PHOENIX (AP) — Nick Ahmed took a healthy swing in the eighth inning, but was a little off on his timing. The ball squirted off the end of his bat, rolling slowly up the first base line.

That gave Christian Walker time to sprint home with the decisive run for Arizona.

It was far from a classic, but these are the kind of games the Diamondbacks have lost for years. Now a few of them — including Monday night's 5-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals — are starting to go their way.

“We're not going to score 10 every game or throw a no-hitter,” Walker said. “So to win these tweeners, where we feel we have a chance to win, but it's a matter of executing and holding them off one more inning, for me, these are the games when you look back and you're proud of the season, these are the wins that need to happen.”

Ahmed — who was pinch-hitting — brought home Walker with his one-out roller off reliever Aroldis Chapman (0-1) that was essentially a swinging bunt. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino tried to get Walker at home, but the throw was late.

“That ball — you can’t plan for that,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I thought Vinnie made a nice attempt.”

The NL West-leading D-backs improved to 13-11. The Royals have lost nine of their last 10 and fell to 5-18.

Arizona lefty Andrew Chafin (2-0) got the win with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. He struck out Salvador Perez and Franmil Reyes to end the game. The veteran reliever threw 35 pitches, a long outing by his standards.

“The adrenaline of the game is going to help push through any issues,” Chafin said. “Just taking it one pitch at a time and doing everything I can to get the job done.”

Edward Olivares hit a solo homer in the first to give the Royals an early lead, but the Diamondbacks built a 4-2 advantage by the fourth, scoring two runs in both the second and third off Kansas City starter Brad Keller.

Keller struggled to throw strikes, giving up four runs in four innings on four hits and six walks. He threw 95 pitches.

“He just didn't have his normal command,” Quatraro said.

Arizona's Tommy Henry threw 4 1/3 innings in his first start of the season, giving up three runs on four hits and four walks. The left-hander was called up from Triple-A to take the rotation spot of four-time All-Star Madison Bumgarner,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diamondbacks-bumgarner-released-f05215e4a5f3e5b098c255178788a017">who was designated for assignment last week</a>.

The Royals cut the D-backs' lead to 4-3 in the fifth on Perez's RBI double and then tied the game in the eighth on Kyle Isbel's RBI single. Pasquantino had a three-hit night while Michael Massey and Perez both had two hits.

Arizona's Geraldo Perdomo and Pavin Smith also had two hits.

Royals: Reyes was reinstated from the paternity list. INF Nate Eaton was sent to Triple-A Omaha.

Diamondbacks: To make room for Henry on the roster, RHP Drey Jameson was optioned to Triple-A Reno. ... Walker was out of the starting lineup for a second straight game after getting hit by a pitch on the left forearm Saturday. He pinch-hit in the eighth and walked.

The three-game series continues Tuesday. The Royals will send RHP Brady Singer (1-2, 8.14 ERA) to the mound against RHP Ryne Nelson (1-0, 4.91).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680115673148.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Nick Ahmed took a healthy swing in the eighth inning, but was a little off on his timing. The ball squirted off the end of his bat, rolling slowly up the first base line.That gave Christian Walker time to sprint home with the decisive run for Arizona.It was far from a classic, but these are the kind of games the Diamondbacks have lost for years. Now a few of them — including Monday night's 5-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals — are starting to go their way.“We're not going to score 10 every game or throw a no-hitter,” Walker said. “So to win these tweeners, where we feel we have a chance to win, but it's a matter of executing and holding them off one more inning, for me, these are the games when you look back and you're proud of the season, these are the wins that need to happen.”Ahmed — who was pinch-hitting — brought home Walker with his one-out roller off reliever Aroldis Chapman (0-1) that was essentially a swinging bunt. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino tried to get Walker at home, but the throw was late.“That ball — you can’t plan for that,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I thought Vinnie made a nice attempt.”The NL West-leading D-backs improved to 13-11. The Royals have lost nine of their last 10 and fell to 5-18.Arizona lefty Andrew Chafin (2-0) got the win with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. He struck out Salvador Perez and Franmil Reyes to end the game. The veteran reliever threw 35 pitches, a long outing by his standards.“The adrenaline of the game is going to help push through any issues,” Chafin said. “Just taking it one pitch at a time and doing everything I can to get the job done.”Edward Olivares hit a solo homer in the first to give the Royals an early lead, but the Diamondbacks built a 4-2 advantage by the fourth, scoring two runs in both the second and third off Kansas City starter Brad Keller.Keller struggled to throw strikes, giving up four runs in four innings on four hits and six walks. He threw 95 pitches.“He just didn't have his normal command,” Quatraro said.Arizona's Tommy Henry threw 4 1/3 innings in his first start of the season, giving up three runs on four hits and four walks. The left-hander was called up from Triple-A to take the rotation spot of four-time All-Star Madison Bumgarner,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diamondbacks-bumgarner-released-f05215e4a5f3e5b098c255178788a017">who was designated for assignment last week</a>.The Royals cut the D-backs' lead to 4-3 in the fifth on Perez's RBI double and then tied the game in the eighth on Kyle Isbel's RBI single. Pasquantino had a three-hit night while Michael Massey and Perez both had two hits.Arizona's Geraldo Perdomo and Pavin Smith also had two hits.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Reyes was reinstated from the paternity list. INF Nate Eaton was sent to Triple-A Omaha.Diamondbacks: To make room for Henry on the roster, RHP Drey Jameson was optioned to Triple-A Reno. ... Walker was out of the starting lineup for a second straight game after getting hit by a pitch on the left forearm Saturday. He pinch-hit in the eighth and walked.UP NEXTThe three-game series continues Tuesday. The Royals will send RHP Brady Singer (1-2, 8.14 ERA) to the mound against RHP Ryne Nelson (1-0, 4.91).___

⚾ Diamondbacks edge Royals 5-4 on Walker's sprint home

PHOENIX (AP) — Christian Walker scampered home for the go-ahead run in the eighth inning on Nick Ahmed’s infield single, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks past the Kansas City Royals 5-4 on Monday night. Ahmed — who was pinch hitting — brought home Walker on a one-out infield single off reliever Aroldis Chapman. Ahmed hit the ball off the end of his bat and the result was essentially a swinging bunt down the first base line. Vinnie Pasquantino tried to get Walker at home, but the throw was late.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Alex Cobb pitched his first shutout in 11 years and J.D. Davis hit a three-run homer, leading the San Francisco Giants to a 4-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of a four-game series. Cobb scattered six hits and struck out four in his fifth career complete game and first since 2018 with Baltimore. His only other major league shutout was a four-hitter for Tampa Bay against Oakland in August 2012. It was the third complete game in the majors this season. Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara each tossed a shutout against Minnesota this month. Cobb walked one and threw 70 of his 109 pitches for strikes as San Francisco won its third straight game.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Austin Gomber bounced back from a hideous start to get his first win, Jurickson Profar drove in three runs and the Colorado Rockies won for just the second time in 13 games, beating the Cleveland Guardians 6-0 on Monday night. Gomber (1-4) held the Guardians to three singles — all by Steven Kwan — in five scoreless innings. The left-hander was pounded for nine runs and nine hits in just two innings in a loss to Pittsburgh on April 19.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Rookie Taj Bradley won his third consecutive start to begin his big league career and the Tampa Bay Rays set a modern era MLB record with their 14th consecutive home win to begin a season, 8-3 over the Houston Astros. Tampa Bay had shared the mark dating to 1901 with the 2009 Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rays are 20-3 overall. Only the 1911 Detroit Tigers and 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers had better starts at 21-2 since 1901. Bradley allowed three runs and four hits with six strikeouts and no walks in five innings. Alex Bregman and Jeremy Peña homered for the Astros.

UNDATED (AP) — Aaron Rodgers is leaving behind his brilliant legacy in Green Bay and heading to the bright lights and massive expectations of the Big Apple. The New York Jets agreed on a deal to acquire the four-time NFL MVP from the Packers, according to a person with knowledge of the trade who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the teams have not officially announced the deal. The Jets will also receive the No. 15 overall pick and a fifth-rounder this year from the Packers, according to another person with knowledge of the trade. In exchange, Green Bay will get the 13th overall selection, a second-rounder, a sixth-rounder and a conditional 2024 second-round pick.

UNDATED (AP) — Quarterbacks are back on top in the NFL draft. A year after the first 19 picks were non-QBs and Kenny Pickett was the only signal-caller selected in the first round, this draft class is loaded with potential franchise players. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud have been the center of attention since before last year’s draft even took place. They could become the ninth pair of QBs selected 1-2 in the Super Bowl era. Anthony Richardson and Will Levis should make it four QBs in the top 15, which has happened only five times previously. If they all go in the top 10, it’ll be the second time ever. Then there’s Hendon Hooker, who may end up being a late first-round pick despite his age and knee injury.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is losing numerous players to the transfer portal, including a holdover wide receiver who was the standout in Colorado’s sold-out spring game over the weekend. Wideout Montana Lemonious-Craig turned in an impressive performance for the Buffaloes, which was highlighted by his 98-yard touchdown. A day later, Lemonious-Craig decided to depart the program that Coach Prime was brought in to rebuild on the heels of a 1-11 season. Among the others to announce on social media they will enter the portal are receivers Jordyn Tyson and Chase Sowell, and running back Deion Smith.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James made the tying layup with 0.8 seconds left in regulation before scoring four of his 22 points in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers surged to a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series with a 117-111 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Austin Reaves scored 23 points for the seventh-seeded Lakers, who are on the brink of their first playoff series victory outside the Florida bubble since 2012. Desmond Bane scored 36 points and hit a tiebreaking layup with 6.7 seconds left in regulation for the second-seeded Grizzlies.

MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored a Miami playoff record 56 points, and the Heat roared back from 14 points down in the final quarter to stun the Milwaukee Bucks 119-114 on Monday night to put the NBA’s top overall seed on the brink of early elimination. The 56 points also became Butler’s career high. He was 19 for 28 from the field, 15 of 18 from the foul line and added nine rebounds for eighth-seeded Miami — which took a 3-1 lead over the Bucks in their Eastern Conference first-round series. Brook Lopez scored 36 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a two-game absence with a bruised back and had a triple-double.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<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/2023/4/1681297613631.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Tuesday Morning, April 25th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Tuesday Morning, April 25th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Christian Walker scampered home for the go-ahead run in the eighth inning on Nick Ahmed’s infield single, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks past the Kansas City Royals 5-4 on Monday night. Ahmed — who was pinch hitting — brought home Walker on a one-out infield single off reliever Aroldis Chapman. Ahmed hit the ball off the end of his bat and the result was essentially a swinging bunt down the first base line. Vinnie Pasquantino tried to get Walker at home, but the throw was late.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Alex Cobb pitched his first shutout in 11 years and J.D. Davis hit a three-run homer, leading the San Francisco Giants to a 4-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of a four-game series. Cobb scattered six hits and struck out four in his fifth career complete game and first since 2018 with Baltimore. His only other major league shutout was a four-hitter for Tampa Bay against Oakland in August 2012. It was the third complete game in the majors this season. Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara each tossed a shutout against Minnesota this month. Cobb walked one and threw 70 of his 109 pitches for strikes as San Francisco won its third straight game.CLEVELAND (AP) — Austin Gomber bounced back from a hideous start to get his first win, Jurickson Profar drove in three runs and the Colorado Rockies won for just the second time in 13 games, beating the Cleveland Guardians 6-0 on Monday night. Gomber (1-4) held the Guardians to three singles — all by Steven Kwan — in five scoreless innings. The left-hander was pounded for nine runs and nine hits in just two innings in a loss to Pittsburgh on April 19.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Rookie Taj Bradley won his third consecutive start to begin his big league career and the Tampa Bay Rays set a modern era MLB record with their 14th consecutive home win to begin a season, 8-3 over the Houston Astros. Tampa Bay had shared the mark dating to 1901 with the 2009 Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rays are 20-3 overall. Only the 1911 Detroit Tigers and 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers had better starts at 21-2 since 1901. Bradley allowed three runs and four hits with six strikeouts and no walks in five innings. Alex Bregman and Jeremy Peña homered for the Astros.UNDATED (AP) — Aaron Rodgers is leaving behind his brilliant legacy in Green Bay and heading to the bright lights and massive expectations of the Big Apple. The New York Jets agreed on a deal to acquire the four-time NFL MVP from the Packers, according to a person with knowledge of the trade who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the teams have not officially announced the deal. The Jets will also receive the No. 15 overall pick and a fifth-rounder this year from the Packers, according to another person with knowledge of the trade. In exchange, Green Bay will get the 13th overall selection, a second-rounder, a sixth-rounder and a conditional 2024 second-round pick.UNDATED (AP) — Quarterbacks are back on top in the NFL draft. A year after the first 19 picks were non-QBs and Kenny Pickett was the only signal-caller selected in the first round, this draft class is loaded with potential franchise players. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud have been the center of attention since before last year’s draft even took place. They could become the ninth pair of QBs selected 1-2 in the Super Bowl era. Anthony Richardson and Will Levis should make it four QBs in the top 15, which has happened only five times previously. If they all go in the top 10, it’ll be the second time ever. Then there’s Hendon Hooker, who may end up being a late first-round pick despite his age and knee injury.BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is losing numerous players to the transfer portal, including a holdover wide receiver who was the standout in Colorado’s sold-out spring game over the weekend. Wideout Montana Lemonious-Craig turned in an impressive performance for the Buffaloes, which was highlighted by his 98-yard touchdown. A day later, Lemonious-Craig decided to depart the program that Coach Prime was brought in to rebuild on the heels of a 1-11 season. Among the others to announce on social media they will enter the portal are receivers Jordyn Tyson and Chase Sowell, and running back Deion Smith.LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James made the tying layup with 0.8 seconds left in regulation before scoring four of his 22 points in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers surged to a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series with a 117-111 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Austin Reaves scored 23 points for the seventh-seeded Lakers, who are on the brink of their first playoff series victory outside the Florida bubble since 2012. Desmond Bane scored 36 points and hit a tiebreaking layup with 6.7 seconds left in regulation for the second-seeded Grizzlies.MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored a Miami playoff record 56 points, and the Heat roared back from 14 points down in the final quarter to stun the Milwaukee Bucks 119-114 on Monday night to put the NBA’s top overall seed on the brink of early elimination. The 56 points also became Butler’s career high. He was 19 for 28 from the field, 15 of 18 from the foul line and added nine rebounds for eighth-seeded Miami — which took a 3-1 lead over the Bucks in their Eastern Conference first-round series. Brook Lopez scored 36 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a two-game absence with a bruised back and had a triple-double.MONDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal Colorado 6 Cleveland 0Final Cincinnati 7 Texas 6Final Detroit 4 Milwaukee 2Final Arizona 5 Kansas City 4AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Baltimore 5 Boston 4Final Tampa Bay 8 Houston 3Final Toronto 5 Chicago White Sox 2Final Minnesota 6 N.Y. Yankees 1Final Oakland 11 L.A. Angels 10NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Atlanta 11 Miami 0Final San Francisco 4 St. Louis 0NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal Miami 119 Milwaukee 114Final OT L.A. Lakers 117 Memphis 111NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal New Jersey 3 N-Y Rangers 1Final OT Toronto 5 Tampa Bay 4Final Vegas 4 Winnipeg 2Final OT Seattle 3 Colorado 2<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;

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Tuesday

⛳️ Blue Dragons fifth after day 1 at District Championship

HUTCHINSON, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Men’s Golf team wrapped up the first two rounds of the Big 12 Championship on Monday at Prairie Dunes Country Club and sit in eighth place at +25 after 36 holes.

Junior William Duquette is inside the Top 10, tied for ninth at 2-over.

No. 10 Oklahoma is atop the leaderboard after the opening day at -6. The Sooners – the only team in the field under par – have a 12-shot lead on second-place No. 21 Oklahoma State (+6). No. 5 Texas Tech (+10), No. 38 TCU (+16) and No. 14 Texas (+17) round out the top five. The Jayhawks are five shots behind sixth-place West Virginia and three shots behind seventh-place Baylor.

Kansas has two players inside the Top 30 after the first day in juniors Cecil Belisle (T23, +7) and Gunnar Broin (T27, +8). Junior Davis Cooper is tied for 31st&nbsp;at 9-over, while freshman Will King is tied for 41st&nbsp;at +12. The Jayhawks are six shots ahead of No. 24 Kansas State and 12 shots ahead of Iowa State.

“It was a tough day on the course,” Coach Jamie Bermel said. “We battled out there, but just got a little sloppy on the last three holes in the second round and it cost us some strokes. There are still 36 holes left, and a lot of golf. We need to do a better job managing the wind and elements, as this course is very tough in these conditions.”

Duquette fired a 1-under 69 in the opening round to mark his seventh straight round under par. He shot a 73 in the afternoon to stay inside the Top 10. In the morning round, Duquette teed off on No. 10 and shot a 1-over on his front. He then turned it on with birdies at three and six before an eagle at the par-five seventh.

Belisle had the second-best round of the morning with a 73, including a birdie at the par-three fourth. He was the only Jayhawk to birdie that hole in either round. King shot a 74 in the first round, while Broin and Cooper had matching 75s.

In the afternoon, Broin and Duquette led the way, each shooting three-over 73s. Duquette was two-under in his round through 12, but ran into some trouble late in his round. Broin shot 3-over on the front, but then played the back at even par with a birdie at No. 17.

Belisle and Cooper each carded 74s, while King shot a 78 in the second round.

The third round is set for Tuesday with Kansas teeing off at 8:22 a.m., with Baylor on No. 10. Live stats are available through&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fresults.golfstat.com%2Fpublic%2Fleaderboards%2Fgsnav.cfm%3Fpg%3Dteam%26tid%3D26021&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cdrew.runkel%40ku.edu%7C1a4787fcb6104f1bdb2208db452a20c0%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638179819454335048%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=BaVL9oIfWfRzcmSqKuZfFH6t0k%2B88%2F3yRVTEa%2FloqbU%3D&amp;reserved=0">Golfstat</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682401774709.png" alt="KU Golf 4-24-23_Big 12 Championship.png" />
 <figcaption>KU Golf 4-24-23_Big 12 Championship.png</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Men’s Golf team wrapped up the first two rounds of the Big 12 Championship on Monday at Prairie Dunes Country Club and sit in eighth place at +25 after 36 holes.Junior William Duquette is inside the Top 10, tied for ninth at 2-over.No. 10 Oklahoma is atop the leaderboard after the opening day at -6. The Sooners – the only team in the field under par – have a 12-shot lead on second-place No. 21 Oklahoma State (+6). No. 5 Texas Tech (+10), No. 38 TCU (+16) and No. 14 Texas (+17) round out the top five. The Jayhawks are five shots behind sixth-place West Virginia and three shots behind seventh-place Baylor.Kansas has two players inside the Top 30 after the first day in juniors Cecil Belisle (T23, +7) and Gunnar Broin (T27, +8). Junior Davis Cooper is tied for 31st&nbsp;at 9-over, while freshman Will King is tied for 41st&nbsp;at +12. The Jayhawks are six shots ahead of No. 24 Kansas State and 12 shots ahead of Iowa State.“It was a tough day on the course,” Coach Jamie Bermel said. “We battled out there, but just got a little sloppy on the last three holes in the second round and it cost us some strokes. There are still 36 holes left, and a lot of golf. We need to do a better job managing the wind and elements, as this course is very tough in these conditions.”Duquette fired a 1-under 69 in the opening round to mark his seventh straight round under par. He shot a 73 in the afternoon to stay inside the Top 10. In the morning round, Duquette teed off on No. 10 and shot a 1-over on his front. He then turned it on with birdies at three and six before an eagle at the par-five seventh.Belisle had the second-best round of the morning with a 73, including a birdie at the par-three fourth. He was the only Jayhawk to birdie that hole in either round. King shot a 74 in the first round, while Broin and Cooper had matching 75s.In the afternoon, Broin and Duquette led the way, each shooting three-over 73s. Duquette was two-under in his round through 12, but ran into some trouble late in his round. Broin shot 3-over on the front, but then played the back at even par with a birdie at No. 17.Belisle and Cooper each carded 74s, while King shot a 78 in the second round.The third round is set for Tuesday with Kansas teeing off at 8:22 a.m., with Baylor on No. 10. Live stats are available through&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fresults.golfstat.com%2Fpublic%2Fleaderboards%2Fgsnav.cfm%3Fpg%3Dteam%26tid%3D26021&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cdrew.runkel%40ku.edu%7C1a4787fcb6104f1bdb2208db452a20c0%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638179819454335048%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=BaVL9oIfWfRzcmSqKuZfFH6t0k%2B88%2F3yRVTEa%2FloqbU%3D&amp;reserved=0">Golfstat</a>.

⛳️Jayhawks in 8th, Duquette inside top 10 after 36 holes at Big 12 Championship

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=63b1af93db&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=3c958f6ba5&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=fb3d5b7bac&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=6447b38891&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas’&nbsp;softball&nbsp;pitching staff&nbsp;threw a second-straight&nbsp;shutout and sophomore Olivia Bruno crushed a home run over the scoreboard to give KU&nbsp;a&nbsp;3-0 rubber match victory over Texas Tech&nbsp;Monday.

The&nbsp;Jayhawks improved to 22-21 (4-8 Big 12) and the Red Raiders dropped to 30-19 (3-11 Big 12). This is the Jayhawks first conference series win since March 30-31, 2019 vs. Baylor.&nbsp;

“I knew that going into this season, we were a different team,”&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Head Coach Jennifer McFalls&nbsp;said. “We’re athletic, we have power in our lineup, we have speed and we have pitching depth. That’s what we have needed. We knew this series was going to be important for us, so I am so proud of their fight right and how they’re playing as a team.”

In the bottom of the first inning,&nbsp;KU&nbsp;freshman left fielder Presley Limbaugh led-off the game, reaching second base on an error by Texas Tech. Junior catcher Lyric Moore doubled down the left field line to bring home Limbaugh and give Kansas the early 1-0 lead.&nbsp;It was Moore’s 11th double of the season and her&nbsp;24th&nbsp;RBI.&nbsp;

In the bottom of the fourth, right fielder Aynslee Linduff doubled up the middle after Ashlynn Anderson led-off with a single to left field. Anderson was able to cross home plate on a close call at the dish to extend the Jayhawks lead to 2-0.&nbsp;

Junior left hander Kasey Hamilton had two strikeouts and allowed three hits in four scoreless innings. With the win,&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;improved to 9-7. Hamilton is four strikeouts away from reaching her milestone of 250 strikeouts in her career and has 84 strikeouts on the season.&nbsp;

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Bruno smashed one off the top of the scoreboard for a solo home run to increase Kansas’ lead 3-0. Bruno has a team-high eight home runs&nbsp;this season.

Freshman right hander Lizzy Ludwig came in the fifth inning and kept her stellar pitching performance going against the Red Raiders. In her third appearance of the series, Ludwig pitched three innings, tallying two strikeouts while allowing three hits, earning the save.

The win was&nbsp;the Jayhawks second–consecutive shutout against the Red Raiders and its sixth shutout victory this season.

Moore finished the day with two hits in three at-bats and one RBI, while five other Jayhawks also recorded a hit.

Kansas 22-21 (4-8 Big 12) hits the road for a series against No. 1 Oklahoma 42-1 (12-0 Big 12) on April 28-30. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. CT on Big 12 NOW on Friday, April 28.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/_compresseds/8ad72f35-a038-1523-c3d1-2afa3be310e0.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=63b1af93db&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=3c958f6ba5&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=fb3d5b7bac&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=6447b38891&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas’&nbsp;softball&nbsp;pitching staff&nbsp;threw a second-straight&nbsp;shutout and sophomore Olivia Bruno crushed a home run over the scoreboard to give KU&nbsp;a&nbsp;3-0 rubber match victory over Texas Tech&nbsp;Monday.The&nbsp;Jayhawks improved to 22-21 (4-8 Big 12) and the Red Raiders dropped to 30-19 (3-11 Big 12). This is the Jayhawks first conference series win since March 30-31, 2019 vs. Baylor.&nbsp;“I knew that going into this season, we were a different team,”&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Head Coach Jennifer McFalls&nbsp;said. “We’re athletic, we have power in our lineup, we have speed and we have pitching depth. That’s what we have needed. We knew this series was going to be important for us, so I am so proud of their fight right and how they’re playing as a team.”In the bottom of the first inning,&nbsp;KU&nbsp;freshman left fielder Presley Limbaugh led-off the game, reaching second base on an error by Texas Tech. Junior catcher Lyric Moore doubled down the left field line to bring home Limbaugh and give Kansas the early 1-0 lead.&nbsp;It was Moore’s 11th double of the season and her&nbsp;24th&nbsp;RBI.&nbsp;In the bottom of the fourth, right fielder Aynslee Linduff doubled up the middle after Ashlynn Anderson led-off with a single to left field. Anderson was able to cross home plate on a close call at the dish to extend the Jayhawks lead to 2-0.&nbsp;Junior left hander Kasey Hamilton had two strikeouts and allowed three hits in four scoreless innings. With the win,&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;improved to 9-7. Hamilton is four strikeouts away from reaching her milestone of 250 strikeouts in her career and has 84 strikeouts on the season.&nbsp;In the bottom of the sixth inning, Bruno smashed one off the top of the scoreboard for a solo home run to increase Kansas’ lead 3-0. Bruno has a team-high eight home runs&nbsp;this season.Freshman right hander Lizzy Ludwig came in the fifth inning and kept her stellar pitching performance going against the Red Raiders. In her third appearance of the series, Ludwig pitched three innings, tallying two strikeouts while allowing three hits, earning the save.The win was&nbsp;the Jayhawks second–consecutive shutout against the Red Raiders and its sixth shutout victory this season.Moore finished the day with two hits in three at-bats and one RBI, while five other Jayhawks also recorded a hit.UP NEXT:Kansas 22-21 (4-8 Big 12) hits the road for a series against No. 1 Oklahoma 42-1 (12-0 Big 12) on April 28-30. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. CT on Big 12 NOW on Friday, April 28.&nbsp;NOTES:<ul>
 <li>Jayhawks held the Red Raiders to 16 straight scoreless innings in the series victory.</li><li>Lizzy Ludwig recorded her fourth save of the season, which ranks second in the Big 12.</li><li>Ludwig now has an ERA of 1.35, which ranks fourth in the Big 12 and ties for 19th in NCAA.</li><li>With her two hits, Moore now has nine multi-hit games.</li><li>Moore had four hits in the three games she started against the Red Raiders and is on a four-game hitting streak dating back to April 19th at Missouri.</li>
 </ul><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;

🥎 Jayhawks down Texas Tech, 3-0

Via Hutchinson CC Sports Information

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/sball/rankings/DI/index" target="_blank">CLICK FOR LATEST NJCAA DIVISION I SOFTBALL RANKINGS</a>

Entering the final week of the 2023 regular season, the Hutchinson Community College softball team moved up one spot to No. 14 in the latest NJCAA Division I Rankings released on Monday.

The No. 14 ranking is the second-highest rank of the season for the Blue Dragons. Hutchinson was ranked as high as No. 13 on March 27.

The Blue Dragons are riding an eight-game winning streak entering a busy final week of the regular season with Jayhawk Conference doubleheader against Seward County at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sophomore Day on Friday against the McPherson College JV and the regular-season and KJCCC finale on Saturday at Pratt.

The Blue Dragons are 37-6 overall and remain atop the Jayhawk Conference standings with a 25-3 record, one game ahead of second-place Butler.

Last week Hutchinson run-ruled Northwest Tech 9-1 and 30-0 on Wednesday. The Dragons rallied to win Game 1 on Saturday at Garden City 8-4 after trailing 4-0 after two innings. The Dragons then run-ruled The Broncbusters 13-0 in Game 2.

Butler (35-10) is the only other Jayhawk Conference team ranked in the poll at No. 18.

Odessa (40-4) takes over as the new No. 1 team in the NJCAA Rankings. Wallace State (43-5) moves up to No. 2. Previous No. 1 Florida SouthWestern (43-5) dropped to No. 3.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682401041343.jpeg" alt="The Blue Dragon Softball team moves up to No. 14 in this week's NJCAA Division I rankings. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>The Blue Dragon Softball team moves up to No. 14 in this week's NJCAA Division I rankings. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Via Hutchinson CC Sports Information<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/sball/rankings/DI/index" target="_blank">CLICK FOR LATEST NJCAA DIVISION I SOFTBALL RANKINGS</a>Entering the final week of the 2023 regular season, the Hutchinson Community College softball team moved up one spot to No. 14 in the latest NJCAA Division I Rankings released on Monday.The No. 14 ranking is the second-highest rank of the season for the Blue Dragons. Hutchinson was ranked as high as No. 13 on March 27.The Blue Dragons are riding an eight-game winning streak entering a busy final week of the regular season with Jayhawk Conference doubleheader against Seward County at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sophomore Day on Friday against the McPherson College JV and the regular-season and KJCCC finale on Saturday at Pratt.The Blue Dragons are 37-6 overall and remain atop the Jayhawk Conference standings with a 25-3 record, one game ahead of second-place Butler.Last week Hutchinson run-ruled Northwest Tech 9-1 and 30-0 on Wednesday. The Dragons rallied to win Game 1 on Saturday at Garden City 8-4 after trailing 4-0 after two innings. The Dragons then run-ruled The Broncbusters 13-0 in Game 2.Butler (35-10) is the only other Jayhawk Conference team ranked in the poll at No. 18.Odessa (40-4) takes over as the new No. 1 team in the NJCAA Rankings. Wallace State (43-5) moves up to No. 2. Previous No. 1 Florida SouthWestern (43-5) dropped to No. 3.<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 climb to No. 14 in NJCAA D1 rankings

 ⚾ Blue Dragons win sixth-straight with win over Sterling College JV

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;- The Kansas State men's golf team carded a 31-over par 591 over the first two rounds of the 2023 Big 12 Championship on Monday held at the par-70, 7,025-yard Prairie Dunes Country Club. The Wildcats, ranked 24th in the nation by Golfstat, carded a 17-over par 297 in the morning round before a 14-over par 294 in the afternoon, as K-State is in ninth place midway through the championship. Four Wildcats are within two shots of each other heading into Tuesday's third round, led by junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/luke-o-neill/9691">Luke O'Neill</a>. The Connemara, Ireland, native went 1-over par 71 in the morning and was 6-over par 76 in the afternoon. He will begin play on Tuesday in a tie for 23rd place at 7-over par 147. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/will-hopkins/9688">Will Hopkins</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/tim-tillmanns/9694">Tim Tillmanns</a>&nbsp;are tied for 27th place at 8-over par 148. The senior duo each carded a 5-over par 75 in the first round - including an eagle by Tillmanns on No. 7 - before shaving two strokes off in the afternoon with a 3-over par 73. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-schultz/9693">Cooper Schultz</a>, a native of Andover, Kansas, is tied for 30th with a 36-hole score of 9-over par 149. He, too, eagled No. 7 in the first round and was able to improve in the afternoon 18. Schultz carded a 6-over par 76 in the morning before a 3-over par 73 in the second round. Another Kansas native,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/nicklaus-mason/9689">Nicklaus Mason</a>, carded a 6-over par 76 in the first round with an eagle on No. 7 before shooting a 5-over par 75 in the afternoon. The Shawnee, Kansas, product enters Tuesday's third round tied for 38th at 11-over par 151. Oklahoma, the 10th-ranked team in the nation, holds a 12-shot lead after the first day, as the Sooners are at 6-under par 554 midway through the championship. No. 21 Oklahoma State is in second place at 6-over par 566. The Cowboys have the top individual after day one in No. 72 Jonas Baumgartner at 9-under par 131. He leads Texas Tech's Ludvig Aberg - the second-ranked player in the nation - by two shots. K-State's third round of the 2023 Big 12 Championship begins Tuesday morning with a 9:07 a.m. tee time off No. 10 as the Wildcats are paired with Iowa State. Live results can be followed at Golfstat.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://results.golfstat.com//public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=team&amp;tid=26021" target="_blank">Live Results</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682402288145.jpeg" alt="K-State Golf at Big 12 Championship.jpg" />
 <figcaption>K-State Golf at Big 12 Championship.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;- The Kansas State men's golf team carded a 31-over par 591 over the first two rounds of the 2023 Big 12 Championship on Monday held at the par-70, 7,025-yard Prairie Dunes Country Club. The Wildcats, ranked 24th in the nation by Golfstat, carded a 17-over par 297 in the morning round before a 14-over par 294 in the afternoon, as K-State is in ninth place midway through the championship. Four Wildcats are within two shots of each other heading into Tuesday's third round, led by junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/luke-o-neill/9691">Luke O'Neill</a>. The Connemara, Ireland, native went 1-over par 71 in the morning and was 6-over par 76 in the afternoon. He will begin play on Tuesday in a tie for 23rd place at 7-over par 147. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/will-hopkins/9688">Will Hopkins</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/tim-tillmanns/9694">Tim Tillmanns</a>&nbsp;are tied for 27th place at 8-over par 148. The senior duo each carded a 5-over par 75 in the first round - including an eagle by Tillmanns on No. 7 - before shaving two strokes off in the afternoon with a 3-over par 73. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-schultz/9693">Cooper Schultz</a>, a native of Andover, Kansas, is tied for 30th with a 36-hole score of 9-over par 149. He, too, eagled No. 7 in the first round and was able to improve in the afternoon 18. Schultz carded a 6-over par 76 in the morning before a 3-over par 73 in the second round. Another Kansas native,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/nicklaus-mason/9689">Nicklaus Mason</a>, carded a 6-over par 76 in the first round with an eagle on No. 7 before shooting a 5-over par 75 in the afternoon. The Shawnee, Kansas, product enters Tuesday's third round tied for 38th at 11-over par 151. Oklahoma, the 10th-ranked team in the nation, holds a 12-shot lead after the first day, as the Sooners are at 6-under par 554 midway through the championship. No. 21 Oklahoma State is in second place at 6-over par 566. The Cowboys have the top individual after day one in No. 72 Jonas Baumgartner at 9-under par 131. He leads Texas Tech's Ludvig Aberg - the second-ranked player in the nation - by two shots. K-State's third round of the 2023 Big 12 Championship begins Tuesday morning with a 9:07 a.m. tee time off No. 10 as the Wildcats are paired with Iowa State. Live results can be followed at Golfstat.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://results.golfstat.com//public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=team&amp;tid=26021" target="_blank">Live Results</a>

⛳️ Cats looking for bounce back round at Big 12 Championship

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The 2023 Big 12 Men's Golf Championship teed off on Monday morning at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson. The participants representing all ten member universities in the conference played 36 holes throughout the day on Monday.

The Oklahoma Sooners lead the team score through the first two rounds with a 6-under-par total of 554. The Sooners lead play after the first day by 12 strokes over Oklahoma State who shot a 6-over-par total of 566.&nbsp;

Oklahoma State junior Jonas Baumgartner sits atop the individual leaderboard after firing a 9-under-par total of 131 through the first 36 holes. Baumgartner leads the tournament by two strokes over Texas Tech senior Ludvig Aberg who finished the day 7-under.&nbsp;

Baumgartner is ranked No. 72 in the latest individual rankings, while Ludvig is No. 2 and is currently the No. 1 amateur in the <a href="https://www.wagr.com/mens-ranking">World Amateur Golf Rankings</a>. Ludvig is also the reigning Big 12 individual champion.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are the highest ranked team in the team rankings, currently No. 5 in the country. The Sooners are the defending Big 12 Champions and are No. 10 currently in the collegiate rankings.

Action continues on Tuesday morning with play beginning at 8 a.m. The tournament is free and open to the public. The Championship Round on Wednesday will be streamed on ESPN+.&nbsp;

Live scoring, results, and pairings can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://results.golfstat.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=participants&amp;tid=26021">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday, April 25 The pairings for Day 2 – third round – will be based on the 36-hole team totals and player rankings within their respective teams. First starting time will be 8:00 a.m. with 9-minute intervals. 8:00 a.m. – 1st&nbsp;Tee - 5th&nbsp;Place, 6th&nbsp;Place 8:22 a.m. – 10th&nbsp;Tee – 7th&nbsp;Place, 8th&nbsp;Place 8:45 a.m. – 1st&nbsp;Tee – 3rd&nbsp;Place, 4th&nbsp;Place 9:07 a.m. – 10th&nbsp;Tee – 9th&nbsp;Place, 10th&nbsp;Place 9:30 a.m. – 1st&nbsp;Tee – 1st&nbsp;Place, 2nd&nbsp;Place Wednesday, April 26 The pairings for Day 3 – fourth round – will be based on the 54-hole team totals and player rankings within their respective teams. First starting time will be 8:00 a.m. with 9-minute intervals. 8:00 a.m. – 1st&nbsp;Tee - 5th&nbsp;Place, 6th&nbsp;Place 8:22 a.m. – 10th&nbsp;Tee – 7th&nbsp;Place, 8th&nbsp;Place 8:45 a.m. – 1st&nbsp;Tee – 3rd&nbsp;Place, 4th&nbsp;Place 9:07 a.m. – 10th&nbsp;Tee – 9th&nbsp;Place, 10th&nbsp;Place 9:30 a.m. – 1st&nbsp;Tee – 1st&nbsp;Place, 2nd&nbsp;Place *Note: if for any reason play is discontinued, the next day’s pairings will be based on the most recent completed round’s results*&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682382316807.jpeg" alt="Texas Tech senior Ludvig Aberg looks at his yardage book before a shot at Prairie Dunes on Monday. Photo courtesy of Sean Boston." />
 <figcaption>Texas Tech senior Ludvig Aberg looks at his yardage book before a shot at Prairie Dunes on Monday. Photo courtesy of Sean Boston.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The 2023 Big 12 Men's Golf Championship teed off on Monday morning at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson. The participants representing all ten member universities in the conference played 36 holes throughout the day on Monday.The Oklahoma Sooners lead the team score through the first two rounds with a 6-under-par total of 554. The Sooners lead play after the first day by 12 strokes over Oklahoma State who shot a 6-over-par total of 566.&nbsp;Oklahoma State junior Jonas Baumgartner sits atop the individual leaderboard after firing a 9-under-par total of 131 through the first 36 holes. Baumgartner leads the tournament by two strokes over Texas Tech senior Ludvig Aberg who finished the day 7-under.&nbsp;Baumgartner is ranked No. 72 in the latest individual rankings, while Ludvig is No. 2 and is currently the No. 1 amateur in the <a href="https://www.wagr.com/mens-ranking">World Amateur Golf Rankings</a>. Ludvig is also the reigning Big 12 individual champion.The Texas Tech Red Raiders are the highest ranked team in the team rankings, currently No. 5 in the country. The Sooners are the defending Big 12 Champions and are No. 10 currently in the collegiate rankings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682383732319.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Action continues on Tuesday morning with play beginning at 8 a.m. The tournament is free and open to the public. The Championship Round on Wednesday will be streamed on ESPN+.&nbsp;

Live scoring, results, and pairings can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://results.golfstat.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=participants&amp;tid=26021">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tuesday, April 25 The pairings for Day 2 – third round – will be based on the 36-hole team totals and player rankings within their respective teams. First starting time will be 8:00 a.m. with 9-minute intervals. 8:00 a.m. – 1st&nbsp;Tee - 5th&nbsp;Place, 6th&nbsp;Place 8:22 a.m. – 10th&nbsp;Tee – 7th&nbsp;Place, 8th&nbsp;Place 8:45 a.m. – 1st&nbsp;Tee – 3rd&nbsp;Place, 4th&nbsp;Place 9:07 a.m. – 10th&nbsp;Tee – 9th&nbsp;Place, 10th&nbsp;Place 9:30 a.m. – 1st&nbsp;Tee – 1st&nbsp;Place, 2nd&nbsp;Place Wednesday, April 26 The pairings for Day 3 – fourth round – will be based on the 54-hole team totals and player rankings within their respective teams. First starting time will be 8:00 a.m. with 9-minute intervals. 8:00 a.m. – 1st&nbsp;Tee - 5th&nbsp;Place, 6th&nbsp;Place 8:22 a.m. – 10th&nbsp;Tee – 7th&nbsp;Place, 8th&nbsp;Place 8:45 a.m. – 1st&nbsp;Tee – 3rd&nbsp;Place, 4th&nbsp;Place 9:07 a.m. – 10th&nbsp;Tee – 9th&nbsp;Place, 10th&nbsp;Place 9:30 a.m. – 1st&nbsp;Tee – 1st&nbsp;Place, 2nd&nbsp;Place *Note: if for any reason play is discontinued, the next day’s pairings will be based on the most recent completed round’s results*&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682383654142.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

⛳ Big 12 Men's Golf Championship Day 1 Recap from Prairie Dunes

🏈 AP source: Jets agree on deal to acquire Aaron Rodgers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes made a bold promise to Chiefs president Mark Donovan at one point last season, knowing full well that the NFL draft would be coming to Kansas City for the first time the last weekend in April.

“I was going to make sure they say ‘World Champion Kansas City Chiefs’ whenever they announce our pick,” Mahomes said, “and I held my word to that, and I don’t know it’s ever been able to be said in the host city.”

Get ready for what could be a long party next Thursday night at Union Station.

The same place where the Chiefs ended their Super Bowl victory parade in February is the site of the draft, and the Chiefs are picking last in the first round after winning their third Lombardi Trophy. So unless they trade up — always possible given their aggressive general manager, Brett Veach — the Chiefs won't be on the clock until the sun has long set.

It remains to be seen who will be left with a first-round grade from Veach by that point.

Or even what position the Chiefs will attack.

The Chiefs need help at offensive tackle and wide receiver, two positions that were hit hard by departures in free agency.

“I think when you have the GM blue book it kind of says, ‘Smart in free agency and build through the draft,’ Veach said, “and I think I’ve learned over the years as you have more and more success that becomes more difficult.”

In free agency, players cost more. In the draft, the Chiefs tend to pick near the end of each round.

Yet they struck it rich in last year's draft. Defensive back Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis, both first-round picks, became linchpins of the defense alongside cornerbacks Josh Williams and Jaylen Watson. Second-round pick Skyy Moore had a crucial punt return in the Super Bowl, while seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco led the Chiefs in rushing.

"We really had to slam dunk this thing from start to finish," Veach said, “and it was one of those years a GM dreams of.”

Who are the Chiefs dreaming about this year with 10 picks overall?

If they address the offensive line with the No. 31 pick, Ohio State's Dawand Jones and Oklahoma's Anton Harrison are possibilities. The Chiefs have done plenty of work on Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers if they go that route. And pass rushers such as Kansas State's Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Notre Dame's Isaiah Foskey could be available there.

“We always try to stick to best available. It's probably a cookie-cutter line all GMs use,” Veach said, before acknowledging: “It does become difficult sometimes when you have certain position groups that are really deep, because you do think, ‘Maybe he’s a little higher in value but there’s depth in that position, so maybe you can get something similar.’ So, it’s just working the board and really trusting your guys at the end of the day.”

Why are the Chiefs picking 31st if they have the last pick in the first round? The Dolphins had to forfeit their first-round pick for violations of the NFL anti-tampering policy, moving Kansas City up one spot in the draft order.

The Chiefs watched JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman leave in free agency, making wide receiver a priority. Two other priorities are defensive end, where the Chiefs released Frank Clark to create salary cap space, and offensive tackle, where starters Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie signed elsewhere in free agency.

Quarterback, of course, but also Mahomes' protectors on the interior offensive line. The Chiefs also are deep at cornerback after loading up in last year's draft and hitting on just about all of the picks.

Travis Kelce remains the best tight end in the NFL. But he turns 34 in October, and while the Chiefs have a few developmental prospects, they need to start looking for a replacement for the four-time All-Pro.

The Chiefs would certainly cause a hometown stir by selecting Anudike-Uzomah, who was born in Kansas City and played prep football in the suburb of Lee's Summit, Missouri, before becoming a star for Kansas State.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682335784512.jpeg" alt="The NFL Draft starts in Kansas City on Thursday" />
 <figcaption>The NFL Draft starts in Kansas City on Thursday</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes made a bold promise to Chiefs president Mark Donovan at one point last season, knowing full well that the NFL draft would be coming to Kansas City for the first time the last weekend in April.“I was going to make sure they say ‘World Champion Kansas City Chiefs’ whenever they announce our pick,” Mahomes said, “and I held my word to that, and I don’t know it’s ever been able to be said in the host city.”Get ready for what could be a long party next Thursday night at Union Station.The same place where the Chiefs ended their Super Bowl victory parade in February is the site of the draft, and the Chiefs are picking last in the first round after winning their third Lombardi Trophy. So unless they trade up — always possible given their aggressive general manager, Brett Veach — the Chiefs won't be on the clock until the sun has long set.It remains to be seen who will be left with a first-round grade from Veach by that point.Or even what position the Chiefs will attack.The Chiefs need help at offensive tackle and wide receiver, two positions that were hit hard by departures in free agency.“I think when you have the GM blue book it kind of says, ‘Smart in free agency and build through the draft,’ Veach said, “and I think I’ve learned over the years as you have more and more success that becomes more difficult.”In free agency, players cost more. In the draft, the Chiefs tend to pick near the end of each round.Yet they struck it rich in last year's draft. Defensive back Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis, both first-round picks, became linchpins of the defense alongside cornerbacks Josh Williams and Jaylen Watson. Second-round pick Skyy Moore had a crucial punt return in the Super Bowl, while seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco led the Chiefs in rushing."We really had to slam dunk this thing from start to finish," Veach said, “and it was one of those years a GM dreams of.”Who are the Chiefs dreaming about this year with 10 picks overall?If they address the offensive line with the No. 31 pick, Ohio State's Dawand Jones and Oklahoma's Anton Harrison are possibilities. The Chiefs have done plenty of work on Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers if they go that route. And pass rushers such as Kansas State's Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Notre Dame's Isaiah Foskey could be available there.“We always try to stick to best available. It's probably a cookie-cutter line all GMs use,” Veach said, before acknowledging: “It does become difficult sometimes when you have certain position groups that are really deep, because you do think, ‘Maybe he’s a little higher in value but there’s depth in that position, so maybe you can get something similar.’ So, it’s just working the board and really trusting your guys at the end of the day.”PICK ’EMWhy are the Chiefs picking 31st if they have the last pick in the first round? The Dolphins had to forfeit their first-round pick for violations of the NFL anti-tampering policy, moving Kansas City up one spot in the draft order.NEEDSThe Chiefs watched JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman leave in free agency, making wide receiver a priority. Two other priorities are defensive end, where the Chiefs released Frank Clark to create salary cap space, and offensive tackle, where starters Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie signed elsewhere in free agency.DON’T NEEDQuarterback, of course, but also Mahomes' protectors on the interior offensive line. The Chiefs also are deep at cornerback after loading up in last year's draft and hitting on just about all of the picks.FORWARDING THINKINGTravis Kelce remains the best tight end in the NFL. But he turns 34 in October, and while the Chiefs have a few developmental prospects, they need to start looking for a replacement for the four-time All-Pro.GOING LOCALThe Chiefs would certainly cause a hometown stir by selecting Anudike-Uzomah, who was born in Kansas City and played prep football in the suburb of Lee's Summit, Missouri, before becoming a star for Kansas State.<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;

🏈 Super Bowl champion Chiefs ready for KC to host NFL draft

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Taylor Ward, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani hit consecutive homers in the sixth inning, and the Los Angeles Angels hung on for a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The Angels managed only one hit in the first five innings against Jordan Lyles before the heart of their order unloaded on the Kansas City starter during a nine-pitch span. Trout also doubled twice, and Ward scored two runs. MJ Melendez, Vinnie Pasquantino and Bobby Witt Jr. hit solo homers for the Royals, who opened their 10-game trip by losing two of three in Anaheim.

SEATTLE (AP) — Lars Nootbaar homered on the first pitch of the game, Nolan Gorman added a three-run shot and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Seattle Mariners 7-3 to prevent a three-game sweep. Paul DeJong also went deep in his season debut and Jack Flaherty recovered from early trouble to pitch six solid innings for St. Louis. Jarred Kelenic homered for the second consecutive day and Ty France had a two-run single for Seattle. Gorman’s three-run homer to right-center put the Cardinals up 6-3 in the fourth. He has six home runs and an NL-leading 14 two-out RBIs this season. Nootbaar connected on the first pitch from Mariners starter Chris Flexen. DeJong had three hits during his first game this season after returning from the injured list.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryson Stott and Kody Clemens hit solo homers, Stott and Brandon Marsh hit two-run shots and Zack Wheeler struck out 11 to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 9-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. The Phillies took the final three games of a four-game series and have won six of eight overall as they recover from a slow start and have started making strides in their rotation.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs will still be reveling in their Super Bowl triumph when they are on the clock in the NFL draft. They are due to pick 31st overall, last in the first round, after beating the Philadelphia Eagles to hoist their third Lombardi Trophy. The Chiefs have 10 picks overall. They had a very successful draft a year ago, despite picking late in most rounds. A rookie class that included cornerback Trent McDuffie, pass rusher George Karlaftis and running back Isiah Pacheco were major contributors to their Super Bowl run. General manager Brett Veach will try to replicate that effort with holes on the roster at offensive tackle, defensive end and wide receiver.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel has approved rules changes that are expected to reduce the number of plays in football games. The most notable is one that will keep the clock running when a team makes a first down except in the last two minutes of a half. The new clock rule affects only Divisions I and II. Penalties accepted at the end of the first and third quarters will now be enforced at the start of the following quarter and back-to-back timeouts during the same dead-ball period are no longer allowed.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry scored 32 points but gave Sacramento a late chance when he called a timeout Golden State didn’t have, and the defending champion Warriors held on to beat the Kings 126-125 when Harrison Barnes missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer. The Warriors evened the Northern California rivals' playoff series at two games apiece. De’Aaron Fox scored 38 points for Sacramento. His 3-pointer with 28.7 seconds left pulled the Kings within one. Golden State led 126-121 with 42.4 seconds left when Curry called the excessive timeout, and Malik Monk made the technical free throw for Sacramento.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 29 points, RJ Barrett had 26 and the New York Knicks took a 3-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in their first-round series with a 102-93 victory. Josh Hart moved into the starting lineup and had 19 points and seven rebounds for the fifth-seeded Knicks. New York can reach the second round for the first time in a decade if it beats the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday. Donovan Mitchell finished with just 11 points on 5-for-18 shooting for Cleveland.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 34 points, Karl-Anthony Towns had 17 points and 11 rebounds, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 114-108 in overtime in Game 4 to avoid elimination. Rudy Gobert added 14 points and 15 rebounds for Minnesota which held on after Denver scored the final 12 points of regulation to force overtime. Mike Conley had 19 points for the Timberwolves. Game 5 is Tuesday in Denver. Nikola Jokic tied a playoff career high with 43 points and added 11 rebounds for the Nuggets.

ATLANTA (AP) — Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum each scored 31 points and the Boston Celtics led nearly the entire way, holding off the Atlanta Hawks for a 129-121 victory and a commanding 3-1 lead in the opening-round playoff series. The Celtics can deliver the clincher Tuesday night when the series returns to Boston for Game 5. Tatum and Brown combined to score Boston’s final 16 points. Brown has been wearing a protective mask after sustaining facial contusions in February. He took off the device after making only 1 of 7 shots and went 11 of 15 the rest of the way. Trae Young led Atlanta with 35 points.

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — Kyle Busch won his second race of the season since joining Richard Childress Racing when he snatched the victory in double overtime at Talladega Superspeedway. It was the second win for Busch at Talladega, 15 years apart. He won when Bubba Wallace was spun by Ryan Blaney as Wallace tried to block Blaney. It triggered a race-ending caution that gave RCR its 13th victory at NASCAR's biggest track. Blaney finished second to lead a parade of Ford drivers to second through fifth-place finishes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681297613631.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Monday Morning, April 24th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Monday Morning, April 24th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Taylor Ward, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani hit consecutive homers in the sixth inning, and the Los Angeles Angels hung on for a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The Angels managed only one hit in the first five innings against Jordan Lyles before the heart of their order unloaded on the Kansas City starter during a nine-pitch span. Trout also doubled twice, and Ward scored two runs. MJ Melendez, Vinnie Pasquantino and Bobby Witt Jr. hit solo homers for the Royals, who opened their 10-game trip by losing two of three in Anaheim.SEATTLE (AP) — Lars Nootbaar homered on the first pitch of the game, Nolan Gorman added a three-run shot and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Seattle Mariners 7-3 to prevent a three-game sweep. Paul DeJong also went deep in his season debut and Jack Flaherty recovered from early trouble to pitch six solid innings for St. Louis. Jarred Kelenic homered for the second consecutive day and Ty France had a two-run single for Seattle. Gorman’s three-run homer to right-center put the Cardinals up 6-3 in the fourth. He has six home runs and an NL-leading 14 two-out RBIs this season. Nootbaar connected on the first pitch from Mariners starter Chris Flexen. DeJong had three hits during his first game this season after returning from the injured list.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryson Stott and Kody Clemens hit solo homers, Stott and Brandon Marsh hit two-run shots and Zack Wheeler struck out 11 to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 9-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. The Phillies took the final three games of a four-game series and have won six of eight overall as they recover from a slow start and have started making strides in their rotation.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs will still be reveling in their Super Bowl triumph when they are on the clock in the NFL draft. They are due to pick 31st overall, last in the first round, after beating the Philadelphia Eagles to hoist their third Lombardi Trophy. The Chiefs have 10 picks overall. They had a very successful draft a year ago, despite picking late in most rounds. A rookie class that included cornerback Trent McDuffie, pass rusher George Karlaftis and running back Isiah Pacheco were major contributors to their Super Bowl run. General manager Brett Veach will try to replicate that effort with holes on the roster at offensive tackle, defensive end and wide receiver.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel has approved rules changes that are expected to reduce the number of plays in football games. The most notable is one that will keep the clock running when a team makes a first down except in the last two minutes of a half. The new clock rule affects only Divisions I and II. Penalties accepted at the end of the first and third quarters will now be enforced at the start of the following quarter and back-to-back timeouts during the same dead-ball period are no longer allowed.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry scored 32 points but gave Sacramento a late chance when he called a timeout Golden State didn’t have, and the defending champion Warriors held on to beat the Kings 126-125 when Harrison Barnes missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer. The Warriors evened the Northern California rivals' playoff series at two games apiece. De’Aaron Fox scored 38 points for Sacramento. His 3-pointer with 28.7 seconds left pulled the Kings within one. Golden State led 126-121 with 42.4 seconds left when Curry called the excessive timeout, and Malik Monk made the technical free throw for Sacramento.NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 29 points, RJ Barrett had 26 and the New York Knicks took a 3-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in their first-round series with a 102-93 victory. Josh Hart moved into the starting lineup and had 19 points and seven rebounds for the fifth-seeded Knicks. New York can reach the second round for the first time in a decade if it beats the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday. Donovan Mitchell finished with just 11 points on 5-for-18 shooting for Cleveland.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 34 points, Karl-Anthony Towns had 17 points and 11 rebounds, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 114-108 in overtime in Game 4 to avoid elimination. Rudy Gobert added 14 points and 15 rebounds for Minnesota which held on after Denver scored the final 12 points of regulation to force overtime. Mike Conley had 19 points for the Timberwolves. Game 5 is Tuesday in Denver. Nikola Jokic tied a playoff career high with 43 points and added 11 rebounds for the Nuggets.ATLANTA (AP) — Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum each scored 31 points and the Boston Celtics led nearly the entire way, holding off the Atlanta Hawks for a 129-121 victory and a commanding 3-1 lead in the opening-round playoff series. The Celtics can deliver the clincher Tuesday night when the series returns to Boston for Game 5. Tatum and Brown combined to score Boston’s final 16 points. Brown has been wearing a protective mask after sustaining facial contusions in February. He took off the device after making only 1 of 7 shots and went 11 of 15 the rest of the way. Trae Young led Atlanta with 35 points.TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — Kyle Busch won his second race of the season since joining Richard Childress Racing when he snatched the victory in double overtime at Talladega Superspeedway. It was the second win for Busch at Talladega, 15 years apart. He won when Bubba Wallace was spun by Ryan Blaney as Wallace tried to block Blaney. It triggered a race-ending caution that gave RCR its 13th victory at NASCAR's biggest track. Blaney finished second to lead a parade of Ford drivers to second through fifth-place finishes.SUNDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal Cleveland 7 Miami 4Final Minnesota 3 Washington 1Final Houston 5 Atlanta 2Final Boston 12 Milwaukee 5Final St. Louis 7 Seattle 3AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Tampa Bay 4 Chicago White Sox 1Final Toronto 5 N.Y. Yankees 1Final Baltimore 2 Detroit 1Final Texas 5 Oakland 2Final L.A. Angels 4 Kansas City 3NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Philadelphia 9 Colorado 3Final Pittsburgh 2 Cincinnati 0Final L.A. Dodgers 7 Chicago Cubs 3Final San Diego 7 Arizona 5Final San Francisco 5 N.Y. Mets 4NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal New York 102 Cleveland 93Final Golden State 126 Sacramento 125Final Boston 129 Atlanta 121Final OT Minnesota 114 Denver 108NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal Carolina 5 N-Y Islanders 2Final Boston 6 Florida 2Final Dallas 3 Minnesota 2Final OT Edmonton 5 Los Angeles 4<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;

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Monday

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) —&nbsp;Taylor Ward, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani hit consecutive homers in the sixth inning, and the Los Angeles Angels hung on for a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Trout also had two doubles for the Angels, who managed only one hit in the first five innings against Jordan Lyles (0-4) before the heart of their order unloaded on the Kansas City starter during a nine-pitch span.

Ward's drive into the short left-field porch was followed by Trout's fifth homer of the year and Ohtani's 415-foot blast to center for his own fifth homer. Los Angeles hadn't hit back-to-back-to-back homers since June 8, 2019.

"It was good to see some quality at-bats, and obviously Shohei hitting a homer," Trout said. "We gave Hunter Renfroe a little stuff because he couldn't hit a homer (after the three straight). No, it's all fun to get a good pitch to hit and put the barrel on it."

Ohtani had two hits and two RBIs, and Ward scored two runs in the Angels' second victory in five games. All three home-run hitters appeared to be revitalized after recent tough stretches on offense.

"We look at (Trout and Ohtani) like they're Superman, and they're human," Angels manager Phil Nevin said. "They get tired. The last two nights, that's the Mike we know. His bat has been flying through the zone."

MJ Melendez, Vinnie Pasquantino and Bobby Witt Jr. connected for the Royals, who opened their 10-game trip by losing two of three in Anaheim. Kansas City has lost eight of nine and 11 of 13.

Lyles yielded four hits over six innings with five strikeouts.

"I know at least two of (the Angels' homers) were off-speed pitches, and two of them were also two-strike pitches, so you give them credit," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "They put good swings on pitches when they were behind in the count. Those are three really good hitters, and Jordan did a heck of a job limiting the damage over six innings. You're facing three of the best hitters in the game there, and that's what they do."

Reid Detmers yielded seven hits while pitching into the sixth for the Angels. Austin Warren (1-0) gave up Witt's homer in the seventh during his second appearance of the season, and Carlos Estevez got his third save with a six-pitch ninth inning.

Melendez homered in the first, but Ward scored on Ohtani's flyout later in the inning after advancing on Trout's double.

Pasquantino delivered his fourth homer in the top of the sixth before the Angels' barrage.

Ward had been in a 2-for-27 skid before his homer. He didn't start Saturday night for the first time this season.

"It was a pretty cool moment, and definitely a difference-maker," Ward said. "Definitely boosts your confidence a little bit."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680115673148.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) —&nbsp;Taylor Ward, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani hit consecutive homers in the sixth inning, and the Los Angeles Angels hung on for a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.Trout also had two doubles for the Angels, who managed only one hit in the first five innings against Jordan Lyles (0-4) before the heart of their order unloaded on the Kansas City starter during a nine-pitch span.Ward's drive into the short left-field porch was followed by Trout's fifth homer of the year and Ohtani's 415-foot blast to center for his own fifth homer. Los Angeles hadn't hit back-to-back-to-back homers since June 8, 2019."It was good to see some quality at-bats, and obviously Shohei hitting a homer," Trout said. "We gave Hunter Renfroe a little stuff because he couldn't hit a homer (after the three straight). No, it's all fun to get a good pitch to hit and put the barrel on it."Ohtani had two hits and two RBIs, and Ward scored two runs in the Angels' second victory in five games. All three home-run hitters appeared to be revitalized after recent tough stretches on offense."We look at (Trout and Ohtani) like they're Superman, and they're human," Angels manager Phil Nevin said. "They get tired. The last two nights, that's the Mike we know. His bat has been flying through the zone."MJ Melendez, Vinnie Pasquantino and Bobby Witt Jr. connected for the Royals, who opened their 10-game trip by losing two of three in Anaheim. Kansas City has lost eight of nine and 11 of 13.Lyles yielded four hits over six innings with five strikeouts."I know at least two of (the Angels' homers) were off-speed pitches, and two of them were also two-strike pitches, so you give them credit," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "They put good swings on pitches when they were behind in the count. Those are three really good hitters, and Jordan did a heck of a job limiting the damage over six innings. You're facing three of the best hitters in the game there, and that's what they do."Reid Detmers yielded seven hits while pitching into the sixth for the Angels. Austin Warren (1-0) gave up Witt's homer in the seventh during his second appearance of the season, and Carlos Estevez got his third save with a six-pitch ninth inning.Melendez homered in the first, but Ward scored on Ohtani's flyout later in the inning after advancing on Trout's double.Pasquantino delivered his fourth homer in the top of the sixth before the Angels' barrage.Ward had been in a 2-for-27 skid before his homer. He didn't start Saturday night for the first time this season."It was a pretty cool moment, and definitely a difference-maker," Ward said. "Definitely boosts your confidence a little bit."

⚾️ Taylor Ward, Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani hit 3 straight HRs in win

🏀 Wichita Sky Kings bounce back to beat Enid

 ⚾️ Blue Dragons finish series sweep with Garden City

  🥎 Grimes' milestone hit powers Blue Dragon comeback

👟 BLUE DRAGON MEN CAPTURE 6 EVENT TITLES AT TABOR INVITE Blue Dragon men capture 6 event titles at Tabor Invite

👟 Davis qualifies for National Hammer

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=57a701e146&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=841f39cb2b&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=56664a525b&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Statistics</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The No. 24-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys topped Kansas 8-3 on Sunday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark to complete a three-game sweep. Sophomore Luke Leto and senior Cole Elvis both hit home runs.

Kansas scored the first run of the game for the second time this weekend. In the second inning, Leto hit a solo home run over the center field wall. The homer gave Kansas a 1-0 lead.

Oklahoma State (28-13, 11-7) took the lead in the third inning and never looked back. After a walk and hit by pitch to start the inning, a sacrifice bunt put runners at second and third with one out. Roc Riggio then hit a two-run single to put the Cowboys ahead. They added a third run on an RBI groundout to make it 3-1.

After OSU scored one more run on an RBI groundout in the fourth, the Cowboys tacked on three more in the fifth. An RBI single, RBI double and sacrifice fly extended the Oklahoma State advantage to 7-1. One more run in the seventh made the score 8-1.

In the ninth, Kansas got a pair of runs on a two-run homer by Elvis. The home run was his 11th of the season and Elvis has now homered in four straight games. He is the first Jayhawk with a home run&nbsp;in four straight games since at least 2003. The homer ended the scoring at 8-3.

The Jayhawks had opportunities offensively on Sunday afternoon, but they were unable to capitalize. KU left nine runners on base over the first five innings, including seven in the first three frames.

Junior Ethan Bradford started for Kansas and suffered the loss to fall to 2-4 on the season. He allowed three runs on three hits over three innings.

PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Bayden Root (4-1) Final line: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 SO Loss: Ethan Bradford (2-4) Final line: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 SO

NOTES • Elvis extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a home run in the ninth inning. He has homered in four-straight games for the first time in his career and is the first Jayhawk with a home run&nbsp;in four-straight games since at least 2003. The home run was his 11th of the season, which is the most on the team. • Brooks finished the day 2-for-5 with a double. He has multiple hits in four of his last five games and extended his on-base streak to 11 games. • Leto hit his fifth home run of the season. • English extended his on-base streak to 16 games.

UP NEXT Kansas (19-21, 5-10 Big 12) hits the road for a four-game trip, with one at Wichita State and three at Oklahoma. The Jayhawks will face Wichita State on Wednesday, April 26 at 6 p.m. CT before continuing on to Oklahoma for a three-game series set to begin on Friday, April 28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/_compresseds/5ef643f9-875d-cb50-7e3d-da81172acef1.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=57a701e146&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=841f39cb2b&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=56664a525b&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Statistics</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The No. 24-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys topped Kansas 8-3 on Sunday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark to complete a three-game sweep. Sophomore Luke Leto and senior Cole Elvis both hit home runs.Kansas scored the first run of the game for the second time this weekend. In the second inning, Leto hit a solo home run over the center field wall. The homer gave Kansas a 1-0 lead.Oklahoma State (28-13, 11-7) took the lead in the third inning and never looked back. After a walk and hit by pitch to start the inning, a sacrifice bunt put runners at second and third with one out. Roc Riggio then hit a two-run single to put the Cowboys ahead. They added a third run on an RBI groundout to make it 3-1.After OSU scored one more run on an RBI groundout in the fourth, the Cowboys tacked on three more in the fifth. An RBI single, RBI double and sacrifice fly extended the Oklahoma State advantage to 7-1. One more run in the seventh made the score 8-1.In the ninth, Kansas got a pair of runs on a two-run homer by Elvis. The home run was his 11th of the season and Elvis has now homered in four straight games. He is the first Jayhawk with a home run&nbsp;in four straight games since at least 2003. The homer ended the scoring at 8-3.The Jayhawks had opportunities offensively on Sunday afternoon, but they were unable to capitalize. KU left nine runners on base over the first five innings, including seven in the first three frames.Junior Ethan Bradford started for Kansas and suffered the loss to fall to 2-4 on the season. He allowed three runs on three hits over three innings.PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Bayden Root (4-1) Final line: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 SO Loss: Ethan Bradford (2-4) Final line: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 SONOTES • Elvis extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a home run in the ninth inning. He has homered in four-straight games for the first time in his career and is the first Jayhawk with a home run&nbsp;in four-straight games since at least 2003. The home run was his 11th of the season, which is the most on the team. • Brooks finished the day 2-for-5 with a double. He has multiple hits in four of his last five games and extended his on-base streak to 11 games. • Leto hit his fifth home run of the season. • English extended his on-base streak to 16 games.UP NEXT Kansas (19-21, 5-10 Big 12) hits the road for a four-game trip, with one at Wichita State and three at Oklahoma. The Jayhawks will face Wichita State on Wednesday, April 26 at 6 p.m. CT before continuing on to Oklahoma for a three-game series set to begin on Friday, April 28.

⚾️ Kansas falls to Oklahoma State in series finale

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=cbd044b609&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=39e631a1f5&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=8934da6c3a&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas freshman Lizzy Ludwig pitched her first-career complete game shutout and the Jayhawks walked it off in the seventh to secure the 1-0 victory over Texas Tech Sunday at Arrocha Ballpark.

Kansas&nbsp;ended a four-game losing streak and&nbsp;improved to 21-21 (3-8 Big 12), while Texas Tech fell to 30-18 (4-10 Big 12).

“We’ve been talking about our mental toughness the last couple of days,”&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Head Coach Jennifer McFalls&nbsp;said. “We got that big time from Lizzy Ludwig today in the circle. Loved her compete factor. She kept us in the game. We haven’t been scoring a lot of runs, so I was proud that we had a chance to grind it out and find a way to win at the end. Tomorrow, it is important that we come out with the same mentality, finding a way to win, whatever it takes.”

In a scoreless game heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, senior third baseman Ashlyn Anderson took charge with a lead-off triple to right to get the Jayhawks rolling. Senior right fielder Peyton Renzi stepped up to the plate on a full-count and hit a sacrifice-fly RBI to left field to bring the game-winning run home.&nbsp;It was Kansas’ fourth walk-off victory of the season.

Ludwig got her second start of the season in the circle, going the distance. In seven innings, Ludwig allowed five hits. She recorded a career-high–tying five strikeouts and did not walk a batter. Ludwig improved to 3-6.

With Ludwig and her teammates keeping Texas Tech at bay, the Jayhawks threatened to break the&nbsp;scoreless&nbsp;tie in the bottom of the fifth inning. Junior catcher Lyric Moore doubled to left-center to open the inning, followed by an errant throw from shortstop to grant Anderson the base. Freshman right fielder Aynslee Linduff reached due to fielder’s choice, loading the bases. The Jayhawks were unable to capitalize, leaving three runners stranded.&nbsp;

Freshman left fielder Presley Limbaugh recorded a single and a double, going 2-3 from the dish, increasing her hitting streak to four games.

The Jayhawks have a chance to win the series Monday, April 24, at 1 p.m. CT. Fans will be able to watch the game via&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=dd1dda07c7&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Big 12 Now on ESPN+</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/_compresseds/176c4226-bc80-8e85-0da2-93a71f616a1e.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=cbd044b609&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=39e631a1f5&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=8934da6c3a&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas freshman Lizzy Ludwig pitched her first-career complete game shutout and the Jayhawks walked it off in the seventh to secure the 1-0 victory over Texas Tech Sunday at Arrocha Ballpark.Kansas&nbsp;ended a four-game losing streak and&nbsp;improved to 21-21 (3-8 Big 12), while Texas Tech fell to 30-18 (4-10 Big 12).“We’ve been talking about our mental toughness the last couple of days,”&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Head Coach Jennifer McFalls&nbsp;said. “We got that big time from Lizzy Ludwig today in the circle. Loved her compete factor. She kept us in the game. We haven’t been scoring a lot of runs, so I was proud that we had a chance to grind it out and find a way to win at the end. Tomorrow, it is important that we come out with the same mentality, finding a way to win, whatever it takes.”In a scoreless game heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, senior third baseman Ashlyn Anderson took charge with a lead-off triple to right to get the Jayhawks rolling. Senior right fielder Peyton Renzi stepped up to the plate on a full-count and hit a sacrifice-fly RBI to left field to bring the game-winning run home.&nbsp;It was Kansas’ fourth walk-off victory of the season.Ludwig got her second start of the season in the circle, going the distance. In seven innings, Ludwig allowed five hits. She recorded a career-high–tying five strikeouts and did not walk a batter. Ludwig improved to 3-6.With Ludwig and her teammates keeping Texas Tech at bay, the Jayhawks threatened to break the&nbsp;scoreless&nbsp;tie in the bottom of the fifth inning. Junior catcher Lyric Moore doubled to left-center to open the inning, followed by an errant throw from shortstop to grant Anderson the base. Freshman right fielder Aynslee Linduff reached due to fielder’s choice, loading the bases. The Jayhawks were unable to capitalize, leaving three runners stranded.&nbsp;Freshman left fielder Presley Limbaugh recorded a single and a double, going 2-3 from the dish, increasing her hitting streak to four games.UP NEXT:The Jayhawks have a chance to win the series Monday, April 24, at 1 p.m. CT. Fans will be able to watch the game via&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=dd1dda07c7&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Big 12 Now on ESPN+</a>.NOTES:<ul>
 <li>The Jayhawks got their fourth walk-off victory of the season (vs. Long Beach State, vs. Liberty, vs. UTSA).</li><li>KU earned its sixth shutout victory of the season.</li><li>Ludwig tied her career-high of five strikeouts (Feb. 15 vs. Southern Illinois).</li><li>Ludwig earned her first complete-game shutout.</li><li>Ludwig has an ERA of 1.62 in 22 appearances, which ranks&nbsp;seventh&nbsp;in the Big 12 and 44th nationally.</li><li>Peyton Renzi’s sacrifice-fly RBI in the seventh inning earned her third of the season.</li>
 </ul>

🥎 Jayhawks walk it off against Texas Tech

⛳ Prairie Dunes will host Big 12 Men's Golf Championship this week

🥎 Shockers collect 40th win behind sweep of ECU

⚾ Shockers sweep No. 7 East Carolina

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School senior running back Noah Khokhar has been named the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Male Athlete of the Year for 2022-23 in Kansas.

Khokhar is a senior at Hutchinson High School and plans to attend Hutchinson Community College on a football scholarship in the fall.

(Highlights courtesy of Hutch Post videographer Matt Peterson.)

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682259496404.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School senior running back Noah Khokhar has been named the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Male Athlete of the Year for 2022-23 in Kansas.Khokhar is a senior at Hutchinson High School and plans to attend Hutchinson Community College on a football scholarship in the fall.<div><iframe width="680" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oiYqEHBkqNo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>(Highlights courtesy of Hutch Post videographer Matt Peterson.)<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;

🏈 Hutch High's Noah Khokhar named FCA's Male Athlete of the Year

WICHITA, Kan. — <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4507a669-59e9-43c2-a90a-813a17d72234">The Wichita Wizards (3-1) once again relied on late-game heroics from Parker Austin and Kaelon Gary to erase a double-digit deficit late against the Oklahoma Kings (0-2)</a>.

The Wizards shot out to a 14-6 advantage before the Kings used James Thomas to post-up in the paint and tie the game at 21. A Jalen McClish layup to end the first quarter gave the Wizards a slight 23-21 edge headed into the second frame.

Oklahoma went up by as many as six in the second quarter before taking a 57-52 halftime lead.

The Kings used 22 offensive rebounds to build a 10-point advantage with just 1:30 left in the third quarter.

Oklahoma shot 42% from the field, including just 30% from the three-point line.

With the Kings up double-digits, former league MVP Kaelon Gary decided he had seen enough. The former Central Christian College star scored three the old-fashioned way on an And-1 with 30 seconds left in the third.

Unfortunately, the Kings answered on a C.J. Mitchell bucket at the buzzer to keep the Oklahoma lead at eight headed into the fourth.

Gary scored three the hard way once again in the early moments of the fourth quarter to pull Wichita within three.

The Derby High School standout scored on a fast break with 8:21 left to pull the Wizards within one.

Immediately after, a Curtis Profit Junior lay-in put Wichita up one and the Wizards never looked back.

Profit Junior would later hit back-to-back trays to put Wichita up 107-100 before the Kings would make things interesting.

Despite the triples from Profit Junior (2-2) the Wizards struggled from deep once again (5-21).

The Kings pulled within two with only 13.7 seconds remaining.

Jeremiah May fouled out of the contest with 14 points on 7-of-13 shooting.

The Wizards once again used one-of-two bonus free-throw shooting down the stretch to ice the contest.

Parker Austin led six Wizards in double-digit scoring with 25 points.

Curtis Profit Junior had a career-day with 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 2-of-2 from distance. He had seven assists and three steals.

The Wizards return home May 20 at Friends University to face the OKC Servants (2-0).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682260316846.jpeg" alt="Kaelon Gary (24) scored 18 points and dished five assists Saturday night. Photo courtesy of Eli Galindo (Cloud Films)." />
 <figcaption>Kaelon Gary (24) scored 18 points and dished five assists Saturday night. Photo courtesy of Eli Galindo (Cloud Films).</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4507a669-59e9-43c2-a90a-813a17d72234">The Wichita Wizards (3-1) once again relied on late-game heroics from Parker Austin and Kaelon Gary to erase a double-digit deficit late against the Oklahoma Kings (0-2)</a>.The Wizards shot out to a 14-6 advantage before the Kings used James Thomas to post-up in the paint and tie the game at 21. A Jalen McClish layup to end the first quarter gave the Wizards a slight 23-21 edge headed into the second frame.Oklahoma went up by as many as six in the second quarter before taking a 57-52 halftime lead.The Kings used 22 offensive rebounds to build a 10-point advantage with just 1:30 left in the third quarter.Oklahoma shot 42% from the field, including just 30% from the three-point line.With the Kings up double-digits, former league MVP Kaelon Gary decided he had seen enough. The former Central Christian College star scored three the old-fashioned way on an And-1 with 30 seconds left in the third.Unfortunately, the Kings answered on a C.J. Mitchell bucket at the buzzer to keep the Oklahoma lead at eight headed into the fourth.Gary scored three the hard way once again in the early moments of the fourth quarter to pull Wichita within three.Enter: Parker Austin.The Derby High School standout scored on a fast break with 8:21 left to pull the Wizards within one.Immediately after, a Curtis Profit Junior lay-in put Wichita up one and the Wizards never looked back.Profit Junior would later hit back-to-back trays to put Wichita up 107-100 before the Kings would make things interesting.Despite the triples from Profit Junior (2-2) the Wizards struggled from deep once again (5-21).The Kings pulled within two with only 13.7 seconds remaining.Jeremiah May fouled out of the contest with 14 points on 7-of-13 shooting.The Wizards once again used one-of-two bonus free-throw shooting down the stretch to ice the contest.FINAL: Wizards 121 Kings 117Parker Austin led six Wizards in double-digit scoring with 25 points.Curtis Profit Junior had a career-day with 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 2-of-2 from distance. He had seven assists and three steals.Kaelon Gary dropped 18 with five dimes.The Wizards return home May 20 at Friends University to face the OKC Servants (2-0).<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;