KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 5-1 on Sunday to avoid being swept in the series between teams with the worst records in the major leagues.

Kansas City (9-26) lost two of three to the A's (8-27) and dropped to 1-10 in series this season.

Perez went 3 for 4 with a 462-foot home run over the left-field fountains and scored three times. Maikel Garcia scored Perez with an RBI single, giving the Royals a 2-1 lead in the fourth.

“I hit the ball pretty good, but it counts as a homer no matter how far you hit it," Perez said. "...We have to do this more consistently and it was a great win today. We will try to come in tomorrow and do the same thing.”

Nick Pratto hit a two-run double in the eighth to highlight a three-run inning.

Ryan Yarbrough (1-4) pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed one run on three hits with two strikeouts and a hit batter. Yarbrough was removed from the game in the sixth after getting hit in the face by a liner that was 106.2 mph off the bat of Ryan Noda. Yarbrough was able to walk off the field with the assistance of trainers.

“Your heart drops in those moments, it is one of the worst things you can see on the field," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "Luckily, when we got out there, (Yarbarough) was aware of what was going on. He is going to get more tests. As far as his outing until that point, that was just what we are used to seeing from him.”

Royals relievers Carlos Hernandez, Aroldis Chapman and Scott Barlow each tossed scoreless outings.

Mason Miller (0-2) gave up two runs on five hits with five strikeouts and a hit batter in six innings of work.

(Miller) is building momentum and I think each start he is just getting better and better," Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said. “Veteran Salvador (Perez) got him early in the game and seemed to see him pretty well, but was probably the only guy in the lineup really. Overall, good performance.”

Ramón Laureano broke an 0-for-10 stretch with an RBI single in the fourth. Esteury Ruiz extended his hitting streak to nine games in a 1-for-4 afternoon.

Prior to first-pitch, there was a moment of silence remembering Vida Blue, who died Saturday at the age of 73. Blue was drafted by the then Kansas City Athletics in 1967 and debuted for the A’s in 1969, shortly after the move to Oakland. Blue won an AL MVP, and Cy Young Award and was a three-time World Series champion in Oakland. He also played for the Royals from 1982-83.

Royals: RHP Max Castillo was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. RHP Jonathan Heasley was optioned in the corresponding move.

Royals: LHP Daniel Lynch (left rotator cuff strain) was expected to make a rehab start in Triple-A on Sunday. Lynch was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 30.

Athletics: Oakland continues a six-game road trip with a matchup with the Yankees. LHP JP Sears (0-2, 5.06 ERA) is expected to start for the Athletics.

Royals: RHP Zack Greinke (1-4, 5.25 ERA) opens a three-game series with the White Sox in the first meeting between AL Central foes in 2023 and just the second different divisional opposition of the season for Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683193842018.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 5-1 on Sunday to avoid being swept in the series between teams with the worst records in the major leagues.Kansas City (9-26) lost two of three to the A's (8-27) and dropped to 1-10 in series this season.Perez went 3 for 4 with a 462-foot home run over the left-field fountains and scored three times. Maikel Garcia scored Perez with an RBI single, giving the Royals a 2-1 lead in the fourth.“I hit the ball pretty good, but it counts as a homer no matter how far you hit it," Perez said. "...We have to do this more consistently and it was a great win today. We will try to come in tomorrow and do the same thing.”Nick Pratto hit a two-run double in the eighth to highlight a three-run inning.Ryan Yarbrough (1-4) pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed one run on three hits with two strikeouts and a hit batter. Yarbrough was removed from the game in the sixth after getting hit in the face by a liner that was 106.2 mph off the bat of Ryan Noda. Yarbrough was able to walk off the field with the assistance of trainers.“Your heart drops in those moments, it is one of the worst things you can see on the field," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "Luckily, when we got out there, (Yarbarough) was aware of what was going on. He is going to get more tests. As far as his outing until that point, that was just what we are used to seeing from him.”Royals relievers Carlos Hernandez, Aroldis Chapman and Scott Barlow each tossed scoreless outings.Mason Miller (0-2) gave up two runs on five hits with five strikeouts and a hit batter in six innings of work.(Miller) is building momentum and I think each start he is just getting better and better," Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said. “Veteran Salvador (Perez) got him early in the game and seemed to see him pretty well, but was probably the only guy in the lineup really. Overall, good performance.”Ramón Laureano broke an 0-for-10 stretch with an RBI single in the fourth. Esteury Ruiz extended his hitting streak to nine games in a 1-for-4 afternoon.REMEMBERING VIDA BLUEPrior to first-pitch, there was a moment of silence remembering Vida Blue, who died Saturday at the age of 73. Blue was drafted by the then Kansas City Athletics in 1967 and debuted for the A’s in 1969, shortly after the move to Oakland. Blue won an AL MVP, and Cy Young Award and was a three-time World Series champion in Oakland. He also played for the Royals from 1982-83.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: RHP Max Castillo was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. RHP Jonathan Heasley was optioned in the corresponding move.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: LHP Daniel Lynch (left rotator cuff strain) was expected to make a rehab start in Triple-A on Sunday. Lynch was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 30.UP NEXTAthletics: Oakland continues a six-game road trip with a matchup with the Yankees. LHP JP Sears (0-2, 5.06 ERA) is expected to start for the Athletics.Royals: RHP Zack Greinke (1-4, 5.25 ERA) opens a three-game series with the White Sox in the first meeting between AL Central foes in 2023 and just the second different divisional opposition of the season for Kansas City.

⚾ Perez homers, Royals avoid sweep in 5-1 win over A's

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;The Wildcats tallied four home runs for the second straight day as K-State shut out Southeast Missouri State 10-0 in seven innings to complete a three-game series sweep Sunday at Tointon Family Stadium. "You play one way," said head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;following his team's 31st&nbsp;victory. &nbsp;"It doesn't matter if it's conference or non-conference, the goal for our team this time of year is to get as hot as possible." Four players sent one out of the park to lead K-State (31-18) to its seventh sweep of the season while three drove in a pair of RBI.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson</a>&nbsp;went two-for-two with two RBI and two runs scored. "We really want to see our offense get going here this weekend. We didn't see that Friday night, we saw a great game, but Saturday and today our bats got going. We have some key cards in this machine that are starting to feel good again." Junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;hit his 32nd&nbsp;career home run to tie fourth all-time alongside Todd Fereday (1994-97). <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/mason-buss/10969">Mason Buss</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/collin-rothermel/10962">Collin Rothermel</a>&nbsp;combined for a four-hit shutout led by Buss who logged five innings and three strikeouts to move to 4-2. &nbsp; "It was a really mature approach to a non-conference weekend in the middle of May and that's all I want to see from my teams." "It all starts with good pitching and great defense. We played error free baseball this weekend and are pushing Omaha numbers." K-State has committed a league-low 38 errors through 49 games this season for a .978 fielding percentage compared to last year's .967 with 71. HOW IT HAPPENED K-State scored in four straight innings to capture the 10-0 shutout victory. The Cats first two batters quickly landed on base in the first inning after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>&nbsp;was walked on four straight balls. A deep fly ball moved Jones to third before Pena's smart base running drew the attention away from third, allowing Jones to tab the first run to the board. K-State doubled its lead just three batters later with a single out to left from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>. Goodwin kept the Cats momentum during the second as the junior from Overland Park, Kansas roped his 11th&nbsp;homer of the season down the left field line. With a 4-0 lead in the third,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;launched his sixth homer of the year to ignite a four-run inning and help K-State take control of the series finale. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/carson-queck/10976">Carson Queck</a>&nbsp;hit an RBI double off the right center wall before coming across the plate on a wild pitch until&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;unloaded his second homer of the series to make it an 8-0 ball game. Johnson tabbed the final two runs to the board with his ninth homer of the year after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;doubled to right field to lead off the fourth. The Redhawks looked to jump on the board in the sixth frame but Rugely preserved the shutout after the senior right fielder robbed a potential two-run homer from Lincoln Andrews. INSIDE THE BOX

ON DECK The Cats will head to Stillwater for the final road trip of the regular season when they go head-to-head with Oklahoma State (33-14, 11-7 Big 12) on May 12-14 at O'Brate Stadium. The entire series will be streamed on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). Live streaming audio is available for all games at kstatesports.com/watch and the K-State Sports app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683506679172.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;The Wildcats tallied four home runs for the second straight day as K-State shut out Southeast Missouri State 10-0 in seven innings to complete a three-game series sweep Sunday at Tointon Family Stadium. "You play one way," said head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;following his team's 31st&nbsp;victory. &nbsp;"It doesn't matter if it's conference or non-conference, the goal for our team this time of year is to get as hot as possible." Four players sent one out of the park to lead K-State (31-18) to its seventh sweep of the season while three drove in a pair of RBI.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson</a>&nbsp;went two-for-two with two RBI and two runs scored. "We really want to see our offense get going here this weekend. We didn't see that Friday night, we saw a great game, but Saturday and today our bats got going. We have some key cards in this machine that are starting to feel good again." Junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;hit his 32nd&nbsp;career home run to tie fourth all-time alongside Todd Fereday (1994-97). <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/mason-buss/10969">Mason Buss</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/collin-rothermel/10962">Collin Rothermel</a>&nbsp;combined for a four-hit shutout led by Buss who logged five innings and three strikeouts to move to 4-2. &nbsp; "It was a really mature approach to a non-conference weekend in the middle of May and that's all I want to see from my teams." "It all starts with good pitching and great defense. We played error free baseball this weekend and are pushing Omaha numbers." K-State has committed a league-low 38 errors through 49 games this season for a .978 fielding percentage compared to last year's .967 with 71. HOW IT HAPPENED K-State scored in four straight innings to capture the 10-0 shutout victory. The Cats first two batters quickly landed on base in the first inning after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>&nbsp;was walked on four straight balls. A deep fly ball moved Jones to third before Pena's smart base running drew the attention away from third, allowing Jones to tab the first run to the board. K-State doubled its lead just three batters later with a single out to left from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>. Goodwin kept the Cats momentum during the second as the junior from Overland Park, Kansas roped his 11th&nbsp;homer of the season down the left field line. With a 4-0 lead in the third,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;launched his sixth homer of the year to ignite a four-run inning and help K-State take control of the series finale. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/carson-queck/10976">Carson Queck</a>&nbsp;hit an RBI double off the right center wall before coming across the plate on a wild pitch until&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;unloaded his second homer of the series to make it an 8-0 ball game. Johnson tabbed the final two runs to the board with his ninth homer of the year after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;doubled to right field to lead off the fourth. The Redhawks looked to jump on the board in the sixth frame but Rugely preserved the shutout after the senior right fielder robbed a potential two-run homer from Lincoln Andrews. INSIDE THE BOX<ul>
 <li>K-State scored 10 runs on 10 hits with no errors and six left on base</li><li>Jones homered for the second straight day</li><li>Four Wildcats homered in the victory</li><li>Goodwin hit his 32nd&nbsp;career homer; ties fourth all-time</li><li>Six players recorded a hit with four hitting multiple</li><li>Johnson went 2-for-2 with his ninth homer of the year</li><li>Three Wildcats drove in two RBI</li><li>Buss was awarded the victory to move to 4-2</li><li>Buss and Rothermel combined for the shutout with five strikeouts</li><li>SEMO scored five runs on eight hits with two errors and three runners left on base</li><li>Hernandez (2-2) received the loss</li><li>SEMO sent seven pitchers to the mound</li>
 </ul>NOTES<ul>
 <li>K-State recorded its seventh sweep of the year</li><li>Cats finished 20-11 in the non-conference schedule of the regular season</li><li>Third shutout game of the season</li><li>Cats posted their 16th&nbsp;multi-home run game</li><li>K-State leads the all-time series 3-1</li><li>Rugely has reached base in 31 straight games with Day following at 29</li><li>The Cats moved to 18-6 at home this season</li>
 </ul>ON DECK The Cats will head to Stillwater for the final road trip of the regular season when they go head-to-head with Oklahoma State (33-14, 11-7 Big 12) on May 12-14 at O'Brate Stadium. The entire series will be streamed on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). Live streaming audio is available for all games at kstatesports.com/watch and the K-State Sports app.

⚾ Wildcats blank SEMO to complete sweep

Via Hutchinson CC Sports Information

DODGE CITY –&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/goetz_aspen_qe50">Aspen Goetz</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/mastin_alexis_xhvz">Alexis Mastin</a>&nbsp;had back-to-back home runs to set an early tone and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/pennycuff_morgan_4wht">Morgan Pennycuff</a>&nbsp;earned her second pitching victory of the regional tournament and the Hutchinson Community College softball team advanced to its first Region VI Tournament championship game since 2018 on Sunday.

The No. 14-ranked Blue Dragons scored six runs in each of the first two innings and held on to defeat the Colby Trojans 6-4 in the Region VI Tournament losers' bracket final on Sunday morning at Legends Park.

Now 44-7, the Blue Dragons advance to play No. 15 Butler in the Region VI Championship game. The appearance is the first in a regional final for the Blue Dragons in five seasons and first in a Division I regional final since 1992.

Down 2-0 after Colby's two-run first inning, Goetz hit her 20th home run this season and 27th career home run with a two-run laser beam that bounced on top of the left-center field fence for a two-run homer to tie the game at 2-2. Mastin followed on the next pitch with an opposite-field home run to right for a 3-2 lead off Colby ace Abby Sims.

The Blue Dragons made it 6-2 after two innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sandoval_olivia_qojo">Olivia Sandoval</a>&nbsp;hit a two-run single up the middle to score&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/lies_korri_wryv">Korri Lies</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/dougherty_ella_9103">Ella Dougherty</a>. Sandoval then scored on a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/stipsits_allie_zmyh">Allie Stipsits</a>.

Pennycuff (17-2) grinded through four-plus innings. She allowed seven hits and four earned runs with five strikeouts and one walk.

After allowing back-to-back singles to open the fifth, Pennycuff was lifted for closer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/wertz_riley_hm55">Riley Wertz</a>. After giving up a two-run double to pull Colby within 6-4, the momentum of the game turned when Sandoval caught a line drive ripped down the third-base line and almost instantly turned an unassisted double play.

Wertz got a strikeout to end the inning and she earned her eighth save of the season and KJCCC career record 17th by retiring the final eight batters she faced. Wertz had four strikeouts in three innings of work.

Mastin and Dougherty had the only multi-hit games for the Blue Dragons, who had eight hits.

Mastin went 2 for 3 with a homer, her 10th of the season, and one RBI. Dougherty was 2 for 3 with a double, run scored and stolen base.

The Blue Dragons extended their season record for wins to 44. Hutchinson broke the program record on Saturday with a victory over Barton.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683543253066.jpeg" alt="Alexis Mastin and first-base coach Ray Aguirre react after her home run in the first inning of Hutchinson's 6-4 win over Colby in the Region VI Tournament losers' bracket final on Sunday in Dodge City. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) " />
 <figcaption>Alexis Mastin and first-base coach Ray Aguirre react after her home run in the first inning of Hutchinson's 6-4 win over Colby in the Region VI Tournament losers' bracket final on Sunday in Dodge City. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) </figcaption>
 </figure>Via Hutchinson CC Sports InformationDODGE CITY –&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/goetz_aspen_qe50">Aspen Goetz</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/mastin_alexis_xhvz">Alexis Mastin</a>&nbsp;had back-to-back home runs to set an early tone and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/pennycuff_morgan_4wht">Morgan Pennycuff</a>&nbsp;earned her second pitching victory of the regional tournament and the Hutchinson Community College softball team advanced to its first Region VI Tournament championship game since 2018 on Sunday.The No. 14-ranked Blue Dragons scored six runs in each of the first two innings and held on to defeat the Colby Trojans 6-4 in the Region VI Tournament losers' bracket final on Sunday morning at Legends Park.Now 44-7, the Blue Dragons advance to play No. 15 Butler in the Region VI Championship game. The appearance is the first in a regional final for the Blue Dragons in five seasons and first in a Division I regional final since 1992.Down 2-0 after Colby's two-run first inning, Goetz hit her 20th home run this season and 27th career home run with a two-run laser beam that bounced on top of the left-center field fence for a two-run homer to tie the game at 2-2. Mastin followed on the next pitch with an opposite-field home run to right for a 3-2 lead off Colby ace Abby Sims.The Blue Dragons made it 6-2 after two innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sandoval_olivia_qojo">Olivia Sandoval</a>&nbsp;hit a two-run single up the middle to score&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/lies_korri_wryv">Korri Lies</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/dougherty_ella_9103">Ella Dougherty</a>. Sandoval then scored on a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/stipsits_allie_zmyh">Allie Stipsits</a>.Pennycuff (17-2) grinded through four-plus innings. She allowed seven hits and four earned runs with five strikeouts and one walk.After allowing back-to-back singles to open the fifth, Pennycuff was lifted for closer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/wertz_riley_hm55">Riley Wertz</a>. After giving up a two-run double to pull Colby within 6-4, the momentum of the game turned when Sandoval caught a line drive ripped down the third-base line and almost instantly turned an unassisted double play.Wertz got a strikeout to end the inning and she earned her eighth save of the season and KJCCC career record 17th by retiring the final eight batters she faced. Wertz had four strikeouts in three innings of work.Mastin and Dougherty had the only multi-hit games for the Blue Dragons, who had eight hits.Mastin went 2 for 3 with a homer, her 10th of the season, and one RBI. Dougherty was 2 for 3 with a double, run scored and stolen base.Sandoval and Goetz had two RBIs each.The Blue Dragons extended their season record for wins to 44. Hutchinson broke the program record on Saturday with a victory over Barton.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Blue Dragons down Colby to advance into finals

DODGE CITY – The No. 14-ranked Hutchinson Community College softball team was limited to five hits as No. 15 Butler defeated the Blue Dragons 10-2 in the Region VI Tournament winner's bracket final on Saturday at Legends Park.

Hutchinson (43-7) had its 14-game winning streak snapped and dropped into the losers' bracket. The Blue Dragons will play Colby at 10 a.m. on Sunday in the losers' bracket final. A victory in that game puts Hutchinson in the Region VI championship game, which would be at noon.

Trailing 4-0, the Blue Dragons got their only offense of the game in the third inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/dougherty_ella_9103">Ella Dougherty</a>'s sacrifice fly scored&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/darnell_jaeleigh_lirb">Jaeleigh Darnell</a>&nbsp;and an infield single by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/grimes_madison_371p">Madison Grimes</a>&nbsp;scored&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/wertz_riley_hm55">Riley Wertz</a>&nbsp;to cut the Dragon deficit to 4-2.

The Dragons had just two baserunners over the final four innings.

Wertz went 2 for 3 to lead the Dragons with a double in the third inning. Darnell,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sandoval_olivia_qojo">Olivia Sandoval</a>&nbsp;and Grimes had the other hits.

Butler had 15 total hits and took advantage of three Hutchinson fielding errors.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/munson_emily_vjqm">Emily Munson</a>&nbsp;(7-1) suffered her first loss of the season. She allowed five hits and three runs in 1 1-3 inning. Wertz went 4 2-3 innings and gave up nine hits and four earned runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/weitze_kiersten_naju">Kierstan Weitze</a>&nbsp;had a strikeout and one hit in one inning of work.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683467889602.jpeg" alt="Madison Grimes makes a diving stop in the hole in the first inning of Saturday's Region VI Tournament game vs. Butler. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) " />
 <figcaption>Madison Grimes makes a diving stop in the hole in the first inning of Saturday's Region VI Tournament game vs. Butler. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) </figcaption>
 </figure>Via Hutchinson CC Sports InformationDODGE CITY – The No. 14-ranked Hutchinson Community College softball team was limited to five hits as No. 15 Butler defeated the Blue Dragons 10-2 in the Region VI Tournament winner's bracket final on Saturday at Legends Park.Hutchinson (43-7) had its 14-game winning streak snapped and dropped into the losers' bracket. The Blue Dragons will play Colby at 10 a.m. on Sunday in the losers' bracket final. A victory in that game puts Hutchinson in the Region VI championship game, which would be at noon.Trailing 4-0, the Blue Dragons got their only offense of the game in the third inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/dougherty_ella_9103">Ella Dougherty</a>'s sacrifice fly scored&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/darnell_jaeleigh_lirb">Jaeleigh Darnell</a>&nbsp;and an infield single by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/grimes_madison_371p">Madison Grimes</a>&nbsp;scored&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/wertz_riley_hm55">Riley Wertz</a>&nbsp;to cut the Dragon deficit to 4-2.The Dragons had just two baserunners over the final four innings.Wertz went 2 for 3 to lead the Dragons with a double in the third inning. Darnell,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sandoval_olivia_qojo">Olivia Sandoval</a>&nbsp;and Grimes had the other hits.Butler had 15 total hits and took advantage of three Hutchinson fielding errors.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/munson_emily_vjqm">Emily Munson</a>&nbsp;(7-1) suffered her first loss of the season. She allowed five hits and three runs in 1 1-3 inning. Wertz went 4 2-3 innings and gave up nine hits and four earned runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/weitze_kiersten_naju">Kierstan Weitze</a>&nbsp;had a strikeout and one hit in one inning of work.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🥎 Blue Dragons fall in Region VI Winners Bracket finals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics won consecutive games for the first time this season as Ryan Noda had a triple and double, reaching base four times in a 5-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

Noda was 5 for 7 with three doubles, a triple, four runs and four RBI in the first two games of the series between teams tied for the worst record in the major leagues at 8-26.

“He's swinging the bat,” Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said. “He's learned early in the season that when you're as patient as he's been coming through the minor leagues, these big-league guys will attack you. He's been a little more aggressive in the zone and that's created some results.”

Noda is just trying to keep an even keel.

“My job is to get on base any way I can,” he said. “The last two days I've been doing a pretty good job of it. I'm just sticking to my approach and grinding it out. I've been getting good pitches and not missing them.”

Ken Waldichuk (1-2) allowed four runs, six hits and six walks in five innings with six strikeouts. His 115 pitches were the most he's thrown in his major-league career.

“I really wanted to get through five and help out the bullpen a little bit,” Waldichuk said. “I'm really happy that Kots let me stay out there.

"I was battling a lot with my command. Once I walked (Michael Massey leading off the fifth), I knew it was go time.”

Zach Jackson retired Bobby Witt Jr. on a game-ending groundout with two on for his first save this season.

Brady Singer (2-4) gave up five runs and six hits in four innings.

Kansas City honored Lorenzo Cain in a pregame ceremony. A member of the 2015 World Series champions, Cain signed a one-day contract to retire with the Royals. The team drew 29,549, its highest home crowd since opening day.

The Royals had seven baserunners in the last three innings but didn't score.

"To leave that many guys stranded you have to have some good at-bats, too, to put them on base,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We put a lot of good at-bats together so there is a flip side to everything.”

Maikel Garcia hit a two-out RBI double in the first, but Esteury Ruiz's two-run single in the second and JJ Bleday's homer in the third built a 3-1 lead. Ryan Noda hit an RBI triple in the fourth and scored on Brent Rooker's double.

It marked the first series win of season for the Athletics after losing their first 10 series.

“For this club, we know where we're at,” Kotsay said. “We know the hole we dug ourselves. Our focus is on winning each day. I don't think the weight of not winning a series was impactful. But it definitely does feel good to get our first series win.”

Freddy Fermin's solo homer and Witt's two-run drive, a 434-foot drive for his sixth homer this season, cut the deficit to one run in the bottom half.

RHP Mason Miller (0-1, 3.52 ERA) starts Sunday for Oakland and LHP Ryan Yarbrough (0-4, 7.40 ERA) for the Royals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683193842018.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics won consecutive games for the first time this season as Ryan Noda had a triple and double, reaching base four times in a 5-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.Noda was 5 for 7 with three doubles, a triple, four runs and four RBI in the first two games of the series between teams tied for the worst record in the major leagues at 8-26.“He's swinging the bat,” Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said. “He's learned early in the season that when you're as patient as he's been coming through the minor leagues, these big-league guys will attack you. He's been a little more aggressive in the zone and that's created some results.”Noda is just trying to keep an even keel.“My job is to get on base any way I can,” he said. “The last two days I've been doing a pretty good job of it. I'm just sticking to my approach and grinding it out. I've been getting good pitches and not missing them.”Ken Waldichuk (1-2) allowed four runs, six hits and six walks in five innings with six strikeouts. His 115 pitches were the most he's thrown in his major-league career.“I really wanted to get through five and help out the bullpen a little bit,” Waldichuk said. “I'm really happy that Kots let me stay out there."I was battling a lot with my command. Once I walked (Michael Massey leading off the fifth), I knew it was go time.”Zach Jackson retired Bobby Witt Jr. on a game-ending groundout with two on for his first save this season.Brady Singer (2-4) gave up five runs and six hits in four innings.Kansas City honored Lorenzo Cain in a pregame ceremony. A member of the 2015 World Series champions, Cain signed a one-day contract to retire with the Royals. The team drew 29,549, its highest home crowd since opening day.The Royals had seven baserunners in the last three innings but didn't score."To leave that many guys stranded you have to have some good at-bats, too, to put them on base,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We put a lot of good at-bats together so there is a flip side to everything.”Maikel Garcia hit a two-out RBI double in the first, but Esteury Ruiz's two-run single in the second and JJ Bleday's homer in the third built a 3-1 lead. Ryan Noda hit an RBI triple in the fourth and scored on Brent Rooker's double.It marked the first series win of season for the Athletics after losing their first 10 series.“For this club, we know where we're at,” Kotsay said. “We know the hole we dug ourselves. Our focus is on winning each day. I don't think the weight of not winning a series was impactful. But it definitely does feel good to get our first series win.”Freddy Fermin's solo homer and Witt's two-run drive, a 434-foot drive for his sixth homer this season, cut the deficit to one run in the bottom half.UP NEXTRHP Mason Miller (0-1, 3.52 ERA) starts Sunday for Oakland and LHP Ryan Yarbrough (0-4, 7.40 ERA) for the Royals.

⚾ A's beat Royals 5-4, win back-to-back for 1st time

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics won consecutive games for the first time this season as Ryan Noda had a triple and double, reaching base four times in a 5-4 win over the Kansas City Royals. The teams are tied for the worst record in the major leagues at 8-26. Ken Waldichuk allowed four runs, six hits and six walks in five innings and Zach Jackson got his first save this season. Brady Singer (2-4) gave up five runs and six hits in four innings.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals extended a losing steak to eight for the first time in 16 years, losing to the Detroit Tigers 6-5 in Adam Wainwright’s return from the injured list as Akil Baddoo hit a go-ahead double in the 10th inning. St. Louis is on its longest skid since nine straight losses from Sept. 7-15, 2007. At a National League-worst 10-24, the Cardinals are 14 games under .500 for the first time since ending the 1997 season at 73-89. Baddoo doubled off Giovanny Gallegos to drive in automatic runner Jonathan Schoop. Wainwright allowed four runs over five-plus innings.

NEW YORK (AP) — Maybe it was fitting Austin Gomber pitched so well on Mental Health Awareness Day at Citi Field. After opening up about some anxiety he was feeling, Gomber has found his groove. The left-hander won his third straight outing since a terrible start to the season and rookie Ezequiel Tovar had three hits, including a two-run homer, as the Colorado Rockies beat the slumping New York Mets 5-2 on Saturday. Gomber recently disclosed he’s felt pressure to meet expectations because Colorado acquired him from St. Louis in a very unpopular trade for star third baseman Nolan Arenado on Feb. 1, 2021.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers took a 2-1 lead in their second-round playoff series with a comfortable 127-97 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 3. Anthony Davis had 25 points and 13 rebounds, and a slow-starting LeBron James finished with 21 points, eight assists and eight rebounds. D’Angelo Russell hit five 3-pointers while scoring 21 points for the seventh-seeded Lakers, who remained unbeaten at home in the postseason with a strong defensive effort against the defending NBA champions. Stephen Curry scored 23 points and Andrew Wiggins had 16 in a collective stinker for the Warriors.

Butler scores 28, Heat top Knicks 105-86 for 2-1 series lead

MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler returned from his sprained ankle to score 28 points, Max Strus added 19 and the Miami Heat topped the New York Knicks 105-86 to take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Bam Adebayo had 17 points and 12 rebounds for Miami and Kyle Lowry added 14 points for the Heat, who never trailed. Jalen Brunson scored 20 for New York, which got 15 from Josh Hart, 14 from RJ Barrett and 12 from Immanuel Quickley. Julius Randle added 10 points and 14 rebounds for the Knicks. Game 4 is Monday.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A pair of Game 4s await as the NBA’s conference semifinals continue Sunday. The Celtics visit the 76ers. The Nuggets visit the Suns. Both Boston and Denver hold 2-1 series leads. The 76ers have lost two straight games in the series and James Harden has continued to struggle since a fantastic Game 1 effort. Devin Booker scored 47 points and Kevin Durant added 39 to keep the Suns alive with a Game 3 victory.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid each scored twice and the Edmonton Oilers tied their Western Conference semifinal series at one game apiece with a 5-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday. Game 3 is Monday in Edmonton, where the Oilers were 23-12-6 during the regular season. Drasaitl, who scored four goals in the first game, has now tallied at least one point in the first eight games of the postseason, posting 17 points. McDavid, meanwhile, is on a seven-game point streak, with five goals and 11 assists. Evan Bouchard also scored for the Oilers, while rookie goaltender Stuart Skinner stopped 30 shots. Ivan Barbashev scored the lone goal for Vegas.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — William Byron scraped the wall in practice at Kansas Speedway, then proceed to set the fastest time in qualifying, and will be joined on the front row by Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race. Byron turned a lap of 179.206 mph on Saturday to earn his second pole of the season and the 10th of his career — all of them coming at different tracks. The trick now is to turn that first-row starting spot into a victory at Kansas, where he got his first win in the Truck Series but has never finished better than sixth in NASCAR’s top series.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Two more horses died in the hours before 15-1 shot Mage won the Kentucky Derby by a length, making it seven in all and casting a shadow over the 149th edition of the world's most famous race. Early favorite Forte was scratched in the morning because of an injury, the fifth horse to drop out in the run-up to the Derby. The deaths dealt further blows to a sport already reeling from a series of doping suspensions and breakdowns. Two Phil's finished second and 4-1 favorite Angel of Empire was third in front of a crowd of 150,335 on a warm and partly cloudy day at Churchill Downs.

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — Canelo Alvarez returned home and remained the undisputed super middleweight champion, beating John Ryder by unanimous decision before more than 50,000 fans in his first fight in Mexico since 2011. Alvarez bloodied the British challenger’s nose and knocked him down, cruising to the victory by scores of 120-107 on one card and 118-109 on the other two to improve to 59-2-2. Ryder had his four-bout winning streak stopped and is 32-6. It was Canelo´s first fight since he had surgery on his left wrist last March. Before the fight, he said the injury slowed him down in his previous four fights, including his loss to Dmitry Bivol a year ago.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bronny James says he will play basketball at the University of Southern California in the fall. LeBron James' oldest son abruptly announced his much-anticipated decision on social media Saturday, about two hours before a Lakers playoff game. The 18-year-old James was a McDonald’s All-American just like his father, but he was among the few uncommitted elite high school basketball prospects heading into the summer. The namesake son of the top scorer in NBA history played at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, an outer suburban neighborhood of Los Angeles known for educating scions of the sports and entertainment industries.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683366121627.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, May 7th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, May 7th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics won consecutive games for the first time this season as Ryan Noda had a triple and double, reaching base four times in a 5-4 win over the Kansas City Royals. The teams are tied for the worst record in the major leagues at 8-26. Ken Waldichuk allowed four runs, six hits and six walks in five innings and Zach Jackson got his first save this season. Brady Singer (2-4) gave up five runs and six hits in four innings.ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals extended a losing steak to eight for the first time in 16 years, losing to the Detroit Tigers 6-5 in Adam Wainwright’s return from the injured list as Akil Baddoo hit a go-ahead double in the 10th inning. St. Louis is on its longest skid since nine straight losses from Sept. 7-15, 2007. At a National League-worst 10-24, the Cardinals are 14 games under .500 for the first time since ending the 1997 season at 73-89. Baddoo doubled off Giovanny Gallegos to drive in automatic runner Jonathan Schoop. Wainwright allowed four runs over five-plus innings.NEW YORK (AP) — Maybe it was fitting Austin Gomber pitched so well on Mental Health Awareness Day at Citi Field. After opening up about some anxiety he was feeling, Gomber has found his groove. The left-hander won his third straight outing since a terrible start to the season and rookie Ezequiel Tovar had three hits, including a two-run homer, as the Colorado Rockies beat the slumping New York Mets 5-2 on Saturday. Gomber recently disclosed he’s felt pressure to meet expectations because Colorado acquired him from St. Louis in a very unpopular trade for star third baseman Nolan Arenado on Feb. 1, 2021.LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers took a 2-1 lead in their second-round playoff series with a comfortable 127-97 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 3. Anthony Davis had 25 points and 13 rebounds, and a slow-starting LeBron James finished with 21 points, eight assists and eight rebounds. D’Angelo Russell hit five 3-pointers while scoring 21 points for the seventh-seeded Lakers, who remained unbeaten at home in the postseason with a strong defensive effort against the defending NBA champions. Stephen Curry scored 23 points and Andrew Wiggins had 16 in a collective stinker for the Warriors.Butler scores 28, Heat top Knicks 105-86 for 2-1 series leadMIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler returned from his sprained ankle to score 28 points, Max Strus added 19 and the Miami Heat topped the New York Knicks 105-86 to take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Bam Adebayo had 17 points and 12 rebounds for Miami and Kyle Lowry added 14 points for the Heat, who never trailed. Jalen Brunson scored 20 for New York, which got 15 from Josh Hart, 14 from RJ Barrett and 12 from Immanuel Quickley. Julius Randle added 10 points and 14 rebounds for the Knicks. Game 4 is Monday.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A pair of Game 4s await as the NBA’s conference semifinals continue Sunday. The Celtics visit the 76ers. The Nuggets visit the Suns. Both Boston and Denver hold 2-1 series leads. The 76ers have lost two straight games in the series and James Harden has continued to struggle since a fantastic Game 1 effort. Devin Booker scored 47 points and Kevin Durant added 39 to keep the Suns alive with a Game 3 victory.LAS VEGAS (AP) — Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid each scored twice and the Edmonton Oilers tied their Western Conference semifinal series at one game apiece with a 5-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday. Game 3 is Monday in Edmonton, where the Oilers were 23-12-6 during the regular season. Drasaitl, who scored four goals in the first game, has now tallied at least one point in the first eight games of the postseason, posting 17 points. McDavid, meanwhile, is on a seven-game point streak, with five goals and 11 assists. Evan Bouchard also scored for the Oilers, while rookie goaltender Stuart Skinner stopped 30 shots. Ivan Barbashev scored the lone goal for Vegas.KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — William Byron scraped the wall in practice at Kansas Speedway, then proceed to set the fastest time in qualifying, and will be joined on the front row by Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race. Byron turned a lap of 179.206 mph on Saturday to earn his second pole of the season and the 10th of his career — all of them coming at different tracks. The trick now is to turn that first-row starting spot into a victory at Kansas, where he got his first win in the Truck Series but has never finished better than sixth in NASCAR’s top series.LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Two more horses died in the hours before 15-1 shot Mage won the Kentucky Derby by a length, making it seven in all and casting a shadow over the 149th edition of the world's most famous race. Early favorite Forte was scratched in the morning because of an injury, the fifth horse to drop out in the run-up to the Derby. The deaths dealt further blows to a sport already reeling from a series of doping suspensions and breakdowns. Two Phil's finished second and 4-1 favorite Angel of Empire was third in front of a crowd of 150,335 on a warm and partly cloudy day at Churchill Downs.GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — Canelo Alvarez returned home and remained the undisputed super middleweight champion, beating John Ryder by unanimous decision before more than 50,000 fans in his first fight in Mexico since 2011. Alvarez bloodied the British challenger’s nose and knocked him down, cruising to the victory by scores of 120-107 on one card and 118-109 on the other two to improve to 59-2-2. Ryder had his four-bout winning streak stopped and is 32-6. It was Canelo´s first fight since he had surgery on his left wrist last March. Before the fight, he said the injury slowed him down in his previous four fights, including his loss to Dmitry Bivol a year ago.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bronny James says he will play basketball at the University of Southern California in the fall. LeBron James' oldest son abruptly announced his much-anticipated decision on social media Saturday, about two hours before a Lakers playoff game. The 18-year-old James was a McDonald’s All-American just like his father, but he was among the few uncommitted elite high school basketball prospects heading into the summer. The namesake son of the top scorer in NBA history played at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, an outer suburban neighborhood of Los Angeles known for educating scions of the sports and entertainment industries.SATURDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal Detroit 6 St. Louis 5Final Toronto 8 Pittsburgh 2Final Cincinnati 5 Chicago White Sox 3Final Boston 7 Philadelphia 4Final Atlanta 5 Baltimore 4AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal N.Y. Yankees 3 Tampa Bay 2Final Cleveland 4 Minnesota 3Final Oakland 5 Kansas City 4Final Texas 10 L.A. Angels 1Final Seattle 7 Houston 5NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Chicago Cubs 4 Miami 2Final Colorado 5 N.Y. Mets 2Final San Francisco 4 Milwaukee 1Final Arizona 8 Washington 7Final L.A. Dodgers 2 San Diego 1NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal Miami 105 New York 86Final L.A. Lakers 127 Golden State 97NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal Edmonton 5 Vegas 1<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Sunday

Baseball Wednesday Oklahoma Wesleyan 5, Ottawa 2 Friends 10, Tabor 4 Oklahoma Wesleyan 10, Kansas Wesleyan 5

Thursday Schedule McPherson 6, Friends 5 (10-inn) Kansas Wesleyan 8, Tabor 6 Ottawa 11, Friends 10&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday Scores McPherson 8, Oklahoma Wesleyan 2 Kansas Wesleyan 14, Ottawa 11 Kansas Wesleyan 8. Oklahoma Wesleyan 2 Saturday Championship McPherson 6, Kansas Wesleyan 5 - 11 innings&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;McPherson wins KCAC Baseball Championship with a record of 36-14 Softball Wednesday Ottawa 7, York 3 Avila 3, Bethany 1 Oklahoma Wesleyan 2, Kansas Wesleyan 0 McPherson 3, Friends 1 (9-inn) Winners Bracket Ottawa 4, Avila 2 Oklahoma Wesleyan 2, McPherson 1 (13-inn) Losers Bracket Friends 9, Kansas Wesleyan 4 Bethany 4, York 2 Thursday Schedule Friends beat Ottawa (score NA) McPherson 4, Bethany 3 (17-inn) Avila 4, Oklahoma Wesley 0 Friends 11, McPherson 4 Oklahoma Wesleyan 5, Friends 1&nbsp;&nbsp; Friday Schedule Avila 2, Oklahoma Wesleyan 0 Avila wins KCAC Softball Championship with a record of 34-19

All ticketing will be done through HomeTown Ticketing digitally, and can be purchased on the KCAC Tickets page. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD ON-SITE.

Single-Day Pricing (wristbands will be used for re-entry):

$6 - Faculty and Staff (With KCAC Member Institution ID)

Free – KCAC Students (with valid KCAC Institution student ID), Children 5 &amp; Under

Championship Pass Pricing (pass good for the full event):

$11 - Championship Senior (55 &amp; Up) Pass

$11 - Championship Faculty and Staff (With KCAC Member Institution ID) Pass

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683114278208.jpeg" alt="All games at the Great Bend Sports Complex" />
 <figcaption>All games at the Great Bend Sports Complex</figcaption>
 </figure>Baseball Wednesday Oklahoma Wesleyan 5, Ottawa 2 Friends 10, Tabor 4 Oklahoma Wesleyan 10, Kansas Wesleyan 5Thursday Schedule McPherson 6, Friends 5 (10-inn) Kansas Wesleyan 8, Tabor 6 Ottawa 11, Friends 10&nbsp;&nbsp; Friday Scores McPherson 8, Oklahoma Wesleyan 2 Kansas Wesleyan 14, Ottawa 11 Kansas Wesleyan 8. Oklahoma Wesleyan 2 Saturday Championship McPherson 6, Kansas Wesleyan 5 - 11 innings&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;McPherson wins KCAC Baseball Championship with a record of 36-14 Softball Wednesday Ottawa 7, York 3 Avila 3, Bethany 1 Oklahoma Wesleyan 2, Kansas Wesleyan 0 McPherson 3, Friends 1 (9-inn) Winners Bracket Ottawa 4, Avila 2 Oklahoma Wesleyan 2, McPherson 1 (13-inn) Losers Bracket Friends 9, Kansas Wesleyan 4 Bethany 4, York 2 Thursday Schedule Friends beat Ottawa (score NA) McPherson 4, Bethany 3 (17-inn) Avila 4, Oklahoma Wesley 0 Friends 11, McPherson 4 Oklahoma Wesleyan 5, Friends 1&nbsp;&nbsp; Friday Schedule Avila 2, Oklahoma Wesleyan 0 Avila wins KCAC Softball Championship with a record of 34-19 All ticketing will be done through HomeTown Ticketing digitally, and can be purchased on the KCAC Tickets page. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD ON-SITE.Single-Day Pricing (wristbands will be used for re-entry):$12 - Adults$6 - Seniors (55 &amp; Up)$6 - Faculty and Staff (With KCAC Member Institution ID)$3 - Children 6 – 17Free – KCAC Students (with valid KCAC Institution student ID), Children 5 &amp; UnderChampionship Pass Pricing (pass good for the full event):$22 - Championship Adult Pass$11 - Championship Senior (55 &amp; Up) Pass$11 - Championship Faculty and Staff (With KCAC Member Institution ID) Pass

⚾🥎  McPherson wins baseball title, Avila takes home softball KCAC Championship

DODGE CITY – The Hutchinson Community College Softball team advanced to the Region VI Tournament winner's bracket final for the first time since 2017 after defeating Barton 6-4 in a second-round match-up on Saturday at Legends Park.

The No. 14 Blue Dragons (43-6) advanced to play No. 15 Butler in the winner's bracket final later on Saturday afternoon. That winner of that game advances to Sunday's Noon championship as the undefeated team in the eight-team double-elimination tournament.

With the victory, the Blue Dragons extended their winning streak to a season-high 14 games. The Dragons also set a new program record for wins in a season, surpassing the 1987 Blue Dragons.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/pennycuff_morgan_4wht">Morgan Pennycuff</a>&nbsp;improved to 16-2 in the pitching circle with five tough innings. Leading 3-0, Pennycuff made her only mistake of the game when she allowed a three-run home run in the fourth inning to tie the game.

Pennycuff allowed four hits and three earned runs with one walk and four strikeouts. Pennycuff's 16 wins in 2023 ties her for ninth on the Dragon single-season pitching wins list with Christa Dougherty (1988) and Gloria Jobe (2006).

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/wertz_riley_hm55">Riley Wertz</a>&nbsp;earned her seventh save of the season, her first save since April 5. Saturday was her first save opportunity since April 5. She had a stream of 18 2-3 innings of scoreless relief snapped in the sixth inning when Barton scored a single run to pull within 6-4. The Jayhawk Conference's all-time saves leader earned her 16th career save, striking out two.

The Blue Dragons had only six hits against three Barton pitchers.

The Dragons scores an unearned run in the first when&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/goetz_aspen_qe50">Aspen Goetz</a>&nbsp;hit a sacrifice fly to right to score&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/dougherty_ella_9103">Ella Dougherty</a>.

Hutchinson made it 3-0 in the third when a&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/grimes_madison_371p">Madison Grimes</a>&nbsp;groundout drove in&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/lies_korri_wryv">Korri Lies</a>&nbsp;and Goetz roped a double to right-center to score Dougherty.

After Barton tied the game in the top of the fourth, the Blue Dragons immediately answered back. A Dougherty double scored&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/stipsits_allie_zmyh">Allie Stipsits</a>&nbsp;with a go-ahead run.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sandoval_olivia_qojo">Olivia Sandoval</a>&nbsp;then hit a two-run single to center for a 6-3 lead.

Dougherty led the offense, going 2 for 2 with three runs scored, a double and an RBI. Stipsits was 1 of 3 with a double. Goetz was 1 for 2 with a double and she drove in her 95th and 96th RBIs of the season.

The Blue Dragons will bid to play in their first Region VI Tournament championship game since 2017 when they were at the Division II level. The Dragons haven't played in a Division I Region VI Tournament championship game since 1992.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683409490091.jpeg" alt="Morgan Pennycuff earned her 16th pitching victory of the season as the No. 14 Blue Dragons defeated Barton 6-4 in the Region VI Tournament second round on Saturday in Dodge City (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) " />
 <figcaption>Morgan Pennycuff earned her 16th pitching victory of the season as the No. 14 Blue Dragons defeated Barton 6-4 in the Region VI Tournament second round on Saturday in Dodge City (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) </figcaption>
 </figure>Via Hutchinson CC Sports InformationDODGE CITY – The Hutchinson Community College Softball team advanced to the Region VI Tournament winner's bracket final for the first time since 2017 after defeating Barton 6-4 in a second-round match-up on Saturday at Legends Park.The No. 14 Blue Dragons (43-6) advanced to play No. 15 Butler in the winner's bracket final later on Saturday afternoon. That winner of that game advances to Sunday's Noon championship as the undefeated team in the eight-team double-elimination tournament.With the victory, the Blue Dragons extended their winning streak to a season-high 14 games. The Dragons also set a new program record for wins in a season, surpassing the 1987 Blue Dragons.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/pennycuff_morgan_4wht">Morgan Pennycuff</a>&nbsp;improved to 16-2 in the pitching circle with five tough innings. Leading 3-0, Pennycuff made her only mistake of the game when she allowed a three-run home run in the fourth inning to tie the game.Pennycuff allowed four hits and three earned runs with one walk and four strikeouts. Pennycuff's 16 wins in 2023 ties her for ninth on the Dragon single-season pitching wins list with Christa Dougherty (1988) and Gloria Jobe (2006).<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/wertz_riley_hm55">Riley Wertz</a>&nbsp;earned her seventh save of the season, her first save since April 5. Saturday was her first save opportunity since April 5. She had a stream of 18 2-3 innings of scoreless relief snapped in the sixth inning when Barton scored a single run to pull within 6-4. The Jayhawk Conference's all-time saves leader earned her 16th career save, striking out two.The Blue Dragons had only six hits against three Barton pitchers.The Dragons scores an unearned run in the first when&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/goetz_aspen_qe50">Aspen Goetz</a>&nbsp;hit a sacrifice fly to right to score&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/dougherty_ella_9103">Ella Dougherty</a>.Hutchinson made it 3-0 in the third when a&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/grimes_madison_371p">Madison Grimes</a>&nbsp;groundout drove in&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/lies_korri_wryv">Korri Lies</a>&nbsp;and Goetz roped a double to right-center to score Dougherty.After Barton tied the game in the top of the fourth, the Blue Dragons immediately answered back. A Dougherty double scored&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/stipsits_allie_zmyh">Allie Stipsits</a>&nbsp;with a go-ahead run.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sandoval_olivia_qojo">Olivia Sandoval</a>&nbsp;then hit a two-run single to center for a 6-3 lead.Dougherty led the offense, going 2 for 2 with three runs scored, a double and an RBI. Stipsits was 1 of 3 with a double. Goetz was 1 for 2 with a double and she drove in her 95th and 96th RBIs of the season.The Blue Dragons will bid to play in their first Region VI Tournament championship game since 2017 when they were at the Division II level. The Dragons haven't played in a Division I Region VI Tournament championship game since 1992.

🥎 Blue Dragons advance to Region VI  Winner's Bracket Final

HESSTON, Kan.&nbsp;— The Haven Wildcats and Hesston Swathers split a tough late season Central Kansas League doubleheader on Friday afternoon. Haven won the first game, 8-0, before Hesston bounced back to win the second game, 6-5.

Preston Sander picked up the win on the mound for the Wildcats, allowing just one Swather hit.&nbsp;

Haven (16-2) scored one in the first, two in the second, one in the fifth and then four more in the seventh for their eight runs.

The second game saw Hesston (13-5) jump out to a 3-0 lead after one inning. Haven tied the game up at three apiece in the fourth inning, but Hesston had an answer in the bottom of the inning to regain a 4-3 lead after four. After each team scored two in the fifth, the Swathers would hold on in the sixth and seventh to salvage the split.

Whit Rhodes had a big game for the Swathers in the second game, going 3-for-4 with three RBI and a double. Keagan Shelite earned the win after coming in relief. He tossed 2.1 innings, striking out six and walking just one.&nbsp;

Game 1: Haven 6, Hesston 3 Game 2: Hesston 3, Haven 2

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683382886379.png" alt="Swather Sports Network - YouTube" />
 <figcaption>Swather Sports Network - YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>HESSTON, Kan.&nbsp;— The Haven Wildcats and Hesston Swathers split a tough late season Central Kansas League doubleheader on Friday afternoon. Haven won the first game, 8-0, before Hesston bounced back to win the second game, 6-5.Preston Sander picked up the win on the mound for the Wildcats, allowing just one Swather hit.&nbsp;Haven (16-2) scored one in the first, two in the second, one in the fifth and then four more in the seventh for their eight runs.The second game saw Hesston (13-5) jump out to a 3-0 lead after one inning. Haven tied the game up at three apiece in the fourth inning, but Hesston had an answer in the bottom of the inning to regain a 4-3 lead after four. After each team scored two in the fifth, the Swathers would hold on in the sixth and seventh to salvage the split.Whit Rhodes had a big game for the Swathers in the second game, going 3-for-4 with three RBI and a double. Keagan Shelite earned the win after coming in relief. He tossed 2.1 innings, striking out six and walking just one.&nbsp;SOFTBALL SCORESGame 1: Haven 6, Hesston 3 Game 2: Hesston 3, Haven 2<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

⚾ Haven and Hesston split tough CKL doubleheader

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson High School baseball team earned a split with the Maize Eagles on Friday at Hobart-Detter Field in Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League (AVCTL) play. The Salthawks dropped the opener 4-3, and then bounced back for a 9-4 win in game 2.

The Salthawks were out-hit in the first game, 8-3, but timely defense and strong starting pitching kept Hutch in the game. Jack Davis got the start on the mound, going 6.2 innings, striking out eight and walking just one.&nbsp;

Maize (9-9) and Hutch (2-14) each scored two runs in the fifth inning and one in the sixth, but the difference maker would be the single run the Eagles scratched across in the second on a fielders choice in the infield.&nbsp;

The second game saw the Salthawks get the offense going early, scoring three runs in the first. After Maize answered with one of their own in the second, the Salthawks scored four more in the third and two more in the fourth.&nbsp;

The Eagles scored two in the fifth and one in the seventh, but still would be well-short of a comeback attempt.

Once again, the Salthawks pitching staff excelled. Lakin Franz would earn the win on the mound going six strong innings, striking out five and not issuing a walk. Bently Eckhoff recorded the final two outs in the first game and the final three outs in the second to cap off his senior night performance.&nbsp;

Hutchinson had a season high in runs scored (9) and hits (12) in the second game, while striking out a season-low four times.&nbsp;

Franz led the offensive charge in the second game with a 3-for-4 performance and an RBI. Jack Yoder, Cole Bleything and Landon Parks each added a pair of hits, as well.&nbsp;

The Salthawks travel to Derby to close out the road portion of it's regular season schedule on Tuesday. Pregame coverage begins at 3:55 p.m. on Hutch Post.

Game 1: Maize 18, Hutch 0 Game 2: Maize 8, Hutch 1

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683380765186.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson High School baseball team earned a split with the Maize Eagles on Friday at Hobart-Detter Field in Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League (AVCTL) play. The Salthawks dropped the opener 4-3, and then bounced back for a 9-4 win in game 2.The Salthawks were out-hit in the first game, 8-3, but timely defense and strong starting pitching kept Hutch in the game. Jack Davis got the start on the mound, going 6.2 innings, striking out eight and walking just one.&nbsp;Maize (9-9) and Hutch (2-14) each scored two runs in the fifth inning and one in the sixth, but the difference maker would be the single run the Eagles scratched across in the second on a fielders choice in the infield.&nbsp;The second game saw the Salthawks get the offense going early, scoring three runs in the first. After Maize answered with one of their own in the second, the Salthawks scored four more in the third and two more in the fourth.&nbsp;The Eagles scored two in the fifth and one in the seventh, but still would be well-short of a comeback attempt.Once again, the Salthawks pitching staff excelled. Lakin Franz would earn the win on the mound going six strong innings, striking out five and not issuing a walk. Bently Eckhoff recorded the final two outs in the first game and the final three outs in the second to cap off his senior night performance.&nbsp;Hutchinson had a season high in runs scored (9) and hits (12) in the second game, while striking out a season-low four times.&nbsp;Franz led the offensive charge in the second game with a 3-for-4 performance and an RBI. Jack Yoder, Cole Bleything and Landon Parks each added a pair of hits, as well.&nbsp;The Salthawks travel to Derby to close out the road portion of it's regular season schedule on Tuesday. Pregame coverage begins at 3:55 p.m. on Hutch Post.SOFTBALL SCORESGame 1: Maize 18, Hutch 0 Game 2: Maize 8, Hutch 1<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

⚾ Salthawks split with Maize

Wichita, KS – The Wichita Wind Surge dropped both games of a doubleheader to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Friday night. The Naturals beat the Surge 5-1 in game one and 4-3 in game two.

Yoyner Fajardo opened the first game with a double and scored to give Wichita a quick 1-0 advantage.

The Naturals responded scoring a pair of runs in the first with RBI singles from Jorge Bonifacio and Jeison Guzman. Bonifacio hit a two run home run in the fourth to extend the Northwest Arkansas lead to 4-1. Alec Marsh earned the win pitching six innings and had nine strikeouts. Chad Donato collected his third loss of the season for Wichita.

Similar to game one, the Surge scored first when Fajardo singled and scored on a DaShawn Keirsey RBI. The Naturals put together a four run first inning with Bonifacio hitting his second home run of the game, a three run shot.

Wichita added a run in the second and Seth Gray homered in the sixth to make it a one run game.

The Surge loaded the bases in the ninth inning with one out and the Naturals closed it out with a double play.

The winning pitcher was T.J. Sikkema and the losing pitcher was Carlos Luna.

NOTES - Yoyner Fajardo added hits in each of the games and extended his hitting streak to nine games. The doubleheader sweep of the Wind Surge happened for the third time in nine twin-bills. Wichita pitcher David Festa was named by the Minnesota Twins as the minor league pitcher of the month for April. The Surge signed pitcher Curtis Taylor as a minor league free agent and promoted pitcher Jose Bravo to Class AAA St. Paul.

UPCOMING – The Wind Surge and Naturals continue the series on Saturday evening at 6:35. The Surge will start RH Blayne Enlow against LH Anthony Veneziano.

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

NEXT HOME GAME: Tuesday, May 16 vs Arkansas Travelers.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683375115295.jpeg" alt="Riverfront Stadium April via Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Riverfront Stadium April via Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita, KS – The Wichita Wind Surge dropped both games of a doubleheader to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Friday night. The Naturals beat the Surge 5-1 in game one and 4-3 in game two.Yoyner Fajardo opened the first game with a double and scored to give Wichita a quick 1-0 advantage.The Naturals responded scoring a pair of runs in the first with RBI singles from Jorge Bonifacio and Jeison Guzman. Bonifacio hit a two run home run in the fourth to extend the Northwest Arkansas lead to 4-1. Alec Marsh earned the win pitching six innings and had nine strikeouts. Chad Donato collected his third loss of the season for Wichita.Similar to game one, the Surge scored first when Fajardo singled and scored on a DaShawn Keirsey RBI. The Naturals put together a four run first inning with Bonifacio hitting his second home run of the game, a three run shot.Wichita added a run in the second and Seth Gray homered in the sixth to make it a one run game.The Surge loaded the bases in the ninth inning with one out and the Naturals closed it out with a double play.The winning pitcher was T.J. Sikkema and the losing pitcher was Carlos Luna.NOTES - Yoyner Fajardo added hits in each of the games and extended his hitting streak to nine games. The doubleheader sweep of the Wind Surge happened for the third time in nine twin-bills. Wichita pitcher David Festa was named by the Minnesota Twins as the minor league pitcher of the month for April. The Surge signed pitcher Curtis Taylor as a minor league free agent and promoted pitcher Jose Bravo to Class AAA St. Paul.UPCOMING – The Wind Surge and Naturals continue the series on Saturday evening at 6:35. The Surge will start RH Blayne Enlow against LH Anthony Veneziano.BROADCAST: ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>NEXT HOME GAME: Tuesday, May 16 vs Arkansas Travelers.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Naturals sweep doubleheader over Wichita Wind Surge

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;Brent Rooker and Ramón Laureano hit back-to-back homers, Ryan Noda drove in three runs and the Oakland Athletics outslugged the Kansas City Royals 12-8 on Friday night in a matchup between the bottom two teams in baseball.

Kyle Muller became the first A's starter to earn a win in 33 games this year. The drought was the longest to begin a season in MLB history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Muller said. “We have had some opportunities and fell a little short. I don’t think the performance was worthy of the first win because we’ve had some guys have some good outings. We’re just going to keep rolling from here.”

Rooker, Noda, Esteury Ruiz and Tony Kemp each had three of Oakland's 17 hits, a season high. Ruiz and Noda both scored three times as the A's improved to 7-26 with only their second victory by more than one run.

Nick Pratto homered for the Royals (8-25), who dropped to 2-15 at home. They shaved a seven-run deficit to 9-8 before Oakland scored three times in the final two innings.

“This club has shown a lot of fight and resilience to fight back, and we had a tough series against Seattle and lost some of those games we couldn’t tack on runs,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “Tonight in the eighth inning we were able to tack on those (two) extra runs, which was breathing room.”

Rooker launched a two-run homer in the third inning and Laureano followed with a drive to left-center that made it 4-0. It was Rooker’s 10th home run of the season, second-most in the American League.

Rooker hit an RBI double in the fourth and Kemp chased Royals starter Brad Keller with a run-scoring double in the fifth.

Keller (2-3) gave up six earned runs, 11 hits and four walks over 4 1/3 innings.

Noda added a two-run double in the fifth to make it 9-2 — the biggest lead for Oakland this season.

Muller (1-2) gave up a two-run homer to Pratto in the fourth. The left-hander went 5 1/3 innings, allowing five runs and eight hits. He walked three and struck out one.

For the second consecutive game, the Royals fought back from a big deficit but couldn’t complete the comeback. A two-run triple by Hunter Dozier trimmed it to 9-8 in the seventh.

“I mean, disappointing. Or, you know, we don’t expect to do that,” manager Matt Quataro said about falling into a big hole for a second straight game. “That is what is frustrating is that we know our guys can perform better than that and they know that. That is where the frustration comes, the internal part.”

Kansas City recalled RHP Jonathan Heasley and optioned LHP Austin Cox to Triple-A Omaha.

The Royals placed OF Kyle Isbel (left hamstring strain) on the 10-day injured list and recalled INF Nate Eaton.

Oakland sends LHP Ken Waldichuk (0-2, 7.26 ERA) to the mound against Royals RHP Brady Singer (2-3, 8.48) on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683193842018.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;Brent Rooker and Ramón Laureano hit back-to-back homers, Ryan Noda drove in three runs and the Oakland Athletics outslugged the Kansas City Royals 12-8 on Friday night in a matchup between the bottom two teams in baseball.Kyle Muller became the first A's starter to earn a win in 33 games this year. The drought was the longest to begin a season in MLB history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.“It’s been a long time coming,” Muller said. “We have had some opportunities and fell a little short. I don’t think the performance was worthy of the first win because we’ve had some guys have some good outings. We’re just going to keep rolling from here.”Rooker, Noda, Esteury Ruiz and Tony Kemp each had three of Oakland's 17 hits, a season high. Ruiz and Noda both scored three times as the A's improved to 7-26 with only their second victory by more than one run.Nick Pratto homered for the Royals (8-25), who dropped to 2-15 at home. They shaved a seven-run deficit to 9-8 before Oakland scored three times in the final two innings.“This club has shown a lot of fight and resilience to fight back, and we had a tough series against Seattle and lost some of those games we couldn’t tack on runs,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “Tonight in the eighth inning we were able to tack on those (two) extra runs, which was breathing room.”Rooker launched a two-run homer in the third inning and Laureano followed with a drive to left-center that made it 4-0. It was Rooker’s 10th home run of the season, second-most in the American League.Rooker hit an RBI double in the fourth and Kemp chased Royals starter Brad Keller with a run-scoring double in the fifth.Keller (2-3) gave up six earned runs, 11 hits and four walks over 4 1/3 innings.Noda added a two-run double in the fifth to make it 9-2 — the biggest lead for Oakland this season.Muller (1-2) gave up a two-run homer to Pratto in the fourth. The left-hander went 5 1/3 innings, allowing five runs and eight hits. He walked three and struck out one.For the second consecutive game, the Royals fought back from a big deficit but couldn’t complete the comeback. A two-run triple by Hunter Dozier trimmed it to 9-8 in the seventh.“I mean, disappointing. Or, you know, we don’t expect to do that,” manager Matt Quataro said about falling into a big hole for a second straight game. “That is what is frustrating is that we know our guys can perform better than that and they know that. That is where the frustration comes, the internal part.”ROSTER MOVESKansas City recalled RHP Jonathan Heasley and optioned LHP Austin Cox to Triple-A Omaha.TRAINER’S ROOMThe Royals placed OF Kyle Isbel (left hamstring strain) on the 10-day injured list and recalled INF Nate Eaton.UP NEXTOakland sends LHP Ken Waldichuk (0-2, 7.26 ERA) to the mound against Royals RHP Brady Singer (2-3, 8.48) on Saturday.

⚾ Rooker, Laureano go back-to-back as A’s outslug Royals 12-8

WICHITA, Kan.—Focused is a term used many times to describe and emotion, but this is exactly what the Wichita Sky Kings were on Friday night as they dominated the Pearland Texas Warriors from the very start in their lopsided victory to win their 15th game of the season 140-80.

Wichita, led by Brandon Watkins 24 points and 6 rebounds placed eight players in double-figures. Johnny McCants scored 21 and had another double-double with 10 boards plus 6 assists. Jachai Simmons added 17, Juilian Winton 16 points and 7 assists, Matt Cerutti and Kam Williams with 14 each, Derrick Colter scored 12, plus 5 assists and D'Evon Andrews with a career high 11 with the Sky Kings.

Wichita had a game total of 36 assists to the Warriors 11 to totally dominate the game in every statistic possible with the exception of the offensive boards, but when you are hitting shots at a 52.9% rate, you will not have many opportunities for offensive boards.

Pearland was led in scoring by Paul Ard II with 21 points.

The Warriors travel to Enid on Saturday night to take on the Outlaws. Enid will travel to Wichita for a 3pm game at Koch Arena for the Sky Kings last home game before they embark on a five game road trip before returning home on May 28th, just prior to the TBL playoffs.

Wichita continues to hold down third place in the Central Division of the TBL with it's 15-5 record, just a game out of second place behind Shreveport. The Sky Kings will play the Mavericks on the upcoming road trip on May 21st as well as division leading Potawatomi Fire on May 25th.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681719569400.png" alt="Wichita Sky Kings win" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Sky Kings win</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—Focused is a term used many times to describe and emotion, but this is exactly what the Wichita Sky Kings were on Friday night as they dominated the Pearland Texas Warriors from the very start in their lopsided victory to win their 15th game of the season 140-80.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QWlowOHh6kg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Wichita, led by Brandon Watkins 24 points and 6 rebounds placed eight players in double-figures. Johnny McCants scored 21 and had another double-double with 10 boards plus 6 assists. Jachai Simmons added 17, Juilian Winton 16 points and 7 assists, Matt Cerutti and Kam Williams with 14 each, Derrick Colter scored 12, plus 5 assists and D'Evon Andrews with a career high 11 with the Sky Kings.Wichita had a game total of 36 assists to the Warriors 11 to totally dominate the game in every statistic possible with the exception of the offensive boards, but when you are hitting shots at a 52.9% rate, you will not have many opportunities for offensive boards.Pearland was led in scoring by Paul Ard II with 21 points.The Warriors travel to Enid on Saturday night to take on the Outlaws. Enid will travel to Wichita for a 3pm game at Koch Arena for the Sky Kings last home game before they embark on a five game road trip before returning home on May 28th, just prior to the TBL playoffs.Wichita continues to hold down third place in the Central Division of the TBL with it's 15-5 record, just a game out of second place behind Shreveport. The Sky Kings will play the Mavericks on the upcoming road trip on May 21st as well as division leading Potawatomi Fire on May 25th.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🏀 Wichita Sky Kings roll past Pearland to continue win streak

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=cf106e2d12&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=b8780bd496&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=a4acf6c79a&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Stats</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. —&nbsp;In front of a sold out crowd of 1,130, the Jayhawks fell to Iowa State 3-1 Friday night at Arrocha&nbsp;Ballpark.

Kansas dropped to 23-25 (4-12 Big 12), while Iowa State improved to 23-28 (5-11 Big 12).

Junior left hander Kasey Hamilton got the start in the circle. She opened the game on fire, not allowing a hit&nbsp;through the first five innings. Hamilton had command in the circle, striking out seven batters while allowing three hits, three runs and one walk. She fell to 9-10 on the year.

The Cyclones got on the board early. Hamilton hit the first batter with a pitch and threw a wild pitch to&nbsp;advance&nbsp;the runner&nbsp;to&nbsp;second base. After two groundouts, Iowa State found themselves with a 1-0 lead without a hit in the top of the first.

Neither team was able to get&nbsp;its&nbsp;offense going. The Jayhawks recorded their first hit in the bottom of the second, after sophomore designated player Olivia Bruno smacked a single through the right side. She was left stranded at first.

KU was able to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth. After back-to-back outs, junior first baseman Savanna DesRochers hit her third triple of the season down the right field line to put a runner in scoring position for the first time. In the next at-bat, senior center fielder Shayna Espy drew a walk, opening the door for an RBI single from senior shortstop Haleigh Harper. Kansas took a 1-1 tie into the top of the sixth.

In the top of the sixth, Iowa State opened the frame with two flyouts to center. However, Iowa State got their first hit of the game, a single to center. ISU brought on a pinch runner who was able to steal second. The Cyclones would follow the single with back-to-back doubles, adding two runs to their tally to make the score 3-1 in favor of the visitors.

That was enough for the win, as KU was unable to mount a comeback. Bruno, DesRochers and Harper &nbsp;each&nbsp;recorded&nbsp;a hit&nbsp;in the defeat.

Win: Ellie Spelhaug (6-7) Final line: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO Loss: Kasey Hamilton (9-10) Final line: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO

Kansas will compete against Iowa State in its second game of the series tomorrow, May 6, at 2 p.m. CT. The game will be streamed via Big 12 Now on ESPN+. Fans can also listen live on the Jayhawk Radio Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/_compresseds/130d45e4-6a31-074e-99ac-69cbaa1c3b04.jpg" alt="Via KU Sports" />
 <figcaption>Via KU Sports</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=cf106e2d12&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=b8780bd496&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=a4acf6c79a&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Stats</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. —&nbsp;In front of a sold out crowd of 1,130, the Jayhawks fell to Iowa State 3-1 Friday night at Arrocha&nbsp;Ballpark.Kansas dropped to 23-25 (4-12 Big 12), while Iowa State improved to 23-28 (5-11 Big 12).Junior left hander Kasey Hamilton got the start in the circle. She opened the game on fire, not allowing a hit&nbsp;through the first five innings. Hamilton had command in the circle, striking out seven batters while allowing three hits, three runs and one walk. She fell to 9-10 on the year.The Cyclones got on the board early. Hamilton hit the first batter with a pitch and threw a wild pitch to&nbsp;advance&nbsp;the runner&nbsp;to&nbsp;second base. After two groundouts, Iowa State found themselves with a 1-0 lead without a hit in the top of the first.Neither team was able to get&nbsp;its&nbsp;offense going. The Jayhawks recorded their first hit in the bottom of the second, after sophomore designated player Olivia Bruno smacked a single through the right side. She was left stranded at first.KU was able to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth. After back-to-back outs, junior first baseman Savanna DesRochers hit her third triple of the season down the right field line to put a runner in scoring position for the first time. In the next at-bat, senior center fielder Shayna Espy drew a walk, opening the door for an RBI single from senior shortstop Haleigh Harper. Kansas took a 1-1 tie into the top of the sixth.In the top of the sixth, Iowa State opened the frame with two flyouts to center. However, Iowa State got their first hit of the game, a single to center. ISU brought on a pinch runner who was able to steal second. The Cyclones would follow the single with back-to-back doubles, adding two runs to their tally to make the score 3-1 in favor of the visitors.That was enough for the win, as KU was unable to mount a comeback. Bruno, DesRochers and Harper &nbsp;each&nbsp;recorded&nbsp;a hit&nbsp;in the defeat.PITCHERS OF RECORDWin: Ellie Spelhaug (6-7) Final line: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO Loss: Kasey Hamilton (9-10) Final line: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 7 SONOTES<ul>
 <li>With her second strikeout of the game, Kasey Hamilton surpassed 250 career strikeouts.</li><li>Savanna DesRochers hit her third triple of the season, a new season best.</li>
 </ul>UP NEXTKansas will compete against Iowa State in its second game of the series tomorrow, May 6, at 2 p.m. CT. The game will be streamed via Big 12 Now on ESPN+. Fans can also listen live on the Jayhawk Radio Network.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🥎 Kansas drops first game of Iowa State Series

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=4be0fc117a&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=f192ca574b&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=0b8f0bae6f&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Statistics</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Collin Baumgartner pitched 6.2 strong innings and allowed only two earned runs, while a five-run Kansas fifth inning propelled the Jayhawks to a 10-4 victory against No. 27 Texas on Friday night at Hoglund Ballpark. Chase Jans and Janson Reeder each homered in the game.

Kansas trailed twice in the contest, but the five runs in the fifth inning gave Kansas the lead for good. Reeder hit a two-run homer in the inning, Cole Elvis delivered a two-out RBI double and Mike Koszewski added a two-out, two-run single for the five-run frame. Six of the nine guys in the lineup had two two hits in the game. The victory improved Kansas to 22-24 on the season and 7-12 in Big 12 play.

Texas (30-17, 10-9 Big 12) jumped out to a first inning lead. With two outs in the inning, Garret Guillemette dropped an RBI double behind first base to give the Longhorns a 1-0 lead.

In the second inning, Kansas was able to even up the game. After loading the bases with two outs, redshirt junior Collier Cranford came in to score on a passed ball to make the score 1-1.

Kansas took the lead in the third inning. Jans led off the frame with a solo homer for his eighth home run of the season. The blast gave Kansas a 2-1 lead.

The Longhorns matched Kansas with a solo home run in the fourth inning off the bat of Guillemette. Then, in the fifth Texas took a 3-2 lead on an unearned run after a failed pickoff attempt.

Kansas had its big response in the bottom of the fifth with five runs. The home run, RBI double and two-run single gave Kansas a 7-3 lead.

In the sixth inning, Michael Brooks continued his hot hitting with a two-run double to extend the lead to 9-3.

The teams exchanged runs in the eighth inning, with Texas picking up a run on an RBI single and KU scoring on an error. That pushed the score to 10-4 where it ultimately ended.

Baumgartner was terrific on the mound for Kansas and kept the Texas offense off balance all night. He allowed three runs, two earned, on seven hits while striking out four and walking none. Thaniel Trumper and Stone Hewlett came in out of the bullpen to handle the final 2.1 innings of work.

PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Collin Baumgartner (5-1) Final line: 6.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO Loss: Lucas Gordon (5-1) Final line: 4.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO

QUOTABLE “I’m really proud of how the guys played. They were challenged this week mightily by us in terms of approach and some things we need to change. They really responded, which is a sign of maturity in a team. It feels good when things come together and guys compete at that level it’s really special.

Obviously, when you have Collin going on the mound that’s a big help. My only regret about Collin is that we only get him for one year. He’s a special competitor, a really special leader and a guy that really leads by action. He’s working on his second master’s, he’s been accepted to law school, but that can wait for his pro career.” – Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald

“I think we had a really good hitter’s meeting before discussing the game plan. We had to make him throw strikes and not chase outside the zone. I think we did a really good job of that.” – Sophomore Chase Jans

NOTES • Six Jayhawks had two hits in the game. • The win snapped a six-game losing skid to Texas. • Brooks extended his on-base streak to 17 games. Brooks had two hits in the game and has 13 multi-hit games this season. • Shojinaga pushed his hitting streak to 12 games. He finished 2-for-3 with two walks and a run scored. • Baumgartner had his fourth quality start of the season and third in conference play. • Jans has hit safely in 10 of the last 11 games. He hit his eighth home run of the season. • Koszewski has multiple hits in four-straight games. • Reeder hit his 10th home run of the season.

UP NEXT Kansas plays game two of the series against Texas on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/images/348def9e-3a76-cd41-806a-c20e231b595a.jpeg" alt="Via KU Sports" />
 <figcaption>Via KU Sports</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=4be0fc117a&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=f192ca574b&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=0b8f0bae6f&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Statistics</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Collin Baumgartner pitched 6.2 strong innings and allowed only two earned runs, while a five-run Kansas fifth inning propelled the Jayhawks to a 10-4 victory against No. 27 Texas on Friday night at Hoglund Ballpark. Chase Jans and Janson Reeder each homered in the game.Kansas trailed twice in the contest, but the five runs in the fifth inning gave Kansas the lead for good. Reeder hit a two-run homer in the inning, Cole Elvis delivered a two-out RBI double and Mike Koszewski added a two-out, two-run single for the five-run frame. Six of the nine guys in the lineup had two two hits in the game. The victory improved Kansas to 22-24 on the season and 7-12 in Big 12 play.Texas (30-17, 10-9 Big 12) jumped out to a first inning lead. With two outs in the inning, Garret Guillemette dropped an RBI double behind first base to give the Longhorns a 1-0 lead.In the second inning, Kansas was able to even up the game. After loading the bases with two outs, redshirt junior Collier Cranford came in to score on a passed ball to make the score 1-1.Kansas took the lead in the third inning. Jans led off the frame with a solo homer for his eighth home run of the season. The blast gave Kansas a 2-1 lead.The Longhorns matched Kansas with a solo home run in the fourth inning off the bat of Guillemette. Then, in the fifth Texas took a 3-2 lead on an unearned run after a failed pickoff attempt.Kansas had its big response in the bottom of the fifth with five runs. The home run, RBI double and two-run single gave Kansas a 7-3 lead.In the sixth inning, Michael Brooks continued his hot hitting with a two-run double to extend the lead to 9-3.The teams exchanged runs in the eighth inning, with Texas picking up a run on an RBI single and KU scoring on an error. That pushed the score to 10-4 where it ultimately ended.Baumgartner was terrific on the mound for Kansas and kept the Texas offense off balance all night. He allowed three runs, two earned, on seven hits while striking out four and walking none. Thaniel Trumper and Stone Hewlett came in out of the bullpen to handle the final 2.1 innings of work.PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Collin Baumgartner (5-1) Final line: 6.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO Loss: Lucas Gordon (5-1) Final line: 4.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 SOQUOTABLE “I’m really proud of how the guys played. They were challenged this week mightily by us in terms of approach and some things we need to change. They really responded, which is a sign of maturity in a team. It feels good when things come together and guys compete at that level it’s really special.Obviously, when you have Collin going on the mound that’s a big help. My only regret about Collin is that we only get him for one year. He’s a special competitor, a really special leader and a guy that really leads by action. He’s working on his second master’s, he’s been accepted to law school, but that can wait for his pro career.” – Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald“I think we had a really good hitter’s meeting before discussing the game plan. We had to make him throw strikes and not chase outside the zone. I think we did a really good job of that.” – Sophomore Chase JansNOTES • Six Jayhawks had two hits in the game. • The win snapped a six-game losing skid to Texas. • Brooks extended his on-base streak to 17 games. Brooks had two hits in the game and has 13 multi-hit games this season. • Shojinaga pushed his hitting streak to 12 games. He finished 2-for-3 with two walks and a run scored. • Baumgartner had his fourth quality start of the season and third in conference play. • Jans has hit safely in 10 of the last 11 games. He hit his eighth home run of the season. • Koszewski has multiple hits in four-straight games. • Reeder hit his 10th home run of the season.UP NEXT Kansas plays game two of the series against Texas on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;