LOS ANGELES (AP) — MJ Melendez hit a grand slam to conclude a 12-pitch at-bat, Seth Lugo became the AL's first 10-game winner and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-2 Saturday night as Yoshinobu Yamamoto's start was cut short after two innings due to triceps tightness.

“I got it decent, but I didn’t feel like I got all of it,” Melendez said. “It was also my first time playing here this weekend so I wasn’t sure how the ball flies. I was super happy when it went over (the wall).”

Kansas City loaded the bases on three straight walks by Blake Treinen. Melendez fouled off six straight pitches with a 2-2 count, but worked the count full when Treinen threw a cutter inside.

Treinen (2-1) went to the cutter again on the next pitch, but it was slightly elevated inside the strike zone as Melendez drove it over the right-field wall for his first career grand slam and a 5-2 lead.

According to Baseball Reference, it is only the second time since 1970 there has been a grand slam on a full count with at least 12 pitches in the at-bat. In 2018, Mookie Betts cleared the bases for Boston on the 13th pitch against Toronto's J.A. Happ.

The Cubs' Gary Scott also had a grand slam on a 13-pitch, at-bat against Philadelphia's Kyle Abbott in 1992, but that was on a 2-2 count.

“He threw a lot of pitches that inning. So I was able to get the tail end of it. He might not have been as sharp as he was against other hitters,” Melendez said about facing Treinen. “I feel like the more pitches you see as a hitter, the bigger advantage you have. I know the cutter is his go-to pitch and he doesn't want to walk that run in.”

Treinen threw 39 pitches with 22 strikes in two-thirds of an inning. That's the most he has thrown in a relief outing since he threw 44 for Oakland in a 2018 game at Toronto.

“I feel like the cutter was the pitch I had the most feel for but it also handcuffed me because I can't keep throwing anyone in this league the same pitch,” Treinen said. “When you walk people, this league makes you pay. It doesn't matter who the hitter is, when you give them three bases it never bodes well.”

The grand slam also helped give Kansas City a much-needed win after it had dropped five of six coming in.

Lugo (10-2) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings. The right-hander — who also leads the AL in innings (97 1/3) and is fifth in ERA (2.40) — struck out four and walked one to join Philadelphia's Ranger Suárez as the only pitchers in the majors with 10 wins.

“It feels great. I never got to 10 wins in the big leagues or in the minors. I've been waiting for that one,” said Lugo, whose previous high in wins was eight with San Diego last season.

Yamamoto, who had thrown over 100 pitches in four consecutive starts going into Saturday, had his scheduled start on Thursday against Texas pushed back for extra rest.

The right-hander threw only 14 strikes on 28 pitches against the Royals. He allowed one hit and one walk with one strikeout.

Yamamoto said through his interpreter that he let the coaches know during the game and they decided to pull him.

“After that second inning, he just felt that he could go out there, but it just wasn’t coming out and his triceps was tight, and so that’s when we pulled the plug,” manager Dave Roberts said.

Gavin Lux had a two-run single with the bases loaded in the fourth gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. Los Angeles has lost three of four.

Royals: C Salvador Perez was out of the lineup due to right knee inflammation after leaving during the eighth inning of Friday's game. An MRI didn't show anything structurally wrong.

Dodgers: 3B Max Muncy (right oblique strain) is taking another week off from swinging and is just fielding grounders and running.

The teams wrap up their series Sunday afternoon. Dodgers RHP Tyler Glasnow (6-5, 3.24) is 3-0 in day games. Royals RHP Brady Singer (4-3, 3.30) allowed seven runs (six earned) in his last start on June 11 against the Yankees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="Royals" />
 <figcaption>Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>JOE REEDY AP Sports WriterLOS ANGELES (AP) — MJ Melendez hit a grand slam to conclude a 12-pitch at-bat, Seth Lugo became the AL's first 10-game winner and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-2 Saturday night as Yoshinobu Yamamoto's start was cut short after two innings due to triceps tightness.“I got it decent, but I didn’t feel like I got all of it,” Melendez said. “It was also my first time playing here this weekend so I wasn’t sure how the ball flies. I was super happy when it went over (the wall).”Kansas City loaded the bases on three straight walks by Blake Treinen. Melendez fouled off six straight pitches with a 2-2 count, but worked the count full when Treinen threw a cutter inside.Treinen (2-1) went to the cutter again on the next pitch, but it was slightly elevated inside the strike zone as Melendez drove it over the right-field wall for his first career grand slam and a 5-2 lead.According to Baseball Reference, it is only the second time since 1970 there has been a grand slam on a full count with at least 12 pitches in the at-bat. In 2018, Mookie Betts cleared the bases for Boston on the 13th pitch against Toronto's J.A. Happ.The Cubs' Gary Scott also had a grand slam on a 13-pitch, at-bat against Philadelphia's Kyle Abbott in 1992, but that was on a 2-2 count.“He threw a lot of pitches that inning. So I was able to get the tail end of it. He might not have been as sharp as he was against other hitters,” Melendez said about facing Treinen. “I feel like the more pitches you see as a hitter, the bigger advantage you have. I know the cutter is his go-to pitch and he doesn't want to walk that run in.”Treinen threw 39 pitches with 22 strikes in two-thirds of an inning. That's the most he has thrown in a relief outing since he threw 44 for Oakland in a 2018 game at Toronto.“I feel like the cutter was the pitch I had the most feel for but it also handcuffed me because I can't keep throwing anyone in this league the same pitch,” Treinen said. “When you walk people, this league makes you pay. It doesn't matter who the hitter is, when you give them three bases it never bodes well.”The grand slam also helped give Kansas City a much-needed win after it had dropped five of six coming in.Lugo (10-2) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings. The right-hander — who also leads the AL in innings (97 1/3) and is fifth in ERA (2.40) — struck out four and walked one to join Philadelphia's Ranger Suárez as the only pitchers in the majors with 10 wins.“It feels great. I never got to 10 wins in the big leagues or in the minors. I've been waiting for that one,” said Lugo, whose previous high in wins was eight with San Diego last season.Yamamoto, who had thrown over 100 pitches in four consecutive starts going into Saturday, had his scheduled start on Thursday against Texas pushed back for extra rest.The right-hander threw only 14 strikes on 28 pitches against the Royals. He allowed one hit and one walk with one strikeout.Yamamoto said through his interpreter that he let the coaches know during the game and they decided to pull him.“After that second inning, he just felt that he could go out there, but it just wasn’t coming out and his triceps was tight, and so that’s when we pulled the plug,” manager Dave Roberts said.Gavin Lux had a two-run single with the bases loaded in the fourth gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. Los Angeles has lost three of four.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez was out of the lineup due to right knee inflammation after leaving during the eighth inning of Friday's game. An MRI didn't show anything structurally wrong.Dodgers: 3B Max Muncy (right oblique strain) is taking another week off from swinging and is just fielding grounders and running.UP NEXTThe teams wrap up their series Sunday afternoon. Dodgers RHP Tyler Glasnow (6-5, 3.24) is 3-0 in day games. Royals RHP Brady Singer (4-3, 3.30) allowed seven runs (six earned) in his last start on June 11 against the Yankees.

⚾ Royals win Saturday over Dodgers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —GAME CANCELED&nbsp; &nbsp;The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs (6-3) will host the Diamond Kings (2-5) at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Saturday night with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

Saturday night's game will be Cancer Awareness Night with all proceeds from the silent auction to 50/50 raffle going to the Cancer Council of Reno County.

The Monarchs are back for their 16th season of play in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play call with Matt Peterson providing the video stream sponsored by Mid-Way Motors.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718445592467.png" alt="Cancer Awareness night vs the Wichita Diamond Kings" />
 <figcaption>Cancer Awareness night vs the Wichita Diamond Kings</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —GAME CANCELED&nbsp; &nbsp;The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs (6-3) will host the Diamond Kings (2-5) at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Saturday night with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.Saturday night's game will be Cancer Awareness Night with all proceeds from the silent auction to 50/50 raffle going to the Cancer Council of Reno County.The Monarchs are back for their 16th season of play in Hutchinson.&nbsp;The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play call with Matt Peterson providing the video stream sponsored by Mid-Way Motors.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1101484?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

⚾ Hutch Monarchs game is CANCELED 

Doncic scores 29, Mavericks roll past the Celtics 122-84 to avoid a sweep in the NBA Finals

DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 25 of his 29 points in the first half, Kyrie Irving added 21 points and the Dallas Mavericks emphatically extended their season on Friday night, fending off elimination by beating the Boston Celtics 122-84 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The Mavs' stars were done by the end of the third quarter, with good reason. It was all Dallas from the outset, the Mavs leading by 13 after one quarter, 26 at the half and by as many as 38 in the third before both sides emptied the benches. The Celtics still lead the series 3-1, and Game 5 is in Boston on Monday.

Aberg takes 1-shot lead into weekend at Pinehurst in US Open debut

PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Ludvig Aberg might be playing in his first U.S. Open. But the sensational Swede is certainly no stranger to the big stage. He shot a 69 in the second round at Pinehurst No. 2 and goes into the weekend with a one-shot lead. Aberg already has been runner-up in the Masters and played in the Ryder Cup in the year since leaving college at Texas Tech. He leads by one over Bryson DeChambeau, Thomas Detry and Patrick Cantlay. Scottie Scheffler made the cut on the number after his first birdie-free round in two years. Tiger Woods missed the cut.

Scheffler goes without a birdie for a 74 and narrowly avoids an early exit from US Open

PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler has gone from overwhelming favorite at the U.S. Open to barely making it to the weekend in a major. Scheffler went birdie-free at Pinehurst No. 2. He hasn't had any round without a birdie in just over two years. It led to a 74 and left him outside the cut line with the afternoon taking on extremely hot conditions. Most of the damage came one one hole. Scheffler hit driver and a 3-wood just left of the green into a sandy area. That's where his problems started. It took three shots to get on the green and he made double bogey.

Florida Panthers are calm and businesslike on the verge of winning the Stanley Cup in a sweep

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The Florida Panthers are calm and collected on the verge of ending the NHL season and winning the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history. Players are approaching Game 4 against the Edmonton Oilers like it's Game 44 of the regular season. That businesslike approach and the experience of facing elimination in the final last year against Vegas have them poised to finish off the sweep on the road Saturday night. The league has not had a 4-0 Stanley Cup Final since Detroit swept Washington in 1998 to go back to back.

Host Germany gives Euro 2024 liftoff by outclassing 10-man Scotland 5-1

MUNICH (AP) — Host Germany has opened the European Championship with a confidence-boosting 5-1 win over 10-man Scotland in Munich. Goals from Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala had Germany firmly in control after less than 20 minutes. The first half ended in the worst possible way for Scotland when defender Ryan Porteous was sent off and Kai Havertz converted the resulting penalty kick. Substitute Niclas Füllkrug came off the bench to score Germany's fourth in the 68th minute and Emre Can netted in stoppage time as the hosts recorded the largest margin of victory in a European Championship opener. An Antonio Rudiger own goal gave Scotland something late to cheer about after not having a shot on goal all match.

MLB umpire Pat Hoberg appealing discipline following sports betting investigation

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball plans to discipline umpire Pat Hoberg following an investigation into a potential violation of sports gambling policies. In a statement Friday, the commissioner's office said Hoberg has decided to appeal the penalty. MLB did not disclose the nature of the violation or the extent of the punishment. MLB said its probe "did not find any evidence that games worked by Mr. Hoberg were compromised or manipulated in any way," but the league determined that "discipline was warranted." MLB said it could not comment further until the appeal process is completed. MLB says it began investigating Hoberg during spring training this year and he was removed from the field while the probe was ongoing.

Spain's David Puig rallies after first round to make US Open cut, secure spot at the Paris Olympics

PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Spain's David Puig rallied after a poor first round at the U.S. Open with a second-round 68 on Friday, which allowed him to make the cut and earn one of his nation's two spots at the Paris Olympics. Two-time major winner Jon Rahm already was assured of the other one for Spain. Puig had to overcome Jorge Campillo, who began this week ahead of him in the world ranking but did not qualify for the U.S. Open. Puig finished the day 4 over for the championship while the cut fell at 5 over. The world's No. 1 player, Scottie Scheffler, made the cut on the number. Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas were among those who missed the cut.

US cricket team advances to second round in Twenty20 World Cup debut at Pakistan's expense

LAUDERHILL, Fla. (AP) — The United States cricket team has made more history by qualifying for the second round in its Twenty20 World Cup debut after its last group game against Ireland was washed out in Florida. Rain meant the match was abandoned without a ball bowled on Friday. That advanced the U.S. to the Super Eight stage and automatically qualified the Americans for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The U.S. qualified for this T20 World Cup only as a co-host with the West Indies, but it has used home advantage to make a stunning first impression in its first global cricket tournament.

Astros release José Abreu with $30.8 million remaining on his contract

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros have released José Abreu, cutting ties with the former AL MVP less than halfway through a three-year, $58.5 million contract. The 37-year-old Abreu was batting .124 with two homers and seven RBIs this season, during which he spent time in the minors trying to fix his swing. The Astros still owe him $30.8 million from the deal he signed before last season. A three-time All-Star during his nine years with the Chicago White Sox, Abreu was named MVP during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2014 after defecting from his native Cuba the previous year.

Nelly Korda misses 2nd straight LPGA Tour cut after winning 6 of 7 events

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Nelly Korda missed her second straight cut after winning six of seven events, rallying Friday but falling a stroke short of advancing to weekend play in the Meijer LPGA Classic. The top-ranked Korda followed an opening 4-over 76 in windy conditions Thursday with a 67 to get to 1 under at Blythefield Country Club, where she won in 2021 at a tournament-record 25 under. Ally Ewing and Grace Kim shared the lead at 11-under 133. Ewing had a 63. She chipped in for eagle on the par-5 eighth. Kim shot 65. Two weeks after making a 10 on a hole in a first-round 80 at the U.S. Women's Open in Pennsylvania, Korda opened double bogey-bogey-bogey Thursday afternoon in strong wind.

Charles Barkley said Friday that next season will be his last on TV, no matter what happens with the NBA's media deals.

DALLAS (AP) The Hall of Fame player has spent the last 24 years working as a studio analyst for TNT, which could lose the rights to broadcast NBA after next season.

But no matter where the games end up, Barkley won't be following.

“There’s been a lot of noise around our network the last few months and I just want to say I’ve talked to all the other networks, but I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT,” Barkley said while working on NBA TV's NBA Finals postgame show.

The NBA's current deals with ABC-ESPN and Turner Sports expire after next season and the league has been talking with NBC, ESPN and Amazon, among other networks and platforms, about what comes next. Commissioner Adam Silver said last week he hopes new long-term deals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-adam-silver-tv-deal-875bf686fac9462bc5b180b20480bb9f?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">will be completed shortly</a>.

Barkley and broadcast teammates Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith have discussed their uncertain future on their popular “Inside the NBA” studio show. Barkley would seemingly draw interest from any network televising NBA, but the 61-year-old has decided that 25 years will be enough and he will “pass the baton,” hopefully, to a TNT teammate such as Vince Carter or Jamal Crawford.

“But I have made the decision myself no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television," he said.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Real Salt Lake	at	CF Montréal	7:30 p.m.	

Los Angeles FC	at	Orlando City	7:30 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, June 15th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, June 15th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for Joe 15th, 2024:Doncic scores 29, Mavericks roll past the Celtics 122-84 to avoid a sweep in the NBA FinalsDALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 25 of his 29 points in the first half, Kyrie Irving added 21 points and the Dallas Mavericks emphatically extended their season on Friday night, fending off elimination by beating the Boston Celtics 122-84 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The Mavs' stars were done by the end of the third quarter, with good reason. It was all Dallas from the outset, the Mavs leading by 13 after one quarter, 26 at the half and by as many as 38 in the third before both sides emptied the benches. The Celtics still lead the series 3-1, and Game 5 is in Boston on Monday.Aberg takes 1-shot lead into weekend at Pinehurst in US Open debutPINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Ludvig Aberg might be playing in his first U.S. Open. But the sensational Swede is certainly no stranger to the big stage. He shot a 69 in the second round at Pinehurst No. 2 and goes into the weekend with a one-shot lead. Aberg already has been runner-up in the Masters and played in the Ryder Cup in the year since leaving college at Texas Tech. He leads by one over Bryson DeChambeau, Thomas Detry and Patrick Cantlay. Scottie Scheffler made the cut on the number after his first birdie-free round in two years. Tiger Woods missed the cut.Scheffler goes without a birdie for a 74 and narrowly avoids an early exit from US OpenPINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler has gone from overwhelming favorite at the U.S. Open to barely making it to the weekend in a major. Scheffler went birdie-free at Pinehurst No. 2. He hasn't had any round without a birdie in just over two years. It led to a 74 and left him outside the cut line with the afternoon taking on extremely hot conditions. Most of the damage came one one hole. Scheffler hit driver and a 3-wood just left of the green into a sandy area. That's where his problems started. It took three shots to get on the green and he made double bogey.Florida Panthers are calm and businesslike on the verge of winning the Stanley Cup in a sweepEDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The Florida Panthers are calm and collected on the verge of ending the NHL season and winning the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history. Players are approaching Game 4 against the Edmonton Oilers like it's Game 44 of the regular season. That businesslike approach and the experience of facing elimination in the final last year against Vegas have them poised to finish off the sweep on the road Saturday night. The league has not had a 4-0 Stanley Cup Final since Detroit swept Washington in 1998 to go back to back.Host Germany gives Euro 2024 liftoff by outclassing 10-man Scotland 5-1MUNICH (AP) — Host Germany has opened the European Championship with a confidence-boosting 5-1 win over 10-man Scotland in Munich. Goals from Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala had Germany firmly in control after less than 20 minutes. The first half ended in the worst possible way for Scotland when defender Ryan Porteous was sent off and Kai Havertz converted the resulting penalty kick. Substitute Niclas Füllkrug came off the bench to score Germany's fourth in the 68th minute and Emre Can netted in stoppage time as the hosts recorded the largest margin of victory in a European Championship opener. An Antonio Rudiger own goal gave Scotland something late to cheer about after not having a shot on goal all match.MLB umpire Pat Hoberg appealing discipline following sports betting investigationNEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball plans to discipline umpire Pat Hoberg following an investigation into a potential violation of sports gambling policies. In a statement Friday, the commissioner's office said Hoberg has decided to appeal the penalty. MLB did not disclose the nature of the violation or the extent of the punishment. MLB said its probe "did not find any evidence that games worked by Mr. Hoberg were compromised or manipulated in any way," but the league determined that "discipline was warranted." MLB said it could not comment further until the appeal process is completed. MLB says it began investigating Hoberg during spring training this year and he was removed from the field while the probe was ongoing.Spain's David Puig rallies after first round to make US Open cut, secure spot at the Paris OlympicsPINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Spain's David Puig rallied after a poor first round at the U.S. Open with a second-round 68 on Friday, which allowed him to make the cut and earn one of his nation's two spots at the Paris Olympics. Two-time major winner Jon Rahm already was assured of the other one for Spain. Puig had to overcome Jorge Campillo, who began this week ahead of him in the world ranking but did not qualify for the U.S. Open. Puig finished the day 4 over for the championship while the cut fell at 5 over. The world's No. 1 player, Scottie Scheffler, made the cut on the number. Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas were among those who missed the cut.US cricket team advances to second round in Twenty20 World Cup debut at Pakistan's expenseLAUDERHILL, Fla. (AP) — The United States cricket team has made more history by qualifying for the second round in its Twenty20 World Cup debut after its last group game against Ireland was washed out in Florida. Rain meant the match was abandoned without a ball bowled on Friday. That advanced the U.S. to the Super Eight stage and automatically qualified the Americans for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The U.S. qualified for this T20 World Cup only as a co-host with the West Indies, but it has used home advantage to make a stunning first impression in its first global cricket tournament.Astros release José Abreu with $30.8 million remaining on his contractHOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros have released José Abreu, cutting ties with the former AL MVP less than halfway through a three-year, $58.5 million contract. The 37-year-old Abreu was batting .124 with two homers and seven RBIs this season, during which he spent time in the minors trying to fix his swing. The Astros still owe him $30.8 million from the deal he signed before last season. A three-time All-Star during his nine years with the Chicago White Sox, Abreu was named MVP during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2014 after defecting from his native Cuba the previous year.Nelly Korda misses 2nd straight LPGA Tour cut after winning 6 of 7 eventsGRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Nelly Korda missed her second straight cut after winning six of seven events, rallying Friday but falling a stroke short of advancing to weekend play in the Meijer LPGA Classic. The top-ranked Korda followed an opening 4-over 76 in windy conditions Thursday with a 67 to get to 1 under at Blythefield Country Club, where she won in 2021 at a tournament-record 25 under. Ally Ewing and Grace Kim shared the lead at 11-under 133. Ewing had a 63. She chipped in for eagle on the par-5 eighth. Kim shot 65. Two weeks after making a 10 on a hole in a first-round 80 at the U.S. Women's Open in Pennsylvania, Korda opened double bogey-bogey-bogey Thursday afternoon in strong wind.Charles Barkley said Friday that next season will be his last on TV, no matter what happens with the NBA's media deals.DALLAS (AP) The Hall of Fame player has spent the last 24 years working as a studio analyst for TNT, which could lose the rights to broadcast NBA after next season.But no matter where the games end up, Barkley won't be following.“There’s been a lot of noise around our network the last few months and I just want to say I’ve talked to all the other networks, but I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT,” Barkley said while working on NBA TV's NBA Finals postgame show.The NBA's current deals with ABC-ESPN and Turner Sports expire after next season and the league has been talking with NBC, ESPN and Amazon, among other networks and platforms, about what comes next. Commissioner Adam Silver said last week he hopes new long-term deals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-adam-silver-tv-deal-875bf686fac9462bc5b180b20480bb9f?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">will be completed shortly</a>.Barkley and broadcast teammates Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith have discussed their uncertain future on their popular “Inside the NBA” studio show. Barkley would seemingly draw interest from any network televising NBA, but the 61-year-old has decided that 25 years will be enough and he will “pass the baton,” hopefully, to a TNT teammate such as Vince Carter or Jamal Crawford.“But I have made the decision myself no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television," he said.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Atlanta	7	Tampa Bay	3	Final	Philadelphia	5	Baltimore	3	Final	Arizona	7	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	L.A. Dodgers	4	Kansas City	3	Final	L.A. Angels	8	San Francisco	6	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	3	Toronto	1	Final	N.Y. Yankees	8	Boston	1	Final	Houston	4	Detroit	0	Final	Minnesota	6	Oakland	5	Final	Seattle	3	Texas	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	St. Louis	3	Chicago Cubs	0	Final	Washington	8	Miami	1	Final	N.Y. Mets	2	San Diego	1	Final	Cincinnati	6	Milwaukee	5	Final	Pittsburgh	5	Colorado	2	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Dallas	122	Boston	84	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Minnesota	81	Los Angeles	76	Final	Washington	83	Chicago	81	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERFinal	Columbus	3	New York City FC	2	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUEL-A Angels	at	San Francisco	4:05 p.m.	Philadelphia	at	Baltimore	4:05 p.m.	Tampa Bay	at	Atlanta	4:10 p.m.	Kansas City	at	L-A Dodgers	9:10 p.m.	Chi White Sox	at	Arizona	10:10 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUEOakland	at	Minnesota	2:10 p.m.	Cleveland	at	Toronto	3:07 p.m.	Detroit	at	Houston	4:10 p.m.	N-Y Yankees	at	Boston	7:15 p.m.	Texas	at	Seattle	7:15 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUESt. Louis	at	Chi Cubs	2:20 p.m.	Miami	at	Washington	4:05 p.m.	Cincinnati	at	Milwaukee	4:10 p.m.	San Diego	at	N-Y Mets	4:10 p.m.	Pittsburgh	at	Colorado	9:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFlorida	at	Edmonton	8 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONConnecticut	at	Dallas	1 p.m.	New York	at	Las Vegas	3 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERHouston	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.	D.C. United	at	Charlotte FC	7:30 p.m.	Real Salt Lake	at	CF Montréal	7:30 p.m.	Vancouver	at	New England	7:30 p.m.	Nashville	at	New York	7:30 p.m.	Los Angeles FC	at	Orlando City	7:30 p.m.	Miami	at	Philadelphia	7:30 p.m.	Chicago	at	Toronto FC	7:30 p.m.	St Louis City	at	FC Dallas	8:30 p.m.	Austin FC	at	Colorado	9:30 p.m.	Sporting Kansas City	at	LA Galaxy	10:30 p.m.	Cincinnati	at	San Jose	10:30 p.m.	Minnesota	at	Seattle	10:30 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Saturday

WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge supplied fireworks in all facets in a 6-1 victory over the Midland Rockhounds at Riverfront Stadium. A five-run bottom of the seventh inning matched stout performances by&nbsp;Marco Raya&nbsp;and&nbsp;Andrew Morris&nbsp;to tie the series.

Kyler Fedko&nbsp;grounded a two-out RBI single to left field in the bottom of the first to score&nbsp;Luke Keaschall&nbsp;from third. Denzel Clarke tied the game at one a half inning later on a base hit back up the middle to center. Both sides remained scoreless through the middle innings.

Five runs came across for Wichita after the stretch in the bottom of the seventh.&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;smoked his fourth home run of the season on a two-run blast to the left field berm.&nbsp;Dalton Shuffield&nbsp;doubled in&nbsp;Noah Cardenas&nbsp;after the ball got lost in the sky. Then Keaschall and&nbsp;Jeferson Morales&nbsp;each worked respective sacrifice flies to center and right field.

Morris earned the win to improve to 2-1 with the Wind Surge in 2024. Serving as the Wichita piggyback, he threw five innings of two-hit baseball with four strikeouts, silencing the Midland lineup quickly.

The Wind Surge continue their home series at Riverfront Stadium with the Midland RockHounds on Saturday, June 15, on KU Night with a Spazmatics Concert after the game. The first pitch is at 6:05 PM. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and windsurge.com or watch them online at MiLB.TV and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit windsurge.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718444386741.jpeg" alt="wv4gxswwoq7dowajq7np.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>wv4gxswwoq7dowajq7np.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge supplied fireworks in all facets in a 6-1 victory over the Midland Rockhounds at Riverfront Stadium. A five-run bottom of the seventh inning matched stout performances by&nbsp;Marco Raya&nbsp;and&nbsp;Andrew Morris&nbsp;to tie the series.Kyler Fedko&nbsp;grounded a two-out RBI single to left field in the bottom of the first to score&nbsp;Luke Keaschall&nbsp;from third. Denzel Clarke tied the game at one a half inning later on a base hit back up the middle to center. Both sides remained scoreless through the middle innings.Five runs came across for Wichita after the stretch in the bottom of the seventh.&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;smoked his fourth home run of the season on a two-run blast to the left field berm.&nbsp;Dalton Shuffield&nbsp;doubled in&nbsp;Noah Cardenas&nbsp;after the ball got lost in the sky. Then Keaschall and&nbsp;Jeferson Morales&nbsp;each worked respective sacrifice flies to center and right field.Morris earned the win to improve to 2-1 with the Wind Surge in 2024. Serving as the Wichita piggyback, he threw five innings of two-hit baseball with four strikeouts, silencing the Midland lineup quickly.The Wind Surge continue their home series at Riverfront Stadium with the Midland RockHounds on Saturday, June 15, on KU Night with a Spazmatics Concert after the game. The first pitch is at 6:05 PM. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and windsurge.com or watch them online at MiLB.TV and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit windsurge.com.

⚾ Wind Surge tie series with Midland thanks to five-run seventh

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs got a solid 5 innings of relief from Josia Ross to edge the Wichita Diamond Kings 3-1 Friday night at Hobart-Detter. 

The same two teams will play tonight with first pitch at 7 p.m. 

Tonight is cancer awareness night proceeds go to Cancer Council of Reno County come on out and support a great cause. 

If you are out of town, you can still catch the game here at Hutch Post with Glen Grunwald on the call from the Egbert Liquor Broadcast Booth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718443366947.png" alt="Scoreboard for June 14th" />
 <figcaption>Scoreboard for June 14th</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs got a solid 5 innings of relief from Josia Ross to edge the Wichita Diamond Kings 3-1 Friday night at Hobart-Detter. The same two teams will play tonight with first pitch at 7 p.m. Tonight is cancer awareness night proceeds go to Cancer Council of Reno County come on out and support a great cause. If you are out of town, you can still catch the game here at Hutch Post with Glen Grunwald on the call from the Egbert Liquor Broadcast Booth.

⚾ Monarchs win Friday; tonight is Cancer Council night

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman lined a go-ahead, two-out RBI single into center in the eighth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Friday night.

Mookie Betts singled, took second on an errant pickoff throw by reliever Will Smith (0-3) and scored on Freeman’s hit.

Daniel Hudson (3-1) got the win with a scoreless inning of relief and Alex Vesia pitched the ninth to earn his third save.

The Royals had the tying run at first with two outs in the ninth on a single by pinch hitter Nelson Velazquez, but Nick Loftin flied out to end it.

The Dodgers tied the game 3-3 with two outs in the fifth with offense from the bottom half of the lineup.

Miguel Rojas hit a two-run homer just inside the left-field foul pole and one batter later Chris Taylor went deep to tie it up. It was Taylor's first homer since Sept. 7.

“It was more relief than anything,” said Taylor, who came in hitting .100. "I definitely have my moments of frustration. Just trying to embrace the process and trust that my work's eventually going to come through for me."

The Dodgers are 19-0 when Rojas gets a hit.

“Not playing every day is kind of like a challenge, but at the end of the day the biggest key for me is facing every game like it’s a playoff game,” Rojas said.

Visiting Dodger Stadium for the first time since 2017, the Royals made themselves right at home.

Salvador Perez blasted a 437-foot homer that came off his bat at 113.3 mph, traveling most of the way up the left-field pavilion in the fourth. Maikel Garcia singled, took second on Bobby Witt Jr.’s groundout and moved to third on Gavin Stone’s wild pitch. Vinnie Pasquantino walked to set up Perez, who made it 3-0.

Witt Jr., who came in with a .330 average, went 0 for 4 on his 24th birthday. He made a nifty over-the-shoulder catch of Andy Pages, threw to second and Loftin fired to first to complete the Royals' second double play of the game in the seventh.

Dodgers starter Stone allowed three runs and four hits in seven innings. He struck out three and walked two.

Royals starter Cole Ragans gave up three runs and seven hits in seven innings. He struck out four and walked one.

The Dodgers improved to 16-1 at home against the Royals, who were swept in their last visit.

Royals: INF-OF Adam Frazier was activated from the bereavement list.

Dodgers: RHP Bobby Miller (shoulder) will start Wednesday at Colorado.

Kansas City traded minor league catcher Logan Porter to the San Francisco Giants for cash or a player to be named later.

Royals: RHP Seth Lugo (9-2, 2.36 ERA) starts Saturday coming off his first loss since April 21. He's allowed nine runs in 13 innings over his last two starts.

Dodgers: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (6-2, 3.00) goes Saturday after having his scheduled Thursday start pushed back for extra rest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman lined a go-ahead, two-out RBI single into center in the eighth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Friday night.Mookie Betts singled, took second on an errant pickoff throw by reliever Will Smith (0-3) and scored on Freeman’s hit.Daniel Hudson (3-1) got the win with a scoreless inning of relief and Alex Vesia pitched the ninth to earn his third save.The Royals had the tying run at first with two outs in the ninth on a single by pinch hitter Nelson Velazquez, but Nick Loftin flied out to end it.The Dodgers tied the game 3-3 with two outs in the fifth with offense from the bottom half of the lineup.Miguel Rojas hit a two-run homer just inside the left-field foul pole and one batter later Chris Taylor went deep to tie it up. It was Taylor's first homer since Sept. 7.“It was more relief than anything,” said Taylor, who came in hitting .100. "I definitely have my moments of frustration. Just trying to embrace the process and trust that my work's eventually going to come through for me."The Dodgers are 19-0 when Rojas gets a hit.“Not playing every day is kind of like a challenge, but at the end of the day the biggest key for me is facing every game like it’s a playoff game,” Rojas said.Visiting Dodger Stadium for the first time since 2017, the Royals made themselves right at home.Salvador Perez blasted a 437-foot homer that came off his bat at 113.3 mph, traveling most of the way up the left-field pavilion in the fourth. Maikel Garcia singled, took second on Bobby Witt Jr.’s groundout and moved to third on Gavin Stone’s wild pitch. Vinnie Pasquantino walked to set up Perez, who made it 3-0.Perez left the game in the eighth.Witt Jr., who came in with a .330 average, went 0 for 4 on his 24th birthday. He made a nifty over-the-shoulder catch of Andy Pages, threw to second and Loftin fired to first to complete the Royals' second double play of the game in the seventh.Dodgers starter Stone allowed three runs and four hits in seven innings. He struck out three and walked two.Royals starter Cole Ragans gave up three runs and seven hits in seven innings. He struck out four and walked one.The Dodgers improved to 16-1 at home against the Royals, who were swept in their last visit.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: INF-OF Adam Frazier was activated from the bereavement list.Dodgers: RHP Bobby Miller (shoulder) will start Wednesday at Colorado.ROYALS TRADEKansas City traded minor league catcher Logan Porter to the San Francisco Giants for cash or a player to be named later.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Seth Lugo (9-2, 2.36 ERA) starts Saturday coming off his first loss since April 21. He's allowed nine runs in 13 innings over his last two starts.Dodgers: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (6-2, 3.00) goes Saturday after having his scheduled Thursday start pushed back for extra rest.

⚾ Royals lose to Dodgers Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — &nbsp;The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs (5-3) will host the Diamond Kings (2-4) at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Friday with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718365838895.png" alt="Wichita Diamond Kings vs Hutch Monarchs Friday and Saturday night." />
 <figcaption>Wichita Diamond Kings vs Hutch Monarchs Friday and Saturday night.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — &nbsp;The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs (5-3) will host the Diamond Kings (2-4) at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Friday with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.The Monarchs are back for their 16th season of play in Hutchinson.&nbsp;The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play call with Matt Peterson providing the video stream sponsored by Mid-Way Motors.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1101125?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

⚾ Hutch Monarchs open two-game series with Diamond Kings

Multiple reports say that Coleman Hawkins is coming to K-State for his 5th year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644928482119.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Multiple reports say that Coleman Hawkins is coming to K-State for his 5th year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Coleman Hawkins is a Kansas ST. Wildcat !!! Hawkins is a tremendous addition to finalize the 24-25 roster for the Cats. He will be transferring from Illinois where he played 4 seasons, he was named 2nd Team All Big 10(AP) this past season, when he avg 12.1 pts(career best), 6.1…&mdash; Kansas State Recruiting (@KStateRecruits) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateRecruits/status/1801658798127321198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🏀 Illinois star commits to K-State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher.png" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher.png</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="June 14th, 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=t3659-1640548-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals bounce back with win over Yankees; ⚾ Hutch Monarchs win big in Newton

Charlotte, NC&nbsp;– The NJCAA has selected West Texas A&amp;M University as the host site for the 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 NJCAA Division I Football Championships.  &nbsp;

West Texas A&amp;M will host the championship at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in Canyon, TX.&nbsp;The state-of-the-art stadium opened in 2019 and has been regarded as one of the best stadiums in NCAA Division II football.

"I am pleased that West Texas will host the NJCAA Division I Football National Championships for the next four years in our acclaimed Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in the heart of our campus," said Walter V. Wendler, West Texas A&amp;M University President. "Our partnership with the Amarillo Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau and Canyon Chamber of Commerce to bring this championship game to our area will result in a significant economic impact for both cities, and as we make clear in our long-range plan,&nbsp;WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World, serving our region is our top priority."&nbsp;

The Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium seats 8,500 with an estimated total capacity of 12,000 when including overflow berm seating and standing-room-only space at the concourse level. The stadium features a video scoreboard structure, a ribbon board system, and a concourse that provides full circulation for patrons around the stadium. Along with great features around the stadium, the field itself is a Hellas Cushdrain field which helps reduce the impact on the head during tackles creating a safer game.

"The NJCAA is excited for the future of the DI Football Championship in Amarillo and Canyon," stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Senior Vice President for External Affairs &amp; Development. "West Texas A&amp;M has an incredible facility with top of the line features that are going to play an integral role in the championship experience for NJCAA student-athletes, coaches, and fans." &nbsp;

The 2024 NJCAA Division I Football Championship will take place on Wednesday, December 18 at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT and will be televised nationally on ESPNU.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718366748880.png" alt="West Texas A &amp; M to host NJCAA D1 Football" />
 <figcaption>West Texas A &amp; M to host NJCAA D1 Football</figcaption>
 </figure>Charlotte, NC&nbsp;– The NJCAA has selected West Texas A&amp;M University as the host site for the 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 NJCAA Division I Football Championships.  &nbsp;West Texas A&amp;M will host the championship at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in Canyon, TX.&nbsp;The state-of-the-art stadium opened in 2019 and has been regarded as one of the best stadiums in NCAA Division II football."I am pleased that West Texas will host the NJCAA Division I Football National Championships for the next four years in our acclaimed Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in the heart of our campus," said Walter V. Wendler, West Texas A&amp;M University President. "Our partnership with the Amarillo Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau and Canyon Chamber of Commerce to bring this championship game to our area will result in a significant economic impact for both cities, and as we make clear in our long-range plan,&nbsp;WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World, serving our region is our top priority."&nbsp;The Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium seats 8,500 with an estimated total capacity of 12,000 when including overflow berm seating and standing-room-only space at the concourse level. The stadium features a video scoreboard structure, a ribbon board system, and a concourse that provides full circulation for patrons around the stadium. Along with great features around the stadium, the field itself is a Hellas Cushdrain field which helps reduce the impact on the head during tackles creating a safer game."The NJCAA is excited for the future of the DI Football Championship in Amarillo and Canyon," stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Senior Vice President for External Affairs &amp; Development. "West Texas A&amp;M has an incredible facility with top of the line features that are going to play an integral role in the championship experience for NJCAA student-athletes, coaches, and fans." &nbsp;The 2024 NJCAA Division I Football Championship will take place on Wednesday, December 18 at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT and will be televised nationally on ESPNU.About West Texas A&amp;M University

🏈 West Texas A&M awarded host of NJCAA DI Football Championship

WICHITA, Kan.—Contact aplenty appeared for the third straight night in an 8-5 Wichita defeat against Midland at Riverfront Stadium. The RockHounds scored four unanswered runs over the final two innings to pull away with the final few outs remaining.

Luke Keaschall&nbsp;smoked his first Wind Surge home run over the fence in left field in the bottom of the first. The solo shot is Keaschall’s seventh leadoff home run of the season between Cedar Rapids and Wichita.

Cooper Bowman tied the game in the top of the third on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Ben Ross. Jorel Ortega scampered home on a wild pitch in the home half of the frame, followed by back-to-back run-scoring singles by&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jeferson Morales&nbsp;to make the score 4-1 Wind Surge.

Caeden Trinkle and Denzel Clarke would cut the lead to one in the top of the fourth on a sacrifice fly to right field and an infield base knock to shortstop&nbsp;Tanner Schobel. A third straight run came across for the RockHounds on a Clarke solo home run three innings later.

Rucker floated an RBI single to shallow right-center to tie the game after the stretch in the bottom of the seventh. Midland’s answer was a two-RBI double to the left-center alley from Jeisson Rosario to push ahead 6-5 in the top of the eighth.

Colby Thomas’ sacrifice fly and a Shane McGuire RBI single gave the RockHounds enough insurance before a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth ended the game.

Regi Grace&nbsp;received the loss in relief, falling to 0-2 in 2024 after giving up two earned runs on three hits in one and one-third innings with two strikeouts. Keaschall and Rucker had 4-hit and 3-hit nights, combining for seven of the nine hits for Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718364732393.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge lose slug fest to Midland" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge lose slug fest to Midland</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—Contact aplenty appeared for the third straight night in an 8-5 Wichita defeat against Midland at Riverfront Stadium. The RockHounds scored four unanswered runs over the final two innings to pull away with the final few outs remaining.Luke Keaschall&nbsp;smoked his first Wind Surge home run over the fence in left field in the bottom of the first. The solo shot is Keaschall’s seventh leadoff home run of the season between Cedar Rapids and Wichita.Cooper Bowman tied the game in the top of the third on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Ben Ross. Jorel Ortega scampered home on a wild pitch in the home half of the frame, followed by back-to-back run-scoring singles by&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jeferson Morales&nbsp;to make the score 4-1 Wind Surge.Caeden Trinkle and Denzel Clarke would cut the lead to one in the top of the fourth on a sacrifice fly to right field and an infield base knock to shortstop&nbsp;Tanner Schobel. A third straight run came across for the RockHounds on a Clarke solo home run three innings later.Rucker floated an RBI single to shallow right-center to tie the game after the stretch in the bottom of the seventh. Midland’s answer was a two-RBI double to the left-center alley from Jeisson Rosario to push ahead 6-5 in the top of the eighth.Colby Thomas’ sacrifice fly and a Shane McGuire RBI single gave the RockHounds enough insurance before a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth ended the game.Regi Grace&nbsp;received the loss in relief, falling to 0-2 in 2024 after giving up two earned runs on three hits in one and one-third innings with two strikeouts. Keaschall and Rucker had 4-hit and 3-hit nights, combining for seven of the nine hits for Wichita.

⚾ Wind Surge fizzles out late in loss to Midland

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two run double off Yankees closer Clay Holmes, and the Kansas City Royals recovered after squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 and avoid a four-game sweep. Marsh took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning against the major league-best Yankees, who had outscored the Royals 25-8 in the first three games of the series. He allowed Juan Soto’s leadoff single in that frame and then retired the next three batters to conclude his 96-pitch outing. The Yankees pushed ahead 3-2 in the eighth against the Royals' bullpen before Garcia game through against Holmes for the walk-off.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Paul Goldschmidt and Brendan Donovan homered, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3. Lance Lynn went 4 1/3 innings, snapping a string of four straight quality starts by Cardinals pitchers. Lynn allowed three runs on four hits, walked three and struck out five. Chris Roycroft (1-0) earned his first major league decision as five different Cardinals relievers combined for 4 2/3 scoreless innings. Andrew Kittredge earned his first save. Mitch Keller (8-4) allowed four runs on eight hits in six innings. Keller struck out four and walked none as the Pirates lost for the third time in their last four games.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The College World Series opens Friday at Charles Schwab Field and, for the first time since the event expanded to eight teams in 1950, only two conferences will be represented on the college game’s biggest stage. The Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference have combined to send the most teams to the CWS over the last decade, including this year. Their exclusivity in the 2024 field hints at an even greater concentration of power in the sport as college athletics move into an era where players, already able to move around freely, can make more money than ever.

PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay are tied for the lead after one round of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. McIlroy had tremendous control on a course that demands precision. He was bogey-free for a 65 in the afternoon. Cantlay had six birdies in his round of 65 in the morning. McIlroy hasn't had a bogey-free start to a major since last winning one 10 years ago at the British Open. They led by one shot over Ludvig Aberg. Bryson DeChambeau powered his way to a 67 and was tied for third with Matthieu Pavon on France.

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Aleksander Barkov and Sergei Bobrovsky led the way as the Florida Panthers moved within a victory of their first Stanley Cup title, holding on to beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in Game 3 of the final. Game 4 is Saturday night in Edmonton. Barkov set up a goal and scored another while Bobrovsky made 32 saves to continue his run of dominance in the series. The Panthers pounced on turnovers and silenced a fired up Edmonton crowd witnessing the first Cup final game with fans in the city in 18 years.

DALLAS (AP) — It’s over. That’s what the numbers say. There will be a record-setting 18th championship for the Boston Celtics to celebrate soon, maybe very soon. They have a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals, a lead that has never been wasted in any NBA series, ever. The stats are absolute. The Celtics, to their credit, are taking nothing for granted. On perhaps the next-to-last day of the NBA’s 78th season, the Celtics — who could finish off the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 on Friday night — were desperately trying to keep things as close to business as usual as could be expected.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs showed off their glitzy new Super Bowl rings that sparkled with diamonds, rubies and “Tom &amp; Jerry.” The championship-winning team gathered inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to receive the flashy jewelry that celebrates the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers in February. The ring features 529 diamonds and 38 rubies and totals 14.8 carats. The top of the ring opens up to reveal an inscription of “Tom &amp; Jerry,” the nickname given to the winning play when Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a five-year, $275 million contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side had announced the contract publicly. The person says Lawrence’s deal averages $55 million and ties him with Cincinnati's Joe Burrow for the most ever. Lawrence's extension includes $142 million fully guaranteed and a $37.5 million signing bonus. Lawrence is now the sixth QB making more than $50 million a year.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — An injury caused Conor McGregor to pull out of the upcoming pay-per-view event June 29 in Las Vegas that he was scheduled to headline. Organization President Dana White announced the change Thursday night on X. White saying light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will face top-ranked challenger Jiri Prochazka in UFC 303. McGregor was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler. The first indication that bout was in trouble when his news conference June 3 in Dublin was abruptly canceled. No immediate explanation was provided.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, June 14th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, June 14th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for June 14th, 2024;<div><iframe title="AP Sports Summary for June 14th, 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=n7srd-16404bc-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>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two run double off Yankees closer Clay Holmes, and the Kansas City Royals recovered after squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 and avoid a four-game sweep. Marsh took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning against the major league-best Yankees, who had outscored the Royals 25-8 in the first three games of the series. He allowed Juan Soto’s leadoff single in that frame and then retired the next three batters to conclude his 96-pitch outing. The Yankees pushed ahead 3-2 in the eighth against the Royals' bullpen before Garcia game through against Holmes for the walk-off.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Paul Goldschmidt and Brendan Donovan homered, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3. Lance Lynn went 4 1/3 innings, snapping a string of four straight quality starts by Cardinals pitchers. Lynn allowed three runs on four hits, walked three and struck out five. Chris Roycroft (1-0) earned his first major league decision as five different Cardinals relievers combined for 4 2/3 scoreless innings. Andrew Kittredge earned his first save. Mitch Keller (8-4) allowed four runs on eight hits in six innings. Keller struck out four and walked none as the Pirates lost for the third time in their last four games.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The College World Series opens Friday at Charles Schwab Field and, for the first time since the event expanded to eight teams in 1950, only two conferences will be represented on the college game’s biggest stage. The Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference have combined to send the most teams to the CWS over the last decade, including this year. Their exclusivity in the 2024 field hints at an even greater concentration of power in the sport as college athletics move into an era where players, already able to move around freely, can make more money than ever.PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay are tied for the lead after one round of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. McIlroy had tremendous control on a course that demands precision. He was bogey-free for a 65 in the afternoon. Cantlay had six birdies in his round of 65 in the morning. McIlroy hasn't had a bogey-free start to a major since last winning one 10 years ago at the British Open. They led by one shot over Ludvig Aberg. Bryson DeChambeau powered his way to a 67 and was tied for third with Matthieu Pavon on France.EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Aleksander Barkov and Sergei Bobrovsky led the way as the Florida Panthers moved within a victory of their first Stanley Cup title, holding on to beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in Game 3 of the final. Game 4 is Saturday night in Edmonton. Barkov set up a goal and scored another while Bobrovsky made 32 saves to continue his run of dominance in the series. The Panthers pounced on turnovers and silenced a fired up Edmonton crowd witnessing the first Cup final game with fans in the city in 18 years.DALLAS (AP) — It’s over. That’s what the numbers say. There will be a record-setting 18th championship for the Boston Celtics to celebrate soon, maybe very soon. They have a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals, a lead that has never been wasted in any NBA series, ever. The stats are absolute. The Celtics, to their credit, are taking nothing for granted. On perhaps the next-to-last day of the NBA’s 78th season, the Celtics — who could finish off the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 on Friday night — were desperately trying to keep things as close to business as usual as could be expected.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs showed off their glitzy new Super Bowl rings that sparkled with diamonds, rubies and “Tom &amp; Jerry.” The championship-winning team gathered inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to receive the flashy jewelry that celebrates the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers in February. The ring features 529 diamonds and 38 rubies and totals 14.8 carats. The top of the ring opens up to reveal an inscription of “Tom &amp; Jerry,” the nickname given to the winning play when Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman.JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a five-year, $275 million contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side had announced the contract publicly. The person says Lawrence’s deal averages $55 million and ties him with Cincinnati's Joe Burrow for the most ever. Lawrence's extension includes $142 million fully guaranteed and a $37.5 million signing bonus. Lawrence is now the sixth QB making more than $50 million a year.LAS VEGAS (AP) — An injury caused Conor McGregor to pull out of the upcoming pay-per-view event June 29 in Las Vegas that he was scheduled to headline. Organization President Dana White announced the change Thursday night on X. White saying light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will face top-ranked challenger Jiri Prochazka in UFC 303. McGregor was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler. The first indication that bout was in trouble when his news conference June 3 in Dublin was abruptly canceled. No immediate explanation was provided.THURSDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal Detroit 7 Washington 2Final Atlanta 6 Baltimore 3Final Tampa Bay 3 Chicago Cubs 2Final Boston 9 Philadelphia 3Final Arizona 11 L.A. Angels 1Final Texas 3 L.A. Dodgers 1AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Kansas City 4 N.Y. Yankees 3Final Minnesota 6 Oakland 2Final Chicago White Sox 3 Seattle 2NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal St. Louis 4 Pittsburgh 3Final N.Y. Mets 3 Miami 2NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Friday

NEWTON, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs erupted for 21 runs in a seven inning run-rule win over the Newton Rebels Thursday night in Newton.

Hutch was led with a five-for-five, three RBI night by Cooper Wesslund. Camden Johnson and Jaden Gustafson also had big nights with three RBI's each.

Cole Toureau earned the win on the mound.

Hutchinson opens a two game home stand with the Wichita Diamond Kings starting tonight with first pitch set for 7pm

Saturday night is Cancer awareness night with all proceeds&nbsp; going to the Reno County Cancer Council including a silent auction of Monarch Jerseys.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718367995239.png" alt="Monarchs win over Newton - June 13th&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Monarchs win over Newton - June 13th&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs erupted for 21 runs in a seven inning run-rule win over the Newton Rebels Thursday night in Newton.Hutch was led with a five-for-five, three RBI night by Cooper Wesslund. Camden Johnson and Jaden Gustafson also had big nights with three RBI's each.Cole Toureau earned the win on the mound.Hutchinson opens a two game home stand with the Wichita Diamond Kings starting tonight with first pitch set for 7pmSaturday night is Cancer awareness night with all proceeds&nbsp; going to the Reno County Cancer Council including a silent auction of Monarch Jerseys.

⚾ Monarchs roll Rebels in rune-rule win

K-State picked up another commit in their 2025 class. Edge rusher Dalton Knapp from Grapevine, Texas will be joining the Wildcats.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644928482119.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>K-State picked up another commit in their 2025 class. Edge rusher Dalton Knapp from Grapevine, Texas will be joining the Wildcats.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Manhattan I’m home🏡! Extremely Blessed to announce that I’ve committed to Kansas State University. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gocats?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gocats</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EMAW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EMAW</a> Thank you to everyone that’s helped me get to this point and my family for always having my back and believing in me. <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBeck_PTF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBeck_PTF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/twftraining?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@twftraining</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mike_williams52?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mike_williams52</a>… <a href="https://t.co/tVlFRoFw0D">pic.twitter.com/tVlFRoFw0D</a>&mdash; Dalton Knapp 3🌟 (@daltonknapp_) <a href="https://twitter.com/daltonknapp_/status/1801302990889857293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🏈 2025 Edge rusher commits to Wildcats

TOPEKA – Changes to postseason formats and championship sites for basketball, football, wrestling and track and field highlight actions approved at the June 12-13 KSHSAA Executive Board Meeting. The postseason formats are set by the KSHSAA Executive Board each year.

Basketball -&nbsp;Beginning in March of 2026, the state basketball tournaments will be moving to four total sites. Four facilities will play host to the seven classifications, 14 championships. By honoring the KSHSAA membership voted in the fall of 2023 to qualify eight boys teams and eight girls teams involved at the final site, modifications to the daily schedule will be developed. The schedule and other event details, including classification designations for each site and venue selection will be determined and announced following the 2024-25 basketball season.

Another basketball postseason change effective with the 2024-25 season will come at the 3A, 2A, 1A DI and 1A DII classifications. Each class will be divided into four regions and then seeded into two sub-states within the region: Substate A: 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16; Substate B: 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15. The winner of each substate will advance to the state basketball tournament. Further format details and dates will be sent to member schools.

Football&nbsp;- As announced in January, the state football championships will be moving to three sites with three games being played at each site. The executive board approved the following sites and schedule for 2024:

Emporia State University: Class 6A = Friday, November 29 at 2:00pm Class 4A = Saturday, November 30 at 1:00pm Class 5A = Saturday, November 30 at 7:00pm

Hutchinson Community College: Class 2A = Friday, November 29 at 6:00pm Class 3A = Saturday, November 30 at 12:00pm Class 1A = Saturday, November 30 at 5:00pm

Kiowa County High School, Greensburg: Class 8-player DII = Saturday, November 30 at 11:00am Class 6-Player = Saturday, November 30 at 3:00pm Class 8-Player DI = Saturday, November 30 at 7:00pm

Wrestling&nbsp;– Girl’s wrestling will now include four classes to mirror the boy’s classification designations. The addition of another class for girl’s wrestling necessitates the addition of another championship site. 6A, 5A, 4A and 3-1A will each have their own site to determine a champion. 3-1A state wrestling will be in Hays and 4A will be in Salina. Park City Arena and one other facility to be named later will house either 6A or 5A. State sites and regional dates will be determined at the September KSHSAA Executive Board meeting. The state wrestling tournament will take place February 28 - March 1, 2025.

Track and Field&nbsp;– Qualification for the state meet was adjusted to now be the top 3 plus the next four best regional performance in each event.

Two committees will be formed to gather input from membership school leaders. One to discuss the details behind the implementation of Esports prior to the possible adoption as a KSHSAA sanctioned activity. The second committee will review the KSHSAA calendar to consider possible alternatives to dates of postseason activities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620403640441.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KSHSAATOPEKA – Changes to postseason formats and championship sites for basketball, football, wrestling and track and field highlight actions approved at the June 12-13 KSHSAA Executive Board Meeting. The postseason formats are set by the KSHSAA Executive Board each year.Basketball -&nbsp;Beginning in March of 2026, the state basketball tournaments will be moving to four total sites. Four facilities will play host to the seven classifications, 14 championships. By honoring the KSHSAA membership voted in the fall of 2023 to qualify eight boys teams and eight girls teams involved at the final site, modifications to the daily schedule will be developed. The schedule and other event details, including classification designations for each site and venue selection will be determined and announced following the 2024-25 basketball season.Another basketball postseason change effective with the 2024-25 season will come at the 3A, 2A, 1A DI and 1A DII classifications. Each class will be divided into four regions and then seeded into two sub-states within the region: Substate A: 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16; Substate B: 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15. The winner of each substate will advance to the state basketball tournament. Further format details and dates will be sent to member schools.Football&nbsp;- As announced in January, the state football championships will be moving to three sites with three games being played at each site. The executive board approved the following sites and schedule for 2024:Emporia State University: Class 6A = Friday, November 29 at 2:00pm Class 4A = Saturday, November 30 at 1:00pm Class 5A = Saturday, November 30 at 7:00pmHutchinson Community College: Class 2A = Friday, November 29 at 6:00pm Class 3A = Saturday, November 30 at 12:00pm Class 1A = Saturday, November 30 at 5:00pmKiowa County High School, Greensburg: Class 8-player DII = Saturday, November 30 at 11:00am Class 6-Player = Saturday, November 30 at 3:00pm Class 8-Player DI = Saturday, November 30 at 7:00pmWrestling&nbsp;– Girl’s wrestling will now include four classes to mirror the boy’s classification designations. The addition of another class for girl’s wrestling necessitates the addition of another championship site. 6A, 5A, 4A and 3-1A will each have their own site to determine a champion. 3-1A state wrestling will be in Hays and 4A will be in Salina. Park City Arena and one other facility to be named later will house either 6A or 5A. State sites and regional dates will be determined at the September KSHSAA Executive Board meeting. The state wrestling tournament will take place February 28 - March 1, 2025.Track and Field&nbsp;– Qualification for the state meet was adjusted to now be the top 3 plus the next four best regional performance in each event.Two committees will be formed to gather input from membership school leaders. One to discuss the details behind the implementation of Esports prior to the possible adoption as a KSHSAA sanctioned activity. The second committee will review the KSHSAA calendar to consider possible alternatives to dates of postseason activities.

KSHSAA Executive Board approves several postseason changes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two run double off Yankees closer Clay Holmes, and the Kansas City Royals recovered after squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 on Thursday and avoid a four-game sweep.

Marsh took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning against the major league-best Yankees (49-22), who had outscored the Royals 25-8 in the first three games of the series. He allowed Juan Soto's leadoff single in that frame and then retired the next three batters to conclude his 96-pitch outing.

New York immediately went to work in the eighth against reliever John Schreiber. Anthony Rizzo homered to get the Yankees within 2-1. An error by second baseman Garrett Hampson set up Anthony Volpe's RBI grounder. Angel Zerpa came in and gave up Soto's go-ahead RBI single.

With one out in the ninth against Holmes (1-2), Drew Waters hit a grounder that went for an infield hit after Holmes and first baseman Rizzo were confused about who would field the ball. After a fielder's-grounder, Kyle Isbel singled to bring up Garcia, who hit a liner down the left-field line to score MJ Melendez from third and Isbel from first.

It was the fourth blown save in 23 chances for Holmes.

James McArthur (3-3) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City, which snapped a four-game skid. The Royals finished 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

Nestor Cortes gave up two runs in seven innings for New York to lower his road ERA to 5.57 from 6.17. The left-hander's ERA at Yankee Stadium is 1.77.

Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games with a fourth-inning single and came in to score on Vinnie Pasquantino's two-run double off the wall in left-center. That gave the Royals their first lead in the series.

The Royals threatened again in the sixth. Witt led off with a single, but was caught stealing on a pickoff throw by Cortes. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro was ejected after arguing that a balk should have been called.

The Royals recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha and optioned LHP Daniel Lynch to Omaha.

The Yankees travel to Boston Friday to begin a three-game series against the Red Sox. RHP Luis Gil (8-1, 2.04 ERA) will face RHP Brayan Bello (6-3, 4.78 ERA).

The Royals head to Los Angeles for a three-game series against the Dodgers. LHP Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.08 ERA) will get the start for Kansas City against RHP Gavin Stone (7-2, 2.93 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718313262212.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two run double off Yankees closer Clay Holmes, and the Kansas City Royals recovered after squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 on Thursday and avoid a four-game sweep.Marsh took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning against the major league-best Yankees (49-22), who had outscored the Royals 25-8 in the first three games of the series. He allowed Juan Soto's leadoff single in that frame and then retired the next three batters to conclude his 96-pitch outing.New York immediately went to work in the eighth against reliever John Schreiber. Anthony Rizzo homered to get the Yankees within 2-1. An error by second baseman Garrett Hampson set up Anthony Volpe's RBI grounder. Angel Zerpa came in and gave up Soto's go-ahead RBI single.With one out in the ninth against Holmes (1-2), Drew Waters hit a grounder that went for an infield hit after Holmes and first baseman Rizzo were confused about who would field the ball. After a fielder's-grounder, Kyle Isbel singled to bring up Garcia, who hit a liner down the left-field line to score MJ Melendez from third and Isbel from first.It was the fourth blown save in 23 chances for Holmes.James McArthur (3-3) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City, which snapped a four-game skid. The Royals finished 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.Nestor Cortes gave up two runs in seven innings for New York to lower his road ERA to 5.57 from 6.17. The left-hander's ERA at Yankee Stadium is 1.77.Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games with a fourth-inning single and came in to score on Vinnie Pasquantino's two-run double off the wall in left-center. That gave the Royals their first lead in the series.The Royals threatened again in the sixth. Witt led off with a single, but was caught stealing on a pickoff throw by Cortes. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro was ejected after arguing that a balk should have been called.TRANSACTIONSThe Royals recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha and optioned LHP Daniel Lynch to Omaha.UP NEXTThe Yankees travel to Boston Friday to begin a three-game series against the Red Sox. RHP Luis Gil (8-1, 2.04 ERA) will face RHP Brayan Bello (6-3, 4.78 ERA).The Royals head to Los Angeles for a three-game series against the Dodgers. LHP Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.08 ERA) will get the start for Kansas City against RHP Gavin Stone (7-2, 2.93 ERA).___

⚾ Garcia's game-ending hit gives Royals win over Yankees

LOS ANGELES (AP) — After organizers for Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog-eating contest said Joey Chestnut wouldn’t compete this year because of a deal with a rival brand, Netflix swiftly announced a new hot dog-eating competition that will feature Chestnut and his “fiercest rival.”

Chestnut, a 16-time hot dog-eating champion, will face off with his frequent Nathan’s competitor, Takeru Kobayashi, in a live Netflix special on Sept. 2, the streamer announced Wednesday.

The contest, titled “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef,” will feature the two chowing down on all-beef hot dogs, likely in a nod to reports that Chestnut’s rival brand deal is with Impossible Foods, which makes plant-based hot dogs.

Major League Eating, the organization that oversees the Nathan’s contest, announced Tuesday that Chestnut’s deal was an “exclusivity” issue, saying that it was his decision to step back from the competition he has participated in since 2005. “We love him. The fans love him,” said George Shea, a Major League Eating event organizer, adding: “He made the choice.”

Chestnut disputed that he made the choice, saying on the social platform X that Nathan’s and Major League Eating made the decision, adding that it would “deprive fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment.”

He also wrote that fans could “rest assured” that they would see him east again soon, adding: “STAY HUNGRY!”

Impossible Foods has not confirmed a formal relationship with Chestnut, but he said in a statement on Tuesday they support his choice to compete in any competition, adding “Meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener.”

Following Netflix’s announcement, Shea said the streamer was “trying to recreate the Nathan’s contest to some extent and you just can’t do that.”

“Imitation is the best form of flattery,” he added.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined the conversation via X on Wednesday, urging Nathan's and Major League Eating to “stop being such weenies.” “It would be ‘impossible’ to have this year's Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest without Joey Chestnut,” he wrote. “Let's find a way to squash this beef and bring back the champ for another 4th of July at Coney Island!”

In a Netflix news release announcing the competition, Chestnut said he was eager bring the competition to the streaming service.

“Through all of my years in competitive eating, Kobayashi stands out as my fiercest rival,” Chestnut said via the release. “Competing against him pushed me to be so much better. I know that fans have waited a long time for another chapter of our rivalry and I can’t wait for our massive showdown live on Netflix! It’s time to give the people what they want!”

Kobayashi, who has been rumored to be retired, said in the Netflix release that he is looking forward to facing off with Chestnut once more. The two have not competed since 2009.

“Retiring for me will only happen after I take him down one last time,” Kobayashi said. “This rivalry has been brewing for a long time. Competing against Joey live on Netflix means fans all over the world can watch me knock him out.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718296682903.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Joey Chestnut, defending champion of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, left, works to outpace former champion Takeru Kobayashi, right, July 4, 2009, in New York. Chestnut, a 16-time hot dog-eating champion, will face off with his frequent Nathan’s competitor, Kobayashi, in a live Netflix special on Sept. 2, 2024, the streamer announced Wednesday, June 12. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Joey Chestnut, defending champion of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, left, works to outpace former champion Takeru Kobayashi, right, July 4, 2009, in New York. Chestnut, a 16-time hot dog-eating champion, will face off with his frequent Nathan’s competitor, Kobayashi, in a live Netflix special on Sept. 2, 2024, the streamer announced Wednesday, June 12. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — After organizers for Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog-eating contest said Joey Chestnut wouldn’t compete this year because of a deal with a rival brand, Netflix swiftly announced a new hot dog-eating competition that will feature Chestnut and his “fiercest rival.”Chestnut, a 16-time hot dog-eating champion, will face off with his frequent Nathan’s competitor, Takeru Kobayashi, in a live Netflix special on Sept. 2, the streamer announced Wednesday.The contest, titled “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef,” will feature the two chowing down on all-beef hot dogs, likely in a nod to reports that Chestnut’s rival brand deal is with Impossible Foods, which makes plant-based hot dogs.Major League Eating, the organization that oversees the Nathan’s contest, announced Tuesday that Chestnut’s deal was an “exclusivity” issue, saying that it was his decision to step back from the competition he has participated in since 2005. “We love him. The fans love him,” said George Shea, a Major League Eating event organizer, adding: “He made the choice.”Chestnut disputed that he made the choice, saying on the social platform X that Nathan’s and Major League Eating made the decision, adding that it would “deprive fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment.”He also wrote that fans could “rest assured” that they would see him east again soon, adding: “STAY HUNGRY!”Impossible Foods has not confirmed a formal relationship with Chestnut, but he said in a statement on Tuesday they support his choice to compete in any competition, adding “Meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener.”Following Netflix’s announcement, Shea said the streamer was “trying to recreate the Nathan’s contest to some extent and you just can’t do that.”“Imitation is the best form of flattery,” he added.New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined the conversation via X on Wednesday, urging Nathan's and Major League Eating to “stop being such weenies.” “It would be ‘impossible’ to have this year's Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest without Joey Chestnut,” he wrote. “Let's find a way to squash this beef and bring back the champ for another 4th of July at Coney Island!”In a Netflix news release announcing the competition, Chestnut said he was eager bring the competition to the streaming service.“Through all of my years in competitive eating, Kobayashi stands out as my fiercest rival,” Chestnut said via the release. “Competing against him pushed me to be so much better. I know that fans have waited a long time for another chapter of our rivalry and I can’t wait for our massive showdown live on Netflix! It’s time to give the people what they want!”Kobayashi, who has been rumored to be retired, said in the Netflix release that he is looking forward to facing off with Chestnut once more. The two have not competed since 2009.“Retiring for me will only happen after I take him down one last time,” Kobayashi said. “This rivalry has been brewing for a long time. Competing against Joey live on Netflix means fans all over the world can watch me knock him out.”

Hot dog-eating champs Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi will go head-to head

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Wichita State head men's basketball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/paul-mills/1128">Paul Mills</a>&nbsp;added frontcourt help with the signing of graduate transfer Zane Meeks to the 2024-25 roster.

The Prairie Village, Kan., native comes back to his home state after spending a season at Arizona State (2023-24), two seasons at San Francisco (2021-23) and two seasons at Nevada (2019-21)."Zane is known for his ability to shoot," Mills said.&nbsp;"However, the area of his game that stood out to our staff was his ability to defensive rebound. He has been able to provide a significant presence, during every stop of his career, as a very good defensive rebounder. He also provides a shooting dimension to our team, from the frontcourt, that will allow us to utilize his skill set through a variety of offensive schemes. I'm glad this Kansas native has chosen to play his final year with the Shockers.

"Meeks was limited to just five games in a Sun Devil uniform due to an ankle injury that sidelined him for the season. In those five games, he averaged 3.6 points and was 6-for-13 from beyond the arc. During his collegiate career, the 6-foot-9 forward has knocked down 132 career three-pointers. He's a career 34 percent shoot from long range in more than 100 collegiate games. In 2022-23, he enjoyed the best season of his career at San Francisco. He averaged career highs in points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game and field goal percentage. In 29 contests for USF, he made 15 starts, averaging 10.3 points per game for the season. His first season at USF saw him post 5.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 27 games, all off the bench.

As a true freshman at Nevada, Meeks&nbsp;appeared in 31 games, averaging 6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds, while shooting 36.4 percent (40-for-110) from beyond the arc. His numbers jumped to 9.0 points and 5.9 rebounds as a sophomore for the Wolf Pack, but was limited to 18 games due to an injury that cut his season short.

He began his prep career at Shawnee Mission East High School before playing his final season at Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.). Meeks helped Brewster to the 2019 National Prep Championship, behind a 34-7 record.

He is the son of former Hutchinson Blue Dragon Rowdy Meeks and Tamara Putnam, and has two brothers Marcus and Dylan and a stepsister Bishop.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718282351127.png" alt="Men's Basketball sign Zake Meeks" />
 <figcaption>Men's Basketball sign Zake Meeks</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Wichita State head men's basketball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/paul-mills/1128">Paul Mills</a>&nbsp;added frontcourt help with the signing of graduate transfer Zane Meeks to the 2024-25 roster.The Prairie Village, Kan., native comes back to his home state after spending a season at Arizona State (2023-24), two seasons at San Francisco (2021-23) and two seasons at Nevada (2019-21)."Zane is known for his ability to shoot," Mills said.&nbsp;"However, the area of his game that stood out to our staff was his ability to defensive rebound. He has been able to provide a significant presence, during every stop of his career, as a very good defensive rebounder. He also provides a shooting dimension to our team, from the frontcourt, that will allow us to utilize his skill set through a variety of offensive schemes. I'm glad this Kansas native has chosen to play his final year with the Shockers."Meeks was limited to just five games in a Sun Devil uniform due to an ankle injury that sidelined him for the season. In those five games, he averaged 3.6 points and was 6-for-13 from beyond the arc. During his collegiate career, the 6-foot-9 forward has knocked down 132 career three-pointers. He's a career 34 percent shoot from long range in more than 100 collegiate games. In 2022-23, he enjoyed the best season of his career at San Francisco. He averaged career highs in points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game and field goal percentage. In 29 contests for USF, he made 15 starts, averaging 10.3 points per game for the season. His first season at USF saw him post 5.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 27 games, all off the bench.As a true freshman at Nevada, Meeks&nbsp;appeared in 31 games, averaging 6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds, while shooting 36.4 percent (40-for-110) from beyond the arc. His numbers jumped to 9.0 points and 5.9 rebounds as a sophomore for the Wolf Pack, but was limited to 18 games due to an injury that cut his season short.He began his prep career at Shawnee Mission East High School before playing his final season at Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.). Meeks helped Brewster to the 2019 National Prep Championship, behind a 34-7 record.He is the son of former Hutchinson Blue Dragon Rowdy Meeks and Tamara Putnam, and has two brothers Marcus and Dylan and a stepsister Bishop.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Shockers snag Kansas native Zane Meeks

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Thursday, June 13th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Thursday, June 13th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="June 13th, 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=r7adi-163edac-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Yankees rock Royals; ⚾ Hutch with dramatic walk-off over Newton 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jose Trevino capped a six-run first inning with a three-run homer, Gleyber Torres added a three-run drive in the seventh and the New York Yankees romped over the Kansas City Royals 11-5 for their third straight win in the four-game series. Giancarlo Stanton hit a 449-foot, two-run homer into shrubbery next to a waterfall beyond left-center, a night after hitting a 446-foot home run. The major league-best Yankees are 49-21, have won 12 of their last 15 games and have outscored the Royals 25-8 in the series. New York is 17-1 against the AL Central.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hunter Renfroe’s left big toe is not fractured, the Kansas City Royals said two days after the team initially announced it was broken by a foul ball. Kansas City said Renfroe is expected to miss two-to-three weeks, down from six-to-eight weeks. Renfroe was hurt Monday when he fouled off a pair of pitches off left-hander Carlos Rodón in the third inning. The outfielder got off to a slow start this season but had raised his batting average to .200 with six homers and 26 RBIs.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Nolan Arenado and Iván Herrera each had three hits, Sonny Gray pitched seven strong innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2. Arenado scored a run and drove in one while Herrera also scored a run. Brendan Donovan added two hits and an RBI. Gray (8-4) gave up one run and four hits while striking out nine and walking just one. Ryan Helsley gave up aa leadoff single in the ninth before finishing up for his major league-leading 22nd save. Bailey Falter (3-4) gave up three runs and eight hits in four innings to lose his second straight start.

UNDATED (AP) — The College World Series begins its annual run in Omaha, Nebraska, this week. It opens Friday with an all-ACC matchup between North Carolina and Virginia in the afternoon and Tennessee of the SEC playing Florida State of the ACC at night. Saturday’s games match Kentucky of the SEC against Georgia or North Carolina State in the afternoon and Texas A&amp;M against Florida in an all-SEC meeting at night. Bracket winners will play in the best-of-three championship series starting June 22.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The NCAA’s recent agreement with the major conferences that sets a path towards schools directly paying athletes could have major consequences for softball. At a time of significant growth and visibility in the sport, some coaches are concerned money could be steered away, threatening softball's stability once the rules fully take shape. Among the concerns are programs getting shut down because money is going to other sports and money being distributed so a limited number of athletes at the top. Much lies in the hands of decision makers to ensure the future of the sport.

DALLAS (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and the Boston Celtics held off a furious Dallas rally to reach the brink of a record 18th championship with a 106-99 victory over the Mavericks for a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals. No team has rallied from 3-0 down in an NBA playoff series. Jaylen Brown had 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as the Celtics extended their franchise record with a 10th consecutive playoff victory. The Mavs almost pulled off a crazy comeback to avoid the big hole. Boston led 91-70 at the end of a 20-5 run early in the fourth quarter before Dallas answered with a 22-2 spurt to get within a point.

UNDATED (AP) — Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and executive and whose silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, has died. The Los Angeles Clippers say West died Wednesday morning with his wife, Karen, by his side. He was 86. West was nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, and he won both NBA and Olympic titles. He was an All-Star in all 14 of his NBA seasons and won the 1972 championship with the Lakers. West was later the general manger of eight Lakers championship teams.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Florida captain Aleksander Barkov practiced again after being knocked out of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup final in the third period after Edmonton forward Leon Draisaitl launched toward him and hit him in the head. Head coach Paul Maurice said the team will make a final decision about Barkov’s Game 3 status on Thursday, but the star “felt better” Wednesday. Barkov has two assists but hasn’t scored yet in the series. Neither has Matthew Tkachuk. That hasn’t been a problem for the Panthers, who control the series thanks to the scoring of other contributors like Evan Rodrigues and Niko Mikkola.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, June 13th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, June 13th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for June 13th, 2024:<div><iframe title="AP Sports Summary for June 13th, 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=6q7x5-163ed55-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>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jose Trevino capped a six-run first inning with a three-run homer, Gleyber Torres added a three-run drive in the seventh and the New York Yankees romped over the Kansas City Royals 11-5 for their third straight win in the four-game series. Giancarlo Stanton hit a 449-foot, two-run homer into shrubbery next to a waterfall beyond left-center, a night after hitting a 446-foot home run. The major league-best Yankees are 49-21, have won 12 of their last 15 games and have outscored the Royals 25-8 in the series. New York is 17-1 against the AL Central.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hunter Renfroe’s left big toe is not fractured, the Kansas City Royals said two days after the team initially announced it was broken by a foul ball. Kansas City said Renfroe is expected to miss two-to-three weeks, down from six-to-eight weeks. Renfroe was hurt Monday when he fouled off a pair of pitches off left-hander Carlos Rodón in the third inning. The outfielder got off to a slow start this season but had raised his batting average to .200 with six homers and 26 RBIs.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Nolan Arenado and Iván Herrera each had three hits, Sonny Gray pitched seven strong innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2. Arenado scored a run and drove in one while Herrera also scored a run. Brendan Donovan added two hits and an RBI. Gray (8-4) gave up one run and four hits while striking out nine and walking just one. Ryan Helsley gave up aa leadoff single in the ninth before finishing up for his major league-leading 22nd save. Bailey Falter (3-4) gave up three runs and eight hits in four innings to lose his second straight start.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The College World Series opens Friday at Charles Schwab Field and, for the first time since the event expanded to eight teams in 1950, only two conferences will be represented on the college game’s biggest stage. The Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference have combined to send the most teams to the CWS over the last decade, including this year. Their exclusivity in the 2024 field hints at an even greater concentration of power in the sport as college athletics move into an era where players, already able to move around freely, can make more money than ever.UNDATED (AP) — The College World Series begins its annual run in Omaha, Nebraska, this week. It opens Friday with an all-ACC matchup between North Carolina and Virginia in the afternoon and Tennessee of the SEC playing Florida State of the ACC at night. Saturday’s games match Kentucky of the SEC against Georgia or North Carolina State in the afternoon and Texas A&amp;M against Florida in an all-SEC meeting at night. Bracket winners will play in the best-of-three championship series starting June 22.OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The NCAA’s recent agreement with the major conferences that sets a path towards schools directly paying athletes could have major consequences for softball. At a time of significant growth and visibility in the sport, some coaches are concerned money could be steered away, threatening softball's stability once the rules fully take shape. Among the concerns are programs getting shut down because money is going to other sports and money being distributed so a limited number of athletes at the top. Much lies in the hands of decision makers to ensure the future of the sport.DALLAS (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and the Boston Celtics held off a furious Dallas rally to reach the brink of a record 18th championship with a 106-99 victory over the Mavericks for a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals. No team has rallied from 3-0 down in an NBA playoff series. Jaylen Brown had 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as the Celtics extended their franchise record with a 10th consecutive playoff victory. The Mavs almost pulled off a crazy comeback to avoid the big hole. Boston led 91-70 at the end of a 20-5 run early in the fourth quarter before Dallas answered with a 22-2 spurt to get within a point.UNDATED (AP) — Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and executive and whose silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, has died. The Los Angeles Clippers say West died Wednesday morning with his wife, Karen, by his side. He was 86. West was nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, and he won both NBA and Olympic titles. He was an All-Star in all 14 of his NBA seasons and won the 1972 championship with the Lakers. West was later the general manger of eight Lakers championship teams.SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Florida captain Aleksander Barkov practiced again after being knocked out of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup final in the third period after Edmonton forward Leon Draisaitl launched toward him and hit him in the head. Head coach Paul Maurice said the team will make a final decision about Barkov’s Game 3 status on Thursday, but the star “felt better” Wednesday. Barkov has two assists but hasn’t scored yet in the series. Neither has Matthew Tkachuk. That hasn’t been a problem for the Panthers, who control the series thanks to the scoring of other contributors like Evan Rodrigues and Niko Mikkola.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers’ absence is no big deal as far as Robert Saleh and the New York Jets are concerned. The quarterback not being present for the team’s two-day minicamp made headlines when Saleh announced Tuesday neither Rodgers nor edge rusher Haason Reddick would attend and both were unexcused absences that were subject to fines. Saleh said Rodgers was away for a previous commitment that “is very important to him” and something he told the team about ahead of time. Saleh said there's no issue with Rodgers and more is being made of the situation outside the facility.PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Pinehurst No. 2 is the site of this year's U.S. Open that starts Thursday. Much was made about replacing rough with the original sandy areas dotted with clumps of wiregrass for the previous U.S. Open at Pinehurst. But it's all about the domed, Donald Ross greens. That much hasn't changed. They've been called turtlebacks and upside-down cereal bowls. But they are a problem. And that's probably why a total of four players have broken par for the U.S. Open the previous three times at Pinehurst. Viktor Hovland is among those who say Pinehurst will be a supreme test.PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Colin Prater feels a little like Kevin Costner’s character in “Tin Cup” this week — a relative unknown who suddenly finds himself on one of golf’s biggest stages at the U.S. Open. So you can't blame him for being a little nervous. After all, his full-time job is a biology teacher and golf coach at Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs. He punched his ticket to the U.S. Open by finishing second at a 36-hole qualifier in Bend, Oregon. He's had a chance to practice this week with former U.S. Open champions Wyndham Clark and Jordan Spieth, as well as Will Zalatoris and Sahith Theegala. And he's even gotten advice from Rory McIlroy. Now his goal is the make the cut.WEDNESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal Minnesota 17 Colorado 9Final Milwaukee 5 Toronto 4Final San Francisco 5 Houston 3Final San Diego 5 Oakland 4Final Baltimore 4 Atlanta 2Final Washington 7 Detroit 5Final Chicago Cubs 4 Tampa Bay 3Final Cincinnati 4 Cleveland 2Final Boston 8 Philadelphia 6Final L.A. Angels 8 Arizona 3Final Texas 3 L.A. Dodgers 2AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal N.Y. Yankees 11 Kansas City 5Final Seattle 2 Chicago White Sox 1NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal N.Y. Mets 10 Miami 4Final St. Louis 4 Pittsburgh 2NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS