's subdued clubhouse following a tough loss.

Over in Cleveland's side, it was a familiar scene — music and card games following the club's 15th come-from-behind win.

“Our guys truly believe we’re one rally, one hit away from starting a rally to come back and we don’t quit,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt. “These guys don’t quit. And it’s just a testament to who they are. That’s who they’ve always been. And it’s just that belief that we’re going to come back.”

Rookie Cade Smith (3-0) came on for Triston McKenzie, and Emmanuel Clase worked the ninth for his AL-leading 19th save. Clase has given up just one earned run in 2024.

Naylor hit a two-run homer for the Guardians, who reached 40 wins in 60 games for just the fourth time in club history. They also did it in 1954 (42-18), 1995 (42-18) and 1999 (40-20).

Witt connected in the third and fourth innings off Cleveland starter McKenzie, who has given up eight homers in his last three starts.

Down 5-0 in the fourth after Witt's second homer, the Guardians got Naylor's 16th homer while scoring three in the fourth off Lugo, who came in leading the AL in wins (9) and was 6-0 in six road starts.

Vogt credits Royals manager Matt Quatraro for helping shape his path to the majors.

Vogt's first manager in the minor leagues was Quatraro.

“He taught me everything,” Vogt said. “How to work and act like a professional. I had him my first two years and I couldn’t have been more thankful for somebody to show me what it means to be a pro, what it means to work, what it means to hold your teammates accountable and hold yourself accountable to being the best you can be.”

Royals: OF Kyle Isbel wasn't in the lineup out of an abundance of caution after colliding with Witt in Sunday's game. Isbel was struck in the head by Witt’s knee as they chased a bloop. Isbel also recently fouled a ball off his face and suffered bruises and fractures. “This was just me being more careful than trying to rush him,” Quatraro said.

Guardians: RHP Gavin Williams (elbow soreness) pitched 2 1/3 innings in his second rehab start for Triple-A Columbus.

The Guardians will go with a bullpen game Tuesday as reliever Nick Sandlin makes his first career start against Royals RHP Brady Singer (4-2, 2.63), who gave up a career-high 13 hits in his previous outing at Progressive Field.

It had been Logan Allen's turn in the rotation, but Vogt said he'll be available in relief.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOM WITHERS AP Sports WriterCLEVELAND (AP) — Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt's Jr.'s throwing error led to Cleveland scoring three runs on an infield grounder in the seventh inning in the Guardians' 8-5 win over the Royals on Tuesday night, the first matchup this season between the AL Central’s top two teams.The Guardians trailed 5-0 in the fourth before storming back to win the three-game series opener and push their division lead to five over the Royals.Witt clobbered a pair of two-run homers totaling nearly 1,000 feet, but his errant throw in the seventh swung the game to Cleveland.“I made a mistake,” Witt said. “It cost us the game.”After Tyler Freeman's homer tied it 5-5 for the Guardians and chased Royals starter Seth Lugo, Cleveland loaded the bases on a fielder's choice and two walks — one by Sam Long (0-1) — with two outs when David Fry hit a grounder up the middle.Witt gloved it to the right of the base and initially tried to beat Josh Naylor to second for a force. When Witt realized he couldn't get the sliding Naylor, he unleashed a wild throw that first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino had no chance of getting.The ball wound up in the photographer's pit, and because Naylor had already gotten to second base, he was awarded third and home.Witt wished he could have a do-over.“I should have just thrown the ball to first and made the play," he said. “I just kind of slow played it and should have just made the decision to throw it to first. You learn from it and you try not to make those mistakes and do the little things right and tonight I didn’t."I’ve got to move on and learn from it,” he said while there was little conversation taking place in Kansas City's subdued clubhouse following a tough loss.Over in Cleveland's side, it was a familiar scene — music and card games following the club's 15th come-from-behind win.“Our guys truly believe we’re one rally, one hit away from starting a rally to come back and we don’t quit,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt. “These guys don’t quit. And it’s just a testament to who they are. That’s who they’ve always been. And it’s just that belief that we’re going to come back.”Rookie Cade Smith (3-0) came on for Triston McKenzie, and Emmanuel Clase worked the ninth for his AL-leading 19th save. Clase has given up just one earned run in 2024.Naylor hit a two-run homer for the Guardians, who reached 40 wins in 60 games for just the fourth time in club history. They also did it in 1954 (42-18), 1995 (42-18) and 1999 (40-20).Witt connected in the third and fourth innings off Cleveland starter McKenzie, who has given up eight homers in his last three starts.Down 5-0 in the fourth after Witt's second homer, the Guardians got Naylor's 16th homer while scoring three in the fourth off Lugo, who came in leading the AL in wins (9) and was 6-0 in six road starts.OLD FRIENDS, NEW RIVALSVogt credits Royals manager Matt Quatraro for helping shape his path to the majors.Vogt's first manager in the minor leagues was Quatraro.“He taught me everything,” Vogt said. “How to work and act like a professional. I had him my first two years and I couldn’t have been more thankful for somebody to show me what it means to be a pro, what it means to work, what it means to hold your teammates accountable and hold yourself accountable to being the best you can be.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: OF Kyle Isbel wasn't in the lineup out of an abundance of caution after colliding with Witt in Sunday's game. Isbel was struck in the head by Witt’s knee as they chased a bloop. Isbel also recently fouled a ball off his face and suffered bruises and fractures. “This was just me being more careful than trying to rush him,” Quatraro said.Guardians: RHP Gavin Williams (elbow soreness) pitched 2 1/3 innings in his second rehab start for Triple-A Columbus.UP NEXTThe Guardians will go with a bullpen game Tuesday as reliever Nick Sandlin makes his first career start against Royals RHP Brady Singer (4-2, 2.63), who gave up a career-high 13 hits in his previous outing at Progressive Field.It had been Logan Allen's turn in the rotation, but Vogt said he'll be available in relief.

⚾ Royals squander 5-run lead in Cleveland Tuesday

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State added its fourth FBS transfer of the spring window on Tuesday with the signing of cornerback Jordan Dunbar to a Financial Aid Agreement.

Dunbar comes to K-State after spending the previous four seasons at Rice. He redshirted the 2023 season and will have two more years of eligibility remaining. He is joined in this year's spring transfer window class by running back Dylan Edwards (Colorado), linebacker Alec Marenco (New Mexico) and quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson (Connecticut).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717608049954.jpeg" alt="Jordan Dunbar. Photo courtesy of Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Jordan Dunbar. Photo courtesy of Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State added its fourth FBS transfer of the spring window on Tuesday with the signing of cornerback Jordan Dunbar to a Financial Aid Agreement.Dunbar comes to K-State after spending the previous four seasons at Rice. He redshirted the 2023 season and will have two more years of eligibility remaining. He is joined in this year's spring transfer window class by running back Dylan Edwards (Colorado), linebacker Alec Marenco (New Mexico) and quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson (Connecticut).A product of Tarrytown, New York, Dunbar saw action in 25 games with 21 starts over parts of three seasons at Rice. After playing in one game in 2020, Dunbar played in all 12 games with nine starts in 2021 as he earned All-Freshman C-USA honors from the league's coaches, while he started all 12 of his games played in 2022 en route to All-Conference USA Honorable Mention accolades.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the 2022 campaign in which Rice earned a berth into the Lending Tree Bowl, Dunbar tied for ninth in C-USA with 10 pass breakups, including a career high three at Louisiana Tech. In 2021, Dunbar had nine pass breakups with two coming in the season finale, while he had a career-high seven tackles against Houston.After posting a 9-4 record – which included a win over No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl – Kansas State finished the 2023 season ranked 18th&nbsp;in the Associated Press Top 25, 19th&nbsp;in the AFCA Coaches Poll and 25th&nbsp;in the College Football Playoff Top 25. The Wildcats are currently riding a streak of three seasons with at least eight wins, the only Big 12 team and one of only 11 Power 4 squads to lay that claim.&nbsp;&nbsp;K-State begins the 2024 campaign by hosting UT Martin inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium on August 31 before traveling to face Tulane on September 7 and closing out non-conference play by hosting Arizona on Friday, September 13.