Wichita, KS- The Wind Surge defeated the Springfield Cardinals 2-1 on a walk-off single by Michael Helman to win their sixth consecutive series.

Deshawn Keirsey started the ninth inning with a lead-off double and went on to score as Michael Helman singled to center field to win the game 2-1. Wichita reliever Bryan Sammons earned his first win of the season.

Danny Coulombe got the start on the mound for the Wind Surge for an MLB rehab assignment and pitched one inning before being relieved by Surge starter Matt Canterino. Canterino went on to pitch four scoreless innings and allowed zero runs and zero hits and struck out six batters before being relieved by Casey Legumina in the sixth inning.

The Wichita bullpen combined for eight innings pitched and only allowed one run on six hits and struck out 13 total batters.

The Wind Surge will head to Corpus Christi for a six-game road trip against the Hooks starting on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620213249405.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita, KS- The Wind Surge defeated the Springfield Cardinals 2-1 on a walk-off single by Michael Helman to win their sixth consecutive series.Deshawn Keirsey started the ninth inning with a lead-off double and went on to score as Michael Helman singled to center field to win the game 2-1. Wichita reliever Bryan Sammons earned his first win of the season.Danny Coulombe got the start on the mound for the Wind Surge for an MLB rehab assignment and pitched one inning before being relieved by Surge starter Matt Canterino. Canterino went on to pitch four scoreless innings and allowed zero runs and zero hits and struck out six batters before being relieved by Casey Legumina in the sixth inning.The Wichita bullpen combined for eight innings pitched and only allowed one run on six hits and struck out 13 total batters.The Wind Surge will head to Corpus Christi for a six-game road trip against the Hooks starting on Tuesday.

Surge win Sunday over Springfield

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Jackson Yueill scored one minute into the second half to help the San Jose Earthquakes earn a 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City. 

Jamiro Monteiro got an assist on the equalizer for San Jose (3-5-5). Johnny Russell scored in the 45th minute to give Sporting KC (3-7-4) the lead at halftime. Sporting KC picked up just its second point away from home this season.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Jackson Yueill scored one minute into the second half to help the San Jose Earthquakes earn a 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City. Jamiro Monteiro got an assist on the equalizer for San Jose (3-5-5). Johnny Russell scored in the 45th minute to give Sporting KC (3-7-4) the lead at halftime. Sporting KC picked up just its second point away from home this season.

Sporting KC draws with San Jose

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gio Urshela hit a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning to complete Minnesota’s comeback from a six-run deficit, lifting the Twins over the Kansas City Royals 7-6. 

Down 6-0, the Twins scored five times in the eighth, capped by Kyle Garlick’s two-run homer. Jorge Polanco drew a leadoff walk from Josh Staumont in the ninth, Max Kepler doubled and Gary Sanchez tied it with his second sacrifice fly in two innings. With two outs, Urshela singled for the lead.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gio Urshela hit a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning to complete Minnesota’s comeback from a six-run deficit, lifting the Twins over the Kansas City Royals 7-6. Down 6-0, the Twins scored five times in the eighth, capped by Kyle Garlick’s two-run homer. Jorge Polanco drew a leadoff walk from Josh Staumont in the ninth, Max Kepler doubled and Gary Sanchez tied it with his second sacrifice fly in two innings. With two outs, Urshela singled for the lead.

Twins win Sunday over Royals

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/wichita-s-late-inning-rally-falls-short">Via WindSurge.com</a>

Wichita, KS- The Wind Surge late-inning rally fell short as they lost to the Springfield Cardinals 9-7.

The Surge scored six runs in the seventh inning to shrink the Springfield lead to 9-6. Andrew Bechtold hit a three-run homer, and two walks and a wild pitch with the bases loaded plated three more Wichita base-runners.

Wichita scored another run in the bottom of the eighth as Chris Williams hit an RBI- double to score Matt Wallner. Williams finished the night going three for four with an RBI and a walk. Springfield closer Freddy Pacheco retired the side in the bottom of the ninth to secure the Cardinals victory.

Kyle Leahy started and earned the win for Springfield. He pitched six innings and did not allow a run into the seventh inning. Ben Gross took the loss.

Coming Up: The Wind Surge will resume action Sunday for the series finale against the Springfield Cardinals. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m.

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/wichita-s-late-inning-rally-falls-short">Via WindSurge.com</a>Wichita, KS- The Wind Surge late-inning rally fell short as they lost to the Springfield Cardinals 9-7.The Surge scored six runs in the seventh inning to shrink the Springfield lead to 9-6. Andrew Bechtold hit a three-run homer, and two walks and a wild pitch with the bases loaded plated three more Wichita base-runners.Wichita scored another run in the bottom of the eighth as Chris Williams hit an RBI- double to score Matt Wallner. Williams finished the night going three for four with an RBI and a walk. Springfield closer Freddy Pacheco retired the side in the bottom of the ninth to secure the Cardinals victory.Kyle Leahy started and earned the win for Springfield. He pitched six innings and did not allow a run into the seventh inning. Ben Gross took the loss.Coming Up: The Wind Surge will resume action Sunday for the series finale against the Springfield Cardinals. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m.

Wind Surge lose to Springfield Saturday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Joe Ryan struck out six and the Minnesota Twins capped the game with a four-run ninth inning for a 9-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. 

Ryan allowed one run on five hits in 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts. Minnesota had a pair of two-run innings and was ahead going into the ninth, when the offense erupted. 

The top six batters in the Twins lineup all collected RBIs in the win. The Royals’ Brad Keller tossed seven innings and gave up four runs on five hits with four strikeouts and three walks. In the sixth inning, Keller notched his 400th career strikeout.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Joe Ryan struck out six and the Minnesota Twins capped the game with a four-run ninth inning for a 9-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. Ryan allowed one run on five hits in 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts. Minnesota had a pair of two-run innings and was ahead going into the ninth, when the offense erupted. The top six batters in the Twins lineup all collected RBIs in the win. The Royals’ Brad Keller tossed seven innings and gave up four runs on five hits with four strikeouts and three walks. In the sixth inning, Keller notched his 400th career strikeout.

Twins beat Royals Saturday

CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app. CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

<div><iframe title="Eagle Media Sports for Saturday Morning" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=t7hzi-123203c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app. CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Saturday Morning

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/surge-fall-short-on-friday-night-at-riverfront-stadium">Via WindSurge.com</a>

Wichita, KS- The Wind Surge fell short to the Springfield Cardinals 5-3 on Friday. The Wind Surge held the lead in the seventh inning but failed to hold on and ended their four-game winning streak.

The Surge trailed 2-1 in the seventh inning and rallied as Austin Martin hit an RBI single to tie the game 2-2. Wichita went on to take a 3-2 lead from a wild pitch by Springfield reliever Michael Brettell.

The Cardinals scored three runs in the eighth inning from a Jordan Walker RBI-double and a two-run homer from Todd Lott that gave Springfield a 5-3 lead.

Wichita struck first on back-to-back doubles from Michael Helman and Dennis Ortega that gave the Surge an early 1-0 lead in the second inning. Helman recorded three of Wichita’s six hits in the ballgame and finished the day three for four.

Trevor Larnach on a rehab assignment had no hits in three at bats with a walk.

The Wind Surge will resume action Saturday night, first pitch is at 6:05 p.m.

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/surge-fall-short-on-friday-night-at-riverfront-stadium">Via WindSurge.com</a>Wichita, KS- The Wind Surge fell short to the Springfield Cardinals 5-3 on Friday. The Wind Surge held the lead in the seventh inning but failed to hold on and ended their four-game winning streak.The Surge trailed 2-1 in the seventh inning and rallied as Austin Martin hit an RBI single to tie the game 2-2. Wichita went on to take a 3-2 lead from a wild pitch by Springfield reliever Michael Brettell.The Cardinals scored three runs in the eighth inning from a Jordan Walker RBI-double and a two-run homer from Todd Lott that gave Springfield a 5-3 lead.Wichita struck first on back-to-back doubles from Michael Helman and Dennis Ortega that gave the Surge an early 1-0 lead in the second inning. Helman recorded three of Wichita’s six hits in the ballgame and finished the day three for four.Trevor Larnach on a rehab assignment had no hits in three at bats with a walk.The Wind Surge will resume action Saturday night, first pitch is at 6:05 p.m.

Wind Surge lose Friday to Springfield

KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Kyle Garlick and Jose Miranda each drove in two runs, leading Devin Smeltzer and the Minnesota Twins past the Kansas City Royals 6-4. 

Garlick put Minnesota on the scoreboard with an RBI single in a three-run first inning and added a sacrifice fly in the second. Miranda had two hits, including a two-run double with two outs in the eighth that made it 6-3. Smeltzer allowed one run and five hits over 5 1/3 innings in his second major league start this season. 

He walked one and did not record a strikeout. Jhoan Duran worked 1 2/3 hitless innings to set up Emilio Pagán for his sixth save. Carlos Santana and Emmanuel Rivera homered for the Royals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Kyle Garlick and Jose Miranda each drove in two runs, leading Devin Smeltzer and the Minnesota Twins past the Kansas City Royals 6-4. Garlick put Minnesota on the scoreboard with an RBI single in a three-run first inning and added a sacrifice fly in the second. Miranda had two hits, including a two-run double with two outs in the eighth that made it 6-3. Smeltzer allowed one run and five hits over 5 1/3 innings in his second major league start this season. He walked one and did not record a strikeout. Jhoan Duran worked 1 2/3 hitless innings to set up Emilio Pagán for his sixth save. Carlos Santana and Emmanuel Rivera homered for the Royals.

Twins beat Royals Friday

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports Information

The Hutchinson Community College men’s 4x100-meter relay team posted a season-low time on Friday on the second day of the NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gowans Stadium.

The Blue Dragon relay team of Dimetre Browne, Clyedterrious Thompson, Davion Gardenhire and Donovan Hines ran a time of 40.88 seconds. That time, though, didn’t qualify for Saturday’s finals, but was the 13th-best time on Friday’s preliminary round.

The Dragons had several entries in Friday’s preliminaries, but none advanced to the finals.

Thompson was 15th in the 100-meter preliminaries with a time of 10.48 seconds. He was 21st in the 200-meter preliminaries with a time of 21.51 seconds.

Hutchinson’s 4x400-meter relay team of Gardenhire, Browne, Thompson and Sharim Hamilton placed 16th with a time of 3:18.46.

Freshman Alexander Holt posted the 14th-best time in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.80 seconds.

Sophomore Antonio Cooper was 14th in the shot put with a distance of 48 feet, 5 inches.

Cooper will be in action again on Saturday with the discus at 1 p.m.

Caleb Manning will compete in the triple jump at 1:30 p.m.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College men’s 4x100-meter relay team posted a season-low time on Friday on the second day of the NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gowans Stadium.The Blue Dragon relay team of Dimetre Browne, Clyedterrious Thompson, Davion Gardenhire and Donovan Hines ran a time of 40.88 seconds. That time, though, didn’t qualify for Saturday’s finals, but was the 13th-best time on Friday’s preliminary round.The Dragons had several entries in Friday’s preliminaries, but none advanced to the finals.Thompson was 15th in the 100-meter preliminaries with a time of 10.48 seconds. He was 21st in the 200-meter preliminaries with a time of 21.51 seconds.Hutchinson’s 4x400-meter relay team of Gardenhire, Browne, Thompson and Sharim Hamilton placed 16th with a time of 3:18.46.Freshman Alexander Holt posted the 14th-best time in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.80 seconds.Sophomore Antonio Cooper was 14th in the shot put with a distance of 48 feet, 5 inches.Cooper will be in action again on Saturday with the discus at 1 p.m.Caleb Manning will compete in the triple jump at 1:30 p.m.

HutchCC 4x100 sets season record, doesn't qualify for finals

Sophomore distance runner Noel Buckhaults had center stage&nbsp; on Friday for the Hutchinson Community College women’s track and field team on Day 2 of the NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gowans Stadium.

The only Hutchinson women’s athlete to compete on Friday, Buckhaults ran her outdoor specialty, the 3,000-meter Steeplechase.

Buckhaults placed 13th on Friday with a time of 12 minutes, 28.16 seconds.

The Blue Dragons will have three entries on the final day of the NJCAA Championships.

Hannah Schrock will compete in her second event this weekend when she goes in the women’s discus at 10 a.m. All-America Patrisha Doll is in the javelin at the Kansas State Fairgrounds Park at 1 p.m.

The sophomore Louise Cocking will go for her second appearance of the weekend on the podium when she competes in the 5,000 meters at 3:25 p.m.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationSophomore distance runner Noel Buckhaults had center stage&nbsp; on Friday for the Hutchinson Community College women’s track and field team on Day 2 of the NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gowans Stadium.The only Hutchinson women’s athlete to compete on Friday, Buckhaults ran her outdoor specialty, the 3,000-meter Steeplechase.Buckhaults placed 13th on Friday with a time of 12 minutes, 28.16 seconds.The Blue Dragons will have three entries on the final day of the NJCAA Championships.Hannah Schrock will compete in her second event this weekend when she goes in the women’s discus at 10 a.m. All-America Patrisha Doll is in the javelin at the Kansas State Fairgrounds Park at 1 p.m.The sophomore Louise Cocking will go for her second appearance of the weekend on the podium when she competes in the 5,000 meters at 3:25 p.m.

Buckhaults competes for Dragon women at nationals

<div><iframe title="Eagle Media Sports for Friday Morning" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ebstw-122ece1-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app. CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Friday Morning

Hutchinson Community College women’s track and field sophomores Louise Cocking and Violet Martinez both earned All-America honors for the third time each on Thursday on opening day of the 2022 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gowans Stadium.

Cocking placed fifth in the 10,000 meters late Thursday night and obliterated the Hutchinson women’s school record in the event. Martinez became the second Blue Dragon in team history to be a national runner-up in the pole vault, tying for second place on Thursday.

Overall, the sophomore duo accounted for all 11 points scored by Hutchinson on Day 1. The Blue Dragons are tied for seventh after competition on Thursday.

Running the 10,000 meters for the first time in her career on Thursday, one of the best distance runners in Blue Dragon history, Cocking stayed in the lead pack for most of the 25 laps around Gowans Stadium and finished fifth, bettering the Blue Dragon school record in the women’s 10,000 meters by 2 minutes, 1.11 seconds.

Cocking’s time on Thursday was 1 minutes, 10.21 seconds. That broke Sheila Too’s 2019 record time in the event of 42:11.32.

Cocking become the first Blue Dragon to become an All-American in the 10,000 meters in school history. She was also a first-team All-American in the 2020 NJCAA Cross Country Championships and was a third-team All-American in the 2022 indoor championships in the 3,000 meters.

Martinez cleared 10 feet, 4.5 inches on Thursday, tying Cloud County’s Maggie Armstrong for second place in the pole vault. Martinez and Armstrong matched performances by clearing 10-4.5 on their first attempts, but missing at the next height.

Martinez matches the best Blue Dragon finish in the pole vault in team history. Page Stuhlsatz was the national runner-up in 2012.

Martinez earned her third All-America honor in the pole vault, finished sixth in the 2021 outdoor championships in Levelland, Texas and seventh in the 2022 indoor championships in March in Pittsburg.

The Blue Dragons had two other entries on Thursday.

Hutchinson’s 4x800-meter relay team finished 11th in the event final on Thursday. The relay team of Anastasia Meyer, Sydney Grauer, Courtney Baetz and Michele Gage posted a time of 10:39.43.

Sophomore thrower Hannah Schrock finished 14th in the women’s hammer throw on Thursday with a mark of 129 feet, 1 inch. Schrock will also compete in the discus on Saturday.

The Blue Dragon women have a quiet Friday with only one entry competing. Sophomore Noel Buckhaults runs in the 3,000-meter Steeplechase final at 4:30 p.m. at Gowans Stadium.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College women’s track and field sophomores Louise Cocking and Violet Martinez both earned All-America honors for the third time each on Thursday on opening day of the 2022 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gowans Stadium.Cocking placed fifth in the 10,000 meters late Thursday night and obliterated the Hutchinson women’s school record in the event. Martinez became the second Blue Dragon in team history to be a national runner-up in the pole vault, tying for second place on Thursday.Overall, the sophomore duo accounted for all 11 points scored by Hutchinson on Day 1. The Blue Dragons are tied for seventh after competition on Thursday.Running the 10,000 meters for the first time in her career on Thursday, one of the best distance runners in Blue Dragon history, Cocking stayed in the lead pack for most of the 25 laps around Gowans Stadium and finished fifth, bettering the Blue Dragon school record in the women’s 10,000 meters by 2 minutes, 1.11 seconds.Cocking’s time on Thursday was 1 minutes, 10.21 seconds. That broke Sheila Too’s 2019 record time in the event of 42:11.32.Cocking become the first Blue Dragon to become an All-American in the 10,000 meters in school history. She was also a first-team All-American in the 2020 NJCAA Cross Country Championships and was a third-team All-American in the 2022 indoor championships in the 3,000 meters.Martinez cleared 10 feet, 4.5 inches on Thursday, tying Cloud County’s Maggie Armstrong for second place in the pole vault. Martinez and Armstrong matched performances by clearing 10-4.5 on their first attempts, but missing at the next height.Martinez matches the best Blue Dragon finish in the pole vault in team history. Page Stuhlsatz was the national runner-up in 2012.Martinez earned her third All-America honor in the pole vault, finished sixth in the 2021 outdoor championships in Levelland, Texas and seventh in the 2022 indoor championships in March in Pittsburg.The Blue Dragons had two other entries on Thursday.Hutchinson’s 4x800-meter relay team finished 11th in the event final on Thursday. The relay team of Anastasia Meyer, Sydney Grauer, Courtney Baetz and Michele Gage posted a time of 10:39.43.Sophomore thrower Hannah Schrock finished 14th in the women’s hammer throw on Thursday with a mark of 129 feet, 1 inch. Schrock will also compete in the discus on Saturday.The Blue Dragon women have a quiet Friday with only one entry competing. Sophomore Noel Buckhaults runs in the 3,000-meter Steeplechase final at 4:30 p.m. at Gowans Stadium.

Cocking, Martinez earn All-America for Thursday performances

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/wichita-beats-springfield-behind-three-home-runs">Via WindSurge.com</a>

Wichita, KS- The Wind Surge defeated the Springfield Cardinals 6-5 in game three of a six-game homestand behind three home runs to extend the Wichita win streak to four games.

Simeon Woods-Richardson got the start on the mound for the Surge and pitched five innings and allowed two runs and tallied four strikeouts before being relieved by Bryan Sammons.

Spencer Steer stayed hot at the plate as he went two for four with two RBIs. Michael Helman also had two hits as he went two for three on the night.

Wichita trailed 2-1 in the fifth inning as Trevor Larnach hit a three-run homer to give the Surge a 4-2 lead. Larnach finished the night going one for four with three RBIs. Spencer Steer hit a solo home run the next at-bat that extended the lead to 5-2.

Cardinals second baseman Nick Dunn hit a three-run RBI double in the eighth inning to tie the game 5-5. Matt Wallner went two for four including the go-ahead home run in the eighth inning to put the Surge ahead.

Coming Up: The Wind Surge will play again Friday night. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/wichita-beats-springfield-behind-three-home-runs">Via WindSurge.com</a>Wichita, KS- The Wind Surge defeated the Springfield Cardinals 6-5 in game three of a six-game homestand behind three home runs to extend the Wichita win streak to four games.Simeon Woods-Richardson got the start on the mound for the Surge and pitched five innings and allowed two runs and tallied four strikeouts before being relieved by Bryan Sammons.Spencer Steer stayed hot at the plate as he went two for four with two RBIs. Michael Helman also had two hits as he went two for three on the night.Wichita trailed 2-1 in the fifth inning as Trevor Larnach hit a three-run homer to give the Surge a 4-2 lead. Larnach finished the night going one for four with three RBIs. Spencer Steer hit a solo home run the next at-bat that extended the lead to 5-2.Cardinals second baseman Nick Dunn hit a three-run RBI double in the eighth inning to tie the game 5-5. Matt Wallner went two for four including the go-ahead home run in the eighth inning to put the Surge ahead.Coming Up: The Wind Surge will play again Friday night. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

Wind Surge win Thursday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luis Robert homered and drove in four runs as the Chicago White Sox rallied past the Kansas City Royals 7-4 to win the five-game series. 

Robert delivered a pair of RBI singles before hitting a two-run homer into the left field stands in the eighth. His sixth home run of the season capped Chicago’s sixth come-from-behind win. 

Pinch-hitter Adam Engel gave the White Sox their first lead with an RBI single in the seventh off Gabe Speier that broke a 4-all tie. Tim Anderson had two hits, two walks and two RBIs, recording his 10th multi-hit outing in his last 18 games for the White Sox. 

Chicago took three of five from the Royals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luis Robert homered and drove in four runs as the Chicago White Sox rallied past the Kansas City Royals 7-4 to win the five-game series. Robert delivered a pair of RBI singles before hitting a two-run homer into the left field stands in the eighth. His sixth home run of the season capped Chicago’s sixth come-from-behind win. Pinch-hitter Adam Engel gave the White Sox their first lead with an RBI single in the seventh off Gabe Speier that broke a 4-all tie. Tim Anderson had two hits, two walks and two RBIs, recording his 10th multi-hit outing in his last 18 games for the White Sox. Chicago took three of five from the Royals.

Royals lose Thursday

MANHATTAN – After surviving one elimination game of the Plains District (Region VI) Tournament on Thursday, the Hutchinson Community College baseball team saw its season end on Thursday night at Tointon Family Stadium.

The Blue Dragons were held to just two hits and Johnson County erupted for 10 runs in the second inning as Hutchinson fell 12-2 in five innings in the Blue Dragons’ second game of the day.

Earlier on Thursday, Ben Dandelet tossed a complete game in a 5-2 elimination game victory over the Butler Grizzlies, which made the Blue Dragons the lone-remaining Jayhawk West team in the tournament.

Leading 1-0 through one inning, the Blue Dragons used three pitchers to get out of the tough second inning in which Johnson County sent 13 batters to the plate and scored 10 runs on six hits, including two home runs.

Starting pitcher Luke Hornberger (4-1) suffered his first loss of the season, going 1 1-3 inning. Kaden Wickersham and Brady Beverman also pitched the second inning. Reed Scott worked 1 2-3 innings of perfect relief with two strikeouts.

The Blue Dragons took a 1-0 lead with a two-out walk to Sterling Sutcliffe and a double by Ryan Henderson to the left-center field gap.

Hutchinson’s second run didn’t come until the fourth when Jack Torosian was hit by a pitch and moved to second on a passed ball and third on a wild pitch. Torosian scored on Bryce Logan’s sacrifice fly to right field.

Henderson and Logan tallied the only hits for the Blue Dragons.

The Blue Dragons were four games under .500 on March 15, but closed the season winning 31 of their final 43 games to finish the season 38-23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653044578093.jpeg" alt="HutchCCJCCC.JPG" />
 <figcaption>HutchCCJCCC.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationMANHATTAN – After surviving one elimination game of the Plains District (Region VI) Tournament on Thursday, the Hutchinson Community College baseball team saw its season end on Thursday night at Tointon Family Stadium.The Blue Dragons were held to just two hits and Johnson County erupted for 10 runs in the second inning as Hutchinson fell 12-2 in five innings in the Blue Dragons’ second game of the day.Earlier on Thursday, Ben Dandelet tossed a complete game in a 5-2 elimination game victory over the Butler Grizzlies, which made the Blue Dragons the lone-remaining Jayhawk West team in the tournament.Leading 1-0 through one inning, the Blue Dragons used three pitchers to get out of the tough second inning in which Johnson County sent 13 batters to the plate and scored 10 runs on six hits, including two home runs.Starting pitcher Luke Hornberger (4-1) suffered his first loss of the season, going 1 1-3 inning. Kaden Wickersham and Brady Beverman also pitched the second inning. Reed Scott worked 1 2-3 innings of perfect relief with two strikeouts.The Blue Dragons took a 1-0 lead with a two-out walk to Sterling Sutcliffe and a double by Ryan Henderson to the left-center field gap.Hutchinson’s second run didn’t come until the fourth when Jack Torosian was hit by a pitch and moved to second on a passed ball and third on a wild pitch. Torosian scored on Bryce Logan’s sacrifice fly to right field.Henderson and Logan tallied the only hits for the Blue Dragons.The Blue Dragons were four games under .500 on March 15, but closed the season winning 31 of their final 43 games to finish the season 38-23.

Blue Dragon baseball done after loss to Johnson County Thursday

Hutchinson Community College sophomore Simon Steinert entered the 2022 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships ranked ninth in the nation in the men’s pole vault.

He left Gowans Stadium on Thursday evening reaching the podium after placing eighth in the pole vault.

Steinert was the only Blue Dragon to score points on Day 1 of the 2022 Championships. The Dragons had four entries going on Day 1. The Blue Dragons are tied for 22nd after the first of three days of competition.

Steinert cleared 13 feet, 11.75 inches on his first attempt Thursday at the Blue Dragons home stadium, but missed on all three chances at 14 feet, 5.5 inches, which would have been a personal record.

Steinert earned honorable mention All-America honors which makes him the 29th Blue Dragon pole vaulter in team history to earn All-America honors.

Freshman Dimetre Browne just missed the men’s long jump finals with a 10-place performance on Thursday. Fourth after the first flight, Browne posted a personal record of 23 feet, 9 inches, the seventh best jump by a Blue Dragon at a national championship event in team history.

Browne also ran the leadoff leg of the Blue Dragons’ 4x100-meter relay team that finished 13th in Thursday’s preliminary round. The team of Browne, Clyedterrious Thompson, Davion Gardenhire and Donovan Hines rank a preliminary time of 40.88 seconds, a season’s best mark.

The only other Blue Dragon to compete on Thursday was hurdler Sharim Hamilton, who finished 19th in the 400-meter hurdle preliminaries with a time of 55.60 seconds.

The Blue Dragons have five entries going at the NJCAA Championships on Friday.

Ranked sixth in the NJCAA coming into the Championships, sophomore Antonio Cooper will compete in the shot put at 11 a.m. Alexander Holt runs in the 110-meter hurdle preliminaries at 2:05 p.m. Thompson and Hines run in the 100-meter prelims at 2:50 p.m. and Thompson has his 200-meter preliminary at 4:05 p.m. The day concludes with the 4x400-meter relay preliminaries at 5:15 p.m.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College sophomore Simon Steinert entered the 2022 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships ranked ninth in the nation in the men’s pole vault.He left Gowans Stadium on Thursday evening reaching the podium after placing eighth in the pole vault.Steinert was the only Blue Dragon to score points on Day 1 of the 2022 Championships. The Dragons had four entries going on Day 1. The Blue Dragons are tied for 22nd after the first of three days of competition.Steinert cleared 13 feet, 11.75 inches on his first attempt Thursday at the Blue Dragons home stadium, but missed on all three chances at 14 feet, 5.5 inches, which would have been a personal record.Steinert earned honorable mention All-America honors which makes him the 29th Blue Dragon pole vaulter in team history to earn All-America honors.Freshman Dimetre Browne just missed the men’s long jump finals with a 10-place performance on Thursday. Fourth after the first flight, Browne posted a personal record of 23 feet, 9 inches, the seventh best jump by a Blue Dragon at a national championship event in team history.Browne also ran the leadoff leg of the Blue Dragons’ 4x100-meter relay team that finished 13th in Thursday’s preliminary round. The team of Browne, Clyedterrious Thompson, Davion Gardenhire and Donovan Hines rank a preliminary time of 40.88 seconds, a season’s best mark.The only other Blue Dragon to compete on Thursday was hurdler Sharim Hamilton, who finished 19th in the 400-meter hurdle preliminaries with a time of 55.60 seconds.The Blue Dragons have five entries going at the NJCAA Championships on Friday.Ranked sixth in the NJCAA coming into the Championships, sophomore Antonio Cooper will compete in the shot put at 11 a.m. Alexander Holt runs in the 110-meter hurdle preliminaries at 2:05 p.m. Thompson and Hines run in the 100-meter prelims at 2:50 p.m. and Thompson has his 200-meter preliminary at 4:05 p.m. The day concludes with the 4x400-meter relay preliminaries at 5:15 p.m.

Steinert eighth in pole vault

<div><iframe title="Eagle Media Sports for Thursday Morning" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=m3due-122d8df-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app. CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday Morning

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/surge-win-in-walk-off-fashion">Via WindSurge.com</a>

Wichita, KS- Spencer Steer delivered an eleventh inning pinch hit walk off home run giving the Wichita Wind Surge a 7-6 win over the Springfield Cardinals.

Wichita struck first, scoring two runs in the first inning as Andrew Bechtold singled that scored Austin Martin and Michael Helman followed by grounding out, allowing Alex Isola to advance home to take a 2-0 lead.

Louie Varland took the hill for the Surge and pitched six innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs, and tallied eight strikeouts. Jordan Walker hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning to tie the game at 2.

Matt Wallner hit a two-run RBI single that scored Chris Williams and Kennie Taylor to give the Surge a 4-2 lead in the sixth inning. Wallner finished the night going two for three with a walk and two RBIs.

Springfield scored two runs in the top of the ninth as Alex Scherff hit one batter and walked another with the bases loaded to tie the game 4-4. Ben Gross took the mound for the Surge in the eleventh inning and allowed two runs to score that would go on to give Springfield a 6-4 advantage. Spencer Steer hit a three-run homer to end the game to give Wichita a 7-6 victory.

The Wind Surge will resume action Thursday, first pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/surge-win-in-walk-off-fashion">Via WindSurge.com</a>Wichita, KS- Spencer Steer delivered an eleventh inning pinch hit walk off home run giving the Wichita Wind Surge a 7-6 win over the Springfield Cardinals.Wichita struck first, scoring two runs in the first inning as Andrew Bechtold singled that scored Austin Martin and Michael Helman followed by grounding out, allowing Alex Isola to advance home to take a 2-0 lead.Louie Varland took the hill for the Surge and pitched six innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs, and tallied eight strikeouts. Jordan Walker hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning to tie the game at 2.Matt Wallner hit a two-run RBI single that scored Chris Williams and Kennie Taylor to give the Surge a 4-2 lead in the sixth inning. Wallner finished the night going two for three with a walk and two RBIs.Springfield scored two runs in the top of the ninth as Alex Scherff hit one batter and walked another with the bases loaded to tie the game 4-4. Ben Gross took the mound for the Surge in the eleventh inning and allowed two runs to score that would go on to give Springfield a 6-4 advantage. Spencer Steer hit a three-run homer to end the game to give Wichita a 7-6 victory.The Wind Surge will resume action Thursday, first pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

Surge win in 11 Wednesday

MANHATTAN – The Hutchinson Community College baseball team was held to five hits by three Kansas City pitchers and the Blue Dragons dropped to the elimination bracket of the Plains District (Region VI) Tournament at Tointon Family Stadium.

The fourth-seeded Blue Devils defeated the 10th-seeded Blue Dragons and snapped Hutchinson’s season-high nine-game winning streak with a 7-2 victory in the winners’ bracket semifinals.

The Blue Dragons (37-22) will now play the Butler Grizzlies in an elimination game at 10 a.m. on Thursday. The Blue Dragon/Grizzlies winner would advance to another elimination game at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Kansas City, ranked No. 17 in the final NJCAA rankings with a 49-10 record, took a 2-0 lead after one inning and never relinquished that lead.

The Dragons pulled within 2-1 in the second when Bryce Logan’s sacrifice fly to center scored Jack Torosian. Hunter Gotreaux’s sacrifice fly in the third to deep left allowed Sterling Sutcliffe to score, pulling the Dragons within 3-2.

The Blue Dragons left six runners on base in the first three innings. They had just two baserunners altogether over the final six innings – a two-out walk to Ben McLaughlin in the fourth and a one-out double by Cade Baker in the sixth. KCK pitchers retired the final 11 Blue Dragon batters of the game.

Baker and Torosian both doubled for the Blue Dragons. Braedyn Sommer, Sutcliffe and Gotreaux all had singles.

Kansas City had 13 hits against three Blue Dragon pitchers and Hutchinson added five errors.

Chase Torkelson (3-4) pitched six innings in his second postseason start. He allowed 11 hits, five runs, four earned runs and struck out five with no walks. Brady Beverman pitched a scoreless eighth inning. Michael Uhler allowed two runs in the ninth inning.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationMANHATTAN – The Hutchinson Community College baseball team was held to five hits by three Kansas City pitchers and the Blue Dragons dropped to the elimination bracket of the Plains District (Region VI) Tournament at Tointon Family Stadium.The fourth-seeded Blue Devils defeated the 10th-seeded Blue Dragons and snapped Hutchinson’s season-high nine-game winning streak with a 7-2 victory in the winners’ bracket semifinals.The Blue Dragons (37-22) will now play the Butler Grizzlies in an elimination game at 10 a.m. on Thursday. The Blue Dragon/Grizzlies winner would advance to another elimination game at 7 p.m. on Thursday.Kansas City, ranked No. 17 in the final NJCAA rankings with a 49-10 record, took a 2-0 lead after one inning and never relinquished that lead.The Dragons pulled within 2-1 in the second when Bryce Logan’s sacrifice fly to center scored Jack Torosian. Hunter Gotreaux’s sacrifice fly in the third to deep left allowed Sterling Sutcliffe to score, pulling the Dragons within 3-2.The Blue Dragons left six runners on base in the first three innings. They had just two baserunners altogether over the final six innings – a two-out walk to Ben McLaughlin in the fourth and a one-out double by Cade Baker in the sixth. KCK pitchers retired the final 11 Blue Dragon batters of the game.Baker and Torosian both doubled for the Blue Dragons. Braedyn Sommer, Sutcliffe and Gotreaux all had singles.Kansas City had 13 hits against three Blue Dragon pitchers and Hutchinson added five errors.Chase Torkelson (3-4) pitched six innings in his second postseason start. He allowed 11 hits, five runs, four earned runs and struck out five with no walks. Brady Beverman pitched a scoreless eighth inning. Michael Uhler allowed two runs in the ninth inning.

Dragons drop game to KCK in Region play

A total of nine Hutchinson Community College athletes will represent the Blue Dragons in 12 events on their home track at Gowans Stadium beginning Thursday.

Gowans Stadium plays host its seventh NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships and first since 2017 beginning Thursday.

The Blue Dragons will have four entries competing on Thursday.

Sophomore thrower Antonio Cooper is the highest nationally ranked Blue Dragon entering the 2022 championships.

Cooper is eighth in the shot put after a top distance of 53 feet, 7.75 inches set at the Tabor Invitational on April 23. Cooper will compete in the shot put at 11 a.m. on Friday at Gowans Stadium.

Cooper is one of two Blue Dragons to qualify in two individual events.

Cooper is also entered in the discus, which will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The sophomore from Junction City is ranked 13th in the NJCAA at 154 feet, 1 inches, which was set at the Southwestern Jinx Invite on March 26.

Sprinter Clyedterrious Thompson qualified in both the 100 and 200 meters. Thompson is ranked 19th in the 100 meters with a time of 10.35 seconds and 43rd in the 200 with a time of 21.35 seconds. The 100 preliminaries are scheduled for 2:50 p.m. and the 200 preliminaries are at 4:05 p.m. on Friday.

Thompson will actually compete in four events for the Blue Dragons.

Hutchinson’s 4x100 relay team of Dimetre Browne, Thompson, Davion Gardenhire and Donovan Hines is ranked 16th in the NJCAA with a time of 41.32 seconds set at the Region VI Championships two weeks ago in Garden City. The 4x100 relay preliminaries are at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday.

The Blue Dragon 4x400 relay team of Gardenhire, Brown, Thompson and Sharim Hamilton is ranked 16th in the nation with a time of 3:16.42. The 4x400 relay preliminaries are at 5:25 p.m. on Friday.

Hines also qualified in the 100 meters with a time of 10.54 seconds, ranked 44th in the NJCAA.

Pole vaulter Simon Steinert enters Thursday’s 5 p.m. event with the ninth-best clearance of 14 feet, 1.25 set at the Tabor Invitational.

Hamilton qualified for the 400-meter hurdles at the Friends Invitational on April 2 with a time of 53.83 seconds. He is ranked 14th in the NJCAA. The 400-meter hurdle preliminaries are at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday.

Freshman Caleb Manning is ranked 15th in the NJCAA in the triple jump after going 48-1.25 at the Region VI Championships.

Freshman Alexander Holt is 19th in the 110-hurdles, qualifying for nationals at the Tabor Invitational with a time of 14.51 seconds, which is 19th in the NJCAA. The 110-hurdle preliminaries are at 1:05 p.m. on Friday.

The first Blue Dragon to complete on Thursday is Browne in the long jump. Browne is ranked 20th after a season’s top jump of 23-9.5 at the Region VI Championships.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationA total of nine Hutchinson Community College athletes will represent the Blue Dragons in 12 events on their home track at Gowans Stadium beginning Thursday.Gowans Stadium plays host its seventh NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships and first since 2017 beginning Thursday.The Blue Dragons will have four entries competing on Thursday.Sophomore thrower Antonio Cooper is the highest nationally ranked Blue Dragon entering the 2022 championships.Cooper is eighth in the shot put after a top distance of 53 feet, 7.75 inches set at the Tabor Invitational on April 23. Cooper will compete in the shot put at 11 a.m. on Friday at Gowans Stadium.Cooper is one of two Blue Dragons to qualify in two individual events.Cooper is also entered in the discus, which will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The sophomore from Junction City is ranked 13th in the NJCAA at 154 feet, 1 inches, which was set at the Southwestern Jinx Invite on March 26.Sprinter Clyedterrious Thompson qualified in both the 100 and 200 meters. Thompson is ranked 19th in the 100 meters with a time of 10.35 seconds and 43rd in the 200 with a time of 21.35 seconds. The 100 preliminaries are scheduled for 2:50 p.m. and the 200 preliminaries are at 4:05 p.m. on Friday.Thompson will actually compete in four events for the Blue Dragons.Hutchinson’s 4x100 relay team of Dimetre Browne, Thompson, Davion Gardenhire and Donovan Hines is ranked 16th in the NJCAA with a time of 41.32 seconds set at the Region VI Championships two weeks ago in Garden City. The 4x100 relay preliminaries are at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday.The Blue Dragon 4x400 relay team of Gardenhire, Brown, Thompson and Sharim Hamilton is ranked 16th in the nation with a time of 3:16.42. The 4x400 relay preliminaries are at 5:25 p.m. on Friday.Hines also qualified in the 100 meters with a time of 10.54 seconds, ranked 44th in the NJCAA.Pole vaulter Simon Steinert enters Thursday’s 5 p.m. event with the ninth-best clearance of 14 feet, 1.25 set at the Tabor Invitational.Hamilton qualified for the 400-meter hurdles at the Friends Invitational on April 2 with a time of 53.83 seconds. He is ranked 14th in the NJCAA. The 400-meter hurdle preliminaries are at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday.Freshman Caleb Manning is ranked 15th in the NJCAA in the triple jump after going 48-1.25 at the Region VI Championships.Freshman Alexander Holt is 19th in the 110-hurdles, qualifying for nationals at the Tabor Invitational with a time of 14.51 seconds, which is 19th in the NJCAA. The 110-hurdle preliminaries are at 1:05 p.m. on Friday.The first Blue Dragon to complete on Thursday is Browne in the long jump. Browne is ranked 20th after a season’s top jump of 23-9.5 at the Region VI Championships.

Dragon men will have 12 entries at track nationals

All-Americans Louise Cocking and Violet Martinez headline the opening-day action for the Hutchinson Community College women’s track and field team at the 2022 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gowans Stadium.

Also looking to make some headlines will be the Blue Dragon women’s 4x800-meter relay team on the first of three days of action.

Cocking, an All-American in cross country and indoor track, looks for her first outdoor All-America honors when she runs in the 10,000 meters at 7 p.m. Cocking hasn’t run the 10,000 this season, but she will run as a coach’s entry. Cocking will also run in the 5,000 meters on Saturday. The Blue Dragon sophomore distance runner is ranked fourth in the nation in the 5,000 with a qualifying time of 17 minutes, 57.27 seconds set at the KT Woodman Classic on April 6.

Martinez is a two-time pole vault All-American, finishing sixth in the 2021 outdoor championships in Levelland, Texas. Martinez has a personal best clearance this season of 10 feet, 6 inches, which is ninth in the NJCAA. All-American and teammate Kiana Brown is injured and won’t be able to participate. She was ranked fourth in the NJCAA before the injury.

The Blue Dragon 4x800-meter relay is ranked sixth in the NJCAA this season, qualifying with a time of 10:04.20 in the Friends Invitational on April 2. The relay team of Courtney Baetz, Michele Gage, Sydney Grauer and Anastasia Meyer will run at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

The Blue Dragon women had eight total qualifiers for the 2022 outdoor championships.

Sophomore Hannah Schrock qualified in two events for the Blue Dragons. Schrock opens her championship at 11 a.m. on Thursday with the hammer throw at the State Fairgrounds Park on Severance Avenue. Schrock is ranked 17th in the hammer with a PR of 142-1 at the Region VI Championships two weeks ago in Garden City.

Schrock will also compete in the discus at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Gowans Stadium. Schrock is 20th in the nation in the discus at 133 feet, 2 inches.

Patrisha Doll, a 2021 All-American in the javelin, will compete at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Doll’s best throw of 2022 is 125 feet, 4 inches at the Butler Invitational on April 30.

Sophomore Noel Buckhaults will compete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at 4:30 p.m. on Friday at Gowans Stadium. Buckhaults is 16th in the NJCAA with a time of 12:11.08 set at the Southwestern Jinx Invitational on March 26.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationAll-Americans Louise Cocking and Violet Martinez headline the opening-day action for the Hutchinson Community College women’s track and field team at the 2022 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gowans Stadium.Also looking to make some headlines will be the Blue Dragon women’s 4x800-meter relay team on the first of three days of action.Cocking, an All-American in cross country and indoor track, looks for her first outdoor All-America honors when she runs in the 10,000 meters at 7 p.m. Cocking hasn’t run the 10,000 this season, but she will run as a coach’s entry. Cocking will also run in the 5,000 meters on Saturday. The Blue Dragon sophomore distance runner is ranked fourth in the nation in the 5,000 with a qualifying time of 17 minutes, 57.27 seconds set at the KT Woodman Classic on April 6.Martinez is a two-time pole vault All-American, finishing sixth in the 2021 outdoor championships in Levelland, Texas. Martinez has a personal best clearance this season of 10 feet, 6 inches, which is ninth in the NJCAA. All-American and teammate Kiana Brown is injured and won’t be able to participate. She was ranked fourth in the NJCAA before the injury.The Blue Dragon 4x800-meter relay is ranked sixth in the NJCAA this season, qualifying with a time of 10:04.20 in the Friends Invitational on April 2. The relay team of Courtney Baetz, Michele Gage, Sydney Grauer and Anastasia Meyer will run at 5 p.m. on Thursday.The Blue Dragon women had eight total qualifiers for the 2022 outdoor championships.Sophomore Hannah Schrock qualified in two events for the Blue Dragons. Schrock opens her championship at 11 a.m. on Thursday with the hammer throw at the State Fairgrounds Park on Severance Avenue. Schrock is ranked 17th in the hammer with a PR of 142-1 at the Region VI Championships two weeks ago in Garden City.Schrock will also compete in the discus at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Gowans Stadium. Schrock is 20th in the nation in the discus at 133 feet, 2 inches.Patrisha Doll, a 2021 All-American in the javelin, will compete at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Doll’s best throw of 2022 is 125 feet, 4 inches at the Butler Invitational on April 30.Sophomore Noel Buckhaults will compete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at 4:30 p.m. on Friday at Gowans Stadium. Buckhaults is 16th in the NJCAA with a time of 12:11.08 set at the Southwestern Jinx Invitational on March 26.

Four Thursday entries for Dragon women at nationals

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Daniel Salloi scored two goals to spark Sporting Kansas City to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids. Salloi gave Sporting KC (3-7-3) a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute. Lucas Esteves pulled the Rapids (4-5-3) even with a goal in the 29th minute. Salloi’s game-winner came five minutes into the second half.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Daniel Salloi scored two goals to spark Sporting Kansas City to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids. Salloi gave Sporting KC (3-7-3) a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute. Lucas Esteves pulled the Rapids (4-5-3) even with a goal in the 29th minute. Salloi’s game-winner came five minutes into the second half.

Sporting KC wins Wednesday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez homered and fellow rookie Emmanuel Rivera hit a go-ahead triple to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Chicago White Sox 6-2. Witt, Melendez and Rivera each had two hits. Rivera’s sinking liner escaped a diving Adam Engel for a triple that drove in Melendez with the tiebreaking run in the sixth. In his return from the COVID-19-related injured list, Giolito labored early, needing 54 pitches to complete the first two innings, allowing four hits and two walks. After Witt’s leadoff homer in the third, Giolito struck out six of the next seven batters and permitted only a pair of singles before being lifted after five innings.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez homered and fellow rookie Emmanuel Rivera hit a go-ahead triple to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Chicago White Sox 6-2. Witt, Melendez and Rivera each had two hits. Rivera’s sinking liner escaped a diving Adam Engel for a triple that drove in Melendez with the tiebreaking run in the sixth. In his return from the COVID-19-related injured list, Giolito labored early, needing 54 pitches to complete the first two innings, allowing four hits and two walks. After Witt’s leadoff homer in the third, Giolito struck out six of the next seven batters and permitted only a pair of singles before being lifted after five innings.

Royals win Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—Hutchinson High School head baseball coach Jim Preston informed KWBW radio and Hutchpost.com Wednesday, that he is resigning from his coaching position with the Salthawks.&nbsp; Preston was hired in 2017 and in his first year guided the Salthawks to the 6A State Tournament where they were defeated by Manhattan in the 1st round in Lawrence.

Preston just wrapped up his 6th season as head coach with his young squad going 2-18, but failed to qualify for the 6A West Regionals.

Newly hired Athletic/Activities Director Jon McLean told Eagle Media Sports that a search to replace Preston will begin soon.&nbsp; Preston was quoted saying "the time was right to step down."

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—Hutchinson High School head baseball coach Jim Preston informed KWBW radio and Hutchpost.com Wednesday, that he is resigning from his coaching position with the Salthawks.&nbsp; Preston was hired in 2017 and in his first year guided the Salthawks to the 6A State Tournament where they were defeated by Manhattan in the 1st round in Lawrence.Preston just wrapped up his 6th season as head coach with his young squad going 2-18, but failed to qualify for the 6A West Regionals.Newly hired Athletic/Activities Director Jon McLean told Eagle Media Sports that a search to replace Preston will begin soon.&nbsp; Preston was quoted saying "the time was right to step down."CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app. CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

Preston steps down as head baseball coach at Hutch High

OGDEN, Utah—Weber State has named&nbsp;Eric Duft&nbsp;as the successor of the Wildcat program. Duft becomes the 10th head coach in Weber State’s Division I history.&nbsp;

A native of Sterling, Kansas, Duft graduated from Sterling High in 1991 and was the class valedictorian. He attended Sterling College where he was a four-year letterman and graduated in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.

He is no stranger to the Wildcats having spent the past 16 years on the bench under Rahe. Duft was one of the first hires Rahe made to his staff during his first season in 2006. In 2009, Duft was elevated to the position of Associate Head Coach.&nbsp;

Duft, 49, has been a part of five Big Sky titles and three trips to the NCAA Tournament at Weber State and has been on the bench for over 500 games with the Wildcats.&nbsp;

Prior to coming to Weber State, Duft spent 10 years coaching in the junior college ranks in Kansas. He spent seven seasons as an assistant coach at Hutchinson Community College where he helped lead the team to a top-five ranking in the nation. Duft coached under Tim Duryea in 1999-2006 for the Dragons. He also was an assistant coach at Cowley County CC in Arkansas City and Central Community College in McPherson. He was the head coach at Central for the 1997-98 season.&nbsp;

Duft and his wife, Sherri, are the parents of four children Jaret, Halle, Easton, and Kourt.

“We are excited for coach Duft to begin his tenure as the head coach at Weber State,” Crompton added. “His high character and passion for the game bode well for building the next phase of success and championships at Weber State.”

OGDEN, Utah—Weber State has named&nbsp;Eric Duft&nbsp;as the successor of the Wildcat program. Duft becomes the 10th head coach in Weber State’s Division I history.&nbsp;A native of Sterling, Kansas, Duft graduated from Sterling High in 1991 and was the class valedictorian. He attended Sterling College where he was a four-year letterman and graduated in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.He is no stranger to the Wildcats having spent the past 16 years on the bench under Rahe. Duft was one of the first hires Rahe made to his staff during his first season in 2006. In 2009, Duft was elevated to the position of Associate Head Coach.&nbsp;Duft, 49, has been a part of five Big Sky titles and three trips to the NCAA Tournament at Weber State and has been on the bench for over 500 games with the Wildcats.&nbsp;Prior to coming to Weber State, Duft spent 10 years coaching in the junior college ranks in Kansas. He spent seven seasons as an assistant coach at Hutchinson Community College where he helped lead the team to a top-five ranking in the nation. Duft coached under Tim Duryea in 1999-2006 for the Dragons. He also was an assistant coach at Cowley County CC in Arkansas City and Central Community College in McPherson. He was the head coach at Central for the 1997-98 season.&nbsp;Duft and his wife, Sherri, are the parents of four children Jaret, Halle, Easton, and Kourt.“We are excited for coach Duft to begin his tenure as the head coach at Weber State,” Crompton added. “His high character and passion for the game bode well for building the next phase of success and championships at Weber State.”