Via Hutchinson CC Sports Information

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/sball/rankings/DI/index">NJCAA DIVISION SOFTBALL RANKINGS: WEEK EIGHT</a>

After reaching program win No. 1,000, the Hutchinson Community College softball team moved up again in the latest NJCAA Division I softball rankings to No. 15 in the nation.

The Blue Dragons moved up from No. 17 after splitting with the Butler Grizzlies for the second time this season, which dropped the Blue Dragons from No. 15 two weeks ago. Hutchinson has reached as high as No. 13 in the poll but split with the Colby Trojans on the road.

Coming off last week's doubleheader sweeps over Barton (9-1 in five innings, 13-0 in five innings) and Dodge City (8-0 in six innings, 7-0), the Blue Dragons host Northwest Tech at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Fun Valley Sports Complex.

The top 10 of the rankings did not change with Florida SouthWestern remaining the No. 1 team in the country at 43-3 overall. Grayson remains No. 2 while the previous No. 3 team Northwest Florida State fell to No. 5. Odessa and Walters State leapfrogged Northwest Florida State to No. 3 and No. 4.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681806360627.jpeg" alt="Riley Wertz celebrates after recording a strikeout in the Butler doubleheader Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at East Park in El Dorado, Kansas. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Riley Wertz celebrates after recording a strikeout in the Butler doubleheader Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at East Park in El Dorado, Kansas. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Via Hutchinson CC Sports Information<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/sball/rankings/DI/index">NJCAA DIVISION SOFTBALL RANKINGS: WEEK EIGHT</a>After reaching program win No. 1,000, the Hutchinson Community College softball team moved up again in the latest NJCAA Division I softball rankings to No. 15 in the nation.The Blue Dragons moved up from No. 17 after splitting with the Butler Grizzlies for the second time this season, which dropped the Blue Dragons from No. 15 two weeks ago. Hutchinson has reached as high as No. 13 in the poll but split with the Colby Trojans on the road.Coming off last week's doubleheader sweeps over Barton (9-1 in five innings, 13-0 in five innings) and Dodge City (8-0 in six innings, 7-0), the Blue Dragons host Northwest Tech at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Fun Valley Sports Complex.The top 10 of the rankings did not change with Florida SouthWestern remaining the No. 1 team in the country at 43-3 overall. Grayson remains No. 2 while the previous No. 3 team Northwest Florida State fell to No. 5. Odessa and Walters State leapfrogged Northwest Florida State to No. 3 and No. 4.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

 🥎 Blue Dragons move back up to No. 15 in rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes plans to be ready for training camp with no limitations from the high ankle sprain that occurred during the playoffs and was such the focal point during their run to a Super Bowl victory in February.

The Chiefs began their offseason program Monday, though most of their players will spend the first two weeks of voluntary workouts at home and meeting through Zoom.

That includes Mahomes, who has gathered a group of wide receivers, running backs and tight ends at his home in Texas for the second straight year for their own workouts.

Mahomes was hurt in the divisional round of the playoffs when a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his ankle late in the first quarter. He had X-rays taken at the stadium and returned to lead Kansas City to the 27-20 victory, then managed to play with the injury in an AFC title game win over the Bengals before beating the Eagles for his second Lombardi Trophy.

“Right now it's been more about managing it and getting the mobility back as best I can,” Mahomes said. “I wouldn't say I'm 100% but I haven't had any limitations. You want to make sure you're still building. You might be a little sore on the weekend, but I feel like we've done a good job of pushing it to the limit.”

Mahomes said he hasn't tested the ankle with full-speed running and cutting, but that could happen in the next couple of weeks, or about the time he joins the rest of the Chiefs for voluntary workouts at the team facility in Kansas City.

He also said the ankle injury isn't as bad as the foot injury that required surgery in February 2021 and caused him to miss much of the offseason program.

In that case, Mahomes was still careful with the injury when he arrived at training camp.

“The foot was way more serious than the ankle has been,” said Mahomes, who broke the Chiefs franchise record with 5,250 yards passing along with an NFL-leading 41 touchdown passes last season. "The foot, having the surgery and having that cast on, really cut down my mobility a lot. I had to work on that into the next season.

“The ankle, I feel like we've improved the last few weeks a ton," Mahomes continued. "The swelling went down finally. I didn't have that soreness after a few days of work. With the improvements we've made, I have a great feeling by the time we get to training camp we won't have any limitations.”

Mahomes said he took about two weeks off after the Chiefs celebrated their Super Bowl victory with a parade to Union Station, where the NFL will hold its draft next week. Then he got back to work with his longtime trainer, Bobby Stroupe.

“I mean, the one thing about winning the Super Bowl is your offseason gets a lot shorter,” he said. “I turned forward pretty quickly. I was ready to get back to next season. You go on your little trips here and there for relaxing, but I try to get in two or three days of workouts with Bobby so I'm back in that OTA mode and ready to go.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid took even less time off after the victory parade. He had to make some changes to his coaching staff after losing offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to the Commanders and assistant Greg Lewis to the Ravens.

By the time that was done, Reid was looking ahead to the scouting combine and the upcoming draft.

That quick turnaround from a long playoff run to the beginning of offseason workouts is why Reid has allowed players to attend meetings remotely the past couple of seasons. He wants them to have enough time to fully recharge.

“I just want them to freshen up,” Reid said. “That season doesn't seem like it's very long, but you're playing in the Super Bowl and having the parade and all of sudden you're back, so this gives the guys an opportunity to get away.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661886679322.jpeg" alt="Chiefs QB1 Patrick Mahomes Photo Via KC Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs QB1 Patrick Mahomes Photo Via KC Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes plans to be ready for training camp with no limitations from the high ankle sprain that occurred during the playoffs and was such the focal point during their run to a Super Bowl victory in February.The Chiefs began their offseason program Monday, though most of their players will spend the first two weeks of voluntary workouts at home and meeting through Zoom.That includes Mahomes, who has gathered a group of wide receivers, running backs and tight ends at his home in Texas for the second straight year for their own workouts.Mahomes was hurt in the divisional round of the playoffs when a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his ankle late in the first quarter. He had X-rays taken at the stadium and returned to lead Kansas City to the 27-20 victory, then managed to play with the injury in an AFC title game win over the Bengals before beating the Eagles for his second Lombardi Trophy.“Right now it's been more about managing it and getting the mobility back as best I can,” Mahomes said. “I wouldn't say I'm 100% but I haven't had any limitations. You want to make sure you're still building. You might be a little sore on the weekend, but I feel like we've done a good job of pushing it to the limit.”Mahomes said he hasn't tested the ankle with full-speed running and cutting, but that could happen in the next couple of weeks, or about the time he joins the rest of the Chiefs for voluntary workouts at the team facility in Kansas City.He also said the ankle injury isn't as bad as the foot injury that required surgery in February 2021 and caused him to miss much of the offseason program.In that case, Mahomes was still careful with the injury when he arrived at training camp.“The foot was way more serious than the ankle has been,” said Mahomes, who broke the Chiefs franchise record with 5,250 yards passing along with an NFL-leading 41 touchdown passes last season. "The foot, having the surgery and having that cast on, really cut down my mobility a lot. I had to work on that into the next season.“The ankle, I feel like we've improved the last few weeks a ton," Mahomes continued. "The swelling went down finally. I didn't have that soreness after a few days of work. With the improvements we've made, I have a great feeling by the time we get to training camp we won't have any limitations.”Mahomes said he took about two weeks off after the Chiefs celebrated their Super Bowl victory with a parade to Union Station, where the NFL will hold its draft next week. Then he got back to work with his longtime trainer, Bobby Stroupe.“I mean, the one thing about winning the Super Bowl is your offseason gets a lot shorter,” he said. “I turned forward pretty quickly. I was ready to get back to next season. You go on your little trips here and there for relaxing, but I try to get in two or three days of workouts with Bobby so I'm back in that OTA mode and ready to go.”Chiefs coach Andy Reid took even less time off after the victory parade. He had to make some changes to his coaching staff after losing offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to the Commanders and assistant Greg Lewis to the Ravens.By the time that was done, Reid was looking ahead to the scouting combine and the upcoming draft.That quick turnaround from a long playoff run to the beginning of offseason workouts is why Reid has allowed players to attend meetings remotely the past couple of seasons. He wants them to have enough time to fully recharge.“I just want them to freshen up,” Reid said. “That season doesn't seem like it's very long, but you're playing in the Super Bowl and having the parade and all of sudden you're back, so this gives the guys an opportunity to get away.”<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

 🏈  Patrick Mahomes ankle recovering as offseason work begins

AP source: Hurts, Eagles agree to 5-year, $255M extension

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts is set to sign one of the richest deals in NFL history, agreeing to a five-year, $255 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles, including $179.3 million guaranteed, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the deal was not yet final. Hurts was rewarded for his breakout season in which he was named an AP NFL MVP finalist and led the Eagles to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Draymond Green ejected from playoff game for flagrant foul

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected from a playoff game after stomping on the chest of Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis. The play happened in the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the first-round series after Stephen Curry grabbed a defensive rebound. With the Warriors pushing the ball up court and Sabonis on the ground, Green took a hard step right on Sabonis' chest. Sabonis stayed down for a a few minutes as officials reviewed the play. Sabonis was called for a technical foul for grabbing Green's leg and Green was given a flagrant-2 foul that led to an automatic ejection.

Kings beat Warriors 114-106 to take 2-0 series lead

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — De'Aaron Fox scored 24 points and made a backbreaking 3-pointer that led the playoff newcomer Sacramento Kings to a second straight victory over the defending champion Golden State Warriors, 114-106. The Kings closed the game strong after Golden State's Draymond Green was ejected for a flagrant foul. They became the first team to take a 2-0 series lead over the Warriors in the Stephen Curry era. The game got heated in the fourth quarter when Green stomped on Domantas Sabonis' chest with 7:03 to play, leading to an ejection for a flagrant foul.

Maxey, Embiid, Harris power 76ers to 96-84 win over Nets

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tyrese Maxey scored 33 points, Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris had 20 apiece, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Brooklyn Nets 96-84 to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series. Embiid, the two-time NBA scoring champion, was quiet offensively, going 6 of 11 from the floor, but he did just about everything else. The MVP finalist had 19 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. Harris had 12 rebounds. James Harden scored only eight points on 3-of-13 shooting for the Sixers after a sensational Game 1 effort. Game 3 is Thursday in New York. Cam Johnson led the Nets with 28 points.

Marchand, NHL-best Bruins top Panthers 3-1 in Game 1

BOSTON (AP) — Brad Marchand scored his 50th career playoff goal, David Pastrnak and Jake DeBrusk also scored, and the NHL-best Boston Bruins opened the playoffs by beating the Florida Panthers 3-1. Linus Ullmark stopped 31 shots and Tyler Bertuzzi added two assists for Boston, which controlled the game even with captain Patrice Bergeron sitting out because of illness. Matthew Tkachuk scored for the Panthers and Alex Lyon made 26 saves but gave up Marchand's goal on a relatively easy shot. Game 2 is Wednesday night in Boston.

Jackson wins defensive player of year over Lopez, Mobley

Nobody blocked more shots per game, nor had better defensive numbers at the rim this season, than Memphis' Jaren Jackson Jr. And voters noticed. The Memphis big man was announced Monday night as the NBA's defensive player of the year, becoming the second player to win the award while wearing a Grizzlies' uniform. He joins Marc Gasol in that club, after the Spaniard did it a decade ago.

Hartman goal in 2nd OT gives Wild 3-2 win over Stars in G1

DALLAS (AP) — Ryan Hartman scored 12:20 into the second overtime and the Minnesota Wild beat the Dallas Stars 3-2 in their playoff opener Monday night, and into Tuesday morning. Hartman gathered the puck in front of the crease and got it past Jake Oettinger at around 1 a.m. local time, ending a more than four-hour game in which both 24-year-old goalies had spectacular performances. The Stars had just been been turned away by Filip Gustavsson on a power play after Frederick Gaudreau's tripping penalty. Gustavsson stopped 52 shots. He started the opener ahead of three-time Stanley Cup winner Marc-André Fleur. Oettinger had 45 saves.

Boston Marathon sweep for Kenya, but not favorite Kipchoge

BOSTON (AP) — Defending champion Evans Chebet has won the Boston Marathon again. He surged to the front at Heartbreak Hill to spoil the much-anticipated debut of world record holder Eliud Kipchoge and win in 2 hours, 5 minutes, 54 seconds. Hellen Obiri won the women's race in 2:21:38 to complete the Kenyan sweep. She is a two-time Olympic silver medalist in the 5,000 meters. The fastest ever fields in Boston included world record holders, Olympic and Paralympic medalists, winners of major marathons from 27 countries and a dozen Boston Marathon champions. Kipchoge, a 12-time major marathon winner, finished sixth in the slowest marathon of his career.

Kenya's Obiri breaks late to win women's Boston Marathon

BOSTON (AP) — Hellen Obiri says the biggest lesson she took from her first major marathon experience in New York last month was to be patient. It paid off in her first Boston Marathon, when the Kenyan broke away in the final 2 miles to win the women's title, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 21 minutes and 38 seconds. Amane Beriso of Ethiopia was second, 12 seconds back, followed another seven seconds behind by Israeli Lonah Salpeter. Obiri said she felt a lot more comfortable in her approach after finishing sixth in the New York Marathon last year.

Boston Marathon debuts nonbinary division

BOSTON (AP) — Cal Calamia waited extra long to run the Boston Marathon. Being able to enter as a nonbinary athlete made it worth the delay. Calamia had hoped to run in 2020, when the race was canceled because of COVID-19. In 2021, they were sidelined by a soccer injury. Calamia said adding the category made it "already a win." The 26-year-old San Franciscan advocated for the new division and ran with a transgender flag patch on their singlet. Calamia was second to Kae Ravichandran of Vermont. Twenty-seven runners registered as nonbinary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681297613631.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Tuesday, April 18th" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Tuesday, April 18th</figcaption>
 </figure>AP source: Hurts, Eagles agree to 5-year, $255M extensionPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts is set to sign one of the richest deals in NFL history, agreeing to a five-year, $255 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles, including $179.3 million guaranteed, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the deal was not yet final. Hurts was rewarded for his breakout season in which he was named an AP NFL MVP finalist and led the Eagles to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.Draymond Green ejected from playoff game for flagrant foulSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected from a playoff game after stomping on the chest of Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis. The play happened in the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the first-round series after Stephen Curry grabbed a defensive rebound. With the Warriors pushing the ball up court and Sabonis on the ground, Green took a hard step right on Sabonis' chest. Sabonis stayed down for a a few minutes as officials reviewed the play. Sabonis was called for a technical foul for grabbing Green's leg and Green was given a flagrant-2 foul that led to an automatic ejection.Kings beat Warriors 114-106 to take 2-0 series leadSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — De'Aaron Fox scored 24 points and made a backbreaking 3-pointer that led the playoff newcomer Sacramento Kings to a second straight victory over the defending champion Golden State Warriors, 114-106. The Kings closed the game strong after Golden State's Draymond Green was ejected for a flagrant foul. They became the first team to take a 2-0 series lead over the Warriors in the Stephen Curry era. The game got heated in the fourth quarter when Green stomped on Domantas Sabonis' chest with 7:03 to play, leading to an ejection for a flagrant foul.Maxey, Embiid, Harris power 76ers to 96-84 win over NetsPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tyrese Maxey scored 33 points, Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris had 20 apiece, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Brooklyn Nets 96-84 to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series. Embiid, the two-time NBA scoring champion, was quiet offensively, going 6 of 11 from the floor, but he did just about everything else. The MVP finalist had 19 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. Harris had 12 rebounds. James Harden scored only eight points on 3-of-13 shooting for the Sixers after a sensational Game 1 effort. Game 3 is Thursday in New York. Cam Johnson led the Nets with 28 points.Marchand, NHL-best Bruins top Panthers 3-1 in Game 1BOSTON (AP) — Brad Marchand scored his 50th career playoff goal, David Pastrnak and Jake DeBrusk also scored, and the NHL-best Boston Bruins opened the playoffs by beating the Florida Panthers 3-1. Linus Ullmark stopped 31 shots and Tyler Bertuzzi added two assists for Boston, which controlled the game even with captain Patrice Bergeron sitting out because of illness. Matthew Tkachuk scored for the Panthers and Alex Lyon made 26 saves but gave up Marchand's goal on a relatively easy shot. Game 2 is Wednesday night in Boston.Jackson wins defensive player of year over Lopez, MobleyNobody blocked more shots per game, nor had better defensive numbers at the rim this season, than Memphis' Jaren Jackson Jr. And voters noticed. The Memphis big man was announced Monday night as the NBA's defensive player of the year, becoming the second player to win the award while wearing a Grizzlies' uniform. He joins Marc Gasol in that club, after the Spaniard did it a decade ago.Hartman goal in 2nd OT gives Wild 3-2 win over Stars in G1DALLAS (AP) — Ryan Hartman scored 12:20 into the second overtime and the Minnesota Wild beat the Dallas Stars 3-2 in their playoff opener Monday night, and into Tuesday morning. Hartman gathered the puck in front of the crease and got it past Jake Oettinger at around 1 a.m. local time, ending a more than four-hour game in which both 24-year-old goalies had spectacular performances. The Stars had just been been turned away by Filip Gustavsson on a power play after Frederick Gaudreau's tripping penalty. Gustavsson stopped 52 shots. He started the opener ahead of three-time Stanley Cup winner Marc-André Fleur. Oettinger had 45 saves.Boston Marathon sweep for Kenya, but not favorite KipchogeBOSTON (AP) — Defending champion Evans Chebet has won the Boston Marathon again. He surged to the front at Heartbreak Hill to spoil the much-anticipated debut of world record holder Eliud Kipchoge and win in 2 hours, 5 minutes, 54 seconds. Hellen Obiri won the women's race in 2:21:38 to complete the Kenyan sweep. She is a two-time Olympic silver medalist in the 5,000 meters. The fastest ever fields in Boston included world record holders, Olympic and Paralympic medalists, winners of major marathons from 27 countries and a dozen Boston Marathon champions. Kipchoge, a 12-time major marathon winner, finished sixth in the slowest marathon of his career.Kenya's Obiri breaks late to win women's Boston MarathonBOSTON (AP) — Hellen Obiri says the biggest lesson she took from her first major marathon experience in New York last month was to be patient. It paid off in her first Boston Marathon, when the Kenyan broke away in the final 2 miles to win the women's title, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 21 minutes and 38 seconds. Amane Beriso of Ethiopia was second, 12 seconds back, followed another seven seconds behind by Israeli Lonah Salpeter. Obiri said she felt a lot more comfortable in her approach after finishing sixth in the New York Marathon last year.Boston Marathon debuts nonbinary divisionBOSTON (AP) — Cal Calamia waited extra long to run the Boston Marathon. Being able to enter as a nonbinary athlete made it worth the delay. Calamia had hoped to run in 2020, when the race was canceled because of COVID-19. In 2021, they were sidelined by a soccer injury. Calamia said adding the category made it "already a win." The 26-year-old San Franciscan advocated for the new division and ran with a transgender flag patch on their singlet. Calamia was second to Kae Ravichandran of Vermont. Twenty-seven runners registered as nonbinary.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Tuesday

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

#20 Wichita State at #3 Oklahoma State Tuesday, April 18&nbsp;| 6 PM Stillwater, Okla. | Cowgirl&nbsp;Stadium StatBroadcast.com QUICK HITS • Wichita State is ranked in all four polls: NFCA (#20), Softball America (#20), D1 Softball (#22) and USA Softball (#23). • Wichita State's 36-8 record is the best start through 44 games in school history. • Wichita State is 9-1 in its last 10 games. • Wichita State has two Top 10 wins this season - #9 Arkansas and #2 Oklahoma State. • Wichita State's win over #2 Oklahoma State was the highest ranked win in school history. • Wichita State has nine shutouts through 44 games. The 2022 Shockers had five all season. • After playing just 11 home games in 2022, Wichita State has 27 games at Wilkins Stadium in 2023. • Wichita State received three first place votes in the AAC Preseason Poll and was picked to finish 2nd, just one point behind UCF. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;has been awarded AAC Player of the Week honors three times in 2023 (Feb. 20, April 3, April 10). •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;was American Player of the Week on March 27. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;is a 2-time AAC Pitcher of the Week (Mar. 20, Apr. 10). •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7244">Lauren Howell</a>&nbsp;has been named the American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week twice (Feb. 20, March 6). • McKinney was named the Softball America Player of the Month for February. • McKinney was also named the Louisville Slugger/NFCA National Player of the Week on Feb. 21. • McKinney leads the country in hits and batting average. • McKinney led the nation in hits and batting average in 2022. • McKinney is the NCAA DI active leader in hits and at bats. • McKinney became the first Shocker with 300 career hits on Feb. 19 vs. FDU. • McKinney is the program's all-time hits, batting average, runs and total bases leader, while also owning single season records for those categories. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;was named AAC Player of the Week on Feb. 13. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;has 67 career home runs, the most all time at Wichita State and in American Athletic Conference history. • Barnard finished the 2022 season leading the nation in home runs per game and RBI per game, and ranked second in home runs, RBI and slugging percentage. • Barnard's 33 home runs broke her own single season record. • Barnard became the first known player in NCAA history with 30+ home runs and 25+ stolen bases. • Barnard is the only active DI player with 60+ HR and 50+ SB. • Barnard ranks 2nd among NCAA DI active players in career home runs. • McKinney and Barnard were named to the USA Softball Top 50 Collegiate Player of the Year Watch List. SERIES HISTORY VS. OKLAHOMA STATE The series between Wichita State and Oklahoma State dates all the way back to the first meeting on March 25, 1978. Wichita State won that first-ever matchup, only to see Oklahoma State win the next 56 in a row. The Cowgirls lead the all-time series, 86-15. Eight of those 15 wins have come under&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/kristi-bredbenner/1072">Kristi Bredbenner</a>. LAST MEETING WITH THE COWGIRLS Wichita State took down the second-ranked Cowgirls just two weeks ago in Wichita, 8-7. The Shockers jumped out to a 4-0 lead only to see Oklahoma State score five unanswered. Wichita State put together a four-run bottom of the fourth to retake the lead, 8-5. OSU scored two in the fifth, but the Shockers shut it down in the sixth and seventh innings, marking the highest ranked win in school history. MCKINNEY, AGUILAR SWEEP AAC WEEKLY HONORS <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;swept the American Athletic Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week honors on April 10. The nation's leading hitter, McKinney, went 9-for-13 over four games, slashing .692/.722/1.077. She was responsible for 18 runs (9 RBI, 9 runs scored) behind a triple, home run, four walks and a pair of stolen bases. Aguilar notched her second Pitcher of the Week honor after tossing 11.0 scoreless innings in two appearances over the weekend. Aguilar was 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA and eight strikeouts. TOP 10 WINS Wichita State owns a pair of Top 10 wins in 2023 after taking down No. 2 Oklahoma State on April 4. The win over the Cowgirls marked the highest ranked win in program history, having never beaten a Top 5 team before the matchup. Wichita State's resume now includes wins over No. 2 Oklahoma State and No. 9 Arkansas (March 14), making it the first season in school history with multiple Top 10 victories. Wichita State has three Top 10 wins under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/kristi-bredbenner/1072">Kristi Bredbenner</a>, all three coming in the last three seasons. DON'T LET ADDIE GET HOT One of the nation's premiere home run hitters got off to a slow start in 2023, but seems to be getting into a groove. In her first 17 games of the season,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;had just two home runs. She has 10 in her last 23 games, including her first multi-home run game of 2023 vs. Northern Colorado. On March 17 vs. Northern Colorado, Barnard became the school's all-time home run leader with her 59th career round-tripper, passing Madison Perrigan's previous mark of 58. She also sits at the top of the list in American Athletic Conference history. STREAKIN' Wichita State recently saw its second double digit win streak of the 2023 season come to an end. The Shockers had won 12 straight during the series with Houston, tied for the 3rd longest in school history.&nbsp; &nbsp;

RPI - WEEK SEVEN Wichita State checked in at No. 25 in the week seven RPI rankings on April 17. The Shockers have already faced 10 teams in the Top 75, including No. 3 Oklahoma State, No. 4 Stanford, No. 15 Arkansas, No. 31 Nebraska, No. 34 UCF, No. 38 Minnesota, No. 39 Boise State, No. 41 San Diego State, No. 48 Texas State, No. 53 South Dakota State, No. 56 South Florida and No. 61 Kansas. Wichita State still has games against No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 3 Oklahoma State and No. 61 Kansas. SHOCKER SLUGGERS RETURN Wichita State returns 100 of the 121 home runs hit from the 2022 team. Led by&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;(33), Wichita State brings back one of the nation's best offenses in 2023.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-mills/7237">Lauren Mills</a>&nbsp;(16),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;(15),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;(13),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;(10),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jessica-garcia/7233">Jessica Garcia</a>&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7229">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;(4),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-urban/7242">Bailey Urban</a>&nbsp;(3) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7238">Krystin Nelson</a>&nbsp;(1) combined to hit the century mark in homers. PITCHERS BEWARE Wichita State obliterated the single season home run record for the second straight season in 2022. The Shockers crushed 103 in 2021, only to see the 2022 team set a new mark of 121. It only took 42 games for the 2022 team to match that number of 103. Wichita State has finished second nationally in home runs each of the last two seasons, behind only Oklahoma. ALL HAIL THE HIT QUEEN •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;is Wichita State's all-time hits leader with 358 in her career. She passed Britnee Barnett on April 29, 2022 vs. ECU with No. 251. • McKinney is the NCAA DI active career leader in hits (358) and at bats (794). She ranks 2nd in runs scored (234), third in batting average (.451) and total bases (516) and 5th in triples (16). • McKinney became the first Shocker with 300 career hits on Feb. 19 vs. FDU. • McKinney's 234 career runs scored are the most in school history. • McKinney shattered her own single season record for batting average. She set it at .439 in 2021 and hit a nation-leading .522 in 2022. • With a career OBP of .501, McKinney currently holds the top spot in that category as well at Wichita State. • She ranks second with 16 career triples. • Her 42 career doubles place her in 5th on the school's all-time list. ONE OF THREE Wichita State is one of only three schools in the country, joining Oklahoma and Arkansas, to return multiple NFCA All-Americans from a season ago. The Shockers of course bring back NFCA Second Team All-Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>. THE AMERICAN STANDARD Since Wichita State entered the American Athletic Conference in 2018, the Shockers have been the league's top offensive team in the league. Not counting the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, Wichita State has led the American in batting average (2021, 2022), slugging percentage (2018-22), on base percentage (2019-22), runs (2019-22), hits (2022), RBI (2019-22), doubles (2018, 2021-22), home runs (2018-22), total bases (2018-22) and walks (2019, 2021). HOME SWEET HOME Just a season ago Wichita State took on the role of road warrior. The Shockers have 27 home games at Wilkins Stadium compared to only 11 in 2022. During the month of March Wichita State only leaves Wichita once. Seventeen of those 27 home games take place in the month of March, including matchups against 2022 NCAA Regional teams: Stanford, Nebraska, Missouri State, Arkansas, Minnesota and South Florida. IN THE AMERICAN RECORD BOOKS Wichita State is well-represented in the American Athletic Conference record books. Currently&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;holds the single-season record for batting average, hits, on base percentage and runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;is the single-season record holder for home runs, RBI, slugging percentage and total bases. On the career charts, McKinney already enters her final season holding the top spot in batting average, on base percentage, runs, total bases and hits. Barnard is the all-time home run leader and needs 27 RBI to surpass Wichita State's own Madison Perrigan for the most all-time in American history. UP NEXT Wichita State hosts East Carolina for senior weekend, April 21-23, at Wilkins Stadium.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;#20 Wichita State at #3 Oklahoma State Tuesday, April 18&nbsp;| 6 PM Stillwater, Okla. | Cowgirl&nbsp;Stadium StatBroadcast.com QUICK HITS • Wichita State is ranked in all four polls: NFCA (#20), Softball America (#20), D1 Softball (#22) and USA Softball (#23). • Wichita State's 36-8 record is the best start through 44 games in school history. • Wichita State is 9-1 in its last 10 games. • Wichita State has two Top 10 wins this season - #9 Arkansas and #2 Oklahoma State. • Wichita State's win over #2 Oklahoma State was the highest ranked win in school history. • Wichita State has nine shutouts through 44 games. The 2022 Shockers had five all season. • After playing just 11 home games in 2022, Wichita State has 27 games at Wilkins Stadium in 2023. • Wichita State received three first place votes in the AAC Preseason Poll and was picked to finish 2nd, just one point behind UCF. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;has been awarded AAC Player of the Week honors three times in 2023 (Feb. 20, April 3, April 10). •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;was American Player of the Week on March 27. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;is a 2-time AAC Pitcher of the Week (Mar. 20, Apr. 10). •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7244">Lauren Howell</a>&nbsp;has been named the American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week twice (Feb. 20, March 6). • McKinney was named the Softball America Player of the Month for February. • McKinney was also named the Louisville Slugger/NFCA National Player of the Week on Feb. 21. • McKinney leads the country in hits and batting average. • McKinney led the nation in hits and batting average in 2022. • McKinney is the NCAA DI active leader in hits and at bats. • McKinney became the first Shocker with 300 career hits on Feb. 19 vs. FDU. • McKinney is the program's all-time hits, batting average, runs and total bases leader, while also owning single season records for those categories. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;was named AAC Player of the Week on Feb. 13. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;has 67 career home runs, the most all time at Wichita State and in American Athletic Conference history. • Barnard finished the 2022 season leading the nation in home runs per game and RBI per game, and ranked second in home runs, RBI and slugging percentage. • Barnard's 33 home runs broke her own single season record. • Barnard became the first known player in NCAA history with 30+ home runs and 25+ stolen bases. • Barnard is the only active DI player with 60+ HR and 50+ SB. • Barnard ranks 2nd among NCAA DI active players in career home runs. • McKinney and Barnard were named to the USA Softball Top 50 Collegiate Player of the Year Watch List. SERIES HISTORY VS. OKLAHOMA STATE The series between Wichita State and Oklahoma State dates all the way back to the first meeting on March 25, 1978. Wichita State won that first-ever matchup, only to see Oklahoma State win the next 56 in a row. The Cowgirls lead the all-time series, 86-15. Eight of those 15 wins have come under&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/kristi-bredbenner/1072">Kristi Bredbenner</a>. LAST MEETING WITH THE COWGIRLS Wichita State took down the second-ranked Cowgirls just two weeks ago in Wichita, 8-7. The Shockers jumped out to a 4-0 lead only to see Oklahoma State score five unanswered. Wichita State put together a four-run bottom of the fourth to retake the lead, 8-5. OSU scored two in the fifth, but the Shockers shut it down in the sixth and seventh innings, marking the highest ranked win in school history. MCKINNEY, AGUILAR SWEEP AAC WEEKLY HONORS <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;swept the American Athletic Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week honors on April 10. The nation's leading hitter, McKinney, went 9-for-13 over four games, slashing .692/.722/1.077. She was responsible for 18 runs (9 RBI, 9 runs scored) behind a triple, home run, four walks and a pair of stolen bases. Aguilar notched her second Pitcher of the Week honor after tossing 11.0 scoreless innings in two appearances over the weekend. Aguilar was 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA and eight strikeouts. TOP 10 WINS Wichita State owns a pair of Top 10 wins in 2023 after taking down No. 2 Oklahoma State on April 4. The win over the Cowgirls marked the highest ranked win in program history, having never beaten a Top 5 team before the matchup. Wichita State's resume now includes wins over No. 2 Oklahoma State and No. 9 Arkansas (March 14), making it the first season in school history with multiple Top 10 victories. Wichita State has three Top 10 wins under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/kristi-bredbenner/1072">Kristi Bredbenner</a>, all three coming in the last three seasons. DON'T LET ADDIE GET HOT One of the nation's premiere home run hitters got off to a slow start in 2023, but seems to be getting into a groove. In her first 17 games of the season,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;had just two home runs. She has 10 in her last 23 games, including her first multi-home run game of 2023 vs. Northern Colorado. On March 17 vs. Northern Colorado, Barnard became the school's all-time home run leader with her 59th career round-tripper, passing Madison Perrigan's previous mark of 58. She also sits at the top of the list in American Athletic Conference history. STREAKIN' Wichita State recently saw its second double digit win streak of the 2023 season come to an end. The Shockers had won 12 straight during the series with Houston, tied for the 3rd longest in school history.&nbsp; &nbsp;RPI - WEEK SEVEN Wichita State checked in at No. 25 in the week seven RPI rankings on April 17. The Shockers have already faced 10 teams in the Top 75, including No. 3 Oklahoma State, No. 4 Stanford, No. 15 Arkansas, No. 31 Nebraska, No. 34 UCF, No. 38 Minnesota, No. 39 Boise State, No. 41 San Diego State, No. 48 Texas State, No. 53 South Dakota State, No. 56 South Florida and No. 61 Kansas. Wichita State still has games against No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 3 Oklahoma State and No. 61 Kansas. SHOCKER SLUGGERS RETURN Wichita State returns 100 of the 121 home runs hit from the 2022 team. Led by&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;(33), Wichita State brings back one of the nation's best offenses in 2023.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-mills/7237">Lauren Mills</a>&nbsp;(16),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;(15),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;(13),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;(10),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jessica-garcia/7233">Jessica Garcia</a>&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7229">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;(4),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-urban/7242">Bailey Urban</a>&nbsp;(3) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7238">Krystin Nelson</a>&nbsp;(1) combined to hit the century mark in homers. PITCHERS BEWARE Wichita State obliterated the single season home run record for the second straight season in 2022. The Shockers crushed 103 in 2021, only to see the 2022 team set a new mark of 121. It only took 42 games for the 2022 team to match that number of 103. Wichita State has finished second nationally in home runs each of the last two seasons, behind only Oklahoma. ALL HAIL THE HIT QUEEN •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;is Wichita State's all-time hits leader with 358 in her career. She passed Britnee Barnett on April 29, 2022 vs. ECU with No. 251. • McKinney is the NCAA DI active career leader in hits (358) and at bats (794). She ranks 2nd in runs scored (234), third in batting average (.451) and total bases (516) and 5th in triples (16). • McKinney became the first Shocker with 300 career hits on Feb. 19 vs. FDU. • McKinney's 234 career runs scored are the most in school history. • McKinney shattered her own single season record for batting average. She set it at .439 in 2021 and hit a nation-leading .522 in 2022. • With a career OBP of .501, McKinney currently holds the top spot in that category as well at Wichita State. • She ranks second with 16 career triples. • Her 42 career doubles place her in 5th on the school's all-time list. ONE OF THREE Wichita State is one of only three schools in the country, joining Oklahoma and Arkansas, to return multiple NFCA All-Americans from a season ago. The Shockers of course bring back NFCA Second Team All-Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>. THE AMERICAN STANDARD Since Wichita State entered the American Athletic Conference in 2018, the Shockers have been the league's top offensive team in the league. Not counting the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, Wichita State has led the American in batting average (2021, 2022), slugging percentage (2018-22), on base percentage (2019-22), runs (2019-22), hits (2022), RBI (2019-22), doubles (2018, 2021-22), home runs (2018-22), total bases (2018-22) and walks (2019, 2021). HOME SWEET HOME Just a season ago Wichita State took on the role of road warrior. The Shockers have 27 home games at Wilkins Stadium compared to only 11 in 2022. During the month of March Wichita State only leaves Wichita once. Seventeen of those 27 home games take place in the month of March, including matchups against 2022 NCAA Regional teams: Stanford, Nebraska, Missouri State, Arkansas, Minnesota and South Florida. IN THE AMERICAN RECORD BOOKS Wichita State is well-represented in the American Athletic Conference record books. Currently&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;holds the single-season record for batting average, hits, on base percentage and runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;is the single-season record holder for home runs, RBI, slugging percentage and total bases. On the career charts, McKinney already enters her final season holding the top spot in batting average, on base percentage, runs, total bases and hits. Barnard is the all-time home run leader and needs 27 RBI to surpass Wichita State's own Madison Perrigan for the most all-time in American history. UP NEXT Wichita State hosts East Carolina for senior weekend, April 21-23, at Wilkins Stadium.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Shockers and Cowgirls set for rematch in Stillwater

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State returns to Tointon Family Stadium to host Wichita State in the first home-and-home series meeting on Tuesday night with game time slated for 6 p.m. 

The Wildcats are coming off a historic Dillons Sunflower Showdown sweep over Kansas to enter the midweek game 24-14 overall. Wichita State is on a two-game winning streak after taking the series against Tulane for an overall 20-15 record. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/10966">Jackson Wentworth</a>&nbsp;will head to the mound for the Wildcats on Tuesday with a record of 1-3. Wichita State leads the all-time series 56-44 while K-State is 26-18 when playing at home. &nbsp; The midweek game will be streamed on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage available on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). Live streaming audio is available for the three-game series at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app. With construction ongoing on the new Morgan Family Arena, parking for baseball games at Tointon Family Stadium will be impacted during the 2023 season. Fans are advised to park in the west parking lot of Bill Snyder&nbsp;Stadium and do so by entering through Gate 3 via College Avenue across from Ascension Via Christi Hospital. Gate 1 and Gate 2 will be closed for the duration of the 2023 baseball season. When proceeding to the stadium on foot, fans are advised to exit the west parking lot along the pedestrian path between Gate 1 and Gate 2 and then proceed to the stadium via the sidewalk along College Avenue.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Tickets are on sale for the entire 2023 season, starting at just $5 when purchased in advance at&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AKSU%3AKS21%3AB01%3A&amp;linkID=kansuse&amp;shopperContext=&amp;pc=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=&amp;groupCode=BSSG&amp;cgc=&amp;dataAccId=187&amp;locale=en_US&amp;siteId=ev_kansuse">K-StateSports.com/Tickets</a>, by calling 800-221-CATS or visiting the K-State Athletics Ticket Office. GAME #39 K-STATE (24-14, 9-6 Big 12) vs. WICHITA STATE (20-15, 5-4 American) Tuesday, April 17 | 6 p.m. | Tointon Family Stadium (2,331) Projected Starters: RHP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/10966">Jackson Wentworth</a>&nbsp;v. TBD Watch: Big 12 Now on ESPN+ Radio: 1350AM/93.3/93.7FM Listen Online:&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a> <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sidearmstats/baseball/summary">Live Stats</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=BSST&amp;linkID=kansuse&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=&amp;_gl=1*kkllam*_ga*MTM0MzY1NjU4OS4xNjczMjgwNDM5*_ga_1ZXMBEL67G*MTY4MTc1OTU3Ni41MTMuMS4xNjgxNzY2OTMzLjYwLjAuMA..&amp;_ga=2.131516751.1726419283.1679099681-1343656589.1673280439">Tickets</a> A LOOK AT K-STATE The Wildcats look to expand their four-game winning streak as they enter week 24-14 overall after a Big 12 sweep over KU …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;is in his fifth season at the helm and has compiled an 122-106 (.535) record during his time with Wildcats … Hughes is 774-598-3 (.564) in his 26 years as a head coach … K-State is slashing .273/.406/.467 as a team which includes 65 doubles, eight triples and 55 home runs with two starters hitting over .300 … K-State leads the nation in walks with 259 while ranking seventh in sacrifice flies (24) …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;lead the offense each hitting .336 along with a team-high 35 walks each while combing for 81 RBI …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;have sent nine homers out of the ball park this season and rank second and third in RBI combing for 86 this season … Goodwin and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;have started in all 38 games for K-State at shortstop and center field… Jones ranks second in the league with 21 stolen bases which ranks 21st&nbsp;in the nation … Goodwin leads the nation in sac flies with seven … As a team, the Wildcats are dangerous on the base path with a league-high 88 stolen bases which ranks 10th&nbsp;in Division I … The Wildcats have a 4.83 team ERA with 348 strikeouts compared to 133 walks … K-State leads the league and ranks 31st&nbsp;in DI with a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio while also leading the Big 12 in fewest walks per nine innings at 3.63 and total walks allowed … Sixteen pitchers have made appearances on the mound with five making over 10 outings this year while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/german-fajardo/10949">German Fajardo</a>&nbsp;has a team-high 10 starts … Left-handed&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;ranks second in the league with 64 total strikeouts while the Minnesota product is just one-of-six pitchers to strikeout 12+ in a single game … &nbsp; SCOUTING WICHITA STATE Wichita State comes to Manhattan with an overall 20-15 record with the Shockers posting a 9-8 record of the road … WSU is led by interim head coach Loren Hibbs following his 27 seasons spent at the helm of the Charlotte baseball program … The Shockers are slashing .297/.384/.480 averaging 7.3 runs a game on 10.2 hits … WSU has totaled 128 extra-base hits including 43 homers … Six starters are hitting over .300 led by Brock Rodden … The junior infielder is hitting .353 on the year with 41 RBI and 37 runs scored … Ten shockers have sent one out of the park this season led by Rodden with 10 to go along with a team-high .683 slugging-percentage … On the mound, Kansas has a 4.72 team ERA with opponents hitting .255 with a 1.57 strikeout-to-walk ratio … Left-hander Payton Tolle has earned six victories on the mound this year over nine starts … Caden Favors leads in appearances with 17 followed by Nate Snead at 15 as the duo has combined for 61 innings and 60 strikeouts … INSIDE THE SERIES Wichita State leads the all-time series 56-44 since its start in 1906 … The Wildcats are 26-18 when playing in Manhattan … The Cats are 3-2 in the last five meetings and 6-4 over the last 10 … Under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>, K-State is 3-3 … The Wildcats won the season home-and-home series last year, 2-0, outscoring the Shockers 15-2 … In the 100th&nbsp;all-time meeting,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/german-fajardo/10949">German Fajardo</a>&nbsp;punched out a career-high 10 batters and yielded only one hit over six innings to lead the Cats to a 3-1 victory … &nbsp; W, 7-2 – May 1, 2019 (Manhattan) L, 1-2 – Feb. 26, 2020 (Wichita) L, 1-5 – March 23, 2021 (Wichita) W, 12-1 – April 18, 2022 (Wichita) W, 3-1 – May 3, 2022 (Manhattan) A SEASON OF FIRSTS The Wildcats' Dillons Sunflower Showdown series sweep was the first sweep over KU on the road since 2013 … The 2023 team is the fastest team to nine conference wins in program history … Fastest team to 24 overall wins since 2013 … First team to 11 road wins in a season and is just two wins shy of tying a program record 13 done by the 2013 and 1991 teams … K-State completed its first sweep over Oklahoma at home since 1990 … The sweep over the Sooners marked the first Big 12 series win since 2013 … K-State is the first member of the Big 12 to reach nine conference victories this season … First time in 123-years of K-State baseball history the Wildcats led off the season with a four-game road series sweep … BRING OUT THE BROOMS K-State has swept four three-plus game series this season including two Big 12 foes which marks the first since 2013 … The Cats are 13-0 in the four series and have outscored opponents 144-72 (+72) … The Wildcats plated 21 runs in the series finale against the KU Jayhawks in the highest-scoring game in series history to complete the Showdown sweep … K-State is the only program in the Big 12 to have two conference sweeps this season … AROUND THE LEAGUE Texas leads the Big 12 standings with an 8-4 league record and 26-12 overall with the Wildcats following closely behind in second at 9-6 and 24-14 overall … The sweep over KU marks the Cats fourth consecutive victory which is the current highest streak in the league … TCU (22-14, 7-5) ranks third in the standings followed by West Virginia (25-11, 5-4) and Oklahoma State (24-13, 8-7) closing the top five … Texas Tech (25-12, 6-6) ranks sixth followed by Kansas (17-18, 5-7), Baylor (13-23, 5-10) and Oklahoma (19-18, 4-8) … WALK THE WALK The Cats have walked a nation-leading 259 times this season, averaging 6.8 per contest …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;lead the Wildcats with 35 total walks each which ranks 14th&nbsp;in Division I and third in the Big 12 … K-State has registered double figure walks in eight games this season … The Cats had 16 walks against Youngstown State (March 10) which was nine short of matching the Division I all-time record … K-State is on pace to break the single-season Top 10 leaderboard with just 17 left to match the 10th&nbsp;top performance of 276 set in 1982 … The Wildcats all-time single-season walks record was set in 1995 with 382 … GOTTA BE QUICKER THAN THAT K-State has caused troubles on the base path for opponents, stealing a league-high 88 bases which ranks 10th&nbsp;in all Division I while sitting 17th&nbsp;with 2.32 per game …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;has been the speedster for the Cats lineup with 21 stolen bases which is second in the Big 12 and 21st&nbsp;among all Division I players … The Cats nearly matched the program record with 11 stolen bases against Youngstown State (March 10) and were just one base shy of matching the record … The Cats 88 stolen bases surpasses the 2022 season total by 46 … The K-State single-season record is 149 set in 2009 thru 62 games … R-E-S-P-E-C-T <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/10960">Raphael Pelletier</a>&nbsp;continues to be a threat behind the plate as the redshirt-sophomore catcher from Mascouche, Quebec, Canada has thrown out a league-high 11 runners this season after tossing out a runner in the series against nationally-ranked Texas … As a team, K-State is second in the league in caught stealing with 19 runners thrown out while having the lowest stolen base attempt percentage at .406&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;… THE LONG BALL K-State has launched 55 balls out of the park this season which ranks second in the Big 12 and 38th&nbsp;across Division I …&nbsp; Eleven players have recorded multiple homers this season led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;each with nine this season … Goodwin leads the current career leaderboard with 30 which ranks fifth on the all-time leaderboard …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;hit the Cats only game leadoff home run in the series opener against the West Virginia … … Four players have hit multiple homers in a single game with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/orlando-salinas-jr-/10965">Orlando Salinas, Jr.</a>, Pena … The Cats have produced 80+ home runs the past two seasons … K-State hit back-to-back home runs for the second time this season since with back-to-back solo shots by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dom-hughes/10952">Dom Hughes</a>&nbsp;and Goodwin … Four Wildcats have hit three grand slams this season with the last coming from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyan-lodice/10956">Kyan Lodice</a>&nbsp;against Kansas (April 16) … Johnson and Pena each launched a grand slam against SFA (Feb. 20) to mark the first time since 2010 where two Wildcats posted grand slams in the same game … 47 homers have been against right-handed pitchers, 24 are solo shots while 22 have come with one-out … The Wildcats were the only team to produce double digit bombs in the opening weekend (10) … The Wildcats sent five deep and out in the series finale against No. 24 West Virginia marking the fourth time in the Hughes era, and second this season … The five home runs were just short two of matching a program record seven … LAST TIME OUT In the highest scoring game in series history, K-State won 21-18 over Kansas to complete the Dillons Sunflower Showdown sweep at Hoglund Ballpark on Sunday … K-State scored 21 runs on 19 hits with two errors … The Wildcats scored 13 runs in the second inning … Second time this season Cats posted a 10+ run inning …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyan-lodice/10956">Kyan Lodice</a>&nbsp;launched his first collegiate grand slam; Cats fifth of the season … First 10+ run against KU since 2017 and first 20+ run game since 1988 … Heyne picked up his third win with four strikeouts … Highest scoring game in series history; surpassed KU's 22-16 win on May 15, 1931 … Nine different players recorded a hit; seven had multiple … Day produced his third straight three-hit game … Rugely, Day and Johnson each had three hits …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;and Lodice each led with six-RBI … The bullpen combined for 11 earned runs and 11 strikeouts … Rugely reached base for the 20th&nbsp;straight game followed by Day (17) and Pelletier (14) … KU scored 18 runs on 17 hits with four errors … Each team stranded 12 on base … Cats now lead the all-time series 186-177-1 and are 74-92 in Lawrence … A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS K-State has a season +95 run differential through 38 games averaging 8.1 runs on 9.1 hits ... The Wildcats have outscored opponents 45-29 in the fourth inning alone and 108-49 (+59) from the seventh and on … Cats are 17-3 when leading after the sixth and 3-0 when tied after six ... K-State is 10-8 when committing no errors in a game … Conversely, K-State has won 14 games when one or more errors are committed, 14-6 overall ... The Wildcats are 18-6 when scoring first and 8-5 when scoring in the first inning … K-State has outhit opponents on 19 occasions this season and is 5-14 when being outhit … &nbsp;The Cats are 16-2 when limiting opponents to five or less runs and are 6-5 in one-run games… K-State is 19-9 when playing afternoon games and 5-5 when playing under the lights … The Cats have won 20 games against right-handed starters while going 4-6 against lefties … FROM THE 'PEN Under the guidance pitching coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/rudy-darrow/1946">Rudy Darrow</a>, the Cats pitching staff has produced a 4.83 ERA which ranks fourth in the Big 12 with outings from 16 different players this season … &nbsp;The Wildcats have struck out 348 batters this season compared to 133 walks, averaging 9.5 strikeouts per nine innings which ranks third in the Big 12 … K-State's pitching staff leads the lead with a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio which is 31st&nbsp;in Division I … The Cats lead the Big 12 with fewest walks allowed per nine innings at 3.63 and fewest allowed overall with 133 … Four players have earned at least three victories on the mound led by newcomer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;with four followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/mason-buss/10969">Mason Buss</a>&nbsp;each with three … Boerema earned his fourth victory in the series opener against Oklahoma limiting the Sooners to one run with seven strikeouts during his six innings … The Litchfield, Minn., product is one of six players to strikeout 12+ batters in a single-game after fanning 12 against No. 21 Texas (April 7), ranks second in the league with 64 total strikeouts… Right-hander&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/german-fajardo/10949">German Fajardo</a>&nbsp;has made a team-high 10 starts on the mound this season, ranks eighth in the nation … Four different players have earned a save this year led by sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;with a league-high six which is the 25th-best in D1… &nbsp; UP NEXT The Cats will head to the Golden State for a four-game road trip against UC-Irvine and UC-Riverside. K-State will take on the UCI Anteaters in a three-game series starting on April 21 at the Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark in Irvine, Calif. The series against UCI will be streamed on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). Live streaming audio is available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State returns to Tointon Family Stadium to host Wichita State in the first home-and-home series meeting on Tuesday night with game time slated for 6 p.m. The Wildcats are coming off a historic Dillons Sunflower Showdown sweep over Kansas to enter the midweek game 24-14 overall. Wichita State is on a two-game winning streak after taking the series against Tulane for an overall 20-15 record. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/10966">Jackson Wentworth</a>&nbsp;will head to the mound for the Wildcats on Tuesday with a record of 1-3. Wichita State leads the all-time series 56-44 while K-State is 26-18 when playing at home. &nbsp; The midweek game will be streamed on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage available on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). Live streaming audio is available for the three-game series at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app. With construction ongoing on the new Morgan Family Arena, parking for baseball games at Tointon Family Stadium will be impacted during the 2023 season. Fans are advised to park in the west parking lot of Bill Snyder&nbsp;Stadium and do so by entering through Gate 3 via College Avenue across from Ascension Via Christi Hospital. Gate 1 and Gate 2 will be closed for the duration of the 2023 baseball season. When proceeding to the stadium on foot, fans are advised to exit the west parking lot along the pedestrian path between Gate 1 and Gate 2 and then proceed to the stadium via the sidewalk along College Avenue.&nbsp; &nbsp;Tickets are on sale for the entire 2023 season, starting at just $5 when purchased in advance at&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AKSU%3AKS21%3AB01%3A&amp;linkID=kansuse&amp;shopperContext=&amp;pc=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=&amp;groupCode=BSSG&amp;cgc=&amp;dataAccId=187&amp;locale=en_US&amp;siteId=ev_kansuse">K-StateSports.com/Tickets</a>, by calling 800-221-CATS or visiting the K-State Athletics Ticket Office. GAME #39 K-STATE (24-14, 9-6 Big 12) vs. WICHITA STATE (20-15, 5-4 American) Tuesday, April 17 | 6 p.m. | Tointon Family Stadium (2,331) Projected Starters: RHP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/10966">Jackson Wentworth</a>&nbsp;v. TBD Watch: Big 12 Now on ESPN+ Radio: 1350AM/93.3/93.7FM Listen Online:&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a> <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sidearmstats/baseball/summary">Live Stats</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=BSST&amp;linkID=kansuse&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=&amp;_gl=1*kkllam*_ga*MTM0MzY1NjU4OS4xNjczMjgwNDM5*_ga_1ZXMBEL67G*MTY4MTc1OTU3Ni41MTMuMS4xNjgxNzY2OTMzLjYwLjAuMA..&amp;_ga=2.131516751.1726419283.1679099681-1343656589.1673280439">Tickets</a> A LOOK AT K-STATE The Wildcats look to expand their four-game winning streak as they enter week 24-14 overall after a Big 12 sweep over KU …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;is in his fifth season at the helm and has compiled an 122-106 (.535) record during his time with Wildcats … Hughes is 774-598-3 (.564) in his 26 years as a head coach … K-State is slashing .273/.406/.467 as a team which includes 65 doubles, eight triples and 55 home runs with two starters hitting over .300 … K-State leads the nation in walks with 259 while ranking seventh in sacrifice flies (24) …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;lead the offense each hitting .336 along with a team-high 35 walks each while combing for 81 RBI …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;have sent nine homers out of the ball park this season and rank second and third in RBI combing for 86 this season … Goodwin and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;have started in all 38 games for K-State at shortstop and center field… Jones ranks second in the league with 21 stolen bases which ranks 21st&nbsp;in the nation … Goodwin leads the nation in sac flies with seven … As a team, the Wildcats are dangerous on the base path with a league-high 88 stolen bases which ranks 10th&nbsp;in Division I … The Wildcats have a 4.83 team ERA with 348 strikeouts compared to 133 walks … K-State leads the league and ranks 31st&nbsp;in DI with a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio while also leading the Big 12 in fewest walks per nine innings at 3.63 and total walks allowed … Sixteen pitchers have made appearances on the mound with five making over 10 outings this year while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/german-fajardo/10949">German Fajardo</a>&nbsp;has a team-high 10 starts … Left-handed&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;ranks second in the league with 64 total strikeouts while the Minnesota product is just one-of-six pitchers to strikeout 12+ in a single game … &nbsp; SCOUTING WICHITA STATE Wichita State comes to Manhattan with an overall 20-15 record with the Shockers posting a 9-8 record of the road … WSU is led by interim head coach Loren Hibbs following his 27 seasons spent at the helm of the Charlotte baseball program … The Shockers are slashing .297/.384/.480 averaging 7.3 runs a game on 10.2 hits … WSU has totaled 128 extra-base hits including 43 homers … Six starters are hitting over .300 led by Brock Rodden … The junior infielder is hitting .353 on the year with 41 RBI and 37 runs scored … Ten shockers have sent one out of the park this season led by Rodden with 10 to go along with a team-high .683 slugging-percentage … On the mound, Kansas has a 4.72 team ERA with opponents hitting .255 with a 1.57 strikeout-to-walk ratio … Left-hander Payton Tolle has earned six victories on the mound this year over nine starts … Caden Favors leads in appearances with 17 followed by Nate Snead at 15 as the duo has combined for 61 innings and 60 strikeouts … INSIDE THE SERIES Wichita State leads the all-time series 56-44 since its start in 1906 … The Wildcats are 26-18 when playing in Manhattan … The Cats are 3-2 in the last five meetings and 6-4 over the last 10 … Under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>, K-State is 3-3 … The Wildcats won the season home-and-home series last year, 2-0, outscoring the Shockers 15-2 … In the 100th&nbsp;all-time meeting,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/german-fajardo/10949">German Fajardo</a>&nbsp;punched out a career-high 10 batters and yielded only one hit over six innings to lead the Cats to a 3-1 victory … &nbsp; W, 7-2 – May 1, 2019 (Manhattan) L, 1-2 – Feb. 26, 2020 (Wichita) L, 1-5 – March 23, 2021 (Wichita) W, 12-1 – April 18, 2022 (Wichita) W, 3-1 – May 3, 2022 (Manhattan) A SEASON OF FIRSTS The Wildcats' Dillons Sunflower Showdown series sweep was the first sweep over KU on the road since 2013 … The 2023 team is the fastest team to nine conference wins in program history … Fastest team to 24 overall wins since 2013 … First team to 11 road wins in a season and is just two wins shy of tying a program record 13 done by the 2013 and 1991 teams … K-State completed its first sweep over Oklahoma at home since 1990 … The sweep over the Sooners marked the first Big 12 series win since 2013 … K-State is the first member of the Big 12 to reach nine conference victories this season … First time in 123-years of K-State baseball history the Wildcats led off the season with a four-game road series sweep … BRING OUT THE BROOMS K-State has swept four three-plus game series this season including two Big 12 foes which marks the first since 2013 … The Cats are 13-0 in the four series and have outscored opponents 144-72 (+72) … The Wildcats plated 21 runs in the series finale against the KU Jayhawks in the highest-scoring game in series history to complete the Showdown sweep … K-State is the only program in the Big 12 to have two conference sweeps this season … AROUND THE LEAGUE Texas leads the Big 12 standings with an 8-4 league record and 26-12 overall with the Wildcats following closely behind in second at 9-6 and 24-14 overall … The sweep over KU marks the Cats fourth consecutive victory which is the current highest streak in the league … TCU (22-14, 7-5) ranks third in the standings followed by West Virginia (25-11, 5-4) and Oklahoma State (24-13, 8-7) closing the top five … Texas Tech (25-12, 6-6) ranks sixth followed by Kansas (17-18, 5-7), Baylor (13-23, 5-10) and Oklahoma (19-18, 4-8) … WALK THE WALK The Cats have walked a nation-leading 259 times this season, averaging 6.8 per contest …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;lead the Wildcats with 35 total walks each which ranks 14th&nbsp;in Division I and third in the Big 12 … K-State has registered double figure walks in eight games this season … The Cats had 16 walks against Youngstown State (March 10) which was nine short of matching the Division I all-time record … K-State is on pace to break the single-season Top 10 leaderboard with just 17 left to match the 10th&nbsp;top performance of 276 set in 1982 … The Wildcats all-time single-season walks record was set in 1995 with 382 … GOTTA BE QUICKER THAN THAT K-State has caused troubles on the base path for opponents, stealing a league-high 88 bases which ranks 10th&nbsp;in all Division I while sitting 17th&nbsp;with 2.32 per game …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;has been the speedster for the Cats lineup with 21 stolen bases which is second in the Big 12 and 21st&nbsp;among all Division I players … The Cats nearly matched the program record with 11 stolen bases against Youngstown State (March 10) and were just one base shy of matching the record … The Cats 88 stolen bases surpasses the 2022 season total by 46 … The K-State single-season record is 149 set in 2009 thru 62 games … R-E-S-P-E-C-T <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/10960">Raphael Pelletier</a>&nbsp;continues to be a threat behind the plate as the redshirt-sophomore catcher from Mascouche, Quebec, Canada has thrown out a league-high 11 runners this season after tossing out a runner in the series against nationally-ranked Texas … As a team, K-State is second in the league in caught stealing with 19 runners thrown out while having the lowest stolen base attempt percentage at .406&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;… THE LONG BALL K-State has launched 55 balls out of the park this season which ranks second in the Big 12 and 38th&nbsp;across Division I …&nbsp; Eleven players have recorded multiple homers this season led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;each with nine this season … Goodwin leads the current career leaderboard with 30 which ranks fifth on the all-time leaderboard …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;hit the Cats only game leadoff home run in the series opener against the West Virginia … … Four players have hit multiple homers in a single game with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/orlando-salinas-jr-/10965">Orlando Salinas, Jr.</a>, Pena … The Cats have produced 80+ home runs the past two seasons … K-State hit back-to-back home runs for the second time this season since with back-to-back solo shots by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dom-hughes/10952">Dom Hughes</a>&nbsp;and Goodwin … Four Wildcats have hit three grand slams this season with the last coming from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyan-lodice/10956">Kyan Lodice</a>&nbsp;against Kansas (April 16) … Johnson and Pena each launched a grand slam against SFA (Feb. 20) to mark the first time since 2010 where two Wildcats posted grand slams in the same game … 47 homers have been against right-handed pitchers, 24 are solo shots while 22 have come with one-out … The Wildcats were the only team to produce double digit bombs in the opening weekend (10) … The Wildcats sent five deep and out in the series finale against No. 24 West Virginia marking the fourth time in the Hughes era, and second this season … The five home runs were just short two of matching a program record seven … LAST TIME OUT In the highest scoring game in series history, K-State won 21-18 over Kansas to complete the Dillons Sunflower Showdown sweep at Hoglund Ballpark on Sunday … K-State scored 21 runs on 19 hits with two errors … The Wildcats scored 13 runs in the second inning … Second time this season Cats posted a 10+ run inning …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyan-lodice/10956">Kyan Lodice</a>&nbsp;launched his first collegiate grand slam; Cats fifth of the season … First 10+ run against KU since 2017 and first 20+ run game since 1988 … Heyne picked up his third win with four strikeouts … Highest scoring game in series history; surpassed KU's 22-16 win on May 15, 1931 … Nine different players recorded a hit; seven had multiple … Day produced his third straight three-hit game … Rugely, Day and Johnson each had three hits …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;and Lodice each led with six-RBI … The bullpen combined for 11 earned runs and 11 strikeouts … Rugely reached base for the 20th&nbsp;straight game followed by Day (17) and Pelletier (14) … KU scored 18 runs on 17 hits with four errors … Each team stranded 12 on base … Cats now lead the all-time series 186-177-1 and are 74-92 in Lawrence … A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS K-State has a season +95 run differential through 38 games averaging 8.1 runs on 9.1 hits ... The Wildcats have outscored opponents 45-29 in the fourth inning alone and 108-49 (+59) from the seventh and on … Cats are 17-3 when leading after the sixth and 3-0 when tied after six ... K-State is 10-8 when committing no errors in a game … Conversely, K-State has won 14 games when one or more errors are committed, 14-6 overall ... The Wildcats are 18-6 when scoring first and 8-5 when scoring in the first inning … K-State has outhit opponents on 19 occasions this season and is 5-14 when being outhit … &nbsp;The Cats are 16-2 when limiting opponents to five or less runs and are 6-5 in one-run games… K-State is 19-9 when playing afternoon games and 5-5 when playing under the lights … The Cats have won 20 games against right-handed starters while going 4-6 against lefties … FROM THE 'PEN Under the guidance pitching coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/rudy-darrow/1946">Rudy Darrow</a>, the Cats pitching staff has produced a 4.83 ERA which ranks fourth in the Big 12 with outings from 16 different players this season … &nbsp;The Wildcats have struck out 348 batters this season compared to 133 walks, averaging 9.5 strikeouts per nine innings which ranks third in the Big 12 … K-State's pitching staff leads the lead with a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio which is 31st&nbsp;in Division I … The Cats lead the Big 12 with fewest walks allowed per nine innings at 3.63 and fewest allowed overall with 133 … Four players have earned at least three victories on the mound led by newcomer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;with four followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/mason-buss/10969">Mason Buss</a>&nbsp;each with three … Boerema earned his fourth victory in the series opener against Oklahoma limiting the Sooners to one run with seven strikeouts during his six innings … The Litchfield, Minn., product is one of six players to strikeout 12+ batters in a single-game after fanning 12 against No. 21 Texas (April 7), ranks second in the league with 64 total strikeouts… Right-hander&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/german-fajardo/10949">German Fajardo</a>&nbsp;has made a team-high 10 starts on the mound this season, ranks eighth in the nation … Four different players have earned a save this year led by sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;with a league-high six which is the 25th-best in D1… &nbsp; UP NEXT The Cats will head to the Golden State for a four-game road trip against UC-Irvine and UC-Riverside. K-State will take on the UCI Anteaters in a three-game series starting on April 21 at the Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark in Irvine, Calif. The series against UCI will be streamed on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). Live streaming audio is available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Wildcats to host Wichita State on Tuesday

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;was named to the American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll Monday afternoon. The Little Elm, Texas, native slashed .375/.455/.625 with a triple, two walks, two runs scored and four RBI over the weekend. Lucas was responsible for four of the eight runs in Friday night's extra inning walk-off win vs. Houston. She registered a bases-clearing triple and then drove in the winning run on a sac fly in the bottom of the 11th. This is the first honor roll selection for Lucas this season after earning Player of the Week honors in February. Lucas and the Shockers travel to Stillwater for a rematch with No. 3 Oklahoma State Tuesday night at 6 p.m. Player of the Week Shannon Doherty, Jr., 1B, UCF Pitcher of the Week Sarah Willis, Jr., RHP, UCF Honor Roll Bree Cantu, Sr., UTL, Houston Kenna Wilkey, Gr., Houston Gabriella Nori, Sr., LHP, South Florida Vivian Ponn, Sr., UTL/RHP, South Florida <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>, Jr., OF, Wichita State&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681758833099.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;was named to the American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll Monday afternoon. The Little Elm, Texas, native slashed .375/.455/.625 with a triple, two walks, two runs scored and four RBI over the weekend. Lucas was responsible for four of the eight runs in Friday night's extra inning walk-off win vs. Houston. She registered a bases-clearing triple and then drove in the winning run on a sac fly in the bottom of the 11th. This is the first honor roll selection for Lucas this season after earning Player of the Week honors in February. Lucas and the Shockers travel to Stillwater for a rematch with No. 3 Oklahoma State Tuesday night at 6 p.m. Player of the Week Shannon Doherty, Jr., 1B, UCF Pitcher of the Week Sarah Willis, Jr., RHP, UCF Honor Roll Bree Cantu, Sr., UTL, Houston Kenna Wilkey, Gr., Houston Gabriella Nori, Sr., LHP, South Florida Vivian Ponn, Sr., UTL/RHP, South Florida <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>, Jr., OF, Wichita State&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Lucas named to AAC Honor Roll

Courtesy of&nbsp; Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. –&nbsp;Wichita State has chosen Terry Nooner as its 10th head women's basketball coach, Director of Athletics Kevin Saal announced Monday afternoon. Wichita State Athletics will introduce Coach Nooner Thursday at 3:30 p.m. inside Charles Koch Arena. The event is free and open to the public with streaming available live and on demand via ESPN+. "To say this is a dream come true is an understatement," Nooner said. "As someone who played in Kansas, met my wife here and have raised my children here, I couldn't be happier to land my first head coaching position in the state I love so much. My family and I are incredibly excited to join Shocker Nation and make Wichita our home for years to come. I can't thank Kevin Saal and Dr. Muma enough for their belief and support, and I'm ready to build something special with our women's basketball program." Nooner has a decade's worth of coaching experience at the Division I level, most recently as an associate head coach at the University of Kansas. Nooner was an integral part of Kansas' recent run to the 2023 WNIT title. It's no coincidence that the last two NCAA Tournament appearances for Kansas have come with Nooner on staff. In addition to his time at Kansas, he has coached at Texas, Maryland, Alabama and Southern Illinois along with one season as a player development coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His third season at Kansas marked his second stint as an assistant at Kansas after spending the 2012-13 campaign with the Jayhawks. In his return to Kansas, Nooner assisted head coach Brandon Schneider – the 2022 Big 12 Coach of the Year – during the Jayhawks breakthrough campaign in 2021-22. The Jayhawks finished the season with a record of 21-10, marking the program's first 20-win season since 2010-11, and the Jayhawks had 20 wins during the regular season for the first time since 1999-2000. Kansas capped off the season with a berth in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, where KU earned the No. 8 seed in the Spokane Regional. "Terry Nooner is a highly respected leader with a proven track record of success," Saal said. "As a result of his impressive journey, Terry is incredibly well-connected within our region and nationally. We are excited to welcome Terry, his wife Tracy and the Nooner family into the Shocker family." Nooner was a big reason for the emergence of Kansas post player Taiyanna Jackson over the past two seasons. Jackson burst onto the scene as a junior college transfer, leading the Big 12 and ranking fourth in the Big 12 with a single-season school record 95 blocked shots. For her efforts, Jackson became the first Jayhawk in program history to be selected to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. Before returning to Lawrence, Nooner spent the 2019-20 season as an assistant coach at Texas, working heavily with players at the post position. He coached a pair of All-Big 12 selections and one WNBA draft pick while on the Forty Acres and UT earned three wins against Top 25 opponents that season. Nooner, a Raytown, Mo., native, was a former guard and team captain for the University of Kansas from 1997-2000. He helped the Jayhawks to a Sweet Sixteen, four NCAA Tournament appearances and three Big 12 Championships. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American Studies from the University of Kansas in 2000. In 2002, he earned his Master's degree in Sport Administration from Kansas. Nooner and his wife Tracy have three children. The Nooner File Hometown: Raytown, Mo. Education: Undergrad: Kansas '00 Masters: Kansas '02 Family: Wife: Tracy Children: Tarynn, Tatum and Terry III. Coaching Experience: 2020-23, Kansas (Associate Head Coach/Assistant Coach) 2019-20, Texas (Assistant Coach) 2018-19, Cleveland Cavaliers (Player Development Coach) 2015-18, Maryland (Assistant Coach) 2013-15, Alabama (Assistant Coach) 2012-13, Kansas (Assistant Coach) 2011-12, Southern Illinois (Assistant Coach) Playing Experience: Kansas: 1997-00&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681755957122.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of&nbsp; Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan. –&nbsp;Wichita State has chosen Terry Nooner as its 10th head women's basketball coach, Director of Athletics Kevin Saal announced Monday afternoon. Wichita State Athletics will introduce Coach Nooner Thursday at 3:30 p.m. inside Charles Koch Arena. The event is free and open to the public with streaming available live and on demand via ESPN+. "To say this is a dream come true is an understatement," Nooner said. "As someone who played in Kansas, met my wife here and have raised my children here, I couldn't be happier to land my first head coaching position in the state I love so much. My family and I are incredibly excited to join Shocker Nation and make Wichita our home for years to come. I can't thank Kevin Saal and Dr. Muma enough for their belief and support, and I'm ready to build something special with our women's basketball program." Nooner has a decade's worth of coaching experience at the Division I level, most recently as an associate head coach at the University of Kansas. Nooner was an integral part of Kansas' recent run to the 2023 WNIT title. It's no coincidence that the last two NCAA Tournament appearances for Kansas have come with Nooner on staff. In addition to his time at Kansas, he has coached at Texas, Maryland, Alabama and Southern Illinois along with one season as a player development coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His third season at Kansas marked his second stint as an assistant at Kansas after spending the 2012-13 campaign with the Jayhawks. In his return to Kansas, Nooner assisted head coach Brandon Schneider – the 2022 Big 12 Coach of the Year – during the Jayhawks breakthrough campaign in 2021-22. The Jayhawks finished the season with a record of 21-10, marking the program's first 20-win season since 2010-11, and the Jayhawks had 20 wins during the regular season for the first time since 1999-2000. Kansas capped off the season with a berth in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, where KU earned the No. 8 seed in the Spokane Regional. "Terry Nooner is a highly respected leader with a proven track record of success," Saal said. "As a result of his impressive journey, Terry is incredibly well-connected within our region and nationally. We are excited to welcome Terry, his wife Tracy and the Nooner family into the Shocker family." Nooner was a big reason for the emergence of Kansas post player Taiyanna Jackson over the past two seasons. Jackson burst onto the scene as a junior college transfer, leading the Big 12 and ranking fourth in the Big 12 with a single-season school record 95 blocked shots. For her efforts, Jackson became the first Jayhawk in program history to be selected to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. Before returning to Lawrence, Nooner spent the 2019-20 season as an assistant coach at Texas, working heavily with players at the post position. He coached a pair of All-Big 12 selections and one WNBA draft pick while on the Forty Acres and UT earned three wins against Top 25 opponents that season. Nooner, a Raytown, Mo., native, was a former guard and team captain for the University of Kansas from 1997-2000. He helped the Jayhawks to a Sweet Sixteen, four NCAA Tournament appearances and three Big 12 Championships. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American Studies from the University of Kansas in 2000. In 2002, he earned his Master's degree in Sport Administration from Kansas. Nooner and his wife Tracy have three children. The Nooner File Hometown: Raytown, Mo. Education: Undergrad: Kansas '00 Masters: Kansas '02 Family: Wife: Tracy Children: Tarynn, Tatum and Terry III. Coaching Experience: 2020-23, Kansas (Associate Head Coach/Assistant Coach) 2019-20, Texas (Assistant Coach) 2018-19, Cleveland Cavaliers (Player Development Coach) 2015-18, Maryland (Assistant Coach) 2013-15, Alabama (Assistant Coach) 2012-13, Kansas (Assistant Coach) 2011-12, Southern Illinois (Assistant Coach) Playing Experience: Kansas: 1997-00&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WBB: Wichita State names Nooner head coach

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The 2023 WNIT Champion Kansas Jayhawks have been invited to be guests of the Kansas City Current on Sunday, April 23, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Current, who compete in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), will face the Orlando Pride that day beginning at 4 p.m. CT. Jayhawk fans can get tickets to cheer on the WNIT Champions and the Current at&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=fcbe25529e&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">this link</a>.

Kansas won the 2023 WNIT Championship with a 66-59 victory over Columbia on April 1 at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks also defeated Western Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas and Washington on its path to the tournament crown, and KU finished 25-11 on the year for its most wins in a season since 1996-97. Kansas also set a new single-season school record with 19 victories at Allen Fieldhouse during the 2022-23 season, including the WNIT Championship game, which was played in front of a crowd of 11,701 fans.

The Jayhawks will be involved in pregame festivities at Children’s Mercy Park and be recognized on the field at halftime of the match.

The KC Current are in the club’s third year after being founded in 2020. The Current have two former Kansas Soccer players on the 2023 roster in Rylan Childers and Addisyn Merrick. Childers, who played at KU from 2020-22, was the No. 42 overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft, while Merrick (2016-19) was the No. 28 pick by the North Carolina Courage in 2020, and acquired by Kansas City in a trade midway through the 2022 season.

Season tickets for the 2023-24 season are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=cc0c1cd782&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">KUAthletics.com</a>&nbsp;or calling 800-34-HAWKS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/_compresseds/df8fcde4-0786-f691-77fd-67adfd33832f.jpg" alt="Via KU Sports" />
 <figcaption>Via KU Sports</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The 2023 WNIT Champion Kansas Jayhawks have been invited to be guests of the Kansas City Current on Sunday, April 23, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.The Current, who compete in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), will face the Orlando Pride that day beginning at 4 p.m. CT. Jayhawk fans can get tickets to cheer on the WNIT Champions and the Current at&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=fcbe25529e&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">this link</a>.Kansas won the 2023 WNIT Championship with a 66-59 victory over Columbia on April 1 at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks also defeated Western Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas and Washington on its path to the tournament crown, and KU finished 25-11 on the year for its most wins in a season since 1996-97. Kansas also set a new single-season school record with 19 victories at Allen Fieldhouse during the 2022-23 season, including the WNIT Championship game, which was played in front of a crowd of 11,701 fans.The Jayhawks will be involved in pregame festivities at Children’s Mercy Park and be recognized on the field at halftime of the match.The KC Current are in the club’s third year after being founded in 2020. The Current have two former Kansas Soccer players on the 2023 roster in Rylan Childers and Addisyn Merrick. Childers, who played at KU from 2020-22, was the No. 42 overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft, while Merrick (2016-19) was the No. 28 pick by the North Carolina Courage in 2020, and acquired by Kansas City in a trade midway through the 2022 season.Season tickets for the 2023-24 season are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=cc0c1cd782&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">KUAthletics.com</a>&nbsp;or calling 800-34-HAWKS.

🏀WBB: Jayhawks to be recognized April 23 by Kansas City Current

AP Sports headlines for Monday Morning, April 17th.

Injuries to NBA stars Giannis, Ja dim start of postseason

Anthony Davis scared Los Angeles Lakers fans by grabbing at his right shoulder and saying he couldn't move his arm. Luckily for the Lakers, Davis worked through a mere stinger in time to return for the start of the third quarter of a big road win over the West's No. 2 seed. Injuries to two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, two-time All-Star Ja Morant and Tyler Herro in the span of a couple of hours knocked them out of their playoff openers. Injuries to some of the league's top stars has dimmed the start of the NBA's postseason. Title hopes may fade just as quickly depending on just how badly they're hurt.

NHL playoffs: Eichel, Hughes among the top players to watch

The NHL playoffs are going on without Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin for the first time since their rookie year in 2006. But that doesn't mean the chase for the Stanley Cup isn't packed with star power. Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche are trying to go back to back. Connor McDavid is hell-bent on winning his first championship with the Edmonton Oilers. And there are a handful of players in the postseason as professionals for the first time. New Jersey's Jack Hughes and Vegas' Jack Eichel are ready to make an impact at the time hockey matters the most.

Fast field gathers for start of 127th Boston Marathon

HOPKINTON, Mass. (AP) — The fastest and most-decorated elite field ever to assemble in Hopkinton is getting ready to cross the start line for the 127th Boston Marathon. The group includes world record holders, Olympic and Paralympic medalists, winners of major marathons from 27 countries and a dozen Boston Marathon champions. World record-holder Eliud Kipchoge is making his Boston Marathon debut. About 30,000 athletes will run 26.2 miles to Copley Square in Boston. The city marked the 10-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing on Saturday. The 2013 race was interrupted when two backpack bombs exploded steps from the finish line on Boylston Street.

Murray leads Nuggets past Wolves 109-80 in NBA playoffs

Jamal Murray scored 24 points and the top-seeded Denver Nuggets routed the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-80 in the opener of their playoff series Sunday night. This marked Murray's first playoff game since the 2020 NBA bubble. He missed the last two postseasons after tearing his left ACL in 2021. Nikola Jokic added 13 points and 14 rebounds and Michael Porter scored 18 for Denver. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 18 points.

Heat rip Bucks 130-117 in Game 1; Giannis, Herro injured

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored 35 points and the Miami Heat capitalized on Giannis Antetokounmpo's early exit to beat the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks 130-117 in an Eastern Conference playoff opener featuring two notable injuries. The top-seeded Bucks lost Antetokounmpo to a lower back bruise early in the second quarter. Miami's Tyler Herro broke his right hand later in the period. No. 8 seed Miami had built a 68-55 halftime advantage before Herro's departure and stayed ahead by shooting 59.5% from the floor. The Heat were 15 of 25 and the Bucks 11 of 45 from 3-point range.

Hachimura's big 2nd half leads LA past Memphis in Game 1

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Rui Hachimura had a career-best playoff scoring performance with 29 points, including 21 in the second half, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 128-112 in the opening game of their Western Conference playoff series. LeBron James had 21 points and 11 rebounds and Anthony Davis had 22 points and 12 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 31 points, while Desmond Bane scored 22. Ja Morant had 18 points before leaving in the fourth quarter with an injured right hand. Los Angeles wrested home-court advantage from the Grizzlies, who had the NBA's best home record at 35-6. Game 2 is Wednesday.

Boston Marathon poses new challenge for Kipchoge: slow down

BOSTON (AP) — World record-holder Eliud Kipchoge has the speed to outclass the rest of the field when he makes his Boston Marathon debut. To win, he may have to slow things down. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and 12-time major marathon champion knows that the 26.2-mile route from Hopkinton to Boston's Back Bay isn't like those flat and friendly courses where he established himself as perhaps the greatest distance runner of all time. No matter, he says. Breaking the tape is what's important. Regardless of how long it takes. Kipchoge set the world record of 2 hours, 1 minute, 9 seconds in Berlin in 2019. Boston has always rewarded smart tactics more than pure speed.

Kings probe 'racial bias' claims after rapper E-40 ejected

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The Sacramento Kings are investigating allegations from a Bay Area hip-hop star that "racial bias" led to him being kicked out of his seat during a playoff game against the Golden State Warriors. The rapper E-40 said in a statement that he was heckled throughout the game and that he addressed one heckler "in an assertive but polite manner" before security guards came and ordered him to leave the arena. E-40, whose real name is Earl Stevens, is Black. He says his heckler was white. The Kings say they are investigating the circumstances behind his ejection.

Leonard scores 38 to lead Clippers past Durant, Suns 115-110

PHOENIX (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 38 points, including a pair of late 3-pointers, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Phoenix Suns 115-110 in the opener of their Western Conference playoff series. Eric Gordon added 19 points and hit a late 3 that kept the Clippers ahead. Russell Westbrook shot just 3 of 19 from the floor for Los Angeles but made a pair of free throws with 17.7 seconds left for a three-point lead, then blocked Devin Booker's layup attempt at the other end. Kevin Durant scored 27 points for the Suns, who lost for the first time with him on the floor.

Heat's Tyler Herro breaks right hand in playoff opener

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro broke his right hand late in the second quarter of his team's Eastern Conference playoff opener with the Milwaukee Bucks. Herro appeared to hurt the hand while diving for a loose ball. He was leaning forward and in obvious discomfort while standing in front of the Heat's bench in the final minute of the second quarter. Herro later was ruled out for the rest of the game with a broken hand.

<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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681297613631.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Monday, April 17th" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Monday, April 17th</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports headlines for Monday Morning, April 17th.Injuries to NBA stars Giannis, Ja dim start of postseasonAnthony Davis scared Los Angeles Lakers fans by grabbing at his right shoulder and saying he couldn't move his arm. Luckily for the Lakers, Davis worked through a mere stinger in time to return for the start of the third quarter of a big road win over the West's No. 2 seed. Injuries to two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, two-time All-Star Ja Morant and Tyler Herro in the span of a couple of hours knocked them out of their playoff openers. Injuries to some of the league's top stars has dimmed the start of the NBA's postseason. Title hopes may fade just as quickly depending on just how badly they're hurt.NHL playoffs: Eichel, Hughes among the top players to watchThe NHL playoffs are going on without Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin for the first time since their rookie year in 2006. But that doesn't mean the chase for the Stanley Cup isn't packed with star power. Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche are trying to go back to back. Connor McDavid is hell-bent on winning his first championship with the Edmonton Oilers. And there are a handful of players in the postseason as professionals for the first time. New Jersey's Jack Hughes and Vegas' Jack Eichel are ready to make an impact at the time hockey matters the most.Fast field gathers for start of 127th Boston MarathonHOPKINTON, Mass. (AP) — The fastest and most-decorated elite field ever to assemble in Hopkinton is getting ready to cross the start line for the 127th Boston Marathon. The group includes world record holders, Olympic and Paralympic medalists, winners of major marathons from 27 countries and a dozen Boston Marathon champions. World record-holder Eliud Kipchoge is making his Boston Marathon debut. About 30,000 athletes will run 26.2 miles to Copley Square in Boston. The city marked the 10-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing on Saturday. The 2013 race was interrupted when two backpack bombs exploded steps from the finish line on Boylston Street.Murray leads Nuggets past Wolves 109-80 in NBA playoffsJamal Murray scored 24 points and the top-seeded Denver Nuggets routed the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-80 in the opener of their playoff series Sunday night. This marked Murray's first playoff game since the 2020 NBA bubble. He missed the last two postseasons after tearing his left ACL in 2021. Nikola Jokic added 13 points and 14 rebounds and Michael Porter scored 18 for Denver. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 18 points.Heat rip Bucks 130-117 in Game 1; Giannis, Herro injuredMILWAUKEE (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored 35 points and the Miami Heat capitalized on Giannis Antetokounmpo's early exit to beat the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks 130-117 in an Eastern Conference playoff opener featuring two notable injuries. The top-seeded Bucks lost Antetokounmpo to a lower back bruise early in the second quarter. Miami's Tyler Herro broke his right hand later in the period. No. 8 seed Miami had built a 68-55 halftime advantage before Herro's departure and stayed ahead by shooting 59.5% from the floor. The Heat were 15 of 25 and the Bucks 11 of 45 from 3-point range.Hachimura's big 2nd half leads LA past Memphis in Game 1MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Rui Hachimura had a career-best playoff scoring performance with 29 points, including 21 in the second half, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 128-112 in the opening game of their Western Conference playoff series. LeBron James had 21 points and 11 rebounds and Anthony Davis had 22 points and 12 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 31 points, while Desmond Bane scored 22. Ja Morant had 18 points before leaving in the fourth quarter with an injured right hand. Los Angeles wrested home-court advantage from the Grizzlies, who had the NBA's best home record at 35-6. Game 2 is Wednesday.Boston Marathon poses new challenge for Kipchoge: slow downBOSTON (AP) — World record-holder Eliud Kipchoge has the speed to outclass the rest of the field when he makes his Boston Marathon debut. To win, he may have to slow things down. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and 12-time major marathon champion knows that the 26.2-mile route from Hopkinton to Boston's Back Bay isn't like those flat and friendly courses where he established himself as perhaps the greatest distance runner of all time. No matter, he says. Breaking the tape is what's important. Regardless of how long it takes. Kipchoge set the world record of 2 hours, 1 minute, 9 seconds in Berlin in 2019. Boston has always rewarded smart tactics more than pure speed.Kings probe 'racial bias' claims after rapper E-40 ejectedSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The Sacramento Kings are investigating allegations from a Bay Area hip-hop star that "racial bias" led to him being kicked out of his seat during a playoff game against the Golden State Warriors. The rapper E-40 said in a statement that he was heckled throughout the game and that he addressed one heckler "in an assertive but polite manner" before security guards came and ordered him to leave the arena. E-40, whose real name is Earl Stevens, is Black. He says his heckler was white. The Kings say they are investigating the circumstances behind his ejection.Leonard scores 38 to lead Clippers past Durant, Suns 115-110PHOENIX (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 38 points, including a pair of late 3-pointers, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Phoenix Suns 115-110 in the opener of their Western Conference playoff series. Eric Gordon added 19 points and hit a late 3 that kept the Clippers ahead. Russell Westbrook shot just 3 of 19 from the floor for Los Angeles but made a pair of free throws with 17.7 seconds left for a three-point lead, then blocked Devin Booker's layup attempt at the other end. Kevin Durant scored 27 points for the Suns, who lost for the first time with him on the floor.Heat's Tyler Herro breaks right hand in playoff openerMILWAUKEE (AP) — Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro broke his right hand late in the second quarter of his team's Eastern Conference playoff opener with the Milwaukee Bucks. Herro appeared to hurt the hand while diving for a loose ball. He was leaning forward and in obvious discomfort while standing in front of the Heat's bench in the final minute of the second quarter. Herro later was ruled out for the rest of the game with a broken hand.<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;

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Monday

By CODY FRIESEN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vaughn Grissom hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the ninth, Ozzie Albies homered and the Atlanta Braves beat the Kansas City Royals 5-4 on Sunday for the series sweep.

Grissom's RBI single came after Albies hit a one-out double. Albies went 2 for 4, including his 376-foot solo homer to right field in the fourth for his fifth RBI of the series. Matt Olson hit a two-run triple in Atlanta's three-run third inning.

“Our guys are relentless and will play a hard 27 outs," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "We never feel out of a game and don’t panic, it is the next-man-up attitude.”

Atlanta starter Kyle Wright struck out six across 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits with three walk. Relievers Michael Tonkin and Nick Anderson (1-0) combined to strike out three batters, and A.J. Minter got his third save of the year.

“Obviously I was happy that we won,” Wright said. “The sinker and curveball were really good. We threw the ball well and the defense made some nice plays.”

Zack Greinke gave up four runs on four hits in six innings with six strikeouts and a walk. Scott Barlow (0-2) allowed a run on two hits with two strikeouts.

“(Greinke) was efficient with good offspeed, fastball had good movement," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "His velocity was consistent with how it’s been. He really attacked hitters.”

Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run home run to tie the game at 4 with two outs in the seventh.

Atlanta took its first sweep over the Royals since 2010 — and the first ever in Kansas City.

The Royals are 1-9 at Kauffman Stadium this season. Kansas City went 1-12 at home to start the 2018 season.

Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (left flexor strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list. Kansas City recalled LHP Josh Taylor from Triple-A Omaha.

Royals: RHP Jordan Lyles (0-2, 5.19 ERA) will open a three-game home series against Texas on Tuesday.

Braves: Atlanta will head to San Diego for a three-game set. The Braves have yet to announce a starter for Monday's game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681690113023.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Sunday, April 16, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Sunday, April 16, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CODY FRIESEN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vaughn Grissom hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the ninth, Ozzie Albies homered and the Atlanta Braves beat the Kansas City Royals 5-4 on Sunday for the series sweep.Grissom's RBI single came after Albies hit a one-out double. Albies went 2 for 4, including his 376-foot solo homer to right field in the fourth for his fifth RBI of the series. Matt Olson hit a two-run triple in Atlanta's three-run third inning.“Our guys are relentless and will play a hard 27 outs," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "We never feel out of a game and don’t panic, it is the next-man-up attitude.”Atlanta starter Kyle Wright struck out six across 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits with three walk. Relievers Michael Tonkin and Nick Anderson (1-0) combined to strike out three batters, and A.J. Minter got his third save of the year.“Obviously I was happy that we won,” Wright said. “The sinker and curveball were really good. We threw the ball well and the defense made some nice plays.”Zack Greinke gave up four runs on four hits in six innings with six strikeouts and a walk. Scott Barlow (0-2) allowed a run on two hits with two strikeouts.“(Greinke) was efficient with good offspeed, fastball had good movement," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "His velocity was consistent with how it’s been. He really attacked hitters.”Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run home run to tie the game at 4 with two outs in the seventh.BROOMS AND GLOOMSAtlanta took its first sweep over the Royals since 2010 — and the first ever in Kansas City.The Royals are 1-9 at Kauffman Stadium this season. Kansas City went 1-12 at home to start the 2018 season.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: LHP Kris Bubic (left flexor strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list. Kansas City recalled LHP Josh Taylor from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Jordan Lyles (0-2, 5.19 ERA) will open a three-game home series against Texas on Tuesday.Braves: Atlanta will head to San Diego for a three-game set. The Braves have yet to announce a starter for Monday's game.

⚾ Grissom RBI, Albies HR push Braves past Royals

<a href="https://hosted.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/TBBL/en/match/2231345/boxscore?">BOXSCORE</a>

WICHITA, Kan.—In what is quickly developing into a natural rivalry, the Enid Outlaws outplayed the Wichita Sky Kings in overtime Sunday at Koch Arena to win 126-121. The same two teams will meet in Enid on April 23rd.

Both teams exchanged baskets down the stretch to end regulation tied at 107-107. After two Terrell Brown free throws with 59.4 seconds remaining, the Sky Kings led 103-102, but Enid responded with a big left corner triple by Kaylon Tippin for an Outlaw lead of 105-103 with 42 seconds to play.

Terrell Brown scored a driving layup for Wichita to tie the game up at 105-105 with 26 seconds to go.&nbsp; Enid called a time out to set up their final play but then turned the ball over on the inbounds pass as Wichita's Kam Williams jumped the rout on a Martavious McKnight pass to get the steal.&nbsp; Teddy Allen made a driving layup with 12 seconds to go to give the Sky Kings the lead 107-105 but Mcknight made a short jumper in the lane 7 seconds later to make up for his turnover and tie it at 107-107.&nbsp; A missed potential game-winner by Teddy Allen was off the mark and the game headed to overtime.

In the overtime period, both teams went back and forth with five ties and seven lead changes, but Enid's McKnight scored on a driving layup and hit two free throws and Marvin Johnson took over at the end and scored twice over the final 30 seconds to seal the five point win for the Outlaws.

In the four quarters plus overtime period, the game had 11 ties and 19 lead changes, most of those came in the second half and overtime. The Outlaws jumped out to an 8-0 lead early and led by as much as 11 points in the first half.&nbsp; Wichita's biggest lead was seven one time in the 2nd half.

The Sky Kings Matt Cerruti played lights out to lead Wichita in scoring with 26 points including eight of his nine field goals from long range shooting 75% from deep. Teddy Allen came off the bench to score 21 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double, all in the 2nd half. Isaac Johnson played another solid game with 20 points and nine boards. Terrell Brown chipped in 17 points and led the Sky Kings with six assists. Kam Williams scored 10, Jachai Simmons nine, Johnny McCants just missed a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds before fouling out late in the game. Bandon Watkins scored four but suffered a wrist injury just before halftime that limited in action in the 2nd half.

Enid placed five players in double figures and netted four double-doubles with Ethan Chargois leading the way with 31 points and 16 boards before fouling out late. Marvin Johnson was spectacular with 30 points and 11 rebounds. McKnight 20 points, Keylon Tippins 19 points, 12 boards and Rustin Hayward with 16 points, 11 rebounds before also fouling out.

The Sky Kings go to 10-3 on the year and Enid improves their record to 6-6 with the win. 

Wichita is now in 3rd place in the TBL Central division. The Potawatomi Fire is 9-1 and Shreveport is 11-2. The Sky Kings play Potawatomi twice next week. The Fire edged Wichita 119-117 back on April 2nd in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Next action for the Sky Kings is Friday, April 21 versus the St. Louis Griffins at Koch Arena at Wichita State University. Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Champion's wide receiver&nbsp;Marquez Valdes-Scantling will have a meet and greet beginning at 6 p.m.&nbsp; Tickets are available for free throughout the Wichita area at Quick Trip locations as well as available for purchase at the door and at the WSU box office throughout the week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680354465527.jpeg" alt="Enid Outlasted the Sky Kings in OT 126-121." />
 <figcaption>Enid Outlasted the Sky Kings in OT 126-121.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hosted.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/TBBL/en/match/2231345/boxscore?">BOXSCORE</a>WICHITA, Kan.—In what is quickly developing into a natural rivalry, the Enid Outlaws outplayed the Wichita Sky Kings in overtime Sunday at Koch Arena to win 126-121. The same two teams will meet in Enid on April 23rd.Both teams exchanged baskets down the stretch to end regulation tied at 107-107. After two Terrell Brown free throws with 59.4 seconds remaining, the Sky Kings led 103-102, but Enid responded with a big left corner triple by Kaylon Tippin for an Outlaw lead of 105-103 with 42 seconds to play.Terrell Brown scored a driving layup for Wichita to tie the game up at 105-105 with 26 seconds to go.&nbsp; Enid called a time out to set up their final play but then turned the ball over on the inbounds pass as Wichita's Kam Williams jumped the rout on a Martavious McKnight pass to get the steal.&nbsp; Teddy Allen made a driving layup with 12 seconds to go to give the Sky Kings the lead 107-105 but Mcknight made a short jumper in the lane 7 seconds later to make up for his turnover and tie it at 107-107.&nbsp; A missed potential game-winner by Teddy Allen was off the mark and the game headed to overtime.In the overtime period, both teams went back and forth with five ties and seven lead changes, but Enid's McKnight scored on a driving layup and hit two free throws and Marvin Johnson took over at the end and scored twice over the final 30 seconds to seal the five point win for the Outlaws.In the four quarters plus overtime period, the game had 11 ties and 19 lead changes, most of those came in the second half and overtime. The Outlaws jumped out to an 8-0 lead early and led by as much as 11 points in the first half.&nbsp; Wichita's biggest lead was seven one time in the 2nd half.The Sky Kings Matt Cerruti played lights out to lead Wichita in scoring with 26 points including eight of his nine field goals from long range shooting 75% from deep. Teddy Allen came off the bench to score 21 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double, all in the 2nd half. Isaac Johnson played another solid game with 20 points and nine boards. Terrell Brown chipped in 17 points and led the Sky Kings with six assists. Kam Williams scored 10, Jachai Simmons nine, Johnny McCants just missed a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds before fouling out late in the game. Bandon Watkins scored four but suffered a wrist injury just before halftime that limited in action in the 2nd half.Enid placed five players in double figures and netted four double-doubles with Ethan Chargois leading the way with 31 points and 16 boards before fouling out late. Marvin Johnson was spectacular with 30 points and 11 rebounds. McKnight 20 points, Keylon Tippins 19 points, 12 boards and Rustin Hayward with 16 points, 11 rebounds before also fouling out.The Sky Kings go to 10-3 on the year and Enid improves their record to 6-6 with the win. Wichita is now in 3rd place in the TBL Central division. The Potawatomi Fire is 9-1 and Shreveport is 11-2. The Sky Kings play Potawatomi twice next week. The Fire edged Wichita 119-117 back on April 2nd in Shawnee, Oklahoma.Next action for the Sky Kings is Friday, April 21 versus the St. Louis Griffins at Koch Arena at Wichita State University. Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Champion's wide receiver&nbsp;Marquez Valdes-Scantling will have a meet and greet beginning at 6 p.m.&nbsp; Tickets are available for free throughout the Wichita area at Quick Trip locations as well as available for purchase at the door and at the WSU box office throughout the week.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: Enid Outlaws edges Wichita Sky Kings in overtime thriller

Wichita, KS – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals scored five second inning runs and scored a season high 15 runs to defeat the Wichita Wind Surge 15-5. The two teams split the six game series.

Wichita started out with a 2-0 lead in the first but the Naturals pulled ahead in the second by sending five runners home. Robbie Glendinning hit a three-run shot and Jeison Guzman hit a two-run shot.

The Surge cut the deficit to 5-3 in the third after Alex Isola grounded out, scoring Jake Rucker. Northwest Arkansas hit two RBI singles in the fourth.

The Wind Surge sent eight hitters to the plate in the fifth inning scoring three runs to pull within two. Dante Biasi entered and bailed out the Naturals and the Surge left the bases loaded.

The Naturals had a 7-5 lead on the board, Peyton Wilson hit a solo shot and Tresh hit an inside-the-park home run in the eighth. Tresh added an RBI single the Naturals hit a two-run homer and a solo shot in the ninth.

Chad Donato made his first career start with the Surge on the hill. He struck out one and walked two in a little over one inning. Six pitchers came out of the bullpen for Wichita on Sunday, which is a season high. Donato got the loss and Dante Biasi earned the win.

NOTES – Wichita gave up a season high 15 runs. Brooks Lee continues his hitting streak at eight games. The inside the park home run was the second ever at Riverfront Stadium. Will Holland hit the first in 2022.

UPCOMING – Wichita will play against the Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate the Tulsa Drillers in a six-game series next week. The first pitch for game one is scheduled on Tuesday, April 18 at 6:05 p.m. RH Blayne Enlow will face RH Landon Knack. The Wind Surge 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 April 25 at 7:05. 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 Dillon's app at the box office. $1 hot dogs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657976359148.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge and Naturals Split" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge and Naturals Split</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita, KS – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals scored five second inning runs and scored a season high 15 runs to defeat the Wichita Wind Surge 15-5. The two teams split the six game series.Wichita started out with a 2-0 lead in the first but the Naturals pulled ahead in the second by sending five runners home. Robbie Glendinning hit a three-run shot and Jeison Guzman hit a two-run shot.The Surge cut the deficit to 5-3 in the third after Alex Isola grounded out, scoring Jake Rucker. Northwest Arkansas hit two RBI singles in the fourth.The Wind Surge sent eight hitters to the plate in the fifth inning scoring three runs to pull within two. Dante Biasi entered and bailed out the Naturals and the Surge left the bases loaded.The Naturals had a 7-5 lead on the board, Peyton Wilson hit a solo shot and Tresh hit an inside-the-park home run in the eighth. Tresh added an RBI single the Naturals hit a two-run homer and a solo shot in the ninth.Chad Donato made his first career start with the Surge on the hill. He struck out one and walked two in a little over one inning. Six pitchers came out of the bullpen for Wichita on Sunday, which is a season high. Donato got the loss and Dante Biasi earned the win.NOTES – Wichita gave up a season high 15 runs. Brooks Lee continues his hitting streak at eight games. The inside the park home run was the second ever at Riverfront Stadium. Will Holland hit the first in 2022.UPCOMING – Wichita will play against the Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate the Tulsa Drillers in a six-game series next week. The first pitch for game one is scheduled on Tuesday, April 18 at 6:05 p.m. RH Blayne Enlow will face RH Landon Knack. The Wind Surge 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 April 25 at 7:05. 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 Dillon's app at the box office. $1 hot dogs.

⚾ NW Arkansas Naturals and Wichita Wind Surge split series

WICHITA, Kan. –&nbsp;No. 20 Wichita State was shutout for just the third time this season and held to only three hits in Sunday series finale vs. Houston, falling 4-0. Wichita State (36-8, 10-2) saw its 12-game win streak come to an end, one shy of tying a school record. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7231">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;was lights out for 6.0 innings, but didn't get any run support to back her up. Cooper struck out a career-high eight, before Houston touched her up in the seventh inning for a pair of insurance runs. Wichita State managed just three hits, a double from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;and singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7238">Krystin Nelson</a>. For the first time in the series Houston scored the opening run on an opposite field solo home run in the top of the third. A sac fly in the top of the sixth made it 2-0 and then another sac fly in the seventh and an RBI single proved to be more than enough for the Cougars. Wichita State only threatened twice with multiple baserunners on, those coming in the first and third innings. Up Next No. 20 Wichita State heads to Stillwater for a rematch with No. 3 Oklahoma State on Tuesday at 6 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681696802410.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan. –&nbsp;No. 20 Wichita State was shutout for just the third time this season and held to only three hits in Sunday series finale vs. Houston, falling 4-0. Wichita State (36-8, 10-2) saw its 12-game win streak come to an end, one shy of tying a school record. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7231">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;was lights out for 6.0 innings, but didn't get any run support to back her up. Cooper struck out a career-high eight, before Houston touched her up in the seventh inning for a pair of insurance runs. Wichita State managed just three hits, a double from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;and singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7238">Krystin Nelson</a>. For the first time in the series Houston scored the opening run on an opposite field solo home run in the top of the third. A sac fly in the top of the sixth made it 2-0 and then another sac fly in the seventh and an RBI single proved to be more than enough for the Cougars. Wichita State only threatened twice with multiple baserunners on, those coming in the first and third innings. Up Next No. 20 Wichita State heads to Stillwater for a rematch with No. 3 Oklahoma State on Tuesday at 6 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Houston ends Shockers' 12-game win streak

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

NEW ORLEANS --&nbsp;Wichita State banged out 15 hits, including a season-high seven doubles, knocking off Tulane 7-4 on Sunday afternoon at Turchin Stadium. The win secured the series victory, WSU's first series win at Tulane in program history. The Shockers (20-15, 5-4) once again jumped out to a quick lead in the top of the first.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;doubled to start the game, moved to third on a bunt single from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>, and scored on a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>&nbsp;for a 1-0 advantage. That two-bagger kicked off another incredible game for Ingram, who finished four-for-five with three doubles and three runs scored, giving him 10 hits in the three-game series. Wichita State made the most of a trio of two-out scoring opportunities to extend the lead in the middle innings. In the third,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jack-little/7464">Jack Little</a>&nbsp;rifled a two-out RBI double to plate&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/7461">Mauricio Millan</a>, lengthening the lead to 2-0.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>&nbsp;doubled home a run with two away in the fourth, and Rodden made it 4-0 by beating out an infield single in the sixth. That appeared to be more than enough support for Shocker starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/grant-adler/7467">Grant Adler</a>, who had cruised through the first five innings without allowing a run. The Green Wave (10-26, 4-5) fought back in the sixth with a pair of unearned runs, breaking up the shutout on a bases-loaded walk by Brennan Lambert before Jake LaPrairie trimmed the WSU lead to 4-2 on a groundout. Tulane then tied the game in the seventh thanks in part to two Shocker errors, setting the stage for a Simon Baumgardt RBI double that knotted the score at 4-4. Adler settled for a no-decision, allowing just five hits and one earned run in 6.1 innings. The Shockers struck right back in the top of the eighth with three runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jordan-rogers/7451">Jordan Rogers</a>&nbsp;came off the bench to start the rally with a leadoff double, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyte-mcdonald/7459">Kyte McDonald</a>&nbsp;followed with a double of his own to give Wichita State a 5-4 lead. Ingram capped his monster afternoon by rifling an RBI single, coming in to score later in the inning on a double play grounder to restore the WSU lead to 7-4. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/robert-cranz/7445">Robert Cranz</a>&nbsp;(1-1) took it the rest of the way for Wichita State, turning in a dominant outing in relief. The right-hander fired 2.1 scoreless innings with a career-best five strikeouts, allowing just a single base hit and no walks. He set the side down in order in the ninth to secure the win. Grant Cleavinger (0-1) took the loss for Tulane, allowing three hits and a run in 1.1 innings out of the bullpen. Wichita State wraps up the road swing with a trip to Manhattan on Tuesday for an in-state battle with Kansas State. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681696645376.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp; NEW ORLEANS --&nbsp;Wichita State banged out 15 hits, including a season-high seven doubles, knocking off Tulane 7-4 on Sunday afternoon at Turchin Stadium. The win secured the series victory, WSU's first series win at Tulane in program history. The Shockers (20-15, 5-4) once again jumped out to a quick lead in the top of the first.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;doubled to start the game, moved to third on a bunt single from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>, and scored on a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>&nbsp;for a 1-0 advantage. That two-bagger kicked off another incredible game for Ingram, who finished four-for-five with three doubles and three runs scored, giving him 10 hits in the three-game series. Wichita State made the most of a trio of two-out scoring opportunities to extend the lead in the middle innings. In the third,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jack-little/7464">Jack Little</a>&nbsp;rifled a two-out RBI double to plate&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/7461">Mauricio Millan</a>, lengthening the lead to 2-0.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>&nbsp;doubled home a run with two away in the fourth, and Rodden made it 4-0 by beating out an infield single in the sixth. That appeared to be more than enough support for Shocker starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/grant-adler/7467">Grant Adler</a>, who had cruised through the first five innings without allowing a run. The Green Wave (10-26, 4-5) fought back in the sixth with a pair of unearned runs, breaking up the shutout on a bases-loaded walk by Brennan Lambert before Jake LaPrairie trimmed the WSU lead to 4-2 on a groundout. Tulane then tied the game in the seventh thanks in part to two Shocker errors, setting the stage for a Simon Baumgardt RBI double that knotted the score at 4-4. Adler settled for a no-decision, allowing just five hits and one earned run in 6.1 innings. The Shockers struck right back in the top of the eighth with three runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jordan-rogers/7451">Jordan Rogers</a>&nbsp;came off the bench to start the rally with a leadoff double, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyte-mcdonald/7459">Kyte McDonald</a>&nbsp;followed with a double of his own to give Wichita State a 5-4 lead. Ingram capped his monster afternoon by rifling an RBI single, coming in to score later in the inning on a double play grounder to restore the WSU lead to 7-4. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/robert-cranz/7445">Robert Cranz</a>&nbsp;(1-1) took it the rest of the way for Wichita State, turning in a dominant outing in relief. The right-hander fired 2.1 scoreless innings with a career-best five strikeouts, allowing just a single base hit and no walks. He set the side down in order in the ninth to secure the win. Grant Cleavinger (0-1) took the loss for Tulane, allowing three hits and a run in 1.1 innings out of the bullpen. Wichita State wraps up the road swing with a trip to Manhattan on Tuesday for an in-state battle with Kansas State. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Shockers take 2 of 3 from Tulane

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;In the highest scoring game in series history, K-State won 21-18 over Kansas to complete the Dillons Sunflower Showdown sweep at Hoglund Ballpark on Sunday. &nbsp; The Cats (24-14, 9-6 Big 12) used a season-high 19 hits to score 21 runs in the series finale to grab the program's first road sweep over the Jayhawks (17-18, 5-7 Big 12) since 2013. "Today was a mental toughness day," said head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>. "With these conditions, it's not baseball but you just have to put yourself in a different place mentally and not watch the scoreboard." "You play for your next at bat, keep your head down, pick it up at the end of the game and hopefully you're in a good spot. That's what we did today," Hughes said. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyler-heyne/10982">Kyler Heyne</a>&nbsp;(3-0) picked up the victory in relief and allowed just two earned runs during his two innings with four strikeouts. Three Wildcats had multiple RBI in the win led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyan-lodice/10956">Kyan Lodice</a>&nbsp;with six each while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;had four. "It's our program goal to win this series every year but to get a sweep in someone's park is a tough thing to do, especially in this league. It helps us to make up for some loss ground from earlier in the season." HOW IT HAPPENED After a scoreless first inning, K-State used 13 runs on 11 hits to take control of the series finale. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>&nbsp;led off with his ninth homer of the season to open scoring. The Cats strung together two consecutive hits and a walk to load the bases before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;roped a single into center to double the Cats lead, 2-0. With no outs, Lodice recorded his second homer of the series with his first collegiate grand slam. The redshirt freshman launched a 3-2 pitch 425-feet out to center field to clear the bases. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;blasted the Cats third homer of the inning and his fourth of the season to expand the lead out to expand the lead out to eight, 8-0. The Cats would add five runs to the board for their second 10-plus run inning this season. Kansas snapped the shutout in the third frame with seven runs to make it a 13-7 ball game. The Wildcats and Jayhawks exchanged 18 runs over the final six innings in the highest-scoring game in series history. &nbsp; INSIDE THE BOX

ON DECK The Cats will head home to host in-state rival Wichita State (20-15, 5-4 American) on Tuesday, April 18 at 6 p.m. inside Tointon Family Stadium. The game can be seen on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage available on KMAN (93.3FM/1350AM) and a free live audio available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jballard_kstatesports_com/Documents/Documents/2022-23/Baseball/Archives/kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681696478161.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;In the highest scoring game in series history, K-State won 21-18 over Kansas to complete the Dillons Sunflower Showdown sweep at Hoglund Ballpark on Sunday. &nbsp; The Cats (24-14, 9-6 Big 12) used a season-high 19 hits to score 21 runs in the series finale to grab the program's first road sweep over the Jayhawks (17-18, 5-7 Big 12) since 2013. "Today was a mental toughness day," said head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>. "With these conditions, it's not baseball but you just have to put yourself in a different place mentally and not watch the scoreboard." "You play for your next at bat, keep your head down, pick it up at the end of the game and hopefully you're in a good spot. That's what we did today," Hughes said. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyler-heyne/10982">Kyler Heyne</a>&nbsp;(3-0) picked up the victory in relief and allowed just two earned runs during his two innings with four strikeouts. Three Wildcats had multiple RBI in the win led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyan-lodice/10956">Kyan Lodice</a>&nbsp;with six each while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;had four. "It's our program goal to win this series every year but to get a sweep in someone's park is a tough thing to do, especially in this league. It helps us to make up for some loss ground from earlier in the season." HOW IT HAPPENED After a scoreless first inning, K-State used 13 runs on 11 hits to take control of the series finale. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>&nbsp;led off with his ninth homer of the season to open scoring. The Cats strung together two consecutive hits and a walk to load the bases before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;roped a single into center to double the Cats lead, 2-0. With no outs, Lodice recorded his second homer of the series with his first collegiate grand slam. The redshirt freshman launched a 3-2 pitch 425-feet out to center field to clear the bases. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;blasted the Cats third homer of the inning and his fourth of the season to expand the lead out to expand the lead out to eight, 8-0. The Cats would add five runs to the board for their second 10-plus run inning this season. Kansas snapped the shutout in the third frame with seven runs to make it a 13-7 ball game. The Wildcats and Jayhawks exchanged 18 runs over the final six innings in the highest-scoring game in series history. &nbsp; INSIDE THE BOX<ul>
 <li>K-State scored 21 runs on 19 hits with two errors</li><li>The Wildcats scored 13 runs in the second inning</li><li>Second time this season Cats posted a 10+ run inning</li><li>Lodice launched his first collegiate grand slam; Cats fifth of the season</li><li>First 10+ run against KU since 2017</li><li>Heyne picked up his third win with four strikeouts</li><li>Highest scoring game in series history; surpassed KU's 22-16 win on May 15, 1931</li><li>Nine different players recorded a hit; seven had multiple</li><li>Day produced his third straight three-hit game</li><li>Rugely, Day and Johnson each had three hits</li><li>Culpepper and Lodice each led with six-RBI</li><li>Bullpen combined for 11 earned runs and 11 strikeouts</li><li>Rugely reached base for the 20th&nbsp;straight game followed by Day (17) and Pelletier (14)</li><li>KU scored 18 runs on 17 hits with four errors</li><li>Each team stranded 12 on base</li>
 </ul>NOTES<ul>
 <li>Cats lead the all-time series 186-177-1 and are 74-92 in Lawrence</li><li>First road sweep over KU since 2013</li><li>The Wildcats move to 11-7 in true road games</li><li>First team to reach nine conference wins</li><li>K-State is the only team to have five Big 12 victories on the road</li><li>The win jumps the Cats to third in the conference standings at 9-6</li>
 </ul>ON DECK The Cats will head home to host in-state rival Wichita State (20-15, 5-4 American) on Tuesday, April 18 at 6 p.m. inside Tointon Family Stadium. The game can be seen on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage available on KMAN (93.3FM/1350AM) and a free live audio available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jballard_kstatesports_com/Documents/Documents/2022-23/Baseball/Archives/kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a>.

⚾ Wildcats sweep Jayhawks in Dillons Sunflower Showdown

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=1c27935ebd&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=20d4037c04&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>

AUSTIN, Texas —&nbsp;The Kansas softball team (20-19, 2-7 Big 12) fell 3-2 to No. 8 Texas (36-9, 8-4 Big 12) Sunday as the Longhorns scored in the bottom of the seventh inning after being knotted up at 2-2 all game.

Both teams scored two in the fourth and stayed tied until the seventh. Junior left hander Kasey Hamilton had her second quality start in the circle this weekend. Hamilton threw 3.2 innings and allowed two runs on three hits with four walks, while striking out three batters.

Kansas got on the board in the fourth with back-to-back RBIs from junior catcher Lyric Moore and senior third baseman Ashlyn Anderson. After senior center fielder Shayna Espy drew a walk to open the inning, she found her way to third following two groundouts. With two outs, Moore singled up the middle, scoring Kansas’ first run. Anderson followed that up with a stand up double as Moore raced from first to home, extending the lead to 2-0.

Texas responded in the bottom-half of the fourth, tying the game at two runs apiece. Hamilton struck out the first two batters of the frame, then walked the next two, putting a runner in scoring position. UT doubled to left-center, scoring their first run and followed that up with an RBI single to tie the game.

Freshman reliever Lizzy Ludwig relieved Hamilton in the fourth. She threw 3.0 innings, only allowing three hits, one walk and one run. The one run, however, was the difference and Ludwig took the decision, falling to 2-5 on the season.

The game remain tied at 2-2 until the bottom of the seventh. With a runner on second, Texas singled through the left side, bringing home the game-winning run just ahead of KU’s throw to the plate.

The Jayhawks head east Wednesday, April 19, to take on longtime rival Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network on ESPN+.

<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/_compresseds/c08d0aa9-ab88-b707-73d0-15086677eb8e.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=1c27935ebd&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=20d4037c04&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>AUSTIN, Texas —&nbsp;The Kansas softball team (20-19, 2-7 Big 12) fell 3-2 to No. 8 Texas (36-9, 8-4 Big 12) Sunday as the Longhorns scored in the bottom of the seventh inning after being knotted up at 2-2 all game.Both teams scored two in the fourth and stayed tied until the seventh. Junior left hander Kasey Hamilton had her second quality start in the circle this weekend. Hamilton threw 3.2 innings and allowed two runs on three hits with four walks, while striking out three batters.Kansas got on the board in the fourth with back-to-back RBIs from junior catcher Lyric Moore and senior third baseman Ashlyn Anderson. After senior center fielder Shayna Espy drew a walk to open the inning, she found her way to third following two groundouts. With two outs, Moore singled up the middle, scoring Kansas’ first run. Anderson followed that up with a stand up double as Moore raced from first to home, extending the lead to 2-0.Texas responded in the bottom-half of the fourth, tying the game at two runs apiece. Hamilton struck out the first two batters of the frame, then walked the next two, putting a runner in scoring position. UT doubled to left-center, scoring their first run and followed that up with an RBI single to tie the game.Freshman reliever Lizzy Ludwig relieved Hamilton in the fourth. She threw 3.0 innings, only allowing three hits, one walk and one run. The one run, however, was the difference and Ludwig took the decision, falling to 2-5 on the season.The game remain tied at 2-2 until the bottom of the seventh. With a runner on second, Texas singled through the left side, bringing home the game-winning run just ahead of KU’s throw to the plate.NOTES<ul>
 <li>Kansas played in its ninth-straight game against a NFCA top-25 opponent, a streak that began at No. 21 Baylor, March 31st (W, 2-1).</li><li>On Friday, KU got its first win against Texas since April 30th, 2016.</li><li>The win on Friday also gave Kansas their first top-10 road win versus a conference opponent since April 24th, 2022 (#4 Nebraska).</li>
 </ul>UP NEXTThe Jayhawks head east Wednesday, April 19, to take on longtime rival Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network on ESPN+.

🥎 Jayhawks battle, fall late to Texas in series finale

WICHITA, Kan. — The OKC Lightning (0-1) jumped out to a 32-21 lead in the first quarter after the Wichita Wizards (2-1) started the game on an 8-3 run.

The Wizards tied the game up at 41 after a Kaelon Gary three with 7:41 left before the break.&nbsp;

The Wizards went up by seven on a 10-3 run.

Wichita took a 59-54 lead into halftime behind 16 Kaelon Gary points.&nbsp;

Gary finished with 22 on 10-for-20 shooting.

Gary and Jeremiah May led the way for Wichita with 22 points each.&nbsp;

Parker Austin, who scored 31 points and nabbed 10 rebounds in the home opener, added 19 points.&nbsp;

The Wizards struggled from deep, hitting just 3-of-20 from distance.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Lightning knocked down 12 triples on 42 attempts.

Three OKC players scored 20 or more points, led by D.J. Perkins' 33.

Justin Jones added 28 for the Lightning, while Richmarr Smith contributed 20.

OKC tied the game at 64 with eight minutes left in the third.&nbsp;

The Lightning finished the third frame with an 84-82 advantage.&nbsp;

OKC built a 98-90 lead with 9:06 remaining before the Wizards started to chip away.&nbsp;

A Michael Barnes putback with 6:20 left pulled Wichita within three.&nbsp;

Back-to-back Braxton Kirkendoll buckets knotted the game at 106.

Parker Austin's basket with 1:38 left broke a 108 tie and put Wichita on top for good.&nbsp;

The Wizards went 2-of-4 from the line down the stretch (14-19 for the game) and iced the contest with two defensive stands under a minute to go.

<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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681682266274.jpeg" alt="Kaelon Gary scored 22 (16 in the first half) to lead the Wizards Sunday. Photo courtesy of Eli Galindo (Cloud Films)." />
 <figcaption>Kaelon Gary scored 22 (16 in the first half) to lead the Wizards Sunday. Photo courtesy of Eli Galindo (Cloud Films).</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — The OKC Lightning (0-1) jumped out to a 32-21 lead in the first quarter after the Wichita Wizards (2-1) started the game on an 8-3 run.The Wizards tied the game up at 41 after a Kaelon Gary three with 7:41 left before the break.&nbsp;The Wizards went up by seven on a 10-3 run.Wichita took a 59-54 lead into halftime behind 16 Kaelon Gary points.&nbsp;Gary finished with 22 on 10-for-20 shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681730270268.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Eli Galindo (Cloud Films)." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Eli Galindo (Cloud Films).</figcaption>
 </figure>Gary and Jeremiah May led the way for Wichita with 22 points each.&nbsp;May went 10-of-18 from the field.&nbsp;Parker Austin, who scored 31 points and nabbed 10 rebounds in the home opener, added 19 points.&nbsp;The Wizards struggled from deep, hitting just 3-of-20 from distance.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Lightning knocked down 12 triples on 42 attempts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681730382428.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Eli Galindo (Cloud Films)." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Eli Galindo (Cloud Films).</figcaption>
 </figure>Three OKC players scored 20 or more points, led by D.J. Perkins' 33.Justin Jones added 28 for the Lightning, while Richmarr Smith contributed 20.OKC tied the game at 64 with eight minutes left in the third.&nbsp;The Lightning finished the third frame with an 84-82 advantage.&nbsp;OKC built a 98-90 lead with 9:06 remaining before the Wizards started to chip away.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681730336625.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Eli Galindo (Cloud Films)." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Eli Galindo (Cloud Films).</figcaption>
 </figure>A Michael Barnes putback with 6:20 left pulled Wichita within three.&nbsp;Back-to-back Braxton Kirkendoll buckets knotted the game at 106.Parker Austin's basket with 1:38 left broke a 108 tie and put Wichita on top for good.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681730433810.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Eli Galindo (Cloud Films)." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Eli Galindo (Cloud Films).</figcaption>
 </figure>The Wizards went 2-of-4 from the line down the stretch (14-19 for the game) and iced the contest with two defensive stands under a minute to go.FINAL: Wizards 115 Lightning 110<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.

🏀 Wizards fend off Lightning late

AP Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, April 16th

Fox leads Kings past Warriors 126-123 in playoff return

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — De'Aaron Fox scored 38 points in his long-awaited playoff debut and the Sacramento Kings celebrated their return to the postseason after a record 16-year drought by beating the defending-champion Golden State Warriors 126-123. The first playoff meeting ever between the Northern California neighbors lived up to the hype and delighted the raucous crowd that had been waiting for a playoff game since 2006. The inexperienced Kings closed the game strong against a Warriors team that had won four titles in the previous eight seasons.

Warriors' Wiggins returns after 2-month absence, scores 17

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Andrew Wiggins gave the Golden State Warriors almost everything they wanted in his first game in more than two months. Then with a chance to win it at the end, Wiggins missed. The Warriors lost 126-123 to the Sacramento Kings in Game 1 of their first-round series. Wiggins returned after missing the final 25 games of the regular season to deal with an undisclosed family matter. He rejoined the team earlier this month. Wiggins brought needed energy and scoring in his 28 minutes off the bench. He had 17 points, three rebounds and four blocked shots.

Brunson, Randle push Knicks past Cavaliers 101-97 in Game 1

CLEVELAND (AP) — Jalen Brunson shook off foul trouble and scored 21 of his 27 in the second half, and Julius Randle returned from an ankle injury to add 19 as the New York Knicks welcomed Cleveland back to the NBA playoffs by holding off the Cavaliers 101-97 in Game 1. Brunson was limited to nine minutes in the first half, but hit several big shots down the stretch as the Knicks turned back Cleveland's late rally led by Donovan Mitchell. Randle was questionable up until pregame warmups, when he tested the left ankle he sprained two weeks ago. Mitchell finished with 38 for the Cavs, who returned to the playoff stage for the first time since the 2018 Finals. Josh Hart added 17 points off New York's bench, which outscored Cleveland's 37-14.

Brown scores 29, Celtics hold off late rally by Hawks 112-99

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 29 points and had 12 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics capitalized on a woeful shooting performance by the Atlanta Hawks to hold on for 112-99 victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round matchup. Jayson Tatum scored 25 points, 21 in the first half. Derrick White finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds for Boston, which hosts Game 2 on Tuesday. The No. 2-seeded Celtics led by as many as 32 points, pouncing on an Atlanta team that missed its first 10 3-point attempts and shot 5 of 29 from beyond the arc for the game. Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Trae Young added 16 points.

Harden scores 23 as 76ers cruise past Nets 121-101 in Game 1

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — James Harden hit seven 3-pointers and had 23 points and 13 assists, NBA MVP finalist Joel Embiid scored 26 points and the Philadelphia 76ers pushed back Mikal Bridges and the Brooklyn Nets in a 121-101 Game 1 victory. Tobias Harris added 19 points and the 76ers hit 21 3s in the opener of this Eastern Conference playoff series. The Sixers are trying to win their first NBA championship since 1983 and advance past the second round for the first time since 2001. The No. 3-seeded 76ers host Game 2 on Monday. Bridges scored 30 points and helped the Nets at least hang around in the first half.

Brewers reliever Varland hit on jaw by Machado line drive

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers reliever Gus Varland was hit on the jaw with a line drive by Manny Machado and came out of a game against the San Diego Padres. The scary moment came in the bottom of the eighth. Varland went to the ground after getting hit by the ball. He got to his feet a moment later but then went down on his knees as he was tended by the medical staff. He was replaced by Javy Guerra. The Padres led 8-3 at the time.

Pegula sends US past Austria to Billie Jean King Cup finals

Jessica Pegula sent the U.S. into the Billie Jean King Cup finals with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Julia Grabher of Austria. The victory gave the Americans a 3-0 lead and clinched the best-of-five tie in Delray Beach, Florida. The third-ranked Pegula also won her singles match Friday after No. 6 Coco Gauff, playing in her hometown, beat Grabher in the opener. France, Spain, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Germany, Canada and Italy also secured berths in the finals, scheduled for Nov. 7-12 at a site to be determined. Those nations will join reigning champion Switzerland, 2022 runner-up Australia and one wild-card recipient at the finals, with a couple spots still be determined on the second day of the two-day qualifiers.

US Open champ Fitzpatrick holds 1-shot lead at RBC Heritage

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick shot his lowest round on the PGA Tour with a 63 to take a one-shot lead over Patrick Cantlay through three rounds at the RBC Heritage. Fitzpatrick had six birdies and a hole-out for eagle on the par-4 third hole and was at 14 under. Cantlay, who lost in a playoff to Jordan Spieth a year ago, shot 66 to put himself in position for another chance at victory. Masters champ Jon Rahm thrilled the gallery with three straight birdies to open the round, but could not sustain that momentum and was at 8 under.

Australian Grace Kim wins LOTTE Championship in playoff

HONOLULU (AP) — Australian rookie Grace Kim won the LOTTE Championship on Saturday at breezy Hoakalei for her first LPGA Tour title, beating Yu Liu and Yu Jin Sung with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff. While Liu and Sung scrambled after hitting their second shots to the left of the green on the par-5 18th, the 22-year-old Kim went over the water to the right, then chipped to 8 feet to set up her birdie. Liu made a par and Sung had a bogey. Playing alongside Sung in the final threesome, Kim shot a 4-under 68, rebounding from a bogey 14 to birdie the last two holes. She got up and down from the front-left bunker on 18 in regulation, making a 7-footer.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681297613631.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines from AP for Sunday, April 16th" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines from AP for Sunday, April 16th</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, April 16thFox leads Kings past Warriors 126-123 in playoff returnSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — De'Aaron Fox scored 38 points in his long-awaited playoff debut and the Sacramento Kings celebrated their return to the postseason after a record 16-year drought by beating the defending-champion Golden State Warriors 126-123. The first playoff meeting ever between the Northern California neighbors lived up to the hype and delighted the raucous crowd that had been waiting for a playoff game since 2006. The inexperienced Kings closed the game strong against a Warriors team that had won four titles in the previous eight seasons.Warriors' Wiggins returns after 2-month absence, scores 17SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Andrew Wiggins gave the Golden State Warriors almost everything they wanted in his first game in more than two months. Then with a chance to win it at the end, Wiggins missed. The Warriors lost 126-123 to the Sacramento Kings in Game 1 of their first-round series. Wiggins returned after missing the final 25 games of the regular season to deal with an undisclosed family matter. He rejoined the team earlier this month. Wiggins brought needed energy and scoring in his 28 minutes off the bench. He had 17 points, three rebounds and four blocked shots.Brunson, Randle push Knicks past Cavaliers 101-97 in Game 1CLEVELAND (AP) — Jalen Brunson shook off foul trouble and scored 21 of his 27 in the second half, and Julius Randle returned from an ankle injury to add 19 as the New York Knicks welcomed Cleveland back to the NBA playoffs by holding off the Cavaliers 101-97 in Game 1. Brunson was limited to nine minutes in the first half, but hit several big shots down the stretch as the Knicks turned back Cleveland's late rally led by Donovan Mitchell. Randle was questionable up until pregame warmups, when he tested the left ankle he sprained two weeks ago. Mitchell finished with 38 for the Cavs, who returned to the playoff stage for the first time since the 2018 Finals. Josh Hart added 17 points off New York's bench, which outscored Cleveland's 37-14.Brown scores 29, Celtics hold off late rally by Hawks 112-99BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 29 points and had 12 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics capitalized on a woeful shooting performance by the Atlanta Hawks to hold on for 112-99 victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round matchup. Jayson Tatum scored 25 points, 21 in the first half. Derrick White finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds for Boston, which hosts Game 2 on Tuesday. The No. 2-seeded Celtics led by as many as 32 points, pouncing on an Atlanta team that missed its first 10 3-point attempts and shot 5 of 29 from beyond the arc for the game. Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Trae Young added 16 points.Harden scores 23 as 76ers cruise past Nets 121-101 in Game 1PHILADELPHIA (AP) — James Harden hit seven 3-pointers and had 23 points and 13 assists, NBA MVP finalist Joel Embiid scored 26 points and the Philadelphia 76ers pushed back Mikal Bridges and the Brooklyn Nets in a 121-101 Game 1 victory. Tobias Harris added 19 points and the 76ers hit 21 3s in the opener of this Eastern Conference playoff series. The Sixers are trying to win their first NBA championship since 1983 and advance past the second round for the first time since 2001. The No. 3-seeded 76ers host Game 2 on Monday. Bridges scored 30 points and helped the Nets at least hang around in the first half.Brewers reliever Varland hit on jaw by Machado line driveSAN DIEGO (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers reliever Gus Varland was hit on the jaw with a line drive by Manny Machado and came out of a game against the San Diego Padres. The scary moment came in the bottom of the eighth. Varland went to the ground after getting hit by the ball. He got to his feet a moment later but then went down on his knees as he was tended by the medical staff. He was replaced by Javy Guerra. The Padres led 8-3 at the time.Pegula sends US past Austria to Billie Jean King Cup finalsJessica Pegula sent the U.S. into the Billie Jean King Cup finals with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Julia Grabher of Austria. The victory gave the Americans a 3-0 lead and clinched the best-of-five tie in Delray Beach, Florida. The third-ranked Pegula also won her singles match Friday after No. 6 Coco Gauff, playing in her hometown, beat Grabher in the opener. France, Spain, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Germany, Canada and Italy also secured berths in the finals, scheduled for Nov. 7-12 at a site to be determined. Those nations will join reigning champion Switzerland, 2022 runner-up Australia and one wild-card recipient at the finals, with a couple spots still be determined on the second day of the two-day qualifiers.US Open champ Fitzpatrick holds 1-shot lead at RBC HeritageHILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick shot his lowest round on the PGA Tour with a 63 to take a one-shot lead over Patrick Cantlay through three rounds at the RBC Heritage. Fitzpatrick had six birdies and a hole-out for eagle on the par-4 third hole and was at 14 under. Cantlay, who lost in a playoff to Jordan Spieth a year ago, shot 66 to put himself in position for another chance at victory. Masters champ Jon Rahm thrilled the gallery with three straight birdies to open the round, but could not sustain that momentum and was at 8 under.Australian Grace Kim wins LOTTE Championship in playoffHONOLULU (AP) — Australian rookie Grace Kim won the LOTTE Championship on Saturday at breezy Hoakalei for her first LPGA Tour title, beating Yu Liu and Yu Jin Sung with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff. While Liu and Sung scrambled after hitting their second shots to the left of the green on the par-5 18th, the 22-year-old Kim went over the water to the right, then chipped to 8 feet to set up her birdie. Liu made a par and Sung had a bogey. Playing alongside Sung in the final threesome, Kim shot a 4-under 68, rebounding from a bogey 14 to birdie the last two holes. She got up and down from the front-left bunker on 18 in regulation, making a 7-footer.US to face rival Canada in gold medal game at women's worldsBRAMPTON, Ontario (AP) — It'll be United States and Canada meeting in the women's world hockey gold medal game for the 21st time in 22 tournaments. Captain Hilary Knight, Amanda Kessel and Tessa Janecke each scored twice, and the United States secured its berth with a 9-1 rout of the Czech Republic. The two-time defending champion Canadians advanced with Sarah Fillier scoring three times in a 5-1 win over Switzerland in the other semifinal. Canada is undefeated through six games and clinched the top seed with a 4-3 shootout win over the U.S. on Monday. The Swiss and Czechs will meet in the bronze medal game in a rematch of last year's third-place game won by the Czech Republic.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;