Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics

&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— Wichita State's run in the American Athletic Conference Championship came to an end in the title game, falling in five innings to No. 2 seed Charlotte, 10-1, Saturday afternoon at Wilkins Stadium.

Wichita State (28-22) dropped to 1-1 all-time in the AAC title game and is now 6-4 all-time in the championship after playing its fourth game in four days.

The Shockers managed just four hits on the day, all singles except for a&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7559">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;double.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-urban/7572">Bailey Urban</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7565">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;combined for the three other hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;was intentionally walked all three times after going 7-for-9 with an AAC Championship record six home runs and 13 RBI. Barnard was named the AAC Championship Most Outstanding Player for her record-breaking week. She is the first Shocker to earn MOP honors twice, also doing it as a freshman in 2021.

She was joined on the All-Tournament Team by Wong, Hood and Brown.

Charlotte needed just one batter to take a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on Arianna Rodi's leadoff home run.

Wichita State put a runner at third in the top of the second after Hood reached on a bunt single, but she was left stranded to end the frame. Wichita State was 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position in the game, while Charlotte capitalized on its opportunities, going 5-for-12.

The first four Niners all reached to open the bottom of the second and then Rodi's second home run of the game cleared the bags for a grand slam, putting Charlotte in complete control, 6-0. Two more would come into score in the frame, completing a seven-run inning.

Wichita State's best scoring chance came in the top of the fourth with the bases loaded and only one out, but back-to-back strikeouts kept the Shockers off the board.

Charlotte tacked on two more in the bottom half, upping its lead to 10-0.

Urban's RBI single in the top of the fifth broke up the shutout, but the next three all went down in order to end the game in five innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715564290882.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— Wichita State's run in the American Athletic Conference Championship came to an end in the title game, falling in five innings to No. 2 seed Charlotte, 10-1, Saturday afternoon at Wilkins Stadium.Wichita State (28-22) dropped to 1-1 all-time in the AAC title game and is now 6-4 all-time in the championship after playing its fourth game in four days.The Shockers managed just four hits on the day, all singles except for a&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7559">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;double.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-urban/7572">Bailey Urban</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7565">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;combined for the three other hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;was intentionally walked all three times after going 7-for-9 with an AAC Championship record six home runs and 13 RBI. Barnard was named the AAC Championship Most Outstanding Player for her record-breaking week. She is the first Shocker to earn MOP honors twice, also doing it as a freshman in 2021.She was joined on the All-Tournament Team by Wong, Hood and Brown.Charlotte needed just one batter to take a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on Arianna Rodi's leadoff home run.Wichita State put a runner at third in the top of the second after Hood reached on a bunt single, but she was left stranded to end the frame. Wichita State was 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position in the game, while Charlotte capitalized on its opportunities, going 5-for-12.The first four Niners all reached to open the bottom of the second and then Rodi's second home run of the game cleared the bags for a grand slam, putting Charlotte in complete control, 6-0. Two more would come into score in the frame, completing a seven-run inning.Wichita State's best scoring chance came in the top of the fourth with the bases loaded and only one out, but back-to-back strikeouts kept the Shockers off the board.Charlotte tacked on two more in the bottom half, upping its lead to 10-0.Urban's RBI single in the top of the fifth broke up the shutout, but the next three all went down in order to end the game in five innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🥎 Shockers fall in AAC title game to charlotte

WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge dropped their first game of the series 5-4 in 11 innings against the Arkansas Travelers. Wichita tied the game in the ninth and tenth innings before Arkansas finally defeated them in extra innings.

The lone blemish on the night for&nbsp;Marco Raya&nbsp;was a Morgan McCullough two-run home run in the top of the second. Raya bounced back and threw for four innings, his longest appearance of the season off the mound.

Jaylen Nowlin&nbsp;flourished in his second straight appearance as the piggyback to Raya’s opener. The lefty tallied a season-high eight strikeouts over five and a third innings.

While the runs seemed few and far between, Wichita rallied in the bottom of the ninth to send the game to extras.&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;brought in&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;on a bases-loaded fielder’s choice before&nbsp;Jorel Ortega&nbsp;singled to left to score the pinch runner&nbsp;Alerick Soularie.

Alternating runs followed in the tenth, beginning with Spencer Packard lining an RBI single to right in the top half of the frame. The Wind Surge loaded the bases in the bottom of the tenth before&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;was hit by a pitch to score&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;from third in a 3-3 tie.

Two more Travelers runs followed in the eleventh, and Ortega singled home another run in&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;in the bottom of the frame before a bases-loaded game-ending groundout.

Miguel Rodriguez&nbsp;received his third loss of the season; he now stands at 1-3. Following up Nowlin in extras, he gave up two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk with one strikeout in one and two-thirds innings of work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715432186047.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge Outlasted By Travelers On Fireworks Friday" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge Outlasted By Travelers On Fireworks Friday</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge dropped their first game of the series 5-4 in 11 innings against the Arkansas Travelers. Wichita tied the game in the ninth and tenth innings before Arkansas finally defeated them in extra innings.The lone blemish on the night for&nbsp;Marco Raya&nbsp;was a Morgan McCullough two-run home run in the top of the second. Raya bounced back and threw for four innings, his longest appearance of the season off the mound.Jaylen Nowlin&nbsp;flourished in his second straight appearance as the piggyback to Raya’s opener. The lefty tallied a season-high eight strikeouts over five and a third innings.While the runs seemed few and far between, Wichita rallied in the bottom of the ninth to send the game to extras.&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;brought in&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;on a bases-loaded fielder’s choice before&nbsp;Jorel Ortega&nbsp;singled to left to score the pinch runner&nbsp;Alerick Soularie.Alternating runs followed in the tenth, beginning with Spencer Packard lining an RBI single to right in the top half of the frame. The Wind Surge loaded the bases in the bottom of the tenth before&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;was hit by a pitch to score&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;from third in a 3-3 tie.Two more Travelers runs followed in the eleventh, and Ortega singled home another run in&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;in the bottom of the frame before a bases-loaded game-ending groundout.Miguel Rodriguez&nbsp;received his third loss of the season; he now stands at 1-3. Following up Nowlin in extras, he gave up two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk with one strikeout in one and two-thirds innings of work.

⚾ Arkansas Travelers edge Wind Surge in extra innings

AP Sports Audio Report for Saturday, May 11th, 2024:

Nuggets bounce back with 117-90 blowout of Timberwolves behind 24 points from energized Murray

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jamal Murray rebounded from a rough start to the Western Conference semifinals with 24 points to lead the Denver Nuggets on a 117-90 romp in Game 3 that made the Minnesota Timberwolves the last team in the NBA to lose in this postseason. Nikola Jokic had 24 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists, Michael Porter Jr. scored 21 points and the Nuggets cut the series lead to 2-1 on the strength of 14-for-29 shooting from 3-point range. Game 4 is Sunday. Anthony Edwards had a quiet 19 points to lead the Wolves, who went just 9 for 31 from deep.

Andrew Nembhard's late 3 gives Pacers 111-106 victory over Knicks. Indiana moves within 2-1

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Andrew Nembhard made a 31-foot, tiebreaking 3-pointer with 16 seconds left, Tyrese Haliburton scored 35 points and the Indiana Pacers rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the banged-up and short-handed New York Knicks 111-106 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Knicks still lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 with Game 4 set for Sunday in Indianapolis. New York led by nine with 9:45 remaining and was in position to take a commanding 3-0 lead, but with Jalen Brunson slowed by a right foot injury, the Knicks couldn't hold on. Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 35 points.

Mike Budenholzer agrees to coach Phoenix Suns, AP source says

PHOENIX (AP) — Mike Budenholzer has agreed to coach the Phoenix Suns, according to a person familiar with the decision, as the franchise turns to the man who beat them in the 2021 NBA Finals. The 54-year-old Budenholzer replaces Frank Vogel, who was fired Thursday after one season. ESPN and The Athletic both reported that Budenholzer's deal was for five years. Budenholzer — from Holbrook, Arizona — was coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 when they roared back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Suns in the Finals. He will be charged with getting the more out of the team's All-Star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The Suns were 49-33 and got swept by Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs.

Panthers take a 2-1 series lead over the Bruins, scoring 4 power-play goals in a 6-2 victory

BOSTON (AP) — Vladimir Tarasenko and Carter Verhaeghe scored on the same Bruins double-minor, Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 14 shots and the Florida Panthers beat Boston 6-2 on Friday night and take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series. Evan Rodrigues scored twice, and Brandon Montour also connected for the Panthers, who have won back-to-back games after dropping the opener at home. A 6-1 winner Wednesday night, Florida scored 10 straight goals before Jakub Lauko made it 4-1 early in the third and Jake DeBrusk followed with 11:31 left to make it a two-goal game. But Boston, which played the final 20 minutes without captain and No. 2 scorer Brad Marchand, could get no closer. Game 4 is Sunday night in Boston.

Charlie Morton just reached 2,000 innings at age 40. How has he lasted when so many pitchers don't?

NEW YORK (AP) — Charlie Morton just surpassed 2,000 career innings during another win for the Atlanta Braves. Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw are the only other active pitchers to reach that milestone — all three likely headed to the Hall of Fame. So how has the 40-year-old Morton been able to last this long when so many other pitchers can't stay healthy nowadays? He says he was fortunate to be given time and grace to figure out a delivery that doesn't cause pain.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus says No. 1 pick Caleb Williams will open season as No. 1 QB

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Caleb Williams is the Chicago Bears' starting quarterback. Just in case there was a shred of doubt the No. 1 overall draft pick is the team's No. 1 QB, coach Matt Eberflus erased it on Friday. He says there was "no conversation" and Williams is "the starter." Eberflus' comment was hardly a surprise considering the Bears have been all in on Williams since the early stages of the draft process. They made their intentions clear when they traded Justin Fields to Pittsburgh in March. Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, is widely viewed as a generational talent.

Korda shoots 66 to keep bid alive for 6th straight LPGA Tour win. She trails Zhang, Sagstom by 4

CLIFTON, N.J. (AP) — Nelly Korda has no intention of letting anyone run away with the Cognizant Founders Cup and end her bid become the first player to win six straight LPGA tournaments. Faced with a 10-stroke deficit starting her second round in the event that honors the tour's founding members, Korda shot a 6-under 66 in cold, damp conditions to move into third place, four shots behind co-leaders Rose Zhang and Madelene Sagstrom with 36 holes to play this weekend. Yan Liu of China was fourth at 138, a shot ahead of Mel Reid of England.

Xander Schauffele shoots 67, leads by 4 over Rory McIlroy, Jason Day at Wells Fargo Championship

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Xander Schauffele has consistently been near the top of the leaderboard most of the year. Now he's hoping to close the door. Schauffele shot a 4-under 67 on Friday after opening with a 64, leaving him at 11-under 131 and four shots ahead of Rory McIlroy and Jason Day heading into the weekend at the Wells Fargo Championship. Taylor Moore and Sungjae Im were five back at 6 under. The 30-year-old Schauffele has seven top-10 finishes this season, but no wins. He's looking to snap a winless streak that dates to July 2022 at the Genesis Scottish Open.

Pacers' Carlisle fined $35,000 by NBA for criticizing referees, implying bias against small markets

NEW YORK (AP) — Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for criticizing the officials and "questioning the integrity of the league" with his pleas for fairness for small-market teams. Carlisle made his comments after the Pacers' 130-121 loss to the New York Knicks on Wednesday. He was called for two technical fouls and ejected late in the game as Indiana fell into a 2-0 hole in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Carlisle complained about a number of missed calls, which the Pacers subsequently sent to the league for review, and implied a bias in favor of New York.

Commanders' Daniels and Giants' Nabers call off their $10K bet between ex-LSU teammates

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The bet is off between Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers. The former LSU teammates and friends agreed to a $10,000 wager on who would win NFL offensive rookie of the year. Each player said Friday he was educated about the league's gambling policy upon appearing at his respective team's rookie minicamp. Daniels said he and Nabers had a conversation afterward and decided it was not worth getting in trouble over the bet. Daniels is Washington's new franchise quarterback after being drafted second, and Nabers is in the same division after the Giants picked the receiver sixth.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		Orlando City	at	Philadelphia	7:30 p.m.	

		New York City FC	at	Toronto FC	7:30 p.m.	

		Houston	at	Sporting Kansas City	8:30 p.m.	

		Real Salt Lake	at	LA Galaxy	10:30 p.m.	

		Vancouver	at	Los Angeles FC	10:30 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, May 11th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, May 11th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Audio Report for Saturday, May 11th, 2024:<div><iframe title="AP Sports Reports for May 11th, 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=x2dvg-160c81f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Nuggets bounce back with 117-90 blowout of Timberwolves behind 24 points from energized MurrayMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jamal Murray rebounded from a rough start to the Western Conference semifinals with 24 points to lead the Denver Nuggets on a 117-90 romp in Game 3 that made the Minnesota Timberwolves the last team in the NBA to lose in this postseason. Nikola Jokic had 24 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists, Michael Porter Jr. scored 21 points and the Nuggets cut the series lead to 2-1 on the strength of 14-for-29 shooting from 3-point range. Game 4 is Sunday. Anthony Edwards had a quiet 19 points to lead the Wolves, who went just 9 for 31 from deep.Andrew Nembhard's late 3 gives Pacers 111-106 victory over Knicks. Indiana moves within 2-1INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Andrew Nembhard made a 31-foot, tiebreaking 3-pointer with 16 seconds left, Tyrese Haliburton scored 35 points and the Indiana Pacers rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the banged-up and short-handed New York Knicks 111-106 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Knicks still lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 with Game 4 set for Sunday in Indianapolis. New York led by nine with 9:45 remaining and was in position to take a commanding 3-0 lead, but with Jalen Brunson slowed by a right foot injury, the Knicks couldn't hold on. Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 35 points.Mike Budenholzer agrees to coach Phoenix Suns, AP source saysPHOENIX (AP) — Mike Budenholzer has agreed to coach the Phoenix Suns, according to a person familiar with the decision, as the franchise turns to the man who beat them in the 2021 NBA Finals. The 54-year-old Budenholzer replaces Frank Vogel, who was fired Thursday after one season. ESPN and The Athletic both reported that Budenholzer's deal was for five years. Budenholzer — from Holbrook, Arizona — was coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 when they roared back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Suns in the Finals. He will be charged with getting the more out of the team's All-Star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The Suns were 49-33 and got swept by Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs.Panthers take a 2-1 series lead over the Bruins, scoring 4 power-play goals in a 6-2 victoryBOSTON (AP) — Vladimir Tarasenko and Carter Verhaeghe scored on the same Bruins double-minor, Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 14 shots and the Florida Panthers beat Boston 6-2 on Friday night and take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series. Evan Rodrigues scored twice, and Brandon Montour also connected for the Panthers, who have won back-to-back games after dropping the opener at home. A 6-1 winner Wednesday night, Florida scored 10 straight goals before Jakub Lauko made it 4-1 early in the third and Jake DeBrusk followed with 11:31 left to make it a two-goal game. But Boston, which played the final 20 minutes without captain and No. 2 scorer Brad Marchand, could get no closer. Game 4 is Sunday night in Boston.Charlie Morton just reached 2,000 innings at age 40. How has he lasted when so many pitchers don't?NEW YORK (AP) — Charlie Morton just surpassed 2,000 career innings during another win for the Atlanta Braves. Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw are the only other active pitchers to reach that milestone — all three likely headed to the Hall of Fame. So how has the 40-year-old Morton been able to last this long when so many other pitchers can't stay healthy nowadays? He says he was fortunate to be given time and grace to figure out a delivery that doesn't cause pain.Bears coach Matt Eberflus says No. 1 pick Caleb Williams will open season as No. 1 QBLAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Caleb Williams is the Chicago Bears' starting quarterback. Just in case there was a shred of doubt the No. 1 overall draft pick is the team's No. 1 QB, coach Matt Eberflus erased it on Friday. He says there was "no conversation" and Williams is "the starter." Eberflus' comment was hardly a surprise considering the Bears have been all in on Williams since the early stages of the draft process. They made their intentions clear when they traded Justin Fields to Pittsburgh in March. Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, is widely viewed as a generational talent.Korda shoots 66 to keep bid alive for 6th straight LPGA Tour win. She trails Zhang, Sagstom by 4CLIFTON, N.J. (AP) — Nelly Korda has no intention of letting anyone run away with the Cognizant Founders Cup and end her bid become the first player to win six straight LPGA tournaments. Faced with a 10-stroke deficit starting her second round in the event that honors the tour's founding members, Korda shot a 6-under 66 in cold, damp conditions to move into third place, four shots behind co-leaders Rose Zhang and Madelene Sagstrom with 36 holes to play this weekend. Yan Liu of China was fourth at 138, a shot ahead of Mel Reid of England.Xander Schauffele shoots 67, leads by 4 over Rory McIlroy, Jason Day at Wells Fargo ChampionshipCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Xander Schauffele has consistently been near the top of the leaderboard most of the year. Now he's hoping to close the door. Schauffele shot a 4-under 67 on Friday after opening with a 64, leaving him at 11-under 131 and four shots ahead of Rory McIlroy and Jason Day heading into the weekend at the Wells Fargo Championship. Taylor Moore and Sungjae Im were five back at 6 under. The 30-year-old Schauffele has seven top-10 finishes this season, but no wins. He's looking to snap a winless streak that dates to July 2022 at the Genesis Scottish Open.Pacers' Carlisle fined $35,000 by NBA for criticizing referees, implying bias against small marketsNEW YORK (AP) — Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for criticizing the officials and "questioning the integrity of the league" with his pleas for fairness for small-market teams. Carlisle made his comments after the Pacers' 130-121 loss to the New York Knicks on Wednesday. He was called for two technical fouls and ejected late in the game as Indiana fell into a 2-0 hole in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Carlisle complained about a number of missed calls, which the Pacers subsequently sent to the league for review, and implied a bias in favor of New York.Commanders' Daniels and Giants' Nabers call off their $10K bet between ex-LSU teammatesASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The bet is off between Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers. The former LSU teammates and friends agreed to a $10,000 wager on who would win NFL offensive rookie of the year. Each player said Friday he was educated about the league's gambling policy upon appearing at his respective team's rookie minicamp. Daniels said he and Nabers had a conversation afterward and decided it was not worth getting in trouble over the bet. Daniels is Washington's new franchise quarterback after being drafted second, and Nabers is in the same division after the Giants picked the receiver sixth.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Washington	5	Boston	1	Final	Baltimore	4	Arizona	2	Final	Colorado	4	Texas	2	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Houston	5	Detroit	2	Final	N.Y. Yankees	2	Tampa Bay	0	Final	Minnesota	3	Toronto	2	Final	Chicago White Sox	6	Cleveland	3	Final	Kansas City	2	L.A. Angels	1	Final	Seattle	8	Oakland	1	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Chicago Cubs	7	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Atlanta	4	N.Y. Mets	2	Final	Philadelphia	8	Miami	2	Final	Milwaukee	11	St. Louis	2	Final	San Diego	2	L.A. Dodgers	1	Final	Cincinnati	4	San Francisco	2	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Indiana	111	New York	106	Final	Denver	117	Minnesota	90	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Florida	6	Boston	2	Final OT	Edmonton	4	Vancouver	3	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Arizona	at	Baltimore	4:05 p.m.			Washington	at	Boston	4:10 p.m.			Texas	at	Colorado	8:10 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Minnesota	at	Toronto	3:07 p.m.			N-Y Yankees	at	Tampa Bay	4:10 p.m.			Houston	at	Detroit	6:10 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Chi White Sox	7:10 p.m.			Kansas City	at	L-A Angels	9:38 p.m.			Oakland	at	Seattle	9:40 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Chi Cubs	at	Pittsburgh	4:05 p.m.			Atlanta	at	N-Y Mets	4:10 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Miami	4:10 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	San Francisco	7:15 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Milwaukee	7:15 p.m.			L-A Dodgers	at	San Diego	8:40 p.m.	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS		Oklahoma City	at	Dallas	3:30 p.m.			Boston	at	Cleveland	8:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS		N-Y Rangers	at	Carolina	7 p.m.			Dallas	at	Colorado	10 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		D.C. United	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.			Nashville	at	Charlotte FC	7:30 p.m.			Miami	at	CF Montréal	7:30 p.m.			New England	at	New York	7:30 p.m.			Orlando City	at	Philadelphia	7:30 p.m.			New York City FC	at	Toronto FC	7:30 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	Columbus	7:45 p.m.			Austin FC	at	FC Dallas	8:30 p.m.			Houston	at	Sporting Kansas City	8:30 p.m.			Chicago	at	St Louis City	8:30 p.m.			San Jose	at	Colorado	9:30 p.m.			Real Salt Lake	at	LA Galaxy	10:30 p.m.			Vancouver	at	Los Angeles FC	10:30 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Saturday

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Adam Frazier hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning and the Kansas City Royals rallied for a 2-1 victory over the hapless Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.

MJ Melendez delivered a one-out single off Angels closer Carlos Estévez (0-2) before Frazier put his first homer in 31 games this season into the short porch in right field. Frazier, who got two hits to boost his average to .188, hadn't homered in 74 games since last July 30 with Baltimore.

“I've been working on a lot of different things,” Frazier said. “I probably changed ideas 10 times today, to be honest. ... The last couple of at-bats, just kind of relaxed and let the hands take over. Just tried to get the body out of the way and swing easy.”

Melendez had three hits for Kansas City, which has won three straight and seven of 10. Tyler Duffey (1-0) pitched the eighth to earn his first victory since 2022.

Jo Adell homered and Griffin Canning pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings for the Angels, who have lost 16 of 21 after Estévez's third blown save in his last six opportunities.

Matt Thaiss got a one-out double off John Schreiber in the bottom of the ninth, but Schreiber got two grounders to wrap up his first save of the season with his new team.

Alec Marsh struck out seven while pitching one-run ball into the sixth inning in his return from injury, but the Royals were two outs away from their second shutout loss of the season before they came back. Marsh hadn’t pitched since getting hit in the elbow by a comebacker on April 25.

“We were in it the whole time,” Marsh said. “No one thought we were losing that game. ... That's what you live for right there — coming back in those games and sneaking those wins out. The bats didn't show up for the first couple of innings, but this team has got so much fight. Doesn't matter if it's the beginning of the game or the ending of the game. If we score, we're going to win.”

The Angels got a big game from Adell, who made a diving catch on Michael Massey's line drive in the top of the fifth. He hit his sixth homer of the season several minutes later, driving a 436-foot shot off the artificial rock formation beyond the center field fence at the Big A.

Canning came through with his best start in a rocky season, holding the Royals to three hits and two walks with three strikeouts.

“I don’t think the at-bats were poor,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “You’ve got to tip your cap to Canning. Looked like the changeup was really giving us trouble. He was getting it down below the barrel, and then the balls we did square up, Adell made a great play on Massey. That's a leadoff double, maybe triple. Who knows?"

After reliever Adam Cimber escaped Canning's sixth-inning jam by striking out Massey, Matt Moore and Luis García each threw a scoreless inning before Estévez blew it.

Niko Goodrum drew a walk and stole a base in his debut with the Angels, who claimed him off waivers from Tampa Bay on Thursday.

Luis Guillorme doubled in his second game with the Angels, who have added several stopgap veterans to fill the injury holes left by Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, Brandon Drury, Luis Rengifo and Miguel Sano.

Royals: LHP Daniel Lynch was sent back to Triple-A Omaha to make room for Marsh, who came off the 15-day injured list.

Angels: INF Ehire Adrianza went on the 10-day injured list with back spasms. The move is retroactive to Thursday.

LHP Tyler Anderson (2-4, 2.74 ERA) takes the mound for Los Angeles in the third game of the series Saturday, facing Kansas City LHP Cole Ragans (2-2, 3.38 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715405790300.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Angels' Zach Neto (9) steals second ahead of a throw to Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Angels' Zach Neto (9) steals second ahead of a throw to Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>GREG BEACHAM AP Sports WriterANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Adam Frazier hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning and the Kansas City Royals rallied for a 2-1 victory over the hapless Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.MJ Melendez delivered a one-out single off Angels closer Carlos Estévez (0-2) before Frazier put his first homer in 31 games this season into the short porch in right field. Frazier, who got two hits to boost his average to .188, hadn't homered in 74 games since last July 30 with Baltimore.“I've been working on a lot of different things,” Frazier said. “I probably changed ideas 10 times today, to be honest. ... The last couple of at-bats, just kind of relaxed and let the hands take over. Just tried to get the body out of the way and swing easy.”Melendez had three hits for Kansas City, which has won three straight and seven of 10. Tyler Duffey (1-0) pitched the eighth to earn his first victory since 2022.Jo Adell homered and Griffin Canning pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings for the Angels, who have lost 16 of 21 after Estévez's third blown save in his last six opportunities.Matt Thaiss got a one-out double off John Schreiber in the bottom of the ninth, but Schreiber got two grounders to wrap up his first save of the season with his new team.Alec Marsh struck out seven while pitching one-run ball into the sixth inning in his return from injury, but the Royals were two outs away from their second shutout loss of the season before they came back. Marsh hadn’t pitched since getting hit in the elbow by a comebacker on April 25.“We were in it the whole time,” Marsh said. “No one thought we were losing that game. ... That's what you live for right there — coming back in those games and sneaking those wins out. The bats didn't show up for the first couple of innings, but this team has got so much fight. Doesn't matter if it's the beginning of the game or the ending of the game. If we score, we're going to win.”The Angels got a big game from Adell, who made a diving catch on Michael Massey's line drive in the top of the fifth. He hit his sixth homer of the season several minutes later, driving a 436-foot shot off the artificial rock formation beyond the center field fence at the Big A.Canning came through with his best start in a rocky season, holding the Royals to three hits and two walks with three strikeouts.“I don’t think the at-bats were poor,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “You’ve got to tip your cap to Canning. Looked like the changeup was really giving us trouble. He was getting it down below the barrel, and then the balls we did square up, Adell made a great play on Massey. That's a leadoff double, maybe triple. Who knows?"After reliever Adam Cimber escaped Canning's sixth-inning jam by striking out Massey, Matt Moore and Luis García each threw a scoreless inning before Estévez blew it.Niko Goodrum drew a walk and stole a base in his debut with the Angels, who claimed him off waivers from Tampa Bay on Thursday.Luis Guillorme doubled in his second game with the Angels, who have added several stopgap veterans to fill the injury holes left by Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, Brandon Drury, Luis Rengifo and Miguel Sano.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: LHP Daniel Lynch was sent back to Triple-A Omaha to make room for Marsh, who came off the 15-day injured list.Angels: INF Ehire Adrianza went on the 10-day injured list with back spasms. The move is retroactive to Thursday.UP NEXTLHP Tyler Anderson (2-4, 2.74 ERA) takes the mound for Los Angeles in the third game of the series Saturday, facing Kansas City LHP Cole Ragans (2-2, 3.38 ERA).

⚾️ Royals win Friday over Angels; Frazier hits a clutch 2-run homer in the 9th

WICHITA, Kan. —Wichita State's magical run in the American Athletic Conference Championship had no plans of slowing down in Friday's semifinals, as the fourth-seeded Shockers run-ruled the top seed Florida Atlantic Owls in 5 innings, 12-2, at Wilkins Stadium.

Wichita State (28-21) will meet No. 2 Charlotte in Saturday's title game at 11 a.m. on ESPN2. The Shockers will be making their second appearance in the AAC Championship game, winning it in 2021.

The Shockers avenged an early season series loss to the Owls right here in Wichita. Florida Atlantic took 2-of-3 against the Shockers in early March.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;homered for the third straight day, upping her tournament total to six with 13 RBIs. She stands alone in fourth place on the NCAA all-time home run list with 93 homers. As a team, Wichita State hit three home runs on the day with&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-urban/7572">Bailey Urban</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7568">Krystin Nelson</a>&nbsp;each hitting a three-run homer.

Through three tournament games Wichita State has hit eight home runs and scored 10+ in every game.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7565">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;continued her red-hot week at the plate with three more hits and multiple defensive web gems.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jessica-garcia/7563">Jessica Garcia</a>&nbsp;singled and had two sac flies, boosting the bottom part of the lineup.

&nbsp; Backed by early run support,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/7573">Chloe Barber</a>&nbsp;(10-5) was able to settle in the circle nicely with the season on the line. She allowed two runs on three hits, three walks and two strikeouts.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7561">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;tossed the final 2.0 innings, allowing just two hits and two walks.

Barnard opened the third game of the tournament the same way she started the two prior, with a home run. Her otherworldly week gave the Shockers an early 2-0 lead after Wong drew a leadoff walk.

Wichita State's first two hitters in the top of the second reached on a hit by pitch and walk. After Nelson's sac bunt moved both runners up,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>&nbsp;hit a hard infield single up the middle to bring in the first run of the frame. A&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;sac fly made it 4-0.

Florida Atlantic threatened a big inning in the bottom of the second, but was only able to scratch out one run after the first three hitters all reached base. Both of Barber's strikeouts came in the second inning to help prevent a momentum changing inning.

&nbsp; The floodgates opened in the top of the third. Garcia started the scoring on the first of two sac flies. Then in the very next at bat, Nelson delivered a towering three-run home run to right, bouncing off the top of the wall and over. Walks from Wong and Barnard cleared the way for a first pitch, no-doubt Urban blast off the scoreboard in left-center. Wichita State's lead grew to 11-1.

The Owls cut it to 11-2 on an RBI double, but Wichita State immediately got that run back in the top of the fourth on Garcia's second sac fly of the game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715396155042.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. —Wichita State's magical run in the American Athletic Conference Championship had no plans of slowing down in Friday's semifinals, as the fourth-seeded Shockers run-ruled the top seed Florida Atlantic Owls in 5 innings, 12-2, at Wilkins Stadium.Wichita State (28-21) will meet No. 2 Charlotte in Saturday's title game at 11 a.m. on ESPN2. The Shockers will be making their second appearance in the AAC Championship game, winning it in 2021.The Shockers avenged an early season series loss to the Owls right here in Wichita. Florida Atlantic took 2-of-3 against the Shockers in early March.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;homered for the third straight day, upping her tournament total to six with 13 RBIs. She stands alone in fourth place on the NCAA all-time home run list with 93 homers. As a team, Wichita State hit three home runs on the day with&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-urban/7572">Bailey Urban</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7568">Krystin Nelson</a>&nbsp;each hitting a three-run homer.Through three tournament games Wichita State has hit eight home runs and scored 10+ in every game.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7565">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;continued her red-hot week at the plate with three more hits and multiple defensive web gems.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jessica-garcia/7563">Jessica Garcia</a>&nbsp;singled and had two sac flies, boosting the bottom part of the lineup.&nbsp; Backed by early run support,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/7573">Chloe Barber</a>&nbsp;(10-5) was able to settle in the circle nicely with the season on the line. She allowed two runs on three hits, three walks and two strikeouts.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7561">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;tossed the final 2.0 innings, allowing just two hits and two walks.Barnard opened the third game of the tournament the same way she started the two prior, with a home run. Her otherworldly week gave the Shockers an early 2-0 lead after Wong drew a leadoff walk.Wichita State's first two hitters in the top of the second reached on a hit by pitch and walk. After Nelson's sac bunt moved both runners up,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>&nbsp;hit a hard infield single up the middle to bring in the first run of the frame. A&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;sac fly made it 4-0.Florida Atlantic threatened a big inning in the bottom of the second, but was only able to scratch out one run after the first three hitters all reached base. Both of Barber's strikeouts came in the second inning to help prevent a momentum changing inning.&nbsp; The floodgates opened in the top of the third. Garcia started the scoring on the first of two sac flies. Then in the very next at bat, Nelson delivered a towering three-run home run to right, bouncing off the top of the wall and over. Walks from Wong and Barnard cleared the way for a first pitch, no-doubt Urban blast off the scoreboard in left-center. Wichita State's lead grew to 11-1.The Owls cut it to 11-2 on an RBI double, but Wichita State immediately got that run back in the top of the fourth on Garcia's second sac fly of the game.

🥎 Shockers run-rule top seed FAU, advance to title game

The No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College Baseball team racked up a season-high 23 runs to complete a sweep of the Labette Cardinals on Friday in the opening round of the Region VI Baseball Tournament at Hobart-Detter Field.

<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;went 4 for 4 and drove in three runs and four Blue Dragon pitchers combined on a five-hit shutout to defeat the Cardinals 23-0 in Game 2, winning the best-of-3 series 2-0.

The Jayhawk West champion and tournament No. 2-seeded Blue Dragons (46-11) advance to the eight-team double-elimination Plains District Tournament, which begins Wednesday at Eck Stadium in Wichita. The Blue Dragons will meet the Barton Cougars at 1 p.m.

This was the fourth time in 2024 the Blue Dragons have scored 20 or more runs in a game. The 23-run eruption tied for the eighth most in Hutchinson single-game history, matching a Region 6 game against Independence in 2016 and a regular-season battle against Dodge City in 2021.

The Blue Dragons had 18 hits, including two doubles, a triple and home run. Labette also added seven walks, seven errors, two balks, three hit batters and three wild pitches to the mix.

The Dragons also broke a single-game record with five sacrifice flies –&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/babin_kael_g1ow">Kael Babin</a>, Cymbalista,&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/summers_jackson_drux">Jackson Summers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/bradford_blake_6h1a">Blake Bradford</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/vassart_tyson_020j">Tyson Vassart</a>&nbsp;also had sacrifice flies in the game.

Hutchinson broke the game open early with a six-run first inning where 11 batters came to the plate. The Dragons scored three in the second and batted around in both the third and fourth innings, where they scored five and eight runs, respectively.

Cymbalista was 4 for 4 with four runs scored and three RBIs to lead the Blue Dragon offense. Cymbalista extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

Bradford went 2 for 3 with three RBIs – Bradford had a series-high seven RBIs. The Dragon third baseman had a run-scoring single, an RBI on a safety squeeze bunt and a sacrifice fly.

<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/davis_jon_e1bh">Jon Davis</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 2, including his first career home run, a three-run blast to left field in the fourth inning.

<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/maher_quinn_h0lr">Quinn Maher</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 3 with a pair of RBIs.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/pimental-guerrero_luis_ubag">Luis Pimentel-Guerrero</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 5 with three runs scored. Pimentel-Guerrero extended his career-best consecutive game hitting streak to 19 games, which tied Trever Adams (2009) for the third-longest hitting streak in Blue Dragon history.

Jarrett Herrman drove in two runs with a single in the fourth inning.

Starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/neill_bradley_q5wl">Bradley Neill</a>&nbsp;and three relief pitchers combined on a five-hit shutout, Hutchinson's 10th shutout of the season.

Neill (9-0) allowed four hits and two walks over four innings with a pair of strikeouts. Neill worked out of a bases-loaded, no-out situation to start the second inning, getting an infield fly, strikeout and flyout to left to get out of the inning without allowing a run.

<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/hadden_jacob_atac">Jacob Hadden</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/roehler_trenton_3q7k">Trenton Roehler</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wandless_caden_3vbw">Caden Wanless</a>&nbsp;each worked a scoreless inning. Wanless struck out the side in the top of the seventh inning to end the game.

Blue Dragon pitchers have now thrown 16 consecutive innings over the past three games.

POSTGAME NOTES …+ The 2024 Blue Dragons are now alone in third place in wins for a season in program history with 46.

+ The Blue Dragons completed their seventh opening-round sweep and are now 11-5 all-time in best-of-3 regional opening-round series. The Dragons are 22-14 in opening-round best-of-3 series.

+&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;had his fourth four-plus hit game of the season.

+ For the series, the Blue Dragons outscored Labette 33-0 and out-hit the Cardinals 32-8.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715383605052.jpeg" alt="Blake Bradford had four total hits and seven total RBIs in a Blue Dragon series sweep of Labette, which concluded Friday at Hobart-Detter Field with a 23-0 run-rule win over the Cardinals. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Blake Bradford had four total hits and seven total RBIs in a Blue Dragon series sweep of Labette, which concluded Friday at Hobart-Detter Field with a 23-0 run-rule win over the Cardinals. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College Baseball team racked up a season-high 23 runs to complete a sweep of the Labette Cardinals on Friday in the opening round of the Region VI Baseball Tournament at Hobart-Detter Field.<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;went 4 for 4 and drove in three runs and four Blue Dragon pitchers combined on a five-hit shutout to defeat the Cardinals 23-0 in Game 2, winning the best-of-3 series 2-0.The Jayhawk West champion and tournament No. 2-seeded Blue Dragons (46-11) advance to the eight-team double-elimination Plains District Tournament, which begins Wednesday at Eck Stadium in Wichita. The Blue Dragons will meet the Barton Cougars at 1 p.m.This was the fourth time in 2024 the Blue Dragons have scored 20 or more runs in a game. The 23-run eruption tied for the eighth most in Hutchinson single-game history, matching a Region 6 game against Independence in 2016 and a regular-season battle against Dodge City in 2021.The Blue Dragons had 18 hits, including two doubles, a triple and home run. Labette also added seven walks, seven errors, two balks, three hit batters and three wild pitches to the mix.The Dragons also broke a single-game record with five sacrifice flies –&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/babin_kael_g1ow">Kael Babin</a>, Cymbalista,&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/summers_jackson_drux">Jackson Summers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/bradford_blake_6h1a">Blake Bradford</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/vassart_tyson_020j">Tyson Vassart</a>&nbsp;also had sacrifice flies in the game.Hutchinson broke the game open early with a six-run first inning where 11 batters came to the plate. The Dragons scored three in the second and batted around in both the third and fourth innings, where they scored five and eight runs, respectively.Cymbalista was 4 for 4 with four runs scored and three RBIs to lead the Blue Dragon offense. Cymbalista extended his hitting streak to 11 games.Bradford went 2 for 3 with three RBIs – Bradford had a series-high seven RBIs. The Dragon third baseman had a run-scoring single, an RBI on a safety squeeze bunt and a sacrifice fly.<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/davis_jon_e1bh">Jon Davis</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 2, including his first career home run, a three-run blast to left field in the fourth inning.<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/maher_quinn_h0lr">Quinn Maher</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 3 with a pair of RBIs.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/pimental-guerrero_luis_ubag">Luis Pimentel-Guerrero</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 5 with three runs scored. Pimentel-Guerrero extended his career-best consecutive game hitting streak to 19 games, which tied Trever Adams (2009) for the third-longest hitting streak in Blue Dragon history.Jarrett Herrman drove in two runs with a single in the fourth inning.Starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/neill_bradley_q5wl">Bradley Neill</a>&nbsp;and three relief pitchers combined on a five-hit shutout, Hutchinson's 10th shutout of the season.Neill (9-0) allowed four hits and two walks over four innings with a pair of strikeouts. Neill worked out of a bases-loaded, no-out situation to start the second inning, getting an infield fly, strikeout and flyout to left to get out of the inning without allowing a run.<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/hadden_jacob_atac">Jacob Hadden</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/roehler_trenton_3q7k">Trenton Roehler</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wandless_caden_3vbw">Caden Wanless</a>&nbsp;each worked a scoreless inning. Wanless struck out the side in the top of the seventh inning to end the game.Blue Dragon pitchers have now thrown 16 consecutive innings over the past three games.POSTGAME NOTES …+ The 2024 Blue Dragons are now alone in third place in wins for a season in program history with 46.+ The Blue Dragons completed their seventh opening-round sweep and are now 11-5 all-time in best-of-3 regional opening-round series. The Dragons are 22-14 in opening-round best-of-3 series.+&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;had his fourth four-plus hit game of the season.+ For the series, the Blue Dragons outscored Labette 33-0 and out-hit the Cardinals 32-8.

⚾️ Blue Dragons complete opening-round sweep of Labette

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, May 10th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, May 10th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="May 10th, 2024 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=w2f62-160b611-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals win again  ⚾ Wind Surge wins 4th game in a row

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kanitz averaged 17 points per game his senior year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🏀 BBB: Moundridge star signs with NJCAA champ Barton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⚾ Wind Surge earns 3rd straight win over Naturals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McIlroy says he and Adam Scott also involved in Saudi meetings

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

		Cincinnati	at	San Francisco	10:15 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, May 10th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, May 10th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports in a Minute for May 10th, 2024:<div><iframe title="May 10th, 2024 AP Sports in a Minute" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=r9aff-160b45d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Mitchell's 29 points help Cavaliers blow out Celtics 118-94, tie series at 1 game apieceBOSTON (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points and Evan Mobley had 21 points and 10 rebounds to help the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the top-seeded Boston Celtics 118-94 and tie their second-round playoff series at one game apiece. Two nights after losing by 25, the Cavaliers seized the lead in the third quarter and answered with a blowout of their own. Mitchell scored 16 in the third. Jayson Tatum scored 25 for Boston, and Jaylen Brown added 19 points. The series moves to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday, with a return trip to Boston for Game 5 on Wednesday.Doncic scores 29 points as Mavericks top Thunder 119-110 to tie series at 1-1OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Luka Doncic had 29 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, and the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-110 to even their Western Conference semifinals series at one win apiece. The Thunder held Doncic to 19 points on 6-for-19 shooting in Game 1. He bounced back and made 11 of 21 field goals in Game 2. P.J. Washington added 29 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavericks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists and Jalen Williams added 20 points for the Thunder. Oklahoma City lost for the first time in the postseason.Artemi Panarin scores in overtime, Rangers beat Hurricanes 3-2 to take 3-0 series leadRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Artemi Panarin redirected a pass between his legs at the crease to beat Pyotr Kochetkov just 1:43 into overtime and the New York Rangers beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 on Thursday night to take a 3-0 lead in the second-round playoff series. Panarin scored after Carolina defenseman Dmitry Orlov lost control of a puck in the corner in the defensive zone. Vincent Trocheck collected it on the right side and sent it toward the crease to Panarin, who tipped the puck behind him as defenseman Jalen Chatfield tried to push him away from the crease. The puck slipped under the right elbow and past the ribs of Kochetkov. The Rangers can complete the sweep in Game 4 here Saturday night.Miro Heiskanen scores 2 power-play goals and Stars beat Avs 5-3 in Game 2 to even seriesDALLAS (AP) — Dallas defenseman Miro Heiskanen scored two power-play goals, Roope Hintz had a goal and three assists and the Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-3 in Game 2 on Thursday night to even the second-round Western Conference series. Tyler Seguin got his first goal this postseason on a short-hander at the end of a 3-on-1 breakaway for the Stars that put them up 4-0 late in the second period. Esa Lindell added an empty-netter with 20 seconds left. Jake Oettinger had 28 saves for Dallas. Joel Kiviranta, Brandon Duhaime and Valeri Nichushkin scored in the third period for the AvalancheCarlisle: 'Small-market teams deserve a fair shot.' Pacers send calls for NBA review, AP source saysNEW YORK (AP) — The Indiana Pacers have, as coach Rick Carlisle said they would, sent 78 plays they believe were officiated incorrectly from the first two games of their series against the New York Knicks to the NBA office for review, a person with knowledge of the action said Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because neither the Pacers nor the league had publicly confirmed the clips were actually sent. Officials acknowledged an incorrectly called kicked ball violation late in Game 1, but the Pacers believed there were plenty other instances of wrong whistles.Suns fire coach Frank Vogel after getting swept out of the playoffs in the opening roundPHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have fired coach Frank Vogel after one disappointing season. The team made the announcement on Thursday, less than two weeks after getting swept out of the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Suns finished the regular season with a 49-33 record. Vogel won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Vogel was hired last summer to lead the Suns' All-Star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, but the group was never quite able to gel.OG Anunoby won't play and Jalen Brunson is questionable for the Knicks in Game 3 against the PacersNEW YORK (AP) — OG Anunoby won't play for the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Friday night because of a strained left hamstring. Jalen Brunson is questionable with his sore right foot. Brunson returned from his injury after missing the second quarter to lead the Knicks to a 130-121 victory Wednesday for a 2-0 lead over the Indiana Pacers. But Anunoby was hurt in the second half after scoring a career playoff-high 28 points, leaving the Knicks' injury-depleted frontcourt without yet another starter. The forward limped off the court holding the back of his leg. The Knicks are 26-5 this season with Anunoby in the lineup.Raucous crowd roars its approval for Caitlin Clark in her home debut with Fever, an 83-80 winINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark walked into her new home arena with No. 22 shirts and jerseys peppered from floor to ceiling. A late-arriving but louder-than-usual crowd roared during her first official introduction to Fever fans on Thursday night. And when the former Iowa star made the layup for her first basket with 7:00 left in the first quarter, the applause grew. It was even louder when she completed a three-point play a few minutes later. She had 12 points to help lead the Fever to an 83-80 preseason win over the Atlanta Dream. It was a moment Fever fans have dreaming about since they won the lottery in December.Schauffele shoots 67 to take Wells Fargo lead. McIlroy in contention again at Quail HollowCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rory McIlroy hoped that his victory with Shane Lowry two weeks ago in the Zurich Classic team event would serve as a springboard for the remainder of the season. He's off to a good start. McIlroy positioned himself for a run at a record fourth Wells Fargo Championship title Thursday, opening with a 4-under 67 that left him three shots behind leader Xander Schauffele. Collin Morikawa and Alex Noren also shot 67, and Justin Thomas topped the group at 68. Quail Hollow is one of McIlroy's favorite courses, and with good reason after victories in 2010, '15 and '21.McIlroy says he and Adam Scott also involved in Saudi meetingsTiger Woods has company in player negotiations with the Saudi-backers of LIV Golf. Rory McIlroy says he and Adam Scott also are on the transactional subcommittee of the PGA Tour Enterprises board. It was yet another twist in the bizarre governance being played among as the PGA Tour tries to work out a deal with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. The tour disclosed only five people on the subcommittee. Its latest release shows McIlroy and Scott part of the group. McIlroy says he's already been involved in discussions. He says he has no vote, only a voice.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Minnesota	11	Seattle	1	Final	Houston	4	N.Y. Yankees	3	Final	Chicago White Sox	3	Cleveland	2	Final	Kansas City	10	L.A. Angels	4	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Arizona	5	Cincinnati	4	Final	Colorado	9	San Francisco	1	Final	Milwaukee	7	St. Louis	1	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Cleveland	118	Boston	94	Final	Dallas	119	Oklahoma City	110	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal OT	N-Y Rangers	3	Carolina	2	Final	Dallas	5	Colorado	3	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Arizona	at	Baltimore	7:05 p.m.			Washington	at	Boston	7:10 p.m.			Texas	at	Colorado	8:40 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Houston	at	Detroit	6:40 p.m.			N-Y Yankees	at	Tampa Bay	6:50 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Toronto	7:07 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Chi White Sox	7:40 p.m.			Kansas City	at	L-A Angels	9:38 p.m.			Oakland	at	Seattle	9:40 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Chi Cubs	at	Pittsburgh	6:40 p.m.			Atlanta	at	N-Y Mets	7:10 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Miami	7:10 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Milwaukee	8:10 p.m.			L-A Dodgers	at	San Diego	9:40 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	San Francisco	10:15 p.m.	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS		New York	at	Indiana	7 p.m.			Denver	at	Minnesota	9:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS		Florida	at	Boston	7 p.m.			Edmonton	at	Vancouver	10 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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