HAYSVILLE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs dropped a 4-1 decision on Thursday night at Carpenter Complex. The game was called final in the middle of the sixth inning due to weather.&nbsp; The Monarchs took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning on an RBI double from Jaden Gustafson, scoring Will Edmunson. Both Gustafson and Edmunson recorded two hits apiece to lead the Hutch offense.&nbsp; The Aviators responded with three runs in the bottom half of the frame on a 3-run double.&nbsp; Haysville added one more insurance run on an RBI double in the fifth inning to lead 4-1. &nbsp;The Monarchs were outhit in the game, 7-6, and committed two more errors defensively.&nbsp; The top four batters in the Monarchs order went a combined 0-for-12 with eight strikeouts. &nbsp;The Monarchs struck out a total of 10 times.&nbsp; Hutchinson - 000 010 xxx — 1 6 2

W: Garrett Klein. L: Tucker Timmerman.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590175262343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HAYSVILLE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs dropped a 4-1 decision on Thursday night at Carpenter Complex. The game was called final in the middle of the sixth inning due to weather.&nbsp; The Monarchs took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning on an RBI double from Jaden Gustafson, scoring Will Edmunson. Both Gustafson and Edmunson recorded two hits apiece to lead the Hutch offense.&nbsp; The Aviators responded with three runs in the bottom half of the frame on a 3-run double.&nbsp; Haysville added one more insurance run on an RBI double in the fifth inning to lead 4-1. &nbsp;The Monarchs were outhit in the game, 7-6, and committed two more errors defensively.&nbsp; The top four batters in the Monarchs order went a combined 0-for-12 with eight strikeouts. &nbsp;The Monarchs struck out a total of 10 times.&nbsp; Hutchinson - 000 010 xxx — 1 6 2Haysville - 000 31x xxx — 4 7 0W: Garrett Klein. L: Tucker Timmerman.&nbsp;

⚾️ Monarchs drop weather-shortened game to Aviators

MIDLAND, Texas - Starting pitcher Pierson Ohl left the Surge in good position to win but the Midland bats came alive late in the game. The&nbsp; Rock Hounds defeated the Wind Surge 8-7 after a wild ninth inning.

The Surge scored their first run in the first inning. Aaron Sabato hit a two out RBI double.

Midland tied the game up immediately in the bottom of the first. Logan Davidson hit a solo home run over the right center field wall.

The Wind Surge had an explosive fifth inning. It started with a triple by DaShawn Keirsey Jr. that drove in a run. Brooks Lee, Patrick Winkel and Sabato all also had RBIs in the inning.

Both teams scored in the sixth inning. Lee hit his league-leading 22nd double of the season and drove in his second RBI of the game for Wichita. Lawrence Butler also hit a solo home run for Midland.

Midland refused to go away and tied the game up in the bottom of the eighth. The RockHounds got two RBIs, and then a wild pitch delivered by Curtis Taylor for the Surge allowed the tying run to score. Yunior Severino made a great catch on a low line drive just behind the second base bag that stopped Midland from scoring any more runs in the inning.

Lee committed an error in the bottom of the ninth that would have sent the game into extra innings. Davidson was the next batter and he hit a line drive to center field that put a runner on third for the RockHounds. Lee then had his second error of the inning on a missed throw to first and the winning run scored for Midland.

The Wichita Wind Surge left eleven men on and were 4-16 with runners in scoring position.

The Wind Surge fall to 25-34 and break their three-game winning streak. The RockHounds improve to 27-33 and snap their nine-game losing streak.

The Surge lead the series two games to one.

NOTES: The first pitch temperature of 101 degrees is the hottest game of the season. DaShawn Keirsey and Yunior Severino extended their hitting streaks to seven games. The Wind Surge added pitcher Taylor Floyd from the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade and activated pitcher Alex Phillips from injured list. The Surge promoted pitcher Alex Scherff to St Paul and placed Denny Bentley on development roster. Aaron Sabato has five doubles in the three game series.

BROADCAST: ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.

UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge play game four of the road series and will face the Midland RockHounds Friday at 7:00 PM. RH David Festa for the Surge will face RH Jack Perkins for the RockHounds.

NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home on Tuesday, June 20th&nbsp;to play Arkansas Travelers at Riverfront Stadium. The Surge will be home for a two week homestand which includes the first ever postgame concert on Saturday, June 24th&nbsp;“The Spazmatics”.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684071158492.jpeg" alt="Wichita Wind Surge Baseball" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Wind Surge Baseball</figcaption>
 </figure>MIDLAND, Texas - Starting pitcher Pierson Ohl left the Surge in good position to win but the Midland bats came alive late in the game. The&nbsp; Rock Hounds defeated the Wind Surge 8-7 after a wild ninth inning.The Surge scored their first run in the first inning. Aaron Sabato hit a two out RBI double.Midland tied the game up immediately in the bottom of the first. Logan Davidson hit a solo home run over the right center field wall.The Wind Surge had an explosive fifth inning. It started with a triple by DaShawn Keirsey Jr. that drove in a run. Brooks Lee, Patrick Winkel and Sabato all also had RBIs in the inning.Both teams scored in the sixth inning. Lee hit his league-leading 22nd double of the season and drove in his second RBI of the game for Wichita. Lawrence Butler also hit a solo home run for Midland.Midland refused to go away and tied the game up in the bottom of the eighth. The RockHounds got two RBIs, and then a wild pitch delivered by Curtis Taylor for the Surge allowed the tying run to score. Yunior Severino made a great catch on a low line drive just behind the second base bag that stopped Midland from scoring any more runs in the inning.Lee committed an error in the bottom of the ninth that would have sent the game into extra innings. Davidson was the next batter and he hit a line drive to center field that put a runner on third for the RockHounds. Lee then had his second error of the inning on a missed throw to first and the winning run scored for Midland.The Wichita Wind Surge left eleven men on and were 4-16 with runners in scoring position.The Wind Surge fall to 25-34 and break their three-game winning streak. The RockHounds improve to 27-33 and snap their nine-game losing streak.The Surge lead the series two games to one.NOTES: The first pitch temperature of 101 degrees is the hottest game of the season. DaShawn Keirsey and Yunior Severino extended their hitting streaks to seven games. The Wind Surge added pitcher Taylor Floyd from the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade and activated pitcher Alex Phillips from injured list. The Surge promoted pitcher Alex Scherff to St Paul and placed Denny Bentley on development roster. Aaron Sabato has five doubles in the three game series.BROADCAST: ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge play game four of the road series and will face the Midland RockHounds Friday at 7:00 PM. RH David Festa for the Surge will face RH Jack Perkins for the RockHounds.NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home on Tuesday, June 20th&nbsp;to play Arkansas Travelers at Riverfront Stadium. The Surge will be home for a two week homestand which includes the first ever postgame concert on Saturday, June 24th&nbsp;“The Spazmatics”.

⚾ Surge drop game within reach

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Wichita State sophomore designated hitter/left-handed pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/payton-tolle/7456">Payton Tolle</a>&nbsp;has been named&nbsp;Third Team All-American utility player by Perfect Game. This is the second All-American honor for Tolle, who earlier this week was tabbed to the Second Team by NCBWA. The full Perfect Game&nbsp;All-America teams can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=22047&amp;src=hmrep">HERE</a>. Tolle was named First Team All-Central Region and First Team All-American Athletic Conference utility player after a breakout season as Wichita State's Saturday starter and designated hitter. The 6'6 lefty went 9-3 with a 4.62 ERA over 15 appearances including 14 starts. Tolle led the conference in wins and innings pitched, finishing the season with 97 strikeouts in 85.2 innings. He held opponents to a .245 batting average, racking up eight quality starts and four starts with 10 or more strikeouts. The native of Yukon, Oklahoma delivered his best start of the season against #7-ranked East Carolina, firing a complete game shutout in which he allowed just two hits and no walks while striking out 10. His season high in strikeouts came on March 19 against Creighton, when he fanned 12 Bluejays over 7.0 innings in a Shocker victory. Offensively, Tolle hit .311 with 13 home runs and 50 RBI, including homers in the midweek against Kansas State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. He produced 20 multi-hit games and 18&nbsp;multi-RBI games this season, highlighted by a five-hit, six-RBI day against Oakland on March 4. In Wichita State's final home series of the season, the left-handed slugger homered in all three games of the set against South Florida, including a mammoth 491-foot blast on May 13. Tolle was named one of five finalists for the prestigious John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award, the only representative from the American Athletic Conference on the list of finalists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686860492321.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Wichita State sophomore designated hitter/left-handed pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/payton-tolle/7456">Payton Tolle</a>&nbsp;has been named&nbsp;Third Team All-American utility player by Perfect Game. This is the second All-American honor for Tolle, who earlier this week was tabbed to the Second Team by NCBWA. The full Perfect Game&nbsp;All-America teams can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=22047&amp;src=hmrep">HERE</a>. Tolle was named First Team All-Central Region and First Team All-American Athletic Conference utility player after a breakout season as Wichita State's Saturday starter and designated hitter. The 6'6 lefty went 9-3 with a 4.62 ERA over 15 appearances including 14 starts. Tolle led the conference in wins and innings pitched, finishing the season with 97 strikeouts in 85.2 innings. He held opponents to a .245 batting average, racking up eight quality starts and four starts with 10 or more strikeouts. The native of Yukon, Oklahoma delivered his best start of the season against #7-ranked East Carolina, firing a complete game shutout in which he allowed just two hits and no walks while striking out 10. His season high in strikeouts came on March 19 against Creighton, when he fanned 12 Bluejays over 7.0 innings in a Shocker victory. Offensively, Tolle hit .311 with 13 home runs and 50 RBI, including homers in the midweek against Kansas State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. He produced 20 multi-hit games and 18&nbsp;multi-RBI games this season, highlighted by a five-hit, six-RBI day against Oakland on March 4. In Wichita State's final home series of the season, the left-handed slugger homered in all three games of the set against South Florida, including a mammoth 491-foot blast on May 13. Tolle was named one of five finalists for the prestigious John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award, the only representative from the American Athletic Conference on the list of finalists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tolle named Perfect Game All-American

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Head coach&nbsp;Paul Mills&nbsp;and Director of Athletics&nbsp;Kevin Saal&nbsp;announced today that Wichita State and Kansas have agreed to a regular season men's basketball game in 2023 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.&nbsp; The game will be Dec. 30, 2023 and tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. CT on June 23 through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.t-mobilecenter.com/events">T-Mobile Center</a>. Shocker ticket sections include 107-114 and 209-224. A pre-sale for 2023-24 men's basketball season ticket holders will take place June 20-22. The pre-sale links will be sent before June 20 to the email on file at the Shocker ticket office. Fans who have not renewed their season tickets will not be included in the pre-sale. "We are appreciative and thankful to both the University of Kansas and the Kansas City Sports Commission &amp; Foundation for the opportunity to participate in this special event for both our men's basketball program and Shocker Nation," Saal said. "We've collaborated on this event these past many months and wish to express our gratitude to Travis Goff, Sean Lester and Bill Self with the University of Kansas and Kathy Nelson with the Kansas City Sports Commission &amp; Foundation. It has been over three decades since our institutions have met in the regular season and we look forward to a renewed relationship between our storied and tradition-rich programs." The schools haven't met since March 22, 2015, when Wichita State knocked off Kansas,&nbsp;78-65, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Omaha, Neb. The last regular season meeting was Jan. 6, 1993 in Lawrence when the Jayhawks won, 103-54. "We are excited to play this game in Kansas City," Mills said. "This game will be a benefit to fans of both institutions and it will attract national attention between these two tradition rich programs." The Shockers are also scheduled to play K-State in Kansas City in 2023 (Dec. 21). This will mark the first time since the 1992-93 season that the Shockers will meet KU and K-State in the same season. KU leads 12-3 all-time in a series that dates back to 1908. Wichita State All-Time Series vs. Kansas Total: 3-12 (Home: 1-6, Away: 0-4, Neutral 2-2) Dec. 18, 1908 – Wichita – L, 15-65 Feb. 3, 1941 – Wichita – L, 39-54 Feb. 2, 1942 – Wichita – L, 37-56 Dec. 7, 1955 – Wichita – L, 55-56 March 20, 1981 – New Orleans, La. – W, 66-65# Feb. 5, 1984 – Lawrence – L, 69-79 Jan. 5, 1985 – Kansas City – L, 83-90 Dec. 28, 1985 – Kansas City – L,56-81$ Jan. 6, 1987 – Wichita – W, 54-49 Jan. 25, 1989 – Lawrence – L, 66-86 Jan. 4, 1990 – Wichita – L, 66-93 Jan. 23, 1991 – Lawrence – L, 50-84 Jan. 8, 1992 – Wichita – L, 51-81 Jan. 6, 1993 – Lawrence – L, 54-103 March 22, 2015 – Omaha, Neb. – W, 78-65% # = 1981 NCAA Midwest Regional $ = 1985 BMA Holiday Classic % = 2015 NCAA Tournament&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686845745479.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Head coach&nbsp;Paul Mills&nbsp;and Director of Athletics&nbsp;Kevin Saal&nbsp;announced today that Wichita State and Kansas have agreed to a regular season men's basketball game in 2023 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.&nbsp; The game will be Dec. 30, 2023 and tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. CT on June 23 through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.t-mobilecenter.com/events">T-Mobile Center</a>. Shocker ticket sections include 107-114 and 209-224. A pre-sale for 2023-24 men's basketball season ticket holders will take place June 20-22. The pre-sale links will be sent before June 20 to the email on file at the Shocker ticket office. Fans who have not renewed their season tickets will not be included in the pre-sale. "We are appreciative and thankful to both the University of Kansas and the Kansas City Sports Commission &amp; Foundation for the opportunity to participate in this special event for both our men's basketball program and Shocker Nation," Saal said. "We've collaborated on this event these past many months and wish to express our gratitude to Travis Goff, Sean Lester and Bill Self with the University of Kansas and Kathy Nelson with the Kansas City Sports Commission &amp; Foundation. It has been over three decades since our institutions have met in the regular season and we look forward to a renewed relationship between our storied and tradition-rich programs." The schools haven't met since March 22, 2015, when Wichita State knocked off Kansas,&nbsp;78-65, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Omaha, Neb. The last regular season meeting was Jan. 6, 1993 in Lawrence when the Jayhawks won, 103-54. "We are excited to play this game in Kansas City," Mills said. "This game will be a benefit to fans of both institutions and it will attract national attention between these two tradition rich programs." The Shockers are also scheduled to play K-State in Kansas City in 2023 (Dec. 21). This will mark the first time since the 1992-93 season that the Shockers will meet KU and K-State in the same season. KU leads 12-3 all-time in a series that dates back to 1908. Wichita State All-Time Series vs. Kansas Total: 3-12 (Home: 1-6, Away: 0-4, Neutral 2-2) Dec. 18, 1908 – Wichita – L, 15-65 Feb. 3, 1941 – Wichita – L, 39-54 Feb. 2, 1942 – Wichita – L, 37-56 Dec. 7, 1955 – Wichita – L, 55-56 March 20, 1981 – New Orleans, La. – W, 66-65# Feb. 5, 1984 – Lawrence – L, 69-79 Jan. 5, 1985 – Kansas City – L, 83-90 Dec. 28, 1985 – Kansas City – L,56-81$ Jan. 6, 1987 – Wichita – W, 54-49 Jan. 25, 1989 – Lawrence – L, 66-86 Jan. 4, 1990 – Wichita – L, 66-93 Jan. 23, 1991 – Lawrence – L, 50-84 Jan. 8, 1992 – Wichita – L, 51-81 Jan. 6, 1993 – Lawrence – L, 54-103 March 22, 2015 – Omaha, Neb. – W, 78-65% # = 1981 NCAA Midwest Regional $ = 1985 BMA Holiday Classic % = 2015 NCAA Tournament&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Shockers, Jayhawks agree to regular season matchup in 2023

MIDLAND, Texas - Aaron Rozek led the Wind Surge to victory with stellar pitching. Rozek delivered six shutout innings, five strikeouts, and allowed one hit that gave the Wind Surge an 8-1 win over the Rock Hounds.

Brooks Lee had the first scoring play of the game when he hit his league leading 20th double of the season. The hit drove in two runs for a Surge lead they held for the remainder of the game. Lee also had two impressive defensive plays in the infield. First, Lee delivered a long back hand flip to second for a double play. Then, he dove for a hard-hit ground ball and was able to make an incredible throw to first and keep a run from scoring.

The close game turned into a blow out when the Surge came to bat in the top of the ninth. Jake Rucker, Armani Smith and DaShawn Keirsey Jr all had RBIs. Will Holland also crushed a ball 419 feet out of the park for a two-run home run. Lee hit his 21st double of the season in the inning as well.

The Rockhounds only run came in the bottom of the ninth when Lazaro Amrenteros hit a solo home run over the left field wall. The homer broke up the shutout bid and was the second hit allowed in the game by Wichita pitching.

It was an impressive pitching outing for both starting pitchers. Blake Beers took the defeat for Midland gave up two runs on six hits and struck out five Surge batters. Rozek earned his first win of the season and improves to 1-3.

The Wichita Wind Surge improve to 25-33 and have now won three games in a row. The Midland RockHounds fall to 26-33 and have lost nine in a row.

The Surge lead the road series two games to none.

NOTES - Wichita allowed two hits, second fewest of the season. The Wind Surge pitched a one hit shutout on April 6th&nbsp;in Springfield. Brooks Lee added two more doubles and leads the Texas League with 21 doubles for the season. Wichita improved to 9-4 this season and 30-19 all-time in the state of Texas.

UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge play game three of the road series and will face the Midland RockHounds Thursday at 7:00 PM. RH Pierson Ohl for the Surge will face RH Jack Cushing for the RockHounds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658940040610.jpeg" alt="Wichita Wind Surge&nbsp; win over Rock Hounds" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Wind Surge&nbsp; win over Rock Hounds</figcaption>
 </figure>MIDLAND, Texas - Aaron Rozek led the Wind Surge to victory with stellar pitching. Rozek delivered six shutout innings, five strikeouts, and allowed one hit that gave the Wind Surge an 8-1 win over the Rock Hounds.Brooks Lee had the first scoring play of the game when he hit his league leading 20th double of the season. The hit drove in two runs for a Surge lead they held for the remainder of the game. Lee also had two impressive defensive plays in the infield. First, Lee delivered a long back hand flip to second for a double play. Then, he dove for a hard-hit ground ball and was able to make an incredible throw to first and keep a run from scoring.The close game turned into a blow out when the Surge came to bat in the top of the ninth. Jake Rucker, Armani Smith and DaShawn Keirsey Jr all had RBIs. Will Holland also crushed a ball 419 feet out of the park for a two-run home run. Lee hit his 21st double of the season in the inning as well.The Rockhounds only run came in the bottom of the ninth when Lazaro Amrenteros hit a solo home run over the left field wall. The homer broke up the shutout bid and was the second hit allowed in the game by Wichita pitching.It was an impressive pitching outing for both starting pitchers. Blake Beers took the defeat for Midland gave up two runs on six hits and struck out five Surge batters. Rozek earned his first win of the season and improves to 1-3.The Wichita Wind Surge improve to 25-33 and have now won three games in a row. The Midland RockHounds fall to 26-33 and have lost nine in a row.The Surge lead the road series two games to none.NOTES - Wichita allowed two hits, second fewest of the season. The Wind Surge pitched a one hit shutout on April 6th&nbsp;in Springfield. Brooks Lee added two more doubles and leads the Texas League with 21 doubles for the season. Wichita improved to 9-4 this season and 30-19 all-time in the state of Texas.BROADCAST: ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge play game three of the road series and will face the Midland RockHounds Thursday at 7:00 PM. RH Pierson Ohl for the Surge will face RH Jack Cushing for the RockHounds.NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home on Tuesday, June 20th&nbsp;to play Arkansas Travelers at Riverfront Stadium. The Surge will be home for a two week homestand which includes the first ever postgame concert on Saturday, June 24th&nbsp;“The Spazmatics”.

⚾️ Rozek delivers Surge victory

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Whether they’re being serious or entirely tongue-in-cheek, the Cincinnati Reds have begun calling themselves “America’s Team.”

A few more series like they had in Kansas City and that moniker might expand beyond the clubhouse.

The Reds pounded out four homers Wednesday night, including three during a five-run fifth inning, and held on for a 7-4 victory over the Royals that not only completed the three-game sweep but extended their winning streak to five straight.

Ben Lively (4-4) ended a rough stretch for Cincinnati starters, allowing 10 hits but just two runs over 5 2/3 innings. Alexis Diaz entered with two on and one out in the ninth and struck out Freddy Fermin and retired Dairon Blanco for his 17th save.

“We have to do whatever it takes to get a win,” Reds manager David Bell said. “Home runs played a big part tonight.”

The Royals’ Daniel Lynch (0-3) gave up all four Reds homers, the most he’s allowed in an outing in his career. That led to all seven of their runs on seven hits and a pair of walks, extending Lynch’s winless streak stretched to 15 starts.

The Royals, who at 18-50 have the worst record in the majors, have lost a season-high nine straight games.

“It’s a long season. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we just got to play our brand of baseball,” said Matt McLain, whose three-run shot highlighted the Reds’ big inning. “You play it hard no matter what happens. That’s what we’re going to do.”

Spencer Steer homered in the second before Stuart Fairchild and Jonathan India joined McLain in going deep in the fifth, breaking open a 1-all game and sending the Reds to their eighth win in their last 10 games.

“We had chances to drive guys in,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We have to keep putting quality at-bats together, and when you have a chance to drive in runs, you can’t change your approach.”

Steer set the tone for the Reds in the second when he deposited Lynch’s 1-1 pitch in the left-field seats, though the Royals at least answered that homer. Bobby Witt Jr. drove in a run on his 23rd birthday with one of his three hits on the night.

It turned out to be a costly inning for the Royals, though. Salvador Perez was hit on the left hand by a pitch from Lively and had to be replaced by Maikel Garcia. Perez was diagnosed with a bruise and is day-to-day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686652216763.jpeg" alt="Cincinnati Reds hand Royals another loss." />
 <figcaption>Cincinnati Reds hand Royals another loss.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Whether they’re being serious or entirely tongue-in-cheek, the Cincinnati Reds have begun calling themselves “America’s Team.”A few more series like they had in Kansas City and that moniker might expand beyond the clubhouse.The Reds pounded out four homers Wednesday night, including three during a five-run fifth inning, and held on for a 7-4 victory over the Royals that not only completed the three-game sweep but extended their winning streak to five straight.Ben Lively (4-4) ended a rough stretch for Cincinnati starters, allowing 10 hits but just two runs over 5 2/3 innings. Alexis Diaz entered with two on and one out in the ninth and struck out Freddy Fermin and retired Dairon Blanco for his 17th save.“We have to do whatever it takes to get a win,” Reds manager David Bell said. “Home runs played a big part tonight.”The Royals’ Daniel Lynch (0-3) gave up all four Reds homers, the most he’s allowed in an outing in his career. That led to all seven of their runs on seven hits and a pair of walks, extending Lynch’s winless streak stretched to 15 starts.The Royals, who at 18-50 have the worst record in the majors, have lost a season-high nine straight games.“It’s a long season. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we just got to play our brand of baseball,” said Matt McLain, whose three-run shot highlighted the Reds’ big inning. “You play it hard no matter what happens. That’s what we’re going to do.”Spencer Steer homered in the second before Stuart Fairchild and Jonathan India joined McLain in going deep in the fifth, breaking open a 1-all game and sending the Reds to their eighth win in their last 10 games.“We had chances to drive guys in,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We have to keep putting quality at-bats together, and when you have a chance to drive in runs, you can’t change your approach.”Steer set the tone for the Reds in the second when he deposited Lynch’s 1-1 pitch in the left-field seats, though the Royals at least answered that homer. Bobby Witt Jr. drove in a run on his 23rd birthday with one of his three hits on the night.It turned out to be a costly inning for the Royals, though. Salvador Perez was hit on the left hand by a pitch from Lively and had to be replaced by Maikel Garcia. Perez was diagnosed with a bruise and is day-to-day.

⚾️ Royals fall to Reds, drop ninth straight

Courtesy of the Kansas City Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Royals will be without one of their frontline sluggers for the rest of the 2023 season.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/vinnie-pasquantino-686469" target="_blank">Vinnie Pasquantino</a>&nbsp;will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, the team announced on Wednesday.

Pasquantino had been on the injured list with right shoulder instability since exiting the Royals' game against the Orioles on June 9. It's an injury Pasquantino has dealt with before; he missed about three weeks last year with the same soreness, but an MRI showed that the Kansas City slugger will require surgery.

The 25-year-old, who made his much-anticipated Major League debut midway through last season, had produced a .247/.324/.437 slash line with nine home runs and 26 RBIs in 61 games in 2023.

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686775780782.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Courtesy of the Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Royals will be without one of their frontline sluggers for the rest of the 2023 season.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/vinnie-pasquantino-686469" target="_blank">Vinnie Pasquantino</a>&nbsp;will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, the team announced on Wednesday.Pasquantino had been on the injured list with right shoulder instability since exiting the Royals' game against the Orioles on June 9. It's an injury Pasquantino has dealt with before; he missed about three weeks last year with the same soreness, but an MRI showed that the Kansas City slugger will require surgery.The 25-year-old, who made his much-anticipated Major League debut midway through last season, had produced a .247/.324/.437 slash line with nine home runs and 26 RBIs in 61 games in 2023.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Pasquantino to undergo surgery, out for season

Courtesy of the Kansas State High School Activities Association&nbsp;

TOPEKA, Kan. – The 2024 Class 1A DI State Basketball Championships are headed to the Colby Event Center March&nbsp; 6-9, 2024, while class 2A will compete at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City. The KSHSAA maintains a very strong relationship with Visit Manhattan and Kansas State University however this year’s KSHSAA State Basketball Championships conflict with the final week of the Big 12 Conference regular season. Kansas State expressed desire to host a home game for one or both of their basketball teams should that opportunity arise. Accordingly, it was necessary for the KSHSAA to consider alternative locations to conduct the seven basketball tournaments. “After conversations with many around the state, the Colby Event Center is the best facility to host a state basketball tournament in 2024 as we work through the 2024 season with Bramlage Coliseum not being an option,” said Kyle Doperalski, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director. “The City of Colby along with its events center staff will do a marvelous job hosting a state tournament for our athletes, coaches and fans to enjoy. The facility has been in operation for two years and boasts a lot of features and amenities our teams and fans will appreciate and will make a perfect fit for Class 1A-DI’s state tournament. Dodge City will continue it’s tradition of top notch event management providing Class 2A a championship level experience in United Wireless Arena.” <a href="https://www.cityofcolby.com/299/Colby-Event-Center">The Colby Event Center in Colby, KS&nbsp;</a>was opened in 2021 and plays host to Colby Community College and the Orange and Black basketball tournament along with many other events year-round. This will be the first KSHSAA State Basketball Championship held in Colby. United Wireless Arena has hosted many state events since 2015 including hosting 1A DI State Basketball Championship last year as well as the 2A and 1A DI State Volleyball Championships the last four years. 2024 State Basketball Locations: 6A - Wichita - Koch Arena 5A - Emporia - White Auditorium 4A - Salina - Tony’s Pizza Events Center 3A - Hutchinson - Hutchinson Sports Arena 2A - Dodge City - United Wireless Arena 1A DI - Colby - Colby Events Center 1A DII - Great Bend - Barton Community College&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598357043542.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the Kansas State High School Activities Association&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. – The 2024 Class 1A DI State Basketball Championships are headed to the Colby Event Center March&nbsp; 6-9, 2024, while class 2A will compete at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City. The KSHSAA maintains a very strong relationship with Visit Manhattan and Kansas State University however this year’s KSHSAA State Basketball Championships conflict with the final week of the Big 12 Conference regular season. Kansas State expressed desire to host a home game for one or both of their basketball teams should that opportunity arise. Accordingly, it was necessary for the KSHSAA to consider alternative locations to conduct the seven basketball tournaments. “After conversations with many around the state, the Colby Event Center is the best facility to host a state basketball tournament in 2024 as we work through the 2024 season with Bramlage Coliseum not being an option,” said Kyle Doperalski, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director. “The City of Colby along with its events center staff will do a marvelous job hosting a state tournament for our athletes, coaches and fans to enjoy. The facility has been in operation for two years and boasts a lot of features and amenities our teams and fans will appreciate and will make a perfect fit for Class 1A-DI’s state tournament. Dodge City will continue it’s tradition of top notch event management providing Class 2A a championship level experience in United Wireless Arena.” <a href="https://www.cityofcolby.com/299/Colby-Event-Center">The Colby Event Center in Colby, KS&nbsp;</a>was opened in 2021 and plays host to Colby Community College and the Orange and Black basketball tournament along with many other events year-round. This will be the first KSHSAA State Basketball Championship held in Colby. United Wireless Arena has hosted many state events since 2015 including hosting 1A DI State Basketball Championship last year as well as the 2A and 1A DI State Volleyball Championships the last four years. 2024 State Basketball Locations: 6A - Wichita - Koch Arena 5A - Emporia - White Auditorium 4A - Salina - Tony’s Pizza Events Center 3A - Hutchinson - Hutchinson Sports Arena 2A - Dodge City - United Wireless Arena 1A DI - Colby - Colby Events Center 1A DII - Great Bend - Barton Community College&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 KSHSAA releases 2024 state championship sites

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Monarchs' game scheduled for tonight against the Derby Twins has been postponed due to unplayable field conditions at Hobart-Detter Field. Tonight marks the fourth game the Monarchs have had to postpone already this summer due to unplayable field conditions.

The 0.80" of rain the city of Hutchinson received overnight proved to be too much for the warning track at the ballpark to handle. According to Monarchs owner/GM Marc Blackim, the team put the tarp down over the infield around midnight after the team returned from Derby last night. Blackim says the infield looks great, but there is standing water on the warning track.

The <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/89f55089-864b-4d5c-9bb9-c2ec4d85c448">Monarchs won the series opener</a> against the Twins on Monday night at Hobart-Detter, but fell on the road in Derby last night. The Monarchs are scheduled to open up a three-game series against the Haysville Aviators, beginning Thursday night. The teams are scheduled to play in Hutchinson on Saturday night at 7 p.m. with the Monarchs hosting their annual Cancer Council game.&nbsp;

All Monarchs home games will be streamed with audio and video exclusively on Hutch Post. Sean Boston will provide the play-by-play.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590175262343.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Monarchs' game scheduled for tonight against the Derby Twins has been postponed due to unplayable field conditions at Hobart-Detter Field. Tonight marks the fourth game the Monarchs have had to postpone already this summer due to unplayable field conditions.The 0.80" of rain the city of Hutchinson received overnight proved to be too much for the warning track at the ballpark to handle. According to Monarchs owner/GM Marc Blackim, the team put the tarp down over the infield around midnight after the team returned from Derby last night. Blackim says the infield looks great, but there is standing water on the warning track.The <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/89f55089-864b-4d5c-9bb9-c2ec4d85c448">Monarchs won the series opener</a> against the Twins on Monday night at Hobart-Detter, but fell on the road in Derby last night. The Monarchs are scheduled to open up a three-game series against the Haysville Aviators, beginning Thursday night. The teams are scheduled to play in Hutchinson on Saturday night at 7 p.m. with the Monarchs hosting their annual Cancer Council game.&nbsp;All Monarchs home games will be streamed with audio and video exclusively on Hutch Post. Sean Boston will provide the play-by-play.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

⚾ Monarchs postponed tonight

Golden Knights blast Panthers 9-3 in Game 5 to capture first Stanley Cup title

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Golden Knights delivered their city a true Vegas-style party from dazzling passes to a Mark Stone hat trick to all-out goal celebrations. The Knights captured the young organization's first Stanley Cup with a 9-3 romp Tuesday over the beaten up and exhausted Florida Panthers. Coach Bruce Cassidy started five of the original Vegas players known as the Misfits and put the sixth on the second shift. Cassidy sounded confident the day before the game that his team would play well, and it certainly did. Vegas blew open a one-goal game in the second period to lead 6-1.

Jonathan Marchessault earns playoff MVP honors for leading Vegas Golden Knights to Stanley Cup

Jonathan Marchessault has won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP for leading the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup. Marchessault led the Golden Knights with 13 goals and was second with 25 points during their playoff run. This trip to the final ended on a winning note unlike the first one Vegas made with Marchessault five years ago during its inaugural season. Marchessault is one of six original Knights players left from the start of the expansion franchise in 2017.

Jack Eichel wins Stanley Cup with Vegas less than 2 years since neck surgery

Jack Eichel is a Stanley Cup champion with the Vegas Golden Knights less than two years removed from undergoing neck surgery that no NHL player had previously come back from. Eichel led all playoff scorers with 26 points and set up three goals in Vegas' Cup-clinching victory. He was the Golden Knights' best all around player throughout their playoff run. He lived up to the expectations that came with Vegas acquiring him in a blockbuster trade in 2021. Eichel then returned to top form after undergoing artificial disk replacement surgery.

Vegas Golden Knights win Stanley Cup thanks to depth and consistency

The Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup thanks to a deep roster that could withstand injuries all season and sustain a long playoff run. Twenty different players registered a point on the way to the franchise's first championship in its sixth season in the NHL. And success in the postseason beating Winnipeg, Edmonton, Dallas and then Florida in the final didn't come out of nowhere. Vegas never lost more than four games all season in finishing atop the Western Conference. The Golden Knights followed that same recipe to the Cup.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan recovering from medical issue, cedes day-to-day control

LOS ANGELES (AP) — PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan is recovering from a medical situation. The tour did not offer details of the situation or how serious it was. The tour says two of Monahan's top executives will be leading the day-to-day operations while he recovers. It caps a tumultuous week for the 53-year-old Monahan. It was last Tuesday when he stunned the golf world and his players by announcing a deal with Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund for a business partnership. The wealth fund is what pays for LIV Golf, the rival the PGA Tour had been battling in court.

'Big Game Brooks' Koepka blocks out the chaos as he chases another US Open title

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Brooks Koepka is at a major and feeling as good as ever. No issues with his health. His major trophy count is at five. Koepka isn't the least bit bothered about the future of LIV Golf or anything else involving the PGA Tour partnership with the Saudi national wealth fund. He says he enjoys chaos because he's able to focus clearly on what he's trying to do. He was runner-up in the Masters. He won the PGA Championship. The next test is Los Angeles Country Club for the U.S. Open and his bid for another multiple major year.

Nuggets players of past take part in celebrating 1st NBA title in team history

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets' NBA title of course meant so much to Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic and the rest of the cast. But they brought along a lot of other people for the ride. Nuggets greats like David Thompson, Dan Issel and Bobby Jones, who helped lead the team to its last finals appearance, in 1976, as members of the ABA. And former coaches like Larry Brown, Doug Moe and George Karl. This championship was for all the players who ever wore a rainbow uniform or any other version of a Nuggets jersey. The Nuggets' 47th NBA season ended with confetti, a trophy and a parade Thursday through the streets of downtown.

A's fans come out en masse for reverse boycott and tell owner John Fisher to sell

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Furious Oakland Athletics fans came en masse with a single message to owner John Fisher: "SELL."Buddies Brian Guido and Scott Finney of Sacramento each took off early from work because there was no way they were going to miss the festivities a couple of hours away in Oakland.Thousands of frustrated, heartbroken A's fans arrived early for tailgating and solidarity at the Oakland Coliseum to both celebrate their team and protest a planned relocation to Las Vegas. They called it a reverse boycott aimed at bringing as many people as possible to the ballpark, complete with bright green "SELL" T-shirts made by local company Oaklandish.

Mets reliever Drew Smith ejected from Subway Series game vs Yankees for illegal substance

NEW YORK (AP) — Drew Smith became the second New York Mets pitcher to get ejected this season for using an illegal foreign substance when he was tossed from their Subway Series opener against the Yankees at Citi Field. The reliever never even threw a pitch. He was checked by umpires as he entered the game in the top of the seventh inning with the Mets trailing 7-6 and never made it to the mound. Smith was stopped for a routine check as he reached the infield. Moments later, he was ejected by first base umpire Bill Miller, the crew chief. Max Scherzer, who started Tuesday night for the Mets, served a 10-game suspension after being ejected April 19 at Dodger Stadium for having an illegal sticky substance on his pitching hand.

Analysis: Nuggets built a championship team the right way, and built it to last

This may be just the start for the Denver Nuggets. They are the newly crowned NBA champions after beating the Miami Heat on Monday night and winning the finals in five games. They have five starters that are all age 30 or under. They have a superstar in Nikola Jokic leading the way and an elite second option in Jamal Murray. They have a roster filled with players who have bought in to be something bigger than themselves. The Nuggets were built the right way and built to last. That's why they should be in the championship mix next year as well.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		Atlanta	at	Detroit	4:40 p.m.	(Postponed)

Final	L.A. Dodgers	5	Chicago White Sox	1	

		Chi White Sox	at	L-A Dodgers	10:10 p.m.	

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683366121627.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Wednesday, June 14th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Wednesday, June 14th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports SummaryBrief at 2:22 a.m. EDTGolden Knights blast Panthers 9-3 in Game 5 to capture first Stanley Cup titleLAS VEGAS (AP) — The Golden Knights delivered their city a true Vegas-style party from dazzling passes to a Mark Stone hat trick to all-out goal celebrations. The Knights captured the young organization's first Stanley Cup with a 9-3 romp Tuesday over the beaten up and exhausted Florida Panthers. Coach Bruce Cassidy started five of the original Vegas players known as the Misfits and put the sixth on the second shift. Cassidy sounded confident the day before the game that his team would play well, and it certainly did. Vegas blew open a one-goal game in the second period to lead 6-1.Jonathan Marchessault earns playoff MVP honors for leading Vegas Golden Knights to Stanley CupJonathan Marchessault has won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP for leading the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup. Marchessault led the Golden Knights with 13 goals and was second with 25 points during their playoff run. This trip to the final ended on a winning note unlike the first one Vegas made with Marchessault five years ago during its inaugural season. Marchessault is one of six original Knights players left from the start of the expansion franchise in 2017.Jack Eichel wins Stanley Cup with Vegas less than 2 years since neck surgeryJack Eichel is a Stanley Cup champion with the Vegas Golden Knights less than two years removed from undergoing neck surgery that no NHL player had previously come back from. Eichel led all playoff scorers with 26 points and set up three goals in Vegas' Cup-clinching victory. He was the Golden Knights' best all around player throughout their playoff run. He lived up to the expectations that came with Vegas acquiring him in a blockbuster trade in 2021. Eichel then returned to top form after undergoing artificial disk replacement surgery.Vegas Golden Knights win Stanley Cup thanks to depth and consistencyThe Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup thanks to a deep roster that could withstand injuries all season and sustain a long playoff run. Twenty different players registered a point on the way to the franchise's first championship in its sixth season in the NHL. And success in the postseason beating Winnipeg, Edmonton, Dallas and then Florida in the final didn't come out of nowhere. Vegas never lost more than four games all season in finishing atop the Western Conference. The Golden Knights followed that same recipe to the Cup.PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan recovering from medical issue, cedes day-to-day controlLOS ANGELES (AP) — PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan is recovering from a medical situation. The tour did not offer details of the situation or how serious it was. The tour says two of Monahan's top executives will be leading the day-to-day operations while he recovers. It caps a tumultuous week for the 53-year-old Monahan. It was last Tuesday when he stunned the golf world and his players by announcing a deal with Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund for a business partnership. The wealth fund is what pays for LIV Golf, the rival the PGA Tour had been battling in court.'Big Game Brooks' Koepka blocks out the chaos as he chases another US Open titleLOS ANGELES (AP) — Brooks Koepka is at a major and feeling as good as ever. No issues with his health. His major trophy count is at five. Koepka isn't the least bit bothered about the future of LIV Golf or anything else involving the PGA Tour partnership with the Saudi national wealth fund. He says he enjoys chaos because he's able to focus clearly on what he's trying to do. He was runner-up in the Masters. He won the PGA Championship. The next test is Los Angeles Country Club for the U.S. Open and his bid for another multiple major year.Nuggets players of past take part in celebrating 1st NBA title in team historyDENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets' NBA title of course meant so much to Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic and the rest of the cast. But they brought along a lot of other people for the ride. Nuggets greats like David Thompson, Dan Issel and Bobby Jones, who helped lead the team to its last finals appearance, in 1976, as members of the ABA. And former coaches like Larry Brown, Doug Moe and George Karl. This championship was for all the players who ever wore a rainbow uniform or any other version of a Nuggets jersey. The Nuggets' 47th NBA season ended with confetti, a trophy and a parade Thursday through the streets of downtown.A's fans come out en masse for reverse boycott and tell owner John Fisher to sellOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Furious Oakland Athletics fans came en masse with a single message to owner John Fisher: "SELL."Buddies Brian Guido and Scott Finney of Sacramento each took off early from work because there was no way they were going to miss the festivities a couple of hours away in Oakland.Thousands of frustrated, heartbroken A's fans arrived early for tailgating and solidarity at the Oakland Coliseum to both celebrate their team and protest a planned relocation to Las Vegas. They called it a reverse boycott aimed at bringing as many people as possible to the ballpark, complete with bright green "SELL" T-shirts made by local company Oaklandish.Mets reliever Drew Smith ejected from Subway Series game vs Yankees for illegal substanceNEW YORK (AP) — Drew Smith became the second New York Mets pitcher to get ejected this season for using an illegal foreign substance when he was tossed from their Subway Series opener against the Yankees at Citi Field. The reliever never even threw a pitch. He was checked by umpires as he entered the game in the top of the seventh inning with the Mets trailing 7-6 and never made it to the mound. Smith was stopped for a routine check as he reached the infield. Moments later, he was ejected by first base umpire Bill Miller, the crew chief. Max Scherzer, who started Tuesday night for the Mets, served a 10-game suspension after being ejected April 19 at Dodger Stadium for having an illegal sticky substance on his pitching hand.Analysis: Nuggets built a championship team the right way, and built it to lastThis may be just the start for the Denver Nuggets. They are the newly crowned NBA champions after beating the Miami Heat on Monday night and winning the finals in five games. They have five starters that are all age 30 or under. They have a superstar in Nikola Jokic leading the way and an elite second option in Jamal Murray. They have a roster filled with players who have bought in to be something bigger than themselves. The Nuggets were built the right way and built to last. That's why they should be in the championship mix next year as well.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUE		Atlanta	at	Detroit	4:40 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	N.Y. Yankees	7	N.Y. Mets	6	Final	Minnesota	7	Milwaukee	5	Final	Colorado	7	Boston	6	Final	Cincinnati	5	Kansas City	4	Final	Houston	6	Washington	1	Final	San Diego	6	Cleveland	3	Final	Seattle	9	Miami	3	Final	L.A. Dodgers	5	Chicago White Sox	1	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	11	Toronto	6	Final	L.A. Angels	7	Texas	3	Final	Oakland	2	Tampa Bay	1	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Chicago Cubs	11	Pittsburgh	3	Final	San Francisco	11	St. Louis	3	Final	Philadelphia	15	Arizona	3	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Vegas	9	Florida	3	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Indiana	87	Washington	66	Final	Atlanta	86	New York	79	Final	Seattle	83	Phoenix	69	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Atlanta	at	Detroit	1:10 p.m.			Milwaukee	at	Minnesota	1:10 p.m.			Colorado	at	Boston	7:10 p.m.			N-Y Yankees	at	N-Y Mets	7:10 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	Kansas City	8:10 p.m.			Washington	at	Houston	8:10 p.m.			Cleveland	at	San Diego	9:40 p.m.			Miami	at	Seattle	9:40 p.m.			Chi White Sox	at	L-A Dodgers	10:10 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Toronto	at	Baltimore	7:05 p.m.			L-A Angels	at	Texas	8:05 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	Oakland	9:40 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		San Francisco	at	St. Louis	1:15 p.m.			Pittsburgh	at	Chi Cubs	8:05 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Arizona	9:40 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Los Angeles	at	Dallas	1 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Houston	at	Los Angeles FC	10:30 p.m.	<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Wednesday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Reds scored five times while batting through the lineup in the second inning Tuesday night, then made those runs stand up in a 5-4 win over the Kansas City Royals. That also gave Cincinnati starter Brandon Williamson his first big league win. He allowed four runs, three of them earned, on seven hits over five innings. Alexis Diaz finished off the ninth for his 16th save. The Royals lost their eighth straight game. Jordan Lyles fell to 0-11 after allowing all five Cincinnati runs on six hits and three walks in six innings. Bobby Witt hit a two-run homer for Kansas City. MJ Melendez and Matt Duffy also drove in runs.

Brandon Williamson gave up a run in the first, another in the second and two more in the third Tuesday night, and everything could have easily come undone for the 25-year-old left-hander and the rest of the Cincinnati Reds.

Instead, Williamson cruised through two more innings without a hit, turned over a 5-4 lead to the stingy Cincinnati bullpen, and watched a quartet of relievers allow a single hit the rest of the way in beating the Kansas City Royals.

“They really thrive on that,” said Reds manager David Bell, whose club faced an early 1-0 deficit against the Royals and has now won a National League-leading 22 games in come-from-behind fashion. “It's been really fun to see.”

Williamson (1-0) allowed four runs, three of them earned, on seven hits over just five innings. But he left with that lead, thanks to a five-run second inning in which the Reds batted through the lineup, and their bullpen survived some shaky moments to not only hand Williamson the victory but the Royals an eighth consecutive defeat.

Daniel Duarte, brought up from Triple-A Louisville, worked the sixth inning in his first appearance for the Reds after missing 143 games to injury a year ago. Ian Gibaut loaded the bases in the seventh before Lucas Sims escaped the jam with strikeouts of Nick Pratto and Salvador Perez. Sims also handled the eighth before Alexis Diaz took care of the ninth for his 16th save.

“Our bullpen is so good, you know? We're just cruising,” said Williamson, who made his big league debut May 16. “You come in the locker room and it feels like we've been playing together for a long time.”

Jordan Lyles (0-11) allowed all five Cincinnati runs on six hits and three walks over six innings for Kansas City. Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-run homer and MJ Melendez and Matt Duffy also drove in runs, but the Royals couldn't produce down the stretch.

“We lost that game,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “There were plenty of opportunities to win it. Jordan gets the loss. But it's a team loss. I don't look at it like we don't have a chance to win when he's out there. We had plenty of chances to win.”

The biggest reason Lyles is winless this season has been the long ball. The left-hander, who signed a two-year, $17 million deal in the offseason, had allowed at least one homer in 10 of his first 13 starts and two or more more in seven of them.

Lyles didn't give one up Tuesday night. Instead, the Reds battered him with small ball.

Their five-run second inning began with top prospect Elly De La Cruz's walk and ended with his strikeout, and included seven baserunners in between them. There was a double, three singles, two more walks and a fielder's choice, along with three stolen bases, an error by Duffy and a wild pitch that allowed a run to score from third base.

Plenty of boos greeted Lyles as he walked off the mound with a 5-1 deficit.

The Royals got a run back in the second on Duffy's double and closed within 5-4 on Witt's two-run shot in the third. But their only other chance came in the eighth, when Gibaut loaded the bases on two walks and a hit batter, and Sims shut them down.

“It's fun because, you know, it really kind of shows the kind of character we have,” Sims said. “You know, it takes all 26 of us to try to pull together and ride this thing out, and it's fun to watch. Winning is fun.”

Reds: RHP Ricky Karcher was optioned to Louisville after earning the save Monday night. Duarte had his contract selected from the same club. RHP Joel Kuhnel was designated for assignment.

Reds: INF Nick Senzel (right knee) and RHP Tony Santillan (left hamstring strain) went to Louisville to begin rehab assignments. ... OF Henry Ramos (right hip strain) came off the injured list and was optioned to Louisville.

Royals: 1B Vinnie Pasquantino (right shoulder instability) is awaiting the results of an MRI exam taken Monday. The club hopes to have them by Wednesday. ... OF Kyle Isbel (left hamstring strain) began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

RHP Ben Lively (3-4, 4.21 ERA) faces the Royals for the first time in the finale of the three-game series. LHP Daniel Lynch (0-2, 4.41) gets the start for Kansas City as he seeks his first win since Aug. 1, 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685527650106.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' MJ Melendez (1) is out at home as he tries unsuccessfully to avoid the tag from St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras during the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 30, 2023, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' MJ Melendez (1) is out at home as he tries unsuccessfully to avoid the tag from St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras during the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 30, 2023, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Reds scored five times while batting through the lineup in the second inning Tuesday night, then made those runs stand up in a 5-4 win over the Kansas City Royals. That also gave Cincinnati starter Brandon Williamson his first big league win. He allowed four runs, three of them earned, on seven hits over five innings. Alexis Diaz finished off the ninth for his 16th save. The Royals lost their eighth straight game. Jordan Lyles fell to 0-11 after allowing all five Cincinnati runs on six hits and three walks in six innings. Bobby Witt hit a two-run homer for Kansas City. MJ Melendez and Matt Duffy also drove in runs.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bobby bop. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeToTheCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeToTheCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/hpyOSjahb6">pic.twitter.com/hpyOSjahb6</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1668786975820718092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Brandon Williamson gave up a run in the first, another in the second and two more in the third Tuesday night, and everything could have easily come undone for the 25-year-old left-hander and the rest of the Cincinnati Reds.Instead, Williamson cruised through two more innings without a hit, turned over a 5-4 lead to the stingy Cincinnati bullpen, and watched a quartet of relievers allow a single hit the rest of the way in beating the Kansas City Royals.“They really thrive on that,” said Reds manager David Bell, whose club faced an early 1-0 deficit against the Royals and has now won a National League-leading 22 games in come-from-behind fashion. “It's been really fun to see.”Williamson (1-0) allowed four runs, three of them earned, on seven hits over just five innings. But he left with that lead, thanks to a five-run second inning in which the Reds batted through the lineup, and their bullpen survived some shaky moments to not only hand Williamson the victory but the Royals an eighth consecutive defeat.Daniel Duarte, brought up from Triple-A Louisville, worked the sixth inning in his first appearance for the Reds after missing 143 games to injury a year ago. Ian Gibaut loaded the bases in the seventh before Lucas Sims escaped the jam with strikeouts of Nick Pratto and Salvador Perez. Sims also handled the eighth before Alexis Diaz took care of the ninth for his 16th save.“Our bullpen is so good, you know? We're just cruising,” said Williamson, who made his big league debut May 16. “You come in the locker room and it feels like we've been playing together for a long time.”Jordan Lyles (0-11) allowed all five Cincinnati runs on six hits and three walks over six innings for Kansas City. Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-run homer and MJ Melendez and Matt Duffy also drove in runs, but the Royals couldn't produce down the stretch.“We lost that game,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “There were plenty of opportunities to win it. Jordan gets the loss. But it's a team loss. I don't look at it like we don't have a chance to win when he's out there. We had plenty of chances to win.”The biggest reason Lyles is winless this season has been the long ball. The left-hander, who signed a two-year, $17 million deal in the offseason, had allowed at least one homer in 10 of his first 13 starts and two or more more in seven of them.Lyles didn't give one up Tuesday night. Instead, the Reds battered him with small ball.Their five-run second inning began with top prospect Elly De La Cruz's walk and ended with his strikeout, and included seven baserunners in between them. There was a double, three singles, two more walks and a fielder's choice, along with three stolen bases, an error by Duffy and a wild pitch that allowed a run to score from third base.Plenty of boos greeted Lyles as he walked off the mound with a 5-1 deficit.The Royals got a run back in the second on Duffy's double and closed within 5-4 on Witt's two-run shot in the third. But their only other chance came in the eighth, when Gibaut loaded the bases on two walks and a hit batter, and Sims shut them down.“It's fun because, you know, it really kind of shows the kind of character we have,” Sims said. “You know, it takes all 26 of us to try to pull together and ride this thing out, and it's fun to watch. Winning is fun.”TRANSACTIONSReds: RHP Ricky Karcher was optioned to Louisville after earning the save Monday night. Duarte had his contract selected from the same club. RHP Joel Kuhnel was designated for assignment.TRAINER'S ROOMReds: INF Nick Senzel (right knee) and RHP Tony Santillan (left hamstring strain) went to Louisville to begin rehab assignments. ... OF Henry Ramos (right hip strain) came off the injured list and was optioned to Louisville.Royals: 1B Vinnie Pasquantino (right shoulder instability) is awaiting the results of an MRI exam taken Monday. The club hopes to have them by Wednesday. ... OF Kyle Isbel (left hamstring strain) began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.UP NEXTRHP Ben Lively (3-4, 4.21 ERA) faces the Royals for the first time in the finale of the three-game series. LHP Daniel Lynch (0-2, 4.41) gets the start for Kansas City as he seeks his first win since Aug. 1, 2022.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Reds hold off Royals 5-4 to give Brandon Williamson first big league win

MIDLAND, Texas - DaShawn Keirsey Jr hit a lead-off home run and the Wichita Wind Surge never looked back. After an explosive start to the game the Wind Surge defeated the Rock Hounds in the series opener 8-2.

Keirsey, Jr set the tone for the game when he stepped into the batter’s box. He crushed the first pitch he saw over the left center field wall for a lead-off home run and gave the Surge a lead they held the rest of the ball game.

The third inning is where the Surge manufactured the majority of their offense. Brooks Lee got his 39th RBI of the season when he hit a ground ball to right field. Yunior Severino, Patrick Winkel, Brooks Lee and Aaron Sabato all had RBIs in the inning. Wichita sent ten hitters to the plate in the inning and had seven hits. The biggest play of the game happened when Seth Gray hit a three-run home run way over the right center field wall.

The RockHounds managed to get a couple of runners home in the bottom of the third. Logan Davidson doubled on a line drive to right field that drove in two runs.

Travis Adams earned the win in his 11th start for the Wind Surge and improved to 2-5 on the year. He pitched five innings and allowed only two runs on four hits. Adams secured three strike outs as well.

Ryan Cusick started for Midland and only was able to make it two and two thirds innings that earned him the loss. The Surge piled ten hits and eight runs scored on him cutting his day shorter than desired. The RockHounds bullpen held the Surge to only two hits and scoreless the rest of the game.

The Wichita Wind Surge have won two in a row and improved their season record to 24-33. The Midland RockHounds dropped their eighth consecutive ball game and fall to 26-32.

NOTES: RH Blayne Enlow and LH Michael Boyle were promoted to St Paul. RH Osiris German has been activated from Development List. RH Jose Bravo has been added from St Paul. The lead-off home run to start a game for the Wind Surge was the first since BJ Boyd on July 31, 2021 at NW Arkansas.

UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge play game two of the road series and will face the Midland RockHounds Wednesday at 6:30 PM. LH Aaron Rozek for the Surge will face RH Blake Beers for the RockHounds.

NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home on Tuesday, June 20th&nbsp;to play Arkansas Travelers at Riverfront Stadium. The Surge will be home for a two-week homestand which includes the first ever postgame concert on Saturday, June 24th&nbsp;“The Spazmatics”.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686729661754.jpeg" alt="Surge defeat the Rock Hounds 8-2" />
 <figcaption>Surge defeat the Rock Hounds 8-2</figcaption>
 </figure>MIDLAND, Texas - DaShawn Keirsey Jr hit a lead-off home run and the Wichita Wind Surge never looked back. After an explosive start to the game the Wind Surge defeated the Rock Hounds in the series opener 8-2.Keirsey, Jr set the tone for the game when he stepped into the batter’s box. He crushed the first pitch he saw over the left center field wall for a lead-off home run and gave the Surge a lead they held the rest of the ball game.The third inning is where the Surge manufactured the majority of their offense. Brooks Lee got his 39th RBI of the season when he hit a ground ball to right field. Yunior Severino, Patrick Winkel, Brooks Lee and Aaron Sabato all had RBIs in the inning. Wichita sent ten hitters to the plate in the inning and had seven hits. The biggest play of the game happened when Seth Gray hit a three-run home run way over the right center field wall.The RockHounds managed to get a couple of runners home in the bottom of the third. Logan Davidson doubled on a line drive to right field that drove in two runs.Travis Adams earned the win in his 11th start for the Wind Surge and improved to 2-5 on the year. He pitched five innings and allowed only two runs on four hits. Adams secured three strike outs as well.Ryan Cusick started for Midland and only was able to make it two and two thirds innings that earned him the loss. The Surge piled ten hits and eight runs scored on him cutting his day shorter than desired. The RockHounds bullpen held the Surge to only two hits and scoreless the rest of the game.The Wichita Wind Surge have won two in a row and improved their season record to 24-33. The Midland RockHounds dropped their eighth consecutive ball game and fall to 26-32.NOTES: RH Blayne Enlow and LH Michael Boyle were promoted to St Paul. RH Osiris German has been activated from Development List. RH Jose Bravo has been added from St Paul. The lead-off home run to start a game for the Wind Surge was the first since BJ Boyd on July 31, 2021 at NW Arkansas.BROADCAST: ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge play game two of the road series and will face the Midland RockHounds Wednesday at 6:30 PM. LH Aaron Rozek for the Surge will face RH Blake Beers for the RockHounds.NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home on Tuesday, June 20th&nbsp;to play Arkansas Travelers at Riverfront Stadium. The Surge will be home for a two-week homestand which includes the first ever postgame concert on Saturday, June 24th&nbsp;“The Spazmatics”.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge bats explode for game one win

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Wichita State junior infielder&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>&nbsp;and sophomore designated hitter/left-handed pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/payton-tolle/7456">Payton Tolle</a>&nbsp;have been named&nbsp;First Team All-Central Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings. The duo are the first Shockers to earn First Team honors since Alec Bohm in 2018. The full All-Region teams can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.abca.org/ABCA/Awards/All-Region/NCAA_Div_I/2023.aspx">HERE</a>. Rodden authored a spectacular 2023 season as Wichita State's everyday second baseman, slashing .371/.474/.701 to lead the conference in both on-base percentage and slugging percentage. The switch-hitter hammered 18 doubles, two triples and 17 home runs, good for 155 total bases that tied for the top mark in the AAC. His .371 batting average, 62 runs scored and 64 RBI all finished second on the circuit. Rodden started all 55 games for the Shockers, leading the team with 26 multi-hit games and tying for the team lead with 18 multi-RBI games. Rodden was recognized as the American Athletic Conference Player of the Year and was a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection. The native of Oktaha, Oklahoma produced a pair of two-homer games (UMass on 3/25, Kansas State on 4/18) and compiled Wichita State's longest hitting streak of the season at 18 games. He also added 12 stolen bases in 15 attempts in addition to a keen batting eye that produced 39 walks to only 26 strikeouts. Rodden took his game to another level down the stretch. Over the final three weeks of the season, Rodden hit .556 (20-for-36) with four doubles and four home runs, notching three three-hit games and a career-best four hits against South Florida on May 13. Rodden is expected to be a high pick in July's MLB Draft. He returned to Wichita State in 2023 after he was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 10th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, one of just three players in the top 10 rounds who did not sign. In two seasons as a Shocker, Rodden compiled a .355 batting average, 31 doubles, four triples, 34 home runs and 112 RBI. Tolle was named First Team All-American Athletic Conference utility player after a breakout season as Wichita State's Saturday starter and designated hitter. The 6'6 lefty went 9-3 with a 4.62 ERA over 15 appearances including 14 starts. Tolle led the conference in wins and innings pitched, finishing the season with 97 strikeouts in 85.2 innings. He held opponents to a .245 batting average, racking up eight quality starts and four starts with 10 or more strikeouts. The native of Yukon, Oklahoma delivered his best start of the season against #7-ranked East Carolina, firing a complete game shutout in which he allowed just two hits and no walks while striking out 10. His season high in strikeouts came on March 19 against Creighton, when he fanned 12 Bluejays over 7.0 innings in a Shocker victory. Offensively, Tolle hit .311 with 13 home runs and 50 RBI, including homers in the midweek against Kansas State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. He produced 20 multi-hit games and 18&nbsp;multi-RBI games this season, highlighted by a five-hit, six-RBI day against Oakland on March 4. In Wichita State's final home series of the season, the left-handed slugger homered in all three games of the set against South Florida, including a mammoth 491-foot blast on May 13. Tolle was named one of five finalists for the prestigious John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award, the only representative from the American Athletic Conference on the list of finalists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686680940072.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Wichita State junior infielder&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>&nbsp;and sophomore designated hitter/left-handed pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/payton-tolle/7456">Payton Tolle</a>&nbsp;have been named&nbsp;First Team All-Central Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings. The duo are the first Shockers to earn First Team honors since Alec Bohm in 2018. The full All-Region teams can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.abca.org/ABCA/Awards/All-Region/NCAA_Div_I/2023.aspx">HERE</a>. Rodden authored a spectacular 2023 season as Wichita State's everyday second baseman, slashing .371/.474/.701 to lead the conference in both on-base percentage and slugging percentage. The switch-hitter hammered 18 doubles, two triples and 17 home runs, good for 155 total bases that tied for the top mark in the AAC. His .371 batting average, 62 runs scored and 64 RBI all finished second on the circuit. Rodden started all 55 games for the Shockers, leading the team with 26 multi-hit games and tying for the team lead with 18 multi-RBI games. Rodden was recognized as the American Athletic Conference Player of the Year and was a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection. The native of Oktaha, Oklahoma produced a pair of two-homer games (UMass on 3/25, Kansas State on 4/18) and compiled Wichita State's longest hitting streak of the season at 18 games. He also added 12 stolen bases in 15 attempts in addition to a keen batting eye that produced 39 walks to only 26 strikeouts. Rodden took his game to another level down the stretch. Over the final three weeks of the season, Rodden hit .556 (20-for-36) with four doubles and four home runs, notching three three-hit games and a career-best four hits against South Florida on May 13. Rodden is expected to be a high pick in July's MLB Draft. He returned to Wichita State in 2023 after he was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 10th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, one of just three players in the top 10 rounds who did not sign. In two seasons as a Shocker, Rodden compiled a .355 batting average, 31 doubles, four triples, 34 home runs and 112 RBI. Tolle was named First Team All-American Athletic Conference utility player after a breakout season as Wichita State's Saturday starter and designated hitter. The 6'6 lefty went 9-3 with a 4.62 ERA over 15 appearances including 14 starts. Tolle led the conference in wins and innings pitched, finishing the season with 97 strikeouts in 85.2 innings. He held opponents to a .245 batting average, racking up eight quality starts and four starts with 10 or more strikeouts. The native of Yukon, Oklahoma delivered his best start of the season against #7-ranked East Carolina, firing a complete game shutout in which he allowed just two hits and no walks while striking out 10. His season high in strikeouts came on March 19 against Creighton, when he fanned 12 Bluejays over 7.0 innings in a Shocker victory. Offensively, Tolle hit .311 with 13 home runs and 50 RBI, including homers in the midweek against Kansas State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. He produced 20 multi-hit games and 18&nbsp;multi-RBI games this season, highlighted by a five-hit, six-RBI day against Oakland on March 4. In Wichita State's final home series of the season, the left-handed slugger homered in all three games of the set against South Florida, including a mammoth 491-foot blast on May 13. Tolle was named one of five finalists for the prestigious John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award, the only representative from the American Athletic Conference on the list of finalists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Rodden, Tolle named First Team All-Region

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics

WICHITA –&nbsp;Wichita State head women's basketball coach Terry Nooner announced the addition of forward Jayla Murray to the roster Tuesday morning. The junior from St. Louis, Mo. comes to Wichita State after spending two years&nbsp;at Florida Southwestern State. "Jayla Murray is a gifted player who adds size, versatility and explosiveness to our wings and forwards," Nooner said. "She is a proven winner at every level she has ever played, including being selected as a JUCO All-American. Jayla is a tireless worker and fierce competitor that has an immense desire to prove all her doubters wrong. She will bring an intensity and tenacity to our program on both ends of the floor. She&nbsp;comes from a wonderful basketball family who is super excited about Jayla being a part of Shocker Nation. I couldn't be more thrilled to add yet another vital piece to our program with Jayla." As a freshman in 2021-22, Murray made all 27 starts for the Buccaneers, averaging 14.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game. &nbsp;She recorded seven double-doubles as a rookie, including a career-high 26 points and 10 rebounds against Hillsborough and a 23-point game with a career-high 15 rebounds against Indian River. Murray was named a Third Team NJCAA All-American, Southern Conference Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference, leading Florida Southwestern to its fifth-straight conference title. In the eight games she played&nbsp;in 2022-23, she averaged 12.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1 block per game. Murray is the daughter of Lakwanda and Jerome Murray.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686675239971.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State AthleticsWICHITA –&nbsp;Wichita State head women's basketball coach Terry Nooner announced the addition of forward Jayla Murray to the roster Tuesday morning. The junior from St. Louis, Mo. comes to Wichita State after spending two years&nbsp;at Florida Southwestern State. "Jayla Murray is a gifted player who adds size, versatility and explosiveness to our wings and forwards," Nooner said. "She is a proven winner at every level she has ever played, including being selected as a JUCO All-American. Jayla is a tireless worker and fierce competitor that has an immense desire to prove all her doubters wrong. She will bring an intensity and tenacity to our program on both ends of the floor. She&nbsp;comes from a wonderful basketball family who is super excited about Jayla being a part of Shocker Nation. I couldn't be more thrilled to add yet another vital piece to our program with Jayla." As a freshman in 2021-22, Murray made all 27 starts for the Buccaneers, averaging 14.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game. &nbsp;She recorded seven double-doubles as a rookie, including a career-high 26 points and 10 rebounds against Hillsborough and a 23-point game with a career-high 15 rebounds against Indian River. Murray was named a Third Team NJCAA All-American, Southern Conference Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference, leading Florida Southwestern to its fifth-straight conference title. In the eight games she played&nbsp;in 2022-23, she averaged 12.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1 block per game. Murray is the daughter of Lakwanda and Jerome Murray.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WBB: Shockers ink forward from Florida Southwestern

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;— The Kansas City Royals announced on Monday they have designated Jackie Bradley Jr. for assignment and have called up outfielder Dairon Blanco.

Blanco started in left field on Monday night in the Royals loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Blanco went 1-for-4 at the plate in the <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/077ab6c6-6706-49b2-a5af-cd93ac2fa338">5-4 loss</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686675062917.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;— The Kansas City Royals announced on Monday they have designated Jackie Bradley Jr. for assignment and have called up outfielder Dairon Blanco.Blanco started in left field on Monday night in the Royals loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Blanco went 1-for-4 at the plate in the <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/077ab6c6-6706-49b2-a5af-cd93ac2fa338">5-4 loss</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Royals DFA Bradley Jr., call up Blanco

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— Jaden Gustafson is playing his summer baseball with the Hutchinson Monarchs after playing this past spring at Wichita State.

The Maize native went into the transfer portal following the announcement of Loren Hibbs not being retained as head coach following the 2023 season.

Wichita State announced on Tuesday that Gustafson will be returning to play for head coach Brian Green and the Shockers in 2024.

Gustafson appeared in 27 games for the Shockers in the spring, starting 13 of those. He hit .260 with a double, triple and seven RBI.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686673931696.png" alt="Jaden Gustafson has withdrawn from the transfer portal and will return to WSU. (Sammi Carpenter/Sammi C Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Jaden Gustafson has withdrawn from the transfer portal and will return to WSU. (Sammi Carpenter/Sammi C Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— Jaden Gustafson is playing his summer baseball with the Hutchinson Monarchs after playing this past spring at Wichita State.The Maize native went into the transfer portal following the announcement of Loren Hibbs not being retained as head coach following the 2023 season.Wichita State announced on Tuesday that Gustafson will be returning to play for head coach Brian Green and the Shockers in 2024.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">J-Gus is staying home 🏠 Wichita native <a href="https://twitter.com/Jadengus_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jadengus_</a> has officially withdrawn from the portal 🤝 <a href="https://t.co/rkrPrlDT5Z">pic.twitter.com/rkrPrlDT5Z</a>&mdash; Wichita State Baseball (@GoShockersBSB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoShockersBSB/status/1668647726479728640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Gustafson appeared in 27 games for the Shockers in the spring, starting 13 of those. He hit .260 with a double, triple and seven RBI.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

⚾ Current Monarch withdraws from transfer portal, will return to WSU

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The next time the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons and the Hutchinson High School Salthawks take the field, they will be playing on new turf at Gowans Stadium.

The current turf at Gowans Stadium, which was installed in February of 2015, is being torn up and will be replaced with AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 blend. According to the HutchCC Board of Trustees meeting from April 13, the cost will be $300,000.00. The new turf will come with a new 10-year warranty and 10-year maintenance contract. The initial cost of the turf replacement approved in December, 2014 was $697,415.00.

"The current turf at Gowans had an eight year lifespan and it started to show signs of degradation," HutchCC Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. "We're putting our warranty to use and look forward to having a new playing surface ready by July."

The AstroTurf website says the RootZone 3D3 Blend combines three unique fibers in one system (RootZone, Trionic Monofilament, and ultra-durable slit film). The RootZone 3D3 Blend also offers both durability and aesthetics and is the most popular system under the AstroTurf products.&nbsp;

"The field design will be the exact same," Gooch said. "We will have the most up-to-date turf that there is on the market. I think it is a classy look for all the entities that use Gowans, and it allows for everybody to be showcased on that venue."

The current turf has hosted a Kansas State High School Activities Association championship football game the past nine seasons, as well as the Kansas Shrine Bowl game in 2021.

"There are really many neat moments that happened on this turf," Gooch said. "I think hosting the Shrine Bowl and what that means to all of those kids and having that event here in Hutchinson and Gowans Stadium is one that I'll probably think back on the most. Each high school state championship there are a lot of fun, but there are several moments I'll think back on."

If everything goes as planned, the turf will be ready to go by the first of July.

"They started ripping the turf up today and it will take about three days for removal," Gooch said. "Friday, some foundation type work will take place. Then about 12 days the contract has them to be done by the first of July."

The first artificial turf at Gowans Stadium was installed in 2004 and lasted 11 seasons. Gowans Stadium was built in the 1930s and has been the home of HutchCC and Hutch High football since it opened. It has also been the home of the Blue Dragon men's and women's track and field teams, plus home to the Salthawks track and field teams.

The video board beyond the south end zone at Gowans Stadium was added in April, 2022.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686672209675.jpeg" alt="The ripping up of the turf began on Tuesday at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)" />
 <figcaption>The ripping up of the turf began on Tuesday at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The next time the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons and the Hutchinson High School Salthawks take the field, they will be playing on new turf at Gowans Stadium.The current turf at Gowans Stadium, which was installed in February of 2015, is being torn up and will be replaced with AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 blend. According to the HutchCC Board of Trustees meeting from April 13, the cost will be $300,000.00. The new turf will come with a new 10-year warranty and 10-year maintenance contract. The initial cost of the turf replacement approved in December, 2014 was $697,415.00."The current turf at Gowans had an eight year lifespan and it started to show signs of degradation," HutchCC Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. "We're putting our warranty to use and look forward to having a new playing surface ready by July."The AstroTurf website says the RootZone 3D3 Blend combines three unique fibers in one system (RootZone, Trionic Monofilament, and ultra-durable slit film). The RootZone 3D3 Blend also offers both durability and aesthetics and is the most popular system under the AstroTurf products.&nbsp;"The field design will be the exact same," Gooch said. "We will have the most up-to-date turf that there is on the market. I think it is a classy look for all the entities that use Gowans, and it allows for everybody to be showcased on that venue."The current turf has hosted a Kansas State High School Activities Association championship football game the past nine seasons, as well as the Kansas Shrine Bowl game in 2021."There are really many neat moments that happened on this turf," Gooch said. "I think hosting the Shrine Bowl and what that means to all of those kids and having that event here in Hutchinson and Gowans Stadium is one that I'll probably think back on the most. Each high school state championship there are a lot of fun, but there are several moments I'll think back on."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686672273302.jpeg" alt="Panoramic view of Gowans Stadium on June 13, 2023. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)" />
 <figcaption>Panoramic view of Gowans Stadium on June 13, 2023. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>If everything goes as planned, the turf will be ready to go by the first of July."They started ripping the turf up today and it will take about three days for removal," Gooch said. "Friday, some foundation type work will take place. Then about 12 days the contract has them to be done by the first of July."The first artificial turf at Gowans Stadium was installed in 2004 and lasted 11 seasons. Gowans Stadium was built in the 1930s and has been the home of HutchCC and Hutch High football since it opened. It has also been the home of the Blue Dragon men's and women's track and field teams, plus home to the Salthawks track and field teams.The video board beyond the south end zone at Gowans Stadium was added in April, 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686672378033.jpeg" alt="The video board at Gowans Stadium was installed in April, 2022. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)" />
 <figcaption>The video board at Gowans Stadium was installed in April, 2022. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🏈 Gowans Stadium turf getting replaced

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/bsb/2022-23/div1/all-americans/index">CLICK FOR 2023 NJCAA ALL-AMERICA BASEBALL TEAM</a>

Via Hutchinson CC Sports Information

Hutchinson Community College Baseball sophomore right-fielder&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/edmunson_will_rdcc">Will Edmunson</a>&nbsp;earned another honor after a tremendous season in 2023 on Monday by being named honorable mention on the NJCAA Division I All-America team.

Edmunson's .454 batting average for the 2023 season was the fourth-best single-season average in Blue Dragon baseball history. The sophomore from Luther, Oklahoma, was named the 2023 Jayhawk West Player of the Year in May.

Edmunson becomes the 17th Blue Dragon Baseball All-American in program history. This is the fourth-straight season the Blue Dragons have had a player earn All-America status. That list includes Zane Schmidt in 2019, Austin Callahan in 2021 and Ben McLaughlin in 2022. There was no All-America team in 2020 because the Coronavirus Pandemic wiped out that season.

Edmunson became the first Blue Dragon to win the Jayhawk Conference batting championship since Michael Helman in 2017.

The Blue Dragon outfielder hit .454 with 93 total hits, 17 doubles, four triples and 51 RBIs, hitting primarily out of the No. 2 slot in the batting order. Edmunson scored 78 runs, walked 23 times, was hit with pitches 16 times and had a team-high 15 stolen bases this season.

Edmunson started the season with a 16-game hitting streak, which tied Brock Schaffer and Ben McLaughlin for the fifth-longest hitting streak in program history. Edmunson also put together hitting streaks of 12 and 10 games this season.

Edmunson had 33 multi-hit games, including five three-hit games, a four-hit game against Pratt on March 19 and a five-hit game against Southeast Nebraska on February 11.

In addition to Edmunson leading the KJCCC in batting, he also led the league and was sixth in the NJCAA in total hits. He was second in the KJCCC runs scored and on-base percentage (.532) and was sixth in the Jayhawk in slugging percentage (.737). Edmunson had a team-high 23-game streak of reaching base this season.

Edmunson's 93 total hits ranked fourth in Blue Dragon single-season history. His 78 runs scored tied Logan Sartori and Shane Cooper for second on the single-season list. He 151 total baes were seventh most in team single-season history.

Edmunson's .424 career batting average ranks No. 4 in Blue Dragon career statistical history.

He became the 51st Blue Dragon in program history to reach 100 career hits, closing his career with 106.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686656587355.jpeg" alt="Edmuson named to NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American Team" />
 <figcaption>Edmuson named to NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American Team</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/bsb/2022-23/div1/all-americans/index">CLICK FOR 2023 NJCAA ALL-AMERICA BASEBALL TEAM</a>Via Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College Baseball sophomore right-fielder&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/edmunson_will_rdcc">Will Edmunson</a>&nbsp;earned another honor after a tremendous season in 2023 on Monday by being named honorable mention on the NJCAA Division I All-America team.Edmunson's .454 batting average for the 2023 season was the fourth-best single-season average in Blue Dragon baseball history. The sophomore from Luther, Oklahoma, was named the 2023 Jayhawk West Player of the Year in May.Edmunson becomes the 17th Blue Dragon Baseball All-American in program history. This is the fourth-straight season the Blue Dragons have had a player earn All-America status. That list includes Zane Schmidt in 2019, Austin Callahan in 2021 and Ben McLaughlin in 2022. There was no All-America team in 2020 because the Coronavirus Pandemic wiped out that season.Edmunson became the first Blue Dragon to win the Jayhawk Conference batting championship since Michael Helman in 2017.The Blue Dragon outfielder hit .454 with 93 total hits, 17 doubles, four triples and 51 RBIs, hitting primarily out of the No. 2 slot in the batting order. Edmunson scored 78 runs, walked 23 times, was hit with pitches 16 times and had a team-high 15 stolen bases this season.Edmunson started the season with a 16-game hitting streak, which tied Brock Schaffer and Ben McLaughlin for the fifth-longest hitting streak in program history. Edmunson also put together hitting streaks of 12 and 10 games this season.Edmunson had 33 multi-hit games, including five three-hit games, a four-hit game against Pratt on March 19 and a five-hit game against Southeast Nebraska on February 11.In addition to Edmunson leading the KJCCC in batting, he also led the league and was sixth in the NJCAA in total hits. He was second in the KJCCC runs scored and on-base percentage (.532) and was sixth in the Jayhawk in slugging percentage (.737). Edmunson had a team-high 23-game streak of reaching base this season.Edmunson's 93 total hits ranked fourth in Blue Dragon single-season history. His 78 runs scored tied Logan Sartori and Shane Cooper for second on the single-season list. He 151 total baes were seventh most in team single-season history.Edmunson's .424 career batting average ranks No. 4 in Blue Dragon career statistical history.He became the 51st Blue Dragon in program history to reach 100 career hits, closing his career with 106.

⚾ HutchCC's Edmunson named Honorable Mention NJCAA Baseball All-American

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — TJ Friedl scored the tiebreaking run in the 10th inning on Jonathan India’s grounder, and the Cincinnati Reds beat Kansas City 5-4 to hand the plummeting Royals their seventh straight defeat. Pinch-hitter Kevin Newman’s sacrifice fly in the ninth gave the Reds a 4-3 lead, but Buck Farmer allowed a tying homer to Salvador Perez with two outs in the bottom half. Cincinnati quickly recovered. Friedl was initially ruled out at the plate by umpire C.B. Bucknor, but the call was overturned following a replay review. Ricky Karcher pitched out of trouble in the 10th to earn the save in his major league debut.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — TJ Friedl scored the tiebreaking run in the 10th inning on Jonathan India’s grounder, and the Cincinnati Reds beat Kansas City 5-4 on Monday night to hand the plummeting Royals their seventh straight defeat.

Pinch-hitter Kevin Newman’s sacrifice fly in the ninth gave the Reds a 4-3 lead, but Buck Farmer allowed a tying homer to Salvador Perez with two outs in the bottom half.

Cincinnati quickly recovered. Friedl, the automatic runner at second base, advanced to third on Matt McLain’s groundout to first leading off the 10th. India then hit a grounder and Friedl scored as Perez couldn’t corral third baseman Maikel Garcia’s low throw to the plate.

“The Friedl slide, that’s part of our game. The running, going on contact,” Reds manager David Bell said. “Jonathan had a great at-bat and TJ did exactly what you need to do to get his foot in just barely.”

Friedl was initially ruled out by plate umpire C.B. Bucknor, but the call was overturned following a replay review.

“This is what it’s supposed to feel like,” Bell said. “Especially the way it ended. It’s a lot of fun. Even though it was a little bit more difficult than you could ever want, it felt like it was a little bit meant to finish that way.”

Farmer (2-3) got five outs for the win and Ricky Karcher, called up from the minors Friday, pitched out of trouble in the 10th to earn the save in his major league debut.

“You can only dream to go in in a save opportunity in your first big league game,” Karcher said. “I’ve worked my whole life for this day. It’s awesome.”

“What a great way to start your career,” Bell said. “It doesn’t really get much more difficult than that, to find a way to navigate through that.”

Stuart Fairchild homered early for the Reds, who have won six of eight and are 3-3 in extra innings.

“With this team, every win we have is exciting,” Friedl said. “It’s been that way since April — all these wins for us are huge. Every game is competitive.”

Carlos Hernandez (0-4) took the loss for the reeling Royals, who have dropped 10 of 11. They are 0-3 in extra innings and have blown a lead in 23 losses this season, matching the Cardinals for most in the majors.

Kansas City (18-48) is tied with suddenly streaking Oakland (18-50) for the fewest wins in the majors.

The Royals jumped ahead on Michael Massey’s two-out, two-run double in the first. Massey had just two singles in 25 at-bats this month before doubling in each of his first two plate appearances.

Nick Pratto’s second-inning sacrifice fly made it 3-0.

Fairchild got Cincinnati on the scoreboard, hammering the first pitch of the third 421 feet to left-center for his third homer.

“So many guys made plays — very difficult things to do that led to the win,” Bell said. “It’s a great team win.”

The Reds tied it 3-all as Luke Maile and Friedl opened the sixth with consecutive doubles, chasing Royals starter Zack Greinke. He allowed three runs and six hits, striking out four with no walks.

“(Greinke) performed well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They’re patient, and he throws a lot of strikes, but he was able to attack them. He threw the ball well.”

Cincinnati starter Luke Weaver exited with two outs in the fifth, having allowed three runs on five hits and four walks.

Royals right fielder MJ Melendez threw out two runners trying for third base, helping curtail rallies in the first and seventh.

Kansas City left stranded 10, going 1 for 14 with runners in scoring position.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Captain says game’s not over. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeToTheCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeToTheCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/p9mqCR5rEl">pic.twitter.com/p9mqCR5rEl</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1668455988595179520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — TJ Friedl scored the tiebreaking run in the 10th inning on Jonathan India’s grounder, and the Cincinnati Reds beat Kansas City 5-4 to hand the plummeting Royals their seventh straight defeat. Pinch-hitter Kevin Newman’s sacrifice fly in the ninth gave the Reds a 4-3 lead, but Buck Farmer allowed a tying homer to Salvador Perez with two outs in the bottom half. Cincinnati quickly recovered. Friedl was initially ruled out at the plate by umpire C.B. Bucknor, but the call was overturned following a replay review. Ricky Karcher pitched out of trouble in the 10th to earn the save in his major league debut.<h2>Story Body</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — TJ Friedl scored the tiebreaking run in the 10th inning on Jonathan India’s grounder, and the Cincinnati Reds beat Kansas City 5-4 on Monday night to hand the plummeting Royals their seventh straight defeat.Pinch-hitter Kevin Newman’s sacrifice fly in the ninth gave the Reds a 4-3 lead, but Buck Farmer allowed a tying homer to Salvador Perez with two outs in the bottom half.Cincinnati quickly recovered. Friedl, the automatic runner at second base, advanced to third on Matt McLain’s groundout to first leading off the 10th. India then hit a grounder and Friedl scored as Perez couldn’t corral third baseman Maikel Garcia’s low throw to the plate.“The Friedl slide, that’s part of our game. The running, going on contact,” Reds manager David Bell said. “Jonathan had a great at-bat and TJ did exactly what you need to do to get his foot in just barely.”Friedl was initially ruled out by plate umpire C.B. Bucknor, but the call was overturned following a replay review.“This is what it’s supposed to feel like,” Bell said. “Especially the way it ended. It’s a lot of fun. Even though it was a little bit more difficult than you could ever want, it felt like it was a little bit meant to finish that way.”Farmer (2-3) got five outs for the win and Ricky Karcher, called up from the minors Friday, pitched out of trouble in the 10th to earn the save in his major league debut.“You can only dream to go in in a save opportunity in your first big league game,” Karcher said. “I’ve worked my whole life for this day. It’s awesome.”“What a great way to start your career,” Bell said. “It doesn’t really get much more difficult than that, to find a way to navigate through that.”Stuart Fairchild homered early for the Reds, who have won six of eight and are 3-3 in extra innings.“With this team, every win we have is exciting,” Friedl said. “It’s been that way since April — all these wins for us are huge. Every game is competitive.”Carlos Hernandez (0-4) took the loss for the reeling Royals, who have dropped 10 of 11. They are 0-3 in extra innings and have blown a lead in 23 losses this season, matching the Cardinals for most in the majors.Kansas City (18-48) is tied with suddenly streaking Oakland (18-50) for the fewest wins in the majors.The Royals jumped ahead on Michael Massey’s two-out, two-run double in the first. Massey had just two singles in 25 at-bats this month before doubling in each of his first two plate appearances.Nick Pratto’s second-inning sacrifice fly made it 3-0.Fairchild got Cincinnati on the scoreboard, hammering the first pitch of the third 421 feet to left-center for his third homer.“So many guys made plays — very difficult things to do that led to the win,” Bell said. “It’s a great team win.”The Reds tied it 3-all as Luke Maile and Friedl opened the sixth with consecutive doubles, chasing Royals starter Zack Greinke. He allowed three runs and six hits, striking out four with no walks.“(Greinke) performed well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They’re patient, and he throws a lot of strikes, but he was able to attack them. He threw the ball well.”Cincinnati starter Luke Weaver exited with two outs in the fifth, having allowed three runs on five hits and four walks.Royals right fielder MJ Melendez threw out two runners trying for third base, helping curtail rallies in the first and seventh.Kansas City left stranded 10, going 1 for 14 with runners in scoring position.“We were challenged on some at-bats and missed some pitches to hit,” Quatraro said. “Other at-bats, hit the ball pretty well and didn’t get anything for it. I don’t think there’s one reason we didn’t drive guys in, but the end result is we didn’t. It’s been frustrating to not be able to open a game up.”TRANSACTIONSRoyals OF Jackie Bradley Jr. was designated for assignment and OF Dairon Blanco was selected from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTReds LHP Brandon Williamson (0-0, 5.40 ERA) opposes Royals RHP Jordan Lyles (0-10, 6.84) on Tuesday night.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;