Tulsa, Ok—Jake Rucker drilled a go ahead home run in the top of the ninth inning to deliver the Wichita Wind Surge a 4-3 win over the Tulsa Drillers.

Kody Funderburk pitched two and a third innings, punched out five hitters in his first win of the season in relief. Hunter McMahon earned the save retiring Andy Pages for the final out.

The two teams traded the lead throughout the evening, after Jonny DeLuca started the game off with a lead-off home run. It’s the third consecutive game in which DeLuca has led off the bottom of the first with a home run. Will Holland slammed his first home run to tie the game in the second. Jolbert Vivas gave Tulsa the lead in the third with another long-ball.

Wichita took advantage of a two-out error and a wild pitch to plate two runs in the sixth to take the lead. Jose Ramos quickly tied it in the bottom of the inning with a solo homer.

The teams both had run scoring opportunities in the eighth inning but failed. The Wind Surge finished the game with eleven men left on base and one for twelve with runners in scoring position. Tulsa finished zero for eleven and left nine men on.

The Surge closed it out in the ninth and can get a split with a Sunday afternoon win. Wichita improved to 7-7 on the season and the Drillers fall to 9-6..

NOTES – The Wind Surge added catcher David Banuelos from Class AAA St Paul. The 25-year-old opened the season at Class AAA St Paul. He played 55 games last season with the Saints batting .204 with 8 home runs and 26 RBI. In 2021 he played 15 games in Wichita and 30 games with St Paul. To make room on the roster catcher Frank Nigro was assigned to FCL Twins.

UPCOMING – Wichita and Tulsa wrap up the six game series on Sunday afternoon. Wichita will start RH Carlos Luna against RH Landon Knack. RADIO: ESPN 92.3 FM and MiLB App and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwindsurge.com%2f&amp;c=E,1,tQnMbXbKGjGd_XbWZijt5b5-cOxiRn5WzBk28FG0UQkENRqaECorsuX7ZOU-Ukm2cmUOkH3ePkp-SzzJ3Tyvi-rFodXTwhQV8wpt3RnbwV_dEzGo8cij0Wepgw,,&amp;typo=1">windsurge.com</a>.

NEXT HOME GAME – Wichita will play against the St. Louis Cardinals affiliate the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday, April 25 at 7:05 at Riverfront Stadium. Promotion: $5 domestic beers from when gates open until first pitch. Get two tickets for the price of one when you show your Dillons Shopper Card or Dillons app at the box office and $1 hot dogs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682258270850.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge wins 4-3" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge wins 4-3</figcaption>
 </figure>Tulsa, Ok—Jake Rucker drilled a go ahead home run in the top of the ninth inning to deliver the Wichita Wind Surge a 4-3 win over the Tulsa Drillers.Kody Funderburk pitched two and a third innings, punched out five hitters in his first win of the season in relief. Hunter McMahon earned the save retiring Andy Pages for the final out.The two teams traded the lead throughout the evening, after Jonny DeLuca started the game off with a lead-off home run. It’s the third consecutive game in which DeLuca has led off the bottom of the first with a home run. Will Holland slammed his first home run to tie the game in the second. Jolbert Vivas gave Tulsa the lead in the third with another long-ball.Wichita took advantage of a two-out error and a wild pitch to plate two runs in the sixth to take the lead. Jose Ramos quickly tied it in the bottom of the inning with a solo homer.The teams both had run scoring opportunities in the eighth inning but failed. The Wind Surge finished the game with eleven men left on base and one for twelve with runners in scoring position. Tulsa finished zero for eleven and left nine men on.The Surge closed it out in the ninth and can get a split with a Sunday afternoon win. Wichita improved to 7-7 on the season and the Drillers fall to 9-6..NOTES – The Wind Surge added catcher David Banuelos from Class AAA St Paul. The 25-year-old opened the season at Class AAA St Paul. He played 55 games last season with the Saints batting .204 with 8 home runs and 26 RBI. In 2021 he played 15 games in Wichita and 30 games with St Paul. To make room on the roster catcher Frank Nigro was assigned to FCL Twins.UPCOMING – Wichita and Tulsa wrap up the six game series on Sunday afternoon. Wichita will start RH Carlos Luna against RH Landon Knack. RADIO: ESPN 92.3 FM and MiLB App and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwindsurge.com%2f&amp;c=E,1,tQnMbXbKGjGd_XbWZijt5b5-cOxiRn5WzBk28FG0UQkENRqaECorsuX7ZOU-Ukm2cmUOkH3ePkp-SzzJ3Tyvi-rFodXTwhQV8wpt3RnbwV_dEzGo8cij0Wepgw,,&amp;typo=1">windsurge.com</a>.NEXT HOME GAME – Wichita will play against the St. Louis Cardinals affiliate the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday, April 25 at 7:05 at Riverfront Stadium. Promotion: $5 domestic beers from when gates open until first pitch. Get two tickets for the price of one when you show your Dillons Shopper Card or Dillons app at the box office and $1 hot dogs.

⚾️ Ninth inning homer leads to Wichita Wind Surge Win

LeBron's Lakers beat Grizzlies 111-101, take 2-1 series lead

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James finished with 25 points after Dillon Brooks was ejected for striking him in the groin, and the Los Angeles Lakers survived Ja Morant's 24-point fourth quarter to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 111-101 for a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. Anthony Davis had 31 points and 17 rebounds. Morant scored 45 points in his return from a one-game absence with a sore right hand, even scoring 22 consecutive points during his stunning fourth quarter while Memphis attempted to rally from an early 29-point deficit.

Hamilton scores in OT, Devils beat Rangers 2-1 in Game 3

NEW YORK (AP) — Dougie Hamilton scored 11:36 into overtime and the New Jersey Devils beat the New York Rangers 2-1 to cut their series deficit to 2-1. Jack Hughes scored and Jesper Bratt had two assists for New Jersey, which lost the first two games at home by 5-1 scores. Akira Schmid got the start in goal in place of Vitek Vanecek and finished with 35 saves. Chris Kreider scored for New York. Igor Shesterkin stopped 26 shots. In the extra period, Bratt found Hamilton on the right side, and the veteran defenseman skated into the right circle and beat Shesterkin on the glove side. Game 4 is back at Madison Square Garden on Monday night and Game 5 will be in New Jersey on Thursday night.

Gervonta Davis knocks out Ryan Garcia with body shot in 7th

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Gervonta Davis delivered a stunning body shot in the seventh round, causing Ryan Garcia to stumble back and then go to a knee, ending a highly anticipated bout with a knockout at 1:44. Davis improved to 29-0, with all but two of his victories by knockout. It was the first defeat for Garcia, who won 19 of his first 23 fights by KO. Davis' victory could set up a showdown with undefeated Devin Haney, who owns all four major championship belts in the lightweight division. Haney faces former champ Vasiliy Lomachenko in May.

Butler scores 30, Heat top Giannis-less Bucks 121-99

MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored 30 points before leaving with a sore glute following a hard fall, and the eighth-seeded Miami Heat beat the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks 121-99 on Saturday night for a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Duncan Robinson scored 20 points on his 29th birthday for Miami, while Kyle Lowry scored 15 for the Heat. The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo for a second consecutive game because of a bruised lower back. Khris Middleton scored 23 points, Jrue Holiday added 19 and Grayson Allen scored 14 for Milwaukee.

Durant scores 31, Suns beat Clippers 112-100 for 3-1 lead

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 31 points, Devin Booker added 30 and the Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Clippers without Kawhi Leonard 112-100 to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the first-round playoff series. The Clippers again made a strong run with Leonard watching from the bench. He has missed two straight games with a right knee sprain. It's the same injury that has sidelined Paul George for a month. Russell Westbrook led the Clippers with 37 points. He had 14 points in the fourth quarter, during a stretch in which the Clippers twice pulled within two points.

Tatis homers, Padres rally for 5-3 win over Diamondbacks

PHOENIX (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. connected for his first homer since 2021, Ha-Seong Kim had a crucial two RBI single and the San Diego Padres rallied for a 5-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night. The Padres took the lead in the first inning on Tatis' first homer since his return from an 80-game drug suspension on Thursday. The 24-year-old turned on an 0-2 fastball, hitting it into the left-center stands, just out of the reach of a leaping Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove threw five innings in his return from the injured list, giving up three runs.

NWSL Reign beat Red Stars for team's best start since 2014

SEATTLE (AP) — Two goals each from Bethany Balcer and Jess Fishlock gave OL Reign a 5-2 home win over the Chicago Red Stars. The victory lifted the Reign to 3-1-0 this season for the team's best start since 2014. Balcer has scored more goals at home than any other player in the NWSL since 2019. In Washington, the Spirit and Houston Dash played to a scoreless draw. Gotham downed the Courage 1-0 in a match delayed by lightning and the Portland Thorns beat Racing Louisville 2-0.

Draymond Green won't change post-suspension, returns Game 4

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Draymond Green fully plans to be suspended again, and had some strong words for the NBA trying to make him an example of suspensions based on past behavior. The Golden State forward is set to return for the Warriors in Sunday's Game 4 against the Sacramento Kings with his team trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven series after serving a one-game suspension during the defending champions' 114-97 Game 3 victory Thursday night.

Venezuela hosts event of sports, table games and geopolitics

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Hundreds of people from 11 countries are gathered in Venezuela to participate in boxing, swimming, gymnastics and other events. The teenagers and adults are participating in the fifth edition of the Alba Games and represent the Latin America and Caribbean nations belonging to the left-leaning Alba alliance as well as this year's guest country, Russia. None of their victories will get them a step closer to the 2024 Olympics as they are purely exhibition competitions. And like it or not, the entrats are also participating in a geopolitical event. Unlike at official international tournaments since Russia invaded Ukraine, Russian athletes are allowed to use their country's name, flag and anthem.

Wrexham earns promotion on wild journey under Ryan Reynolds

Wrexham has secured promotion to the fourth tier of English soccer to achieve the first part of the dream of celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Hollywood actors were among a crowd of around 10,000 at the Racecourse Ground in north Wales to see Wrexham clinch the National League title with a 3-1 win over Boreham Wood. Reynolds and McElhenney seemingly have become soccer fanatics since completing their out-of-nowhere purchase of the Welsh club for $2.5 million in 2021. Wrexham is heading back into the English Football League for the first time in 15 years. Wrexham is four points clear of second-placed Notts County with one round of games left.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681297613631.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, April 23rd, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, April 23rd, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning.LeBron's Lakers beat Grizzlies 111-101, take 2-1 series leadLOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James finished with 25 points after Dillon Brooks was ejected for striking him in the groin, and the Los Angeles Lakers survived Ja Morant's 24-point fourth quarter to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 111-101 for a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. Anthony Davis had 31 points and 17 rebounds. Morant scored 45 points in his return from a one-game absence with a sore right hand, even scoring 22 consecutive points during his stunning fourth quarter while Memphis attempted to rally from an early 29-point deficit.Hamilton scores in OT, Devils beat Rangers 2-1 in Game 3NEW YORK (AP) — Dougie Hamilton scored 11:36 into overtime and the New Jersey Devils beat the New York Rangers 2-1 to cut their series deficit to 2-1. Jack Hughes scored and Jesper Bratt had two assists for New Jersey, which lost the first two games at home by 5-1 scores. Akira Schmid got the start in goal in place of Vitek Vanecek and finished with 35 saves. Chris Kreider scored for New York. Igor Shesterkin stopped 26 shots. In the extra period, Bratt found Hamilton on the right side, and the veteran defenseman skated into the right circle and beat Shesterkin on the glove side. Game 4 is back at Madison Square Garden on Monday night and Game 5 will be in New Jersey on Thursday night.Gervonta Davis knocks out Ryan Garcia with body shot in 7thLAS VEGAS (AP) — Gervonta Davis delivered a stunning body shot in the seventh round, causing Ryan Garcia to stumble back and then go to a knee, ending a highly anticipated bout with a knockout at 1:44. Davis improved to 29-0, with all but two of his victories by knockout. It was the first defeat for Garcia, who won 19 of his first 23 fights by KO. Davis' victory could set up a showdown with undefeated Devin Haney, who owns all four major championship belts in the lightweight division. Haney faces former champ Vasiliy Lomachenko in May.Butler scores 30, Heat top Giannis-less Bucks 121-99MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored 30 points before leaving with a sore glute following a hard fall, and the eighth-seeded Miami Heat beat the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks 121-99 on Saturday night for a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Duncan Robinson scored 20 points on his 29th birthday for Miami, while Kyle Lowry scored 15 for the Heat. The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo for a second consecutive game because of a bruised lower back. Khris Middleton scored 23 points, Jrue Holiday added 19 and Grayson Allen scored 14 for Milwaukee.Durant scores 31, Suns beat Clippers 112-100 for 3-1 leadLOS ANGELES (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 31 points, Devin Booker added 30 and the Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Clippers without Kawhi Leonard 112-100 to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the first-round playoff series. The Clippers again made a strong run with Leonard watching from the bench. He has missed two straight games with a right knee sprain. It's the same injury that has sidelined Paul George for a month. Russell Westbrook led the Clippers with 37 points. He had 14 points in the fourth quarter, during a stretch in which the Clippers twice pulled within two points.Tatis homers, Padres rally for 5-3 win over DiamondbacksPHOENIX (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. connected for his first homer since 2021, Ha-Seong Kim had a crucial two RBI single and the San Diego Padres rallied for a 5-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night. The Padres took the lead in the first inning on Tatis' first homer since his return from an 80-game drug suspension on Thursday. The 24-year-old turned on an 0-2 fastball, hitting it into the left-center stands, just out of the reach of a leaping Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove threw five innings in his return from the injured list, giving up three runs.NWSL Reign beat Red Stars for team's best start since 2014SEATTLE (AP) — Two goals each from Bethany Balcer and Jess Fishlock gave OL Reign a 5-2 home win over the Chicago Red Stars. The victory lifted the Reign to 3-1-0 this season for the team's best start since 2014. Balcer has scored more goals at home than any other player in the NWSL since 2019. In Washington, the Spirit and Houston Dash played to a scoreless draw. Gotham downed the Courage 1-0 in a match delayed by lightning and the Portland Thorns beat Racing Louisville 2-0.Draymond Green won't change post-suspension, returns Game 4SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Draymond Green fully plans to be suspended again, and had some strong words for the NBA trying to make him an example of suspensions based on past behavior. The Golden State forward is set to return for the Warriors in Sunday's Game 4 against the Sacramento Kings with his team trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven series after serving a one-game suspension during the defending champions' 114-97 Game 3 victory Thursday night.Venezuela hosts event of sports, table games and geopoliticsCARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Hundreds of people from 11 countries are gathered in Venezuela to participate in boxing, swimming, gymnastics and other events. The teenagers and adults are participating in the fifth edition of the Alba Games and represent the Latin America and Caribbean nations belonging to the left-leaning Alba alliance as well as this year's guest country, Russia. None of their victories will get them a step closer to the 2024 Olympics as they are purely exhibition competitions. And like it or not, the entrats are also participating in a geopolitical event. Unlike at official international tournaments since Russia invaded Ukraine, Russian athletes are allowed to use their country's name, flag and anthem.Wrexham earns promotion on wild journey under Ryan ReynoldsWrexham has secured promotion to the fourth tier of English soccer to achieve the first part of the dream of celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Hollywood actors were among a crowd of around 10,000 at the Racecourse Ground in north Wales to see Wrexham clinch the National League title with a 3-1 win over Boreham Wood. Reynolds and McElhenney seemingly have become soccer fanatics since completing their out-of-nowhere purchase of the Welsh club for $2.5 million in 2021. Wrexham is heading back into the English Football League for the first time in 15 years. Wrexham is four points clear of second-placed Notts County with one round of games left.

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Sunday

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=f0e0372d58&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=35d82066d7&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=b8962ad1aa&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=b2a3c79c29&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks fell 14-3 on Saturday afternoon to the No. 24-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys at Hoglund Ballpark. KU’s Janson Reeder, Cole Elvis and Michael Brooks each hit solo home runs in the game.

Oklahoma State (27-13, 10-7 Big 12) took the lead in the top of the second inning and never looked back. The Cowboys scored three runs, two of which were unearned, on an RBI double, RBI groundout and a sacrifice fly to build a 3-0 lead.

Kansas led off the bottom of the second inning with one of its two home runs in the game. Reeder blasted a 438-foot solo home run to center field. The homer was his ninth of the season and made the deficit 3-1.

The Cowboys went on to score two runs in the third inning and four runs in the fifth inning to extend their advantage to 9-1. A two-run single in the third and a pair of two-run homers by Nolan Schubart and Colin Brueggemann in the fifth stretched Oklahoma State’s lead to eight runs.

In the sixth inning, Kansas hit its second home run of the afternoon. Elvis went deep with a solo shot the opposite way to lead off the sixth. The home run was his team-high 10th of the season and he has homered in each of the last three games.

OSU then added four runs in the eighth inning and one in the ninth to push its lead to 14-2. In the bottom of the ninth, Brooks hit a solo homer for his third long ball of the season.

Junior Sam Ireland started for Kansas and allowed nine runs, seven of which were earned, on nine hits over five innings on the mound. He suffered the loss to drop to 4-5 on the season.

PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Ben Abram (5-2) Final line: 5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 SO Loss: Sam Ireland (4-5) Final line: 5.0 IP, 9 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO

NOTES • Elvis extended his hitting streak to 16 games. The home run was his 10th of the season, which is the most on the team. He has homered in three-straight games for the second time this season (April 7-9 at West Virginia). His 10 home runs this season are a career high in a single-season, passing his 2021 season when he had nine homers. • Brooks finished the day 3-for-3 with a double, home run, walk, RBI and run scored. The home run was his third of the season and third in the last three games. He has an on-base streak of 10 games. • Reeder hit his ninth home run of the season. He has reached base safely in 12 consecutive games. • English extended his on-base streak to 15 games.

UP NEXT Kansas (19-20, 5-9 Big 12) will face No. 24 Oklahoma State in the series finale on Sunday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/images/2383d6be-8377-7f83-afed-f7bd6377e495.jpeg" alt="Via KU Sports" />
 <figcaption>Via KU Sports</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=f0e0372d58&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=35d82066d7&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=b8962ad1aa&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=b2a3c79c29&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks fell 14-3 on Saturday afternoon to the No. 24-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys at Hoglund Ballpark. KU’s Janson Reeder, Cole Elvis and Michael Brooks each hit solo home runs in the game.Oklahoma State (27-13, 10-7 Big 12) took the lead in the top of the second inning and never looked back. The Cowboys scored three runs, two of which were unearned, on an RBI double, RBI groundout and a sacrifice fly to build a 3-0 lead.Kansas led off the bottom of the second inning with one of its two home runs in the game. Reeder blasted a 438-foot solo home run to center field. The homer was his ninth of the season and made the deficit 3-1.The Cowboys went on to score two runs in the third inning and four runs in the fifth inning to extend their advantage to 9-1. A two-run single in the third and a pair of two-run homers by Nolan Schubart and Colin Brueggemann in the fifth stretched Oklahoma State’s lead to eight runs.In the sixth inning, Kansas hit its second home run of the afternoon. Elvis went deep with a solo shot the opposite way to lead off the sixth. The home run was his team-high 10th of the season and he has homered in each of the last three games.OSU then added four runs in the eighth inning and one in the ninth to push its lead to 14-2. In the bottom of the ninth, Brooks hit a solo homer for his third long ball of the season.Junior Sam Ireland started for Kansas and allowed nine runs, seven of which were earned, on nine hits over five innings on the mound. He suffered the loss to drop to 4-5 on the season.PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Ben Abram (5-2) Final line: 5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 SO Loss: Sam Ireland (4-5) Final line: 5.0 IP, 9 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 2 SONOTES • Elvis extended his hitting streak to 16 games. The home run was his 10th of the season, which is the most on the team. He has homered in three-straight games for the second time this season (April 7-9 at West Virginia). His 10 home runs this season are a career high in a single-season, passing his 2021 season when he had nine homers. • Brooks finished the day 3-for-3 with a double, home run, walk, RBI and run scored. The home run was his third of the season and third in the last three games. He has an on-base streak of 10 games. • Reeder hit his ninth home run of the season. He has reached base safely in 12 consecutive games. • English extended his on-base streak to 15 games.UP NEXT Kansas (19-20, 5-9 Big 12) will face No. 24 Oklahoma State in the series finale on Sunday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.

⚾️ No. 24 Oklahoma State defeats Kansas on Saturday

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=cddf105d95&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=8ca5365d14&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=32ae13963d&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Stats</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. —&nbsp;On a windy day at Arrocha Ballpark, the Kansas softball team fell to Texas Tech 6-1 off the back of two Red Raider home runs.

Kansas fell to 20-21 (2-8 Big 12) while Texas Tech improved to 30-1 (4-9 Big 12).

Junior left-hander Kasey Hamilton got her 19th start of the season and struck out two batters in 3.1 innings of work. Hamilton allowed four runs on five hits with one walk and falls to 8-7 on the year.

The scoring started in the second for both teams. Texas Tech opened the inning with a solo blast to right field for the first run of the game. Kansas would respond in the bottom half, with junior designated player Savanna DesRochers recording her first triple of the season with one out. On the next pitch, freshman second baseman Hailey Cripe hit a line drive down the left field line for a double, knotting the score at 1-1.

TTU would break the tie in the fourth. After the first batter was walked and the second was hit by a pitch, the Red Raiders would hit a three-run home run to right, making it 4-1 in Tech’s favor.

The Red Raiders wouldn’t look back, scoring two more in the next inning. After a single, an error and a walk to load the bases, TTU hit a sacrifice fly to left and doubled to right, increasing the lead to 6-1.

Kansas had a chance to score in the fifth. Senior center fielder Shayna Espy and freshman left fielder Presley Limbaugh both singled in the inning but were left stranded on first and second.

The Jayhawks will play the second game of the series tomorrow, April 23, at 12 p.m. CT. Fans can purchase tickets&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=2b28eeecc4&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">here</a>, or watch the game via&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=5b7f52ec74&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Big 12 Now on ESPN+</a>.

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 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/_compresseds/9109a44e-a2c1-a2c7-6bbd-52f8709b66b7.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=cddf105d95&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=8ca5365d14&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=32ae13963d&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Stats</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. —&nbsp;On a windy day at Arrocha Ballpark, the Kansas softball team fell to Texas Tech 6-1 off the back of two Red Raider home runs.Kansas fell to 20-21 (2-8 Big 12) while Texas Tech improved to 30-1 (4-9 Big 12).Junior left-hander Kasey Hamilton got her 19th start of the season and struck out two batters in 3.1 innings of work. Hamilton allowed four runs on five hits with one walk and falls to 8-7 on the year.The scoring started in the second for both teams. Texas Tech opened the inning with a solo blast to right field for the first run of the game. Kansas would respond in the bottom half, with junior designated player Savanna DesRochers recording her first triple of the season with one out. On the next pitch, freshman second baseman Hailey Cripe hit a line drive down the left field line for a double, knotting the score at 1-1.TTU would break the tie in the fourth. After the first batter was walked and the second was hit by a pitch, the Red Raiders would hit a three-run home run to right, making it 4-1 in Tech’s favor.The Red Raiders wouldn’t look back, scoring two more in the next inning. After a single, an error and a walk to load the bases, TTU hit a sacrifice fly to left and doubled to right, increasing the lead to 6-1.Kansas had a chance to score in the fifth. Senior center fielder Shayna Espy and freshman left fielder Presley Limbaugh both singled in the inning but were left stranded on first and second.NOTES<ul>
 <li>Kansas’ pitching staff sat down six batters to strikes, the most since April 8 (vs. Oklahoma State).</li><li>Savanna DesRochers tripled for the second time in her career and for the first time since March 25, 2022 vs. Texas.</li><li>Freshman Presley Limbaugh increased her hitting streak to three, the highest hitting streak for Kansas.</li>
 </ul>UP NEXTThe Jayhawks will play the second game of the series tomorrow, April 23, at 12 p.m. CT. Fans can purchase tickets&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=2b28eeecc4&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">here</a>, or watch the game via&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=5b7f52ec74&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Big 12 Now on ESPN+</a>.

🥎 Kansas drops series opener against Texas Tech

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Matt Quatraro has seen his share of frustrating things during his first month as the Kansas City Royals' manager. But on Saturday night, he saw his team battle back to snap a six-game losing streak.

The Royals scored five times in the ninth inning to rally for an 11-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

“They were resilient and persevered. We had some pretty good at-bats throughout the night and then to put up a big inning late when they had their closer in there was encouraging," Quatraro said. “Things need to go your way a little bit. You get a number of balls that are hit hard over the last couple of weeks that don’t find holes, and it starts to even out.”

Kansas City trailed 8-6 going into the ninth after Matt Thaiss connected on a first-pitch slider from Jose Cuas (1-0) for a two-run homer in the eighth. But Angels reliever José Quijada (0-1) was unable to hold it.

MJ Melendez was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring in the go-ahead run, and Hunter Dozier provided some insurance with a two-run single.

“We needed that, for sure,” said Dozier, who had three hits and three RBIs. “It was a fun game to be a part of. Hopefully we can build off of it.”

Quijada hit two Royals batters with pitches in the ninth. Nicky Lopez reached to lead off the inning after getting plunked and then scored when Kyle Isbel doubled off the right-center wall. Isbel advanced to third on a throwing error and scored to tie it at 8 on Edward Olivares’ one-out base hit.

Quijada loaded the bases with walks to Salvador Perez and Duffy before he hit Melendez with an 0-2 fastball to bring Olivares home with the go-ahead run.

“I was trying to throw a high pitch like I always throw to a lefty but I opened a little bit and it hit the batter,” Quijada said.

It was Quijada's first blown save in nine appearances this season. The left-hander allowed five runs in two-thirds of an inning.

“I don’t think he located as well as he has. I mean, he’s pitched a lot lately, too. It’s just, tonight wasn’t his night,” Angels manager Phil Nevin said.

Scott Barlow retired the Angels in order for his second save.

The Angels lost despite hitting four home runs for the second time this season. Hunter Renfroe went deep twice and Mike Trout homered for the first time in two weeks.

It is the sixth time since 2020 the Angels have lost when hitting at least four homers.

Renfroe had a pair of solo shots to left field for the 18th multi-homer game of his career. His homer in the fourth inning got the Angels to 3-2. It barely stayed fair and made it over the short wall in the left-field corner as Kansas City outfielder Nate Eaton was unable to get to it in time.

Renfroe's team-leading sixth homer leading off the sixth was a no-doubter.

Trout, out of Friday's lineup after the Angels' cross-country trip, had a two-run shot in the fifth for his fourth of the season.

Kansas City appeared to get out of the sixth with a 6-5 lead after Zach Neto flied out, but plate umpire Mark Ripperger called a balk before the pitch, keeping the inning alive.

Brandon Drury advanced to second on the balk and scored the tying run two pitches later when Neto singled to right field.

“You’re not allowed to go out there to argue or talk about a balk. I certainly didn’t want to get kicked out at that time,” Quatraro said. “I did not go back yet to look at it. I’m assuming it was just that he didn’t stop. But it was definitely a frustrating time.”

Drury became the 997th major leaguer to strike out against Royals starter Zack Greinke. The veteran right-hander, who has 2,901 career Ks in 20 seasons, is looking to become the fifth pitcher to strike out 1,000 different players. The others are Nolan Ryan (1,182), Randy Johnson (1,123), Greg Maddux (1,049) and Roger Clemens (1,022).

Royals: LHP Daniel Lynch (rotator cuff strain) went two innings during an extended spring training outing.

Angels: OF Taylor Ward, who has two hits in his last 26 at-bats, got the night off.

The teams wrap up their weekend series Sunday. Kansas City RHP Jordan Lyles (0-3, 4.62 ERA), who has a 4-4 career mark against the Angels, takes on Reid Detmers (0-1, 4.50). The left-hander allowed five earned runs in his only previous start against the Royals last season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682223582776.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals second baseman Matt Duffy (15) celebrates in the dugout after scoring off of a triple by MJ Melendez during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., Saturday, April 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals second baseman Matt Duffy (15) celebrates in the dugout after scoring off of a triple by MJ Melendez during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., Saturday, April 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Matt Quatraro has seen his share of frustrating things during his first month as the Kansas City Royals' manager. But on Saturday night, he saw his team battle back to snap a six-game losing streak.The Royals scored five times in the ninth inning to rally for an 11-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.“They were resilient and persevered. We had some pretty good at-bats throughout the night and then to put up a big inning late when they had their closer in there was encouraging," Quatraro said. “Things need to go your way a little bit. You get a number of balls that are hit hard over the last couple of weeks that don’t find holes, and it starts to even out.”Kansas City trailed 8-6 going into the ninth after Matt Thaiss connected on a first-pitch slider from Jose Cuas (1-0) for a two-run homer in the eighth. But Angels reliever José Quijada (0-1) was unable to hold it.MJ Melendez was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring in the go-ahead run, and Hunter Dozier provided some insurance with a two-run single.“We needed that, for sure,” said Dozier, who had three hits and three RBIs. “It was a fun game to be a part of. Hopefully we can build off of it.”Quijada hit two Royals batters with pitches in the ninth. Nicky Lopez reached to lead off the inning after getting plunked and then scored when Kyle Isbel doubled off the right-center wall. Isbel advanced to third on a throwing error and scored to tie it at 8 on Edward Olivares’ one-out base hit.Quijada loaded the bases with walks to Salvador Perez and Duffy before he hit Melendez with an 0-2 fastball to bring Olivares home with the go-ahead run.“I was trying to throw a high pitch like I always throw to a lefty but I opened a little bit and it hit the batter,” Quijada said.It was Quijada's first blown save in nine appearances this season. The left-hander allowed five runs in two-thirds of an inning.“I don’t think he located as well as he has. I mean, he’s pitched a lot lately, too. It’s just, tonight wasn’t his night,” Angels manager Phil Nevin said.Scott Barlow retired the Angels in order for his second save.The Angels lost despite hitting four home runs for the second time this season. Hunter Renfroe went deep twice and Mike Trout homered for the first time in two weeks.It is the sixth time since 2020 the Angels have lost when hitting at least four homers.ALL FOR NAUGHTRenfroe had a pair of solo shots to left field for the 18th multi-homer game of his career. His homer in the fourth inning got the Angels to 3-2. It barely stayed fair and made it over the short wall in the left-field corner as Kansas City outfielder Nate Eaton was unable to get to it in time.Renfroe's team-leading sixth homer leading off the sixth was a no-doubter.Trout, out of Friday's lineup after the Angels' cross-country trip, had a two-run shot in the fifth for his fourth of the season.NOT SO FASTKansas City appeared to get out of the sixth with a 6-5 lead after Zach Neto flied out, but plate umpire Mark Ripperger called a balk before the pitch, keeping the inning alive.Brandon Drury advanced to second on the balk and scored the tying run two pitches later when Neto singled to right field.“You’re not allowed to go out there to argue or talk about a balk. I certainly didn’t want to get kicked out at that time,” Quatraro said. “I did not go back yet to look at it. I’m assuming it was just that he didn’t stop. But it was definitely a frustrating time.”997 AND COUNTINGDrury became the 997th major leaguer to strike out against Royals starter Zack Greinke. The veteran right-hander, who has 2,901 career Ks in 20 seasons, is looking to become the fifth pitcher to strike out 1,000 different players. The others are Nolan Ryan (1,182), Randy Johnson (1,123), Greg Maddux (1,049) and Roger Clemens (1,022).TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: LHP Daniel Lynch (rotator cuff strain) went two innings during an extended spring training outing.Angels: OF Taylor Ward, who has two hits in his last 26 at-bats, got the night off.UP NEXTThe teams wrap up their weekend series Sunday. Kansas City RHP Jordan Lyles (0-3, 4.62 ERA), who has a 4-4 career mark against the Angels, takes on Reid Detmers (0-1, 4.50). The left-hander allowed five earned runs in his only previous start against the Royals last season.

⚾️ Royals rally with 5 in 9th for 11-8 victory over Angels

⚾ Wildcats clinch west coast series over UC Irvine

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;– A dominant performance in the circle from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;and the return of&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;on Senior Day propelled No. 23 Wichita State to a 4-0 shutout of East Carolina Saturday afternoon at Wilkins Stadium. Wichita State (39-8, 12-2) clinched its fifth straight conference series behind the shutout to remain atop the American Athletic Conference standings. Aguilar tossed her team-leading sixth complete game shutout of the season to improve to 12-2 in the circle. She allowed only three hits, while walking none and striking out three. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-mills/7237">Lauren Mills</a>&nbsp;was a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk and a run scored, but the highlight was the return of Jones to the lineup after missing the last two weeks due to injury. She went 2-for-3 in her first game back, including her 13th home run of the season, tied for the team lead. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7248">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;(double),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7229">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;(RBI double) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7238">Krystin Nelson</a>&nbsp;(RBI single) all recorded a hit. Wichita State was only able to scratch out a single run in the second and fourth innings behind a&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7246">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;sac fly and Brown RBI double. The Shockers had the bases loaded and only one out in the fourth, but couldn't take advantage. In the bottom of the fifth, Jones drove a deep fly ball off the very top of the wall in center and over for a solo home run. Nelson would tack on one more run on a bases loaded RBI single through the right side. Wichita State stranded 11 baserunners on the afternoon, including two innings with the bases loaded. Up Next No. 23 Wichita State and East Carolina wrap up the series Sunday at 12 p.m. on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682255269400.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;– A dominant performance in the circle from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;and the return of&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;on Senior Day propelled No. 23 Wichita State to a 4-0 shutout of East Carolina Saturday afternoon at Wilkins Stadium. Wichita State (39-8, 12-2) clinched its fifth straight conference series behind the shutout to remain atop the American Athletic Conference standings. Aguilar tossed her team-leading sixth complete game shutout of the season to improve to 12-2 in the circle. She allowed only three hits, while walking none and striking out three. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-mills/7237">Lauren Mills</a>&nbsp;was a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk and a run scored, but the highlight was the return of Jones to the lineup after missing the last two weeks due to injury. She went 2-for-3 in her first game back, including her 13th home run of the season, tied for the team lead. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7248">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;(double),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7229">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;(RBI double) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7238">Krystin Nelson</a>&nbsp;(RBI single) all recorded a hit. Wichita State was only able to scratch out a single run in the second and fourth innings behind a&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7246">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;sac fly and Brown RBI double. The Shockers had the bases loaded and only one out in the fourth, but couldn't take advantage. In the bottom of the fifth, Jones drove a deep fly ball off the very top of the wall in center and over for a solo home run. Nelson would tack on one more run on a bases loaded RBI single through the right side. Wichita State stranded 11 baserunners on the afternoon, including two innings with the bases loaded. Up Next No. 23 Wichita State and East Carolina wrap up the series Sunday at 12 p.m. on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Shockers blank ECU in Jones' return

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/payton-tolle/7456">Payton Tolle</a>&nbsp;fired a complete game shutout and the Wichita State offense combined for 29 hits as the Shockers swept a doubleheader against #7-ranked East Carolina, 7-0 and 8-3 on Saturday afternoon at Eck Stadium. The two wins secure Wichita State's first series victory against a top-10 team since the 2014 season, when WSU claimed two of three games against Cal State Fullerton. The Shockers (23-15, 7-4) move into a three-way tie for first atop the American Athletic Conference standings with East Carolina (29-10, 7-4) and Houston (22-17, 7-4). GAME ONE Tolle was masterful in picking up his team-best seventh victory of the season, holding the Pirates to just two hits while striking out 10. The southpaw carried a no-hitter through 5.1 innings, surrendering just one baserunner via an error. East Carolina got both hits against Tolle in the sixth inning, but he pitched out of the jam with a strikeout and then retired the final nine Pirates over innings 7-8-9.&nbsp; It's the third start of the season for Tolle with double-digit strikeouts, and his second without a walk. The Wichita State offense chased East Carolina starter Trey Yesavage after just 1.2 innings, banging out six hits against the Pirates ace to grab the early lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-gustafson/7472">Jaden Gustafson</a>&nbsp;opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the second, and later in the inning&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>&nbsp;rifled an RBI single for a 2-0 lead. Gustafson drove home his second run in the third inning by beating out an infield single, extending the Shocker edge to 3-0. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/7461">Mauricio Millan</a>&nbsp;came through with perhaps the game's biggest hit in the fourth, ripping a two-run single through the middle for a 5-0 cushion. Solo home runs from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>&nbsp;in the sixth put the Shockers up 7-0, giving Tolle plenty of run support into the late innings. GAME TWO East Carolina took their only lead of the day in the top of the first on a two-out RBI single from Luke Nowak, but it proved to be short-lived. Ingram cranked a leadoff home run to start the home half of the inning, immediately leveling the score at 1-1. Wichita State then took control in the second inning with a trio of runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-herring/7462">David Herring</a>&nbsp;launched another leadoff solo shot onto the berm in right field to put WSU in front 2-1, a lead that Ingram and Rodden extended with two-out, run-scoring singles. The Pirates scratched back into the game with single runs in the fifth and sixth, but after pulling within 4-3 were quickly rebuffed via a four-spot in the bottom of the sixth.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyre-thornhill/7455">Sawyre Thornhill</a>&nbsp;capped a 4-for-4 game with an RBI double, coming in to score one batter later on another RBI single from Ingram that made it 6-3. Tolle punctuated the frame with a two-run single to left, restoring the Wichita State cushion to 8-3. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jace-miner/7449">Jace Miner</a>&nbsp;took it the rest of the way out of the Wichita State bullpen to earn his second save, holding the Pirates scoreless over 3.1 innings while allowing just two hits. He made a winner out of&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/clark-candiotti/7475">Clark Candiotti</a>&nbsp;(6-2), who won his fifth consecutive start and sixth straight decision. Candiotti struck out six over 5.2 innings, allowing seven hits and three runs. Carter Spivey (4-2) took the loss for East Carolina, allowing 11 hits and six runs over 5.0 innings of work. Ingram recorded three hits in both games of the doubleheader to lead the Shocker offense, while Rodden and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyte-mcdonald/7459">Kyte McDonald</a>&nbsp;chipped in two hits apiece in both games. Wichita State will go for the series sweep on Sunday afternoon. First pitch from Eck Stadium is scheduled for 1:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682255161307.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/payton-tolle/7456">Payton Tolle</a>&nbsp;fired a complete game shutout and the Wichita State offense combined for 29 hits as the Shockers swept a doubleheader against #7-ranked East Carolina, 7-0 and 8-3 on Saturday afternoon at Eck Stadium. The two wins secure Wichita State's first series victory against a top-10 team since the 2014 season, when WSU claimed two of three games against Cal State Fullerton. The Shockers (23-15, 7-4) move into a three-way tie for first atop the American Athletic Conference standings with East Carolina (29-10, 7-4) and Houston (22-17, 7-4). GAME ONE Tolle was masterful in picking up his team-best seventh victory of the season, holding the Pirates to just two hits while striking out 10. The southpaw carried a no-hitter through 5.1 innings, surrendering just one baserunner via an error. East Carolina got both hits against Tolle in the sixth inning, but he pitched out of the jam with a strikeout and then retired the final nine Pirates over innings 7-8-9.&nbsp; It's the third start of the season for Tolle with double-digit strikeouts, and his second without a walk. The Wichita State offense chased East Carolina starter Trey Yesavage after just 1.2 innings, banging out six hits against the Pirates ace to grab the early lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-gustafson/7472">Jaden Gustafson</a>&nbsp;opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the second, and later in the inning&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>&nbsp;rifled an RBI single for a 2-0 lead. Gustafson drove home his second run in the third inning by beating out an infield single, extending the Shocker edge to 3-0. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/7461">Mauricio Millan</a>&nbsp;came through with perhaps the game's biggest hit in the fourth, ripping a two-run single through the middle for a 5-0 cushion. Solo home runs from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>&nbsp;in the sixth put the Shockers up 7-0, giving Tolle plenty of run support into the late innings. GAME TWO East Carolina took their only lead of the day in the top of the first on a two-out RBI single from Luke Nowak, but it proved to be short-lived. Ingram cranked a leadoff home run to start the home half of the inning, immediately leveling the score at 1-1. Wichita State then took control in the second inning with a trio of runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-herring/7462">David Herring</a>&nbsp;launched another leadoff solo shot onto the berm in right field to put WSU in front 2-1, a lead that Ingram and Rodden extended with two-out, run-scoring singles. The Pirates scratched back into the game with single runs in the fifth and sixth, but after pulling within 4-3 were quickly rebuffed via a four-spot in the bottom of the sixth.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyre-thornhill/7455">Sawyre Thornhill</a>&nbsp;capped a 4-for-4 game with an RBI double, coming in to score one batter later on another RBI single from Ingram that made it 6-3. Tolle punctuated the frame with a two-run single to left, restoring the Wichita State cushion to 8-3. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jace-miner/7449">Jace Miner</a>&nbsp;took it the rest of the way out of the Wichita State bullpen to earn his second save, holding the Pirates scoreless over 3.1 innings while allowing just two hits. He made a winner out of&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/clark-candiotti/7475">Clark Candiotti</a>&nbsp;(6-2), who won his fifth consecutive start and sixth straight decision. Candiotti struck out six over 5.2 innings, allowing seven hits and three runs. Carter Spivey (4-2) took the loss for East Carolina, allowing 11 hits and six runs over 5.0 innings of work. Ingram recorded three hits in both games of the doubleheader to lead the Shocker offense, while Rodden and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyte-mcdonald/7459">Kyte McDonald</a>&nbsp;chipped in two hits apiece in both games. Wichita State will go for the series sweep on Sunday afternoon. First pitch from Eck Stadium is scheduled for 1:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Shockers sweep doubleheader against No. 7 ECU

WICHITA, Kan.-The Wichita Sky Kings, playing in front of their largest home crowd of the season estimated to be between 5,000 to 6,000 fans used a strong second half effort from Derrick Colter and Jachai Simmons, the Sky Kings defeated St. Louis 105-95,

A huge crowd lined up outside Koch Arena early to get a chance to meet and greet KC Chiefs star wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. MVS signed autographs and greeted fans prior to the game, at half-time and even during the game for fans in attendance.

Wichita took a quick 16-8 lead over the Griffins in the first quarter and enjoyed a half-time lead of 51-48. &nbsp;St. Louis came back strong in the second half to lead on several occasions before Derrick Colter got hot from the outside for the Sky Kings. Colter was 3 for 3 from the arch to help Wichita lead going into the fourth quarter by six points 79-73.

Travares Sledge combined for 47 St. Louis points on the night. Sledge had 28 points to lead the Griffins. Boyd scored 19 before fouling out late in the game.

Wichita put six players in double digit scoring led by Simmons 20 point night. Brandon Watkins and Isaac Johnson continue to dominate the boards for the Sky Kings each near to a double-double with nine rebounds each. Boyd had a double-double for the Griffins with 19 points and 11 rebounds in a losing cause.

The Sky Kings are now 11-3, bouncing back from last Sunday's overtime loss to Enid. &nbsp;Wichita will host the division leading Potawatomi Fire from Shawnee, Oklahoma Saturday night with a 7pm tip before traveling to Enid, Oklahoma for a Sunday afternoon rematch versus the Outlaws.

Wichita is now tied for 2nd in the Central Division with Shreveport after the Mavericks were defeated by Potawatomi Friday night.

NOTES: Wichita parted ways with Teddy Allen as Allen returned to Canada. Wichita contracted with strong forward Brian Bridgeforth from Washington. DC and activated Devon Andrews on the Sky Kings roster.

Catch all the Sky Kings and other TBL action on TBLTV.tv for live streams of every TBL game. Passcode for free access is SKYKINGSFAMILYFRIENDS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680354465527.jpeg" alt="Wichita Sky Kings defeat St Louis 105-95" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Sky Kings defeat St Louis 105-95</figcaption>
 </figure>by GLEN GRUNWALDWICHITA, Kan.-The Wichita Sky Kings, playing in front of their largest home crowd of the season estimated to be between 5,000 to 6,000 fans used a strong second half effort from Derrick Colter and Jachai Simmons, the Sky Kings defeated St. Louis 105-95,A huge crowd lined up outside Koch Arena early to get a chance to meet and greet KC Chiefs star wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. MVS signed autographs and greeted fans prior to the game, at half-time and even during the game for fans in attendance.Wichita took a quick 16-8 lead over the Griffins in the first quarter and enjoyed a half-time lead of 51-48. &nbsp;St. Louis came back strong in the second half to lead on several occasions before Derrick Colter got hot from the outside for the Sky Kings. Colter was 3 for 3 from the arch to help Wichita lead going into the fourth quarter by six points 79-73.Travares Sledge combined for 47 St. Louis points on the night. Sledge had 28 points to lead the Griffins. Boyd scored 19 before fouling out late in the game.Wichita put six players in double digit scoring led by Simmons 20 point night. Brandon Watkins and Isaac Johnson continue to dominate the boards for the Sky Kings each near to a double-double with nine rebounds each. Boyd had a double-double for the Griffins with 19 points and 11 rebounds in a losing cause.The Sky Kings are now 11-3, bouncing back from last Sunday's overtime loss to Enid. &nbsp;Wichita will host the division leading Potawatomi Fire from Shawnee, Oklahoma Saturday night with a 7pm tip before traveling to Enid, Oklahoma for a Sunday afternoon rematch versus the Outlaws.Wichita is now tied for 2nd in the Central Division with Shreveport after the Mavericks were defeated by Potawatomi Friday night.NOTES: Wichita parted ways with Teddy Allen as Allen returned to Canada. Wichita contracted with strong forward Brian Bridgeforth from Washington. DC and activated Devon Andrews on the Sky Kings roster.Catch all the Sky Kings and other TBL action on TBLTV.tv for live streams of every TBL game. Passcode for free access is SKYKINGSFAMILYFRIENDS.

🏀 Wichita Sky Kings win over St. Louis with solid 2nd-half push

AP Sports Headlines for Saturday, April 22nd.

Knicks romp past Cavaliers 99-79, take 2-1 series lead

NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 21 points, RJ Barrett broke out of a slump with 19 and the New York Knicks rolled to a 2-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first-round playoff series with a 99-79 victory. The Knicks emphatically bounced back from a loss in Game 2 and moved halfway to their first series victory since 2013. Josh Hart added 13 points for the fifth-seeded Knicks, who host Game 4 on Sunday. They haven't reached the second round since beating Boston in 2013.

Jokic has triple-double, Nuggets beat T-wolves for 3-0 lead

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Nikola Jokic had his seventh career triple-double in the playoffs with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists as the Denver Nuggets fended off the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-111 to take a 3-0 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series. Michael Porter Jr. pitched in 25 points and nine rebounds and Jamal Murray had 18 points and nine assists as Denver withstood another dashing performance by Minnesota's Anthony Edwards. Edwards scored 36 points to raise his series total to 95. Karl-Anthony Towns had 27 points after totaling only 21 points over the first two games for the Wolves.

Young scores 32, Hawks beat Celtics 130-122 to close to 2-1

ATLANTA (AP) — Trae Young scored 32 points in his best game of the playoffs and the Atlanta Hawks gave themselves a glimmer of hope, beating the Boston Celtics 130-122 to close the gap to 2-1 in their opening-round series. Young hit a step-back 3-pointer from the corner with 2:21 left and knocked down another huge basket on a floater in the lane with 45 seconds remaining after Jaylen Brown missed a 3-pointer that would've tied it for the Celtics. The Hawks will try to even the series in Game 4 Sunday night at State Farm Arena. Jayson Tatum scored 29 points to lead Boston, which was barely challenged in the first two games of the series.

LeBron not trading trash talk with Brooks before Game 3

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — LeBron James declined to respond to Dillon Brooks' taunts before the Los Angeles Lakers host the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Brooks said the top scorer in NBA history was "old" in Memphis following Game 2. The 38-year-old James patiently parried several questions about Brooks' comments and about the importance of trash talk in general before abruptly cutting short his media session at the Lakers' training complex. he Lakers' visit from the Grizzlies is the second game of an NBA doubleheader in Los Angeles, with the Clippers also hosting the Phoenix Suns in Game 4.

Shohei Ohtani strikes out 11, Angels beat Royals 2-0

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani struck out a season-high 11 and allowed two hits over seven dominant innings, and fill-in catcher Chad Wallach hit a two-run homer in the Los Angeles Angels' 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Ohtani struck out the side in the first inning, and he struck out the final six Royals he faced. In between, Kansas City managed two singles and two walks while getting just one runner to second base. After issuing a leadoff walk in the sixth, Ohtani struck out his final six batters to secure his major league-best 12th double-digit strikeout game since the start of 2022.

Collision ends Smyly perfect game bid, Cubs top Dodgers 13-0

CHICAGO (AP) — Drew Smyly lost a perfect game bid when he collided with his catcher while trying to field an eighth-inning dribbler that went for an infield single in the Chicago Cubs' 13-0 rout of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nico Hoerner hit a three-run homer with four hits and four RBIs as Chicago won for the fifth time in six games. Cody Bellinger went deep for the second straight day and third time this season against his former team. Trey Mancini and Patrick Wisdom also connected. Smyly struck out 10 and walked none in 7 2/3 innings.

NFL suspends 5 players for violating gambling policy

The NFL has suspended five players for violating the league's gambling policy. Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney are suspended through at least the the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season. Lions receivers Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams were each suspended six games for betting from an NFL facility on non-NFL games. The Lions released Cephus and Moore.

Toronto fires Nick Nurse, who led Raptors to 2019 NBA title

TORONTO (AP) — Nick Nurse has been fired as coach of the Toronto Raptors. It comes four years after he led the franchise to its first and only NBA championship. Nurse went 227-163 in his five seasons with the Raptors. His winning percentage of .582 is the best of any coach in franchise history. The Raptors missed the playoffs in 2021, a year where they were forced to call Tampa, Florida, home because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenge of getting teams in and out of Canada for games. They lost in the first round last year, and lost an elimination game at home in the play-in tournament this season.

A Lim Kim shoots 7-under 65, leads rain-delayed Chevron

THE WOODLANDS, Texas (AP) — A Lim Kim birdied the final two holes for a 7-under 65 and the lead Friday in the suspended second round of the rain-delayed Chevron Championship. Thirty-one players were unable to finish the round before dark in the first women's major tournament of the season, with the event in its first year in suburban Houston after a decades-long run in the California desert. Kim won the last LPGA Tour major held in the Houston area, the 2020 U.S. Women's Open at Champions Golf Club. After opening with a 71 on Thursday at The Club at Carlton Woods, she had eight birdies with just one bogey Friday to reach 8-under 136. Americans Lilia Vu and Megan Khang were a stroke back.

Column: Another domino falls on road to MLB expansion

The Oakland Athletics are packing their bags for Las Vegas, a long-expected move that will affect far more baseball fans than in those two cities. MLB is a significant step closer to expansion, which will bring two more franchises into the big leagues while also necessitating the creation of eight new minor-league teams around the country. With the Athletics buying land for a new stadium in Sin City, finding the Tampa Bay Rays' next home is the last hurdle to a 32-team major leagues. For sure, the lobbying has already begun for Nashville, Charlotte, Montreal, Portland and Salt Lake City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681297613631.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Saturday Morning, April 22nd, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Saturday Morning, April 22nd, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Headlines for Saturday, April 22nd.Knicks romp past Cavaliers 99-79, take 2-1 series leadNEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 21 points, RJ Barrett broke out of a slump with 19 and the New York Knicks rolled to a 2-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first-round playoff series with a 99-79 victory. The Knicks emphatically bounced back from a loss in Game 2 and moved halfway to their first series victory since 2013. Josh Hart added 13 points for the fifth-seeded Knicks, who host Game 4 on Sunday. They haven't reached the second round since beating Boston in 2013.Jokic has triple-double, Nuggets beat T-wolves for 3-0 leadMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Nikola Jokic had his seventh career triple-double in the playoffs with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists as the Denver Nuggets fended off the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-111 to take a 3-0 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series. Michael Porter Jr. pitched in 25 points and nine rebounds and Jamal Murray had 18 points and nine assists as Denver withstood another dashing performance by Minnesota's Anthony Edwards. Edwards scored 36 points to raise his series total to 95. Karl-Anthony Towns had 27 points after totaling only 21 points over the first two games for the Wolves.Young scores 32, Hawks beat Celtics 130-122 to close to 2-1ATLANTA (AP) — Trae Young scored 32 points in his best game of the playoffs and the Atlanta Hawks gave themselves a glimmer of hope, beating the Boston Celtics 130-122 to close the gap to 2-1 in their opening-round series. Young hit a step-back 3-pointer from the corner with 2:21 left and knocked down another huge basket on a floater in the lane with 45 seconds remaining after Jaylen Brown missed a 3-pointer that would've tied it for the Celtics. The Hawks will try to even the series in Game 4 Sunday night at State Farm Arena. Jayson Tatum scored 29 points to lead Boston, which was barely challenged in the first two games of the series.LeBron not trading trash talk with Brooks before Game 3EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — LeBron James declined to respond to Dillon Brooks' taunts before the Los Angeles Lakers host the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Brooks said the top scorer in NBA history was "old" in Memphis following Game 2. The 38-year-old James patiently parried several questions about Brooks' comments and about the importance of trash talk in general before abruptly cutting short his media session at the Lakers' training complex. he Lakers' visit from the Grizzlies is the second game of an NBA doubleheader in Los Angeles, with the Clippers also hosting the Phoenix Suns in Game 4.Shohei Ohtani strikes out 11, Angels beat Royals 2-0ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani struck out a season-high 11 and allowed two hits over seven dominant innings, and fill-in catcher Chad Wallach hit a two-run homer in the Los Angeles Angels' 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Ohtani struck out the side in the first inning, and he struck out the final six Royals he faced. In between, Kansas City managed two singles and two walks while getting just one runner to second base. After issuing a leadoff walk in the sixth, Ohtani struck out his final six batters to secure his major league-best 12th double-digit strikeout game since the start of 2022.Collision ends Smyly perfect game bid, Cubs top Dodgers 13-0CHICAGO (AP) — Drew Smyly lost a perfect game bid when he collided with his catcher while trying to field an eighth-inning dribbler that went for an infield single in the Chicago Cubs' 13-0 rout of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nico Hoerner hit a three-run homer with four hits and four RBIs as Chicago won for the fifth time in six games. Cody Bellinger went deep for the second straight day and third time this season against his former team. Trey Mancini and Patrick Wisdom also connected. Smyly struck out 10 and walked none in 7 2/3 innings.NFL suspends 5 players for violating gambling policyThe NFL has suspended five players for violating the league's gambling policy. Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney are suspended through at least the the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season. Lions receivers Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams were each suspended six games for betting from an NFL facility on non-NFL games. The Lions released Cephus and Moore.Toronto fires Nick Nurse, who led Raptors to 2019 NBA titleTORONTO (AP) — Nick Nurse has been fired as coach of the Toronto Raptors. It comes four years after he led the franchise to its first and only NBA championship. Nurse went 227-163 in his five seasons with the Raptors. His winning percentage of .582 is the best of any coach in franchise history. The Raptors missed the playoffs in 2021, a year where they were forced to call Tampa, Florida, home because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenge of getting teams in and out of Canada for games. They lost in the first round last year, and lost an elimination game at home in the play-in tournament this season.A Lim Kim shoots 7-under 65, leads rain-delayed ChevronTHE WOODLANDS, Texas (AP) — A Lim Kim birdied the final two holes for a 7-under 65 and the lead Friday in the suspended second round of the rain-delayed Chevron Championship. Thirty-one players were unable to finish the round before dark in the first women's major tournament of the season, with the event in its first year in suburban Houston after a decades-long run in the California desert. Kim won the last LPGA Tour major held in the Houston area, the 2020 U.S. Women's Open at Champions Golf Club. After opening with a 71 on Thursday at The Club at Carlton Woods, she had eight birdies with just one bogey Friday to reach 8-under 136. Americans Lilia Vu and Megan Khang were a stroke back.Column: Another domino falls on road to MLB expansionThe Oakland Athletics are packing their bags for Las Vegas, a long-expected move that will affect far more baseball fans than in those two cities. MLB is a significant step closer to expansion, which will bring two more franchises into the big leagues while also necessitating the creation of eight new minor-league teams around the country. With the Athletics buying land for a new stadium in Sin City, finding the Tampa Bay Rays' next home is the last hurdle to a 32-team major leagues. For sure, the lobbying has already begun for Nashville, Charlotte, Montreal, Portland and Salt Lake City.

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Saturday

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Softball’s weekend series schedule against Texas Tech has been altered after weather in the Texas area forced travel changes for the Red Raiders and delayed their arrival into Lawrence.

The series, originally scheduled to start Friday, will now start Saturday at 2 p.m., followed by a 12 p.m. first pitch on Sunday. Friday’s game has been moved to Monday at 1 p.m.

Fans who purchased tickets for Friday’s game can exchange those tickets for any game this weekend. Fans can also purchase tickets for Monday’s game. Call the ticket office at (785) 864-3141 for more information or questions.

All three games of the series will be streamed via&nbsp;<a href="https://plus.espn.com/big-12">Big 12 Now on ESPN+</a>.

For updates throughout the weekend, make sure to follow the official Kansas Softball social media accounts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592750854035.jpeg" alt="KU Jayhawk Softball game postponed" />
 <figcaption>KU Jayhawk Softball game postponed</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Softball’s weekend series schedule against Texas Tech has been altered after weather in the Texas area forced travel changes for the Red Raiders and delayed their arrival into Lawrence.The series, originally scheduled to start Friday, will now start Saturday at 2 p.m., followed by a 12 p.m. first pitch on Sunday. Friday’s game has been moved to Monday at 1 p.m.Fans who purchased tickets for Friday’s game can exchange those tickets for any game this weekend. Fans can also purchase tickets for Monday’s game. Call the ticket office at (785) 864-3141 for more information or questions.All three games of the series will be streamed via&nbsp;<a href="https://plus.espn.com/big-12">Big 12 Now on ESPN+</a>.For updates throughout the weekend, make sure to follow the official Kansas Softball social media accounts.

🥎 Friday night matchup between Kansas and Texas Tech postponed

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=07564778ea&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=5899937ced&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=335ca67af7&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=0ac5786ce4&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;On Friday evening at Hoglund Ballpark, the No. 24-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys defeated the Kansas Jayhawks, 15-10. Senior Cole Elvis and sophomore Chase Jans each had home runs and multi-hit games. Kansas held a 4-3 lead after three innings, but that was the last time the Jayhawks were ahead.

Kansas opened the scoring in the first inning. After loading the bases via an error and two walks, junior Janson Reeder hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Jans. The Jayhawks led 1-0 after an inning.

Oklahoma State (26-13, 9-7 Big 12) took advantage of an error in the second and scored two unearned runs. With two outs, a fielding error set up Colin Brueggemann for a two-run home run to center field. The homer gave the Cowboys a 2-1 lead.

The third inning featured home runs from both teams. Carson Benge hit a solo shot in the top of the third to give OSU a 3-1 advantage. Then, in the bottom of the third Kansas hit two home runs of its own.

Jans led off the inning with a solo home run for his sixth homer of the season. A walk to freshman Kodey Shojinaga set up Elvis for his team-high ninth home run of the season. The two-run blast gave Kansas a 4-3 lead.

The Cowboys then scored eight runs over the next three innings to take a commanding lead. Two runs in the fourth, two runs in the fifth and four runs in the sixth gave Oklahoma State an 11-4 edge.

The Jayhawks put together a mini rally in the sixth inning when they loaded the bases with one out. Shojinaga hit a two-run double into the left-center gap to tighten the game to 11-6. Kansas was unable to add any more runs and left baserunners on second and third.

In the seventh, the teams traded runs as Oklahoma State scored on a failed pickoff attempt at second base that went into center field. Then, KU scored on a bases-loaded RBI groundout by redshirt sophomore Mike Koszewski.

OSU added two more runs in the eighth inning on a home run by David Mendham. The Jayhawks got one of those runs back in the bottom of the eighth with a sacrifice fly from Jake English.

The Cowboys scored another unearned run in the ninth on a fielding error. KU scored two in the bottom of the ninth on an RBI single by Jans and a sacrifice fly from Elvis to end the night with a score of 15-10.

Graduate Collin Baumgartner started for Kansas and suffered his first loss of the season. Baumgartner threw 4.0 innings for the third straight start and gave up seven runs, four of which were earned, on five hits and four walks along, with three strikeouts.

PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Evan O’Toole (5-1) Final line: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 SO Loss: Collin Baumgartner (3-1) Final line: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 SO

NOTES • Kansas has scored at least 10 runs in four-straight games. That marks the first time with four-straight contests scoring double-digit runs since May 13-20, 2011 (five games). • Elvis extended his hitting streak to 15 games. The home run was his ninth of the season, which is the most on the team. He has homered in back-to-back games for the third time this season. Elvis posted his team-best 14th multi-hit game of the season. • Jans tallied his 12th multi-hit game of the season after going 4-for-6 with a home run, two RBIs and two runs scored. The home run was the sixth of the season for Jans, which is double his total from last season. • Shojinaga also recorded his 12th multi-hit game this season. He finished 2-for-4 with a double, two walks, two RBIs and two runs scored. • English extended his on-base streak to 14 games.

UP NEXT Kansas (19-19, 5-8 Big 12) plays game two against No. 24 Oklahoma State on Saturday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark. Saturday’s game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. CT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682162462858.jpeg" alt="KuBaseball.jpg" />
 <figcaption>KuBaseball.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=07564778ea&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=5899937ced&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=335ca67af7&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Conference Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=0ac5786ce4&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;On Friday evening at Hoglund Ballpark, the No. 24-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys defeated the Kansas Jayhawks, 15-10. Senior Cole Elvis and sophomore Chase Jans each had home runs and multi-hit games. Kansas held a 4-3 lead after three innings, but that was the last time the Jayhawks were ahead.Kansas opened the scoring in the first inning. After loading the bases via an error and two walks, junior Janson Reeder hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Jans. The Jayhawks led 1-0 after an inning.Oklahoma State (26-13, 9-7 Big 12) took advantage of an error in the second and scored two unearned runs. With two outs, a fielding error set up Colin Brueggemann for a two-run home run to center field. The homer gave the Cowboys a 2-1 lead.The third inning featured home runs from both teams. Carson Benge hit a solo shot in the top of the third to give OSU a 3-1 advantage. Then, in the bottom of the third Kansas hit two home runs of its own.Jans led off the inning with a solo home run for his sixth homer of the season. A walk to freshman Kodey Shojinaga set up Elvis for his team-high ninth home run of the season. The two-run blast gave Kansas a 4-3 lead.The Cowboys then scored eight runs over the next three innings to take a commanding lead. Two runs in the fourth, two runs in the fifth and four runs in the sixth gave Oklahoma State an 11-4 edge.The Jayhawks put together a mini rally in the sixth inning when they loaded the bases with one out. Shojinaga hit a two-run double into the left-center gap to tighten the game to 11-6. Kansas was unable to add any more runs and left baserunners on second and third.In the seventh, the teams traded runs as Oklahoma State scored on a failed pickoff attempt at second base that went into center field. Then, KU scored on a bases-loaded RBI groundout by redshirt sophomore Mike Koszewski.OSU added two more runs in the eighth inning on a home run by David Mendham. The Jayhawks got one of those runs back in the bottom of the eighth with a sacrifice fly from Jake English.The Cowboys scored another unearned run in the ninth on a fielding error. KU scored two in the bottom of the ninth on an RBI single by Jans and a sacrifice fly from Elvis to end the night with a score of 15-10.Graduate Collin Baumgartner started for Kansas and suffered his first loss of the season. Baumgartner threw 4.0 innings for the third straight start and gave up seven runs, four of which were earned, on five hits and four walks along, with three strikeouts.PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Evan O’Toole (5-1) Final line: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 SO Loss: Collin Baumgartner (3-1) Final line: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 SONOTES • Kansas has scored at least 10 runs in four-straight games. That marks the first time with four-straight contests scoring double-digit runs since May 13-20, 2011 (five games). • Elvis extended his hitting streak to 15 games. The home run was his ninth of the season, which is the most on the team. He has homered in back-to-back games for the third time this season. Elvis posted his team-best 14th multi-hit game of the season. • Jans tallied his 12th multi-hit game of the season after going 4-for-6 with a home run, two RBIs and two runs scored. The home run was the sixth of the season for Jans, which is double his total from last season. • Shojinaga also recorded his 12th multi-hit game this season. He finished 2-for-4 with a double, two walks, two RBIs and two runs scored. • English extended his on-base streak to 14 games.UP NEXT Kansas (19-19, 5-8 Big 12) plays game two against No. 24 Oklahoma State on Saturday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark. Saturday’s game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. CT.

⚾️ Kansas drops game one to Oklahoma State

TULSA, Ok –&nbsp;The largest crowd at ONEOK Field in over five years turned out Friday night, and the fans were treated to the first walk-off victory of the season for the Tulsa Drillers. With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Drillers loaded the bases with one out to set up a sacrifice fly from Diego Cartaya that scored Jonny DeLuca with the winning run in an exciting 6-5 win for the Drillers.

Tulsa twice had to overcome Wichita leads in the back-and-forth contest that featured a combined five home runs from the two teams. The victory extended the Drillers winning streak to three straight games, one short of matching the season high four-game streak.

For the second straight night, DeLuca opened the scoring for the Drillers with a lead-off home run in the bottom of the first inning. He deposited a 2-0 pitch into the Budweiser Terrace for his third homer of the season and his second in as many games.

Wichita’s Armani Smith answered with his first homer of the season in the top of the second to tie the game at 1-1. The run was the first scored against Drillers pitchers in 20 innings.

The home run theme continued into the third when Josh Stowers belted Tulsa’s second homer of the game. The solo blast, the first of the season for Stowers, gave the Drillers a 2-1 lead.

The Wind Surge took its first lead of the night in the fifth with three runs against reliever Alec Gamboa. Jake Rucker tied the score with a solo homer before Will Holland singled in a pair of runs to put Wichita in front 4-2.&nbsp;

Tulsa’s third homer of the night in the sixth inning tied the score once again. After Jose Ramos drew a one-out walk, Imanol Vargas lined a full-count pitch over the right field fence and just inside the foul pole for a two-run homer that evened the score at 4-4.

The Wind Surge quickly went back in front in the seventh when Anthony Prato was hit by a pitch from Cole Percival, stole second base and scored on a two-out single from Smith.

Trailing 5-4, the Drillers would score the final two runs of the game to claim the victory. In the eighth, Cartaya singled and Ramos and Vargas drew walks to load the bases. Brandon Lewis hit an infield chopper that left second baseman Prato with only a play at first base. His throw retired Lewis, but Cartaya raced home with the tying run that set up the walk-off win in the ninth.

With the score tied at 5-5, the winning rally began with one out when DeLuca beat out an infield hit. Jorbit Vivas followed with a lined double down the right field line that put the winning run just 90 feet from home. After Andy Pages was intentionally walked to load the bases, Cartaya delivered when he lofted a 2-2 pitch into centerfield. Will Holland made the catch in medium-depth center, but he had no chance to throw out the speedy DeLuca at the plate as the Drillers rushed onto the field to celebrate their first ninth-inning win of the year.&nbsp;

*Paid attendance for the game totaled 8,379, making it the largest attendance for a Drillers home game since opening night of the 2018 season.

*Vivas extended his hitting streak to 13 straight games when he doubled on the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the first inning. He finished 2-4 in the game and is now batting .377 for the season.

*DeLuca had his first three-hit game of the season, finishing 3-5.

*It was the third homer of the season for Vargas, who is now hitting .345.

*The Drillers won despite going 0-7 at the plate with runners in scoring position.

*Tulsa starting pitcher River Ryan labored through his shortest outing of the season, using 61 pitches to get through 2.1 innings, but he allowed just one run. Ryan walked three batters and gave up six hits while striking out a season high five batters.&nbsp;

*Pitcher Ryan Sublette, who was activated earlier in the day, worked a scoreless eighth inning in his Double-A debut.

*Jordan Leasure worked a scoreless top of the ninth to gain the victory and even his record at 1-1.

*The win gave the Drillers a 3-1 advantage in the 2023 Coors Light Propeller Series.

*The game took 2 hours and 48 minutes to play, making it the longest game at ONEOK Field this season by 26 minutes.

Tulsa and Wichita will play the fifth game of their six-game series on Saturday night at ONEOK Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and the starting pitchers are slated to be:&nbsp;

Wichita – RHP Chad Donato (0-1, 27.00 ERA)

Tulsa – RHP Emmet Sheehan (1-1, 3.09 ERA)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682162145759.jpeg" alt="Tulsa Drillers get walk-off win over Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Tulsa Drillers get walk-off win over Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>TULSA, Ok –&nbsp;The largest crowd at ONEOK Field in over five years turned out Friday night, and the fans were treated to the first walk-off victory of the season for the Tulsa Drillers. With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Drillers loaded the bases with one out to set up a sacrifice fly from Diego Cartaya that scored Jonny DeLuca with the winning run in an exciting 6-5 win for the Drillers.Tulsa twice had to overcome Wichita leads in the back-and-forth contest that featured a combined five home runs from the two teams. The victory extended the Drillers winning streak to three straight games, one short of matching the season high four-game streak.For the second straight night, DeLuca opened the scoring for the Drillers with a lead-off home run in the bottom of the first inning. He deposited a 2-0 pitch into the Budweiser Terrace for his third homer of the season and his second in as many games.Wichita’s Armani Smith answered with his first homer of the season in the top of the second to tie the game at 1-1. The run was the first scored against Drillers pitchers in 20 innings.The home run theme continued into the third when Josh Stowers belted Tulsa’s second homer of the game. The solo blast, the first of the season for Stowers, gave the Drillers a 2-1 lead.The Wind Surge took its first lead of the night in the fifth with three runs against reliever Alec Gamboa. Jake Rucker tied the score with a solo homer before Will Holland singled in a pair of runs to put Wichita in front 4-2.&nbsp;Tulsa’s third homer of the night in the sixth inning tied the score once again. After Jose Ramos drew a one-out walk, Imanol Vargas lined a full-count pitch over the right field fence and just inside the foul pole for a two-run homer that evened the score at 4-4.The Wind Surge quickly went back in front in the seventh when Anthony Prato was hit by a pitch from Cole Percival, stole second base and scored on a two-out single from Smith.Trailing 5-4, the Drillers would score the final two runs of the game to claim the victory. In the eighth, Cartaya singled and Ramos and Vargas drew walks to load the bases. Brandon Lewis hit an infield chopper that left second baseman Prato with only a play at first base. His throw retired Lewis, but Cartaya raced home with the tying run that set up the walk-off win in the ninth.With the score tied at 5-5, the winning rally began with one out when DeLuca beat out an infield hit. Jorbit Vivas followed with a lined double down the right field line that put the winning run just 90 feet from home. After Andy Pages was intentionally walked to load the bases, Cartaya delivered when he lofted a 2-2 pitch into centerfield. Will Holland made the catch in medium-depth center, but he had no chance to throw out the speedy DeLuca at the plate as the Drillers rushed onto the field to celebrate their first ninth-inning win of the year.&nbsp;HIGHLIGHTS AND HAPPENINGS:*Paid attendance for the game totaled 8,379, making it the largest attendance for a Drillers home game since opening night of the 2018 season.*Vivas extended his hitting streak to 13 straight games when he doubled on the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the first inning. He finished 2-4 in the game and is now batting .377 for the season.*DeLuca had his first three-hit game of the season, finishing 3-5.*It was the third homer of the season for Vargas, who is now hitting .345.*The Drillers won despite going 0-7 at the plate with runners in scoring position.*Tulsa starting pitcher River Ryan labored through his shortest outing of the season, using 61 pitches to get through 2.1 innings, but he allowed just one run. Ryan walked three batters and gave up six hits while striking out a season high five batters.&nbsp;*Pitcher Ryan Sublette, who was activated earlier in the day, worked a scoreless eighth inning in his Double-A debut.*Jordan Leasure worked a scoreless top of the ninth to gain the victory and even his record at 1-1.*The win gave the Drillers a 3-1 advantage in the 2023 Coors Light Propeller Series.*The game took 2 hours and 48 minutes to play, making it the longest game at ONEOK Field this season by 26 minutes.UP NEXT:Tulsa and Wichita will play the fifth game of their six-game series on Saturday night at ONEOK Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and the starting pitchers are slated to be:&nbsp;Wichita – RHP Chad Donato (0-1, 27.00 ERA)Tulsa – RHP Emmet Sheehan (1-1, 3.09 ERA)

⚾ Tulsa Drillers edge Wichita Wind Surge with walk-off victory

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani&nbsp;struck out the side on 12 pitches in the first inning Friday night, throwing sweepers that broke horizontally like Frisbees and punctuating them with a 98.7-mph fastball. Angels manager Phil Nevin said he had never seen an inning more dominant during his nearly three decades in the big leagues.

Ohtani remained far too much for the&nbsp;Kansas City Royals&nbsp;to handle in his latest outstanding start.

Ohtani struck out a season-high 11 and allowed two hits over seven innings, and fill-in catcher&nbsp;Chad Wallach&nbsp;hit a two-run homer in Los Angeles' 2-0 victory.

Ohtani (3-0) returned to the mound just four days after a lengthy rain delay limited him to two innings in Boston, and the two-way superstar didn't miss a beat in his spectacular season on the mound. After fanning the side in that incredible first, Ohtani also struck out his final six batters — and in between, Kansas City managed two singles and two walks while getting just one runner to second base.

“From a hitter's standpoint, I would have no idea what to prepare for,” Nevin said. “Because he's got 98 in there, but he doesn't usually throw the fastball a lot. The sweeper is kind of unhittable when he's throwing it for strikes. I'm glad I don't have to face him. I'm glad he's on my side.”

Ohtani has given up two runs and eight hits over 28 innings with 38 strikeouts while lowering his ERA to 0.64 — the lowest in franchise history through a pitcher's first five starts. Ohtani also extended his franchise record with his 12th consecutive start allowing two runs or fewer.

Wallach stepped up impressively in the absence of injured rookie catcher Logan O’Hoppe, helping Ohtani behind the plate and also delivering the decisive homer in his first major league at-bat of the season.

“I love catching him,” Wallach said. “Probably the best stuff I've ever seen, so it's fun for me to be back there and just catch pitches. ... (The first inning) was the best I've ever seen. He was throwing it exactly where he wanted to, and just all the pitches were nasty.”

After issuing a leadoff walk in the sixth, Ohtani fanned six in a row to secure his major league-best 12th double-digit strikeout game since the start of 2022.

Carlos Estévez and&nbsp;Jose Quijada&nbsp;completed a three-hit shutout, with Quijada giving up a one-out single to&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr. before finishing his fourth save in front of Angel Stadium's third sellout crowd of the year.

Kansas City opened a 10-game trip with its seventh consecutive loss and its 10th in 11 games.

“He’s special pretty much any night he takes the field,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Ohtani. “He came out, struck out the side in the first, and then I think our at-bats got better over the next four innings or so, and then he introduced that curveball late. We hadn’t seen that, and it kept us off balance. He’s got a huge arsenal. Overall, the at-bats were pretty good, considering we were facing him. But it wasn’t good enough. … (Ohtani) seems like somebody who can do whatever he sets out to do.”

Wallach, who joined the Angels earlier Friday from Triple-A Salt Lake, drove a changeup from&nbsp;Ryan Yarbrough&nbsp;(0-2) 424 feet in the third inning for just his second big league homer since 2020.

Kansas City pitched a bullpen game in the rotation slot of injured left-hander Kris Bubic, with opener&nbsp;Taylor Clarke&nbsp;throwing two scoreless innings.

Mike Trout&nbsp;got the night off for the Angels in their return from a disappointing seven-game East Coast trip.

Angels rookie shortstop&nbsp;Zach Neto&nbsp;was hit by a pitch in each of his first two at-bats. He already has been hit by five pitches in his first seven games in the majors.

Royals: Bubic will have Tommy John surgery next week. He made three starts this season and showed improved form before his elbow ligament woes were diagnosed.

Angels: O'Hoppe went on the 10-day injured list with a shoulder problem. The promising rookie hurt himself on swings Monday and again Thursday, but the team hasn't revealed much about the nature of his injury. Wallach and&nbsp;Matt Thaiss&nbsp;are the Angels' two remaining catchers, with&nbsp;Max Stassi&nbsp;yet to make his season debut.

Tyler Anderson&nbsp;(1-0, 6.75 ERA) makes the fourth start of his Angels career in search of his first victory over the Royals, who counter with former Angels right-hander&nbsp;Zack Greinke&nbsp;(0-3. 4.03).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675161818500.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani&nbsp;struck out the side on 12 pitches in the first inning Friday night, throwing sweepers that broke horizontally like Frisbees and punctuating them with a 98.7-mph fastball. Angels manager Phil Nevin said he had never seen an inning more dominant during his nearly three decades in the big leagues.Ohtani remained far too much for the&nbsp;Kansas City Royals&nbsp;to handle in his latest outstanding start.Ohtani struck out a season-high 11 and allowed two hits over seven innings, and fill-in catcher&nbsp;Chad Wallach&nbsp;hit a two-run homer in Los Angeles' 2-0 victory.Ohtani (3-0) returned to the mound just four days after a lengthy rain delay limited him to two innings in Boston, and the two-way superstar didn't miss a beat in his spectacular season on the mound. After fanning the side in that incredible first, Ohtani also struck out his final six batters — and in between, Kansas City managed two singles and two walks while getting just one runner to second base.“From a hitter's standpoint, I would have no idea what to prepare for,” Nevin said. “Because he's got 98 in there, but he doesn't usually throw the fastball a lot. The sweeper is kind of unhittable when he's throwing it for strikes. I'm glad I don't have to face him. I'm glad he's on my side.”Ohtani has given up two runs and eight hits over 28 innings with 38 strikeouts while lowering his ERA to 0.64 — the lowest in franchise history through a pitcher's first five starts. Ohtani also extended his franchise record with his 12th consecutive start allowing two runs or fewer.Wallach stepped up impressively in the absence of injured rookie catcher Logan O’Hoppe, helping Ohtani behind the plate and also delivering the decisive homer in his first major league at-bat of the season.“I love catching him,” Wallach said. “Probably the best stuff I've ever seen, so it's fun for me to be back there and just catch pitches. ... (The first inning) was the best I've ever seen. He was throwing it exactly where he wanted to, and just all the pitches were nasty.”After issuing a leadoff walk in the sixth, Ohtani fanned six in a row to secure his major league-best 12th double-digit strikeout game since the start of 2022.Carlos Estévez and&nbsp;Jose Quijada&nbsp;completed a three-hit shutout, with Quijada giving up a one-out single to&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr. before finishing his fourth save in front of Angel Stadium's third sellout crowd of the year.Kansas City opened a 10-game trip with its seventh consecutive loss and its 10th in 11 games.“He’s special pretty much any night he takes the field,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Ohtani. “He came out, struck out the side in the first, and then I think our at-bats got better over the next four innings or so, and then he introduced that curveball late. We hadn’t seen that, and it kept us off balance. He’s got a huge arsenal. Overall, the at-bats were pretty good, considering we were facing him. But it wasn’t good enough. … (Ohtani) seems like somebody who can do whatever he sets out to do.”Wallach, who joined the Angels earlier Friday from Triple-A Salt Lake, drove a changeup from&nbsp;Ryan Yarbrough&nbsp;(0-2) 424 feet in the third inning for just his second big league homer since 2020.Kansas City pitched a bullpen game in the rotation slot of injured left-hander Kris Bubic, with opener&nbsp;Taylor Clarke&nbsp;throwing two scoreless innings.Mike Trout&nbsp;got the night off for the Angels in their return from a disappointing seven-game East Coast trip.KERPLUNKAngels rookie shortstop&nbsp;Zach Neto&nbsp;was hit by a pitch in each of his first two at-bats. He already has been hit by five pitches in his first seven games in the majors.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Bubic will have Tommy John surgery next week. He made three starts this season and showed improved form before his elbow ligament woes were diagnosed.Angels: O'Hoppe went on the 10-day injured list with a shoulder problem. The promising rookie hurt himself on swings Monday and again Thursday, but the team hasn't revealed much about the nature of his injury. Wallach and&nbsp;Matt Thaiss&nbsp;are the Angels' two remaining catchers, with&nbsp;Max Stassi&nbsp;yet to make his season debut.UP NEXTTyler Anderson&nbsp;(1-0, 6.75 ERA) makes the fourth start of his Angels career in search of his first victory over the Royals, who counter with former Angels right-hander&nbsp;Zack Greinke&nbsp;(0-3. 4.03).

⚾ Shohei Ohtani strikes out 11, Angels beat Royals 2-0

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Legendary K-State Athletics figure&nbsp;Ernie Barrett, affectionately known as ‘Mr. K-State,’ with his trademark firm handshake, passed away on Friday morning (April 21) at the age of 93 in Manhattan, Kan.

A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m., CT on Thursday, April 27 at Bramlage Coliseum with a reception to follow in the Shamrock Zone. The service and reception are open to the public.

Barrett is survived by his wife of 72 years,&nbsp;Bonnie, his son&nbsp;Brad&nbsp;and a grandson&nbsp;Ryan&nbsp;and wife,&nbsp;Lauren. He was preceded in death by his parents (Ernie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ruby Barrett) and son&nbsp;Duane.

Born in Pratt, Kan., on August 27, 1929, Barrett called Wellington, Kan., his home, where he led Wellington High School to its only state championship in 1947 as an all-state basketball player. Recruited by the likes of Kansas’ Phog Allen and Oklahoma State’s Henry Iba out of high school, Barrett chose Kansas State, beginning a long association in 1948 when he entered the university as a freshman basketball player for Hall of Fame head coach&nbsp;Jack Gardner&nbsp;and then freshman coach and future Hall of Famer&nbsp;Fred “Tex” Winter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682092214295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Legendary K-State Athletics figure&nbsp;Ernie Barrett, affectionately known as ‘Mr. K-State,’ with his trademark firm handshake, passed away on Friday morning (April 21) at the age of 93 in Manhattan, Kan.A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m., CT on Thursday, April 27 at Bramlage Coliseum with a reception to follow in the Shamrock Zone. The service and reception are open to the public.Barrett is survived by his wife of 72 years,&nbsp;Bonnie, his son&nbsp;Brad&nbsp;and a grandson&nbsp;Ryan&nbsp;and wife,&nbsp;Lauren. He was preceded in death by his parents (Ernie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ruby Barrett) and son&nbsp;Duane.Born in Pratt, Kan., on August 27, 1929, Barrett called Wellington, Kan., his home, where he led Wellington High School to its only state championship in 1947 as an all-state basketball player. Recruited by the likes of Kansas’ Phog Allen and Oklahoma State’s Henry Iba out of high school, Barrett chose Kansas State, beginning a long association in 1948 when he entered the university as a freshman basketball player for Hall of Fame head coach&nbsp;Jack Gardner&nbsp;and then freshman coach and future Hall of Famer&nbsp;Fred “Tex” Winter.Barrett was a two-time graduate of the university, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1951 and a master’s degree in journalism in 1956.During his near 75-year association with K-State, Barrett served the university as a student-athlete (1948-51), assistant basketball coach (1958-64), assistant athletics director (1963-69), director of athletics (1969-75), university consultant (1988-91) and director of development (1991-2007). His list of accolades and achievements are nearly endless. As a student-athlete, he captained the 1950-51 team that opened venerable Ahearn Field House while guiding the Wildcats to the Final Four as the school’s first consensus All-American. As an assistant coach to Winter, he was part of two Final Fours (1959 and 1964) and five Big Eight titles from 1958-64. Later as athletics director and fundraiser, he was instrumental in the hiring of legendary coach&nbsp;Jack Hartman&nbsp;as men’s basketball coach in 1970 and helped spearhead numerous athletics facilities, including Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Colbert Hills Golf Course, Tointon Family Stadium and R.V. Christian Track and Field Complex.Barrett was a charter member of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990, while the university erected a statue of him in front of Bramlage Coliseum in 1999 as a tribute to his many contributions. He was named to the State of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. He was selected to the school’s 13-member All-Century Basketball Team in 2003. His number 22 jersey hangs in the rafters of Bramlage Coliseum after he was honored by the school in 2005.Barrett was associated with three of K-State’s four all-time Final Four appearances, including the first in 1951 as a player and two as an assistant coach in 1959 and 1964, while he was part of teams that won a combined seven Big Seven or Big Eight Conference titles (1950, 1951, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964).As a basketball player, Barrett famously led the Wildcats to their first and only NCAA Championship game during his storybook senior season in 1950-51, while earning First Team All-America honors on the team that opened historic Ahearn Field House. He averaged a team-leading 10.3 points as a senior en route to helping K-State to a 25-4 overall record, which included the Big Seven Holiday Tournament and Big Seven regular-season titles and the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. In the tournament, the Wildcats defeated No. 12 Arizona, No. 11 BYU and No. 2 Oklahoma State to set up a matchup with Kentucky in the NCAA title. Due to a shoulder injury, he was limited to just 4 points in the championship game, which the Wildcats lost 68-58.Overall, the Wildcats were 54-22 (.711) during Barrett’s 3-year playing career, which included a pair of Big Seven Conference titles in 1950 and 1951. He scored 675 points in 77 career games.As a senior, Barrett earned First Team All-America honors from the Helms Foundation,&nbsp;The Sporting News&nbsp;and International News Service, while he was selected for second team honors by Converse Yearbook and Look magazine as well as third team honors from the UPI. He was also unanimous First Team All-Big Seven.Upon graduating from K-State, Barrett was one of his four Wildcats taken in the 1951 NBA Draft, as the Boston Celtics took him with the seventh pick of the first round. Due to his service in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-53, he deferred his commitment with the Celtics until 1953, playing two seasons (1953-54 and 1955-56) for the legendary&nbsp;Red Auerbach&nbsp;and alongside Hall of Fame player&nbsp;Bob Cousy, helping the Celtics to the Eastern Division finals twice.Barrett returned to his alma mater as assistant alumni secretary for the K-State Alumni Association in 1955 before becoming an assistant coach for Winter in 1958. He spent six seasons (1958-64) on Winter’s staff, helping the Wildcats to a 123-36 (.774) record cumulating in the 1964 Final Four. The team shared or won the Big Eight regular-season title five times in his six seasons on the coaching staff, boasting a 72-12 (.857) mark in conference play, with Final Four appearances in 1959 and 1964.&nbsp;Barrett moved full-time into the administrative ranks in the fall of 1964 before succeeding&nbsp;Bebe Lee&nbsp;as the school’s director of athletics on March 10, 1969. He was the first Kansas-born athlete to lead the department. He spent seven years (1969-75) leading the athletics department, in which, he hired the school’s all-time winningest coach&nbsp;Jack Hartman&nbsp;while leading fundraising campaigns for KSU Stadium (now Bill Snyder Family Stadium), the athletic dormitory and the R.V. Christian Track and Field Complex.After leaving for the private sector, Barrett returned to his alma mater in 1991 as the department’s director of development for which he served until his retirement in 2007.University statements on the passing of&nbsp;Ernie Barrett:University President&nbsp;Dr. Richard Linton“Ernie Barrett has always been a shining example of what it means to be a K-Stater. From his storied success at K-State — both on and off the court — to his achievements in the NBA, and later, his transformative time as an athletics administrator for the university, Ernie embodied the work ethic, dedication and tenacity that are hallmarks of the Wildcat spirit. We will always celebrate and hold dear the legacy of Mr. K-State and all he accomplished for our great university.”Director of Athletics&nbsp;Gene Taylor"Today is a sad day for Kansas State University. Ernie Barrett poured his heart and soul into K-State for an amazing 75-plus years, and we would not be where we are today as an institution and athletics program without him. As a former athletics director, he was always supportive of me and the decisions I made, and that meant the world to me. His&nbsp;symbolic handshake will forever be remembered as a symbol of his care and love for both people and Kansas State. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bonnie and the entire Barrett family."President and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association&nbsp;Amy Button Renz“I will always be grateful to Ernie for his support and friendship. When I became president and CEO of the Alumni Association, Ernie provided valuable insight into the world of athletics and helped the association establish a new elevated partnership with the athletics department.&nbsp;When we started the campaign to build the K-State Alumni Center, he helped us raise funds and then Ernie and his family personally donated. The Barrett Wildcat Den is named in their honor. I have so many wonderful memories of him and his love for K-State. I was so excited when he received the Association’s Wildcat Pride Award, but my favorite memory is sitting next to him when the 2018 men’s basketball team defeated Kentucky to advance to the Elite Eight. Ernie was so excited!&nbsp;There will never be another Mr. K-State. My thoughts and prayers are with Bonnie, Brad, and all of Ernie's loved ones.”Head Men’s Basketball Coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang“Known for his firm handshakes and his neck hugs, Ernie enjoyed an incredibly well-lived life that I was blessed to be part of as the men’s basketball coach at his alma mater. He might be the greatest Wildcat of all-time. In his near 75-year association with this great school, he accomplished nearly everything you can imagine from playing Final Fours to hiring Hall of Fame coaches to helping build the very building our teams play in today. He came to visit me before every home game and was incredibly welcoming to me and my staff in our first year. No one loved this university and its basketball team more than him. I’m sending love and prayers to his wife Bonnie, son Brad and the rest of their family. What a remarkable life.”Head Football Coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman“Ernie cared so deeply about Kansas State, and I appreciated our friendship and his personal interest in our football program. Everyone knows Ernie for his figurative handshake, but what I will remember most is a person who spent nearly three-quarters of a century trying to make his alma mater a better place. He is the true definition of a K-Stater, and Bonnie and the rest of the Barrett family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.”Hall of Fame football coach&nbsp;Bill Snyder“Ernie was the dearest of friends, one of the greatest K-Staters in the world, and a special, special man and husband. He was one of the first individuals I met when I visited Manhattan and was significant as anyone in formulating my decision to come to Kansas State. Never in my 40-plus years here have I met anyone who meant more or did more for a university than Ernie. He sought out opportunities to promote Kansas State University and the athletics program everywhere he was. While he was truly one of the most recognizable K-Staters across the state, Ernie was amazingly received in our Western Kansas communities and was embraced in an astounding way. It was astonishing to witness people bring their children and family members just to meet Ernie and shake his hand. He and Bonnie have been so meaningful to Manhattan, Kansas State University and the entire state of Kansas, and he will be dearly missed.”Other notable figures on the passing of&nbsp;Ernie Barrett:President of Interim HealthCare Topeka and family friend&nbsp;Jill Stehley Harrison“Ernie developed the relationships that truly transformed K-State.&nbsp;He built those with a&nbsp;firm handshake, a handwritten note, a personal passion for a project, and the trust that goes along with that.&nbsp;There will never be another Mr. K-State.&nbsp;We were all fortunate to have him in our lives.”Longtime athletics donor&nbsp;Mary Vanier“Ernie Barrett had a passion for Kansas State University and the Athletics Programs that is unmatched.&nbsp; Starting as a player, then administrator, fund raiser and constant supporter, I really can’t name anyone who has had more of an impact on K-State Athletics than Ernie.&nbsp;Together with his wife Bonnie, they are the patriarch and matriarch of the K-State Family.&nbsp;Ernie’s friendship, humor and bone crushing handshake will be greatly missed.”&nbsp;Longtime athletics donors&nbsp;Howard&nbsp;and&nbsp;Patricia Sherwood“There will no longer or ever will be the handshake that Ernie shared with thousands over the 75 years of his life as a Wildcat. The purple will fade a bit without our Ernie. The MAN and Bonnie will always be loved and never forgotten.”Longtime athletics donor and professional golfer&nbsp;Jim Colbert“Ernie was Mr. K-State. He devoted all of his adult life to the betterment and development of the University. There would be no Colbert Hills without Ernie. There would be no Bramlage Coliseum, Bill Snyder Family Stadium and many other facilities on campus. There will never be another Ernie. The relationships he developed and friendships he made stretch all across the country.” &nbsp;Former University Chief of Staff&nbsp;Jackie Hartman Borck&nbsp;(daughter of the late Jack Hartman)“A force of nature, Ernie Barrett is recognized by all. Whether it be his handshake, his fist pump, or his persuasive efforts, he loves and is loyal to Kansas State University.&nbsp;The Jack and Pat Hartman family is forever indebted to Ernie for bringing us to Manhattan.&nbsp;He introduced us to the power of purple and the K-State Family which we love as well.”Former athletics director and current Big 12 Deputy Commissioner&nbsp;Tim Weiser“Ernie represents a bygone era of K-State Athletics. I think he is the only AD that K-State has had that was a former student-athlete which would also be a unique piece of history that you rarely see today. He was an important person for me personally as he could open many doors and connect me with so many people that were essential to the future growth of K-State. His knowledge and understanding about K-State basketball was second to none. He will be sorely missed as there will never be another Ernie Barrett.”Former athletics director and current Wake Forest athletics director&nbsp;John Currie“Ernie Barrett’s competitive spirit, loyalty and passion for K-State was unmatched. I’ll remember him fondly, including my initial meeting with him and Bonnie in their home, where he coached up this rookie AD on all things K-State from a yellow legal pad to-do-list. Godspeed to Mr. K-State!”Oklahoma State Director of Athletics and former K-State assistant AD&nbsp;Chad Weiberg“Like so many others, I will be forever grateful for Ernie. He took me under his wing when I first came to K-State Athletics and introduced me to everyone he knew. I will cherish the memories of our trips to Western Kansas. On those drives I heard stories about the people and places he loved so much. And people loved him. To have Mr. K-State take a new, unknown fundraiser under his wing changed everything for me. And I hope I was able to take that and play a small role in doing good for the school he dedicated his life to and make him proud. Thank you, Mr. K-State! Love you, Ernie.”Former men’s basketball player, assistant coach, and head coach&nbsp;Lon Kruger“Certainly, the tag “Mr. K-State” sums up Ernie Barrett perfectly. There is no one in the history of Kansas State University that had a genuine love and devotion to the institution like Ernie. Through his association and service to K-State as a basketball player, coach, athletics director, and fundraiser he touched thousands of lives. He will be dearly missed by all those who love K-State. My prayers are with Bonnie, son Brad and the rest of his family.”Former men’s basketball coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber“All of us will remember Ernie for his bone crushing handshakes and enormous hugs! However, Megan and I will always appreciate Ernie’s kind heart and true friendship!! It was our honor and privilege to have Ernie and Bonnie as our dear friends and neighbors!!”