Oakland A's purchase land for new stadium in Las Vegas

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics have signed a binding agreement to purchase land for a new retractable roof ballpark in Las Vegas after being unable to build a new venue in the Bay Area. Team president Dave Kaval said Wednesday night that the team finalized the deal to buy the 49-acre site last week where the A's will plan to build the stadium that will seat between 30,000 and 35,000 fans close to the Las Vegas Strip. The A's will work with Nevada and Clark County on a public-private partnership to fund the stadium. Kaval said the A's hope to break ground on the stadium by next year and would look to hope to be able move into their new home by 2027.

No Ja Morant, no problem as Grizzlies tie up Lakers at 1-1

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Xavier Tillman scored a career-high 22 points and had 13 rebounds as the Memphis Grizzlies tied their first-round Western Conference series at 1-1 by beating the Los Angeles Lakers 103-93 with two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant sidelined by an injured hand. No. 2 seed Memphis sat Morant after he tested the right hand originally hurt April 7 in a win at Milwaukee and aggravated driving to the basket in the opening loss to the Lakers. He had more exams on the hand before being declared inactive. LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Reserve Rui Hachimura had another strong performance with 20 points.

Bucks make 25 3s, beat Heat 138-122 without Antetokounmpo

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brook Lopez scored 25 points, Jrue Holiday added 24 and the hot-shooting Milwaukee Bucks withstood Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence while trouncing the Miami Heat 138-122, tying their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at a game apiece. The Bucks went 25 of 49 on 3-point attempts to tie the NBA record for 3-point baskets in a postseason game. Pat Connaughton added a playoff career-high 22 points. Antetokounmpo remained out for Milwaukee after leaving the Bucks' 130-117 Game 1 loss early in the second quarter with a bruised lower back.

Murray has 40 points, Nuggets beat Timberwolves for 2-0 lead

DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray scored 40 points and Michael Porter Jr. had 13 of his 16 in the fourth quarter, powering the Denver Nuggets past the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-113 on Wednesday night for a 2-0 lead in the NBA playoff series. Nikola Jokic added 27 points, nine assists and nine rebounds for the Nuggets, who blew an early 21-point lead and trailed 89-87 heading into the fourth quarter. Anthony Edwards had 41 points for the Wolves, who shot a sizzling 81% in the third quarter to erase a 64-59 halftime deficit. The series shifts to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Friday night.

Dumars: Decision to suspend Draymond Green was 'difficult'

NBA executive vice president Joe Dumars says it was a difficult decision to suspend Golden State's Draymond Green for Game 3 of the Warriors' first-round series against Sacramento. Dumars also says it was made with serious consideration of many factors. Dumars oversees the league's basketball operations and sanctions for on-court incidents. Green stepped on the chest of Kings center Domantas Sabonis midway during the fourth quarter of Game 2 of that series on Monday night. Green was ejected for the play. The league escalated the punishment on Tuesday night.

Tiger Woods has ankle surgery, rest of majors in doubt

Tiger Woods is recovering from another surgery. Woods has posted on Twitter that he had fusion surgery on his right ankle to alleviate arthritis from a broken bone. Most estimates on recovery are eight to 12 weeks. That would put into doubt whether he plays in the three remaining majors. Woods had a noticeable limp when he played in the Masters. He made the cut for a record-tying 23rd time. But he withdrew Sunday morning during the third round because of plantar fasciitis. The broken bone in his ankle stems from the February 2021 car crash in Los Angeles.

Haaland's presence allowing City to evolve under Guardiola

The arrival of Erling Haaland has given Manchester City one of the most formidable scorers ever seen in English soccer and his presence is enabling manager Pep Guardiola to evolve his tactical approach in the biggest games. Guardiola is no longer wedded to the possession-based philosophy that has been the hallmark of his trophy-laden coaching career. City can now just as comfortably cede possession and play on the counterattack led by Haaland. It has worked in wins over Arsenal and Bayern Munich this season as Guardiola becomes less stubborn about the soccer style for which he has become so renowned. It could yet lead City to a first Champions League title.

Panthers cool off Bruins 6-3, return to Florida tied 1-1

BOSTON (AP) — Brandon Montour scored twice and the Florida Panthers had four third-period goals to beat the Presidents' Trophy-winning Bruins 6-3 on Wednesday night and send Boston to its first loss in 10 games. The Panthers tied the best-of-seven series and head home for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday. There will be a Game 5 back in Boston on Wednesday. Montour scored 22 seconds into the third period to break a 2-2 tie. Alex Lyon stopped 34 shots. The Bruins won the series opener 3-1.

Fast's goal lifts Hurricanes past Islanders in overtime

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Jesper Fast took a cross-ice pass from Jordan Staal and buried it past Ilya Sorokin at 5:03 of overtime to lilft the Carolina Hurricanes past the New York Islanders 4-3. That gave Carolina a 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series. Staal's pass came from the left side to find Fast loose on the right for the finish over Sorokin's pad. It ended a game that had seen Carolina blow a two-goal lead and trailing 3-2. Paul Stastny, Stefan Noesen and Jaccob Slavin also scored for Carolina. Kyle Palmieri, Mathew Barzal and Brock Nelson scored for New York.

Mets' Scherzer ejected for sticky stuff after umpire check

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Max Scherzer has been ejected from the New York Mets' game in Los Angeles after the umpires did the customary check of his glove before the bottom of the fourth inning. Scherzer was furious after being tossed following the inspection of his glove. The veteran right-hander already had been told by umpires to change his glove before he took the mound one inning earlier in the bottom of the third. Scherzer clearly could be seen yelling: "It's rosin!" at umpires Dan Bellino and Phil Cuzzi before his ejection.

Philadelphia 7, Chicago White Sox 4, 1st game

Chicago White Sox 3, Philadelphia 0, 2nd game

N.Y. Yankees 3, L.A. Angels 2, 10 innings

Minnesota (Maeda 0-2) at Boston (Houck 2-0), 1:35 p.m.

L.A. Angels (Sandoval 1-0) at N.Y. Yankees (Cortes 2-0), 4:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay, 6:40 p.m.

Cincinnati (Weaver 0-0) at Pittsburgh (Contreras 1-1), 6:35 p.m.

Colorado (Feltner 0-2) at Philadelphia (Strahm 1-1), 6:40 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (Grove 0-1) at Chicago Cubs (Taillon 0-2), 7:40 p.m.

San Diego (Wacha 2-1) at Arizona (Nelson 1-0), 9:40 p.m.

N.Y. Mets (Senga 2-0) at San Francisco (Manaea 0-0), 9:45 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681297613631.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Thursday Morning, April 20th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Thursday Morning, April 20th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:31 a.m. EDTOakland A's purchase land for new stadium in Las VegasOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics have signed a binding agreement to purchase land for a new retractable roof ballpark in Las Vegas after being unable to build a new venue in the Bay Area. Team president Dave Kaval said Wednesday night that the team finalized the deal to buy the 49-acre site last week where the A's will plan to build the stadium that will seat between 30,000 and 35,000 fans close to the Las Vegas Strip. The A's will work with Nevada and Clark County on a public-private partnership to fund the stadium. Kaval said the A's hope to break ground on the stadium by next year and would look to hope to be able move into their new home by 2027.No Ja Morant, no problem as Grizzlies tie up Lakers at 1-1MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Xavier Tillman scored a career-high 22 points and had 13 rebounds as the Memphis Grizzlies tied their first-round Western Conference series at 1-1 by beating the Los Angeles Lakers 103-93 with two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant sidelined by an injured hand. No. 2 seed Memphis sat Morant after he tested the right hand originally hurt April 7 in a win at Milwaukee and aggravated driving to the basket in the opening loss to the Lakers. He had more exams on the hand before being declared inactive. LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Reserve Rui Hachimura had another strong performance with 20 points.Bucks make 25 3s, beat Heat 138-122 without AntetokounmpoMILWAUKEE (AP) — Brook Lopez scored 25 points, Jrue Holiday added 24 and the hot-shooting Milwaukee Bucks withstood Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence while trouncing the Miami Heat 138-122, tying their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at a game apiece. The Bucks went 25 of 49 on 3-point attempts to tie the NBA record for 3-point baskets in a postseason game. Pat Connaughton added a playoff career-high 22 points. Antetokounmpo remained out for Milwaukee after leaving the Bucks' 130-117 Game 1 loss early in the second quarter with a bruised lower back.Murray has 40 points, Nuggets beat Timberwolves for 2-0 leadDENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray scored 40 points and Michael Porter Jr. had 13 of his 16 in the fourth quarter, powering the Denver Nuggets past the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-113 on Wednesday night for a 2-0 lead in the NBA playoff series. Nikola Jokic added 27 points, nine assists and nine rebounds for the Nuggets, who blew an early 21-point lead and trailed 89-87 heading into the fourth quarter. Anthony Edwards had 41 points for the Wolves, who shot a sizzling 81% in the third quarter to erase a 64-59 halftime deficit. The series shifts to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Friday night.Dumars: Decision to suspend Draymond Green was 'difficult'NBA executive vice president Joe Dumars says it was a difficult decision to suspend Golden State's Draymond Green for Game 3 of the Warriors' first-round series against Sacramento. Dumars also says it was made with serious consideration of many factors. Dumars oversees the league's basketball operations and sanctions for on-court incidents. Green stepped on the chest of Kings center Domantas Sabonis midway during the fourth quarter of Game 2 of that series on Monday night. Green was ejected for the play. The league escalated the punishment on Tuesday night.Tiger Woods has ankle surgery, rest of majors in doubtTiger Woods is recovering from another surgery. Woods has posted on Twitter that he had fusion surgery on his right ankle to alleviate arthritis from a broken bone. Most estimates on recovery are eight to 12 weeks. That would put into doubt whether he plays in the three remaining majors. Woods had a noticeable limp when he played in the Masters. He made the cut for a record-tying 23rd time. But he withdrew Sunday morning during the third round because of plantar fasciitis. The broken bone in his ankle stems from the February 2021 car crash in Los Angeles.Haaland's presence allowing City to evolve under GuardiolaThe arrival of Erling Haaland has given Manchester City one of the most formidable scorers ever seen in English soccer and his presence is enabling manager Pep Guardiola to evolve his tactical approach in the biggest games. Guardiola is no longer wedded to the possession-based philosophy that has been the hallmark of his trophy-laden coaching career. City can now just as comfortably cede possession and play on the counterattack led by Haaland. It has worked in wins over Arsenal and Bayern Munich this season as Guardiola becomes less stubborn about the soccer style for which he has become so renowned. It could yet lead City to a first Champions League title.Panthers cool off Bruins 6-3, return to Florida tied 1-1BOSTON (AP) — Brandon Montour scored twice and the Florida Panthers had four third-period goals to beat the Presidents' Trophy-winning Bruins 6-3 on Wednesday night and send Boston to its first loss in 10 games. The Panthers tied the best-of-seven series and head home for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday. There will be a Game 5 back in Boston on Wednesday. Montour scored 22 seconds into the third period to break a 2-2 tie. Alex Lyon stopped 34 shots. The Bruins won the series opener 3-1.Fast's goal lifts Hurricanes past Islanders in overtimeRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Jesper Fast took a cross-ice pass from Jordan Staal and buried it past Ilya Sorokin at 5:03 of overtime to lilft the Carolina Hurricanes past the New York Islanders 4-3. That gave Carolina a 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series. Staal's pass came from the left side to find Fast loose on the right for the finish over Sorokin's pad. It ended a game that had seen Carolina blow a two-goal lead and trailing 3-2. Paul Stastny, Stefan Noesen and Jaccob Slavin also scored for Carolina. Kyle Palmieri, Mathew Barzal and Brock Nelson scored for New York.Mets' Scherzer ejected for sticky stuff after umpire checkLOS ANGELES (AP) — Max Scherzer has been ejected from the New York Mets' game in Los Angeles after the umpires did the customary check of his glove before the bottom of the fourth inning. Scherzer was furious after being tossed following the inspection of his glove. The veteran right-hander already had been told by umpires to change his glove before he took the mound one inning earlier in the bottom of the third. Scherzer clearly could be seen yelling: "It's rosin!" at umpires Dan Bellino and Phil Cuzzi before his ejection.MLB SCORES

AMERICAN LEAGUE Tuesday's Games Detroit 4, Cleveland 3, 1st gameDetroit 1, Cleveland 0, 2nd gamePhiladelphia 7, Chicago White Sox 4, 1st gameTampa Bay 10, Cincinnati 0Baltimore 1, Washington 0Chicago White Sox 3, Philadelphia 0, 2nd gameL.A. Angels 5, N.Y. Yankees 2Boston 5, Minnesota 4, 10 inningsTexas 12, Kansas City 2Toronto 4, Houston 2Chicago Cubs 4, Oakland 0Milwaukee 6, Seattle 5, 11 inningsWednesday's Games Tampa Bay 8, Cincinnati 0Cleveland 3, Detroit 2Philadelphia 5, Chicago White Sox 2Texas 12, Kansas City 3Chicago Cubs 12, Oakland 2Milwaukee 5, Seattle 3Baltimore 4, Washington 0Minnesota 10, Boston 4N.Y. Yankees 3, L.A. Angels 2, 10 inningsHouston 8, Toronto 1Thursday's Games Minnesota (Maeda 0-2) at Boston (Houck 2-0), 1:35 p.m.L.A. Angels (Sandoval 1-0) at N.Y. Yankees (Cortes 2-0), 4:05 p.m.Friday's Games Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay, 6:40 p.m.Detroit at Baltimore, 7:05 p.m.Toronto at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.Miami at Cleveland, 7:10 p.m.Houston at Atlanta, 7:20 p.m.Oakland at Texas, 8:05 p.m.Boston at Milwaukee, 8:10 p.m.Washington at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m.Kansas City at L.A. Angels, 9:38 p.m.St. Louis at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.___NATIONAL LEAGUE Tuesday's Games Philadelphia 7, Chicago White Sox 4, 1st gameTampa Bay 10, Cincinnati 0Miami 4, San Francisco 2Baltimore 1, Washington 0Chicago White Sox 3, Philadelphia 0, 2nd gameArizona 8, St. Louis 7Pittsburgh 5, Colorado 3Atlanta 8, San Diego 1Chicago Cubs 4, Oakland 0L.A. Dodgers 5, N.Y. Mets 0Milwaukee 6, Seattle 5, 11 inningsWednesday's Games Tampa Bay 8, Cincinnati 0St. Louis 14, Arizona 5Philadelphia 5, Chicago White Sox 2San Francisco 5, Miami 2, 11 inningsPittsburgh 14, Colorado 3N.Y. Mets 5, L.A. Dodgers 3San Diego 1, Atlanta 0Chicago Cubs 12, Oakland 2Milwaukee 5, Seattle 3Baltimore 4, Washington 0Thursday's Games Cincinnati (Weaver 0-0) at Pittsburgh (Contreras 1-1), 6:35 p.m.Colorado (Feltner 0-2) at Philadelphia (Strahm 1-1), 6:40 p.m.L.A. Dodgers (Grove 0-1) at Chicago Cubs (Taillon 0-2), 7:40 p.m.San Diego (Wacha 2-1) at Arizona (Nelson 1-0), 9:40 p.m.N.Y. Mets (Senga 2-0) at San Francisco (Manaea 0-0), 9:45 p.m.Friday's Games L.A. Dodgers at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 p.m.Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 6:35 p.m.Colorado at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m.Miami at Cleveland, 7:10 p.m.Houston at Atlanta, 7:20 p.m.Boston at Milwaukee, 8:10 p.m.Washington at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m.San Diego at Arizona, 9:40 p.m.St. Louis at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.N.Y. Mets at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Thursday

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=6adc4f121e&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=c48411bd4e&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=0ed8883cdd&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>

COLUMBIA, Mo. —&nbsp;The Kansas softball team fell to Missouri 4-3 in a midweek matchup Wednesday night at Mizzou Softball Complex.

The Jayhawks fell to an even 20-20 on the season, while Missouri improved to 26-20.&nbsp;

Junior left-hander Kasey Hamilton got her 18th&nbsp;start in the circle. She threw five innings in which she allowed four hits and three runs, also garnering three strikeouts.

The Jayhawks faced a deficit early. After the first batter of the evening was hit by a pitch, the Tigers hit a two-run home run to left. Hamilton struck out back-to-back batters, but then gave up back-to-back singles, giving MU a 3-0 lead early.

In the top of the third, senior shortstop Haleigh Harper hit her first home run of the season, a solo shot over the left field fence, cutting Mizzou’s lead down to two at 3-1.

The Jayhawks had a chance to get another run across in the top of the fifth. Junior catcher Lyric Moore doubled down the left-field line and stole third. However, KU was unable to get her in, keeping the score at 3-1 Mizzou.

Kansas came back and tied the game in the top of the sixth. Senior center fielder Shayna Espy opened the frame with a single up the middle. Junior utility player Angela Price came on to pinch-run and advanced to second thanks to a sacrifice bunt by freshman left fielder Presley Limbaugh. Sophomore first baseman Olivia Bruno singled through the left side, putting runners on the corners.

In the next at-bat, Moore hit her second hit of the game, poking one through the right side for an RBI single and keeping runners on the corners. After a stolen base by Moore, freshman right fielder Aynslee Linduff hit a hard grounder to short to force an error and to tie the game at three apiece.

Freshman reliever Lizzy Ludwig came on in the circle to start the sixth, in which she allowed two hits and one run. Mizzou took the lead from there and didn’t look back.

The Jayhawks are set to host Big 12 foe Texas Tech in a weekend series, April 21-23, at Arrocha Ballpark.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/_compresseds/a7603e4e-f17f-0423-021c-39c65ef72d7c.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=6adc4f121e&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=c48411bd4e&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=0ed8883cdd&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>COLUMBIA, Mo. —&nbsp;The Kansas softball team fell to Missouri 4-3 in a midweek matchup Wednesday night at Mizzou Softball Complex.The Jayhawks fell to an even 20-20 on the season, while Missouri improved to 26-20.&nbsp;Junior left-hander Kasey Hamilton got her 18th&nbsp;start in the circle. She threw five innings in which she allowed four hits and three runs, also garnering three strikeouts.The Jayhawks faced a deficit early. After the first batter of the evening was hit by a pitch, the Tigers hit a two-run home run to left. Hamilton struck out back-to-back batters, but then gave up back-to-back singles, giving MU a 3-0 lead early.In the top of the third, senior shortstop Haleigh Harper hit her first home run of the season, a solo shot over the left field fence, cutting Mizzou’s lead down to two at 3-1.The Jayhawks had a chance to get another run across in the top of the fifth. Junior catcher Lyric Moore doubled down the left-field line and stole third. However, KU was unable to get her in, keeping the score at 3-1 Mizzou.Kansas came back and tied the game in the top of the sixth. Senior center fielder Shayna Espy opened the frame with a single up the middle. Junior utility player Angela Price came on to pinch-run and advanced to second thanks to a sacrifice bunt by freshman left fielder Presley Limbaugh. Sophomore first baseman Olivia Bruno singled through the left side, putting runners on the corners.In the next at-bat, Moore hit her second hit of the game, poking one through the right side for an RBI single and keeping runners on the corners. After a stolen base by Moore, freshman right fielder Aynslee Linduff hit a hard grounder to short to force an error and to tie the game at three apiece.Freshman reliever Lizzy Ludwig came on in the circle to start the sixth, in which she allowed two hits and one run. Mizzou took the lead from there and didn’t look back.UP NEXTThe Jayhawks are set to host Big 12 foe Texas Tech in a weekend series, April 21-23, at Arrocha Ballpark.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🥎 Kansas drops midweek contest to Mizzou

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=27c83708d4&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=3f57a2ef74&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=7fa95a3a6b&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Michael Brooks hit his first two home runs of the season and Hunter Cashero was perfect through the first five innings to lift Kansas to a 12-2 victory in eight innings against Air Force on Wednesday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark. Kansas has scored at least 10 runs in three-straight games for the first time since 2014.

Brooks finished the day 4-for-4 with a career-high five RBIs after also recording a career-high four hits on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, on the mound Cashero tied his career high of six innings pitched, while allowing two runs on three hits to earn his second win of the season.

Kansas (19-18, 5-7 Big 12) took a lead early in Wednesday’s game with a run in the first inning. Freshman Kodey Shojinaga singled to lead off the bottom of the first, and two batters later junior Janson Reeder hit an RBI triple into the left-center gap.

The Jayhawks offense continued its scoring in the second inning with three more runs. With runners on second and third, redshirt sophomore Michael Brooks hit a two-run single back up the middle to score a pair. Senior Cole Elvis then hit a sacrifice fly to score another run and make the score 4-0.

Brooks led off the fourth inning with his first home run of the day. The solo blast was his first since May 19, 2022 when he played at UCF.

Air Force (16-23, 9-9 Mountain West) was able to score two runs in the sixth inning with two outs on a two-run double by Sam Kulasingam. That tightened the lead to 5-2, but the Falcons were unable to get any more offense the rest of the day.

In the bottom of the sixth, Shojinaga hit a sacrifice fly to make the score 6-2. Then, in the seventh Kansas stretched out its lead with a five-run inning.

Four-straight run-scoring hits with two outs accounted for the five runs. Sophomore Chase Jans hit an RBI double, redshirt junior Collier Cranford hit an RBI double, freshman Cooper Kelly hit an RBI single and Brooks finished it off with a two-run homer for his second long ball of the day. KU led 11-2 after seven innings.

Elvis led off the eighth inning and took a 3-2 pitch out to left field for his eighth home run of the season. The homer made the score 12-2 and ultimately ended the game with a run-rule in effect.

Juniors Kolby Dougan and Thaniel Trumper each pitched a scoreless inning of relief for the Jayhawks in the win.

PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Hunter Cashero (2-0) Final line: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 1 SO Loss: Zach Peters (1-4) Final line: 2.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 3 SO

QUOTABLE “We’ve worked really hard at it. The approach has been the same since August. This stuff takes time to really get locked in and get to a spot where you can execute it efficiently on a daily basis. The guys have just stuck to it.” – Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald

“It felt great. Working with Coach Hancock and Coach Fitz it’s been a long process, but I’ve just been sticking to it and grinding out at-bats. I knew that it was going to pay off at some point.” – Redshirt sophomore Michael Brooks on his two home runs

NOTES • Kansas has scored at least 10 runs in in three straight games for the first time since Feb. 15-21, 2014 vs. BYU/Northwestern. • Kansas improved to 9-3 at home this season. • Brooks hit his first two home runs of the season and had a career-high five RBIs. He has four hits in back-to-back games, making him the second Jayhawk this season with consecutive four-hit games (Shojinaga). • Elvis extended his hitting streak to 14 games. The home run was his eighth of the season, which is tied for the most on the team. • English extended his on-base streak to 13 games.

UP NEXT Kansas wraps up its season-long nine-game homestand this weekend when No. 24 Oklahoma State comes to Lawrence. First pitch on Friday evening is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/images/3a3e3109-2d0e-28c5-952e-76a0dd067131.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=27c83708d4&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=3f57a2ef74&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=7fa95a3a6b&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Michael Brooks hit his first two home runs of the season and Hunter Cashero was perfect through the first five innings to lift Kansas to a 12-2 victory in eight innings against Air Force on Wednesday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark. Kansas has scored at least 10 runs in three-straight games for the first time since 2014.Brooks finished the day 4-for-4 with a career-high five RBIs after also recording a career-high four hits on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, on the mound Cashero tied his career high of six innings pitched, while allowing two runs on three hits to earn his second win of the season.Kansas (19-18, 5-7 Big 12) took a lead early in Wednesday’s game with a run in the first inning. Freshman Kodey Shojinaga singled to lead off the bottom of the first, and two batters later junior Janson Reeder hit an RBI triple into the left-center gap.The Jayhawks offense continued its scoring in the second inning with three more runs. With runners on second and third, redshirt sophomore Michael Brooks hit a two-run single back up the middle to score a pair. Senior Cole Elvis then hit a sacrifice fly to score another run and make the score 4-0.Brooks led off the fourth inning with his first home run of the day. The solo blast was his first since May 19, 2022 when he played at UCF.Air Force (16-23, 9-9 Mountain West) was able to score two runs in the sixth inning with two outs on a two-run double by Sam Kulasingam. That tightened the lead to 5-2, but the Falcons were unable to get any more offense the rest of the day.In the bottom of the sixth, Shojinaga hit a sacrifice fly to make the score 6-2. Then, in the seventh Kansas stretched out its lead with a five-run inning.Four-straight run-scoring hits with two outs accounted for the five runs. Sophomore Chase Jans hit an RBI double, redshirt junior Collier Cranford hit an RBI double, freshman Cooper Kelly hit an RBI single and Brooks finished it off with a two-run homer for his second long ball of the day. KU led 11-2 after seven innings.Elvis led off the eighth inning and took a 3-2 pitch out to left field for his eighth home run of the season. The homer made the score 12-2 and ultimately ended the game with a run-rule in effect.Juniors Kolby Dougan and Thaniel Trumper each pitched a scoreless inning of relief for the Jayhawks in the win.PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Hunter Cashero (2-0) Final line: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 1 SO Loss: Zach Peters (1-4) Final line: 2.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 3 SOQUOTABLE “We’ve worked really hard at it. The approach has been the same since August. This stuff takes time to really get locked in and get to a spot where you can execute it efficiently on a daily basis. The guys have just stuck to it.” – Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald“It felt great. Working with Coach Hancock and Coach Fitz it’s been a long process, but I’ve just been sticking to it and grinding out at-bats. I knew that it was going to pay off at some point.” – Redshirt sophomore Michael Brooks on his two home runsNOTES • Kansas has scored at least 10 runs in in three straight games for the first time since Feb. 15-21, 2014 vs. BYU/Northwestern. • Kansas improved to 9-3 at home this season. • Brooks hit his first two home runs of the season and had a career-high five RBIs. He has four hits in back-to-back games, making him the second Jayhawk this season with consecutive four-hit games (Shojinaga). • Elvis extended his hitting streak to 14 games. The home run was his eighth of the season, which is tied for the most on the team. • English extended his on-base streak to 13 games.UP NEXT Kansas wraps up its season-long nine-game homestand this weekend when No. 24 Oklahoma State comes to Lawrence. First pitch on Friday evening is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

⚾️ Brooks, Cashero lead KU past Air Force

Via Hutchinson CC Sports Information

A team scoring record, a combined perfect game and a milestone victory for head coach Jaime Rose highlighted the No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College softball team's dominant KJCCC doubleheader sweep of the Northwest Tech Mavericks on Wednesday at Fun Valley.

The Blue Dragons finally got their offense going in Game 1 with a seven-run fourth inning as Hutchinson run-ruled Northwest Tech 9-0 in five innings. The Blue Dragons then set a single-game scoring record and tied a single-game record for total hits as Hutchinson rolled to a 30-0 victory over the Mavericks in Game 2.

The Game 2 victory was the milestone 600th coaching victory for Rose in her 21-year coaching career. She has 562 of those wins in the Blue Dragon dugout. The first 38 wins came at Independence in 2003 and 2004.

The Blue Dragons maintained their hold on first place in the Jayhawk Conference and improved to 35-6 overall and 23-3 in the league. The Dragons travel to Garden City on Saturday. Northwest Tech fell to 0-28 overall and 0-22 in the league.

The Blue Dragons broke a single-game scoring record with 30 runs scored in Game 2. That broke the 2018 record of 28 runs scored against the Bethel College JV and was matched earlier this season with 28 runs against Seward County. The 30 total base hits tied the 2014 record set against Brown Mackie College. The Dragons also set a single-game record with 30 runs batted in.

Other notables from Wednesday's doubleheader victory over the Mavericks.

+ The Blue Dragons posted their 20th and 21st run-rule victories of the season.

+ Now with 35 wins for the season, the 2013 Blue Dragons tie the 1986 team for the ninth-most wins in a season.

+ With a three-run home run in Game 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/goetz_aspen_qe50">Aspen Goetz</a>&nbsp;became just the fourth Blue Dragon player with 20 career home runs. Goetz tied Holly Kelley for third place on the Blue Dragon career home run list.

+ With 13 home runs for the season, Goetz tied Kelley for fifth on the single-season home run list.

+ With 66 RBIs this season, including six combined in Wednesday's doubleheader, Goetz is now second on the Dragon single-season RBI list.

+&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/wertz_riley_hm55">Riley Wertz</a>'s career-high eight RBIs in Game 2 is the second most RBIs in single-game history.

+ Wertz also moved into fifth place on the Blue Dragon career strikeout list with 235.

+ The Game 2 combined perfect game between&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/pennycuff_morgan_4wht">Morgan Pennycuff</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/weitze_kiersten_naju">Kierstan Weitze</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/lies_korri_wryv">Korri Lies</a>&nbsp;and Wertz was the third no-hitter by the Blue Dragons this season. This is the first time since 1987 the Dragons have had three no-hitters in the same season. The 1987 Blue Dragons had four no-hitters.

+ The perfect game was the first authored by the Blue Dragons since Jordan Galliher's perfecto on February 9, 2020 against Allen.

GAME 1 RECAP The Blue Dragons took a while to get the offense going in Game 1.

Hutchinson took a 2-0 lead after one inning when&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sandoval_olivia_qojo">Olivia Sandoval</a>&nbsp;doubled home&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/dougherty_ella_9103">Ella Dougherty</a>&nbsp;and scored on Goetz's infield single.

The Dragons then had eight consecutive batters retired into the fourth inning. With one out in the fourth, Goetz walked and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/mastin_alexis_xhvz">Alexis Mastin</a>&nbsp;hit a two-run home run to spark a seven-run fourth inning. Lies then singled in a run, Dougherty had a sacrifice fly and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/grimes_madison_371p">Madison Grimes</a>&nbsp;hit a three-run double to give the Blue Dragons a 9-1 lead.

The Blue Dragons had eight total hits from eight different players. Doubles by Sandoval and Grimes and Mastin's home run were the only extra-base hits. Grimes had three RBIs and Mastin drove in two to lead the Dragon offense.

Four Blue Dragon pitchers combined on a one-hitter, the ninth time this season the Dragons gave up one hit or less.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/munson_emily_vjqm">Emily Munson</a>&nbsp;struck out the side in one inning of work, Weitze (7-1) had one strikeout in a perfect second inning. Delaney Blakeslee gave up one run and one hit and struck out four. Wertz pitched a scoreless fifth with three strikeouts.

GAME 2 RECAP Hutchinson's offensive onslaught continued in the second game with five runs in the first, seven runs in the second, 10 in the third – the fourth inning of 10 runs or more scored in an inning this season – and eight in the fourth. The Blue Dragons batted around in each of their fourth offensive innings.

Wertz led the Blue Dragons' record offensive output with career highs of four hits and eight RBIs. Wertz was 4 for 5 with a double and grand slam home run. Wertz also had a two-run single in the second, two-run single in the third and a grand slam came in the fourth. Wertz also scored four runs.

Dougherty and Goetz also had four hits each. Dougherty was 4 for 5 with a double, stolen base, home run, four runs scored and three RBIs. Goetz was 4 for 5 with a three-run home run, four runs scored and five RBIs, her fourth game this season with five or more RBIs.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/lozoya_tamara_3twe">Tamara Lozoya</a>&nbsp;had career highs with three hits and four RBIs. Lozoya was 3 for 3 with a two-run triple, two-run double.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/irwin_preslee_8388">Preslee Irwin</a>&nbsp;was 3 for 4 with four runs scored. Lies went 3 for 4 with three runs scored and an RBI. Sandoval was 3 for 5 with an RBI double and four total RBIs and two runs scored.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sykora_grace_dykt">Grace Sykora</a>&nbsp;hit a home run and went 2 for 4 with two runs and three RBIs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/stipsits_allie_zmyh">Allie Stipsits</a>&nbsp;also had two hits.

Pennycuff had one strikeout in one inning. Weitze (8-1) earned the win with one spotless inning. Lies struck out three in two innings and Wertz fanned two in one inning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681987913304.jpeg" alt="In a day full of offensive superlatives, Blue Dragon shortstop Madison Grimes jumps high to snag a line drive and protect a combined perfect game in the No. 15 Blue Dragons' 30-0 win over Northwest Tech on Wednesday at Fun Valley. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>In a day full of offensive superlatives, Blue Dragon shortstop Madison Grimes jumps high to snag a line drive and protect a combined perfect game in the No. 15 Blue Dragons' 30-0 win over Northwest Tech on Wednesday at Fun Valley. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Via Hutchinson CC Sports InformationA team scoring record, a combined perfect game and a milestone victory for head coach Jaime Rose highlighted the No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College softball team's dominant KJCCC doubleheader sweep of the Northwest Tech Mavericks on Wednesday at Fun Valley.The Blue Dragons finally got their offense going in Game 1 with a seven-run fourth inning as Hutchinson run-ruled Northwest Tech 9-0 in five innings. The Blue Dragons then set a single-game scoring record and tied a single-game record for total hits as Hutchinson rolled to a 30-0 victory over the Mavericks in Game 2.The Game 2 victory was the milestone 600th coaching victory for Rose in her 21-year coaching career. She has 562 of those wins in the Blue Dragon dugout. The first 38 wins came at Independence in 2003 and 2004.The Blue Dragons maintained their hold on first place in the Jayhawk Conference and improved to 35-6 overall and 23-3 in the league. The Dragons travel to Garden City on Saturday. Northwest Tech fell to 0-28 overall and 0-22 in the league.The Blue Dragons broke a single-game scoring record with 30 runs scored in Game 2. That broke the 2018 record of 28 runs scored against the Bethel College JV and was matched earlier this season with 28 runs against Seward County. The 30 total base hits tied the 2014 record set against Brown Mackie College. The Dragons also set a single-game record with 30 runs batted in.Other notables from Wednesday's doubleheader victory over the Mavericks.+ The Blue Dragons posted their 20th and 21st run-rule victories of the season.+ Now with 35 wins for the season, the 2013 Blue Dragons tie the 1986 team for the ninth-most wins in a season.+ With a three-run home run in Game 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/goetz_aspen_qe50">Aspen Goetz</a>&nbsp;became just the fourth Blue Dragon player with 20 career home runs. Goetz tied Holly Kelley for third place on the Blue Dragon career home run list.+ With 13 home runs for the season, Goetz tied Kelley for fifth on the single-season home run list.+ With 66 RBIs this season, including six combined in Wednesday's doubleheader, Goetz is now second on the Dragon single-season RBI list.+&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/wertz_riley_hm55">Riley Wertz</a>'s career-high eight RBIs in Game 2 is the second most RBIs in single-game history.+ Wertz also moved into fifth place on the Blue Dragon career strikeout list with 235.+ The Game 2 combined perfect game between&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/pennycuff_morgan_4wht">Morgan Pennycuff</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/weitze_kiersten_naju">Kierstan Weitze</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/lies_korri_wryv">Korri Lies</a>&nbsp;and Wertz was the third no-hitter by the Blue Dragons this season. This is the first time since 1987 the Dragons have had three no-hitters in the same season. The 1987 Blue Dragons had four no-hitters.+ The perfect game was the first authored by the Blue Dragons since Jordan Galliher's perfecto on February 9, 2020 against Allen.GAME 1 RECAP The Blue Dragons took a while to get the offense going in Game 1.Hutchinson took a 2-0 lead after one inning when&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sandoval_olivia_qojo">Olivia Sandoval</a>&nbsp;doubled home&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/dougherty_ella_9103">Ella Dougherty</a>&nbsp;and scored on Goetz's infield single.The Dragons then had eight consecutive batters retired into the fourth inning. With one out in the fourth, Goetz walked and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/mastin_alexis_xhvz">Alexis Mastin</a>&nbsp;hit a two-run home run to spark a seven-run fourth inning. Lies then singled in a run, Dougherty had a sacrifice fly and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/grimes_madison_371p">Madison Grimes</a>&nbsp;hit a three-run double to give the Blue Dragons a 9-1 lead.The Blue Dragons had eight total hits from eight different players. Doubles by Sandoval and Grimes and Mastin's home run were the only extra-base hits. Grimes had three RBIs and Mastin drove in two to lead the Dragon offense.Four Blue Dragon pitchers combined on a one-hitter, the ninth time this season the Dragons gave up one hit or less.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/munson_emily_vjqm">Emily Munson</a>&nbsp;struck out the side in one inning of work, Weitze (7-1) had one strikeout in a perfect second inning. Delaney Blakeslee gave up one run and one hit and struck out four. Wertz pitched a scoreless fifth with three strikeouts.GAME 2 RECAP Hutchinson's offensive onslaught continued in the second game with five runs in the first, seven runs in the second, 10 in the third – the fourth inning of 10 runs or more scored in an inning this season – and eight in the fourth. The Blue Dragons batted around in each of their fourth offensive innings.Wertz led the Blue Dragons' record offensive output with career highs of four hits and eight RBIs. Wertz was 4 for 5 with a double and grand slam home run. Wertz also had a two-run single in the second, two-run single in the third and a grand slam came in the fourth. Wertz also scored four runs.Dougherty and Goetz also had four hits each. Dougherty was 4 for 5 with a double, stolen base, home run, four runs scored and three RBIs. Goetz was 4 for 5 with a three-run home run, four runs scored and five RBIs, her fourth game this season with five or more RBIs.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/lozoya_tamara_3twe">Tamara Lozoya</a>&nbsp;had career highs with three hits and four RBIs. Lozoya was 3 for 3 with a two-run triple, two-run double.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/irwin_preslee_8388">Preslee Irwin</a>&nbsp;was 3 for 4 with four runs scored. Lies went 3 for 4 with three runs scored and an RBI. Sandoval was 3 for 5 with an RBI double and four total RBIs and two runs scored.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sykora_grace_dykt">Grace Sykora</a>&nbsp;hit a home run and went 2 for 4 with two runs and three RBIs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/stipsits_allie_zmyh">Allie Stipsits</a>&nbsp;also had two hits.Pennycuff had one strikeout in one inning. Weitze (8-1) earned the win with one spotless inning. Lies struck out three in two innings and Wertz fanned two in one inning.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🥎 Blue Dragons sweeps Northwest KS Tech

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Marcus Semien and the rest of the red-hot Texas Rangers are headed home on a high note.

Semien had three hits and drove in a pair of runs, and Jonah Heim capped a big day for the Rangers offense with a three-run shot in the ninth inning, leading them to a 12-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. That wrapped up a three-game sweep and ran their winning streak to four straight on a 5-1 road trip.

“Everybody is starting to get hot, especially the position players,” said Semien, who has driven in a run in five straight games and 11 total over that stretch. “It's a big road trip for us with all our injuries and definitely a confidence boost.”

In the last few weeks, the Rangers have lost Corey Seager to a hamstring injury and Mitch Garver to a sprained knee.

Imagine how the offense would be performing with them.

Ezequiel Duran added a bases-clearing double Wednesday, and Leody Taveras and Adolis García also drove in two runs apiece, helping the Rangers improve to 12-6 to match the fifth-best start in franchise history.

“You can string together some wins and sweeps, it's always a good sign,” Heim said. “We're just passing the baton.”

Martin Pérez (3-1) allowed three runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings. He's gone at least five in 34 straight starts, the longest streak ever by a Rangers left-hander, though he allowed more than two runs for the first time this season.

They've been outscored 52-15 while losing six straight games, and they have lost nine of their last 10 to fall to 4-15 under first-year manager Matt Quatraro. Kansas City has won just once in 13 games at home this season.

“There's nothing you can do about the first three weeks of the season,” Quatraro said. “Nobody is happy. You don't want to get beat. You don't want to be embarrassed, especially at home in front of your fans.”

Brady Singer (1-2) didn't give the Royals much of a chance Wednesday. He allowed five runs on six hits and three walks while using 97 pitches just to get through five innings. He had four strikeouts, two of them coming on full-count pitches.

Singer looked like he was developing into a staff ace last season, but this year has been a struggle. The young right-hander allowed eight runs on 10 hits in his last start against Atlanta, and he's allowed 18 runs over 16 innings in his last three outings.

“It looked like it was really fine misses,” Quatraro said. “They did a really nice job of not expanding (the strike zone).”

Just like the previous night, when the Rangers jumped on erratic Royals starter Brad Keller, they took advantage of Singer's early trouble finding the strike zone — fine as the misses were — to jump to a 3-0 lead by the end of the second inning.

Semien led off the game with the first of his three singles and Travis Jankowski worked a four-pitch walk before Garcia's sacrifice fly gave Texas a 1-0 lead. Then in the second, Heim drew a leadoff walk before scoring on a double by Taveras, who proceeded to score when Semien sent a single to right field for a 3-0 lead.

Taveras and Semien also drove in runs in the fourth as the Rangers pushed their advantage to 5-1.

The Royals scratched out two runs in the sixth to make it a game, but the Rangers answered with four in the seventh — the binge beginning with a free base due to catcher's interference — before Heim's punctuating three-run shot in the ninth.

“We just have to keep locking in when there's money on the table,” Semien said.

Rangers: RHP Jacob deGrom (wrist soreness) had no discomfort while playing catch Wednesday and expects to make his next scheduled start. DeGrom left Monday's game in Kansas City after four hitless innings. “We'll continue to watch him,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said, “but all went well today.”

Both teams are off Thursday. The Rangers will be back at home Friday night and send RHP Jon Gray (1-1, 3.21 ERA) out for the opener of a three-game series against Oakland. The Royals will be in Los Angeles the same night to face the Angels.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675161818500.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Marcus Semien and the rest of the red-hot Texas Rangers are headed home on a high note.Semien had three hits and drove in a pair of runs, and Jonah Heim capped a big day for the Rangers offense with a three-run shot in the ninth inning, leading them to a 12-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. That wrapped up a three-game sweep and ran their winning streak to four straight on a 5-1 road trip.“Everybody is starting to get hot, especially the position players,” said Semien, who has driven in a run in five straight games and 11 total over that stretch. “It's a big road trip for us with all our injuries and definitely a confidence boost.”In the last few weeks, the Rangers have lost Corey Seager to a hamstring injury and Mitch Garver to a sprained knee.Imagine how the offense would be performing with them.Ezequiel Duran added a bases-clearing double Wednesday, and Leody Taveras and Adolis García also drove in two runs apiece, helping the Rangers improve to 12-6 to match the fifth-best start in franchise history.“You can string together some wins and sweeps, it's always a good sign,” Heim said. “We're just passing the baton.”Martin Pérez (3-1) allowed three runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings. He's gone at least five in 34 straight starts, the longest streak ever by a Rangers left-hander, though he allowed more than two runs for the first time this season.It hardly mattered against the Royals.They've been outscored 52-15 while losing six straight games, and they have lost nine of their last 10 to fall to 4-15 under first-year manager Matt Quatraro. Kansas City has won just once in 13 games at home this season.“There's nothing you can do about the first three weeks of the season,” Quatraro said. “Nobody is happy. You don't want to get beat. You don't want to be embarrassed, especially at home in front of your fans.”Brady Singer (1-2) didn't give the Royals much of a chance Wednesday. He allowed five runs on six hits and three walks while using 97 pitches just to get through five innings. He had four strikeouts, two of them coming on full-count pitches.Singer looked like he was developing into a staff ace last season, but this year has been a struggle. The young right-hander allowed eight runs on 10 hits in his last start against Atlanta, and he's allowed 18 runs over 16 innings in his last three outings.“It looked like it was really fine misses,” Quatraro said. “They did a really nice job of not expanding (the strike zone).”Just like the previous night, when the Rangers jumped on erratic Royals starter Brad Keller, they took advantage of Singer's early trouble finding the strike zone — fine as the misses were — to jump to a 3-0 lead by the end of the second inning.Semien led off the game with the first of his three singles and Travis Jankowski worked a four-pitch walk before Garcia's sacrifice fly gave Texas a 1-0 lead. Then in the second, Heim drew a leadoff walk before scoring on a double by Taveras, who proceeded to score when Semien sent a single to right field for a 3-0 lead.Taveras and Semien also drove in runs in the fourth as the Rangers pushed their advantage to 5-1.The Royals scratched out two runs in the sixth to make it a game, but the Rangers answered with four in the seventh — the binge beginning with a free base due to catcher's interference — before Heim's punctuating three-run shot in the ninth.“We just have to keep locking in when there's money on the table,” Semien said.TRAINER'S ROOMRangers: RHP Jacob deGrom (wrist soreness) had no discomfort while playing catch Wednesday and expects to make his next scheduled start. DeGrom left Monday's game in Kansas City after four hitless innings. “We'll continue to watch him,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said, “but all went well today.”UP NEXTBoth teams are off Thursday. The Rangers will be back at home Friday night and send RHP Jon Gray (1-1, 3.21 ERA) out for the opener of a three-game series against Oakland. The Royals will be in Los Angeles the same night to face the Angels.

⚾️ Heim, Semien lead Rangers to 12-3 win over KC, series sweep

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. -&nbsp;Wichita State women's golf concluded its 2022-23 season Wednesday afternoon after the final round of the American Athletic Conference Championship. Wichita State finished the three-day tournament in 10th with a total score of 46-over par, 910. SMU ran away with the team title at 25-under par, 839. Seniors&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/kenni-henson/7406">Kenni Henson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/megan-lucas/7408">Megan Lucas</a>&nbsp;competed in their final collegiate tournament, tying for 30th and 39th, respectively. Henson was the top finisher for Wichita State, carding an 8-over par, 224. Lucas finished five strokes back at 13-over par, 229. Her second round score of 72 was one stroke off a career low round. Sandwiched in between Henson and Lucas was&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/mackenzie-wilson/7411">Mackenzie Wilson</a>&nbsp;at 10-over par and tied for 36th. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/mar-vidal/7410">Mar Vidal</a>&nbsp;tied for 42nd and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/brooklyn-benn/7413">Brooklyn Benn</a>&nbsp;placed 49th, rounding out the Shocker lineup in Florida. Results T30.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/kenni-henson/7406">Kenni Henson</a>: 73-75-76--224 (+8) T36.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/mackenzie-wilson/7411">Mackenzie Wilson</a>: 73-74-79--226 (+10) 39.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/megan-lucas/7408">Megan Lucas</a>: 81-72-76--229 (+13) T42.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/mar-vidal/7410">Mar Vidal</a>: 76-76-79--231 (+15) 49.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/brooklyn-benn/7413">Brooklyn Benn</a>: 83-82-85--250 (+34)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681930677438.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;BROOKSVILLE, Fla. -&nbsp;Wichita State women's golf concluded its 2022-23 season Wednesday afternoon after the final round of the American Athletic Conference Championship. Wichita State finished the three-day tournament in 10th with a total score of 46-over par, 910. SMU ran away with the team title at 25-under par, 839. Seniors&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/kenni-henson/7406">Kenni Henson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/megan-lucas/7408">Megan Lucas</a>&nbsp;competed in their final collegiate tournament, tying for 30th and 39th, respectively. Henson was the top finisher for Wichita State, carding an 8-over par, 224. Lucas finished five strokes back at 13-over par, 229. Her second round score of 72 was one stroke off a career low round. Sandwiched in between Henson and Lucas was&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/mackenzie-wilson/7411">Mackenzie Wilson</a>&nbsp;at 10-over par and tied for 36th. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/mar-vidal/7410">Mar Vidal</a>&nbsp;tied for 42nd and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/brooklyn-benn/7413">Brooklyn Benn</a>&nbsp;placed 49th, rounding out the Shocker lineup in Florida. Results T30.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/kenni-henson/7406">Kenni Henson</a>: 73-75-76--224 (+8) T36.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/mackenzie-wilson/7411">Mackenzie Wilson</a>: 73-74-79--226 (+10) 39.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/megan-lucas/7408">Megan Lucas</a>: 81-72-76--229 (+13) T42.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/mar-vidal/7410">Mar Vidal</a>: 76-76-79--231 (+15) 49.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/brooklyn-benn/7413">Brooklyn Benn</a>: 83-82-85--250 (+34)&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ Shockers' women's golf season ends at AAC Championship

🏀 MBB: KU freshman MJ Rice to transfer to NC State

BARTLESVILLE, Okla.&nbsp;— The Kansas State University men's basketball team got it's first commitment from the class of 2024 on Tuesday, and it's a big one.

David Castillo, a 5-star point guard, announced his commitment to K-State on Tuesday afternoon.

The 6-foot-1 point guard is the No. 27 overall prospect in the country for the Class of 2024, according to On3 Sports.&nbsp;

Castillo took official visits to Kansas and Oklahoma State before choosing K-State. He held offers from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Florida and many others.

Castillo is scheduled to graduate from Bartlesville High School next spring.&nbsp;

<figure>
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 </figure>BARTLESVILLE, Okla.&nbsp;— The Kansas State University men's basketball team got it's first commitment from the class of 2024 on Tuesday, and it's a big one.David Castillo, a 5-star point guard, announced his commitment to K-State on Tuesday afternoon.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">committed <a href="https://t.co/BxQbB0iRAt">pic.twitter.com/BxQbB0iRAt</a>&mdash; David Castillo (@ohyeadave) <a href="https://twitter.com/ohyeadave/status/1648418796787634176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 6-foot-1 point guard is the No. 27 overall prospect in the country for the Class of 2024, according to On3 Sports.&nbsp;Castillo took official visits to Kansas and Oklahoma State before choosing K-State. He held offers from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Florida and many others.Castillo is scheduled to graduate from Bartlesville High School next spring.&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: Wildcats land 5-star commit

MANHATTAN, Kan. --&nbsp;Wichita State launched six home runs in a game for the first time in 25 years and got six scoreless innings from the bullpen, knocking off Kansas State 10-4 on Tuesday night at Tointon Family Stadium. The win snaps an eight-game losing streak for the Shockers in Manhattan, giving WSU their first victory at Tointon Family Stadium since the 2012 season. The six round-trippers are the most for the Shockers in one game since&nbsp;April 26, 1998 against Indiana State. The Shockers (21-15) wasted little time breaking out the power bats in the top of the first.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;doubled on the first pitch of the game, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>&nbsp;followed with a drive to deep right that was destined for a two-run homer before Kansas State right fielder Cash Rugely leaped to make the catch above the wall. One batter later,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/payton-tolle/7456">Payton Tolle</a>&nbsp;delivered the two-run homer anyway, slamming a blast down the right field line for a 2-0 lead. After the Wildcats (24-15) halved the lead on an RBI double from Kaelen Culpepper&nbsp;in the bottom of the inning, Wichita State went right back to work with three home runs in the third inning. Rodden clubbed a solo shot over the scoreboard in right field, and two pitches later&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>&nbsp;mashed a solo homer of his own that made it 4-1. After&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/7461">Mauricio Millan</a>&nbsp;kept the inning alive with a two-out single,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-herring/7462">David Herring</a>&nbsp;punctuated the inning with a towering opposite-field blast for a 6-1 advantage. All six runs came against Kansas State starter Jackson Wentworth (1-4), who was tagged for eight hits in three innings of work. Pennington ballooned the lead to 9-1 in the fourth, lining his second home run of the game over the wall in dead-center off Kansas State reliever Mason Buss. The Wildcats answered with back-to-back home runs of their own in the home half, chasing WSU starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/matt-boyer/7443">Matt Boyer</a>&nbsp;after three-plus innings of work and a 9-4 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jace-miner/7449">Jace Miner</a>&nbsp;entered and turned in arguably the best performance of his Shocker career, retiring the first 13 Wildcats he faced over 4.1 hitless, scoreless innings. Miner (2-0) struck out one and walked one, holding Kansas State off the board into the eighth. He exited after a one-out walk, bringing on&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/nate-snead/7469">Nate Snead</a>. A single and a walk loaded the bases with one out, but Snead recovered to strike out the next two Wildcats to strand all three runners. Rodden produced the final score with his second home run of the game leading off the top of the ninth. Combined with Pennington's two homers, the Shockers had two multi-homer games in the same contest for the first time since Andy Dirks and Dusty Coleman accomplished the feat against Harvard on March 8, 2008. Snead allowed the first two men to reach in the ninth, then retired three in a row to close out the win. All nine Shocker starters recorded at least one hit. Nine of the 12 WSU hits went for extra bases. Wichita State returns home for a battle against #7-ranked East Carolina this weekend at Eck Stadium. First pitch of game one on Friday evening is scheduled for 6:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681909633605.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. --&nbsp;Wichita State launched six home runs in a game for the first time in 25 years and got six scoreless innings from the bullpen, knocking off Kansas State 10-4 on Tuesday night at Tointon Family Stadium. The win snaps an eight-game losing streak for the Shockers in Manhattan, giving WSU their first victory at Tointon Family Stadium since the 2012 season. The six round-trippers are the most for the Shockers in one game since&nbsp;April 26, 1998 against Indiana State. The Shockers (21-15) wasted little time breaking out the power bats in the top of the first.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;doubled on the first pitch of the game, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>&nbsp;followed with a drive to deep right that was destined for a two-run homer before Kansas State right fielder Cash Rugely leaped to make the catch above the wall. One batter later,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/payton-tolle/7456">Payton Tolle</a>&nbsp;delivered the two-run homer anyway, slamming a blast down the right field line for a 2-0 lead. After the Wildcats (24-15) halved the lead on an RBI double from Kaelen Culpepper&nbsp;in the bottom of the inning, Wichita State went right back to work with three home runs in the third inning. Rodden clubbed a solo shot over the scoreboard in right field, and two pitches later&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>&nbsp;mashed a solo homer of his own that made it 4-1. After&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/7461">Mauricio Millan</a>&nbsp;kept the inning alive with a two-out single,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-herring/7462">David Herring</a>&nbsp;punctuated the inning with a towering opposite-field blast for a 6-1 advantage. All six runs came against Kansas State starter Jackson Wentworth (1-4), who was tagged for eight hits in three innings of work. Pennington ballooned the lead to 9-1 in the fourth, lining his second home run of the game over the wall in dead-center off Kansas State reliever Mason Buss. The Wildcats answered with back-to-back home runs of their own in the home half, chasing WSU starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/matt-boyer/7443">Matt Boyer</a>&nbsp;after three-plus innings of work and a 9-4 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jace-miner/7449">Jace Miner</a>&nbsp;entered and turned in arguably the best performance of his Shocker career, retiring the first 13 Wildcats he faced over 4.1 hitless, scoreless innings. Miner (2-0) struck out one and walked one, holding Kansas State off the board into the eighth. He exited after a one-out walk, bringing on&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/nate-snead/7469">Nate Snead</a>. A single and a walk loaded the bases with one out, but Snead recovered to strike out the next two Wildcats to strand all three runners. Rodden produced the final score with his second home run of the game leading off the top of the ninth. Combined with Pennington's two homers, the Shockers had two multi-homer games in the same contest for the first time since Andy Dirks and Dusty Coleman accomplished the feat against Harvard on March 8, 2008. Snead allowed the first two men to reach in the ninth, then retired three in a row to close out the win. All nine Shocker starters recorded at least one hit. Nine of the 12 WSU hits went for extra bases. Wichita State returns home for a battle against #7-ranked East Carolina this weekend at Eck Stadium. First pitch of game one on Friday evening is scheduled for 6:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Historic power surge lifts Shockers past K-State

🥎 Shockers take down No. 3 Oklahoma State

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bruce Bochy watched from the Texas dugout Tuesday night as, one by one, the Rangers stepped to the plate in the sixth inning to face Kansas City Royals reliever Carlos Hernández and sent his pitches right back at him.

All except for the one that Marcus Semien sent over the center field wall.

Semien's three-run shot highlighted a five-run inning that broke open a close game, and Adolis Garcia added another three-run homer in the eighth, as the Rangers routed the Royals 12-2 to reach their best 17-game start since the 2013 season.

Sandy León also drove in a pair of runs, and three Rangers that reached base on walks from erratic Royals starter Brad Keller also scored, as Texas (11-6) improved to five games over .500 for the first time since July 16, 2019.

“That's fun when it's on your side,” Bochy said of the Rangers' big sixth inning, which began with seven consecutive hits. “It did get contagious and that's baseball.”

The Rangers also dealt the Royals their fifth straight loss. They are 1-11 at home this season, and their 4-14 start is the second worst in franchise history behind only the 2-16 start that Kansas City had in 1992.

“You look at that game, it's close. They blew it open with that big sixth inning, but I didn't think the guys came out here thinking about yesterday,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We were in a good, competitive game and it fell apart.”

Nathan Eovaldi (2-2) went six innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out five. It was quite the bounce back after last week, when the Rangers' right-hander allowed six runs on 10 hits in five innings against Kansas City.

“It took me a little bit to find my rhythm,” said Eovaldi, who allowed just one baserunner over his last two innings.

Keller (2-2) allowed three runs on three hits and five walks, including leadoff walks in three of his four innings.

In the third, Brad Miller walked before Travis Jankowski's single gave Texas a 1-0 lead. Then in the fourth, Josh Jung and Robbie Grossman walked before the pair scored on a single by Ezequiel Duran and Miller's fielder's choice.

Still, the Royals were within 3-2 after RBIs by MJ Melendez and Kyle Isbel when the Rangers put the game away in the sixth.

Hernández allowed four straight singles to start the inning, including the two-run base hit by León that extended the Rangers' lead. Semien followed with his three-run shot that traveled 417 feet and made it 8-2.

The line for Hernández: five runs on five hits without a batter retired.

“We had role players that did some major contributions and you're going to need that throughout the season,” Bochy said. “You are going to have guys that need to sit, they're going to miss games, and you're going to need someone to step up.”

Amir Garrett gave up two more hits in the sixth, running the Rangers' streak to seven straight to begin the inning. Isbel cut down Jankowski trying to score from second with a spectacular throw from deep center field, though, and Garrett finally was able to settle down enough to prevent Texas from scoring any more runs in the frame.

Given the way the Kansas City offense has performed this season, they already had more than enough.

Rangers ace Jacob deGrom plans to make his next start after leaving Monday night's game after four hitless innings with a sore right wrist. But the Rangers want to see him throw Wednesday before penciling him into the rotation.

“That's good news for us,” Bochy said. “Right now it's all positive, and he's positive on where he's at with that arm.”

Rangers: RHP Jon Gray (bruised right forearm) is “good to go” for his next start, Bochy said. Gray threw two shutout innings against the Astros on Saturday before taking a line drive off Yainer Diaz's bat off the forearm.

Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (forearm flexor strain) will get a second opinion on his injury Thursday. He experienced tightness during his start Saturday against Atlanta and the Royals have some “underlying concerns,” Quatraro said.

Rangers LHP Martin Perez (2-1, 2.87 ERA) faces Royals RHP Brady Singer (1-0, 4.91) in the series finale Wednesday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bruce Bochy watched from the Texas dugout Tuesday night as, one by one, the Rangers stepped to the plate in the sixth inning to face Kansas City Royals reliever Carlos Hernández and sent his pitches right back at him.All except for the one that Marcus Semien sent over the center field wall.Semien's three-run shot highlighted a five-run inning that broke open a close game, and Adolis Garcia added another three-run homer in the eighth, as the Rangers routed the Royals 12-2 to reach their best 17-game start since the 2013 season.Sandy León also drove in a pair of runs, and three Rangers that reached base on walks from erratic Royals starter Brad Keller also scored, as Texas (11-6) improved to five games over .500 for the first time since July 16, 2019.“That's fun when it's on your side,” Bochy said of the Rangers' big sixth inning, which began with seven consecutive hits. “It did get contagious and that's baseball.”The Rangers also dealt the Royals their fifth straight loss. They are 1-11 at home this season, and their 4-14 start is the second worst in franchise history behind only the 2-16 start that Kansas City had in 1992.“You look at that game, it's close. They blew it open with that big sixth inning, but I didn't think the guys came out here thinking about yesterday,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We were in a good, competitive game and it fell apart.”Nathan Eovaldi (2-2) went six innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out five. It was quite the bounce back after last week, when the Rangers' right-hander allowed six runs on 10 hits in five innings against Kansas City.“It took me a little bit to find my rhythm,” said Eovaldi, who allowed just one baserunner over his last two innings.Keller (2-2) allowed three runs on three hits and five walks, including leadoff walks in three of his four innings.In the third, Brad Miller walked before Travis Jankowski's single gave Texas a 1-0 lead. Then in the fourth, Josh Jung and Robbie Grossman walked before the pair scored on a single by Ezequiel Duran and Miller's fielder's choice.Still, the Royals were within 3-2 after RBIs by MJ Melendez and Kyle Isbel when the Rangers put the game away in the sixth.Hernández allowed four straight singles to start the inning, including the two-run base hit by León that extended the Rangers' lead. Semien followed with his three-run shot that traveled 417 feet and made it 8-2.The line for Hernández: five runs on five hits without a batter retired.“We had role players that did some major contributions and you're going to need that throughout the season,” Bochy said. “You are going to have guys that need to sit, they're going to miss games, and you're going to need someone to step up.”Amir Garrett gave up two more hits in the sixth, running the Rangers' streak to seven straight to begin the inning. Isbel cut down Jankowski trying to score from second with a spectacular throw from deep center field, though, and Garrett finally was able to settle down enough to prevent Texas from scoring any more runs in the frame.Given the way the Kansas City offense has performed this season, they already had more than enough.DEGROM OKRangers ace Jacob deGrom plans to make his next start after leaving Monday night's game after four hitless innings with a sore right wrist. But the Rangers want to see him throw Wednesday before penciling him into the rotation.“That's good news for us,” Bochy said. “Right now it's all positive, and he's positive on where he's at with that arm.”TRAINER’S ROOMRangers: RHP Jon Gray (bruised right forearm) is “good to go” for his next start, Bochy said. Gray threw two shutout innings against the Astros on Saturday before taking a line drive off Yainer Diaz's bat off the forearm.Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (forearm flexor strain) will get a second opinion on his injury Thursday. He experienced tightness during his start Saturday against Atlanta and the Royals have some “underlying concerns,” Quatraro said.UP NEXTRangers LHP Martin Perez (2-1, 2.87 ERA) faces Royals RHP Brady Singer (1-0, 4.91) in the series finale Wednesday.

⚾️ Semien, Garcia hit 3-run shots as Rangers rout Royals 12-2

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=01e0b28940&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=131444ba5d&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=8137abacab&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas continued its hot hitting Tuesday as the Jayhawks beat the Air Force Falcons 19-4 at Hoglund Ballpark. The Jayhawks have scored at least 18 runs in back-to-back games for the first time since 2007.

Every Jayhawk starter had a hit and RBI on Tuesday night. Redshirt sophomore Michael Brooks had a team-high four hits, while Tyler Gerety, Sam Hunt and Mike Koszewski each had three hits. KU had 19 hits as a team, with the four combining for 13 of those hits. Brooks and Koszewski each had four RBIs and Gerety added three himself.

Kansas (18-18, 5-7 Big 12) trailed 2-0 early in the game, but the Jayhawks went on to score the next 12 runs. In the second inning, a wild pitch and an RBI bunt single from Koszewski evened the game at 2-2. Brooks hit an RBI single in the third inning to give Kansas a 3-2 lead it would never relinquish.

Four runs came into score in the fourth inning for the Jayhawks. Back-to-back-to-back run-scoring hits with two outs by Janson Reeder, Gerety and Hunt pushed the Jayhawks lead to 7-2. Reeder hit an RBI double, Gerety had a two-run double and Hunt notched an RBI single.

Another run scored in the fifth on an RBI single by Cole Elvis and four runs scored in the sixth on a pair of infield singles and two sacrifice flies. Kansas had a 12-2 advantage after six innings.

Air Force (16-22, 9-9 Mountain West) added a run in the seventh inning on an RBI single, but Kansas came back immediately with an answer. The Jayhawks tallied three runs in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI single by Gerety, an RBI double from Brooks and an RBI groundout from Koszewski to make the score 15-3.

Kansas added four more runs in the bottom of the eighth on two bases-loaded walks and a 2-run single by Koszewski. Air Force added a run in the top of the ninth on a sacrifice fly to make the score 19-4.

Sophomore Gavin Brasosky made his first career start and earned the win after tossing four innings and allowing two runs on five hits. Ethan Bradford, Stone Evers and Toby Haarer combined to throw the final five innings of relief.

PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Gavin Brasosky (1-1) Final line: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 SO Loss: Ben Weber (1-1) Final line: 3.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 2 SO

QUOTABLE “It was fun to see the guys perform. I thought we were especially good with two outs and two strikes and I could not be happier for Gerety and Hunt. Those guys have been grinding away and probably haven’t gotten the at-bats that they would like, but they just stuck to it. They are great team guys and they are workers. It’s really fun to see when that actually pays off like that.” – Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald

“Really the whole team hit the ball well. We all stayed in our zone today and it really paid off.” – Sophomore Tyler Gerety

NOTES • Kansas has scored at least 18 runs in back-to-back games for the first time since March 6-7, 2007 vs. Tabor/vs. Baker (42 runs total). The Jayhawks have scored 37 runs in the last two games. • Eleven of Kansas' 19 runs scored with two outs. • Every starter had a hit and RBI on Tuesday. • Gerety had career highs of three hits, three RBIs, five runs and two walks. He finished 3-for-4 on the night. • Brooks recorded a career-high four hits and tied his career highs of four RBIs and three runs scored. • Hunt posted a season-high three runs and a season-high-tying three hits. • Koszewski tallied a career-high four RBIs and matched his career high of three hits. • Elvis extended his hitting streak to 13 games.

UP NEXT Kansas plays game two of the series against Air Force on Wednesday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.

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 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/_compresseds/5f3da7f4-2c0d-6e75-b1c0-62bc3e9cd7db.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=01e0b28940&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=131444ba5d&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Statistics</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=8137abacab&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Gallery</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas continued its hot hitting Tuesday as the Jayhawks beat the Air Force Falcons 19-4 at Hoglund Ballpark. The Jayhawks have scored at least 18 runs in back-to-back games for the first time since 2007.Every Jayhawk starter had a hit and RBI on Tuesday night. Redshirt sophomore Michael Brooks had a team-high four hits, while Tyler Gerety, Sam Hunt and Mike Koszewski each had three hits. KU had 19 hits as a team, with the four combining for 13 of those hits. Brooks and Koszewski each had four RBIs and Gerety added three himself.Kansas (18-18, 5-7 Big 12) trailed 2-0 early in the game, but the Jayhawks went on to score the next 12 runs. In the second inning, a wild pitch and an RBI bunt single from Koszewski evened the game at 2-2. Brooks hit an RBI single in the third inning to give Kansas a 3-2 lead it would never relinquish.Four runs came into score in the fourth inning for the Jayhawks. Back-to-back-to-back run-scoring hits with two outs by Janson Reeder, Gerety and Hunt pushed the Jayhawks lead to 7-2. Reeder hit an RBI double, Gerety had a two-run double and Hunt notched an RBI single.Another run scored in the fifth on an RBI single by Cole Elvis and four runs scored in the sixth on a pair of infield singles and two sacrifice flies. Kansas had a 12-2 advantage after six innings.Air Force (16-22, 9-9 Mountain West) added a run in the seventh inning on an RBI single, but Kansas came back immediately with an answer. The Jayhawks tallied three runs in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI single by Gerety, an RBI double from Brooks and an RBI groundout from Koszewski to make the score 15-3.Kansas added four more runs in the bottom of the eighth on two bases-loaded walks and a 2-run single by Koszewski. Air Force added a run in the top of the ninth on a sacrifice fly to make the score 19-4.Sophomore Gavin Brasosky made his first career start and earned the win after tossing four innings and allowing two runs on five hits. Ethan Bradford, Stone Evers and Toby Haarer combined to throw the final five innings of relief.PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Gavin Brasosky (1-1) Final line: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 SO Loss: Ben Weber (1-1) Final line: 3.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 2 SOQUOTABLE “It was fun to see the guys perform. I thought we were especially good with two outs and two strikes and I could not be happier for Gerety and Hunt. Those guys have been grinding away and probably haven’t gotten the at-bats that they would like, but they just stuck to it. They are great team guys and they are workers. It’s really fun to see when that actually pays off like that.” – Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald“Really the whole team hit the ball well. We all stayed in our zone today and it really paid off.” – Sophomore Tyler GeretyNOTES • Kansas has scored at least 18 runs in back-to-back games for the first time since March 6-7, 2007 vs. Tabor/vs. Baker (42 runs total). The Jayhawks have scored 37 runs in the last two games. • Eleven of Kansas' 19 runs scored with two outs. • Every starter had a hit and RBI on Tuesday. • Gerety had career highs of three hits, three RBIs, five runs and two walks. He finished 3-for-4 on the night. • Brooks recorded a career-high four hits and tied his career highs of four RBIs and three runs scored. • Hunt posted a season-high three runs and a season-high-tying three hits. • Koszewski tallied a career-high four RBIs and matched his career high of three hits. • Elvis extended his hitting streak to 13 games.UP NEXT Kansas plays game two of the series against Air Force on Wednesday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.

⚾️ Big offensive day pushes Kansas past Air Force

TULSA, Ok—The Wichita Wind Surge hit three home runs and come from behind to defeat the Tulsa Drillers 4-2 on Tuesday. The come from behind win is the first of the season.

Tulsa struck first with a pair of first inning runs and led 2-0 until the seventh inning when DaShawn Keirsey, Jr. crushed a two-run homer on a line drive to left field. Keirsey’s homer against Tulsa marks his first of the season.

The Surge carried that same momentum over to the eighth inning at the plate. Brooks Lee hit his second home run of the season to lead off the inning to give Wichita its first lead. Yunior Severino added another before the inning was over to round out the final score.

Blayne Enlow pitched six innings for Wichita and struck out five and walked two. He allowed two runs and four hits. Enlow struggled in the first facing eight hitters but allowed just one hit for the remaining five innings. Jose Bravo earned the win in relief retiring all five hitters he faced.

Kody Funderburk got the final four outs for his first save of the season.

NOTES –Brooks Lee improves his hitting streak to nine straight. The game time of 1:59 is the shortest of the season and only the second sub two hour nine inning game in Wind Surge history. Wichita ended Tulsa’s run of four consecutive games with a home run.

UPCOMING – Wichita will play against the Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate the Tulsa Drillers in game two of a six-game series Wednesday at 11:05 AM. RH David Festa will face RH Nick Frasso. 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 Dillions Shopper Card or Dillons app at the box office and $1 hot dogs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657339167453.jpeg" alt="Wichita Wind Surge win over Tulsa" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Wind Surge win over Tulsa</figcaption>
 </figure>TULSA, Ok—The Wichita Wind Surge hit three home runs and come from behind to defeat the Tulsa Drillers 4-2 on Tuesday. The come from behind win is the first of the season.Tulsa struck first with a pair of first inning runs and led 2-0 until the seventh inning when DaShawn Keirsey, Jr. crushed a two-run homer on a line drive to left field. Keirsey’s homer against Tulsa marks his first of the season.The Surge carried that same momentum over to the eighth inning at the plate. Brooks Lee hit his second home run of the season to lead off the inning to give Wichita its first lead. Yunior Severino added another before the inning was over to round out the final score.Blayne Enlow pitched six innings for Wichita and struck out five and walked two. He allowed two runs and four hits. Enlow struggled in the first facing eight hitters but allowed just one hit for the remaining five innings. Jose Bravo earned the win in relief retiring all five hitters he faced.Kody Funderburk got the final four outs for his first save of the season.NOTES –Brooks Lee improves his hitting streak to nine straight. The game time of 1:59 is the shortest of the season and only the second sub two hour nine inning game in Wind Surge history. Wichita ended Tulsa’s run of four consecutive games with a home run.UPCOMING – Wichita will play against the Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate the Tulsa Drillers in game two of a six-game series Wednesday at 11:05 AM. RH David Festa will face RH Nick Frasso. 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 Dillions Shopper Card or Dillons app at the box office and $1 hot dogs.

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge use long ball to defeat Tulsa

AP Sports Headlines for Wednesday, April 19th, 2023.

Damar Hamlin cleared to play, 4 months after cardiac arrest

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin took to the podium and declared he's ready to resume his football career some four months after going into cardiac arrest and having to be resuscitated on the field during a game. Hamlin says his "heart is still in the game," and adds that what happened on the field in Cincinnati isn't the end of his story. He spoke after participating in the team's voluntary workout program on Tuesday. Bills general manager Brandon Beane says Hamlin was cleared to play after meeting with a third and final specialist on Friday. The second-year player from the Pittsburgh area collapsed on the field after making what appeared to be a routine tackle in a Jan. 2 game against the Bengals.

Booker scores 38 points, Suns beat Clippers to even series

PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker scored 38 points, Kevin Durant had 25 and the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers 123-109 on Tuesday night in Game 2 to tie the Western Conference first-round series. Booker drilled a 3 just before the halftime buzzer to tie it and scored 18 points in the third quarter on 7-of-8 shooting, helping the Suns push to a 92-87 advantage entering the fourth. The series moves to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday night. Kawhi Leonard led Los Angeles with 31 points.

Warriors' Green suspended for stepping on Kings' Sabonis

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Warriors forward Draymond Green has been suspended for one game without pay for stepping on the chest of Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis and will miss Game 3 of the Warriors' first-round playoff series against the Kings on Thursday night. The NBA made the announcement two days before the series shifts to the defending champions' home court at Chase Center. The NBA made the announcement of a decision by executive vice president and head of basketball operations Joe Dumars.

Warriors in rare territory, trail Kings 2-0 in NBA playoffs

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Golden State Warriors had gone 27 consecutive playoff series during the Stephen Curry era without falling behind 2-0. Steve Kerr hadn't seen it, either, since he began coaching the team in 2014-15. Now, the defending NBA champions will need a mighty comeback and now without emotional leader Draymond Green. Green stomped on Domantas Sabonis during the fourth quarter of Monday night's 114-106 defeat at Golden 1 Center and was penalized by the NBA with one-game suspension without pay. Game 3 against the Sacramento Kings is on Thursday in San Francisco.

Garland scores 32, Cavs beat Knicks 107-90 to even series

CLEVELAND (AP) — Darius Garland scored 32 points, 26 while setting an aggressive tone for Cleveland in the first half, and the Cavaliers evened their Eastern Conference playoff series against New York at one game apiece with a 107-90 victory over the Knicks. Garland scored 15 in the second quarter, when Cleveland tightened down defensively and dominated New York. The Cavs forced nine turnovers on the way to opening a 20-point halftime lead. The Cavs pushed their lead to 29 in the fourth. Caris LeVert scored 24 and Donovan Mitchell added 17 and a career playoff-high 13 assists for the Cavs. Julius Randle scored 22 and Jalen Brunson added 20 for New York, which will host Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Friday.

Jets' Barron receives 75-plus stitches after skate to face

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Winnipeg Jets forward Morgan Barron took a skate to his face Tuesday night that required more than 75 stitches. He returned to the ice less than a period later. Barron was injured in the first period during a big scramble in front of the Vegas Golden Knights' net in Game 1 of the teams' Western Conference first-round series. As players collapsed around the front of the net in pursuit of a loose puck, Vegas goalie Laurent Brossoit's skate cut Barron.

Padres hope Tatis brings energy, maturity when PED ban ends

SAN DIEGO (AP) — El Niño is coming and it could be quite the storm. On Thursday night at Arizona, Fernando Tatis Jr. will be announced as the leadoff hitter for the San Diego Padres and settle into a big league batter's box for the first time since the last game of the 2021 season. One of baseball's most electrifying players will return from an 80-game PED suspension that shocked and angered his teammates and an entire fan base. If a jaw-dropping power display during a rehab stint at Triple-A El Paso is any indication, the Padres will be getting back the player who was an All-Star in 2021.

Kershaw wins No. 200 in style as Dodgers blank Mets 5-0

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw delivered a vintage performance for his 200th win, pitching seven splendid innings of three-hit ball as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 5-0. J.D. Martinez homered twice and drove in four runs, finishing with four hits to help the Dodgers stop New York's five-game winning streak. Kershaw struck out nine to pass Mickey Lolich for 22nd place on the career list with 2,833 strikeouts. The three-time Cy Young Award winner improved to 200-88 over 16 major league seasons — the best winning percentage among the 117 pitchers to win 200 games. The only one of them with a lower career ERA than Kershaw is Hall of Famer Walter Johnson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681297613631.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Wednesday, April 19th" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Wednesday, April 19th</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Headlines for Wednesday, April 19th, 2023.Damar Hamlin cleared to play, 4 months after cardiac arrestORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin took to the podium and declared he's ready to resume his football career some four months after going into cardiac arrest and having to be resuscitated on the field during a game. Hamlin says his "heart is still in the game," and adds that what happened on the field in Cincinnati isn't the end of his story. He spoke after participating in the team's voluntary workout program on Tuesday. Bills general manager Brandon Beane says Hamlin was cleared to play after meeting with a third and final specialist on Friday. The second-year player from the Pittsburgh area collapsed on the field after making what appeared to be a routine tackle in a Jan. 2 game against the Bengals.Booker scores 38 points, Suns beat Clippers to even seriesPHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker scored 38 points, Kevin Durant had 25 and the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers 123-109 on Tuesday night in Game 2 to tie the Western Conference first-round series. Booker drilled a 3 just before the halftime buzzer to tie it and scored 18 points in the third quarter on 7-of-8 shooting, helping the Suns push to a 92-87 advantage entering the fourth. The series moves to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday night. Kawhi Leonard led Los Angeles with 31 points.Warriors' Green suspended for stepping on Kings' SabonisSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Warriors forward Draymond Green has been suspended for one game without pay for stepping on the chest of Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis and will miss Game 3 of the Warriors' first-round playoff series against the Kings on Thursday night. The NBA made the announcement two days before the series shifts to the defending champions' home court at Chase Center. The NBA made the announcement of a decision by executive vice president and head of basketball operations Joe Dumars.Warriors in rare territory, trail Kings 2-0 in NBA playoffsSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Golden State Warriors had gone 27 consecutive playoff series during the Stephen Curry era without falling behind 2-0. Steve Kerr hadn't seen it, either, since he began coaching the team in 2014-15. Now, the defending NBA champions will need a mighty comeback and now without emotional leader Draymond Green. Green stomped on Domantas Sabonis during the fourth quarter of Monday night's 114-106 defeat at Golden 1 Center and was penalized by the NBA with one-game suspension without pay. Game 3 against the Sacramento Kings is on Thursday in San Francisco.Garland scores 32, Cavs beat Knicks 107-90 to even seriesCLEVELAND (AP) — Darius Garland scored 32 points, 26 while setting an aggressive tone for Cleveland in the first half, and the Cavaliers evened their Eastern Conference playoff series against New York at one game apiece with a 107-90 victory over the Knicks. Garland scored 15 in the second quarter, when Cleveland tightened down defensively and dominated New York. The Cavs forced nine turnovers on the way to opening a 20-point halftime lead. The Cavs pushed their lead to 29 in the fourth. Caris LeVert scored 24 and Donovan Mitchell added 17 and a career playoff-high 13 assists for the Cavs. Julius Randle scored 22 and Jalen Brunson added 20 for New York, which will host Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Friday.Jets' Barron receives 75-plus stitches after skate to faceLAS VEGAS (AP) — Winnipeg Jets forward Morgan Barron took a skate to his face Tuesday night that required more than 75 stitches. He returned to the ice less than a period later. Barron was injured in the first period during a big scramble in front of the Vegas Golden Knights' net in Game 1 of the teams' Western Conference first-round series. As players collapsed around the front of the net in pursuit of a loose puck, Vegas goalie Laurent Brossoit's skate cut Barron.Padres hope Tatis brings energy, maturity when PED ban endsSAN DIEGO (AP) — El Niño is coming and it could be quite the storm. On Thursday night at Arizona, Fernando Tatis Jr. will be announced as the leadoff hitter for the San Diego Padres and settle into a big league batter's box for the first time since the last game of the 2021 season. One of baseball's most electrifying players will return from an 80-game PED suspension that shocked and angered his teammates and an entire fan base. If a jaw-dropping power display during a rehab stint at Triple-A El Paso is any indication, the Padres will be getting back the player who was an All-Star in 2021.Kershaw wins No. 200 in style as Dodgers blank Mets 5-0LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw delivered a vintage performance for his 200th win, pitching seven splendid innings of three-hit ball as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 5-0. J.D. Martinez homered twice and drove in four runs, finishing with four hits to help the Dodgers stop New York's five-game winning streak. Kershaw struck out nine to pass Mickey Lolich for 22nd place on the career list with 2,833 strikeouts. The three-time Cy Young Award winner improved to 200-88 over 16 major league seasons — the best winning percentage among the 117 pitchers to win 200 games. The only one of them with a lower career ERA than Kershaw is Hall of Famer Walter Johnson.Ohtani homers in Bronx, 100 years to day after Ruth hit 1stNEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani homered at Yankee Stadium, 100 years to the day that Babe Ruth hit the first home run at the original ballpark in the Bronx. Ohtani turned on a 88.7 mph sweeper from Clarke Schmidt and hit a 116.7 mph drive that landed in the Yankees bullpen in right-center, 391 feet from home plate It was the fourth home run of the season for Ohtani and his eighth in 18 games against the Yankees. When the original Yankee Stadium opened across 161st St. on April 18, 1923, Ruth homered off Boston's Howard Ehmke in New York's 4-1 win.No need for Champions League heroics for Madrid this timeMADRID (AP) — Real Madrid is making it look easy this time. There's been no need for late heroics or big comebacks. No need for last-minute goals or extra time victories. It's just been straightforward dominance. Madrid is taking the easier route after needing to rally its way through the knockout rounds of the Champions League last season. The team has cruised into the semifinals and remains on track for a record-extending 15th European title. Madrid defeated Chelsea 2-0 in London on Tuesday in the second leg of the quarterfinals and advanced 4-0 on aggregate. Rodrygo scored both goals.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;