HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team has been through a lot of ups and downs through the past 20 years, but mainly more downs than ups. The Salthawks, however, have made strides this spring that may thought were unimaginable.

Hutchinson finished the regular season 17-9 overall and 8-4 in the&nbsp; Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division I. 

The 17 wins are the most the program has had since the 2004 season, when the Salthawks finished the year 17-4. The 8-4 mark is good enough for third place in the AVCTL, the best league finish since the Salthawks finished third in 2013.

This is all coming after the Salthawks went just 4-17 last spring and 2-18 in 2022. Prior to this season, Hutchinson had a combined record of 40-149 over the past nine seasons.&nbsp;

How has Mace Krol turned the program around in just his second season as the head coach?

"I've got a lot of guys on this team that just believe," Krol said. "I knew we were going to be more competitive than we were last year, and I told a lot of people we were going to double our win total from then, but to be able to quadruple it is not something I expected."

The eight wins in league play this season have come against some of the best in the league each and every year. Hutchinson swept Campus, Derby and Salina South, and split against Maize and Newton. The Salthawks were also very competitive against 5A powerhouse Maize South, losing by four runs in the first game and one in the second game.

"It's all a testament to the kids right now and what they've accomplished," Krol said. "They've done exactly what we've asked them to do and they've worked so hard for what's coming to them and they deserve all of the credit."

Junior Cole Bleything leads the Salthawks with a .341 batting average, as well as a team-high 30 hits and eight doubles. Junior Carter Morgan is right behind Bleything with a .337 average. Morgan leads the Salthawks with 26 runs scored, 30 hits, two triples, one home run and 20 RBI. Junior Caiden Beavers is hitting .333 in the two-spot in the batting order with four doubles, 12 RBI and a team-high 13 stolen bases.

Sophomore JuJu Lyons leads the Salthawks with a 4-0 record on the mound with a 3.38 ERA in six starts. Senior Lakin Franz has a team-high 11 appearances (all in relief), 28 strikeouts, four saves, while also accumulating a 2.16 ERA.

The Salthawks have a .281 batting average as a team, 156 runs scored, 35 doubles, seven triples and one home run. Hutchinson also has 55 stolen bases on the season.

The Hutchinson pitching staff has a 4.82 ERA and have struck out 119 batters. Senior Eastyn Keeler has two complete games, while Bleything has one.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) will officially release regional pairings on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and will be posted on kshsaa.org.&nbsp;

No matter who the Salthawks play, Krol knows his team will be ready for the challenge.

"We're a really dangerous team to play right now, because the guys truly believe they're going to win every time they go out on the field," Krol said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/Baseball/SchedulesByTeam.cfm?SchoolSelect=595&amp;Class=5A">Click here for 2024 Salthawk baseball schedule</a>

Salthawk Baseball Season-by-Season 2023: 4-17 2022: 2-18 2021: 6-15 2020: COVID 2019: 6-14 2018: 3-18 2017: 9-14 2016: 4-17 2015: 5-16 2014: 1-20 2013: 13-9 2012: 9-13 2011: 11-11 2010: 8-14 2009: 13-8 2008: 9-12 2007: 14-8 2006: 9-12 2005: 14-9 2004: 17-4 2003: 16-5 2002: 21-4 2001: 14-5-1 2000: 16-6 1999: 16-4 1998: 6-15 1997: 16-9 1996: 16-7 1995: 7-15 1994: 16-7 1993: 12-7 1992: 13-9 1991: 13-9 1990: 11-11 1989: 6-15

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715182785805.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Melissa Newton Loepp" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Melissa Newton Loepp</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team has been through a lot of ups and downs through the past 20 years, but mainly more downs than ups. The Salthawks, however, have made strides this spring that may thought were unimaginable.Hutchinson finished the regular season 17-9 overall and 8-4 in the&nbsp; Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division I. The 17 wins are the most the program has had since the 2004 season, when the Salthawks finished the year 17-4. The 8-4 mark is good enough for third place in the AVCTL, the best league finish since the Salthawks finished third in 2013.This is all coming after the Salthawks went just 4-17 last spring and 2-18 in 2022. Prior to this season, Hutchinson had a combined record of 40-149 over the past nine seasons.&nbsp;How has Mace Krol turned the program around in just his second season as the head coach?"I've got a lot of guys on this team that just believe," Krol said. "I knew we were going to be more competitive than we were last year, and I told a lot of people we were going to double our win total from then, but to be able to quadruple it is not something I expected."The eight wins in league play this season have come against some of the best in the league each and every year. Hutchinson swept Campus, Derby and Salina South, and split against Maize and Newton. The Salthawks were also very competitive against 5A powerhouse Maize South, losing by four runs in the first game and one in the second game."It's all a testament to the kids right now and what they've accomplished," Krol said. "They've done exactly what we've asked them to do and they've worked so hard for what's coming to them and they deserve all of the credit."Junior Cole Bleything leads the Salthawks with a .341 batting average, as well as a team-high 30 hits and eight doubles. Junior Carter Morgan is right behind Bleything with a .337 average. Morgan leads the Salthawks with 26 runs scored, 30 hits, two triples, one home run and 20 RBI. Junior Caiden Beavers is hitting .333 in the two-spot in the batting order with four doubles, 12 RBI and a team-high 13 stolen bases.Sophomore JuJu Lyons leads the Salthawks with a 4-0 record on the mound with a 3.38 ERA in six starts. Senior Lakin Franz has a team-high 11 appearances (all in relief), 28 strikeouts, four saves, while also accumulating a 2.16 ERA.The Salthawks have a .281 batting average as a team, 156 runs scored, 35 doubles, seven triples and one home run. Hutchinson also has 55 stolen bases on the season.The Hutchinson pitching staff has a 4.82 ERA and have struck out 119 batters. Senior Eastyn Keeler has two complete games, while Bleything has one.The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) will officially release regional pairings on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and will be posted on kshsaa.org.&nbsp;No matter who the Salthawks play, Krol knows his team will be ready for the challenge."We're a really dangerous team to play right now, because the guys truly believe they're going to win every time they go out on the field," Krol said.&nbsp;<a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/Baseball/SchedulesByTeam.cfm?SchoolSelect=595&amp;Class=5A">Click here for 2024 Salthawk baseball schedule</a> Salthawk Baseball Season-by-Season 2023: 4-17 2022: 2-18 2021: 6-15 2020: COVID 2019: 6-14 2018: 3-18 2017: 9-14 2016: 4-17 2015: 5-16 2014: 1-20 2013: 13-9 2012: 9-13 2011: 11-11 2010: 8-14 2009: 13-8 2008: 9-12 2007: 14-8 2006: 9-12 2005: 14-9 2004: 17-4 2003: 16-5 2002: 21-4 2001: 14-5-1 2000: 16-6 1999: 16-4 1998: 6-15 1997: 16-9 1996: 16-7 1995: 7-15 1994: 16-7 1993: 12-7 1992: 13-9 1991: 13-9 1990: 11-11 1989: 6-15

⚾ Salthawks head into postseason with most wins in 20 years

University of Kansas Sports Information

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Baseball will be hosting its first Rare Disease Game on Saturday, May 11. Kansas plays Houston at 2 p.m. CT and will be wearing special t-shirts during batting practice that features the ‘Kansas’ wordmark in zebra print to help raise awareness for rare diseases. Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=BSBSGT&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">here</a>.

The game will hold special meaning for Kansas Assistant Coach/Pitching Coach Brandon Scott.

“We are so excited to be hosting the Rare Disease Game at KU,” Scott said. “My wife and I are parents to a child with a rare disease. We know how important awareness is. Our daughter is one of a few children with what is called the CSNK2B Neurodevelopmental Syndrome.”

Scott continued:&nbsp;“We started the CSNK2B Foundation in 2022 to raise money for research. It is our hope that others will someday have access to life changing treatments. Those types of treatments don’t just happen without awareness and support. We are thankful to Kansas Athletics and Coach&nbsp;(Dan)&nbsp;Fitzgerald for allowing us to play this game in honor of those who are affected in any way by a rare disease.”

In addition to the team wearing specially designed shirts, the decals on the bases will have the Kansas wordmark in zebra print. Fans attending the game will have an opportunity to get a bracelet with the Kansas wordmark in zebra print, while supplies last.

With approximately 300 million people with rare diseases worldwide,&nbsp;various&nbsp;organizations will be setup in the concourse on Saturday to share additional information.

Kansas (27-17, 13-11 Big 12) will host Houston for a three-game series this weekend in the final series at Hoglund Ballpark this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715193612091.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>University of Kansas Sports InformationLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Baseball will be hosting its first Rare Disease Game on Saturday, May 11. Kansas plays Houston at 2 p.m. CT and will be wearing special t-shirts during batting practice that features the ‘Kansas’ wordmark in zebra print to help raise awareness for rare diseases. Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=BSBSGT&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">here</a>.The game will hold special meaning for Kansas Assistant Coach/Pitching Coach Brandon Scott.“We are so excited to be hosting the Rare Disease Game at KU,” Scott said. “My wife and I are parents to a child with a rare disease. We know how important awareness is. Our daughter is one of a few children with what is called the CSNK2B Neurodevelopmental Syndrome.”Scott continued:&nbsp;“We started the CSNK2B Foundation in 2022 to raise money for research. It is our hope that others will someday have access to life changing treatments. Those types of treatments don’t just happen without awareness and support. We are thankful to Kansas Athletics and Coach&nbsp;(Dan)&nbsp;Fitzgerald for allowing us to play this game in honor of those who are affected in any way by a rare disease.”In addition to the team wearing specially designed shirts, the decals on the bases will have the Kansas wordmark in zebra print. Fans attending the game will have an opportunity to get a bracelet with the Kansas wordmark in zebra print, while supplies last.With approximately 300 million people with rare diseases worldwide,&nbsp;various&nbsp;organizations will be setup in the concourse on Saturday to share additional information.Kansas (27-17, 13-11 Big 12) will host Houston for a three-game series this weekend in the final series at Hoglund Ballpark this season.

⚾ KU to host Rare Disease Game on Saturday

(AP) — Colorado coach Tad Boyle is adding basketball great Danny Manning to his coaching staff in a reunion of former Kansas teammates.

Boyle and Manning spent a season together with the Jayhawks in 1984-85. Manning would later go on to lead Kansas to the 1988 NCAA championship, an improbable run that earned the team the nickname “Danny and the Miracles.”

The addition of Manning comes as the Buffaloes prepare to rejoin the Big 12 Conference. Manning and Boyle will now routinely face their alma mater.

Manning, who turns 58 on May 17, begins his time in Boulder on June 1. He will work with a team that’s coming off a 26-win season and an NCAA Tournament appearance. The Buffaloes saw several players enter the NBA draft, including freshman Cody Williams, who could be a lottery pick.

Manning spent the past two seasons as associate head coach at Louisville. He’s also served as the head coach at Tulsa and Wake Forest. In addition, he was the interim head coach at Maryland in 2021-22.

“I’m very excited to join coach Boyle’s staff,” Manning said in a statement Tuesday. “This staff has been together for quite some time and has had quite a bit of success, so I want to come in and be a sponge.”

While at Kansas, Manning became the program’s all-time leader in points (2,951) and rebounds (1,187). He was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

As a senior in 1984-85, Boyle shared the court with Manning, who was a freshman at the time. They crossed paths again as assistant coaches for USA Basketball’s under-19 World Cup team in 2017.

“I’m excited to add him to the staff,” Boyle said. “He’s not only a great coach, but he’s a great human being and he’s going to do nothing but help Colorado basketball.”

Manning was the top pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1988. He spent 15 seasons in the NBA with seven different teams. He was the sixth man of the year with Phoenix in 1998.

He broke into the coaching ranks under Kansas coach Bill Self, starting as the director of student-athlete development/team manager in 2003 and rising to an assistant coach role in 2007. He was part of the staff when the Jayhawks won the 2008 national title.

Manning went 38-29 in two seasons at Tulsa, where he was named Conference USA’s coach of the year in 2013-14. At Wake Forest, he went 78-111 over six seasons and then 10-14 as the interim coach at Maryland after Mark Turgeon stepped down.

“Danny brings the ability to connect with young people, being able to mentor them and let them know what they need to do to get better,” Boyle said. “But also what they need to do to achieve their ultimate goal, which is to be a professional basketball player.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715179083855.png" alt="FILE - Louisville head coach Kenny Payne, left, and associate head coach Danny Manning during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Colorado coach Tad Boyle is adding basketball great Danny Manning to his coaching staff in a reunion of the former Kansas teammates. Boyle and Manning spent a season together with the Jayhawks in 1984-85. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Louisville head coach Kenny Payne, left, and associate head coach Danny Manning during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Colorado coach Tad Boyle is adding basketball great Danny Manning to his coaching staff in a reunion of the former Kansas teammates. Boyle and Manning spent a season together with the Jayhawks in 1984-85. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>(AP) — Colorado coach Tad Boyle is adding basketball great Danny Manning to his coaching staff in a reunion of former Kansas teammates.Boyle and Manning spent a season together with the Jayhawks in 1984-85. Manning would later go on to lead Kansas to the 1988 NCAA championship, an improbable run that earned the team the nickname “Danny and the Miracles.”The addition of Manning comes as the Buffaloes prepare to rejoin the Big 12 Conference. Manning and Boyle will now routinely face their alma mater.Manning, who turns 58 on May 17, begins his time in Boulder on June 1. He will work with a team that’s coming off a 26-win season and an NCAA Tournament appearance. The Buffaloes saw several players enter the NBA draft, including freshman Cody Williams, who could be a lottery pick.Manning spent the past two seasons as associate head coach at Louisville. He’s also served as the head coach at Tulsa and Wake Forest. In addition, he was the interim head coach at Maryland in 2021-22.“I’m very excited to join coach Boyle’s staff,” Manning said in a statement Tuesday. “This staff has been together for quite some time and has had quite a bit of success, so I want to come in and be a sponge.”While at Kansas, Manning became the program’s all-time leader in points (2,951) and rebounds (1,187). He was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.As a senior in 1984-85, Boyle shared the court with Manning, who was a freshman at the time. They crossed paths again as assistant coaches for USA Basketball’s under-19 World Cup team in 2017.“I’m excited to add him to the staff,” Boyle said. “He’s not only a great coach, but he’s a great human being and he’s going to do nothing but help Colorado basketball.”Manning was the top pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1988. He spent 15 seasons in the NBA with seven different teams. He was the sixth man of the year with Phoenix in 1998.He broke into the coaching ranks under Kansas coach Bill Self, starting as the director of student-athlete development/team manager in 2003 and rising to an assistant coach role in 2007. He was part of the staff when the Jayhawks won the 2008 national title.Manning went 38-29 in two seasons at Tulsa, where he was named Conference USA’s coach of the year in 2013-14. At Wake Forest, he went 78-111 over six seasons and then 10-14 as the interim coach at Maryland after Mark Turgeon stepped down.“Danny brings the ability to connect with young people, being able to mentor them and let them know what they need to do to get better,” Boyle said. “But also what they need to do to achieve their ultimate goal, which is to be a professional basketball player.”

🏀 MBB: Former Jayhawk great added to Colorado staff

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715178575953.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
 </figure><div>KJCCC Release
 
Complete <a title="2024 Division I All-KJCCC/Region VI Selections" href="https://kjccc.org/sports/sball/2023-24/files/2024_D1_SB_All-Conference_Team.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(140, 0, 15);font-size: 18px;">Division I All-KJCCC/Region VI Selections</a>
 
Selected via KJCCC Coaches, post-season awards for Division I Softball have been announced.
Leading the player selections is Allyson McDougal of Barton voted the KJCCC/Region VI Most Valuable Player with Hutchinson freshman pitcher Dakota Lake being named the Freshman of the Year.
The Coach of the Year honor was awarded to Colby Head Coach Steve Kinnett following his retirement of leading the Trojan program and service to the KJCCC.
Most Valuable Player: Allyson McDougal (Barton) McDougal ranked in the top five of most offensive statistics in the KJCCC, leading the league with 61 hits and 48 runs scored in the 32-games while ranking second in batting average (.565), on-base perrcentage (.595), and doubles (14). &nbsp;The freshman from Moore, Oklahoma, was also solid in right field for the Cougars with just one error in 42 chances (.979) in making a number of spectactular catches throughout the season helping Barton to a third place finish for its highest conference placing since 2017. &nbsp;A week six KJCCC Player of the Week award winner, McDougal also picked up the NJCAA distinction that week in the midst of her season best 16-game hitting streak.
Freshman of the Year: Dakota Lake (Hutchinson) Lake dominated the conference circle this season in 62.0 innings with a miniscule 0.79 ERA. &nbsp;Making 23 appearances, the freshman from Des Moines, Iowa, posted a 7-1 league record with a save in striking out out 115 conference opponents for a 12.98 strikeout per seven innings while walking just 23 free passes and allowing just 7 earned runs. &nbsp;A five-time KJCCC Pitcher of the Week, Lake struck out ten or more batters ten times during the season including tying a career high 13 punch out in Hutchinson&apos;s home finale leading the Blue Dragons to a runner-up placing at 28-4 and a 41-9 overall record ranking in program top five history.
Coach of the Year: Steve Kinnett (Colby) Leading the Colby program since 2013, Kinnett&apos;s retirement leaves a legacy in Trojan history of a .577 win percentage (313-229) in posting six 30-plus winning seasons. &nbsp;Named the 2019 KJCCC West Division Coach of the Year after leading the Trojans to its first regular season conference title, Kinnett&apos;s club also posted the nation&apos;s best grade point average that season. &nbsp;Capturing its second West Division title in 2021, Kinnett built Colby into a consistent contender while providing leadership to other coaches and guidance withing the KJCCC throughout his tenure.</div>

🥎 Lake headlines 10 Blue Dragons on All-KJCCC/Region VI teams

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for May 8th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for May 8th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="May 8th, 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=5rge2-1608523-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Hutch High sweeps Derby ⚾ Brewers edge Royals

WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge tallied 16 runs on 20 hits (nine extra-base hits and four home runs) in their first home game since April 21 in a 16-2 win over the Arkansas Travelers.&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;went a perfect 5-5 at the plate with five runs scored, three home runs, and six RBI to become the first Wind Surge player in history to record three round-trippers in a ballgame.

McCusker’s first came after smacking a two-run home run over the Wichita bullpen in left center in the bottom of the second inning. The Travelers later cut the 2-0 Wind Surge lead a half inning later on a run-scoring groundout.

Jorel Ortega&nbsp;doubled home McCusker in the last of the fifth before&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;went the opposite way to right field to single him in. Despite an Arkansas solo homer by Spencer Packard, Wichita would tag the Travelers for 12 unanswered runs in the consecutive three frames.

Aaron Sabato added&nbsp;an RBI in his return game from a rehab stint in Fort Myers on a single to center in the bottom of the sixth. Ortega allowed Sabato to score after floating his second hit to shallow left. McCusker also scurried home on an infield hit by Schobel for a 7-2 Wichita advantage two-thirds of the way through.

Jeferson Morales&nbsp;joined the home run party on a solo shot to left after the stretch. McCusker also tallied his second of three long balls on a three-run big fly to left center to push the Wind Surge out 11-2.

The eighth inning saw five more Wichita notches.&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;doubled to the alley in right center to bring in Morales. Sabato wallopped a three-run home run two batters later. The next pitch saw McCusker launching a baseball at 114 MPH off the bat 504 feet out of Riverfront Stadium. The back-to-back jacks gave the game its future final 16-2 score.

Travis Adams&nbsp;evened up his season record at 2-2 with a win in six innings of two-run ball. The righty gave up five hits and a walk opposite six strikeouts.

Wichita continues its series with Arkansas tomorrow, Wednesday, May 7, on the team’s second Education Day. The first pitch from Riverfront Stadium will be at 12:05 PM. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715170250071.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge provides on-field fireworks, Tally 20 hits in series opening victory" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge provides on-field fireworks, Tally 20 hits in series opening victory</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge tallied 16 runs on 20 hits (nine extra-base hits and four home runs) in their first home game since April 21 in a 16-2 win over the Arkansas Travelers.&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;went a perfect 5-5 at the plate with five runs scored, three home runs, and six RBI to become the first Wind Surge player in history to record three round-trippers in a ballgame.McCusker’s first came after smacking a two-run home run over the Wichita bullpen in left center in the bottom of the second inning. The Travelers later cut the 2-0 Wind Surge lead a half inning later on a run-scoring groundout.Jorel Ortega&nbsp;doubled home McCusker in the last of the fifth before&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;went the opposite way to right field to single him in. Despite an Arkansas solo homer by Spencer Packard, Wichita would tag the Travelers for 12 unanswered runs in the consecutive three frames.Aaron Sabato added&nbsp;an RBI in his return game from a rehab stint in Fort Myers on a single to center in the bottom of the sixth. Ortega allowed Sabato to score after floating his second hit to shallow left. McCusker also scurried home on an infield hit by Schobel for a 7-2 Wichita advantage two-thirds of the way through.Jeferson Morales&nbsp;joined the home run party on a solo shot to left after the stretch. McCusker also tallied his second of three long balls on a three-run big fly to left center to push the Wind Surge out 11-2.The eighth inning saw five more Wichita notches.&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;doubled to the alley in right center to bring in Morales. Sabato wallopped a three-run home run two batters later. The next pitch saw McCusker launching a baseball at 114 MPH off the bat 504 feet out of Riverfront Stadium. The back-to-back jacks gave the game its future final 16-2 score.Travis Adams&nbsp;evened up his season record at 2-2 with a win in six innings of two-run ball. The righty gave up five hits and a walk opposite six strikeouts.Wichita continues its series with Arkansas tomorrow, Wednesday, May 7, on the team’s second Education Day. The first pitch from Riverfront Stadium will be at 12:05 PM. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>.

⚾ Wind surge tally 20 hits in series opening victory

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Willy Adames hit a three-run homer into the left-field bullpen with two outs in the ninth inning, helping the Milwaukee Brewers rally for a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night. James McArthur had retired the first two batters in the ninth when William Contreras began the comeback with a double on a full-count pitch. Gary Sanchez followed with a walk before Adames homered on an 83 mph curveball. Jared Koenig earned the win for Milwaukee, getting Hunter Renfroe to ground out to end the seventh and then surviving a scoreless eighth. Trevor Megill pitched the ninth for his third save.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Brandon Nimmo hit a three-run homer to spark a six-run fifth inning, and the New York Mets rallied to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-5. The Cardinals not only dropped their fourth straight game, but also lost catcher Willson Contreras to a broken left forearm in the second inning after he was hit by J.D. Martinez’s swing. Contreras, a three-time All-Star, is hitting .280 with a team-leading six home runs. José Buttó allowed three runs in five innings as the Mets won their second consecutive game. All three runs he permitted came in the first, but Buttó retired nine of his last 10 batters.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras broke his left forearm when he was hit by a swing during their game against the New York Mets. Contreras got hurt with J.D. Martinez at the plate in the second inning. After he was clipped by Martinez’s swing, the three-time All-Star tumbled over in obvious pain and then jogged away before sitting down while was examined by St. Louis training staff. Martinez was awarded first base due to catcher’s interference. The team said Contreras had a left forearm fracture, and Iván Herrera took over behind the plate.

DALLAS (AP) — A newspaper report says Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is suspected of assault in Dallas a little over a month after he was one of the speeding drivers in a chain-reaction crash that led to multiple charges. Law enforcement officials told The Dallas Morning News that Rice was suspected of assaulting a person who went to a hospital after an incident at a downtown nightclub early Monday morning. Rice faces multiple charges in the high-speed crash in Dallas. Rice's attorney has acknowledged the receiver was one of the speeding drivers.

UNDATED (AP) — Colorado coach Tad Boyle is adding basketball great Danny Manning to his coaching staff in a reunion of the former Kansas teammates. Boyle and Manning spent a season together with the Jayhawks in 1984-85. Manning would later go on to lead Kansas to the 1988 NCAA championship, an improbable run that earned the team the nickname “Danny and the Miracles.” The addition of Manning comes as the Buffaloes prepare to rejoin the Big 12 Conference. Manning and Boyle will now routinely face their alma mater.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points to help the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Dallas Mavericks 117-95 in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series. Chet Holmgren added 19 points, seven rebounds and three blocks for the Thunder. Jalen Williams struggled with his shot for three quarters but scored 10 of his 18 points in the fourth to help Oklahoma City remain unbeaten in the playoffs. Dallas star Luka Doncic scored 19 points on 6-for-19 shooting and had five turnovers. Kyrie Irving scored 20 points and Daniel Gafford added 16 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks for the Mavericks.

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 32 points and the Boston Celtics powered past the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-95 in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. Derrick White added 25 points, including 7 3-pointers to help the Celtics pull away in the second half. Jayson Tatum finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Cavaliers went 11 of 42 from 3 and kept pace early. But the Celtics were even more efficient from the outside, connecting on 18 of 46 from beyond the arc for the game. It helped Boston carry a 15-point lead into the fourth quarter. Donovan Mitchell had 33 points for Cleveland, becoming the fourth player in league history with 30 or more points in six straight playoff series openers.

DALLAS (AP) — Miles Wood scored on a backhander 11:03 into overtime into overtime and the Colorado Avalanche, after trailing by three goals in the first period, beat the top-seeded Dallas Stars 4-3 in the opener of their second-round Western Conference series. Wood got the puck past Jake Oettinger to wrap up only the Avalanche’s third three-goal comeback to win a playoff game in their history. Cale Makar had a goal and two assists for Colorado, while Valerie Nichushkin had a goal and an assist. Nathan MacKinnon had the tying goal only 39 seconds into the third period Alexander Georgiev had 19 saves while winning his fifth consecutive game in goal for the Avalanche. Game 2 is Thursday night.

NEW YORK (AP) — Vincent Trocheck scored a power-play goal off a rebound at 7:24 of the second overtime to give the New York Rangers a 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Alexis Lafreniere scored twice, Chris Kreider had a power-play goal and Artemi Panarin had two assists for the Rangers. Igor Shesterkin stopped a season-high 54 shots. The Rangers remained perfect in six playoff games. Jake Guentzel scored twice, Dmitry Orlov also scored and Sebastian Aho had three assists for the Hurricanes. Frederik Andersen finished with 35 saves. The Hurricanes have lost three of their last four.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, May 8th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, May 8th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports in a Minute for May 8th, 2024.<div><iframe title="May 8th, 2024 AP Sports in a Minute" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=n5zxz-160853e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Willy Adames hit a three-run homer into the left-field bullpen with two outs in the ninth inning, helping the Milwaukee Brewers rally for a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night. James McArthur had retired the first two batters in the ninth when William Contreras began the comeback with a double on a full-count pitch. Gary Sanchez followed with a walk before Adames homered on an 83 mph curveball. Jared Koenig earned the win for Milwaukee, getting Hunter Renfroe to ground out to end the seventh and then surviving a scoreless eighth. Trevor Megill pitched the ninth for his third save.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Brandon Nimmo hit a three-run homer to spark a six-run fifth inning, and the New York Mets rallied to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-5. The Cardinals not only dropped their fourth straight game, but also lost catcher Willson Contreras to a broken left forearm in the second inning after he was hit by J.D. Martinez’s swing. Contreras, a three-time All-Star, is hitting .280 with a team-leading six home runs. José Buttó allowed three runs in five innings as the Mets won their second consecutive game. All three runs he permitted came in the first, but Buttó retired nine of his last 10 batters.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras broke his left forearm when he was hit by a swing during their game against the New York Mets. Contreras got hurt with J.D. Martinez at the plate in the second inning. After he was clipped by Martinez’s swing, the three-time All-Star tumbled over in obvious pain and then jogged away before sitting down while was examined by St. Louis training staff. Martinez was awarded first base due to catcher’s interference. The team said Contreras had a left forearm fracture, and Iván Herrera took over behind the plate.DALLAS (AP) — A newspaper report says Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is suspected of assault in Dallas a little over a month after he was one of the speeding drivers in a chain-reaction crash that led to multiple charges. Law enforcement officials told The Dallas Morning News that Rice was suspected of assaulting a person who went to a hospital after an incident at a downtown nightclub early Monday morning. Rice faces multiple charges in the high-speed crash in Dallas. Rice's attorney has acknowledged the receiver was one of the speeding drivers.UNDATED (AP) — Colorado coach Tad Boyle is adding basketball great Danny Manning to his coaching staff in a reunion of the former Kansas teammates. Boyle and Manning spent a season together with the Jayhawks in 1984-85. Manning would later go on to lead Kansas to the 1988 NCAA championship, an improbable run that earned the team the nickname “Danny and the Miracles.” The addition of Manning comes as the Buffaloes prepare to rejoin the Big 12 Conference. Manning and Boyle will now routinely face their alma mater.OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points to help the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Dallas Mavericks 117-95 in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series. Chet Holmgren added 19 points, seven rebounds and three blocks for the Thunder. Jalen Williams struggled with his shot for three quarters but scored 10 of his 18 points in the fourth to help Oklahoma City remain unbeaten in the playoffs. Dallas star Luka Doncic scored 19 points on 6-for-19 shooting and had five turnovers. Kyrie Irving scored 20 points and Daniel Gafford added 16 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks for the Mavericks.BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 32 points and the Boston Celtics powered past the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-95 in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. Derrick White added 25 points, including 7 3-pointers to help the Celtics pull away in the second half. Jayson Tatum finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Cavaliers went 11 of 42 from 3 and kept pace early. But the Celtics were even more efficient from the outside, connecting on 18 of 46 from beyond the arc for the game. It helped Boston carry a 15-point lead into the fourth quarter. Donovan Mitchell had 33 points for Cleveland, becoming the fourth player in league history with 30 or more points in six straight playoff series openers.DALLAS (AP) — Miles Wood scored on a backhander 11:03 into overtime into overtime and the Colorado Avalanche, after trailing by three goals in the first period, beat the top-seeded Dallas Stars 4-3 in the opener of their second-round Western Conference series. Wood got the puck past Jake Oettinger to wrap up only the Avalanche’s third three-goal comeback to win a playoff game in their history. Cale Makar had a goal and two assists for Colorado, while Valerie Nichushkin had a goal and an assist. Nathan MacKinnon had the tying goal only 39 seconds into the third period Alexander Georgiev had 19 saves while winning his fifth consecutive game in goal for the Avalanche. Game 2 is Thursday night.NEW YORK (AP) — Vincent Trocheck scored a power-play goal off a rebound at 7:24 of the second overtime to give the New York Rangers a 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Alexis Lafreniere scored twice, Chris Kreider had a power-play goal and Artemi Panarin had two assists for the Rangers. Igor Shesterkin stopped a season-high 54 shots. The Rangers remained perfect in six playoff games. Jake Guentzel scored twice, Dmitry Orlov also scored and Sebastian Aho had three assists for the Hurricanes. Frederik Andersen finished with 35 saves. The Hurricanes have lost three of their last four.MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLTUESDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal Washington 3 Baltimore 0Final L.A. Angels 9 Pittsburgh 0Final Philadelphia 10 Toronto 1Final Atlanta 4 Boston 2Final Milwaukee 6 Kansas City 5AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Texas 15 Oakland 8Final Detroit 11 Cleveland 7Final Tampa Bay 5 Chicago White Sox 1Final N.Y. Yankees 10 Houston 3Final Seattle 10 Minnesota 6NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Arizona 6 Cincinnati 2Final Chicago Cubs 3 San Diego 2Final N.Y. Mets 7 St. Louis 5Final San Francisco 5 Colorado 0Final L.A. Dodgers 8 Miami 2NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal Boston 120 Cleveland 95Final Oklahoma City 117 Dallas 95NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Wednesday

DALLAS (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice is suspected of assault in Dallas a little over a month after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-dallas-crash-kansas-city-chiefs-b9c772b81b1b64ad111e249b38c8c4b5">he was one of the speeding drivers</a>&nbsp;in a chain-reaction crash that led to multiple charges, according to a newspaper report Tuesday.

Law enforcement officials told The Dallas Morning News that Rice was suspected of assaulting a person at a downtown nightclub early Monday, and that the person went to a hospital after the encounter.

Dallas police did not name Rice as the suspect in detailing a report of the incident to The Associated Press. Officers were dispatched to the nightclub about 2:30 a.m. Monday over a report of an assault, and the victim self-transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Rice's attorney, Texas state Sen. Royce West, didn't respond to a message from The Associated Press seeking comment. The Chiefs and the NFL declined to comment.

Rice reported to the Chiefs for voluntary workouts last month, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-rashee-rice-a05c25a451cbf078da1276807610cf52">Chiefs coach Andy Reid said</a>&nbsp;he had spoken to the receiver and the team was letting the legal process play out.

The former SMU and Dallas-area high school player reported to the Chiefs shortly after turning himself into Dallas police over multiple charges, including aggravated assault, involving the high-speed crash.

West has previously acknowledged Rice was speeding in a Lamborghini SUV when the crash involving six vehicles happened March 30. Police said Theodore Knox, who also played for SMU, was driving a Corvette.

Rice, who turned 24 last month, and Knox have been charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision involving injury.

Four people were injured in the crash, and police said the occupants of the Lamborghini and Corvette left the scene without providing information or determining whether anyone needed medical attention.

Rice was drafted in the second round by Kansas City last year and played in 20 games, including the Chiefs' 25-22 overtime victory over San Francisco in the Super Bowl. He led the team with seven touchdowns receiving in the regular season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712017870514.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice is suspected of assault in Dallas a little over a month after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-dallas-crash-kansas-city-chiefs-b9c772b81b1b64ad111e249b38c8c4b5">he was one of the speeding drivers</a>&nbsp;in a chain-reaction crash that led to multiple charges, according to a newspaper report Tuesday.Law enforcement officials told The Dallas Morning News that Rice was suspected of assaulting a person at a downtown nightclub early Monday, and that the person went to a hospital after the encounter.Dallas police did not name Rice as the suspect in detailing a report of the incident to The Associated Press. Officers were dispatched to the nightclub about 2:30 a.m. Monday over a report of an assault, and the victim self-transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.Rice's attorney, Texas state Sen. Royce West, didn't respond to a message from The Associated Press seeking comment. The Chiefs and the NFL declined to comment.Rice reported to the Chiefs for voluntary workouts last month, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-rashee-rice-a05c25a451cbf078da1276807610cf52">Chiefs coach Andy Reid said</a>&nbsp;he had spoken to the receiver and the team was letting the legal process play out.The former SMU and Dallas-area high school player reported to the Chiefs shortly after turning himself into Dallas police over multiple charges, including aggravated assault, involving the high-speed crash.West has previously acknowledged Rice was speeding in a Lamborghini SUV when the crash involving six vehicles happened March 30. Police said Theodore Knox, who also played for SMU, was driving a Corvette.Rice, who turned 24 last month, and Knox have been charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision involving injury.Four people were injured in the crash, and police said the occupants of the Lamborghini and Corvette left the scene without providing information or determining whether anyone needed medical attention.Rice was drafted in the second round by Kansas City last year and played in 20 games, including the Chiefs' 25-22 overtime victory over San Francisco in the Super Bowl. He led the team with seven touchdowns receiving in the regular season.

Newspaper says Chiefs' Rice in trouble again

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Willy Adames had been chatting up the Royals fans behind the Milwaukee dugout all game, the good-natured ribbing carrying on as the Brewers jumped out to a two-run lead and Kansas City battled back to take its own two-run lead to the ninth.

With two outs and a pair of runners aboard, Adames found himself standing in the on-deck circle with the game on the line.

“They told me they wanted me to hit a three-run homer,” Adames would say later, “and I was like, ‘I got you.’”

Adames proceeded to drill an 83 mph curveball from Royals closer James McArthur into the left-field bullpen, sending Milwaukee to a 6-5 win Tuesday night, and leaving those Kansas City fans mock-worshipping him as he returned to the dugout.

“It was really priceless,” said Brewers manager Pat Murphy, who had watched the called-shot scene unfold. “It was really cool.”

Jared Koenig (3-1) earned the win for Milwaukee, getting Hunter Renfroe to ground out to end the seventh and then surviving a scoreless eighth. Trevor Megill breezed through the ninth to earn his third save in three tries.

Vinnie Pasquantino drove in three runs for Kansas City. Salvador Perez and Kyle Isbel also drove in runs.

“That one stings,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro admitted, “but we've done that to other people as well.”

Rhys Hoskins and Joey Ortiz crushed back-to-back homers off Royals starter Seth Lugo in the second inning, but that was all the offense the Brewers could muster until the seventh, when they managed to coax another run across.

They squandered a chance to draw closer when Angel Zerpa struck out Gary Sanchez to strand a pair later in the seventh, then missed another opportunity in the eighth, when John Schreiber fanned Oliver Dunn to leave two more runners aboard.

The Brewers didn't waste their final opportunity in the ninth.

McArthur (1-2) had retired the first two batters when William Contreras, on a full-count pitch, began the comeback with a double just inside the left-field foul line. Sanchez followed with a walk before Adames walked confidently to the plate.

“He's carrying on with (the fans) during Gary's at-bat, and he's telling them — they're Kansas City fans — he's telling them, ‘One more ball,'” Murphy said. “Then he goes back to them and goes, ‘Here we go.’”

There it went, right into the left-field bullpen.

It wasn't exactly on par Babe Ruth's called shot — there's a big difference between a regular-season game the first week of May and Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, when the Hall of Famer famously pointed toward deep center field at Wrigley Field, then homered to that exact spot to help the Yankees beat the Cubs, 7-5.

Still, it was the kind of stuff certain to go down in Brewers lore.

“Oh my God, that was the coolest thing I ever done,” said Adames, who even signed some balls for those Kansas City fans. “You know, sometimes the fans will be very hard, but these guys here, they were amazing. They were having a good time. Like, all my at-bats, we were chatting, and then the last one was obviously the most fun.”

Brewers left-hander Wade Miley was scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery Tuesday in Cincinnati. The procedure was being performed by Dr. Timothy Kremchek, the Reds' medical director. The 37-year-old Miley made two starts this season, working seven total innings, before he was put on the injured list April 22 with elbow inflammation. The Brewers were counting on him after Miley went 9-4 with a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts last season.

RHP Joe Ross (1-3, 4.65 ERA) pitches the series finale Wednesday afternoon for the Brewers. RHP Brady Singer (2-1, 2.45) is due to make the 100th start of his career for Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715135395718.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey throws to first after forcing Milwaukee Brewers' Sal Frelick (10) out at second on a force out hit into by William Contreras during the fifth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey throws to first after forcing Milwaukee Brewers' Sal Frelick (10) out at second on a force out hit into by William Contreras during the fifth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Willy Adames had been chatting up the Royals fans behind the Milwaukee dugout all game, the good-natured ribbing carrying on as the Brewers jumped out to a two-run lead and Kansas City battled back to take its own two-run lead to the ninth.With two outs and a pair of runners aboard, Adames found himself standing in the on-deck circle with the game on the line.“They told me they wanted me to hit a three-run homer,” Adames would say later, “and I was like, ‘I got you.’”Adames proceeded to drill an 83 mph curveball from Royals closer James McArthur into the left-field bullpen, sending Milwaukee to a 6-5 win Tuesday night, and leaving those Kansas City fans mock-worshipping him as he returned to the dugout.“It was really priceless,” said Brewers manager Pat Murphy, who had watched the called-shot scene unfold. “It was really cool.”Jared Koenig (3-1) earned the win for Milwaukee, getting Hunter Renfroe to ground out to end the seventh and then surviving a scoreless eighth. Trevor Megill breezed through the ninth to earn his third save in three tries.Vinnie Pasquantino drove in three runs for Kansas City. Salvador Perez and Kyle Isbel also drove in runs.“That one stings,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro admitted, “but we've done that to other people as well.”Rhys Hoskins and Joey Ortiz crushed back-to-back homers off Royals starter Seth Lugo in the second inning, but that was all the offense the Brewers could muster until the seventh, when they managed to coax another run across.They squandered a chance to draw closer when Angel Zerpa struck out Gary Sanchez to strand a pair later in the seventh, then missed another opportunity in the eighth, when John Schreiber fanned Oliver Dunn to leave two more runners aboard.The Brewers didn't waste their final opportunity in the ninth.McArthur (1-2) had retired the first two batters when William Contreras, on a full-count pitch, began the comeback with a double just inside the left-field foul line. Sanchez followed with a walk before Adames walked confidently to the plate.“He's carrying on with (the fans) during Gary's at-bat, and he's telling them — they're Kansas City fans — he's telling them, ‘One more ball,'” Murphy said. “Then he goes back to them and goes, ‘Here we go.’”There it went, right into the left-field bullpen.It wasn't exactly on par Babe Ruth's called shot — there's a big difference between a regular-season game the first week of May and Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, when the Hall of Famer famously pointed toward deep center field at Wrigley Field, then homered to that exact spot to help the Yankees beat the Cubs, 7-5.Still, it was the kind of stuff certain to go down in Brewers lore.“Oh my God, that was the coolest thing I ever done,” said Adames, who even signed some balls for those Kansas City fans. “You know, sometimes the fans will be very hard, but these guys here, they were amazing. They were having a good time. Like, all my at-bats, we were chatting, and then the last one was obviously the most fun.”MILEY UPDATEBrewers left-hander Wade Miley was scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery Tuesday in Cincinnati. The procedure was being performed by Dr. Timothy Kremchek, the Reds' medical director. The 37-year-old Miley made two starts this season, working seven total innings, before he was put on the injured list April 22 with elbow inflammation. The Brewers were counting on him after Miley went 9-4 with a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts last season.UP NEXTRHP Joe Ross (1-3, 4.65 ERA) pitches the series finale Wednesday afternoon for the Brewers. RHP Brady Singer (2-1, 2.45) is due to make the 100th start of his career for Kansas City.

⚾ Brewers win Tuesday over Royals

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics

&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. — The NIL Store powered by Campus Ink has announced the launch of the Wichita State NIL Store, providing officially licensed merchandising opportunities to Wichita State University student-athletes. <a href="http://nil.store/signup">[Athletes sign-up here!]</a>

With every purchase, Wichita State fans will place industry-leading payments directly into their favorite student-athlete's pocket.

Part of the&nbsp;<a href="http://nil.store/">NIL Store</a>&nbsp;network, the Wichita State NIL Store team will continuously be onboarding new student-athletes and developing custom merchandise drops for individual student-athletes. All merchandise on the Wichita State NIL Store is officially licensed by Wichita State University.

Each student-athlete's digital locker room includes a collection of core products which feature personalized names and numbers for applicable athletes.

ABOUT CAMPUS INK AND THE NIL STORE Backed by Mark Cuban, Campus Ink expanded into the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) space in 2021 and launched the NIL Store, which serves as a merchandising solution for student-athletes and schools across the country. The NIL Store operates with the firm belief that every student-athlete has an opportunity to capitalize on their NIL and should earn industry-leading payouts. Campus Ink was founded in 1947 on the campus of the University of Illinois and was reimagined in 2015 with an office in downtown Chicago and a production facility in Urbana, Ill., where the company handles all of its own production and fulfillment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715185538539.jpeg" alt="Graphic courtesy of Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Graphic courtesy of Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. — The NIL Store powered by Campus Ink has announced the launch of the Wichita State NIL Store, providing officially licensed merchandising opportunities to Wichita State University student-athletes. <a href="http://nil.store/signup">[Athletes sign-up here!]</a> With every purchase, Wichita State fans will place industry-leading payments directly into their favorite student-athlete's pocket. Part of the&nbsp;<a href="http://nil.store/">NIL Store</a>&nbsp;network, the Wichita State NIL Store team will continuously be onboarding new student-athletes and developing custom merchandise drops for individual student-athletes. All merchandise on the Wichita State NIL Store is officially licensed by Wichita State University. Each student-athlete's digital locker room includes a collection of core products which feature personalized names and numbers for applicable athletes. ABOUT CAMPUS INK AND THE NIL STORE Backed by Mark Cuban, Campus Ink expanded into the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) space in 2021 and launched the NIL Store, which serves as a merchandising solution for student-athletes and schools across the country. The NIL Store operates with the firm belief that every student-athlete has an opportunity to capitalize on their NIL and should earn industry-leading payouts. Campus Ink was founded in 1947 on the campus of the University of Illinois and was reimagined in 2015 with an office in downtown Chicago and a production facility in Urbana, Ill., where the company handles all of its own production and fulfillment.

Wichita State launches NIL store

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team finished the regular season strong on Tuesday night with a pair of wins over the Derby Panthers, 5-0 in game one, and 7-6 in game two.&nbsp;

The Salthawks end the regular season 17-9 overall, 8-4 in the AVCTL-I. The 17 wins are the most by a Salthawks team since the 2004 team finished 17-4.

Hutchinson received a dominant pitching start in game one, and then rallied from down 6-0 to win game two in walk-off fashion, 7-6.

The two wins over the Panthers are the first sweep of Derby by Hutchinson since the 2013 season.

Game 1: Hutchinson 5, Derby 0 Eastyn Keeler made his final start on the mound at Hobart-Detter Field one to remember. The senior left-handed pitcher tossed a complete-game, two-hit shutout, striking out a season-high six in the win.

Both starting pitchers were cruising right along until the bottom of the fifth, when Derby starter Hudson Halstead, who had only allowed two baserunners through the first four frames, struggled in the fifth.

 Halstead walked three and hit a batter in the inning, but the biggest blow was a three-run inside-the-park home run hit by Carter Morgan into the right field corner. The Salthawks scored all five of their runs in the fifth inning.

Derby - 000 000 0 - 0 2 1 Hutchinson - 000 050 x - 5 3 1 WP: Eastyn Keeler (3-3). LP: Hudson Halstead. Time: 1:22.

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

Game 2: Hutchinson 7, Derby 6 Jack Yoder delivered the hit of his life, a single down the right field line to score Caiden Beavers from second base to complete the comeback and complete the sweep of the Panthers.

After Derby scored four in the first and two more in the second, Lakin Franz tossed six scoreless innings of relief, keeping the Salthawks in the game.

The Salthawks scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth on five hits, including a double by Beavers, singles by Bleything, Parks and Yoder, and the tying single from JuJu Lyons.

Derby - 420 000 0 - 6 11 4 Hutchinson - 000 105 1 - 7 9 0 WP: Lakin Franz (2-1). LP: Jace Hambleton. Time: 2:08.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715120561855.jpeg" alt="Carter Morgan drives a pitch to the right field corner for an inside-the-park home run in the 5th inning of game one against Derby on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Hobart-Detter Field. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Bosotn)." />
 <figcaption>Carter Morgan drives a pitch to the right field corner for an inside-the-park home run in the 5th inning of game one against Derby on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Hobart-Detter Field. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Bosotn).</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team finished the regular season strong on Tuesday night with a pair of wins over the Derby Panthers, 5-0 in game one, and 7-6 in game two.&nbsp;The Salthawks end the regular season 17-9 overall, 8-4 in the AVCTL-I. The 17 wins are the most by a Salthawks team since the 2004 team finished 17-4.Hutchinson received a dominant pitching start in game one, and then rallied from down 6-0 to win game two in walk-off fashion, 7-6.The two wins over the Panthers are the first sweep of Derby by Hutchinson since the 2013 season.Game 1: Hutchinson 5, Derby 0 Eastyn Keeler made his final start on the mound at Hobart-Detter Field one to remember. The senior left-handed pitcher tossed a complete-game, two-hit shutout, striking out a season-high six in the win.Both starting pitchers were cruising right along until the bottom of the fifth, when Derby starter Hudson Halstead, who had only allowed two baserunners through the first four frames, struggled in the fifth. Halstead walked three and hit a batter in the inning, but the biggest blow was a three-run inside-the-park home run hit by Carter Morgan into the right field corner. The Salthawks scored all five of their runs in the fifth inning.Derby - 000 000 0 - 0 2 1 Hutchinson - 000 050 x - 5 3 1 WP: Eastyn Keeler (3-3). LP: Hudson Halstead. Time: 1:22.---------------------------------------------------------Game 2: Hutchinson 7, Derby 6 Jack Yoder delivered the hit of his life, a single down the right field line to score Caiden Beavers from second base to complete the comeback and complete the sweep of the Panthers.After Derby scored four in the first and two more in the second, Lakin Franz tossed six scoreless innings of relief, keeping the Salthawks in the game.The Salthawks scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth on five hits, including a double by Beavers, singles by Bleything, Parks and Yoder, and the tying single from JuJu Lyons.Derby - 420 000 0 - 6 11 4 Hutchinson - 000 105 1 - 7 9 0 WP: Lakin Franz (2-1). LP: Jace Hambleton. Time: 2:08.

⚾ Salthawks rally to complete sweep of Derby

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Bai Jobe, a defensive end from Michigan State University announced his commitment to the Kansas football coaches on Tuesday morning.

Jobe, a 6-foot-4 252-pound freshman is originally from Senegal and moved to the United States as an exchange student in eighth grade. He attended Community Christian School in Norman, Oklahoma, before going to Michigan State.

He played in just one game as a Spartan this past fall, to preserve his redshirt season. Jobe recorded two tackles in 11 defensive snaps against Washington.

<a href="https://247sports.com/player/bai-jobe-46114696/">According to 247Sports</a>, Jobe is a 4-star prospect and was a member of the sites "247Sports' 2023 Freaks List."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715100408544.jpeg" alt="Bai Jobe" />
 <figcaption>Bai Jobe</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. — Bai Jobe, a defensive end from Michigan State University announced his commitment to the Kansas football coaches on Tuesday morning.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: Michigan State transfer Bai Jobe has committed to Kansas. A huge get for the Jayhawks. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KUfball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KUfball</a> More: <a href="https://t.co/qUadaIh3Pl">https://t.co/qUadaIh3Pl</a> <a href="https://t.co/ctH2v9QHrW">pic.twitter.com/ctH2v9QHrW</a>&mdash; Michael Swain (@MSwain247) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSwain247/status/1787864358971687276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Jobe, a 6-foot-4 252-pound freshman is originally from Senegal and moved to the United States as an exchange student in eighth grade. He attended Community Christian School in Norman, Oklahoma, before going to Michigan State.He played in just one game as a Spartan this past fall, to preserve his redshirt season. Jobe recorded two tackles in 11 defensive snaps against Washington.<a href="https://247sports.com/player/bai-jobe-46114696/">According to 247Sports</a>, Jobe is a 4-star prospect and was a member of the sites "247Sports' 2023 Freaks List."

🏈 KU lands 4-star in transfer portal from Michigan State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715095120823.png" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Opening Round - Best of Three Series at Higher Seeds
 May 9, 10, 11 <a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/bsb/2023-24/files/2024_R6_Baseball_Bracket.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(140, 0, 15);font-size: 18px;">Bracket (printable PDF)</a>
 A (9) inning game will be played each day with the &lsquo;If Needed&quot; game on day three (16) Pratt at (1) Johnson County, Overland Park (9) Neosho County at (8) Butler, El Dorado (12) Seward County at (5) Kansas City KS, Kansas City KS (13) Allen at (4) Cloud County, Concordia (14) Colby at (3) Cowley, Arkansas City (11) Coffeyville at (6) Dodge City, Dodge City (10) Barton at (7) Fort Scott, Fort Scott (15) Labette at (2) Hutchinson, Hutchinson
 
Winners Advance to Eck Stadium, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS &nbsp;May 15-19 2024 NJCAA Plains District (Region VI) Championship, May 15-19 - <a href="https://kjccc.org/tickets" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(140, 0, 15);font-size: 18px;">PURCHASE TICKETS</a> Eck&nbsp;Stadium&nbsp;- Wichita, KS - Google Map <a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/bsb/2022-23/files/R_VI_Base_Media_Credentials_2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(140, 0, 15);font-size: 18px;">Media Members Credentials Form</a> <a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/bsb/2022-23/files/2023_R_VI_Baseball_Bracket_10.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="text-align: start;color: rgb(140, 0, 15);font-size: 18px;">2023 NJCAA Plains District Baseball Bracket</a><a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/bsb/2022-23/files/2023_R_VI_Baseball_Bracket_10.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(140, 0, 15);font-size: 18px;">&nbsp;</a> - &nbsp;<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports-network" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(140, 0, 15);font-size: 18px;">WATCH LIVE</a> MAY 15 GM 1 10AM -&nbsp; GM 2 1PM -&nbsp; GM 3 4PM -&nbsp; GM 4 7PM -&nbsp; MAY 16 GM 5 10AM -&nbsp; GM 6 1PM -&nbsp; GM 7 4PM -&nbsp; GM 8 7PM MAY17&nbsp; GM 9 10AM -&nbsp; GM 10 !PM - GM 11 4PM - GM 12 7PM - &nbsp; MAY18 GM 13 1PM - GM 14 4PM - MAY 19 GM 15 1PM -&nbsp; &nbsp; (If needed) Winner advances to the 2024 NJCAA JUCO World Series in Grand Junction CO <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/bsb/div1/index" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(140, 0, 15);font-size: 18px;">2024 NJCAA D-I JUCO WORLD SERIES</a> - <a href="https://www.visitgrandjunction.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(140, 0, 15);font-size: 18px;">Grand Junction CO</a></div>

⚾ HutchCC hosts Labette in Region VI first round this weekend

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>&nbsp;headlines the list of 2024 American Athletic Conference regular season awards as the Player of the Year, the league announced Tuesday morning.

The senior from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia burst onto the scene for Wichita State in her lone season with the Shockers. All she's done is rank 2nd nationally in batting average (.476), 3rd in on base percentage (.571) and 9th in slugging percentage (.888). In league games, Wong hit .481/.584/.926 with 10 doubles, 8 home runs, 20 walks and 31 RBI. Her .481 batting average is nearly 100 points higher than the next closest student-athlete not named&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7568">Krystin Nelson</a>.

Wong continues the long line of dominance for Wichita State softball and the AAC Player of the Year award. Since the Shockers joined the American in 2018, Wichita State has won the Player of the Year five of the six years. There were no awards in 2020 after the season was canceled due to COVID-19. She joins Mackenzie Wright (2018),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;(2021, 2023) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;(2022) as former Shockers to collect Player of the Year honors. No other school has had more than two Player of the Year recipients (Tulsa and UCF, 2).

Wong is also a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection, and joined by teammates Barnard and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570">Taylor Sedlacek</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/7573">Chloe Barber</a>&nbsp;was named to the All-Rookie Team. Wichita State's three First Team honorees are tied for the second most with Charlotte. Florida Atlantic placed five on the First Team.

Barnard becomes the second Shocker, along with&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>, to go 4-for-4 on First Team selections. The Beatrice, Neb., native has been named to the First Team all four years at Wichita State and was the 2022 American Player of the Year. She will leave Wichita State as the program's all-time and single season record holder in home runs, RBI and slugging percentage. Her 87 career home runs rank ninth on the NCAA all-time home run list. In 27 conference games this season, Barnard hit .413 with 8 doubles, 12 home runs and 20 RBI. Her 18 total home runs this season rank Top 20 nationally.

Sedlacek&nbsp;is a First Team pick for the first time after earning All-Rookie Team honors a season ago. The Bennington, Neb., native enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 42 runs, while making the move to shortstop midway through the season. When the schedule flipped to conference play, Sedlacek&nbsp;went to another level. She hit .329 with 5 doubles, 10 home runs and 32 RBI. Her 32 RBI in AAC games led the team.

Barber made a national name for herself early on and finished the regular season playing her best softball of the season. As a freshman, Barber leads the team in appearances (25), wins (9), saves (3), ERA (2.99), shutouts (4), innings (84.1), opponent batting average (.185) and strikeouts (134). She has four games with 14+ strikeouts this season, including a single game record 16 vs. Illinois State in February. Her 11.1 strikeouts per 7 innings ranks 2nd in the country.

Wichita State has had multiple honorees on the First Team every year in the American and at least one All-Rookie Team member every year.

Player of the Year <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>, Wichita State

Defensive Players of the Year &nbsp;Lexi Winters, Charlotte Kathy Garcia-Soto, South Florida

Pitcher of the Year Georgeanna Barefoot, Charlotte

Rookie of the Year Kiley Channell, Florida Atlantic

Coaching Staff of the Year Florida Atlantic

First Team All-Conference P - Georgeanna Barefoot, Charlotte P - Ainsley Lambert, Florida Atlantic P - Skylar Savage, North Texas C - Kate de Leon, Florida Atlantic 1B - Arianna Rodi, Charlotte 2B - Mikayla Smith, North Texas SS -&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570">Taylor Sedlacek</a>, Wichita State 3B - Ella Chancey, Charlotte OF - Kamryn Jackson, Florida Atlantic OF - Presley Leebrick, Florida Atlantic OF -&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>, Wichita State* DP/U/P - Trinity Schlotterbeck, Florida Atlantic* DP/U/Non-P -&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>, Wichita State*

Second Team All-Conference P - Sam Gress, Charlotte P - Payton Dixon, South Florida C - Taylor Jensen, UTSA 1B - Morgan Johnson, East Carolina 2B - Cori Hoffler, Charlotte SS - Imani Edwards, Tulsa 3B - Jesiana Mora, Florida Atlantic OF - Bella Wiggins, UAB OF - Emma Jackson, East Carolina OF - MacKenzie Denson, Tulsa DP/U/Non-P - Taylor Woodring, East Carolina

All-Rookie Team Hannah Dorsett, INF, UAB Olivia Williams, OF, Charlotte Taylor Apple, P, East Carolina Kiley Channell, SS, Florida Atlantic Anneca Anderson, P, Tulsa <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/7573">Chloe Barber</a>, P, Wichita State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715098680784.png" alt="Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>&nbsp;headlines the list of 2024 American Athletic Conference regular season awards as the Player of the Year, the league announced Tuesday morning.The senior from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia burst onto the scene for Wichita State in her lone season with the Shockers. All she's done is rank 2nd nationally in batting average (.476), 3rd in on base percentage (.571) and 9th in slugging percentage (.888). In league games, Wong hit .481/.584/.926 with 10 doubles, 8 home runs, 20 walks and 31 RBI. Her .481 batting average is nearly 100 points higher than the next closest student-athlete not named&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7568">Krystin Nelson</a>.Wong continues the long line of dominance for Wichita State softball and the AAC Player of the Year award. Since the Shockers joined the American in 2018, Wichita State has won the Player of the Year five of the six years. There were no awards in 2020 after the season was canceled due to COVID-19. She joins Mackenzie Wright (2018),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;(2021, 2023) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;(2022) as former Shockers to collect Player of the Year honors. No other school has had more than two Player of the Year recipients (Tulsa and UCF, 2).Wong is also a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection, and joined by teammates Barnard and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570">Taylor Sedlacek</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/7573">Chloe Barber</a>&nbsp;was named to the All-Rookie Team. Wichita State's three First Team honorees are tied for the second most with Charlotte. Florida Atlantic placed five on the First Team.Barnard becomes the second Shocker, along with&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>, to go 4-for-4 on First Team selections. The Beatrice, Neb., native has been named to the First Team all four years at Wichita State and was the 2022 American Player of the Year. She will leave Wichita State as the program's all-time and single season record holder in home runs, RBI and slugging percentage. Her 87 career home runs rank ninth on the NCAA all-time home run list. In 27 conference games this season, Barnard hit .413 with 8 doubles, 12 home runs and 20 RBI. Her 18 total home runs this season rank Top 20 nationally.Sedlacek&nbsp;is a First Team pick for the first time after earning All-Rookie Team honors a season ago. The Bennington, Neb., native enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 42 runs, while making the move to shortstop midway through the season. When the schedule flipped to conference play, Sedlacek&nbsp;went to another level. She hit .329 with 5 doubles, 10 home runs and 32 RBI. Her 32 RBI in AAC games led the team.Barber made a national name for herself early on and finished the regular season playing her best softball of the season. As a freshman, Barber leads the team in appearances (25), wins (9), saves (3), ERA (2.99), shutouts (4), innings (84.1), opponent batting average (.185) and strikeouts (134). She has four games with 14+ strikeouts this season, including a single game record 16 vs. Illinois State in February. Her 11.1 strikeouts per 7 innings ranks 2nd in the country.Wichita State has had multiple honorees on the First Team every year in the American and at least one All-Rookie Team member every year.Player of the Year <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>, Wichita StateDefensive Players of the Year &nbsp;Lexi Winters, Charlotte Kathy Garcia-Soto, South Florida Pitcher of the Year Georgeanna Barefoot, Charlotte Rookie of the Year Kiley Channell, Florida Atlantic Coaching Staff of the Year Florida Atlantic First Team All-Conference P - Georgeanna Barefoot, Charlotte P - Ainsley Lambert, Florida Atlantic P - Skylar Savage, North Texas C - Kate de Leon, Florida Atlantic 1B - Arianna Rodi, Charlotte 2B - Mikayla Smith, North Texas SS -&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570">Taylor Sedlacek</a>, Wichita State 3B - Ella Chancey, Charlotte OF - Kamryn Jackson, Florida Atlantic OF - Presley Leebrick, Florida Atlantic OF -&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>, Wichita State* DP/U/P - Trinity Schlotterbeck, Florida Atlantic* DP/U/Non-P -&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>, Wichita State* Second Team All-Conference P - Sam Gress, Charlotte P - Payton Dixon, South Florida C - Taylor Jensen, UTSA 1B - Morgan Johnson, East Carolina 2B - Cori Hoffler, Charlotte SS - Imani Edwards, Tulsa 3B - Jesiana Mora, Florida Atlantic OF - Bella Wiggins, UAB OF - Emma Jackson, East Carolina OF - MacKenzie Denson, Tulsa DP/U/Non-P - Taylor Woodring, East Carolina All-Rookie Team Hannah Dorsett, INF, UAB Olivia Williams, OF, Charlotte Taylor Apple, P, East Carolina Kiley Channell, SS, Florida Atlantic Anneca Anderson, P, Tulsa <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/7573">Chloe Barber</a>, P, Wichita State *denotes unanimous selection&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Wong headlines AAC regular season awards

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team wraps up the 2024 regular season with an AVCTL doubleheader against Derby at Hobart-Detter Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. Hutchinson is 15-9 overall, while Derby is 11-11.

This game will be audio only on hutchpost.com with Sean Boston on the call.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715084890599.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team wraps up the 2024 regular season with an AVCTL doubleheader against Derby at Hobart-Detter Field.First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. Hutchinson is 15-9 overall, while Derby is 11-11.This game will be audio only on hutchpost.com with Sean Boston on the call.<div><iframe src="https://eagle-media-sports-hutch.mixlr.com/embed" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" height="200px" width="100%"></iframe><a href="https://mixlr.com/" style="color:#1a1a1a;display:block;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:left;padding: 4px 0;">Eagle Media Sports - Hutchpost Sports is on Mixlr</a></div>

🎧⚾ Salthawks wrap up regular season hosting Derby

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Tuesday, May 7th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Tuesday, May 7th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="May 7th, 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=tdptc-1606d4c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals win 🥎 HutchCC captures Region 6 Championship ⚾ Hutch High hosts Derby

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Massey homered and Maikel Garcia singled in two runs in a three-run seventh inning as the Kansas City Royals rallied past the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2. The start was moved up a half-hour to 6:10 p.m. CDT to beat predicted thunderstorms, which didn’t arrive before the last out. The Royals did next to nothing against Milwaukee starter Bryse Wilson, who allowed one hit and struck out six in six scoreless innings. But they broke through in the seventh against the Brewers’ bullpen. Cole Ragans allowed two runs on two hits in six innings for the Royals, striking out eight. Reliever Nick Anderson got the win.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Brandon Nimmo hit a tiebreaking homer in the seventh inning that sent the New York Mets to a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Sean Manaea pitched six effective innings and Edwin Díaz rebounded from a blown save Sunday as the Mets bounced back from a weekend sweep at Tampa Bay. Iván Herrera had a two-run double for the Cardinals, who have lost five of six. Díaz worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save in six opportunities. Manaea allowed three runs and six hits in his first career start against the Cardinals. He became the first Mets starter to earn a win since Luis Severino beat Pittsburgh 9-1 on April 17.

DENVER (AP) — Another dominant performance by the Minnesota Timberwolves has the reigning but reeling NBA champion Denver Nuggets on the cusp of a stunning early exit from the playoffs. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns led the short-handed Timberwolves to a 106-80 blowout of the Nuggets for a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series. Games 3 and 4 are in Minneapolis this weekend. The Timberwolves have won all six of their playoff games. The Nuggets have trailed by large margins in all seven of theirs. They bounced back against the Lakers but haven't cracked the code against Minnesota.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 43 points, becoming the fourth player in NBA history with four straight 40-point games in the postseason, and the New York Knicks beat the Indiana Pacers 121-117 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Brunson had 21 in the fourth quarter, rallying the Knicks after they trailed by nine early in the period. He joined Hall of Famers Jerry West, who had six consecutive 40-point games in the postseason, and Michael Jordan and Bernard King, who both had four. Donte DiVincenzo hit the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining and scored 25 for the Knicks. Myles Turner led the Pacers with 23 points.

UNDATED (AP) — Victor Wembanyama had a year like no rookie in NBA history. Others scored more points, others grabbed more rebounds, others had more blocks, others made more steals. But never had there been a player who, in Year 1 of their career, posted all these averages — at least 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. Until now. The long-expected result became reality on Monday, when the Spurs’ star from France was announced as the unanimous winner NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Jeremy Swayman stopped 38 shots, Brandon Carlo scored a goal just a few hours after his wife gave birth to their son and the Boston Bruins topped the Florida Panthers 5-1 in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Monday night. Morgan Geekie, Mason Lohrei, Justin Brazeau and Jake DeBrusk also had goals for Boston, which improved to 5-0-0 against the Panthers this season. Matthew Tkachuk had the goal for Florida, which has rallied from a 1-0 deficit to win an NHL playoff series only twice in nine previous opportunities. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 24 shots for the Panthers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, May 7th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, May 7th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports in a Minute for May 7th, 2024:<div><iframe title="May 7th, 2024 AP Sports in a Minute" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7txnt-1606d33-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Massey homered and Maikel Garcia singled in two runs in a three-run seventh inning as the Kansas City Royals rallied past the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2. The start was moved up a half-hour to 6:10 p.m. CDT to beat predicted thunderstorms, which didn’t arrive before the last out. The Royals did next to nothing against Milwaukee starter Bryse Wilson, who allowed one hit and struck out six in six scoreless innings. But they broke through in the seventh against the Brewers’ bullpen. Cole Ragans allowed two runs on two hits in six innings for the Royals, striking out eight. Reliever Nick Anderson got the win.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Brandon Nimmo hit a tiebreaking homer in the seventh inning that sent the New York Mets to a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Sean Manaea pitched six effective innings and Edwin Díaz rebounded from a blown save Sunday as the Mets bounced back from a weekend sweep at Tampa Bay. Iván Herrera had a two-run double for the Cardinals, who have lost five of six. Díaz worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save in six opportunities. Manaea allowed three runs and six hits in his first career start against the Cardinals. He became the first Mets starter to earn a win since Luis Severino beat Pittsburgh 9-1 on April 17.DENVER (AP) — Another dominant performance by the Minnesota Timberwolves has the reigning but reeling NBA champion Denver Nuggets on the cusp of a stunning early exit from the playoffs. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns led the short-handed Timberwolves to a 106-80 blowout of the Nuggets for a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series. Games 3 and 4 are in Minneapolis this weekend. The Timberwolves have won all six of their playoff games. The Nuggets have trailed by large margins in all seven of theirs. They bounced back against the Lakers but haven't cracked the code against Minnesota.NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 43 points, becoming the fourth player in NBA history with four straight 40-point games in the postseason, and the New York Knicks beat the Indiana Pacers 121-117 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Brunson had 21 in the fourth quarter, rallying the Knicks after they trailed by nine early in the period. He joined Hall of Famers Jerry West, who had six consecutive 40-point games in the postseason, and Michael Jordan and Bernard King, who both had four. Donte DiVincenzo hit the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining and scored 25 for the Knicks. Myles Turner led the Pacers with 23 points.UNDATED (AP) — Victor Wembanyama had a year like no rookie in NBA history. Others scored more points, others grabbed more rebounds, others had more blocks, others made more steals. But never had there been a player who, in Year 1 of their career, posted all these averages — at least 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. Until now. The long-expected result became reality on Monday, when the Spurs’ star from France was announced as the unanimous winner NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Jeremy Swayman stopped 38 shots, Brandon Carlo scored a goal just a few hours after his wife gave birth to their son and the Boston Bruins topped the Florida Panthers 5-1 in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Monday night. Morgan Geekie, Mason Lohrei, Justin Brazeau and Jake DeBrusk also had goals for Boston, which improved to 5-0-0 against the Panthers this season. Matthew Tkachuk had the goal for Florida, which has rallied from a 1-0 deficit to win an NHL playoff series only twice in nine previous opportunities. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 24 shots for the Panthers.MONDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal Pittsburgh 4 L.A. Angels 1Final Kansas City 3 Milwaukee 2AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Cleveland 2 Detroit 1Final Tampa Bay 8 Chicago White Sox 2Final Minnesota 3 Seattle 1Final Texas 4 Oakland 2NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Philadelphia 6 San Francisco 1Final N.Y. Mets 4 St. Louis 3Final San Diego 6 Chicago Cubs 3Final L.A. Dodgers 6 Miami 3NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal New York 121 Indiana 117Final Minnesota 106 Denver 80NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Tuesday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Massey homered and Maikel Garcia singled in two runs in a three-run seventh inning as the Kansas City Royals rallied past the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 on Monday night.

The start was moved up a half-hour to 6:10 p.m. CDT to beat predicted thunderstorms, which didn't arrive before the last out.

After the Royals did next to nothing against Milwaukee starter Bryse Wilson, who allowed one hit and struck out six in six scoreless innings, they broke through in the seventh against the Brewers' bullpen.

“These guys just don’t quit,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “I wish I could put my finger on it and say, ‘Let’s do that in the first.’ But for whatever reason, the game gets later and they come through.”

Massey greeted Jared Koenig (2-1) with a 412-foot homer through a crosswind to right-center.

“It found the barrel and got the inside part of the ball and felt good,” Massey said. “Before the game. I didn’t think I was gonna be able to get one out to right. So it feels good.”

Quatraro said the conditions made Massey's drive more impressive.

“Usually a crosswind doesn’t help,” Quatraro said. “He cut through that. We know this park plays big.”

Koenig was lifted with one out after a walk and a hit batsman, and Garcia hit a bases-loaded single up the middle against Elvis Peguero.

“It’s another good start for (Wilson),” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “Gary (Sánchez) did a great job handling him.

"(Garcia's single) was hit where we weren’t and scored a couple runs.”

Cole Ragans allowed two runs on two hits in six innings for the Royals, striking out eight and keeping Kansas City's offense within striking distance.

“Relentless,” he said. “They keep going until somebody makes a mistake and then they make you pay. It’s fun to watch.”

Nick Anderson (2-1) pitched a scoreless seventh. Tyler Duffey and Will Smith got through the eighth — helped by catcher Salvador Perez, who threw out Jackson Chourio trying to steal third — and Chris Stratton worked the ninth for his second save.

Sánchez hit a two-run homer in the fourth for the Brewers, taking advantage of a strong southerly wind. He got a 2-1 fastball up into the air and it landed 427 feet away in the seats in left-center.

“I made a mistake and (Sánchez) made me pay for it,” Ragans said. “I got it down and in when I wanted it more middle up. You saw what he did with it.”

Wilson walked the first two Royals in the sixth. But he induced Vinnie Pasquantino to hit into a 4-6-3 double play and then struck out Perez to get out of the jam.

Brewers: Selected the contract of RHP Kevin Herget from Triple-A Nashville. RHP Janson Junk was optioned to Nashville ... RHP Jakob Junis was transferred to the 60-day injured list. ... RHP Freddy Peralta dropped his appeal and began his five-game suspension for hitting Tampa Bay's Jose Siri with a pitch Tuesday.

Royals: RHP Alec Marsh felt good after a rehab start with Triple-A Omaha Sunday. He is on schedule to return to the starting rotation Friday at the Los Angeles Angels.

The three-game series continues Tuesday with Milwaukee RHP Colin Rea (3-0, 2.67 ERA) facing Kansas City RHP Seth Lugo (5-1, 1.60).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715047250135.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia, right, throws to first base for an out after fielding a ground ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz as shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) watches during the third inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia, right, throws to first base for an out after fielding a ground ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz as shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) watches during the third inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Massey homered and Maikel Garcia singled in two runs in a three-run seventh inning as the Kansas City Royals rallied past the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 on Monday night.The start was moved up a half-hour to 6:10 p.m. CDT to beat predicted thunderstorms, which didn't arrive before the last out.After the Royals did next to nothing against Milwaukee starter Bryse Wilson, who allowed one hit and struck out six in six scoreless innings, they broke through in the seventh against the Brewers' bullpen.“These guys just don’t quit,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “I wish I could put my finger on it and say, ‘Let’s do that in the first.’ But for whatever reason, the game gets later and they come through.”Massey greeted Jared Koenig (2-1) with a 412-foot homer through a crosswind to right-center.“It found the barrel and got the inside part of the ball and felt good,” Massey said. “Before the game. I didn’t think I was gonna be able to get one out to right. So it feels good.”Quatraro said the conditions made Massey's drive more impressive.“Usually a crosswind doesn’t help,” Quatraro said. “He cut through that. We know this park plays big.”Koenig was lifted with one out after a walk and a hit batsman, and Garcia hit a bases-loaded single up the middle against Elvis Peguero.“It’s another good start for (Wilson),” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “Gary (Sánchez) did a great job handling him."(Garcia's single) was hit where we weren’t and scored a couple runs.”Cole Ragans allowed two runs on two hits in six innings for the Royals, striking out eight and keeping Kansas City's offense within striking distance.“Relentless,” he said. “They keep going until somebody makes a mistake and then they make you pay. It’s fun to watch.”Nick Anderson (2-1) pitched a scoreless seventh. Tyler Duffey and Will Smith got through the eighth — helped by catcher Salvador Perez, who threw out Jackson Chourio trying to steal third — and Chris Stratton worked the ninth for his second save.Sánchez hit a two-run homer in the fourth for the Brewers, taking advantage of a strong southerly wind. He got a 2-1 fastball up into the air and it landed 427 feet away in the seats in left-center.“I made a mistake and (Sánchez) made me pay for it,” Ragans said. “I got it down and in when I wanted it more middle up. You saw what he did with it.”Wilson walked the first two Royals in the sixth. But he induced Vinnie Pasquantino to hit into a 4-6-3 double play and then struck out Perez to get out of the jam.TRANSACTIONSBrewers: Selected the contract of RHP Kevin Herget from Triple-A Nashville. RHP Janson Junk was optioned to Nashville ... RHP Jakob Junis was transferred to the 60-day injured list. ... RHP Freddy Peralta dropped his appeal and began his five-game suspension for hitting Tampa Bay's Jose Siri with a pitch Tuesday.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP Alec Marsh felt good after a rehab start with Triple-A Omaha Sunday. He is on schedule to return to the starting rotation Friday at the Los Angeles Angels.UP NEXTThe three-game series continues Tuesday with Milwaukee RHP Colin Rea (3-0, 2.67 ERA) facing Kansas City RHP Seth Lugo (5-1, 1.60).

⚾ Royals rally for Monday win

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715046016325.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Wichita State will be the No. 4 seed in this week&apos;s 2024 American Athletic Conference Softball Championship, hosted by the Shockers at Wilkins Stadium, May 8-11. The Shockers open tournament action on Wednesday, May 8 vs. No. 9 seed UTSA at 7 p.m. on ESPN+. Wichita State finished the regular season at 16-11 in AAC play, one game behind No. 3 seed North Texas. Florida Atlantic and Charlotte shared the regular season title, but the Owls will be the top seed in the tournament with Charlotte at No. 2. The winner of Wichita State/UTSA will meet the winner of South Florida/Tulsa on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+. <a contenteditable="false" name="_Hlk102941165" title="" style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size: 16px;">2024 American Athletic Conference Softball Championship</a> May 8-11, 2024 Wilkins Stadium Wichita, Kansas &nbsp; Wednesday, May 8 - First Round Game 1: No.&nbsp;7 East Carolina vs No. 6 UAB&nbsp;- 10 a.m. (ESPN+) Game 2: No.&nbsp;10 Memphis vs No. 3 North Texas&nbsp;- 1 p.m. (ESPN+) Game 3: No.&nbsp;8 South Florida vs No. 5 Tulsa&nbsp;- 4 p.m. (ESPN+) Game 4: No.&nbsp;9 UTSA vs No. 4 Wichita State&nbsp;- 7 p.m. (ESPN+) Thursday, May 9 - Second Round Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 2 - 12 p.m. (ESPN+) Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs Winner Game 4 - 2:30 p.m. (ESPN+) Friday, May 10 - Semifinals Game 7: Winner Game 5 vs No.&nbsp;2 Charlotte&nbsp;- 12 p.m. (ESPN+) Game 8: Winner Game 6 vs No.&nbsp;1&nbsp;Florida Atlantic&nbsp;- 2:30 p.m. (ESPN+) Saturday, May 11 - Championship Game 9: Winner Game 7 vs Winner Game 8 - 11 a.m. (ESPN2) &nbsp;</div>

🥎 Shockers enter AAC Championship as No. 4 seed

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715045871615.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Wichita State&apos;s&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">CC Wong</a></dfn>&nbsp;has been named the American Athletic Conference Player of the Week for a third time, it was announced Monday afternoon. On the final weekend of the regular season Wong tortured the Memphis pitching staff, going 7-for-9 (.778) with four extra base hits (3 doubles, 1 home run) and five RBI. In the final game of the series, she was a perfect 4-for-4 with two doubles. Her four hits and two doubles both tied a career high. Following her red-hot weekend, Wong moved back to No. 2 nationally in batting average (.476), No. 3 in on base percentage (.571) and No. 9 in slugging percentage (.888). Wong was also named the American Player of the Week on March 25 and Feb. 26. Additionally, freshman&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/7573" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">Chloe Barber</a></dfn>&nbsp;was named to the American Weekly Honor Roll after going 2-0 with 18 strikeouts, allowing just three runs and three hits in 9.0 innings. The highlight came in the series finale vs. Memphis when she tossed her first collegiate no-hitter. She struck out nine Tigers in 5.0 innings. The Shockers open the AAC Championship on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. vs. UTSA. Player of the Week <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">CC Wong</a></dfn>, Sr., INF, Wichita State &nbsp; Pitcher of the Week Ainsley Lambert, Jr., Florida Atlantic &nbsp; Honor Roll Sam Gress, Jr., P, Charlotte Cori Hoffler, 5th, INF, Charlotte Kamryn Jackson, Gr., OF, Florida Atlantic Alex Wilkes, Fr., INF, South Florida <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/7573" rel="smarttag" style="color: black;">Chloe Barber</a></dfn>, Fr., P, Wichita State</div>

🥎 Wong named AAC Player of the Week for 3rd time

DODGE CITY – Consider the Region VI Softball Tournament door now kicked in for the Hutchinson Community College softball team.

Led by a 14-hit offensive attack and a gutsy effort in the pitching circle from freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/lake_dakota_j57w">Dakota Lake</a>, the second-seeded Blue Dragons completed a mission 37 years in the making on Monday at Legends Park.

Hutchinson jumped out to a six-run lead for the second straight game and captured the program's first Region 6 softball championship since 1987 with a 16-4 victory over the Butler Grizzlies in championship game.

The Blue Dragons automatically qualify for the NJCAA Division I National Softball Tournament, which will be May 20-25 at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama. The Blue Dragons extend their school record for wins in a season, taking a record 46-10 record to the national tournament.

Hutchinson is the first regional champion other than Butler since Barton won the title in 2015.

After playing in the regional championship game in 2017, 2018 and 2023, Blue Dragon head coach Jaime Rose celebrates her first regional championship in 20 seasons with the Blue Dragons. Earning her 600th win at Hutchinson earlier this season, Rose's Blue Dragon record is now 616-358 at Hutchinson.

Hutchinson had to come through the loser's bracket after dropping a 5-0 decision to Butler in the winner's bracket final on Saturday. Hutchinson qualified for the finals with a 9-5 win over Barton in Sunday's losers' bracket final and forced a second championship game with a 12-3 win over the top-seeded and defending regional champion Grizzlies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715045574802.jpeg" alt="The Blue Dragon softball team raises the Region 6 Tournament championship trophy after defeating Butler 16-4 in the championship on Monday at Legends' Park in Dodge City. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>The Blue Dragon softball team raises the Region 6 Tournament championship trophy after defeating Butler 16-4 in the championship on Monday at Legends' Park in Dodge City. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationDODGE CITY – Consider the Region VI Softball Tournament door now kicked in for the Hutchinson Community College softball team.Led by a 14-hit offensive attack and a gutsy effort in the pitching circle from freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/lake_dakota_j57w">Dakota Lake</a>, the second-seeded Blue Dragons completed a mission 37 years in the making on Monday at Legends Park.Hutchinson jumped out to a six-run lead for the second straight game and captured the program's first Region 6 softball championship since 1987 with a 16-4 victory over the Butler Grizzlies in championship game.The Blue Dragons automatically qualify for the NJCAA Division I National Softball Tournament, which will be May 20-25 at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama. The Blue Dragons extend their school record for wins in a season, taking a record 46-10 record to the national tournament.Hutchinson is the first regional champion other than Butler since Barton won the title in 2015.After playing in the regional championship game in 2017, 2018 and 2023, Blue Dragon head coach Jaime Rose celebrates her first regional championship in 20 seasons with the Blue Dragons. Earning her 600th win at Hutchinson earlier this season, Rose's Blue Dragon record is now 616-358 at Hutchinson.Hutchinson had to come through the loser's bracket after dropping a 5-0 decision to Butler in the winner's bracket final on Saturday. Hutchinson qualified for the finals with a 9-5 win over Barton in Sunday's losers' bracket final and forced a second championship game with a 12-3 win over the top-seeded and defending regional champion Grizzlies.Just like Sunday, the Blue Dragons jumped out fast with a three-run first inning. Divis got things going with an RBI single through the left side to score&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/sandoval_olivia_ydnf">Olivia Sandoval</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/lies_korri_k1mj">Korri Lies</a>&nbsp;then singled to right to score&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/mastin_alexis_jxjs">Alexis Mastin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/backhaus_brooke_06ze">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;followed with an RBI single to score&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/darnell_jaeleigh_5kwl">Jaeleigh Darnell</a>&nbsp;for a 3-0 Blue Dragon lead.The Dragons made it 6-0 after two innings with three runs in the second inning. Darnell reached on a fielder's choice, but the Grizzlies committed two of their four errors in the game on the play and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/backhaus_bailey_6uk7">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;scored to make it 4-0. Divis then followed with a two-run triple to give the Dragons a 6-0 lead.From there, Lake (11-3) kept the Grizzlies at arm's length and keeping Butler away from big innings. The Grizzlies scored single runs in the second, third, fourth and fifth innings.Lake pitched her eighth complete game of the season. She allowed eight hits, four runs and five walks. She struck out five to surpass D.J. Cannon (2018) for second place on the Blue Dragon single-season strikeout list, becoming only the second Blue Dragon to strike out 200 batters in one season. Only Holly Kelley (2016) has more strikeouts in a season with 262.Leading 6-2 in fourth inning, the Blue Dragons stepped on the accelerator and pulled away from the Grizzlies with a six-run fourth inning.Lies opened the inning with an RBI single that scored Mastin for a 7-2 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/backhaus_brooke_06ze">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;then singled in two runs with a shot to shallow right-center for a 9-2 lead. Tami Lozoya then singled in a run, which was followed by an RBI fielder's choice by Sandoval and a bases-loaded walk to Mastin to build a 12-2 lead. The Dragons sent 13 batters to the in the fourth inning.Leading 12-4 entering the seventh inning, the Blue Dragons added four more runs produced by an&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/kealey_annie_xr9m">Annie Kealey</a>&nbsp;pinch-hit three-run double and a&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/backhaus_bailey_6uk7">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;RBI groundout.Divis had her first career four-hit game, going 4 for 5 with a triple, three RBIs and two runs scored. Over the two championship games, Divis was 6 for 10 with four RBIs.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/backhaus_bailey_6uk7">Bailey Backhaus</a>, Sandoval, Lies and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/backhaus_brooke_06ze">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;had two hits each.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/backhaus_brooke_06ze">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;drove in three runs.Sandoval's first-inning double was a school-record double. She broke a tie with Madison Grimes with her 43rd career double.POSTGAME NOTES+ Hutchinson made its sixth appearance in the Region VI championship game, joining the 1987, 1992, 2017, 2018 and 2023 teams.+ With two hits in her first two at-bats on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/bios/backhaus_bailey_6uk7">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;had a streak of 10 hits in 10 at-bats in the tournament.