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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, May 17th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, May 17th, 2024.</figcaption>
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🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Wind Surge on 4 gm win streak ; ⚾ HutchCC stays alive with Region 6 win ; 🏈 Butker jersey sales up

TULSA, Okla.—The Wichita Wind Surge won their fourth straight game in a back-and-forth scoring affair by an 11-8 final over the Tulsa Drillers. The contest saw a trio of Wind Surge hitters collect multiple RBIs as eight of their nine hitters reached base.

Jake Rucker&nbsp;had a four-RBI night that started on a two-RBI double to left field that dropped off the leather of the Tulsa left fielder in the top of the second.&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;and&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;both came in to score on Rucker’s first double of the night.&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;followed with a two-run moonshot to right field to put Wichita ahead 4-0 early on at ONEOK Field.

A pair of home runs pushed Tulsa ahead in the bottom of the fourth. Brendon Davis launched a two-run shot to left off a looping breaking ball before Austin Beck hit a go-ahead grand slam against Wind Surge starter&nbsp;Jaylen Nowlin.

Wichita got six runs and their lead back by scoring three each in the opening halves of the sixth and seventh innings. Rucker’s second double got lost in the lights out in right field and found the warning track.&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;came home on the play to cut the deficit to one at 6-5. Sabato scored on a fielder’s choice, and Rucker trotted in as the go-ahead run on a wild pitch for a 7-6 Wind Surge lead.

Schobel sent one to the left-center alley for another two-RBI double for Wichita to start the scoring in the top of the seventh. Rucker tallied his third hit and fourth RBI on a bouncing single to center.

The visiting ballclub loaded the bases in the top of the eighth, and Schobel drew a walk to improve the Wichita lead to 11-6. Tulsa matched the Wind Surge by filling the basepaths in the bottom half of the frame and adding two runs on a single and a passed ball.

After the Drillers sent the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth,&nbsp;Jared Solomon&nbsp;struck out Austin Beck to end the game.

Scott Engler&nbsp;improved to 3-0 on the season, throwing two innings of scoreless relief with a walk and a strikeout. Solomon picked up his third save with Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715946590848.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge Continue Win Streak In Wild Road Contest." />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge Continue Win Streak In Wild Road Contest.</figcaption>
 </figure>TULSA, Okla.—The Wichita Wind Surge won their fourth straight game in a back-and-forth scoring affair by an 11-8 final over the Tulsa Drillers. The contest saw a trio of Wind Surge hitters collect multiple RBIs as eight of their nine hitters reached base.Jake Rucker&nbsp;had a four-RBI night that started on a two-RBI double to left field that dropped off the leather of the Tulsa left fielder in the top of the second.&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;and&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;both came in to score on Rucker’s first double of the night.&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;followed with a two-run moonshot to right field to put Wichita ahead 4-0 early on at ONEOK Field.A pair of home runs pushed Tulsa ahead in the bottom of the fourth. Brendon Davis launched a two-run shot to left off a looping breaking ball before Austin Beck hit a go-ahead grand slam against Wind Surge starter&nbsp;Jaylen Nowlin.Wichita got six runs and their lead back by scoring three each in the opening halves of the sixth and seventh innings. Rucker’s second double got lost in the lights out in right field and found the warning track.&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;came home on the play to cut the deficit to one at 6-5. Sabato scored on a fielder’s choice, and Rucker trotted in as the go-ahead run on a wild pitch for a 7-6 Wind Surge lead.Schobel sent one to the left-center alley for another two-RBI double for Wichita to start the scoring in the top of the seventh. Rucker tallied his third hit and fourth RBI on a bouncing single to center.The visiting ballclub loaded the bases in the top of the eighth, and Schobel drew a walk to improve the Wichita lead to 11-6. Tulsa matched the Wind Surge by filling the basepaths in the bottom half of the frame and adding two runs on a single and a passed ball.After the Drillers sent the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth,&nbsp;Jared Solomon&nbsp;struck out Austin Beck to end the game.Scott Engler&nbsp;improved to 3-0 on the season, throwing two innings of scoreless relief with a walk and a strikeout. Solomon picked up his third save with Wichita.

⚾ Wind Surge win streak continues

HOBBS, New Mexico – Led by freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/box_charlie_jgcb">Charlie Box</a>'s second under-par round of the tournament, the Hutchinson Community College men's golf team posted its best round of the 2024 NJCAA Division I Championships in Thursday's third round.

Shooting a 4-over-par 288 on Thursday, the Blue Dragons are tied with Indian Hills for ninth place after 54 holes at 870.

The Blue Dragons have improved in each round this week with team rounds of 293, 289 and 288.

BLUE DRAGON MEN'S GOLF NJCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship Round 4 When: Friday, May 17, 2024 Where: Rockwind Community Links Live scoring:&nbsp;<a href="https://results.golfstat.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=participants&amp;tid=29152" target="_blank">GolfStat.com</a> Blue Dragon tee times: 11:57 a.m. to 12:23 p.m. CT

The Blue Dragons will be paired with Eastern Arizona and Tyler Junior College for Friday's final round. The Blue Dragons, Gila Monsters and Apaches will tee off between 11:57 a.m. and 12:23 p.m. CT.

Hutchinson enters Friday's final round 19 strokes off the pace of tri-team leaders New Mexico Junior College, Midland College and Odessa College. Those teams are at 851. The Dragons are just nine strokes out of fourth place.

Hutchinson has a streak of a program-best three-straight Top 5 national finishes with national championships in 2021 and 2022 and a fifth-place performances last season.

Two Blue Dragons are within reach of earning NJCAA All-America honors with 18 holes to play.

Box carded a 2-under 69 and is tied for fifth place at 4-under 209. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/anderson_marco_qoi7">Marco Anderson</a>&nbsp;is tied for 15th at 1-over 2014. Anderson shot a 3-over 74 on Thursday.

The top 18 individuals earn NJCAA All-America honors.

In addition to Box and Anderson, the Blue Dragons counted&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/razinskas_david_7wz3">David Razinskas</a>' even-par 71 and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/ross_louis_dfpl">Louis Ross</a>' 74 to post their 288 team score on Thursday.

The Blue Dragons trail Jayhawk Conference and Region 6 rival Dodge City by four strokes entering the final round. The Conquistadors posted a 290 team score on Thursday.

Box was once again steady with four birdies and two bogeys' He parred his final six holes to complete the Back 9 in 2-under par.

Box is tied with McLennan's Nik Blalock at 209. Those golfers sit six strokes off the pace of individual leader Mans Boje of Ranger College, who shot his second-straight 67 on Thursday to lead the tournament at 10-under 203.

Anderson has mixed results in his third round. He had three birdies, but six bogeys to complete his round 3-over par. Anderson is part of an eight-way tie for 15th place through 54 holes.

Razinskas posted his best round of the national tournament at even-par 71. Playing 1-under through 10 holes, Razinskas' bogeyed No. 11 and suffered a double bogey on No. 15, but got his round back to even with a clutch birdie on No. 17. Razinskas is tied for 86th at 230.

Ross had his best round of the tournament at 3-over 74 with four birdies, five bogeys and a double bogey. Ross is tied for 80th at 229.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/thissen_kenton_qoy2">Keaton Thissen</a>&nbsp;had a tough start playing the Front 9 in 6-over par. He played the Back 9 at even par for a 77 on Thursday. Thissen is tied for 69th at 226.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715944151481.jpeg" alt="Charlie Box fires a 2-under 69 in the third round of the NJCAA Div. I Men's Golf Championship on Thursday in Hobbs, NM. Box is tied for fifth place entering Friday's final round. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Box fires a 2-under 69 in the third round of the NJCAA Div. I Men's Golf Championship on Thursday in Hobbs, NM. Box is tied for fifth place entering Friday's final round. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHOBBS, New Mexico – Led by freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/box_charlie_jgcb">Charlie Box</a>'s second under-par round of the tournament, the Hutchinson Community College men's golf team posted its best round of the 2024 NJCAA Division I Championships in Thursday's third round.Shooting a 4-over-par 288 on Thursday, the Blue Dragons are tied with Indian Hills for ninth place after 54 holes at 870.The Blue Dragons have improved in each round this week with team rounds of 293, 289 and 288.BLUE DRAGON MEN'S GOLF NJCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship Round 4 When: Friday, May 17, 2024 Where: Rockwind Community Links Live scoring:&nbsp;<a href="https://results.golfstat.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=participants&amp;tid=29152" target="_blank">GolfStat.com</a> Blue Dragon tee times: 11:57 a.m. to 12:23 p.m. CTThe Blue Dragons will be paired with Eastern Arizona and Tyler Junior College for Friday's final round. The Blue Dragons, Gila Monsters and Apaches will tee off between 11:57 a.m. and 12:23 p.m. CT.Hutchinson enters Friday's final round 19 strokes off the pace of tri-team leaders New Mexico Junior College, Midland College and Odessa College. Those teams are at 851. The Dragons are just nine strokes out of fourth place.Hutchinson has a streak of a program-best three-straight Top 5 national finishes with national championships in 2021 and 2022 and a fifth-place performances last season.Two Blue Dragons are within reach of earning NJCAA All-America honors with 18 holes to play.Box carded a 2-under 69 and is tied for fifth place at 4-under 209. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/anderson_marco_qoi7">Marco Anderson</a>&nbsp;is tied for 15th at 1-over 2014. Anderson shot a 3-over 74 on Thursday.The top 18 individuals earn NJCAA All-America honors.In addition to Box and Anderson, the Blue Dragons counted&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/razinskas_david_7wz3">David Razinskas</a>' even-par 71 and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/ross_louis_dfpl">Louis Ross</a>' 74 to post their 288 team score on Thursday.The Blue Dragons trail Jayhawk Conference and Region 6 rival Dodge City by four strokes entering the final round. The Conquistadors posted a 290 team score on Thursday.Box was once again steady with four birdies and two bogeys' He parred his final six holes to complete the Back 9 in 2-under par.Box is tied with McLennan's Nik Blalock at 209. Those golfers sit six strokes off the pace of individual leader Mans Boje of Ranger College, who shot his second-straight 67 on Thursday to lead the tournament at 10-under 203.Anderson has mixed results in his third round. He had three birdies, but six bogeys to complete his round 3-over par. Anderson is part of an eight-way tie for 15th place through 54 holes.Razinskas posted his best round of the national tournament at even-par 71. Playing 1-under through 10 holes, Razinskas' bogeyed No. 11 and suffered a double bogey on No. 15, but got his round back to even with a clutch birdie on No. 17. Razinskas is tied for 86th at 230.Ross had his best round of the tournament at 3-over 74 with four birdies, five bogeys and a double bogey. Ross is tied for 80th at 229.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/thissen_kenton_qoy2">Keaton Thissen</a>&nbsp;had a tough start playing the Front 9 in 6-over par. He played the Back 9 at even par for a 77 on Thursday. Thissen is tied for 69th at 226.

⛳ Dragons tied for 9th; Box tied for 5th entering NJCAA final round

WICHITA – A pair of relief pitchers twirled six strong innings to help the No. 10-ranked Hutchinson Community College baseball team survive in the elimination bracket of the Plains District (Region VI) Tournament on Thursday at Eck Stadium.

The second-seeded Blue Dragons scored five early runs and the bullpen made those runs stand as Hutchinson defeated Dodge City 5-4 in a first-round elimination bracket matchup.

The victory keeps the Blue Dragons' season alive. Hutchinson will play host to No. 3 seed Kansas City in a second-round elimination bracket game at 1 p.m. Friday. If the Blue Dragons win that game, they would play again at 7 p.m. against the Butler/Cowley winner – that game is Friday at 10 a.m.

BLUE DRAGON BASEBALL No. 2 Hutchinson (47-12) vs. No. 3 Kansas City (47-11) Plains District Tournament – Elimination Bracket 2nd Round When: Friday, May 17, 2024Where: Eck Stadium, Wichita, KS Time: 1:00 p.m. Video:&nbsp;KJCCC Network (Pay-Per-View), 12:55 p.m. X: @bluedraognsport Winner plays the Cowley/Butler 10 a.m. game winner at 7 p.m. on Friday.

Now 47-12 for the season, the Blue Dragons' win on Thursday tied a school record with the 2002 and 2017 teams for the most wins in a single season.

With the Blue Dragons leading 5-3 after three innings, Hutchinson relievers&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/hadden_jacob_atac">Jacob Hadden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wandless_caden_3vbw">Caden Wanless</a>&nbsp;combined for six innings of one-run, six-hit baseball with no walks and seven strikeouts.

Replacing Blue Dragon starter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/neill_bradley_q5wl">Bradley Neill</a>&nbsp;in the fourth, Hadden worked four innings with four strikeouts and no walks. He allowed one run and three hits. The only blemish on Hadden's performance was a leadoff home run by Dodge City's Max Towchick in the seventh, which pulled the Conquistadors within 5-4.

Wanless entered the game in the eighth. After giving a leadoff bloop single, two batters later, Wanless induced an inning-ending 4-3 double play started by second baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/griffin_hank_70om">Hank Griffin</a>. Wanless allowed a pair of ninth-inning singles, but got two strikeouts and a game-ending fielder's choice to end the game.

Hadden (5-2) was credited with the pitching win. Wanless earned his sixth save of the season.

Offensively, the Blue Dragons did all their damage in the first three innings.

Trailing 2-0 after the top of the first, Blue Dragon leadoff hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/babin_kael_g1ow">Kael Babin</a>&nbsp;hit his first career home run in the bottom of the first inning to pull Hutchinson within 2-1.

The Blue Dragons tied and took the lead in the second.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wesslund_cooper_2jkh">Cooper Wesslund</a>&nbsp;tied the game when he scored on a&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/bradford_blake_6h1a">Blake Bradford</a>&nbsp;RBI groundout. Griffin gave the Dragons a 3-2 lead in the same inning with an RBI double that plated&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/tucker_jordan_v8wz">Jordan Tucker</a>.

After Dodge City tied the game at 3-all with a solo home run in the top of the third, the Dragons built a two-run lead in the bottom of the third.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/maher_quinn_h0lr">Quinn Maher</a>&nbsp;doubled home&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;for a 4-3 Hutchinson lead. Maher scored to make it 5-3 Blue Dragons on a Wesslund bunt single and Dodge City throwing error.

The Dragons, who were out-hit 12-11, had just three hits over their final five at-bats. Hutchinson stranded six runners on base.

Wesslund went 3 for 4 with a double and run scored to lead the Blue Dragons offensively.

Maher had his second-straight two-hit game of the tournament with an RBI double, RBI and run scored.

POSTGAME NOTES:+ With a fourth inning single,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;extended his consecutive-game hitting streak to a career-long 13 games.

+ With a second-inning bunt single,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/tucker_jordan_v8wz">Jordan Tucker</a>&nbsp;now has an eight-game hitting streak.

+ The Blue Dragons had two stolen bases in three attempts against Dodge City.

+&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wesslund_cooper_2jkh">Cooper Wesslund</a>&nbsp;had his team-high 25th multi-hit game this season and 10th game of three or more hits, also a team high.

+ Wesslund's bunt single in the third inning was his team-high 15th bunt single this season. The Dragons have 26 bunt singles.

+ Thursday's game was the 10th time the Blue Dragon pitching staff didn't allow a walk in a game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715944100498.jpeg" alt="Second baseman Hank Griffin starts an inning-ending 6-4 double play to get out of the eighth inning in Blue Dragon Baseball's 5-4 Plains District Tournament elimination game victory over Dodge City on Thursday at Eck Stadium in Wichita. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Second baseman Hank Griffin starts an inning-ending 6-4 double play to get out of the eighth inning in Blue Dragon Baseball's 5-4 Plains District Tournament elimination game victory over Dodge City on Thursday at Eck Stadium in Wichita. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationWICHITA – A pair of relief pitchers twirled six strong innings to help the No. 10-ranked Hutchinson Community College baseball team survive in the elimination bracket of the Plains District (Region VI) Tournament on Thursday at Eck Stadium.The second-seeded Blue Dragons scored five early runs and the bullpen made those runs stand as Hutchinson defeated Dodge City 5-4 in a first-round elimination bracket matchup.The victory keeps the Blue Dragons' season alive. Hutchinson will play host to No. 3 seed Kansas City in a second-round elimination bracket game at 1 p.m. Friday. If the Blue Dragons win that game, they would play again at 7 p.m. against the Butler/Cowley winner – that game is Friday at 10 a.m.BLUE DRAGON BASEBALL No. 2 Hutchinson (47-12) vs. No. 3 Kansas City (47-11) Plains District Tournament – Elimination Bracket 2nd Round When: Friday, May 17, 2024Where: Eck Stadium, Wichita, KS Time: 1:00 p.m. Video:&nbsp;KJCCC Network (Pay-Per-View), 12:55 p.m. X: @bluedraognsport Winner plays the Cowley/Butler 10 a.m. game winner at 7 p.m. on Friday.Now 47-12 for the season, the Blue Dragons' win on Thursday tied a school record with the 2002 and 2017 teams for the most wins in a single season.With the Blue Dragons leading 5-3 after three innings, Hutchinson relievers&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/hadden_jacob_atac">Jacob Hadden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wandless_caden_3vbw">Caden Wanless</a>&nbsp;combined for six innings of one-run, six-hit baseball with no walks and seven strikeouts.Replacing Blue Dragon starter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/neill_bradley_q5wl">Bradley Neill</a>&nbsp;in the fourth, Hadden worked four innings with four strikeouts and no walks. He allowed one run and three hits. The only blemish on Hadden's performance was a leadoff home run by Dodge City's Max Towchick in the seventh, which pulled the Conquistadors within 5-4.Wanless entered the game in the eighth. After giving a leadoff bloop single, two batters later, Wanless induced an inning-ending 4-3 double play started by second baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/griffin_hank_70om">Hank Griffin</a>. Wanless allowed a pair of ninth-inning singles, but got two strikeouts and a game-ending fielder's choice to end the game.Hadden (5-2) was credited with the pitching win. Wanless earned his sixth save of the season.Offensively, the Blue Dragons did all their damage in the first three innings.Trailing 2-0 after the top of the first, Blue Dragon leadoff hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/babin_kael_g1ow">Kael Babin</a>&nbsp;hit his first career home run in the bottom of the first inning to pull Hutchinson within 2-1.The Blue Dragons tied and took the lead in the second.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wesslund_cooper_2jkh">Cooper Wesslund</a>&nbsp;tied the game when he scored on a&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/bradford_blake_6h1a">Blake Bradford</a>&nbsp;RBI groundout. Griffin gave the Dragons a 3-2 lead in the same inning with an RBI double that plated&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/tucker_jordan_v8wz">Jordan Tucker</a>.After Dodge City tied the game at 3-all with a solo home run in the top of the third, the Dragons built a two-run lead in the bottom of the third.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/maher_quinn_h0lr">Quinn Maher</a>&nbsp;doubled home&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;for a 4-3 Hutchinson lead. Maher scored to make it 5-3 Blue Dragons on a Wesslund bunt single and Dodge City throwing error.The Dragons, who were out-hit 12-11, had just three hits over their final five at-bats. Hutchinson stranded six runners on base.Wesslund went 3 for 4 with a double and run scored to lead the Blue Dragons offensively.Maher had his second-straight two-hit game of the tournament with an RBI double, RBI and run scored.POSTGAME NOTES:+ With a fourth inning single,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;extended his consecutive-game hitting streak to a career-long 13 games.+ With a second-inning bunt single,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/tucker_jordan_v8wz">Jordan Tucker</a>&nbsp;now has an eight-game hitting streak.+ The Blue Dragons had two stolen bases in three attempts against Dodge City.+&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wesslund_cooper_2jkh">Cooper Wesslund</a>&nbsp;had his team-high 25th multi-hit game this season and 10th game of three or more hits, also a team high.+ Wesslund's bunt single in the third inning was his team-high 15th bunt single this season. The Dragons have 26 bunt singles.+ Thursday's game was the 10th time the Blue Dragon pitching staff didn't allow a walk in a game.

⚾ Dragons advance with record-tying victory

UNDATED (AP) — EA Sports has revealed an image of the College Football 25 cover that features Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter. The video-game developer said the game will be released on July 19. EA Sports unveiled the standard cover Thursday after a photo of its deluxe edition was leaked last week. All three cover athletes are active players. They said name, image and likeness money played no role in their decision to accept the cover offer. EA Sports College Football 25 will be EA’s first college football game in over a decade.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the association representing athletic directors of Football Bowl Subdivision schools is stepping down this fall after more than eight years as president and CEO. Tom McMillen has led LEAD1 since 2015 and will remain in his position through June 30 and transition to a part-time role through Sept. 30. LEAD1 represents the interests of the 133 schools that play the highest level of Division I football and attempts to develop consensus among their athletic directors as they address issues affecting college athletics. A national search will be conducted for his successor.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 27 points to pull the Minnesota Timberwolves out of their mid-series slump and deliver a flawless 115-70 victory over the Denver Nuggets to force a Game 7 in this roller-coaster playoff matchup. Jaden McDaniels pitched in 21 points and lockdown defense, and Mike Conley had 13 points in his return from injury. Big men Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid combined for 38 rebounds and a relentless effort to keep NBA MVP Nikola Jokic to a relatively quiet 22 points. The decisive game for a spot in the Western Conference finals is in Denver on Sunday.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Chris Kreider had a third-period hat trick to help the New York Rangers erase a two-goal deficit and beat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 to close out the second-round playoff series in six games and advance to the Eastern Conference Final. Kreider single-handedly erased the Hurricanes' 3-1 lead entering the final period. He had the winner when he tipped in Ryan Lindgren’s pass to make it 4-3 at the 15:41 mark. Barclay Goodrow added an empty-netter. Martin Necas, Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho scored for Carolina, which had won two straight after falling into a 3-0 hole.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Xander Schauffele has set the PGA Championship record with a 62. He also ties a major championship record that he shared last year in the U.S. Open. Schauffele took advantage of rain-softened conditions at Valhalla. And he's been playing some good golf. Schauffele was runner-up last week in the Wells Fargo Championship. Schauffele played the back nine in 31. He ran off three birdies in a four-hole stretch on the front nine to get in range of the record. The previous mark at the PGA was a 63. One of those was Jose Maria Olazabal at Valhalla 10 years ago.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Tiger Woods fired a 1-over par 72 during the opening round of the PGA Championship. The 15-time major champion faltered late. He was 1-under heading into his final two holes before a pair of three-putts led to bogeys that pushed him into plus territory. Woods arrived at Valhalla having not played since his last-place finish at the Masters last month. The 48-year-old Woods says it took him a few holes to get the competitive juices flowing. When he arrives at the course for the second round he will try to avoid missing the cut for the fourth time in his last seven visits to the PGA.

BOSTON (AP) — Rays reliever Jason Adam was forced out of Thursday night’s game at Fenway Park in the ninth inning when pitching coach Kyle Snyder headed to the mound with Tampa Bay out of visits. After a long delay, Erasmo Ramírez entered with two runners on and retired Romy González on a game-ending groundout to save a 7-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Rays manager Kevin Cash took full responsibility for the mistake and said he was glad it didn't cost his team the game.

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL is distancing itself from Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, saying “his views are not those of the NFL as an organization.” Butker served as the commencement speaker at Benedictine College, a private Catholic liberal arts school, last week and said most of the women receiving degrees were probably more excited about getting married and having children. The NFL says “Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”

SPRING, Texas (AP) — Gymnastics star Simone Biles says she is better equipped to handle the challenges that await as she prepares for a third Olympics. The 27-year-old became a touchstone for the discussion around mental health at the Tokyo Games in 2021 when she pulled herself out of several competitions because of mental trauma that made it difficult for her to compete. Biles says she now works with a therapist regularly, even during meets, to help her deal with whatever may come. The seven-time Olympic medalist begins preparations for Paris at the U.S. Classic in Hartford, Connecticut.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Marcus Ericsson returned to the Indianapolis 500 with zero regrets but ended Thursday with a violent collision late in the first full day of practice. Ericsson hit a curb with just over two hours remaining in the session, causing his car to spin and hit the wall three different times. Before the crash, Ericsson had moved past the controversial ending to last year’s race that cost the Swede a second consecutive win in the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” He will try to win his second Indy 500 in three years on May 26 after last year's controversial runner-up finish.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for May 17th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for May 17th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Report for May 17th, 2024:<div><iframe title="AP Sports Report for May 17th, 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=72h95-1615191-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>UNDATED (AP) — EA Sports has revealed an image of the College Football 25 cover that features Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter. The video-game developer said the game will be released on July 19. EA Sports unveiled the standard cover Thursday after a photo of its deluxe edition was leaked last week. All three cover athletes are active players. They said name, image and likeness money played no role in their decision to accept the cover offer. EA Sports College Football 25 will be EA’s first college football game in over a decade.WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the association representing athletic directors of Football Bowl Subdivision schools is stepping down this fall after more than eight years as president and CEO. Tom McMillen has led LEAD1 since 2015 and will remain in his position through June 30 and transition to a part-time role through Sept. 30. LEAD1 represents the interests of the 133 schools that play the highest level of Division I football and attempts to develop consensus among their athletic directors as they address issues affecting college athletics. A national search will be conducted for his successor.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 27 points to pull the Minnesota Timberwolves out of their mid-series slump and deliver a flawless 115-70 victory over the Denver Nuggets to force a Game 7 in this roller-coaster playoff matchup. Jaden McDaniels pitched in 21 points and lockdown defense, and Mike Conley had 13 points in his return from injury. Big men Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid combined for 38 rebounds and a relentless effort to keep NBA MVP Nikola Jokic to a relatively quiet 22 points. The decisive game for a spot in the Western Conference finals is in Denver on Sunday.RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Chris Kreider had a third-period hat trick to help the New York Rangers erase a two-goal deficit and beat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 to close out the second-round playoff series in six games and advance to the Eastern Conference Final. Kreider single-handedly erased the Hurricanes' 3-1 lead entering the final period. He had the winner when he tipped in Ryan Lindgren’s pass to make it 4-3 at the 15:41 mark. Barclay Goodrow added an empty-netter. Martin Necas, Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho scored for Carolina, which had won two straight after falling into a 3-0 hole.LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Xander Schauffele has set the PGA Championship record with a 62. He also ties a major championship record that he shared last year in the U.S. Open. Schauffele took advantage of rain-softened conditions at Valhalla. And he's been playing some good golf. Schauffele was runner-up last week in the Wells Fargo Championship. Schauffele played the back nine in 31. He ran off three birdies in a four-hole stretch on the front nine to get in range of the record. The previous mark at the PGA was a 63. One of those was Jose Maria Olazabal at Valhalla 10 years ago.LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Tiger Woods fired a 1-over par 72 during the opening round of the PGA Championship. The 15-time major champion faltered late. He was 1-under heading into his final two holes before a pair of three-putts led to bogeys that pushed him into plus territory. Woods arrived at Valhalla having not played since his last-place finish at the Masters last month. The 48-year-old Woods says it took him a few holes to get the competitive juices flowing. When he arrives at the course for the second round he will try to avoid missing the cut for the fourth time in his last seven visits to the PGA.BOSTON (AP) — Rays reliever Jason Adam was forced out of Thursday night’s game at Fenway Park in the ninth inning when pitching coach Kyle Snyder headed to the mound with Tampa Bay out of visits. After a long delay, Erasmo Ramírez entered with two runners on and retired Romy González on a game-ending groundout to save a 7-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Rays manager Kevin Cash took full responsibility for the mistake and said he was glad it didn't cost his team the game.NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL is distancing itself from Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, saying “his views are not those of the NFL as an organization.” Butker served as the commencement speaker at Benedictine College, a private Catholic liberal arts school, last week and said most of the women receiving degrees were probably more excited about getting married and having children. The NFL says “Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”SPRING, Texas (AP) — Gymnastics star Simone Biles says she is better equipped to handle the challenges that await as she prepares for a third Olympics. The 27-year-old became a touchstone for the discussion around mental health at the Tokyo Games in 2021 when she pulled herself out of several competitions because of mental trauma that made it difficult for her to compete. Biles says she now works with a therapist regularly, even during meets, to help her deal with whatever may come. The seven-time Olympic medalist begins preparations for Paris at the U.S. Classic in Hartford, Connecticut.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Marcus Ericsson returned to the Indianapolis 500 with zero regrets but ended Thursday with a violent collision late in the first full day of practice. Ericsson hit a curb with just over two hours remaining in the session, causing his car to spin and hit the wall three different times. Before the crash, Ericsson had moved past the controversial ending to last year’s race that cost the Swede a second consecutive win in the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” He will try to win his second Indy 500 in three years on May 26 after last year's controversial runner-up finish.THURSDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLAMERICAN LEAGUEFinal N.Y. Yankees 5 Minnesota 0Final Tampa Bay 7 Boston 5Final Houston 8 Oakland 1NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Pittsburgh 5 Chicago Cubs 4Final N.Y. Mets 6 Philadelphia 5Final Cincinnati 7 L.A. Dodgers 2NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal Minnesota 115 Denver 70NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal N-Y Rangers 5 Carolina 3

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Friday

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2024/5/17/baseball-k-state-breaks-strikeouts-record-walks-off-byu">Via K-State Athletics</a>

The K-State pitching staff combined for a program record 21 strikeouts while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyan-lodice/11469">Kyan Lodice</a>&nbsp;delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the 12th&nbsp;to hand the Wildcats a 7-6 victory over BYU Thursday night at Tointon Family Stadium.

After a solo home run tied the game at 6-6 and sent the game into extra innings, Lodice's single into center field with two outs off BYU reliever Stone Cushing scored&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/danniel-rivera/11532">Danniel Rivera</a>&nbsp;from third and handed the Wildcats (30-21, 14-14 Big 12) their third walk-off win of the season. &nbsp;

"Sometimes it doesn't always go as planned," said head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2461">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;following his team's 30th&nbsp;win. "I just love the way our guys never put their heads down. They're just trying to figure out their next move when the game plan doesn't go how they want it to."

The staff of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/blake-dean/11520">Blake Dean</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/11470">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jj-slack/11536">JJ Slack</a>&nbsp;combined for 21 strikeouts to surpass the previous team record of 19 set back on March 18, 1976, against Wayne State. K-State's 494 total strikeouts this season ranks fourth all-time in school history.

"We have people picking each other up, we get an error, [Neighbors] picks up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/11460">Kaelen Culpepper</a>, and [Dean] picks up his teammates making some big pitches. That's what it's all about," mentioned Hughes.

"Lodice comes in after sitting on the bench most of the game and has his head in the right frame of mind. He puts himself in a situation to put a good swing on the ball and win a game for us."

Slack picked up his second victory in relief, as the lefty from Liberty, Texas, retired six of the seven batters he faced with two strikeouts and one walk over two scoreless innings (2-0).

Boerema logged 5 1/3 innings in his 16th&nbsp;start of the season and punched out six batters, including striking out the side in the fourth. Dean and Neighbors combined for 13 strikeouts during their 4 2/3 innings in relief.

With his six strikeouts against the Cougars, Boerema joined the Wildcats' Top 10 career strikeouts leaderboard, moving to eighth all-time with 184.

BYU (20-30, 6-22 Big 12) crawled out of an early 6-0 hole and battled to tie the game at six, led three hits from Cooper Vest, who drove in a game-leading four runs.

"It takes a lot to motivate a team when you're down and you don't have a postseason to play, plus you're down six runs on the road. To scrap back in there it says a lot about Coach Pratt and his program."

Offensively, the Wildcats had seven hits in the win led by two-hit days from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/11461">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-parsons/11530">Jaden Parsons</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-bishop/11518">David Bishop</a>&nbsp;drove in a team-high two runs with his second homer of the season.

With the win, K-State improved to 4-1 in extra innings this season that includes a perfect 3-0 record in 12-inning games. The Cats also moved to 10-3 in series openers and finished undefeated in openers at Tointon (8-0).

After Boerema retired six consecutive batters, the Wildcats tagged the first run to the board after taking advantage of a throwing error from the catcher.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-parsons/11530">Jaden Parsons</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on a base knock into left by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/11526">Chuck Ingram</a>.

Ingram drew the throw down to second on the steal where the ball got away and trickled into centerfield, allowing Parsons to score. &nbsp;K-State stretched its lead to 4-0 in the second, highlighted by RBI singles from Day and Parsons.

Boerema struck out the side in the fourth, allowing K-State to continue to build its lead as the Cats scored for the third consecutive inning. Pelletier was issued a walk to lead off the inning and forced the Cougars to make a pitching change.

Carter Foss inherited the runner on first and faced Bishop, who welcomed the right-hander with a 409-foot shot over the left center wall.

The Cougars rallied for five runs in a three-inning span to bring the score within one, 6-5, led by a two-run homer from Vest in the fifth.

Dean relieved Boerema in the sixth and inherited runners on first and second with one out. The true freshman struck out the final batters to get out of the bases loaded jam.

BYU tied it in the ninth, 6-6, with a solo homer by Collin Rueter.

With two outs in the 12th, Rivera reached on a throwing error from the third baseman and advanced to third on a single by Day. Culpepper was intentionally walked to bring Lodice to the plate. The Omaha, Neb., product lined a 1-2 pitch into centerfield to drive in the deciding run.

Game two against the Cougars is slated for a 6 p.m. start Friday at Tointon Family Stadium. The final regular-season series can be seen on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app, while radio coverage is available on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). A free, live streaming audio 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/2024/5/1715936254344.jpeg" alt="K-State won Thursday, May 16, 2024 in a walk-off over BYU at Tointon Family Stadium in Manhattan. Photo by Reece Bachta Photography for K-State Athletics." />
 <figcaption>K-State won Thursday, May 16, 2024 in a walk-off over BYU at Tointon Family Stadium in Manhattan. Photo by Reece Bachta Photography for K-State Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2024/5/17/baseball-k-state-breaks-strikeouts-record-walks-off-byu">Via K-State Athletics</a>The K-State pitching staff combined for a program record 21 strikeouts while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyan-lodice/11469">Kyan Lodice</a>&nbsp;delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the 12th&nbsp;to hand the Wildcats a 7-6 victory over BYU Thursday night at Tointon Family Stadium.After a solo home run tied the game at 6-6 and sent the game into extra innings, Lodice's single into center field with two outs off BYU reliever Stone Cushing scored&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/danniel-rivera/11532">Danniel Rivera</a>&nbsp;from third and handed the Wildcats (30-21, 14-14 Big 12) their third walk-off win of the season. &nbsp;"Sometimes it doesn't always go as planned," said head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2461">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;following his team's 30th&nbsp;win. "I just love the way our guys never put their heads down. They're just trying to figure out their next move when the game plan doesn't go how they want it to."The staff of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/blake-dean/11520">Blake Dean</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/11470">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jj-slack/11536">JJ Slack</a>&nbsp;combined for 21 strikeouts to surpass the previous team record of 19 set back on March 18, 1976, against Wayne State. K-State's 494 total strikeouts this season ranks fourth all-time in school history."We have people picking each other up, we get an error, [Neighbors] picks up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/11460">Kaelen Culpepper</a>, and [Dean] picks up his teammates making some big pitches. That's what it's all about," mentioned Hughes."Lodice comes in after sitting on the bench most of the game and has his head in the right frame of mind. He puts himself in a situation to put a good swing on the ball and win a game for us."Slack picked up his second victory in relief, as the lefty from Liberty, Texas, retired six of the seven batters he faced with two strikeouts and one walk over two scoreless innings (2-0).Boerema logged 5 1/3 innings in his 16th&nbsp;start of the season and punched out six batters, including striking out the side in the fourth. Dean and Neighbors combined for 13 strikeouts during their 4 2/3 innings in relief.With his six strikeouts against the Cougars, Boerema joined the Wildcats' Top 10 career strikeouts leaderboard, moving to eighth all-time with 184.BYU (20-30, 6-22 Big 12) crawled out of an early 6-0 hole and battled to tie the game at six, led three hits from Cooper Vest, who drove in a game-leading four runs."It takes a lot to motivate a team when you're down and you don't have a postseason to play, plus you're down six runs on the road. To scrap back in there it says a lot about Coach Pratt and his program."Offensively, the Wildcats had seven hits in the win led by two-hit days from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/11461">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-parsons/11530">Jaden Parsons</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-bishop/11518">David Bishop</a>&nbsp;drove in a team-high two runs with his second homer of the season.With the win, K-State improved to 4-1 in extra innings this season that includes a perfect 3-0 record in 12-inning games. The Cats also moved to 10-3 in series openers and finished undefeated in openers at Tointon (8-0).THE RUNDOWNAfter Boerema retired six consecutive batters, the Wildcats tagged the first run to the board after taking advantage of a throwing error from the catcher.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-parsons/11530">Jaden Parsons</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on a base knock into left by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/11526">Chuck Ingram</a>.Ingram drew the throw down to second on the steal where the ball got away and trickled into centerfield, allowing Parsons to score. &nbsp;K-State stretched its lead to 4-0 in the second, highlighted by RBI singles from Day and Parsons.Boerema struck out the side in the fourth, allowing K-State to continue to build its lead as the Cats scored for the third consecutive inning. Pelletier was issued a walk to lead off the inning and forced the Cougars to make a pitching change.Carter Foss inherited the runner on first and faced Bishop, who welcomed the right-hander with a 409-foot shot over the left center wall.The Cougars rallied for five runs in a three-inning span to bring the score within one, 6-5, led by a two-run homer from Vest in the fifth.Dean relieved Boerema in the sixth and inherited runners on first and second with one out. The true freshman struck out the final batters to get out of the bases loaded jam.BYU tied it in the ninth, 6-6, with a solo homer by Collin Rueter.With two outs in the 12th, Rivera reached on a throwing error from the third baseman and advanced to third on a single by Day. Culpepper was intentionally walked to bring Lodice to the plate. The Omaha, Neb., product lined a 1-2 pitch into centerfield to drive in the deciding run.INSIDE THE BOX<ul>
 <li>K-State scored seven runs on seven hits, committed three errors, and stranded eight runners on base.</li><li>BYU scored six runs on nine hits with three errors committed and left 11 runners on base.</li><li>Five Wildcats contributed hits, led by two-hit days from Day and Parsons.</li><li>Bishop drove in a game-high two RBI, going 1-for-4 at the plate.</li><li>Lodice drove in the game-winning run with an RBI single in the 12th.</li><li>Slack (2-0) closed the game and earned the win in relief, throwing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. &nbsp;</li><li>Boerema, Neighbors and Dean combined for 19 strikeouts.</li><li>Cushing (1-3) surrendered the final run (unearned), to earn the loss.</li><li>Bishop hit his second home run with K-State in the fourth.</li><li>Jones was issued three of the Cats seven walks.</li><li>K-State was 6-for-13 (.462) with men on base and hit 3-for-9 (.333) with runners in scoring position, while BYU hit .150 (3-for-20) with runners on base and went 1-for-13 (.077) with runners in scoring position.</li><li>The Cats hit .250 (4-for-16) with two outs and drove in two two-out RBI.</li>
 </ul>NOTES<ul>
 <li>The pitching staff combined for 21 strikeouts, surpassing the previous school record of 19 (</li><li>K-State holds a 6-4 advantage in the all-time series, that includes a perfect 5-0 record in Manhattan.</li><li>The Cats improved to 19-6 at home, including a 8-5 record in Big 12 action.</li><li>K-State turned in the program's 19th&nbsp;30-win season, and third in the Hughes era.</li><li>Jones recorded his eighth game with three walks.</li><li>The Wildcats are 4-1 in extra-inning games – 3-0 in 12-inning games.</li><li>With his 36th&nbsp;stolen base of the year, Jones is one away from tying second all-time in the single-season records.</li><li>The 21 strikeouts bring the season total to 494 which is fourth all-time in K-State history.</li><li>The Cats also moved to 10-3 in series openers and finished undefeated in openers at Tointon (8-0).</li><li>With his six strikeouts against the Cougars, Boerema joined the Wildcats' Top 10 career strikeouts leaderboard, moving to eighth all-time with 184.</li>
 </ul>ON DECKGame two against the Cougars is slated for a 6 p.m. start Friday at Tointon Family Stadium. The final regular-season series can be seen on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app, while radio coverage is available on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). A free, live streaming audio 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 walks off BYU Thursday

Courtesy Kansas Sports Information

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715944376557.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy Kansas Sports Information<div><div style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 14px;border: 0px;">
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 AUSTIN, Texas &ndash; Ben Hartl hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning, but No. 24 Texas walked it off in the bottom of the ninth for a 5-4 win at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
 Kansas (29-19, 15-13 Big 12) was trailing 3-2 heading into the ninth. John Nett got on base with two outs for his fourth hit of the night. Then, down to the Jayhawks&rsquo; final strike on a full count with two outs, Hartl sent a ball over the wall in left-center field to give Kansas a 4-3 lead.
 However, Casey Borba hit a game-tying, pinch-hit solo homer to lead off the bottom of the ninth. Jalin Flores then won it a couple batters later on an RBI double that was just out of the reach of a diving Mike Koszewski.
 Kansas starter Reese Dutton threw 5.2 innings and allowed three runs while walking four and striking out six. Cooper Moore and Tegan Cain each had scoreless relief appearances, while Hunter Canton suffered the loss.
 HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; Texas (33-20, 18-10 Big 12) had an opportunity to score in the first inning, but Koszewski was able to record a double play on a flyout and threw the runner out at home trying to score. &bull; After both teams were scoreless through the first four innings, Texas broke through for the first run of the game in the fifth inning. Will Gasparino tripled on a ball lost in the sky and Jared Thomas hit a 2-out RBI triple to make it 1-0. &bull; Gasparino came up in the sixth with two outs and the bases loaded and hit a two-run single back up the middle. That stretched it to a 3-0 advantage for Texas. &bull; Kansas was able to get going offensively in the seventh. The Jayhawks scored two runs on an RBI safety squeeze bunt by Koszewski and an RBI single by Nett. That made it a one-run game at 3-2. &bull; The Jayhawks were down to their final strike in the game when Hartl blasted his home run to give Kansas a 4-3 advantage. &bull; Texas matched the two runs in the bottom of the ninth to win in walk-off fashion.
 PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Gage Boehm (5-2) Final line: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 3 SO Loss: Hunter Cranton (3-3) Final line: 0.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 SO
 SOCIAL POST OF THE GAME
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 NOTABLES &bull; Hartl hit his 10th home run of the season. &bull; Nett collected his team-high 22nd multi-hit game of the season. He finished with four of the eight hits for Kansas tonight. The four hits matched his season high. Nett went 4-for-5 with one RBI and one run scored in the game. &bull; Moore has had a scoreless relief appearance in 13 of his last 14 outings (18.1 IP).
 UP NEXT Kansas and Texas will play game two of the three-game series on Friday. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.
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⚾ Jayhawks blow late lead at No. 24 Texas

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

MEMPHIS, Tenn. —Wichita State turned a close game into a rout with four runs in the seventh and seven more in the eighth to support another strong start from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/tommy-lapour/7600">Tommy LaPour</a>, rolling past Memphis 14-1 on Thursday night at FedExPark.

The game was called after eight innings due to the ten-rule rule. The Shockers (28-26, 14-11) guaranteed themselves a top-four seed at the American Athletic Conference tournament with the victory. It is the sixth straight win for Wichita State, establishing a new season high.'

&nbsp; After the two teams traded zeroes for the first three innings,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/7532">Mauricio Millan</a>&nbsp;opened the scoring with an RBI single against Memphis starter David Warren (4-6).&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jordan-rogers/7538">Jordan Rogers</a>&nbsp;then made it 3-0 with a long two-run home run to left in the fifth, the first of two two-run shots on the day for Rogers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; The score stayed 3-0 into the seventh, when WSU lengthened out the lead thanks to the second blast from Rogers, a&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kam-durnin/7604">Kam Durnin</a>&nbsp;sacrifice fly and an RBI double from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-livingston/7602">Josh Livingston</a>. Memphis (22-31, 9-16) had a chance to get back into the game in the home half of the inning when the Tigers loaded the bases with nobody out, but could muster just one run in the frame on a wild pitch that made it 7-1.

Wichita State then exploded for seven runs in the eighth to put the run rule into play. The Shockers drew five walks in the inning and got RBI singles from Durnin,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/seth-stroh/7543">Seth Stroh</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/dayvin-johnson/7596">Dayvin Johnson</a>&nbsp;off three different Memphis relievers.

The offensive outburst supported an excellent performance from LaPour (5-3), who allowed just one hit over six innings for a second consecutive start. The freshman right-hander struck out two and walked three, allowing just one runner to reach third base.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jack-mount/7599">Jack Mount</a>&nbsp;took it the rest of the way for Wichita State, striking out two over the final two innings of work.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Warren allowed six hits and three runs in 4.2 innings to take the loss for Memphis. Three Memphis relievers were tagged for at least three earned runs after his departure.

The Shockers drew a season-high 12 walks in the contest, including three apiece from Dayvin and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/7605">Camden Johnson</a>. Millan was hit twice, giving the Shockers 100 hit by pitches as a team in 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wichita State and Memphis continue the series on Friday night. First pitch of game two is scheduled for 6 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715921249231.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp; MEMPHIS, Tenn. —Wichita State turned a close game into a rout with four runs in the seventh and seven more in the eighth to support another strong start from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/tommy-lapour/7600">Tommy LaPour</a>, rolling past Memphis 14-1 on Thursday night at FedExPark. The game was called after eight innings due to the ten-rule rule. The Shockers (28-26, 14-11) guaranteed themselves a top-four seed at the American Athletic Conference tournament with the victory. It is the sixth straight win for Wichita State, establishing a new season high.'&nbsp; After the two teams traded zeroes for the first three innings,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/7532">Mauricio Millan</a>&nbsp;opened the scoring with an RBI single against Memphis starter David Warren (4-6).&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jordan-rogers/7538">Jordan Rogers</a>&nbsp;then made it 3-0 with a long two-run home run to left in the fifth, the first of two two-run shots on the day for Rogers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The score stayed 3-0 into the seventh, when WSU lengthened out the lead thanks to the second blast from Rogers, a&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kam-durnin/7604">Kam Durnin</a>&nbsp;sacrifice fly and an RBI double from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-livingston/7602">Josh Livingston</a>. Memphis (22-31, 9-16) had a chance to get back into the game in the home half of the inning when the Tigers loaded the bases with nobody out, but could muster just one run in the frame on a wild pitch that made it 7-1.Wichita State then exploded for seven runs in the eighth to put the run rule into play. The Shockers drew five walks in the inning and got RBI singles from Durnin,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/seth-stroh/7543">Seth Stroh</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/dayvin-johnson/7596">Dayvin Johnson</a>&nbsp;off three different Memphis relievers.The offensive outburst supported an excellent performance from LaPour (5-3), who allowed just one hit over six innings for a second consecutive start. The freshman right-hander struck out two and walked three, allowing just one runner to reach third base.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jack-mount/7599">Jack Mount</a>&nbsp;took it the rest of the way for Wichita State, striking out two over the final two innings of work.&nbsp;&nbsp;Warren allowed six hits and three runs in 4.2 innings to take the loss for Memphis. Three Memphis relievers were tagged for at least three earned runs after his departure.The Shockers drew a season-high 12 walks in the contest, including three apiece from Dayvin and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/7605">Camden Johnson</a>. Millan was hit twice, giving the Shockers 100 hit by pitches as a team in 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wichita State and Memphis continue the series on Friday night. First pitch of game two is scheduled for 6 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Shockers blitz Memphis 

Charlotte, NC&nbsp;– The NJCAA has named Visit Lake Charles and McNeese State University as its host for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 NJCAA Division&nbsp;I Women's Basketball Championships.  &nbsp;

Visit Lake Charles&nbsp;will host the&nbsp;24-team championship at McNeese State University's Legacy Center in Lake Charles, LA,&nbsp;from March&nbsp;22-30, 2026, March 23-29, 2027, and March&nbsp;21-27, 2028.  

With Lake Charles emerging as the chosen host city, Mayor Nic Hunter expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship to our vibrant city. This prestigious event highlights the incredible facilities and hospitality our community has to offer."

2026 will mark the first year Visit Lake Charles and McNeese State University have hosted an NJCAA championship.

Heath Schroyer, the athletic director at McNeese State University, echoed Mayor Hunter's sentiments, emphasizing the Legacy Center's role in providing an exceptional venue for the championship. Schroyer remarked, "We are honored to host the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship at the Legacy Center. This event not only underscores the caliber of our facility but also our commitment to fostering athletic excellence and providing an unparalleled experience for participants and spectators alike."

Visit Lake Charles played a pivotal role in securing the championship, leveraging the success of hosting the 2023 US Sports Congress. Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO of Visit Lake Charles, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Securing the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship underscores Lake Charles' growing reputation as a premier sports destination. We are excited to shed light on our community's hospitality and first-class amenities to athletes, fans, and visitors from across the nation."

The Legacy Center, a $35.9 million, 142,000-square-foot Arena and Health &amp; Human Education Complex, stands as a beacon of sporting excellence in Lake Charles. Home to McNeese State University's basketball and volleyball programs, as well as the Department of Health and Human Performance, the Legacy Center has cemented its status as a preferred venue for sporting events, including the Southland Conference Basketball Championships.

"We are excited&nbsp;for Visit Lake Charles and McNeese State University to welcome the DI Women's Basketball Championship to Louisiana in 2026,"&nbsp;stated&nbsp;Brian Luckett, NJCAA Senior Vice President for External Affairs &amp; Development.&nbsp;"The Legacy Center&nbsp;will be a great location to host this championship and we look forward to the top-quality&nbsp;national tournament&nbsp;experience that will be provided to NJCAA student-athletes, coaches, and fans."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715868486285.png" alt="Photo Courtesy McNeese State University" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy McNeese State University</figcaption>
 </figure>NJCAACharlotte, NC&nbsp;– The NJCAA has named Visit Lake Charles and McNeese State University as its host for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 NJCAA Division&nbsp;I Women's Basketball Championships.  &nbsp;Visit Lake Charles&nbsp;will host the&nbsp;24-team championship at McNeese State University's Legacy Center in Lake Charles, LA,&nbsp;from March&nbsp;22-30, 2026, March 23-29, 2027, and March&nbsp;21-27, 2028.  With Lake Charles emerging as the chosen host city, Mayor Nic Hunter expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship to our vibrant city. This prestigious event highlights the incredible facilities and hospitality our community has to offer."2026 will mark the first year Visit Lake Charles and McNeese State University have hosted an NJCAA championship.Heath Schroyer, the athletic director at McNeese State University, echoed Mayor Hunter's sentiments, emphasizing the Legacy Center's role in providing an exceptional venue for the championship. Schroyer remarked, "We are honored to host the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship at the Legacy Center. This event not only underscores the caliber of our facility but also our commitment to fostering athletic excellence and providing an unparalleled experience for participants and spectators alike."Visit Lake Charles played a pivotal role in securing the championship, leveraging the success of hosting the 2023 US Sports Congress. Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO of Visit Lake Charles, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Securing the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship underscores Lake Charles' growing reputation as a premier sports destination. We are excited to shed light on our community's hospitality and first-class amenities to athletes, fans, and visitors from across the nation."The Legacy Center, a $35.9 million, 142,000-square-foot Arena and Health &amp; Human Education Complex, stands as a beacon of sporting excellence in Lake Charles. Home to McNeese State University's basketball and volleyball programs, as well as the Department of Health and Human Performance, the Legacy Center has cemented its status as a preferred venue for sporting events, including the Southland Conference Basketball Championships."We are excited&nbsp;for Visit Lake Charles and McNeese State University to welcome the DI Women's Basketball Championship to Louisiana in 2026,"&nbsp;stated&nbsp;Brian Luckett, NJCAA Senior Vice President for External Affairs &amp; Development.&nbsp;"The Legacy Center&nbsp;will be a great location to host this championship and we look forward to the top-quality&nbsp;national tournament&nbsp;experience that will be provided to NJCAA student-athletes, coaches, and fans."&nbsp;

🏀 WBB: NJCAA announces 2026-28 national tournaments headed to the Bayou State

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Seattle clips Royals; ⚾ Barton edges HutchCC in NJCAA Plains District opener; 🏈 K-State gets QB transfer

SEATTLE (AP) — Ty France homered for the second time in three games, Bryan Woo allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings for his first win, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2. The Mariners took two of three from the Royals and have won eight of their last nine series. Seattle will head out on a key 10-game road trip on the East Coast four games above .500 and leading the AL West. France hit a solo shot off Kansas City starter Alec Marsh in the fourth inning to give Seattle a 2-0 lead. France also homered on Monday in the series opener against the Royals. Marsh allowed just one earned run but suffered his first loss of the season.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels snapped their three-game skid with a 7-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Griffin Canning pitched six innings of one-run ball and Nolan Schanuel hit his first career leadoff homer. Willie Calhoun had three hits, including an RBI double during the Angels’ four-run first, while Zach Neto and Taylor Ward homered later in the Angels’ seventh win in 26 games. Paul Goldschmidt homered in the sixth inning for the Cardinals, whose three-game winning streak ended. St. Louis still hasn’t swept a series this season.

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco has received a 10-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball rules prohibiting foreign substances. Blanco was ejected from Tuesday night’s start against the Oakland Athletics. His penalty, which also included an undisclosed fine, was announced by MLB senior vice president of on-field operations Michael Hill. Houston general manager Dana Brown said Blanco will not appeal the suspension, which was set to begin Wednesday night against Oakland. Blanco was ejected at the start of the fourth inning Tuesday night after umpires found a foreign substance that first base ump Erich Bacchus said was “the stickiest stuff" he'd felt on a glove.

BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 25 points and 10 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98 on to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the third straight season. Al Horford added 22 points, 15 rebounds and six of Boston’s 19 3-pointers to post their third consecutive win of the series and earn a 4-1 win. The Cavaliers played shorthanded without star Donovan Mitchell (calf), center Jarrett Allen (rib) and key reserve Caris LeVert (knee). Cleveland stayed close and pulled within 88-85 early in the fourth. Boston then went on a 13-2 run to take a 101-87 lead. Evan Mobley scored a playoff career high 33 points. Marcus Morris Sr. had five 3-pointers and finished with 25 points.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 31 points in a triple-double to help the Dallas Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 104-92 and take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series. He made 12 of 22 field goals and had 11 assists and 10 rebounds in Game 5 for his sixth career playoff triple-double. Derrick Jones Jr. scored 19 points and P.J. Washington added 10 points and 10 rebounds for Dallas. The Mavericks can advance to the Western Conference Finals with a win Saturday at home. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the top-seeded Thunder.

DALLAS (AP) — Colorado defenseman Cale Makar scored two goals, the second after Casey Mittelstadt’s go-ahead tally in the third period and the Avalanche beat top-seeded Dallas 5-3 in Game 5. The Avs snapped their three-game losing streak and extended the second-round Western Conference Series. Game 6 is Friday night in Colorado. Mittelstadt scored just 1:12 into the third period to make it 3-2. Maker added an unassisted goal about three minutes later. Avalanche goalie Alexandar Georgiev had 23 saves. Stars goalie Jake Oettinger stopped 22 shots. Joe Pavelski had his first goal of these playoffs for the Stars. Miro Heiskanen and rookie Logan Stankoven scored the other Dallas goals, and Jason Robertson had two assists.

UNDATED (AP) — Rory McIlroy has all the momentum he could want heading into the PGA Championship as he tries to end a drought in the majors that has lasted a decade. He also has a major distraction. McIlroy is hopeful of ending a decade without a major in his return to Valhalla. But the distraction is a divorce from his wife of seven years. That petition was filed in Florida on Monday, right after he won at Quail Hollow and before flying up to Louisville for a major. McIlroy has a history of being able to separate personal life from work.

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL schedule has been released. That means the snark can begin. The league’s 32 teams all have social media teams working toward this day, trying to one-up each other on creative ways to announce their opponents. In many ways, the event is their Super Bowl, with teams planning the release well in advance. There were several entertaining entries in this year's batch. The New England Patriots channeled the 90s classic movie “Good Will Hunting." The Los Angeles Chargers had a video game theme from “The Sims.”

UNDATED (AP) — Even though the Super Bowl rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will not occur until almost the midpoint of the season, NFL fans will be treated to a pair of playoff rematches on the opening weekend. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs begin their quest for an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl title when they host the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5 in the Kickoff Game while the Los Angeles Rams are at the Detroit Lions in the Sunday night game on Sept. 8. The two playoff rematches on Week 1 are among nine on this year’s regular schedule, which was released by the league Wednesday night.

UNDATED (AP) — Netflix and the NFL announced a three-year deal for the streaming giant to carry games on Christmas Day. Netflix will have both games this year and at least one game in 2025 and ’26. Netflix announced during its upfront presentation to advertisers that it will have defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City at Pittsburgh followed by Baltimore at Houston. Netflix began airing NFL programming last year with the series “Quarterback.” A series on wide receivers will premiere this year. Netflix began airing live sports events last year, but it was exhibition events in golf and tennis. It is also scheduled to air the July 20 bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul and next year will start carrying World Wrestling Entertainment’s flagship show, “Raw.”

UNDATED (AP) — Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington has landed a second portal transfer in as many days, this time forward Jaylen Carey following him from James Madison to his new job. Byington was hired by Vanderbilt after coaching James Madison to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He added guard MJ Collins from Virginia Tech on Tuesday. Carey is a 6-foot-8 forward who played every game as a freshman for James Madison. That includes both NCAA Tournament games. Byington says he knows Carey can play in the Southeastern Conference as a physical presence who can play inside and also shoot 3s.

UNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma begins its quest for an unprecedented fourth consecutive national softball title on Friday. The Sooners open regional play against Cleveland State. The Sooners appear to have a shot. They have claimed the No. 2 overall seed and beat No. 1 seed Texas for the Big 12 Tournament title. Texas won the Big 12 regular season title and claimed the top overall seed for the first time. Reese Atwood was Big 12 Player of the Year after racking up a nation’s best 83 RBIs. She headlines a Texas squad that leads the nation with a .379 batting average.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, May 16th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, May 16th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Report for May 16th, 2024:<div><iframe title="AP Sports Report for May 16th, 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=fzpgm-16138b9-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>SEATTLE (AP) — Ty France homered for the second time in three games, Bryan Woo allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings for his first win, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2. The Mariners took two of three from the Royals and have won eight of their last nine series. Seattle will head out on a key 10-game road trip on the East Coast four games above .500 and leading the AL West. France hit a solo shot off Kansas City starter Alec Marsh in the fourth inning to give Seattle a 2-0 lead. France also homered on Monday in the series opener against the Royals. Marsh allowed just one earned run but suffered his first loss of the season.ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels snapped their three-game skid with a 7-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Griffin Canning pitched six innings of one-run ball and Nolan Schanuel hit his first career leadoff homer. Willie Calhoun had three hits, including an RBI double during the Angels’ four-run first, while Zach Neto and Taylor Ward homered later in the Angels’ seventh win in 26 games. Paul Goldschmidt homered in the sixth inning for the Cardinals, whose three-game winning streak ended. St. Louis still hasn’t swept a series this season.HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco has received a 10-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball rules prohibiting foreign substances. Blanco was ejected from Tuesday night’s start against the Oakland Athletics. His penalty, which also included an undisclosed fine, was announced by MLB senior vice president of on-field operations Michael Hill. Houston general manager Dana Brown said Blanco will not appeal the suspension, which was set to begin Wednesday night against Oakland. Blanco was ejected at the start of the fourth inning Tuesday night after umpires found a foreign substance that first base ump Erich Bacchus said was “the stickiest stuff" he'd felt on a glove.BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 25 points and 10 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98 on to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the third straight season. Al Horford added 22 points, 15 rebounds and six of Boston’s 19 3-pointers to post their third consecutive win of the series and earn a 4-1 win. The Cavaliers played shorthanded without star Donovan Mitchell (calf), center Jarrett Allen (rib) and key reserve Caris LeVert (knee). Cleveland stayed close and pulled within 88-85 early in the fourth. Boston then went on a 13-2 run to take a 101-87 lead. Evan Mobley scored a playoff career high 33 points. Marcus Morris Sr. had five 3-pointers and finished with 25 points.OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 31 points in a triple-double to help the Dallas Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 104-92 and take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series. He made 12 of 22 field goals and had 11 assists and 10 rebounds in Game 5 for his sixth career playoff triple-double. Derrick Jones Jr. scored 19 points and P.J. Washington added 10 points and 10 rebounds for Dallas. The Mavericks can advance to the Western Conference Finals with a win Saturday at home. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the top-seeded Thunder.DALLAS (AP) — Colorado defenseman Cale Makar scored two goals, the second after Casey Mittelstadt’s go-ahead tally in the third period and the Avalanche beat top-seeded Dallas 5-3 in Game 5. The Avs snapped their three-game losing streak and extended the second-round Western Conference Series. Game 6 is Friday night in Colorado. Mittelstadt scored just 1:12 into the third period to make it 3-2. Maker added an unassisted goal about three minutes later. Avalanche goalie Alexandar Georgiev had 23 saves. Stars goalie Jake Oettinger stopped 22 shots. Joe Pavelski had his first goal of these playoffs for the Stars. Miro Heiskanen and rookie Logan Stankoven scored the other Dallas goals, and Jason Robertson had two assists.UNDATED (AP) — Rory McIlroy has all the momentum he could want heading into the PGA Championship as he tries to end a drought in the majors that has lasted a decade. He also has a major distraction. McIlroy is hopeful of ending a decade without a major in his return to Valhalla. But the distraction is a divorce from his wife of seven years. That petition was filed in Florida on Monday, right after he won at Quail Hollow and before flying up to Louisville for a major. McIlroy has a history of being able to separate personal life from work.UNDATED (AP) — The NFL schedule has been released. That means the snark can begin. The league’s 32 teams all have social media teams working toward this day, trying to one-up each other on creative ways to announce their opponents. In many ways, the event is their Super Bowl, with teams planning the release well in advance. There were several entertaining entries in this year's batch. The New England Patriots channeled the 90s classic movie “Good Will Hunting." The Los Angeles Chargers had a video game theme from “The Sims.”UNDATED (AP) — Even though the Super Bowl rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will not occur until almost the midpoint of the season, NFL fans will be treated to a pair of playoff rematches on the opening weekend. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs begin their quest for an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl title when they host the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5 in the Kickoff Game while the Los Angeles Rams are at the Detroit Lions in the Sunday night game on Sept. 8. The two playoff rematches on Week 1 are among nine on this year’s regular schedule, which was released by the league Wednesday night.UNDATED (AP) — Netflix and the NFL announced a three-year deal for the streaming giant to carry games on Christmas Day. Netflix will have both games this year and at least one game in 2025 and ’26. Netflix announced during its upfront presentation to advertisers that it will have defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City at Pittsburgh followed by Baltimore at Houston. Netflix began airing NFL programming last year with the series “Quarterback.” A series on wide receivers will premiere this year. Netflix began airing live sports events last year, but it was exhibition events in golf and tennis. It is also scheduled to air the July 20 bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul and next year will start carrying World Wrestling Entertainment’s flagship show, “Raw.”UNDATED (AP) — Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington has landed a second portal transfer in as many days, this time forward Jaylen Carey following him from James Madison to his new job. Byington was hired by Vanderbilt after coaching James Madison to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He added guard MJ Collins from Virginia Tech on Tuesday. Carey is a 6-foot-8 forward who played every game as a freshman for James Madison. That includes both NCAA Tournament games. Byington says he knows Carey can play in the Southeastern Conference as a physical presence who can play inside and also shoot 3s.UNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma begins its quest for an unprecedented fourth consecutive national softball title on Friday. The Sooners open regional play against Cleveland State. The Sooners appear to have a shot. They have claimed the No. 2 overall seed and beat No. 1 seed Texas for the Big 12 Tournament title. Texas won the Big 12 regular season title and claimed the top overall seed for the first time. Reese Atwood was Big 12 Player of the Year after racking up a nation’s best 83 RBIs. She headlines a Texas squad that leads the nation with a .379 batting average.WEDNESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal Miami 2 Detroit 0Final Chicago White Sox 2 Washington 0Final L.A. Angels 7 St. Louis 2AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Baltimore 3 Toronto 2Final Seattle 4 Kansas City 2Final Tampa Bay 4 Boston 3Final Houston 3 Oakland 0Final N.Y. Yankees 4 Minnesota 0Final Texas 4 Cleveland 0NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Milwaukee 10 Pittsburgh 2Final Arizona 2 Cincinnati 1Final Colorado 8 San Diego 0Final Philadelphia 10 N.Y. Mets 5Final Chicago Cubs 7 Atlanta 1Final San Francisco 4 L.A. Dodgers 1NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal Boston 113 Cleveland 98Final Dallas 104 Oklahoma City 92NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Thursday

TULSA, Okla.—The Wichita Wind Surge took a two-game lead in the Propeller Series with a 7-1 victory over the Tulsa Drillers. Wichita has won three straight games dating back to the series finale on Sunday against Arkansas.

The Drillers scored off Wind Surge starter&nbsp;Zebby Matthews&nbsp;on a single to center in the top of the first inning. Matthews would retire 12 of his next 13 batters faced for the rest of his appearance to continue his strong season and current stint with the Wind Surge.

Jeferson Morales&nbsp;tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the third by bringing home&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;on a double to left field.

Wichita piled on five more runs an inning later in the fourth to pull away from Tulsa.&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;got the first two in the form of&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;and&nbsp;Alerick Soularie&nbsp;on a double to left. Morales and&nbsp;Noah Cardenas&nbsp;followed with run-scoring singles to allow&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;and Fedko, respectively, to cross home plate.&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;rounded out the five-spot on a fielder’s choice groundout, allowing Rodriguez to tally his second run scored on the day.

The cherry on top saw Rucker sending a solo home run the opposite way to right field in the top of the seventh for his second round-tripper of the season and a 7-1 Wind Surge lead heading into the stretch.&nbsp;Mike Paredes,&nbsp;Regi Grace, and&nbsp;John Stankiewicz&nbsp;gave up just one hit over the final four innings against Tulsa hitting.

Matthews earned his first Double-A win, throwing five innings of three-hit baseball while surrendering one earned run and striking out six batters. He is a combined 4-0 with a 1.31 ERA and 43 strikeouts across six starts between High-A Cedar Rapids and Double-A Wichita in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715859961172.jpeg" alt="Wichita Propel Past Tulsa With Five-Run Fourth In Matthews’ Second Double-A Start." />
 <figcaption>Wichita Propel Past Tulsa With Five-Run Fourth In Matthews’ Second Double-A Start.</figcaption>
 </figure>TULSA, Okla.—The Wichita Wind Surge took a two-game lead in the Propeller Series with a 7-1 victory over the Tulsa Drillers. Wichita has won three straight games dating back to the series finale on Sunday against Arkansas.The Drillers scored off Wind Surge starter&nbsp;Zebby Matthews&nbsp;on a single to center in the top of the first inning. Matthews would retire 12 of his next 13 batters faced for the rest of his appearance to continue his strong season and current stint with the Wind Surge.Jeferson Morales&nbsp;tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the third by bringing home&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;on a double to left field.Wichita piled on five more runs an inning later in the fourth to pull away from Tulsa.&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;got the first two in the form of&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;and&nbsp;Alerick Soularie&nbsp;on a double to left. Morales and&nbsp;Noah Cardenas&nbsp;followed with run-scoring singles to allow&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;and Fedko, respectively, to cross home plate.&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;rounded out the five-spot on a fielder’s choice groundout, allowing Rodriguez to tally his second run scored on the day.The cherry on top saw Rucker sending a solo home run the opposite way to right field in the top of the seventh for his second round-tripper of the season and a 7-1 Wind Surge lead heading into the stretch.&nbsp;Mike Paredes,&nbsp;Regi Grace, and&nbsp;John Stankiewicz&nbsp;gave up just one hit over the final four innings against Tulsa hitting.Matthews earned his first Double-A win, throwing five innings of three-hit baseball while surrendering one earned run and striking out six batters. He is a combined 4-0 with a 1.31 ERA and 43 strikeouts across six starts between High-A Cedar Rapids and Double-A Wichita in 2024.

⚾ Wind Surge propel past Tulsa with big inning

HOBBS, New Mexico –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/anderson_marco_qoi7">Marco Anderson</a>&nbsp;carded a national-tournament career-low 68 on Wednesday to lead the fifth-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's golf team in the second round of the NJCAA Division I Men's National Golf Tournament.

The Blue Dragons made a four-stroke improvement from Tuesday's opening round and remains tied for 10th with Western Texas College at 14-over 582 at the midway mark of the 72-hole tournament.

The Dragons are still withing striking distance of the top of the team leaderboard, trailing team leader McLennan College by 12 strokes with 36 holes to play.

BLUE DRAGON MEN'S GOLFNJCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship Round 3When: Thursday, May 16, 2024Where: Rockwind Community Links, Hobbs, NMLive scoring:&nbsp;<a href="https://results.golfstat.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=participants&amp;tid=29152" target="_blank">GolfStat.com</a>Blue Dragon tee times: 8:10 to 8:50 a.m. CT on Hole 1

Hutchinson will tee off between 8:10 and 8:50 a.m. on Thursday. The Blue Dragons will be paired with Ranger College, Western Texas and Tyler in the third round.

Anderson sandwiched six birdies between a double bogey and bogey to card a 3-under 68 on Wednesday to lead the Blue Dragons to a team score of 289. The Blue Dragons also counted scores from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/box_charlie_jgcb">Charlie Box</a>&nbsp;(71),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/thissen_kenton_qoy2">Keaton Thissen</a>&nbsp;(74) and Davis Razinskas (76).

McLennan shot a team score of 281 to post a 36-hole score of 570. McLennan has a three-stroke lead over New Mexico Junior College and Central Alabama. Dodge City is the highest-placing Jayhawk Conference team. The Conquistadors are sixth, six strokes off the pace at 576.

Anderson and Box are tied for ninth individually to lead the Dragons after 36 holes.

Box had four birdies and four bogeys to shoot a 71. He had three-straight bogeys on holes 15, 16 and 17, but recovered with a birdie on No. 18 to shoot even par for the round.

Anderson and Box are part of a six-way tie for ninth place. The Blue Dragon golfers are four strokes off the lead. Ranger's Mans Boje, McLennan's Nik Blalock and Dodge City's Thanaphon Suwannapratheep are tied for the individual lead at 6-under 136.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715858973825.jpeg" alt="Marco Anderson had six birdies in a second-round 68 on Wednesday in the second round of the NJCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship in Hobbs, NM (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Marco Anderson had six birdies in a second-round 68 on Wednesday in the second round of the NJCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship in Hobbs, NM (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHOBBS, New Mexico –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/anderson_marco_qoi7">Marco Anderson</a>&nbsp;carded a national-tournament career-low 68 on Wednesday to lead the fifth-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's golf team in the second round of the NJCAA Division I Men's National Golf Tournament.The Blue Dragons made a four-stroke improvement from Tuesday's opening round and remains tied for 10th with Western Texas College at 14-over 582 at the midway mark of the 72-hole tournament.The Dragons are still withing striking distance of the top of the team leaderboard, trailing team leader McLennan College by 12 strokes with 36 holes to play.BLUE DRAGON MEN'S GOLFNJCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship Round 3When: Thursday, May 16, 2024Where: Rockwind Community Links, Hobbs, NMLive scoring:&nbsp;<a href="https://results.golfstat.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=participants&amp;tid=29152" target="_blank">GolfStat.com</a>Blue Dragon tee times: 8:10 to 8:50 a.m. CT on Hole 1Hutchinson will tee off between 8:10 and 8:50 a.m. on Thursday. The Blue Dragons will be paired with Ranger College, Western Texas and Tyler in the third round.Anderson sandwiched six birdies between a double bogey and bogey to card a 3-under 68 on Wednesday to lead the Blue Dragons to a team score of 289. The Blue Dragons also counted scores from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/box_charlie_jgcb">Charlie Box</a>&nbsp;(71),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/thissen_kenton_qoy2">Keaton Thissen</a>&nbsp;(74) and Davis Razinskas (76).McLennan shot a team score of 281 to post a 36-hole score of 570. McLennan has a three-stroke lead over New Mexico Junior College and Central Alabama. Dodge City is the highest-placing Jayhawk Conference team. The Conquistadors are sixth, six strokes off the pace at 576.Anderson and Box are tied for ninth individually to lead the Dragons after 36 holes.Box had four birdies and four bogeys to shoot a 71. He had three-straight bogeys on holes 15, 16 and 17, but recovered with a birdie on No. 18 to shoot even par for the round.Anderson and Box are part of a six-way tie for ninth place. The Blue Dragon golfers are four strokes off the lead. Ranger's Mans Boje, McLennan's Nik Blalock and Dodge City's Thanaphon Suwannapratheep are tied for the individual lead at 6-under 136.

⛳️ Anderson’s 68 keeps Blue Dragons within striking distance

WICHITA – The Hutchinson Community College baseball team's road to Grand Junction became much longer Wednesday as the second-seeded Blue Dragons were upset in the opening round of the Plains District (Region 6) Tournament by the Barton Cougars.

The 10th-seeded Cougars scored two runs each in the sixth and eighth innings to erase an early Blue Dragon lead in a 5-3 victory over Hutchinson at Eck Stadium.

The No. 10 nationally ranked Blue Dragons (46-12) will now have to come all the way through the losers' bracket to have a chance at their first trip to the NJCAA World Series since 2010. Hutchinson begins is trek in the elimination bracket at 10 a.m. Thursday against the Dodge City Conquistadors.

No. 2 Hutchinson (46-12) vs. No. 8 Dodge City (38-22)

Plains District (Region 6) Tournament Elimination First Round

Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports-network" target="_blank">KJCCC Network (Pay-Per-View), 9:55 a.m.</a>

<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports-network" target="_blank"></a>X: @bluedragonsport

Trailing 1-0 after one inning, the Blue Dragons took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/maher_quinn_h0lr">Quinn Maher</a>led off the inning with a single and then scored all the way from first on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/bradford_blake_6h1a">Blake Bradford</a>'s RBI double off the wall in left-center field.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/tucker_jordan_v8wz">Jordan Tucker</a>&nbsp;then followed with an RBI double to give the Dragons the lead.

Barton claimed a 3-2 lead after Owen Clyne's two-run triple. The Dragons had a great scoring chance in the seventh. Bradford and Tucker led off the inning with singles and were sacrificed up a base after a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/griffin_hank_70om">Hank Griffin</a>&nbsp;bunt. But the Dragons – Hutchinson was 1 for 7 in scoring position and 1 for 10 with two outs – came up empty. The Dragons left six runners on base.

The Cougars got a pair of two-out insurance runs in the eighth with an RBI single from Kyler Horsman and an RBI double from Grant Nottleman for a 5-2 lead.

Hutchinson scored a run in the bottom of the ninth after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wesslund_cooper_2jkh">Cooper Wesslund</a>&nbsp;led off with a triple and scored on a Bradford sacrifice fly to right to cut the deficit to 5-3.

Bradford was 2 for 3 with a double and two RBIs. Tucker was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Maher was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/giesbrecht_ethan_qz2n">Ethan Giesbrecht</a>&nbsp;(11-3) was tagged with the loss. Giesbrecht tossed eight innings allowing seven hits, five total runs and four earned runs with five strikeouts and one walk.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/toureau_cole_aswi">Cole Toureau</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wilson_rece_a2uw">Rece Wilson</a>finished out the ninth inning for the Dragons.

Barton starter Reece Hemmerling (9-4) threw a complete game. He gave up eight hits and three earned runs with three strikeouts and one walk.

POSTGAME NOTES:+&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;extended his career-long hitting streak to 12 games with a first-inning infield single.

+&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/pimental-guerrero_luis_ubag">Luis Pimentel-Guerrero</a>&nbsp;went 0 for 3 with a walk to snap his consecutive-game hitting streak at 19 games, which ties Trever Adams (2009) for the third-longest streak in program history.

+ Now with 90 strikeouts for the season,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/giesbrecht_ethan_qz2n">Ethan Giesbrecht</a>&nbsp;moves past Matt Rackers into fourth place on the Blue Dragon single-season strikeout list.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715858803147.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon center fielder Kael Babin makes a head-first diving catch earn in Wednesday's Plains District opening-round game at Eck Stadium in Wichita. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon center fielder Kael Babin makes a head-first diving catch earn in Wednesday's Plains District opening-round game at Eck Stadium in Wichita. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationWICHITA – The Hutchinson Community College baseball team's road to Grand Junction became much longer Wednesday as the second-seeded Blue Dragons were upset in the opening round of the Plains District (Region 6) Tournament by the Barton Cougars.The 10th-seeded Cougars scored two runs each in the sixth and eighth innings to erase an early Blue Dragon lead in a 5-3 victory over Hutchinson at Eck Stadium.The No. 10 nationally ranked Blue Dragons (46-12) will now have to come all the way through the losers' bracket to have a chance at their first trip to the NJCAA World Series since 2010. Hutchinson begins is trek in the elimination bracket at 10 a.m. Thursday against the Dodge City Conquistadors.BLUE DRAGON BASEBALLNo. 2 Hutchinson (46-12) vs. No. 8 Dodge City (38-22)Plains District (Region 6) Tournament Elimination First RoundWhen: Thursday, May 16, 2024Time: 10 a.m.At: Eck Stadium, WichitaVideo:&nbsp;<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports-network" target="_blank">KJCCC Network (Pay-Per-View), 9:55 a.m.</a><a href="https://kjccc.org/sports-network" target="_blank"></a>X: @bluedragonsportTrailing 1-0 after one inning, the Blue Dragons took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/maher_quinn_h0lr">Quinn Maher</a>led off the inning with a single and then scored all the way from first on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/bradford_blake_6h1a">Blake Bradford</a>'s RBI double off the wall in left-center field.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/tucker_jordan_v8wz">Jordan Tucker</a>&nbsp;then followed with an RBI double to give the Dragons the lead.Barton claimed a 3-2 lead after Owen Clyne's two-run triple. The Dragons had a great scoring chance in the seventh. Bradford and Tucker led off the inning with singles and were sacrificed up a base after a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/griffin_hank_70om">Hank Griffin</a>&nbsp;bunt. But the Dragons – Hutchinson was 1 for 7 in scoring position and 1 for 10 with two outs – came up empty. The Dragons left six runners on base.The Cougars got a pair of two-out insurance runs in the eighth with an RBI single from Kyler Horsman and an RBI double from Grant Nottleman for a 5-2 lead.Hutchinson scored a run in the bottom of the ninth after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wesslund_cooper_2jkh">Cooper Wesslund</a>&nbsp;led off with a triple and scored on a Bradford sacrifice fly to right to cut the deficit to 5-3.The Blue Dragons out-hit Barton 8-7.Bradford was 2 for 3 with a double and two RBIs. Tucker was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Maher was 2 for 4 with a run scored.Starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/giesbrecht_ethan_qz2n">Ethan Giesbrecht</a>&nbsp;(11-3) was tagged with the loss. Giesbrecht tossed eight innings allowing seven hits, five total runs and four earned runs with five strikeouts and one walk.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/toureau_cole_aswi">Cole Toureau</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wilson_rece_a2uw">Rece Wilson</a>finished out the ninth inning for the Dragons.Barton starter Reece Hemmerling (9-4) threw a complete game. He gave up eight hits and three earned runs with three strikeouts and one walk.POSTGAME NOTES:+&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;extended his career-long hitting streak to 12 games with a first-inning infield single.+&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/pimental-guerrero_luis_ubag">Luis Pimentel-Guerrero</a>&nbsp;went 0 for 3 with a walk to snap his consecutive-game hitting streak at 19 games, which ties Trever Adams (2009) for the third-longest streak in program history.+ Now with 90 strikeouts for the season,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/giesbrecht_ethan_qz2n">Ethan Giesbrecht</a>&nbsp;moves past Matt Rackers into fourth place on the Blue Dragon single-season strikeout list.

⚾️ Blue Dragons drop Plains District opener

<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/2024-regular-season-schedule-finalized-chiefs-to-play-five-primetime-contests">Via Chiefs.com</a>

The National Football League announced the regular season schedule for the 2024 season on Wednesday. 

The Chiefs are currently slated to play in eight standalone games, including five primetime contests, with GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium playing host to six. The reigning back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Chiefs will kick off the 2024 season and hang their Super Bowl LVIII banner on the NFL's Kickoff night against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Sept. 5 for a rematch of last year's AFC Championship Game. 

This year's regular season schedule features nine games vs. opponents with winning records in 2023 and seven games vs. opponents who made the 2023 playoffs. The combined 2023 record of Kansas City's 2024 home and away opponents is 145-144-0 (.502). This year's slate features the Chiefs in contests on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Following the NFL's opening game, the Chiefs will host the Cincinnati Bengals in the second of two home games to open the 2024 season. The club then hits the road for two games, first in Atlanta for NBC's Sunday Night Football and then to Los Angeles to face the Chargers in Week 4. It will mark the first AFC West matchup as the Chiefs continue their quest for a ninth-consecutive AFC West title.

The Chiefs then return home to play the New Orleans Saints for the club's first of two Monday Night Football showdowns. The Chiefs will then enjoy their Bye Week during Week 6. It is the team's earliest Bye Week since 2016 when they had a Week 5 Bye. The Chiefs return to action Week 7 in San Francisco for a Super Bowl LVIII rematch. On Oct. 27, the Chiefs will face the Las Vegas Raiders for a Week 8 matchup. The Chiefs will come home to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for a two-game stretch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on ESPN's Monday Night Football on Nov. 4 then the Denver Broncos at noon on Nov. 10.

Week 11 is an AFC Divisional Round Game rematch in Buffalo as the Chiefs take on the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 17. The Chiefs will then face the Carolina Panthers on the road on Nov. 24. The Chiefs will play on Black Friday for the first time ever, taking on their AFC West rival, the Las Vegas Raiders, at 2 p.m. on Amazon Prime Video.

Week 14 will close out the Chiefs slated primetime matchups with Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs then head to Cleveland to face the Browns on Dec. 15 before taking on the defending AFC South champions, the Houston Texans, in Week 16 on Saturday, Dec. 21. The Chiefs will play in the first-ever Wednesday NFL game on Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers at 12 p.m. on Netflix. The Chiefs will close out the regular season by taking on the Broncos in Denver. The date and time are to be determined.

In addition to the announcement of the club's regular season schedule, the NFL also released the Chiefs preseason schedule. The Chiefs will hit the road to face the Jacksonville Jaguars for Week 1 of the preseason. The final two preseason games will be played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, first against the Detroit Lions and the second against the Chicago Bears. KSHB, the home for Chiefs preseason football games, will hold the broadcasts.

Chiefs single-game tickets will go on sale beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday for Jackson County taxpayers, 10 a.m. for Chiefs Season Ticket Members and 11 a.m. for the public. Single-game tickets are subject to availability, dynamic pricing and will be mobile entry only. Visit <a href="https://www.chiefs.com/">chiefs.com</a> for details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707336003255.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/2024-regular-season-schedule-finalized-chiefs-to-play-five-primetime-contests">Via Chiefs.com</a>The National Football League announced the regular season schedule for the 2024 season on Wednesday. The Chiefs are currently slated to play in eight standalone games, including five primetime contests, with GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium playing host to six. The reigning back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Chiefs will kick off the 2024 season and hang their Super Bowl LVIII banner on the NFL's Kickoff night against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Sept. 5 for a rematch of last year's AFC Championship Game. This year's regular season schedule features nine games vs. opponents with winning records in 2023 and seven games vs. opponents who made the 2023 playoffs. The combined 2023 record of Kansas City's 2024 home and away opponents is 145-144-0 (.502). This year's slate features the Chiefs in contests on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Following the NFL's opening game, the Chiefs will host the Cincinnati Bengals in the second of two home games to open the 2024 season. The club then hits the road for two games, first in Atlanta for NBC's Sunday Night Football and then to Los Angeles to face the Chargers in Week 4. It will mark the first AFC West matchup as the Chiefs continue their quest for a ninth-consecutive AFC West title.The Chiefs then return home to play the New Orleans Saints for the club's first of two Monday Night Football showdowns. The Chiefs will then enjoy their Bye Week during Week 6. It is the team's earliest Bye Week since 2016 when they had a Week 5 Bye. The Chiefs return to action Week 7 in San Francisco for a Super Bowl LVIII rematch. On Oct. 27, the Chiefs will face the Las Vegas Raiders for a Week 8 matchup. The Chiefs will come home to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for a two-game stretch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on ESPN's Monday Night Football on Nov. 4 then the Denver Broncos at noon on Nov. 10.Week 11 is an AFC Divisional Round Game rematch in Buffalo as the Chiefs take on the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 17. The Chiefs will then face the Carolina Panthers on the road on Nov. 24. The Chiefs will play on Black Friday for the first time ever, taking on their AFC West rival, the Las Vegas Raiders, at 2 p.m. on Amazon Prime Video.Week 14 will close out the Chiefs slated primetime matchups with Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs then head to Cleveland to face the Browns on Dec. 15 before taking on the defending AFC South champions, the Houston Texans, in Week 16 on Saturday, Dec. 21. The Chiefs will play in the first-ever Wednesday NFL game on Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers at 12 p.m. on Netflix. The Chiefs will close out the regular season by taking on the Broncos in Denver. The date and time are to be determined.In addition to the announcement of the club's regular season schedule, the NFL also released the Chiefs preseason schedule. The Chiefs will hit the road to face the Jacksonville Jaguars for Week 1 of the preseason. The final two preseason games will be played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, first against the Detroit Lions and the second against the Chicago Bears. KSHB, the home for Chiefs preseason football games, will hold the broadcasts.Chiefs single-game tickets will go on sale beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday for Jackson County taxpayers, 10 a.m. for Chiefs Season Ticket Members and 11 a.m. for the public. Single-game tickets are subject to availability, dynamic pricing and will be mobile entry only. Visit <a href="https://www.chiefs.com/">chiefs.com</a> for details.

🏈 Chiefs 2024 schedule released

SEATTLE (AP) — Ty France homered for the second time in three games, Bryan Woo allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings for his first win and the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Wednesday.

The Mariners took two of three from the Royals and have won eight of their last nine series. Seattle will head out on a key 10-game road trip on the East Coast four games above .500 and leading the AL West.

France hit a solo shot off Kansas City starter Alec Marsh in the fourth inning to give Seattle a 2-0 lead. France also homered on Monday in the series opener.

Seattle also got an unearned run in the second inning after Adam Frazier was unable to cleanly field Luis Urías’ grounder behind third base with the bases loaded, and the Mariners added on two key runs late. Josh Rojas had a two-out RBI single in the seventh inning and Luke Raley added an RBI single in the eighth.

“The add-on runs today were huge. Guys just kept grinding through knowing that we have to have good at-bats," Seattle manager Scott Servais said. "We got some big hits.”

While Woo was terrific, Andrés Muñoz came through late, getting the final five outs for his seventh save. He also pitched around an error by Urías in the ninth. It was his second five-out save of the season.

Muñoz said his approach has changed a bit since the start of the season.

“I was a little more cautious about throw the pitch here, throw the pitch here," Muñoz said. "What I changed was just throw the ball the hardest that I can right in the middle. Obviously I don't want to hit the middle, but that is my mentality right now.”

Woo (1-0) cruised through the first five innings allowing only one hit, before running into a jam in the sixth inning. Woo had a long fifth inning in the dugout due to an umpire change between the top and bottom of the inning, as home plate umpire Jim Wolf was replaced for precautionary reasons after taking a foul ball off the facemask.

When Woo returned for the sixth, he wasn’t as sharp and immediately ran into trouble with two singles and a walk. Bobby Witt Jr. delivered a sacrifice fly to score Freddy Fermin, but reliever Gabe Speier ended the threat by getting a foul pop out from Vinny Pasquantino and struck out Salvador Perez to end the inning.

Woo struck out five and walked only one. His first start of the season last Friday had been cut short due to tightness in his right forearm following a long inning in the dugout.

“You have to learn. I think today we did a really good job adjusting from obviously the last start and came up with some good ideas of how to stay hot between innings,” Woo said.

Witt also had an RBI groundout in the eighth that scored Fermin.

“You got to try to capitalize. You know they’re going to be generally low-scoring games when you play these guys,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They have a good pitching staff and we put ourselves in a couple spots to do some good things.”

<figure>
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 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) — Ty France homered for the second time in three games, Bryan Woo allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings for his first win and the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Wednesday.The Mariners took two of three from the Royals and have won eight of their last nine series. Seattle will head out on a key 10-game road trip on the East Coast four games above .500 and leading the AL West.France hit a solo shot off Kansas City starter Alec Marsh in the fourth inning to give Seattle a 2-0 lead. France also homered on Monday in the series opener.Seattle also got an unearned run in the second inning after Adam Frazier was unable to cleanly field Luis Urías’ grounder behind third base with the bases loaded, and the Mariners added on two key runs late. Josh Rojas had a two-out RBI single in the seventh inning and Luke Raley added an RBI single in the eighth.“The add-on runs today were huge. Guys just kept grinding through knowing that we have to have good at-bats," Seattle manager Scott Servais said. "We got some big hits.”While Woo was terrific, Andrés Muñoz came through late, getting the final five outs for his seventh save. He also pitched around an error by Urías in the ninth. It was his second five-out save of the season.Muñoz said his approach has changed a bit since the start of the season.“I was a little more cautious about throw the pitch here, throw the pitch here," Muñoz said. "What I changed was just throw the ball the hardest that I can right in the middle. Obviously I don't want to hit the middle, but that is my mentality right now.”Woo (1-0) cruised through the first five innings allowing only one hit, before running into a jam in the sixth inning. Woo had a long fifth inning in the dugout due to an umpire change between the top and bottom of the inning, as home plate umpire Jim Wolf was replaced for precautionary reasons after taking a foul ball off the facemask.When Woo returned for the sixth, he wasn’t as sharp and immediately ran into trouble with two singles and a walk. Bobby Witt Jr. delivered a sacrifice fly to score Freddy Fermin, but reliever Gabe Speier ended the threat by getting a foul pop out from Vinny Pasquantino and struck out Salvador Perez to end the inning.Woo struck out five and walked only one. His first start of the season last Friday had been cut short due to tightness in his right forearm following a long inning in the dugout.“You have to learn. I think today we did a really good job adjusting from obviously the last start and came up with some good ideas of how to stay hot between innings,” Woo said.Witt also had an RBI groundout in the eighth that scored Fermin.“You got to try to capitalize. You know they’re going to be generally low-scoring games when you play these guys,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They have a good pitching staff and we put ourselves in a couple spots to do some good things.”Marsh (3-1) allowed just one earned run but took his first loss of the season. He struck out seven and has allowed just two earned runs in his past four starts combined.TRAINER’S ROOMMariners: 2B Jorge Polanco (hamstring) and DH Mitch Garver (back) were out of the lineup for a second straight day. Both could return Friday in Baltimore.UP NEXTBoth teams are off on Thursday. The Royals return home to open a three-game series with Oakland on Friday, while Seattle starts a 10-game road trip in Baltimore on Friday.