<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746192379068.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
PROVO, Utah &ndash;&nbsp;BYU raced out to a seven-run lead after the third inning on its way to taking the series opener from K-State, 11-6, Thursday night at Miller Park. The Cougars (22-21, 7-15 Big 12) brought nine hitters to the plate in the first and seven in the third, scoring three and four runs in those frames. Ryder Robinson hit a two-run homer in the first, his first of the night, and Parker Goff launched a three-run shot in the third. &nbsp; "BYU played better than we did tonight," said head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2603" rel="smarttag" rev="2603">Pete Hughes</a></dfn>, now is in his seventh year at the helm of the K-State baseball program. "Offensively, they set the tone &ndash; we did the opposite." "They got a better start on the mound than we did, came up with big hits, and we didn't.&nbsp;&nbsp;When we cut the game to two runs, they answered and extended the lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;When the other team&nbsp;is proficient in all those areas, you lose.&nbsp;We'll fight to get back in the series tomorrow." Senior left-hander&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jacob-frost/12294" rel="smarttag" rev="12294">Jacob Frost</a></dfn>&nbsp;was tagged for the loss after allowing three earned runs in the first on two hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Freshman&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/aj-evasco/12312" rel="smarttag" rev="12312">AJ Evasco</a></dfn>&nbsp;got the Cats (26-20, 12-10 Big 12) on the board in the top of the fourth, as his two-run home run was set up by a single from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-bishop/12287" rel="smarttag" rev="12287">David Bishop</a></dfn>.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/shintaro-inoue/12311" rel="smarttag" rev="12311">Shintaro Inoue</a></dfn>&nbsp;paced the Wildcat offense with two hits and two RBI, while&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dee-kennedy/12308" rel="smarttag" rev="12308">Dee Kennedy</a></dfn>&nbsp;doubled in going 1-for-4. Evasco, who finished with a team-high three RBI, launched the Wildcats' 78th&nbsp;homer of the season &ndash; third-most in school history. Four Cougars registered multi-RBI efforts, led by three from Robinson and Tate Gambill as the duo each had three-hit performances. K-State was just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine runners. BYU hit .462 (6-for-13) with runners in scoring position and .421 (8-for-19) with runners on base, leaving 12 on base. HOW IT HAPPENED Inoue was issued a walk to lead off the opener before&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/keegan-o-connor/12317" rel="smarttag" rev="12317">Keegan O'Connor</a></dfn>&nbsp;shot the first pitch he faced off the wall in right field. Starter Hayden Coon bounced back, striking out the side to strand the runners on second and third. BYU spotted Frost for three runs in the first frame, led by a two-run blast by Robinson. Slack took over for Frost and fired one pitch for a lineout to third to get the Cats out of a bases loaded jam. Coon struck out seven of the first 10 batters he faced, building momentum in the Cougars dugout as BYU extended its lead with a three-run homer in the third. &nbsp; Trailing 7-0, Bishop punched a two-out single through the left side, bringing Evasco to the plate. The true freshman belted his eighth collegiate no-doubter 410-feet to centerfield to bridge the gap to five. Robinson immediately answered with a leadoff solo shot to stretch the Cougars' lead. After a scoreless fifth, the Wildcats broke through with four runs to pull the score within two, 8-6. Reliever Brett Hansen walked four straight batters to start off the sixth, forcing BYU to make its third pitching change. With bases loaded and no outs,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/bear-madliak/12309" rel="smarttag" rev="12309">Bear Madliak</a></dfn>&nbsp;lifted a sacrifice fly to left field to trim the Cougars lead until Inoue delivered a two-out single up the middle to score a pair of runs and make it a two-run ball game. BYU came back and tacked a run to the board over the final three frames to secure the win. INSIDE THE BOX
<ul>
<li>K-State scored six runs on seven hits, committed no errors and left nine on base.</li>
<li>BYU scored 11 runs on 11 hits with one error and 12 stranded on base.</li>
<li>Six different Wildcats contributed a hit.</li>
<li>Evasco drove in three RBI, while Inoue turned in the only multi-hit effort (2) to pace the Wildcat offense.</li>
<li>Frost was tagged for the loss, allowing three earned runs in his 2/3 inning start.</li>
<li>BYU scored seven of its 11 runs in the first three innings.</li>
<li>Robinson and Gambill finished with three RBI.</li>
<li>Johnson walked two and allowed two hits with a strikeout, earning the win.</li>
<li>Four Cougars registered multi-hit games.</li>
<li>K-State was 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and went 4-for-19 (.211) with runners on.</li>
<li>BYU hit .462 (6-for-13) with runners in scoring position and .421 (8-for-19) with runners on base.</li>
</ul>
TEAM NOTES
<ul>
<li>K-State leads the all-time series 7-6, while BYU has a 5-0 advantage in games played in Provo.</li>
<li>In 2025, the Cats have sent out 78 home runs &ndash; ranks third all-time in program history.</li>
<li>O'Connor recorded a hit in his sixth consecutive game.</li>
<li>With his eighth homer of the year, Evasco is two away from tying the freshman single-season home run record (10 &ndash; Dylan Phillips, 2019; Nick Goodwin, 2021).</li>
</ul>
UP NEXT Game two between the Wildcats and Cougars is slated for a 7:30 p.m. CT first pitch at Miller Park.</div>

⚾ K-State drops series opener in Provo

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered to extend his hitting streak to 22 games and had three RBIs, Seth Lugo pitched solid six innings and the Kansas City Royals earned a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays with an 8-2 victory on Thursday.

Vinnie Pasquantino had a single, a double and two RBIs for the Royals, who have won nine of their past 10.

Mikael Garcia hit a line-drive double to center field for the Royals, stole third base and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Michael Massey to tie it 1-1 in the fourth.

Lugo (3-3) gave up two runs and five hits with five strikeouts. Daniel Lynch IV, Angel Zerpa and Chris Stratton each threw a scoreless inning of relief for the Royals.

Shane Baz (3-1) gave up seven runs and nine hits with three walks over 5 2/3 innings and had his ERA increase from 2.45 to 3.86.

Yandy Díaz hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1917993889257898444">solo homer</a>&nbsp;in the first for the Rays. Jonathan Aranda added an RBI single in the sixth.

Salvador Perez (hip soreness) left the game in the seventh inning. The 34-year-old catcher was in the lineup at designated hitter, replaced behind the plate by Freddie Fermin. Perez hit an RBI double in the fifth and Fermin had a double, a single and scored twice.

Witt hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1918007635472773369">two-out, two-run homer</a>&nbsp;down the line in right field to spark a three-run fifth that gave the Royals a 4-1 lead.

Witt has a hit in 22 consecutive games, tied with Brian McRae (in 1991) for the sixth-longest hitting streak in Royals history.

Right-hander Michael Wacha (1-3, 3.38 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound on Friday in the first of a three-game series in Baltimore. RHP Dean Kremer (1-3, 7.04 ERA) is expected to pitch for the Orioles.

Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot (2-3, 4.24 ERA) is set to face left-hander Max Fried (5-0, 1.19 ERA) on Friday to start a three-game series against the Yankees in New York.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746129604428.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas&nbsp; City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas&nbsp; City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered to extend his hitting streak to 22 games and had three RBIs, Seth Lugo pitched solid six innings and the Kansas City Royals earned a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays with an 8-2 victory on Thursday.Vinnie Pasquantino had a single, a double and two RBIs for the Royals, who have won nine of their past 10.Mikael Garcia hit a line-drive double to center field for the Royals, stole third base and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Michael Massey to tie it 1-1 in the fourth.Lugo (3-3) gave up two runs and five hits with five strikeouts. Daniel Lynch IV, Angel Zerpa and Chris Stratton each threw a scoreless inning of relief for the Royals.Shane Baz (3-1) gave up seven runs and nine hits with three walks over 5 2/3 innings and had his ERA increase from 2.45 to 3.86.Yandy Díaz hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1917993889257898444">solo homer</a>&nbsp;in the first for the Rays. Jonathan Aranda added an RBI single in the sixth.Salvador Perez (hip soreness) left the game in the seventh inning. The 34-year-old catcher was in the lineup at designated hitter, replaced behind the plate by Freddie Fermin. Perez hit an RBI double in the fifth and Fermin had a double, a single and scored twice.<h2>Key moment</h2>Witt hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1918007635472773369">two-out, two-run homer</a>&nbsp;down the line in right field to spark a three-run fifth that gave the Royals a 4-1 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>Witt has a hit in 22 consecutive games, tied with Brian McRae (in 1991) for the sixth-longest hitting streak in Royals history.<h2>Up next</h2>Right-hander Michael Wacha (1-3, 3.38 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound on Friday in the first of a three-game series in Baltimore. RHP Dean Kremer (1-3, 7.04 ERA) is expected to pitch for the Orioles.Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot (2-3, 4.24 ERA) is set to face left-hander Max Fried (5-0, 1.19 ERA) on Friday to start a three-game series against the Yankees in New York.

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr. homers as Royals earn 3-game sweep over Rays

<a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the Krol brothers, baseball has never just been a game. It has been the family language, the setting of their childhood, and the legacy of a father who spent three decades molding high school athletes and four state championship teams.

On Friday, that legacy will echo louder than ever across Hobart-Detter Field, where Mace, Noah and Adam Krol will each lead their respective high school teams in a unique three-team baseball triangular, probably the first-ever of it's kind in state history.&nbsp;

Hutchinson (10-9), coached by Mace, the youngest of the three, will host Andale/Garden Plain (10-8), coached by Adam, the oldest, and Haven (14-6), led by middle brother Noah. 

The event begins with Hutchinson vs. Andale/Garden Plain at 2 p.m., continues with Andale/Garden Plain vs. Haven at 4 p.m., and concludes with Hutchinson vs. Haven at 6 p.m. 

All three games will be video streamed on Hutch Post.

The game fell in place after the KSHSAA voted to allow up to 26 games on the schedule, meaning more teams playing teams they may have not ever played in a 20-game schedule.

“It just kind of came together,” Noah said. “We were already playing Andale. I don’t know if it was Mace’s idea or Adam’s, but someone said, ‘Why don’t we all just play each other?’ It made too much sense not to do it.”

Mace puts it more simply: “I think they were already scheduled, and I just kind of snuck my way in.”

The roots of the Krol coaching tree stretch deep into central Kansas soil. Their father, the late <a href="https://www.elliottmortuary.com/obituary/richard-krol">Rich Krol</a>, was one of the most accomplished and respected prep baseball coaches in Kansas history. In 30 years at Nickerson High School, Rich led the Panthers to four state titles (1989, 1990, 1993, 2002) and was posthumously inducted into the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2022.

His influence extended far beyond the dugout.

He taught metal shop and psychology, coached football, girls basketball, boys basketball and baseball.

 “But it was the relationships he built with players that always stood out," Adam said. "That’s what we try to do now, connect with the kids and build a team identity.”

The boys grew up immersed in that world. Summers were spent as bat boys, shagging fly balls and absorbing the game from the dugout. Their childhood memories were filled with evenings at Hobart-Detter, where their dad coached the Hutch Colts, and early mornings helping prep the field for weekend tournaments.

“I remember mowing the field at 2 a.m. with Tommy Garcia just to get the field ready for a tournament the next day,” Adam said. “We were always around the ballpark.”

For Noah, the memories are a sensory experience. “I remember walking through the front gate and smelling pipe tobacco from the old American Legion guys. John Fogerty’s ‘Centerfield’ playing over the loudspeakers, it’s just ingrained in your head.”

Each brother eventually pursued his own playing career: Adam played at Barton Community College, Noah played at HutchCC and Wichita State before a five-year stint in the Tigers and Pirates minor league systems, and Mace played at HutchCC, Nicholls State and Fort Hays State.

But no matter where they went, baseball always brought them back home.

The three brothers each now lead programs shaped by the foundation their father laid. Adam coached Hutch High for six seasons before leaving Kansas for a coaching position in Republic, Missouri. He returned this season to take over Andale/Garden Plain, motivated by a desire to be closer to family.

“We were missing birthdays, Easters, Sunday dinners, just all the things that make us who we are,” Adam said. “We needed to be back where we belong.”

Noah is in his third season at Haven, following a successful run as a player.

 Mace, now in his third season as the head coach at Hutch High, teaches physical education and has taken on the challenge of leading the same program his brother once helmed.

Despite their coaching differences, they all share the same feeling about how this season has gone so far.

“If I were to guess for all three of us, I’d say we all think we should be better than we are,” Noah said.

“I’d concur,” added Mace. “We’ve underperformed. Friday is a chance to right some wrongs.”

One person who won’t miss a pitch Friday is their mother, Diana Krol, who has attended thousands of games and remains one of the most vocal fans you'll hear.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a game and not heard my mom yelling, usually at the umpires," Mace said. 

“And it’s not just the umpires," Noah said. "She yells at me, Adam, Mace, the players and anyone. Everyone’s fair game.”

“She’s well-known around the state,” Adam added. “She won’t know what to do with herself, watching all three of her sons at once.”

While their mother’s voice will surely be heard, one thing from their father’s coaching days will largely remain in the past: the “Texas Mau Mau” pig Latin-style signal system he famously used at Nickerson.

“That was a Nickerson thing,” Noah said. “I don’t use it. One of my assistants tries to now and then, but I think it should stay there.”

“There might be a moment Friday where I yell something in Mau Mau just to mess with my brothers,” Adam joked.

Mace, who has Jim Walker on staff, said the code occasionally makes its way into conversations. “Coach Walker throws it out all the time, but I haven’t taught the players. Sometimes I’m glad they don’t understand what he’s saying.”

When the first pitch is thrown Friday afternoon, nostalgia will take a backseat to competition. The Krols know what’s at stake, bragging rights among brothers.

“I’ll definitely try to beat my brothers,” Adam said. “Especially since I’m the oldest. Getting beat by either one of them wouldn’t sit well.”

For Mace, the youngest, the triangular is more than just another game.

“I’ve pretty much gotten my butt kicked by my brothers my whole life,” he said. “This would be a great chance to change that.”

Friday’s setting is fitting. Hobart-Detter Field, recently renovated with new turf and batting cages, is where so many Krol memories were born.

“I’ve played there, coached there, worked on the field,” Adam said. “To come back and coach there with both my brothers on the same day, it’s really special.”

For Noah, it’s about more than just baseball. “It’s a return to where it all started. This field is part of who we are.”

The tri will stand as a tribute, not just to the brothers, but to the father who shaped their paths, the mother who never stopped cheering, and the game that continues to bring them together.

Any youth baseball/softball player can wear their favorite jersey and receive free admission with a paid adult.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746112368324.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Mace Krol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Mace Krol</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the Krol brothers, baseball has never just been a game. It has been the family language, the setting of their childhood, and the legacy of a father who spent three decades molding high school athletes and four state championship teams.On Friday, that legacy will echo louder than ever across Hobart-Detter Field, where Mace, Noah and Adam Krol will each lead their respective high school teams in a unique three-team baseball triangular, probably the first-ever of it's kind in state history.&nbsp;Hutchinson (10-9), coached by Mace, the youngest of the three, will host Andale/Garden Plain (10-8), coached by Adam, the oldest, and Haven (14-6), led by middle brother Noah. The event begins with Hutchinson vs. Andale/Garden Plain at 2 p.m., continues with Andale/Garden Plain vs. Haven at 4 p.m., and concludes with Hutchinson vs. Haven at 6 p.m. All three games will be video streamed on Hutch Post.The game fell in place after the KSHSAA voted to allow up to 26 games on the schedule, meaning more teams playing teams they may have not ever played in a 20-game schedule.“It just kind of came together,” Noah said. “We were already playing Andale. I don’t know if it was Mace’s idea or Adam’s, but someone said, ‘Why don’t we all just play each other?’ It made too much sense not to do it.”Mace puts it more simply: “I think they were already scheduled, and I just kind of snuck my way in.”<h2>Baseball from the beginning</h2>The roots of the Krol coaching tree stretch deep into central Kansas soil. Their father, the late <a href="https://www.elliottmortuary.com/obituary/richard-krol">Rich Krol</a>, was one of the most accomplished and respected prep baseball coaches in Kansas history. In 30 years at Nickerson High School, Rich led the Panthers to four state titles (1989, 1990, 1993, 2002) and was posthumously inducted into the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2022.His influence extended far beyond the dugout.He taught metal shop and psychology, coached football, girls basketball, boys basketball and baseball. “But it was the relationships he built with players that always stood out," Adam said. "That’s what we try to do now, connect with the kids and build a team identity.”The boys grew up immersed in that world. Summers were spent as bat boys, shagging fly balls and absorbing the game from the dugout. Their childhood memories were filled with evenings at Hobart-Detter, where their dad coached the Hutch Colts, and early mornings helping prep the field for weekend tournaments.“I remember mowing the field at 2 a.m. with Tommy Garcia just to get the field ready for a tournament the next day,” Adam said. “We were always around the ballpark.”For Noah, the memories are a sensory experience. “I remember walking through the front gate and smelling pipe tobacco from the old American Legion guys. John Fogerty’s ‘Centerfield’ playing over the loudspeakers, it’s just ingrained in your head.”Each brother eventually pursued his own playing career: Adam played at Barton Community College, Noah played at HutchCC and Wichita State before a five-year stint in the Tigers and Pirates minor league systems, and Mace played at HutchCC, Nicholls State and Fort Hays State.But no matter where they went, baseball always brought them back home.<h2>Coaching paths, same foundation</h2>The three brothers each now lead programs shaped by the foundation their father laid. Adam coached Hutch High for six seasons before leaving Kansas for a coaching position in Republic, Missouri. He returned this season to take over Andale/Garden Plain, motivated by a desire to be closer to family.“We were missing birthdays, Easters, Sunday dinners, just all the things that make us who we are,” Adam said. “We needed to be back where we belong.”Noah is in his third season at Haven, following a successful run as a player. Mace, now in his third season as the head coach at Hutch High, teaches physical education and has taken on the challenge of leading the same program his brother once helmed.Despite their coaching differences, they all share the same feeling about how this season has gone so far.“If I were to guess for all three of us, I’d say we all think we should be better than we are,” Noah said.“I’d concur,” added Mace. “We’ve underperformed. Friday is a chance to right some wrongs.”<h2>A familiar fan in the stands</h2>One person who won’t miss a pitch Friday is their mother, Diana Krol, who has attended thousands of games and remains one of the most vocal fans you'll hear.“It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a game and not heard my mom yelling, usually at the umpires," Mace said. “And it’s not just the umpires," Noah said. "She yells at me, Adam, Mace, the players and anyone. Everyone’s fair game.”“She’s well-known around the state,” Adam added. “She won’t know what to do with herself, watching all three of her sons at once.”While their mother’s voice will surely be heard, one thing from their father’s coaching days will largely remain in the past: the “Texas Mau Mau” pig Latin-style signal system he famously used at Nickerson.“That was a Nickerson thing,” Noah said. “I don’t use it. One of my assistants tries to now and then, but I think it should stay there.”“There might be a moment Friday where I yell something in Mau Mau just to mess with my brothers,” Adam joked.Mace, who has Jim Walker on staff, said the code occasionally makes its way into conversations. “Coach Walker throws it out all the time, but I haven’t taught the players. Sometimes I’m glad they don’t understand what he’s saying.”<h2>Brothers and competitors</h2>When the first pitch is thrown Friday afternoon, nostalgia will take a backseat to competition. The Krols know what’s at stake, bragging rights among brothers.“I’ll definitely try to beat my brothers,” Adam said. “Especially since I’m the oldest. Getting beat by either one of them wouldn’t sit well.”For Mace, the youngest, the triangular is more than just another game.“I’ve pretty much gotten my butt kicked by my brothers my whole life,” he said. “This would be a great chance to change that.”<h2>Full circle at Hobart-Detter</h2>Friday’s setting is fitting. Hobart-Detter Field, recently renovated with new turf and batting cages, is where so many Krol memories were born.“I’ve played there, coached there, worked on the field,” Adam said. “To come back and coach there with both my brothers on the same day, it’s really special.”For Noah, it’s about more than just baseball. “It’s a return to where it all started. This field is part of who we are.”The tri will stand as a tribute, not just to the brothers, but to the father who shaped their paths, the mother who never stopped cheering, and the game that continues to bring them together.<h2>Youth Night at Hobart-Detter</h2>Any youth baseball/softball player can wear their favorite jersey and receive free admission with a paid adult.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746118033955.jpeg" alt="Andale/Garden Plain head coach Adam Krol visits with a player on third base earlier this season. (Photo Courtesy Garden Plain High School Facebook)" />
 <figcaption>Andale/Garden Plain head coach Adam Krol visits with a player on third base earlier this season. (Photo Courtesy Garden Plain High School Facebook)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746117980742.jpeg" alt="Haven head coach Noah Krol visits with his pitcher earlier this season. (Kristy Ehart Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Haven head coach Noah Krol visits with his pitcher earlier this season. (Kristy Ehart Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746118073932.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson head coach Mace Krol holds up one finger in a game earlier this season. (Photo Courtesy Salthawk Baseball on Facebook)" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson head coach Mace Krol holds up one finger in a game earlier this season. (Photo Courtesy Salthawk Baseball on Facebook)</figcaption>
 </figure>

⚾ Krol legacy comes full circle as three brothers coach against each other Friday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Thursday, May 1, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nju3q-1897f76-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧⚾ Royals pick up second straight win, ⚾ Wind Surge shutout RoughRiders, ⛳ KU & KSU postseason bound

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746069063719.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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WICHITA, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas scored two runs in the ninth inning to hand Wichita State a 5-3 loss in its home finale Wednesday night at Wilkins Stadium. Wichita State (26-23-1) dropped to 0-2 in extra inning games this season, both by scores of 5-3. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/9318" rel="smarttag" rev="9318">Taylor Sedlacek</a></dfn>&nbsp;was the lone Shocker to have a multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/camryn-compton/9311" rel="smarttag" rev="9311">Camryn Compton</a></dfn>&nbsp;hit a solo home run, while&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323" rel="smarttag" rev="9323">Jodie Epperson</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324" rel="smarttag" rev="9324">Gabby Scott</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329" rel="smarttag" rev="9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a></dfn>&nbsp;all recorded a hit apiece. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-sliger/9327" rel="smarttag" rev="9327">Ava Sliger</a></dfn>&nbsp;earned a no decision in the start, going 5.0 innings, allowing one run on three hits and no walks.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>&nbsp;suffered the loss in 4.0 innings of relief. She allowed four runs, two earned, on four hits and four walks. After a scoreless first inning, KU put a run on the board in the top of the second on a leadoff solo home run from Olivia Bruno. Wichita State had a scoring opportunity in the third with two runners in scoring position but a deep flyout kept the Shockers off the board. Finally in the bottom of the fourth, Compton evened the score at 1-1 on her 11th home run of the season, a solo shot off the scoreboard in left. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>&nbsp;came in to start the top of the sixth and proceeded to walk the first two batters. She would get the next two out on a sac bunt and pop-up and then an unintentional, intentional walk of Bruno loaded the bases. Nihart would induce a grounder to short, but the ball would skip off&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/9312" rel="smarttag" rev="9312">Sami Hood's</a></dfn>&nbsp;glove into left, bringing in two runs to put the Jayhawks up, 3-1. Down to their final out in the bottom of the seventh, the Shockers put together a two-out rally. What looked like a game-ending groundout off the bat of&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315" rel="smarttag" rev="9315">Krystin Nelson</a></dfn>&nbsp;turned into a game-extending throwing error on the KU shortstop. With runners on the corners, Wichita State then worked three straight walks to tie the game at 3-3, sending the game to extra innings. The Shockers were unable to bring in the winning run with the bases loaded to end the seventh. After a scoreless eighth, KU puts its leadoff hitter aboard on a leadoff single and then moved her to third on a stolen base and passed ball with no outs. Following a strikeout, Natalie Marshall laced an RBI double in the right-center gap to put the Jayhawks in front, 4-3. Two batters later, KU pushed the margin to two on a bloop RBI single. In the bottom of the ninth, Wichita State left the tying runs on first and third to end the game. Up Next Wichita State travels to Memphis for the final series of the regular season, May 2-4.</div>

🥎 Shockers drop home finale to Jayhawks in extra innings

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Royals left-hander Noah Cameron took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his major league debut and Vinnie Pasquantino homered as Kansas City blanked the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 on Wednesday night.

Cameron, who grew up in the Kansas City area, shut out the Rays over 6 1/3 innings until Curtis Mead ended an 0-for-16 slump with a one-out single down the left-field line. Recalled from Triple-A Omaha prior to the start, Cameron (1-0) allowed one hit and five walks while striking out three. He threw 79 pitches with 46 strikes.

Carlos Estévez stranded two in the ninth for his ninth save.

Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. wasted no time extending his hitting streak to 21 games. He singled in the first inning, then scored on Pasquantino’s fourth homer of the year. Playing in his 500th major league game, Witt also reached 1,000 total bases with his fifth-inning single that scored Cavan Biggio.

Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia and Kyle Isbel each had two hits for the Royals, who’ve won eight of nine.

Drew Rasmussen (1-2) gave up three runs and six hits in five innings for the Rays, who’ve lost seven of their last eight at Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home.

Pasquantino launched a first-pitch fastball, Rasmussen’s 10th pitch, to right-center to give Kansas City a 2-0 lead. The Royals have outscored opponents 17-2 in the first inning this season, including 3-0 against the Rays.

A Royals pitcher hasn’t thrown a no-hitter since Bret Saberhagen on Aug. 26, 1991, a span of 5,244 games. Only Cleveland and Toronto have gone longer without one.

Seth Lugo (2-3, 3.08 ERA) takes the mound as Kansas City looks to sweep the series. The Rays will counter with Shane Baz (3-0, 2.45).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746096143389.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron throws during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron throws during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Royals left-hander Noah Cameron took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his major league debut and Vinnie Pasquantino homered as Kansas City blanked the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 on Wednesday night.Cameron, who grew up in the Kansas City area, shut out the Rays over 6 1/3 innings until Curtis Mead ended an 0-for-16 slump with a one-out single down the left-field line. Recalled from Triple-A Omaha prior to the start, Cameron (1-0) allowed one hit and five walks while striking out three. He threw 79 pitches with 46 strikes.Carlos Estévez stranded two in the ninth for his ninth save.Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. wasted no time extending his hitting streak to 21 games. He singled in the first inning, then scored on Pasquantino’s fourth homer of the year. Playing in his 500th major league game, Witt also reached 1,000 total bases with his fifth-inning single that scored Cavan Biggio.Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia and Kyle Isbel each had two hits for the Royals, who’ve won eight of nine.Drew Rasmussen (1-2) gave up three runs and six hits in five innings for the Rays, who’ve lost seven of their last eight at Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home.<h2>Key moment</h2>Pasquantino launched a first-pitch fastball, Rasmussen’s 10th pitch, to right-center to give Kansas City a 2-0 lead. The Royals have outscored opponents 17-2 in the first inning this season, including 3-0 against the Rays.<h2>Key stat</h2>A Royals pitcher hasn’t thrown a no-hitter since Bret Saberhagen on Aug. 26, 1991, a span of 5,244 games. Only Cleveland and Toronto have gone longer without one.<h2>Up next</h2>Seth Lugo (2-3, 3.08 ERA) takes the mound as Kansas City looks to sweep the series. The Rays will counter with Shane Baz (3-0, 2.45).___

⚾ Noah Cameron takes a no-hitter into 7th in his big league debut

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746045713620.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;The Kansas men's golf team has been selected to its ninth-straight NCAA Regional appearance, setting a new program record. Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/coaches/jamie-bermel/182" rel="smarttag" rev="182">Jamie Bermel</a></dfn>&nbsp;and the Jayhawks will travel to Washington for the Bremerton Regional as the No. 8 seed, with play scheduled from May 12&ndash;14.&nbsp; This marks the longest streak of NCAA Regional appearances in program history. Kansas previously made eight consecutive trips on three occasions: 1989&ndash;96, 1998&ndash;2005 and 2016&ndash;2024. The NCAA Tournament was not held in 2020 due to COVID-19.&nbsp; "Nine straight appearances is quite a feat," said Bermel. "I don't think about it each year, as each year is different, but it says a lot about the program both past and present. When kids come here, they want to play in the postseason, and we've had a good run of luck here. Nine straight is a lot, and we are ready to go play."&nbsp; The other teams in the regional, listed by seed, include Arizona State, Florida, Utah, South Carolina, South Florida, Colorado, Charlotte, Kansas, Colorado State, Kansas State, Elon, Coastal Carolina, Oral Roberts and Seattle. The 14-team field will tee it up at Gold Mountain Golf Club, May 12-14.&nbsp; "It's a golf course where driving is premium, and there's big evergreen trees," Bermel added. "I like the course. We've played it for Regionals when I was at Colorado State and it's a good test of golf. It's got some risk-reward holes and obviously we need to go out there and play well. We don't need to play great, but we need to play well."&nbsp; The top five teams from the regional will advance to the NCAA Championship, held at Omni La Costa Resort &amp; Spa's Championship Course in Carlsbad, California, beginning May 23.&nbsp; Last season, Kansas placed 11th at the Rancho Santa Fe Regional with a score of 883 (+43). The Jayhawks last advanced to the NCAA Championship in 2022, finishing 17th with a score of 880 (+40).&nbsp; The Jayhawks have been led this season by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/gunnar-broin/1359" rel="smarttag" rev="1359">Gunnar Broin</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/will-king/1369" rel="smarttag" rev="1369">Will King</a></dfn>, who have each won an individual event and boast sub-71 scoring averages&mdash;Broin at 70.72 and King at 70.96. Broin earned his first collegiate title at the Johnnie-O at Sea Island on March 18 and leads the team with 13 rounds in the 60s this season. King picked up his second collegiate win at the Hawkeye Invitational on April 14 and has recorded three top-5 finishes this year.&nbsp; Other regular contributors for Kansas include&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/luke-honner/15593" rel="smarttag" rev="15593">Luke Honner</a></dfn>&nbsp;(72.72),&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/max-jelinek/1367" rel="smarttag" rev="1367">Max Jelinek</a></dfn>&nbsp;(73.09),&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/noah-holtzman/1365" rel="smarttag" rev="1365">Noah Holtzman</a></dfn>&nbsp;(73.53) and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/ty-lasley/15594" rel="smarttag" rev="15594">Ty Lasley</a></dfn>&nbsp;(74.31). Jelinek has recorded a top-5 finish and five rounds in the 60s this season, while Honner has posted two top-10 finishes and three rounds in the 60s. Holtzman has notched two top-20 finishes and five rounds in the 60s, and Lasley owns one top-20 finish in five appearances.&nbsp; Kansas captured its first team title since the 2021-22 season with a dominant victory at the Hawkeye Invitational, winning by 19 strokes and finishing 27-under par as a team. The Jayhawks carry a team scoring average of 285.98&nbsp;and have eight top-5 finishes on the season. HOW TO FOLLOW&nbsp; Kansas will have a practice round on May 11, before tournament play begins on May 12. Live scoring for the event will be available through Scoreboard. Fans can also keep up with live updates throughout all three rounds from the official Kansas Men's Golf Twitter (X) account.&nbsp; THE FIELD&nbsp; (1) Arizona State&nbsp; (2) Florida&nbsp; (3) Utah&nbsp; (4) South Carolina&nbsp; (5) South Florida&nbsp; (6) Colorado&nbsp; (7) Charlotte&nbsp; (8) KANSAS&nbsp; (9) Colorado State&nbsp; (10) Kansas State&nbsp; (11) Elon&nbsp; (12) Coastal Carolina&nbsp; (13) Oral Roberts&nbsp; (14) Seattle&nbsp; INDIVIDUALS&nbsp; 1. Sam Renner &ndash; Washington State&nbsp; 2. Lukas Boandl &ndash; Rice&nbsp; 3. Mason Snyder &ndash; Loyola Marymount&nbsp; 4. Cade Anderson &ndash; Loyola Marymount&nbsp; 5. Daniel Zou &ndash; Rice&nbsp;</div>

⛳ KU headed to ninth straight NCAA Regional

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746045593309.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash; For the third time in the last four seasons and the 10th time in program history, the Kansas State men's golf team earned a postseason bid as the Wildcats were selected as the No. 10 seed in the 2025 NCAA Bremerton Regional, the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Selection Committee announced Wednesday during&nbsp;Golf Central&nbsp;on GOLF Channel. K-State will compete at Gold Mountain Golf Club in Bremerton, Washington, May 12-14, against a field of 14 teams. This is the first time the Wildcats have earned a regional bid at least three times in a four-year stretch since being selected in 2006, 2008 and 2009. The top five teams at the NCAA Bremerton Regional and the top individual on a non-advancing team will move on to the NCAA Championship, May 23-28, at Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California.&nbsp;The Wildcats are joined by four other Big 12 teams at the Bremerton Regional in No. 1 seed Arizona State, third-seeded Utah, sixth-seeded Colorado and No. 8 seed Kansas. "It's definitely a goal of ours to be a team that is consistently in regionals, and we've gotten to the point now where we have made it three out of four years," head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/coaches/grant-robbins/2583" rel="smarttag" rev="2583">Grant Robbins</a></dfn>&nbsp;said. "We've been in discussion for six years in a row now, either making a regional or being one of the first two or three teams out. We have gotten to that point consistently, and now it's time to take that next step." Checking in at No. 57 in the latest National Collegiate Golf Rankings, K-State holds a team scoring average of 288.32 to rank fifth in school history, while its five top-five finishes this season are tied for ninth. The Wildcats notched a win at the Wildcat Invitational in September, while it earned a runner-up finish at the Colleton River Collegiate in early March in addition to a pair of third-place showings to end the fall and begin the spring at the Steelwood Collegiate and Hal Williams Collegiate, respectively. The Wildcats have been led this season by a trio of seniors in&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/nicklaus-mason/12219" rel="smarttag" rev="12219">Nicklaus Mason</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/kobe-valociek/12228" rel="smarttag" rev="12228">Kobe Valociek</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-schultz/12223" rel="smarttag" rev="12223">Cooper Schultz</a></dfn>. Mason's scoring average this season sits at 71.68 to rank eighth in school history, while Valociek is second on the team at 72.32 and Schultz is third at 72.58. A native of Shawnee, Kansas, Mason has produced two of the top-10 rounds in school history this season, including a 64 during the second round of the Steelwood Collegiate to tie for third in program history. He shot in the 60s in all three rounds of that event to total a 54-hole score of 199, which is tied for third in school history. Mason has both of K-State's individual wins this season, taking the title at the Wildcat Invitational and Steelwood Collegiate. His two career wins are tied for third in school history, while he is tied for 10th with six top-five finishes in his career. Valociek, a transfer from Virginia Tech, has four top-10 showings this season, including a season-best tie for fourth place at The Prestige. Schultz, who matched Mason's 64 during the final round of the Wildcat Invitational to help fuel a tie for second place, also has four top-10 finishes this season. K-State's last appearance in the NCAA Regional was nearly the first time the Wildcats qualified for the NCAA Championship. The Wildcats finished in sixth place &ndash; just one spot shy of qualifying &ndash; in the 2023 NCAA Bath (Mich.) Regional at 7-under par 845 and missed a playoff for the final spot by only three shots. Schultz will be playing in his third-straight NCAA Regional after competing for the Wildcats in 2023 and advancing as an individual a year ago. The Andover, Kansas, product tied for 30th place in the 2024 NCAA Austin Regional, while Valociek tied for 46th at that site as he competed as an individual in his final appearance as a Hokie.&nbsp; Mason will also be seeing action in a third postseason. He tied for 32nd and the Wildcats placed ninth in the 2022 NCAA Norman Regional. Two seasons ago in Bath, Mason tied for 43rd place.
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⛳ K-State punches ticket to NCAA Tournament

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746045493774.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;Kansas State bolstered its offensive line unit this week by signing transfers&nbsp;JB Nelson&nbsp;(Penn State) and&nbsp;Terrence Enos Jr.&nbsp;(Pittsburgh).
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Both players have one year of eligibility remaining and are the first two transfers to sign with K-State during the spring window. They join a list of 12 other NCAA Division I or II transfers who will play for the Wildcats this coming fall.
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A product of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nelson played in 31 games over three the last three season for the Nittany Lions, which included eight starts during the 2023 campaign in which he was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention pick by both the league&rsquo;s coaches and media. He saw time at both guard and tackle positions, totaling 776 offensive snaps during his time in Happy Valley and helping Penn State accumulate a 23-6 record the last two seasons. Last year, Nelson played in three College Football Playoff contests, a first-round victory over SMU, a win over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.
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As a starter in 2023, Nelson helped the Nittany Lions earn a No. 28 national ranking in rushing offense (184.8), while they ranked 19th&nbsp;in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.23) and 10th&nbsp;in fewest tackle for loss per game (3.92). Penn State also ranked in the top 20 in all three categories a year ago.
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Nelson began his collegiate career by starting all 10 games of his freshman season at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was the top-rated overall community-college prospect for the Class of 2022 by On3, while he ranked No. 2 by 247Sports and ESPN.
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Enos Jr., who hails from Redford, Michigan, saw time in 27 games with five starts during the last three years at Pittsburgh. As a junior in 2024, Enos Jr. played in all 13 games with four starts at various positions as he earned starts at left tackle against Syracuse and SMU, left guard against Virginia and right tackle against Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. He totaled 383 total offensive snaps a year ago. In 2023, Enos Jr. saw action in nine games with a start at right tackle against Notre Dame.
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Kansas State is coming off a 2024 season in which it went 9-4 and capped its season with a 17-point comeback victory over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl. The Wildcats have won at least nine games each of the last three seasons, one of only 10 Power 4 teams &ndash; and the only Big 12 program &ndash; to win at least nine games each of the last three seasons. They are also one of only five programs to accomplish that feat and claim a conference championship during that timeframe, joining Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Oregon.
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The Wildcats kick off the 2025 season by taking on Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, August 23, at Avivia Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.</div>

🏈 K-State signs pair of offensive linemen transfers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School held it's spring signing day on Wednesday morning inside of the Salthawk Activity Center.

Seven Salthawks signed their letter of intents to continue their academic and athletic careers.&nbsp;

Riley Miller - Hutchinson Community College - Women's Basketball Manager

Kade Smith - Hutchinson Community College - Football

Kaia Smith - Hutchinson Community College - Women's Basketball

Kyndra Gaines - Butler Community College - Track &amp; Field

Elias Delacruz - Fort Hays State University - Soccer

KeiRre Martinez - Butler Community College - Track &amp; Field

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746184282476.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson High School senior Kaia Smith signs to play basketball at Hutchinson Community College next school year. (Hutch Post Photo/Hutch High Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson High School senior Kaia Smith signs to play basketball at Hutchinson Community College next school year. (Hutch Post Photo/Hutch High Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School held it's spring signing day on Wednesday morning inside of the Salthawk Activity Center.Seven Salthawks signed their letter of intents to continue their academic and athletic careers.&nbsp;Riley Miller - Hutchinson Community College - Women's Basketball ManagerKade Smith - Hutchinson Community College - FootballKaia Smith - Hutchinson Community College - Women's BasketballKaleb Cape - Sterling College - FootballKyndra Gaines - Butler Community College - Track &amp; FieldElias Delacruz - Fort Hays State University - SoccerKeiRre Martinez - Butler Community College - Track &amp; Field<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746024598373.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson High School Athletic Director Steve Kappenman (Hutch Post Photo/Glen Grunwald)" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson High School Athletic Director Steve Kappenman (Hutch Post Photo/Glen Grunwald)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746024648429.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson High School senior Riley Miller signs to become the women's basketball manager at Hutchinson Community College next school year. (Hutch Post Photo/Glen Grunwald)" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson High School senior Riley Miller signs to become the women's basketball manager at Hutchinson Community College next school year. (Hutch Post Photo/Glen Grunwald)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746024664084.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson High School senior Kaleb Cape signs to play football at Sterling College next school year. (Hutch Post Photo/Glen Grunwald)" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson High School senior Kaleb Cape signs to play football at Sterling College next school year. (Hutch Post Photo/Glen Grunwald)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hutch High holds spring signing day 

Sterling College Athletics and Vice President of Athletics, Scott Downing, announced that women's basketball head coach K.C. Bassett has resigned to take a NCAA Div. II assistant position.&nbsp;

"K.C. has been an invaluable asset as coach of the Lady Warriors," Downing said. "After stepping into the role following Hall of Fame Coach Lonnie Kruse, she has shaped and developed a team that reflects her unique basketball style while competing for championships. Her influence extends beyond the court; she influences student-athletes in every area of their lives. Her program impacts the entire Sterling community. We are grateful for her loyalty and wish her continued success in her career.&nbsp;

Bassett finished her tenth season at the helm of the Lady Warrior's basketball program with a record of 232-114&nbsp;after taking over in 2014-15. She started her coaching career at Sterling College in 2007 under Kruse and was inducted into the Sterling College Hall of Fame herself in 2016. She has also served Sterling as the Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women leader starting in 2021.&nbsp;

Over the past seven seasons, she has led the Lady Warriors to three KCAC regular season championships, three KCAC conference tournament championships and six trips to the NAIA National tournament (2019-23 &amp; 2025).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bassett has also coached five NAIA All-Americans, three KCAC Players of the Year, two KCAC Freshmen of the Year and numerous all KCAC honorees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As a coach she has amassed several accolades including NAIA National Coach of the Year (2021) by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), 4-Year Women's Basketball Coach of the Year (2021) by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, three time Lonnie Kruse KCAC Women's Basketball Coach of the Year (2021-23) and KCAC Champion of Character Coach of the Year (2015).&nbsp;

Her time with Sterling College women's basketball began in 2003 as she was a four-year starter for the Lady Warriors. On the team, she won two conference championships and one KCAC tournament championship. The team also made three trips to the NAIA National tournament where they finished in the Sweet Sixteen twice and the Elite Eight once.&nbsp;

"In 2003 I arrived on the campus of Sterling College, as a student-athlete, having no idea how much of an impact this school and community would have on me," Bassett said. "After 22 years, there is no adequate way to express how much my time here has meant to me."&nbsp;

Individual awards Bassett received during her time on the court include: KCAC Freshman of the Year (2003-04), KCAC Player of the Year (2006-07), KCAC All-Conference honorable mention (2003-04), KCAC All-Conference First Team (x3), NAIA All-American (third-team) and NAIA Scholar Athlete (x2). She ended her playing career as Sterling College women's basketball all-time assist leader with 549.&nbsp;

"First and foremost, thank you to legendary coach, Lonnie Kruse. I would not be where I am today without Coach believing in me and giving me the opportunity to carry on his amazing legacy," Bassett said. "Thank you to President Scott Rich, Vice President of Athletics, Scott Downing, and Director of Athletics, Justin Morris who have endlessly supported me and this program. Assistant Athletic Director, Deb Wiebe and Director of Athletic Training, Pete Manely, have been there for me from the moment I stepped onto campus, and I truly do not know where I would be without them. To all the players I have coached- you have given me so much more than I could ever give you and I am so proud of the young women you have become. Thank you to the incredible Sterling Women's Basketball fans. You have been such a blessing. Lastly, thank you to my family - you are truly the best. I will always be a Warrior for life."&nbsp;

Assistant coach Tim Hendrixson will serve in the interim until a coach is announced.&nbsp;

"The impact that K.C. has had not only on our women's basketball team but across our campus will be truly missed. It has been a blessing to see her grow as a student-athlete, to assistant coach, then as our head coach, associate athletic director and senior women's leader. We wish her all the best and we are excited to see her excel in her next chapter," Athletic Director Justin Morris said. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746022108719.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Sterling College Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Sterling College Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Sterling College AthleticsSterling College Athletics and Vice President of Athletics, Scott Downing, announced that women's basketball head coach K.C. Bassett has resigned to take a NCAA Div. II assistant position.&nbsp;"K.C. has been an invaluable asset as coach of the Lady Warriors," Downing said. "After stepping into the role following Hall of Fame Coach Lonnie Kruse, she has shaped and developed a team that reflects her unique basketball style while competing for championships. Her influence extends beyond the court; she influences student-athletes in every area of their lives. Her program impacts the entire Sterling community. We are grateful for her loyalty and wish her continued success in her career.&nbsp;Bassett finished her tenth season at the helm of the Lady Warrior's basketball program with a record of 232-114&nbsp;after taking over in 2014-15. She started her coaching career at Sterling College in 2007 under Kruse and was inducted into the Sterling College Hall of Fame herself in 2016. She has also served Sterling as the Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women leader starting in 2021.&nbsp;Over the past seven seasons, she has led the Lady Warriors to three KCAC regular season championships, three KCAC conference tournament championships and six trips to the NAIA National tournament (2019-23 &amp; 2025).&nbsp;&nbsp;Bassett has also coached five NAIA All-Americans, three KCAC Players of the Year, two KCAC Freshmen of the Year and numerous all KCAC honorees.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a coach she has amassed several accolades including NAIA National Coach of the Year (2021) by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), 4-Year Women's Basketball Coach of the Year (2021) by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, three time Lonnie Kruse KCAC Women's Basketball Coach of the Year (2021-23) and KCAC Champion of Character Coach of the Year (2015).&nbsp;Her time with Sterling College women's basketball began in 2003 as she was a four-year starter for the Lady Warriors. On the team, she won two conference championships and one KCAC tournament championship. The team also made three trips to the NAIA National tournament where they finished in the Sweet Sixteen twice and the Elite Eight once.&nbsp;"In 2003 I arrived on the campus of Sterling College, as a student-athlete, having no idea how much of an impact this school and community would have on me," Bassett said. "After 22 years, there is no adequate way to express how much my time here has meant to me."&nbsp;Individual awards Bassett received during her time on the court include: KCAC Freshman of the Year (2003-04), KCAC Player of the Year (2006-07), KCAC All-Conference honorable mention (2003-04), KCAC All-Conference First Team (x3), NAIA All-American (third-team) and NAIA Scholar Athlete (x2). She ended her playing career as Sterling College women's basketball all-time assist leader with 549.&nbsp;"First and foremost, thank you to legendary coach, Lonnie Kruse. I would not be where I am today without Coach believing in me and giving me the opportunity to carry on his amazing legacy," Bassett said. "Thank you to President Scott Rich, Vice President of Athletics, Scott Downing, and Director of Athletics, Justin Morris who have endlessly supported me and this program. Assistant Athletic Director, Deb Wiebe and Director of Athletic Training, Pete Manely, have been there for me from the moment I stepped onto campus, and I truly do not know where I would be without them. To all the players I have coached- you have given me so much more than I could ever give you and I am so proud of the young women you have become. Thank you to the incredible Sterling Women's Basketball fans. You have been such a blessing. Lastly, thank you to my family - you are truly the best. I will always be a Warrior for life."&nbsp;Assistant coach Tim Hendrixson will serve in the interim until a coach is announced.&nbsp;"The impact that K.C. has had not only on our women's basketball team but across our campus will be truly missed. It has been a blessing to see her grow as a student-athlete, to assistant coach, then as our head coach, associate athletic director and senior women's leader. We wish her all the best and we are excited to see her excel in her next chapter," Athletic Director Justin Morris said. &nbsp;

🏀 Sterling College's Bassett resigns after 10 seasons

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746020484058.jpeg" alt="Tailor Golly and the Blue Dragon Softball team open the Region 6 Tournament at 2 p.m. on Friday against Seward County at Legends Park in Dodge City. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Tailor Golly and the Blue Dragon Softball team open the Region 6 Tournament at 2 p.m. on Friday against Seward County at Legends Park in Dodge City. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
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The defending Region 6 Tournament champion Hutchinson Community College softball team opens the 2025 tournament on Friday in Dodge City against the Seward County Saints.
The No. 2-seed Blue Dragons (35-9) takes on No. 7 Seward County (18-30) in an opening-round matchup at 2 p.m. Friday at Legends Park in Dodge City. Regardless of outcome, the Blue Dragons will play again at 6 p.m. Friday.
BLUE DRAGON SOFTBALL Region 6 Tournament Opening-Round Matchups Friday, May 2, 2025 &ndash; Legends Park, Dodge City Noon &ndash; No. 1 Butler (38-6) vs. No. 8 Pratt (12-36), Field 4 Noon &ndash; No. 4 Garden City (26-20) vs. No. 5 Dodge City (26-26), Field 2 2 p.m. &ndash; No. 3 Barton (32-14) vs. No. 6 Colby (30-25), Field 2 2 p.m. &ndash; No. 2 Hutchinson (35-9) vs. No. 7 Seward County (18-30), Field 4
 <a href="https://kjccc.prestosports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/div1/2025_D1_Softball_Bracket.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK FOR COMPLETE REGION 6 BRACKET</a>
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No. 3-seed Barton (32-14) and No. 6-seed Colby (30-23) is in Hutchinson's side of the double-elimination bracket.
All games will be videostreamed live on the KJCCC Network, which is a pay-per-view stream.
The KJCCC champion Blue Dragons swept Seward County in four games this season, winning 6-3 and 9-0 on March 12 in Hutchinson and 8-4 and 8-5 on April 13 in Liberal.
The Blue Dragons hit .400 in four games against the Saints.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;was 10 of 13 (.769) and&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;was 6 of 7 (.857).&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;had a series-high eight RBIs, while&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/golly_taylor_l19d">Tailor Golly</a>&nbsp;added six RBIs.
Pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>&nbsp;was 3-0 with a 2.52 earned-run average in three games against the Saints.
Last season, the Blue Dragons defeated Butler in back-to-back championship games to capture the program's first Region 6 title since 1987 and earn the first-ever trip to the NJCAA Softball World Series.</div>

🥎 Blue Dragons open Region VI Tournament Friday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Wednesday, April 30, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=b2z5x-18963b6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 ⚾ Royals win series opener in Tampa, ⚾ Hutch High splits at Salina Central

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs exercised their fifth-year options Tuesday on cornerback Trent McDuffie and pass rusher George Karlaftis, two of the young pillars of a defense that has helped them to reach three consecutive Super Bowls.

The deadline to pick up the option year is Thursday.

The 24-year-old McDuffie, who was the 21st overall pick in 2022, has started all 43 games that he has played over the past three seasons. McDuffie was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team All-Pro this past season, when he picked off the first two passes of his career and had a career-best 13 pass deflections while also forcing a fumble.

Karlaftis, who is also 24, was the 30th overall pick in the same draft, and has developed into one of the NFL’s top-tier defensive ends. He had six sacks as a rookie, 10 1/2 sacks the following year and eight last season.

The Chiefs’ draft three years ago is certain to go down as one of the best in club history.

Second-round pick Bryan Cook started every game at safety last season. Third-round pick Leo Chenal has started 32 games at linebacker over his first three seasons. Fourth-round pick Josh Williams has appeared in 50 games, and seventh-round selections Jaylen Watson, Isiah Pacheco and Nazeeh Johnson have started games or been role players.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722280173356.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs exercised their fifth-year options Tuesday on cornerback Trent McDuffie and pass rusher George Karlaftis, two of the young pillars of a defense that has helped them to reach three consecutive Super Bowls.The deadline to pick up the option year is Thursday.The 24-year-old McDuffie, who was the 21st overall pick in 2022, has started all 43 games that he has played over the past three seasons. McDuffie was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team All-Pro this past season, when he picked off the first two passes of his career and had a career-best 13 pass deflections while also forcing a fumble.Karlaftis, who is also 24, was the 30th overall pick in the same draft, and has developed into one of the NFL’s top-tier defensive ends. He had six sacks as a rookie, 10 1/2 sacks the following year and eight last season.The Chiefs’ draft three years ago is certain to go down as one of the best in club history.Second-round pick Bryan Cook started every game at safety last season. Third-round pick Leo Chenal has started 32 games at linebacker over his first three seasons. Fourth-round pick Josh Williams has appeared in 50 games, and seventh-round selections Jaylen Watson, Isiah Pacheco and Nazeeh Johnson have started games or been role players.

🏈 Chiefs exercise 5th-year options on McDuffie and Karlaftis

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746020989040.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
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FRISCO, Texas (April 29, 2025)&mdash;The Wichita Wind Surge started their two-week road trip on the right foot with a 5-4 win over the Frisco RoughRiders at Riders Field. In the early afternoon series opener, Wichita halted a late rally by the RoughRiders and stranded the tying run on base to end the game with a victory.
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/christian-macleod-681306">Christian MacLeod</a>&nbsp;allowed just two baserunners across the opening three innings in his second start of the season with the Wind Surge.
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ricardo-olivar-691627">Ricardo Olivar</a>&nbsp;began the top of the fourth by yanking a double down the left field line. After Olivar advanced to third on an infield putout,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kala-i-rosario-693850">Kala&rsquo;i Rosario</a>&nbsp;pulled one far enough into left for a sacrifice fly and a 1-0 Wichita lead through three and a half.
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Frisco nearly responded in the bottom of the fourth, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/angel-macuare-672836">Angel Macuare</a>&nbsp;threw out Josh Hatcher at home trying to score on a Cam Cauley single to shallow left center. Alejandro Osuna later tied the game for the RoughRiders on an RBI triple that stayed fair down the right field line in the bottom of the fifth.
The Wind Surge brought in four runs on four hits in the seventh and eighth innings, spearheaded by Olivar&rsquo;s go-ahead two-run single before the stretch.
Down to their final out in the bottom of the ninth, Keyber Rodriguez singled to right and two runners crossed the plate to make the score 5-4 Wichita, then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/cody-laweryson-689520">Cody Laweryson</a>&nbsp;struck out Frainyer Chavez to end the game by that score.
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<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jarret-whorff-806337">Jarret Whorff</a>&nbsp;improved to 1-1 on the year after receiving his first win. Over three innings of relief, he struck out three and gave up just one hit on the Osuna homer. Laweryson also earned the save after the final K in the last of the ninth.
POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>The Wind Surge have won back-to-back series openers and are 3-2 in such contests so far in 2025.</li>
<li>After an RBI single in the eighth, Kyler Fedko has reached base in 17 consecutive games.</li>
<li>Wichita hitters have walked six or more times in each of the last three games.</li>
<li>Today was the third time the Wind Surge have been outhit by their opponent and still won the game.</li>
<li>Christian MacLeod has allowed just two hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over six innings in two starts with Wichita in 2025.</li>
</ul>
The Wind Surge continues the series against the Frisco RoughRiders on Wednesday, April 30, at 6:35 PM. The Wind Surge returns to Equity Bank Park on May 13 for a series with the Arkansas Travelers. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wind Surge takes series opener over RoughRiders 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745983948387.jpeg" alt="Charlie Box (right) surges in the final round of the NJCAA Central District Championship to earn first-team All-District honors and lead the Blue Dragon men's golf team to qualify for a 24th-straight NJCAA Tournament on Tuesday in Kansas City, MO." />
 <figcaption>Charlie Box (right) surges in the final round of the NJCAA Central District Championship to earn first-team All-District honors and lead the Blue Dragon men's golf team to qualify for a 24th-straight NJCAA Tournament on Tuesday in Kansas City, MO.</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
KANSAS CITY, Missouri &ndash; The 2025 Jayhawk Conference champion and Region 6 champion Hutchinson Community College men's golf team is headed back to the NJCAA National Tournament.
The Blue Dragons placed third in the Central District Championship on Tuesday to punch their tickets to nationals for the 24th-consecutive season, 25th time in 26 seasons and for 27th time in program history.
The 2025 NJCAA Division I Men's Golf Championships will be May 12-16 at Sand Creek Station in Newton.
Trailing by 13 strokes entering Tuesday's final round, the Blue Dragons surged to within five strokes of Garden City and was tied with Indian Hills for second late in the third round, but finished third with a 54-hole total of 898.
Garden City won the district title at 896, Indian Hills was second at 893 and Dodge City was fourth at 916. The Broncbusters, Warriors, Blue Dragons and Conquistadors are the four automatic qualifiers from the Central region.
The Blue Dragons posted a final round of 12-over 300 on Tuesday. The Blue Dragons counted scores from&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2024-25/bios/box_charlie_0808">Charlie Box</a>&nbsp;(70),&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2024-25/bios/northgraves_jack_mp7b">Jack Northgraves</a>&nbsp;(75),&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2024-25/bios/ross_louis_6g3i">Louis Ross</a>&nbsp;(76) and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2024-25/bios/razinskas_david_xbtl">David Razinskas</a>&nbsp;(79).
Box and freshman Corey Scullion earned first-team All-Central District honors after both Blue Dragons tied for fourth in the final individual standings.
Box, who opened the tournament Monday with a season-high 80, put together back-to-back rounds of 70 to finish at 6-over 250. Box got hot on the back nine Tuesday, recording four-straight birdies to pull into a six-way tie for first place in the individual standings at 3-over par.
Scullion, who was tied for first after 36 holes at 3-under par, struggled on Tuesday with a round of 79, tying Box for fourth at 250.
Garden City's Ilan Dufrenoy and Oliver Crowley tied for the individual title at 4-over 218.
Ross tied for 17th at 229. Northgraves tied for 19th at 230 and Razinskas was 34th at 243.
NJCAA CENTRAL DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP Tiffany Greens GC, Kansas City, MO Par 72 &ndash; Final Results TEAM RESULTS 1. Garden City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 290-296-300&mdash;896 2. Indian Hills&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 306-290-298&mdash;893 3. Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 305-293-300&mdash;898 4. Dodge City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 318-299-299&mdash;916 T5. Barton&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 307-303-312&mdash;922 T5. Iowa Western&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 312-304-306&mdash;922 7. Crowder&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 304-305-319&mdash;928 8. John A. Logan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 312-319-311&mdash;942 9. Coffeyville &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 338-359-363&mdash;1,060 * - Top 4 teams earn automatic bids to national tournament
INDIVIDUAL TOP 10 T1. Ilan Dufrenoy, Garden City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 67-74-77&mdash;218 T1. Oliver Crowley, Garden City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 73-73-72&mdash;218 3. Rhys Nicholas, Dodge City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 75-69-75&mdash;219 T4.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2024-25/bios/box_charlie_0808">Charlie Box</a>, Hutchinson &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 80-70-70&mdash;220 T4. Corey Scullion, Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 70-71-79&mdash;220 T6. Emilio Arellano, Indian Hills&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 72-75-75&mdash;222 T6. Nathan Pouchoulon, Indian Hills&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 77-72-73&mdash;222 T8. Jackson Pierce, John A. Logan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 75-74-74&mdash;223 T8. Jack Dyer, Garden City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 74-75-74&mdash;223 T10. Kaleb Lambert, Barton&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 74-75-75&mdash;224 T10. Roman Roth, Indian Hills&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 78-71-75&mdash;224
BLUE DRAGON GOLFERS T17.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2024-25/bios/ross_louis_6g3i">Louis Ross</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 76-77-76&mdash;229 T19.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2024-25/bios/northgraves_jack_mp7b">Jack Northgraves</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 80-75-75&mdash;230 34.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2024-25/bios/razinskas_david_xbtl">David Razinskas</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 79-85-79--24</div>

⛳ Blue Dragons qualify for nationals for 24th-straight season

SALINA, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team split with the Salina Central Mustangs on Tuesday evening at Dean Evans Stadium. The Salthawks won the first game in run-rule fashion, before dropping the nightcap in 10 innings.&nbsp;

Hutchinson (10-9) will host Andale/Garden Plain and Haven on Friday at Hobart-Detter Field for a triangular. Salina Central (10-8) will travel to Newton on Friday.

Game 1 — Hutchinson 14, Salina Central 4 (6 Innings)

Caiden Beavers recorded his fifth three-hit game of the season to lead Hutchinson to a 14-4 win over Salina Central in six innings.

Beavers went 3-for-5 with three singles, two RBIs and three stolen bases, helping the Salthawks improve to 5-1 against left-handed starters and 3-2 in games without a defensive error. His two-run single in the first keyed a six-run opening frame, with Cole Bleything and Landon Parks also driving in runs.

Beavers added another RBI single in the third as Hutchinson pushed the lead to 9-3.

JuJu Lyons made the start and allowed one hit and three runs over two innings despite six walks. Bleything earned the win on the mound, going four innings of scoreless relief, striking out three and not allowing a hit.&nbsp;

The Salthawks totaled 10 hits and 10 walks. Parks and Carter Morgan each had multi-hit games, while Jack Davis walked three times. Hutchinson stole six bases.

Salina Central was led by Maximus Maes with two RBIs. Parker Graves and Bodie Rodriquez each had a hit, and the Mustangs drew six walks but couldn't overcome five defensive errors.

Hutchinson - 603 032 x - 14 10 0 Salina Central - 301 000 x - 4 2 5&nbsp; W: Lyons (3-2). L: Gross. Time: 1:47.

Game 2 — Salina Central 5, Hutchinson 4 (10 Innings)

A back-and-forth battle ended in heartbreak for Hutchinson, as Salina Central walked it off in the tenth for a 5-4 win Tuesday evening.

Hutchinson took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth after Cole Bleything delivered an RBI single to left and a defensive miscue allowed a second run to score. Salina Central answered in the bottom half, tying the game on a sacrifice fly by Maximus Maes and a bases-loaded walk to Seth Rogers.

The Salthawks regained the lead in the ninth when Carter Morgan singled home a run and an error added another, giving Hutchinson a 4-2 advantage. But the Mustangs responded again in their final at-bat. Parker Graves ripped a game-tying, two-run double down the right field line before later scoring the winning run.

Graves also picked up the win on the mound, tossing three innings of relief with two strikeouts and no walks. Starter Seth Rogers went seven innings, allowing five hits and two runs (one earned) while fanning four.

Landon Parks took the loss for Hutchinson after allowing one run in two-thirds of an inning. Starter Gabe Valadez gave the Salthawks five and two-thirds solid innings, surrendering four hits and two runs with one strikeout.

Bleything and Caiden Beavers led Hutchinson’s offense with two hits apiece. Morgan, Bleything, and Valadez each drove in a run. Hutchinson turned one double play on defense.

Salina Central finished with 10 hits and five stolen bases. Graves led the Mustangs with two RBIs and went 2-for-5. Rogers, Jack Gordon, and Tyrus Young also notched two hits each, while Bodie Rodriquez stole a pair of bases.

Hutchinson - 000 200 002 0 - 4 8 1&nbsp; Salina Central - 000 200 002 1 - 5 10 6 W: Graves. L: Parks (0-1). Time: 2:34.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745970184305.jpeg" alt="Cole Bleything connects on an RBI single in the fourth inning of the second game of a doubleheader on Tuesday at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina, Kan. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Cole Bleything connects on an RBI single in the fourth inning of the second game of a doubleheader on Tuesday at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina, Kan. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostSALINA, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team split with the Salina Central Mustangs on Tuesday evening at Dean Evans Stadium. The Salthawks won the first game in run-rule fashion, before dropping the nightcap in 10 innings.&nbsp;Hutchinson (10-9) will host Andale/Garden Plain and Haven on Friday at Hobart-Detter Field for a triangular. Salina Central (10-8) will travel to Newton on Friday.Game 1 — Hutchinson 14, Salina Central 4 (6 Innings)Caiden Beavers recorded his fifth three-hit game of the season to lead Hutchinson to a 14-4 win over Salina Central in six innings.Beavers went 3-for-5 with three singles, two RBIs and three stolen bases, helping the Salthawks improve to 5-1 against left-handed starters and 3-2 in games without a defensive error. His two-run single in the first keyed a six-run opening frame, with Cole Bleything and Landon Parks also driving in runs.Beavers added another RBI single in the third as Hutchinson pushed the lead to 9-3.JuJu Lyons made the start and allowed one hit and three runs over two innings despite six walks. Bleything earned the win on the mound, going four innings of scoreless relief, striking out three and not allowing a hit.&nbsp;The Salthawks totaled 10 hits and 10 walks. Parks and Carter Morgan each had multi-hit games, while Jack Davis walked three times. Hutchinson stole six bases.Salina Central was led by Maximus Maes with two RBIs. Parker Graves and Bodie Rodriquez each had a hit, and the Mustangs drew six walks but couldn't overcome five defensive errors.Hutchinson - 603 032 x - 14 10 0 Salina Central - 301 000 x - 4 2 5&nbsp; W: Lyons (3-2). L: Gross. Time: 1:47.Game 2 — Salina Central 5, Hutchinson 4 (10 Innings)A back-and-forth battle ended in heartbreak for Hutchinson, as Salina Central walked it off in the tenth for a 5-4 win Tuesday evening.Hutchinson took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth after Cole Bleything delivered an RBI single to left and a defensive miscue allowed a second run to score. Salina Central answered in the bottom half, tying the game on a sacrifice fly by Maximus Maes and a bases-loaded walk to Seth Rogers.The Salthawks regained the lead in the ninth when Carter Morgan singled home a run and an error added another, giving Hutchinson a 4-2 advantage. But the Mustangs responded again in their final at-bat. Parker Graves ripped a game-tying, two-run double down the right field line before later scoring the winning run.Graves also picked up the win on the mound, tossing three innings of relief with two strikeouts and no walks. Starter Seth Rogers went seven innings, allowing five hits and two runs (one earned) while fanning four.Landon Parks took the loss for Hutchinson after allowing one run in two-thirds of an inning. Starter Gabe Valadez gave the Salthawks five and two-thirds solid innings, surrendering four hits and two runs with one strikeout.Bleything and Caiden Beavers led Hutchinson’s offense with two hits apiece. Morgan, Bleything, and Valadez each drove in a run. Hutchinson turned one double play on defense.Salina Central finished with 10 hits and five stolen bases. Graves led the Mustangs with two RBIs and went 2-for-5. Rogers, Jack Gordon, and Tyrus Young also notched two hits each, while Bodie Rodriquez stole a pair of bases.Hutchinson - 000 200 002 0 - 4 8 1&nbsp; Salina Central - 000 200 002 1 - 5 10 6 W: Graves. L: Parks (0-1). Time: 2:34.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Salthawks rout Mustangs in opener, fall in extras in Game 2

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745984040221.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;In the fourth annual Buck O'Neil Classic, Kansas baseball defeated Missouri 9-3 on Tuesday night at Hoglund Ballpark. Kansas has now won nine consecutive games to match its longest winning streak of the season and the longest under third-year head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn>. The Jayhawks are 4-0 all-time in the Buck O'Neil Classic. &nbsp; <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>&nbsp;hit his 11th home run of the season and finished the night with a career-high five RBIs. The Jayhawks improved to 36-10 overall this season, marking the most wins in a season since 2009. &nbsp; Kansas used seven pitchers to pick up the victory.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/malakai-vetock/16142" rel="smarttag" rev="16142">Malakai Vetock</a></dfn>&nbsp;started for Kansas and went a pre-determined two innings to earn the win.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/manning-west/16160" rel="smarttag" rev="16160">Manning West</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dalton-smith/16144" rel="smarttag" rev="16144">Dalton Smith</a></dfn>&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/alex-breckheimer/16154" rel="smarttag" rev="16154">Alex Breckheimer</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/eric-lin/16158" rel="smarttag" rev="16158">Eric Lin</a></dfn>&nbsp;each had scoreless relief appearances.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brigden-parker/16127" rel="smarttag" rev="16127">Brigden Parker</a></dfn>&nbsp;also did not allow an earned run. &nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; Missouri (13-31) scored a run in the first inning on a solo homer by Kaden Peer. &bull; Kansas responded right away in the bottom of the first.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn>&nbsp;each got on base and then Counsell launched a three-run homer to left-center field to give Kansas a 3-1 lead. &bull; The Jayhawks tacked on another run in the second inning on an RBI single by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ian-francis/16139" rel="smarttag" rev="16139">Ian Francis</a></dfn>. That made it a 4-1 Kansas advantage. &bull; The Tigers scored a run in the third inning while Missouri was in a rundown between first and second base. The run cut the game to 4-2. &bull; In the fourth inning, Kansas scored two more runs on a two-run single by Counsell to give the Jayhawks a 6-2 lead. &bull; Each team traded a run in the seventh inning. Peer hit an RBI single for Missouri in the top of the inning and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyer-smith/16138" rel="smarttag" rev="16138">Sawyer Smith</a></dfn>&nbsp;had an RBI double in the bottom half of the inning to bring the score to 7-3. &bull; KU wrapped up the scoring with two runs in the eighth inning to make it 9-3.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>&nbsp;hit an RBI single to left field to bring home one run and another run scored on the same play on an errant throw from the left fielder. &nbsp; PITCHERS OF RECORD Win:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/malakai-vetock/16142" rel="smarttag" rev="16142">Malakai Vetock</a></dfn>&nbsp;(3-0) Final line: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 SO Loss: Josh Kirchhoff (2-1) Final line: 1.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO &nbsp; SOCIAL POST OF THE GAME &nbsp; &nbsp; QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES "I loved how the guys competed and loved that we just kept it the same in terms of just another day to prepare and get better. Malakai did a nice job in the first and then came back and did a really nice job in the second. We needed someone to stretch us for two (innings). We were hoping it would be Malakai. As you get closer to the postseason, you have to think about who else is going to&nbsp;start and if you get into a tournament situation where you have to play more than three games in a weekend. We had kind of mapped out that spot for Trumper and it worked out great and then the rest of it we had mapped it. Obviously, things didn't go our way perfectly, but the pitching plan kind of went to the way we were hoping it would go. Then, some timely hitting and some really good at bats. Any time you have more walks then punchouts in a game you've done a nice job at the plate. Overall really pleased with how he competed. It is so much fun playing at home. Our crowd is amazing and creative and many other words. Fun night." &ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; "I think I just got some good pitches to hit. Had a good game plan going into the first at-bat and got a good pitch to hit and put it out of the park. Derek (Cerda), Jackson (Hauge) and Brady (Ballinger) get on base a lot, so it makes my job a little bit easier with getting RBIs." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135">Brady Counsell</a></dfn> &nbsp; &bull; Kansas improved to 36-10 overall this season. The 36 wins are the most in a season since 2009. &bull; Kansas has won nine consecutive games, which matches the team's longest winning streak of the season and the longest under Fitzgerald. &bull; Kansas has a program-record 85 home runs this year. &bull; Kansas is now 4-0 in the annual Buck O'Neil Classic. &bull; Kansas recorded a season-high four stolen bases. The four steals are the most since April 12, 2023 vs. Texas Southern. &bull; Counsell set a new career high with five RBIs and tied his career high with 11 home runs this season. He extended his hitting streak to seven games. &bull; Smith has reached base safely in each of the last 22 games. &bull; Osoria extended his on-base streak to 12 games. &bull; Ballinger now has 18 multi-hit games this season. &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas will host Cincinnati in a weekend conference series at Hoglund Ballpark, beginning on Friday at 6 p.m. CT. Fans can purchase tickets by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=BSB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=&amp;utm_source=navbar&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=navbar_website">here</a>.</div>

⚾ KU beats Mizzou for ninth straight win

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746019181364.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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LINCOLN, Neb. &ndash;&nbsp;Nebraska's Gabe Swansen hit a three-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Cornhuskers a 7-6 walk-off victory over K-State Tuesday night at Hawks Field. "We did a lot of really good things tonight," head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2603" rel="smarttag" rev="2603">Pete Hughes</a></dfn>&nbsp;commented. "We played great from behind, took the lead, and expanded it in the ninth. Unfortunately, you have to get 27 outs to win &ndash; 26 doesn't do it." In the game, K-State (26-19)&nbsp; stranded nine baserunners and was 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position. <dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-ruhl/12303" rel="smarttag" rev="12303">Ty Ruhl</a></dfn>&nbsp;(2-2) was tagged for the loss after loading the bases in the ninth inning. The senior reliever went 1/3 innings, giving up two hits with a strikeout. Nebraska's Gavin Blachowicz (3-0) was credited with the win after striking out two of the three batters he faced in the ninth. Starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tanner-duke/12334" rel="smarttag" rev="12334">Tanner Duke</a></dfn>&nbsp;logged five innings of one-run (unearned) ball, surrendering two hits with three strikeouts, while reliever&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/adam-arther/12286" rel="smarttag" rev="12286">Adam Arther</a></dfn>&nbsp;fired 2 2/3 scoreless innings. The lefty retired six of the seven batters he faced, without allowing a hit. <dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-bishop/12287" rel="smarttag" rev="12287">David Bishop</a></dfn>&nbsp;paced the offense, going 2-for-4, while&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/sam-flores/12310" rel="smarttag" rev="12310">Sam Flores</a></dfn>&nbsp;drove in three RBI. HOW IT HAPPENED The Cats recorded the first two hits of the game, with a single by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/keegan-o-connor/12317" rel="smarttag" rev="12317">Keegan O'Connor</a></dfn>&nbsp;and double from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-bishop/12287" rel="smarttag" rev="12287">David Bishop</a></dfn>. K-State took advantage of a two-base fielding error that scored Bishop and put the Cats on the board. Nebraska answered in the bottom of the inning with singles by Dylan Carey and Robby Bolin, before a throwing error plated Carey from second. Tied 1-1, back-to-back walks issued to&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/shintaro-inoue/12311" rel="smarttag" rev="12311">Shintaro Inoue</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dee-kennedy/12308" rel="smarttag" rev="12308">Dee Kennedy</a></dfn>&nbsp;started off the sixth inning. A wild pitch moved the runners up 90-feet with two outs before an intentional walk to&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/seth-dardar/12320" rel="smarttag" rev="12320">Seth Dardar</a></dfn>&nbsp;loaded the bases with&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/bear-madliak/12309" rel="smarttag" rev="12309">Bear Madliak</a></dfn>&nbsp;headed to the plate. Madliak, who was named to the Buster Posey Catcher of the Year Midseason Watch List, walked to put the Cats back in the lead. The lead was short lived, as Nebraska loaded the bases twice and spotted freshman reliever&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/donte-lewis/12313" rel="smarttag" rev="12313">Donte Lewis</a></dfn>&nbsp;for three runs to take its first lead of the night. Trailing 4-2, Martin laced a double inches away from the left field line to lead off the seventh. The centerfield scored in the next at bat, as Bishop singled through the right side to pull the score within one. Inoue followed with a base knock into right before the duo advanced on a failed pickoff attempt by reliever Casey Daiss. The Huskers made their seventh call to the pen, bringing Luke Broderick into the game. Broderick, who selected to the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List, inherited runners on second and third before&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/sam-flores/12310" rel="smarttag" rev="12310">Sam Flores</a></dfn>&nbsp;delivered a clutch hit into right to help the Cats regain the lead. &nbsp; Inoue reached base in the ninth and moved to third with his sixth stolen base of the year and wild pitch. K-State added an insurance run with Flores third RBI of the game, scoring Inoue with a grounder to the mound. Nebraska rallied in the ninth, loading the bases with a pair of singles and hit by pitch with one out, leading to Swansen's three-run double to walk it off. INSIDE THE BOX
<ul>
<li>K-State scored six runs on six hits, committed two errors and ledt nine runners on base.</li>
<li>Nebraska scored seven runs on nine hits with three errors and stranded six baserunners.</li>
<li>Bishop turned in the only multi-hit game (2-for-4), as five different players accounted for K-State's hits.</li>
<li>Flores drove in three Wildcat runs followed by Madliak and Bishop with one.</li>
<li>K-State used five pitchers in the game while Nebraska used eight.</li>
<li>Ruhl (2-2) took the loss, surrendering three earned runs in the ninth.</li>
<li>Blachowicz (3-0) earned the victory in relief.</li>
<li>K-State 3-for-19 with runners on and 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position, while Nebraska was 6-for-18 with men on and 5-for-13 in scoring position.</li>
<li>Nebraska scored three runs with two outs.</li>
</ul>
TEAM NOTES
<ul>
<li>K-State is 118-176 in the all-time series with Nebraska, with a 43-93 record in Lincoln.</li>
<li>Under Hughes, K-State is 4-5 against the Cornhuskers.</li>
<li>K-State is 3-2 against teams from the Big 12 in 2025.</li>
<li>The Cats are 10-15 overall on the road, that includes a 4-15 record in true road games.</li>
<li>O'Connor has recorded a hit in six consecutive games.</li>
<li>Martin hit his 13th&nbsp;double.</li>
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UP NEXT K-State returns to Big 12 play on Thursday night, when the Cats take on BYU (21-21, 6-15 Big 12) at Miller Park in Provo, Utah. Thursday's game marks the first meeting between the two teams in Provo since BYU joined the league. Single-game tickets for the Wildcats final week (May 6-11) at Tointon Family Stadium can be purchased by visiting&nbsp;<a name="_Hlk192492882"></a>KStateSports.com, call 1-800-221-CATS (2287), or stopping by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.</div>

⚾ Wildcats walked off by Huskers

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Freddy Fermin had three hits and an RBI, Kyle Isbel and Salvador Perez each drove in a run and Michael Lorenzen pitched six strong innings for his 50th career win as the Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Perez’s two-out double drove in Jonathan India in the first. One inning later, Fermin poked a single to right that allowed Drew Walters to advance from first to third, setting up Isbel’s sacrifice fly.

Fermin, who nearly left the game in the seventh after fouling a pitch off his hands, singled home Maikel Garcia to give Kansas City a two-run cushion in the ninth.

Lorenzen (3-3) halted the Rays’ five-game winning streak, his only blemish a solo homer to Junior Caminero in the fourth. After the homer, Lorenzen retired nine of his final 11 before three Kansas City relievers combined to shut out the Rays over the final three innings.

Caminero fell a triple shy of the cycle, going 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Rays, who’ve dropped six of their last seven at Steinbrenner Field.

Rays start Taj Bradley (2-2) gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings, walking three and striking out two.

Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Brandon Lowe and Caminero singled off Lucas Erceg. The reliever then struck out Jonathan Aranda and induced an inning-ending groundout from Christopher Morel to escape the jam. The Rays finished 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position.

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. singled in the eighth to extend his hitting streak to 20 games, longest in the majors since José Iglesias hit safely in 22 straight from Sept. 6-30.

Royals LHP Noah Cameron is expected to make his big league debut on Wednesday against Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 2.10 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746007805852.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) watches his RBI double off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Taj Bradley during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) watches his RBI double off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Taj Bradley during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Freddy Fermin had three hits and an RBI, Kyle Isbel and Salvador Perez each drove in a run and Michael Lorenzen pitched six strong innings for his 50th career win as the Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 on Tuesday night.Perez’s two-out double drove in Jonathan India in the first. One inning later, Fermin poked a single to right that allowed Drew Walters to advance from first to third, setting up Isbel’s sacrifice fly.Fermin, who nearly left the game in the seventh after fouling a pitch off his hands, singled home Maikel Garcia to give Kansas City a two-run cushion in the ninth.Lorenzen (3-3) halted the Rays’ five-game winning streak, his only blemish a solo homer to Junior Caminero in the fourth. After the homer, Lorenzen retired nine of his final 11 before three Kansas City relievers combined to shut out the Rays over the final three innings.Carlos Estévez earned his eighth save.Caminero fell a triple shy of the cycle, going 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Rays, who’ve dropped six of their last seven at Steinbrenner Field.Rays start Taj Bradley (2-2) gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings, walking three and striking out two.<h2>Key moment</h2>Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Brandon Lowe and Caminero singled off Lucas Erceg. The reliever then struck out Jonathan Aranda and induced an inning-ending groundout from Christopher Morel to escape the jam. The Rays finished 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position.<h2>Key stat</h2>Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. singled in the eighth to extend his hitting streak to 20 games, longest in the majors since José Iglesias hit safely in 22 straight from Sept. 6-30.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Noah Cameron is expected to make his big league debut on Wednesday against Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 2.10 ERA).

⚾️ Freddy Fermin has 3 hits as Royals beat Rays

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746019061005.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
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MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash; Veteran coach&nbsp;Bill Peterson, who has experience at virtually every level of college and professional basketball coaching, has been named an assistant men's basketball coach at Kansas State in an announcement by head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jerome-tang/2541" rel="smarttag" rev="2541">Jerome Tang</a></dfn>&nbsp;on Tuesday afternoon (April 29). Peterson, who started his new job on Tuesday, previously coached alongside Tang while at Baylor from 2017-22 where they helped guide the Bears to the 2021 NCAA Championship. "I am fired up to have Coach Bill Peterson as a part of our staff," said Tang. "He brings a wealth of experience in both college and the NBA. Every coach, player, and person associated with K-State Basketball will be better because of the addition of Coach Bill Peterson." Peterson has a combined 10 years of head coaching experience at the NAIA, Division II and G-League levels in his 47-year coaching career while he has been an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech (1980-83), McNeese State (1987-94), Bosier Parish Community College (1997-99), Colorado State (2000-07) and Denver (2024-25) to go with significant experience in a support staff role at Baylor (2017-24). Peterson has also served in various capacities in the NBA, including as special assistant with the Golden State Warriors (1989), player development/scout with the Dallas Mavericks (1998-2000) and assistant coach/player development with the Milwaukee Bucks (2007-13). He has G-League experience with the Texas Legends (2014) and Erie BayHawks (2014-17). Peterson has mentored over 20 NBA players, including Hall of Famers&nbsp;Dirk Nowitzki,&nbsp;Steve Nash&nbsp;and&nbsp;Karl Malone&nbsp;as well as 13-year pro&nbsp;Jason Smith&nbsp;and current Charlotte Hornet&nbsp;Seth Curry. "I am extremely excited to be joining Coach Tang's staff at Kansas State," said Peterson. "I have known&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jerome-tang/2541" rel="smarttag" rev="2541">Jerome Tang</a></dfn>&nbsp;for the past eight years and have great respect and admiration for him and his family. The opportunity to work with him and his staff is a real blessing. The opportunity to work at a storied basketball program like K-State with a rich tradition of excellence is a real honor. "I am excited to again be competing in the Big 12 as it is recognized as one of the premier basketball leagues in the country. I will pour my heart and soul into the players, coaching and staff to get 1% better every day." Tang became familiar with Peterson during their 5-year stint on staff at Baylor (2017-22), where they helped the Bears to a 120-42 (.741) overall record, including a 61-26 (.701) mark in Big 12 play, to go with the 2021 NCAA Championship, two Big 12 regular-season titles (2021, 2022) and three NCAA Tournament appearances (2019, 2021, 2022). Peterson was Baylor's director of men's basketball operations from 2017-19 before spending the next five seasons (2019-24) as the special assistant to head coach&nbsp;Scott Drew. Overall, he was a part of 167 wins with the Bears to go with five NCAA Tournament appearances (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024). Prior to joining the staff at Baylor, Peterson spent 10 seasons (2007-17) in the professional ranks with the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic. He was an assistant and player development coach with the Bucks under head coaches&nbsp;Larry Krystkowiak,&nbsp;Scott Skiles&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jim Boylan&nbsp;from 2007-13 before spending time with the Mavericks' G-League franchise, the Texas Legends in 2014. He was the head coach of the Erie BayHawks, the G-League affiliate of the Orlando Magic, from 2014-17 and was instrumental in the NBA call-ups of&nbsp;Seth Curry,&nbsp;Austin Daye,&nbsp;Keith Appling&nbsp;and&nbsp;Anthony Brown. He led the Orlando Magic Blue Team to the 2016 NBA Summer League Championship. Peterson's pro experience also includes a stint as a player development coach and scout with the Mavericks from 1998-2000 and as a special assistant with the Warriors in the summer of 1989. Peterson served as associate head coach at Colorado State for seven seasons (2000-07) under the direction of head coach&nbsp;Dale Layer. He was a part of 103 wins while in Fort Collins, including the Rams' first NCAA Tournament bid in 13 seasons after winning the Mountain West Conference Tournament in 2003. Peterson had the first of two stints as a small college head coach from 1983-87 at NAIA Union College in Barbourville, Ky., where he led the Bulldogs to 73 wins. He posted four consecutive winning seasons, including the school's most wins (22) in 16 seasons in 1984-85 while producing the school's first-ever NBA Draft pick in&nbsp;James Anderson&nbsp;(Portland Trail Blazers) in 1985. Peterson was the head coach at Division II Alabama-Huntsville from 1994-97, guiding the Chargers to their first winning season in 10 years in 1994-95 after inheriting a squad that won just one game the previous season. In between his head coaching stints with Union College and UAH, Peterson spent seven seasons (1987-94) on head coach&nbsp;Steve Welch's&nbsp;staff at McNeese State. He was a part of 75 wins with the Cowboys, including a Southland Conference Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament bid in 1989. Peterson spent the 2024-25 season with the University of Denver under head coach&nbsp;Jeff Wulburn. Peterson began his coaching career as a student assistant at St. Petersburg (Fla.) Junior College before 3 seasons (1980-83) as a graduate assistant for head coach&nbsp;Andy Russo&nbsp;at Louisiana Tech, where he was part of a coaching staff that developed All-American and Hall of Famer&nbsp;Karl Malone. Peterson earned his bachelor's degree in Leisure and Recreation from Eckerd (Fla.) College in 1980 before obtaining a Master's in Physical Education and Human Relations from Louisiana Tech in 1982. Peterson and his wife,&nbsp;Diane, are the parents of three daughters:&nbsp;Kati,&nbsp;Ginny&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hailey&nbsp;(who went to be with The Lord in 2000). Coaching Experience Student Assistant, St. Petersburg Junior College, 1978-79 Graduate Assistant Coach, Louisiana Tech, 1980-83 Head Coach, Athletes in Action Russian/European Tour, 1985-86 Head Coach, Union College (Ky.), 1983-87 Special Assistant, Golden State Warriors, Summer 1989 Assistant Coach, McNeese State, 1987-94 Head Coach, Alabama-Huntsville, 1994-97 Assistant Head Coach, Bosier Parish Community College, 1997-99 Player Development Coach/Scout, Dallas Mavericks, 1998-2000 Associate Head Coach, Colorado State, 2000-07 Assistant Coach/Player Development, Milwaukee Bucks, 2007-13 Assistant Coach/Player Development, Texas Legends (NBA G-League), 2014 Head Coach, Erie BayHawks (NBA G-League), 2014-17 Director of Men's Basketball Operations, Baylor, 2017-19 Special Assistant to the Head Coach, Baylor, 2019-24 Assistant Coach, Denver, 2024-25 Assistant Coach, Kansas State, 2025-present Education Bachelor's Degree in Leisure and Recreation, Eckerd College, 1980 Master's in Physical Education and Human Relations, Louisiana Tech, 1982 Personal Wife:&nbsp;Diane Children:&nbsp;Kati, Ginny, Hailey&nbsp;(who went to be with The Lord in 2000)</div>

🏀 K-State adds Peterson to men's staff

SALINA, Kan. - The Hutchinson High School varsity baseball team travels to Salina Central to face the Mustangs in a doubleheader this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. for Game 1, with Game 2 to follow.

The Salthawks enter the doubleheader with a 9-8 record and are fresh off a split with Salina South in Salina on Friday. The Mustangs are 9-7 dropping two games on the road to Goddard Eisenhower last week.

Click below to listen to the broadcast of both games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745928710696.png" alt="Game Day_ Salthawks @ Salina Central&nbsp; for a road doubleheader today at 4pm &amp; 6pm" />
 <figcaption>Game Day_ Salthawks @ Salina Central&nbsp; for a road doubleheader today at 4pm &amp; 6pm</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA, Kan. - The Hutchinson High School varsity baseball team travels to Salina Central to face the Mustangs in a doubleheader this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. for Game 1, with Game 2 to follow.The Salthawks enter the doubleheader with a 9-8 record and are fresh off a split with Salina South in Salina on Friday. The Mustangs are 9-7 dropping two games on the road to Goddard Eisenhower last week.Click below to listen to the broadcast of both games.<div><iframe src="https://eagle-media-sports-hutch.mixlr.com/embed" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" height="200px" width="100%"></iframe><a href="https://mixlr.com/" style="color:#1a1a1a;display:block;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:left;padding: 4px 0;">Eagle Media Sports - Hutchpost Sports is on Mixlr</a></div>

🎧⚾ Hutch High travels to Salina Central for AVCTL doubleheader

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745947882531.png" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
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COLBY, Kan. &ndash; Becoming the 21st NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Qualifier from Hutchinson this season, Blue Dragon freshman Da&rsquo;Shawn Lester has been named the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Week for his performance at the Fort Hays State Alex Francis Classic. &nbsp;
Da&rsquo;Shawn Lester (Hutchinson) &ndash; KJCCC Men&rsquo;s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week Hutchinson Freshman Da'Shawn Lester earned his first career victory and punched his ticket to the NJCAA Outdoor Championships on Friday at the Fort Hays State Alex Francis Classic. Lester won the 400 meters with a personal best and meet-winning time of 47.24 seconds. In addition to becoming the 21st Blue Dragon national meet qualifier, Lester posted the fourth-fastest outdoor 400-meter time in Blue Dragon history.
Other Track Athletes Nominated: Sibonokuhle Thwala &ndash; Fort Hays Tech NW Oliver Cabana &ndash; Neosho County
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👟 HutchCC's Lester named KJCCC Track Athlete of the Week

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745947327671.png" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
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COLBY, Kan. &ndash; Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Baseball West Division series victories for Seward County Community College and Hutchinson Community College last week were led by this week&rsquo;s KJCCC Baseball West Division Players of the Week Hayden Ramage and Lachlan Rosser. &nbsp;
Hayden Ramage &ndash; Seward County (KJCCC Baseball West Division Player of the Week) Ramage hit .474 last week with three extra-base hits to lead Seward County to a four-game conference series sweep of Pratt. Recording multi-hit games in the first three games of the series, Ramage drove in 10 runs and scored five times while slugging .842.
Lachlan Rosser - Hutchinson (KJCCC Baseball West Division Pitcher of the Week) Blue Dragon freshman pitcher Lachlan Rosser pitched his best game of the season in a critical 4-0 victory over Garden City on Friday at Hobart-Detter Field. With the Blue Dragons battling for a home postseason playoff series, Rosser tossed seven shutout innings of two-hit baseball against the Broncbusters. The freshman struck out six and walked only one. Rosser's seven innings were a season-long for the left-hander while needing just 95 pitches and allowing only one Garden City runner to reach third base.
Other Players Nominated: Ayden Hadley - Barton Cam MaCleod &ndash; Cloud County Isaiah Padilla &ndash; Colby MD Connor &ndash; Dodge City Sean Togher &ndash; Garden City Taber Stokes &ndash; Hutchinson
Other Pitchers Nominated: Braden Hauschel &ndash; Barton Cole Linton &ndash; Cloud County Will David &ndash; Dodge City Jace Reid &ndash; Garden City John Langehennig &ndash; Seward County</div>

⚾ HutchCC's Rosser named KJCCC Pitcher of the Week

TOPEKA, Kan.&nbsp;—&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) has taken a significant step toward investing in Kansas student athletes by approving a new bylaw requiring all member colleges to reserve at least 25% of their athletic Letters of Intent (LOIs) for Kansas students.

The decision was made during this week’s KJCCC meeting, where participating colleges came together to support the change. The policy will take effect starting with the 2026-2027 academic year and will apply across all sports offered by the member institutions.

"This move reflects our commitment to the communities that support our colleges," said Dr. Michael Calvert, President of Pratt Community College. "We’re proud to give Kansas student-athletes more opportunities to compete close to home."

Dr. Ryan Ruda, President of Garden City Community College, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the unique relationship between community colleges and their local supporters. "One of the strengths of Kansas’ community college system is the strong support we receive from local communities and taxpayers. There’s a special sense of pride and excitement when local students are on the field or court," he said.

Over the past seven years, the KJCCC has revised 20 recruitment-related rules. At one point, the league allowed unlimited out-of-state athletic scholarships. The new policy now limits out-of-state LOIs to no more than 75% of total offers, underscoring a renewed focus on Kansas and Kansas student athletes.&nbsp;

“We all want to recruit the best athletes, regardless of where they come from,” said Brad Bennett, President of Seward County Community College. “But ultimately, we’re Kansas institutions with a responsibility to serve Kansas communities—whether through academics or athletics.”

With the proposed roster limits being discussed at the NCAA Division One level and the increasing number of Kansas athletes wanting to stay close to home to compete, this change is the first step to ensuring Kansas athletes know that Kansas community colleges are committed to them to continuing their higher education and athletic participation in the state.&nbsp;The range of sports programs across the 20 colleges varies widely, from football rosters with more than 100 players to tennis teams with fewer than 10. All athletic programs will be subject to the new Kansas athlete recruitment requirement.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584064511958.png" alt="KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>KJCCC</figcaption>
 </figure>KJCCCTOPEKA, Kan.&nbsp;—&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) has taken a significant step toward investing in Kansas student athletes by approving a new bylaw requiring all member colleges to reserve at least 25% of their athletic Letters of Intent (LOIs) for Kansas students.The decision was made during this week’s KJCCC meeting, where participating colleges came together to support the change. The policy will take effect starting with the 2026-2027 academic year and will apply across all sports offered by the member institutions."This move reflects our commitment to the communities that support our colleges," said Dr. Michael Calvert, President of Pratt Community College. "We’re proud to give Kansas student-athletes more opportunities to compete close to home."Dr. Ryan Ruda, President of Garden City Community College, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the unique relationship between community colleges and their local supporters. "One of the strengths of Kansas’ community college system is the strong support we receive from local communities and taxpayers. There’s a special sense of pride and excitement when local students are on the field or court," he said.Over the past seven years, the KJCCC has revised 20 recruitment-related rules. At one point, the league allowed unlimited out-of-state athletic scholarships. The new policy now limits out-of-state LOIs to no more than 75% of total offers, underscoring a renewed focus on Kansas and Kansas student athletes.&nbsp;“We all want to recruit the best athletes, regardless of where they come from,” said Brad Bennett, President of Seward County Community College. “But ultimately, we’re Kansas institutions with a responsibility to serve Kansas communities—whether through academics or athletics.”With the proposed roster limits being discussed at the NCAA Division One level and the increasing number of Kansas athletes wanting to stay close to home to compete, this change is the first step to ensuring Kansas athletes know that Kansas community colleges are committed to them to continuing their higher education and athletic participation in the state.&nbsp;The range of sports programs across the 20 colleges varies widely, from football rosters with more than 100 players to tennis teams with fewer than 10. All athletic programs will be subject to the new Kansas athlete recruitment requirement.&nbsp;