KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge returned from a scheduled day off to homer twice and drive in the tying run as the Yankees rallied past the Royals 6-4 for their ninth straight win. 

Judge went deep for the third straight game when he connected off Daniel Lynch for a drive estimated at 453 feet in the first inning. He added another no-doubt shot in the ninth, giving Judge five homers in his last five games and eight on the year. 

Clarke Schmidt earned the win in relief of Yankees starter Luis Severino, and Aroldis Chapman handled the ninth for his sixth save. Dylan Coleman took the loss in relief for Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge returned from a scheduled day off to homer twice and drive in the tying run as the Yankees rallied past the Royals 6-4 for their ninth straight win. Judge went deep for the third straight game when he connected off Daniel Lynch for a drive estimated at 453 feet in the first inning. He added another no-doubt shot in the ninth, giving Judge five homers in his last five games and eight on the year. Clarke Schmidt earned the win in relief of Yankees starter Luis Severino, and Aroldis Chapman handled the ninth for his sixth save. Dylan Coleman took the loss in relief for Kansas City.

⚾️ Royals lose to Yankees Sunday

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports Information

After the completion of the 2022 NFL Draft on Saturday, four former Hutchinson Community College football players were selected by NFL teams as undrafted free agents.

Linebacker Caliph Brice (Florida Atlantic), tight end Leroy Watson (UT-San Antonio), defensive linemen Clarence Hicks (UT-San Antonio) and offensive lineman Jason Poe (Mercer) all played for the Blue Dragons in 2017 and 2018.

Along with first-round draft pick Devante Wyatt, who the Green Bay Packers selected with the 28th overall pick on Thursday, five total Blue Dragons were selected by NFL teams in this draft season. That's the second-most players selected in one draft season in Blue Dragon football history. Seven Blue Dragons – three drafted players and four UDFAs – were selected in the 2017 draft season.

Since 1967, 39 Blue Dragon players have either been drafted and selected as an undrafted free agent.

CALIPH BRICE – Green Bay Packers Brice was a two-year starting linebacker for the Blue Dragons in 2017 and 2018.

He was a second-team all-Jayhawk Conference selected in 2018. Playing in 12 games, Brice had 71 tackles, including 1.5 quarterback sacks. He also had two blocked kicks on special teams. Brice played in 11 games in 2017 and recorded 51 total tackles with 1.5 quarterback sacks, an interception and fumble recovery.

Brice played in 30 games at Florida Atlantic in 2019, 2020 and 2021. He collected 141 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Brice also had three fumble recoveries, two passes defended, a forced fumble and interception. Brice earned Conference USA Honorable Mention honors in 2021.

Brice is the fourth Blue Dragon to sign or be drafted by the Packers … Kevin Barry (UDFA 2002), Angelo Pease (UDFA 2013) and Wyatt (first round 2022).

LEROY WATSON – Atlanta Falcons Watson was a two-year starting tight end for the Blue Dragons in 2017 and 2018. Watson was a two-time all-Jayhawk Conference player, earning honorable mention honors in 2017 and first-team honors in 2018.

After two years at Hutchinson, Watson was listed by several recruiting sites as one of the nation's top tight end. Watson caught six passes for 88 yards and a touchdown in 2018. He had six receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown as a freshman in 2017.

Playing three seasons at tight end at UTSA, Watson caught 25 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns in 37 games played. Watson played on three bowl-qualifying teams and the 2022 Roadrunners were Conference USA Champions.

Watson is the fourth Blue Dragon to sign or be drafted by the Falcons … Mack Herron (sixth round 1970), De'Vondre Campbell (fourth round 2014) and Tyler Williams (UDFA 2017). Watson will also be joining former Blue Dragon Cordarrelle Patterson, who signed with the Falcons before the 2021 season.

CLARENCE HICKS – Cincinnati Bengals A defensive tackle who played for the Blue Dragons in 2017 and 2018. Playing sparingly in 2017, Hicks started in 11 games in 2018. He earned second-team all-Jayhawk Conference honors in 2018. He registered 42 total tackles, including 14 quarterback sacks and 23 tackles for loss. He had 42 total tackles in his Blue Dragon career, which included two forced fumbles and two passes broken up.

This past season at UTSA, Hicks was a first-team All-Conference USA honoree and was named the league's Defensive Player of the Week twice in 2021 as an outside linebacker. Over his three seasons at UTSA, Hicks had 108 total tackles with 31 tackles for loss and 12.5 quarterback sacks. Hicks also had seven passes broken up, two interceptions and three forced fumbles.

Hicks is the fourth Blue Dragon to sign or be drafted by the Bengals … Aaron Manning (UDFA 1987), Mario Monds (sixth round 1999) and Antonio Longino (UDFA 2016).

JASON POE – San Francisco 49ers While with the Blue Dragons in 2017, Poe was a running back. He played in four games and rushed for 18 yards.

Originally after playing at Hutchinson, Poe transferred to Lenoir Rhyne College before winding up at Mercer University. At Lenoir Rhyne, he was a two-time all-South Atlantic Conference player and an NCAA Division II All-American as an offensive lineman in 2019.

Finishing is collegiate career at Mercer, Poe played in all nine games in 2021. He is the first Mercer player to either be drafted or selected as an undrafted free agent in that program's history.

Poe is the third Blue Dragon to sign with the 49ers … Arland Bruce (UDFA 2000) and David Dixon (UDFA 2005).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651490601684.jpeg" alt="DragonFreeAgents.jpg" />
 <figcaption>DragonFreeAgents.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationAfter the completion of the 2022 NFL Draft on Saturday, four former Hutchinson Community College football players were selected by NFL teams as undrafted free agents.Linebacker Caliph Brice (Florida Atlantic), tight end Leroy Watson (UT-San Antonio), defensive linemen Clarence Hicks (UT-San Antonio) and offensive lineman Jason Poe (Mercer) all played for the Blue Dragons in 2017 and 2018.Along with first-round draft pick Devante Wyatt, who the Green Bay Packers selected with the 28th overall pick on Thursday, five total Blue Dragons were selected by NFL teams in this draft season. That's the second-most players selected in one draft season in Blue Dragon football history. Seven Blue Dragons – three drafted players and four UDFAs – were selected in the 2017 draft season.Since 1967, 39 Blue Dragon players have either been drafted and selected as an undrafted free agent.CALIPH BRICE – Green Bay Packers Brice was a two-year starting linebacker for the Blue Dragons in 2017 and 2018.He was a second-team all-Jayhawk Conference selected in 2018. Playing in 12 games, Brice had 71 tackles, including 1.5 quarterback sacks. He also had two blocked kicks on special teams. Brice played in 11 games in 2017 and recorded 51 total tackles with 1.5 quarterback sacks, an interception and fumble recovery.Brice played in 30 games at Florida Atlantic in 2019, 2020 and 2021. He collected 141 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Brice also had three fumble recoveries, two passes defended, a forced fumble and interception. Brice earned Conference USA Honorable Mention honors in 2021.Brice is the fourth Blue Dragon to sign or be drafted by the Packers … Kevin Barry (UDFA 2002), Angelo Pease (UDFA 2013) and Wyatt (first round 2022).LEROY WATSON – Atlanta Falcons Watson was a two-year starting tight end for the Blue Dragons in 2017 and 2018. Watson was a two-time all-Jayhawk Conference player, earning honorable mention honors in 2017 and first-team honors in 2018.After two years at Hutchinson, Watson was listed by several recruiting sites as one of the nation's top tight end. Watson caught six passes for 88 yards and a touchdown in 2018. He had six receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown as a freshman in 2017.Playing three seasons at tight end at UTSA, Watson caught 25 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns in 37 games played. Watson played on three bowl-qualifying teams and the 2022 Roadrunners were Conference USA Champions.Watson is the fourth Blue Dragon to sign or be drafted by the Falcons … Mack Herron (sixth round 1970), De'Vondre Campbell (fourth round 2014) and Tyler Williams (UDFA 2017). Watson will also be joining former Blue Dragon Cordarrelle Patterson, who signed with the Falcons before the 2021 season.CLARENCE HICKS – Cincinnati Bengals A defensive tackle who played for the Blue Dragons in 2017 and 2018. Playing sparingly in 2017, Hicks started in 11 games in 2018. He earned second-team all-Jayhawk Conference honors in 2018. He registered 42 total tackles, including 14 quarterback sacks and 23 tackles for loss. He had 42 total tackles in his Blue Dragon career, which included two forced fumbles and two passes broken up.This past season at UTSA, Hicks was a first-team All-Conference USA honoree and was named the league's Defensive Player of the Week twice in 2021 as an outside linebacker. Over his three seasons at UTSA, Hicks had 108 total tackles with 31 tackles for loss and 12.5 quarterback sacks. Hicks also had seven passes broken up, two interceptions and three forced fumbles.Hicks is the fourth Blue Dragon to sign or be drafted by the Bengals … Aaron Manning (UDFA 1987), Mario Monds (sixth round 1999) and Antonio Longino (UDFA 2016).JASON POE – San Francisco 49ers While with the Blue Dragons in 2017, Poe was a running back. He played in four games and rushed for 18 yards.Originally after playing at Hutchinson, Poe transferred to Lenoir Rhyne College before winding up at Mercer University. At Lenoir Rhyne, he was a two-time all-South Atlantic Conference player and an NCAA Division II All-American as an offensive lineman in 2019.Finishing is collegiate career at Mercer, Poe played in all nine games in 2021. He is the first Mercer player to either be drafted or selected as an undrafted free agent in that program's history.Poe is the third Blue Dragon to sign with the 49ers … Arland Bruce (UDFA 2000) and David Dixon (UDFA 2005).

🏈 Former Blue Dragons sign free agent NFL deals

PRATT – The Hutchinson Community College bats exploded on Saturday in a crucial Jayhawk West doubleheader sweep of the Pratt Beavers at Stanion Field.

The Blue Dragons combined for 32 runs and 37 with and 19 extra-base hits, including six home runs as Hutchinson run-ruled Pratt 15-2 in five innings in Game 1 and outslugged the Beavers 17-12 in Game 2 to take its seventh-straight season series from the Beavers.

The Dragons are now tied for fourth place in the Jayhawk West with Butler with identical 16-12 records heading into the final week of the regular season. The Blue Dragons will play Dodge City next week, while Butler plays Garden City. The Hutchinson-Dodge City series starts at Cavalier Field in Dodge City Thursday and concludes at Hobart-Detter Field next Saturday.

Hutchinson is now a season-high nine games over .500 at 30-21. The Blue Dragons reach the 30-win plateau for the 28th time in program history and the eighth time in the Ryan Schmidt era.

Several Blue Dragons had big days at the plate in the final two games of the four-game series with the Beavers.

Designated hitter Braedyn Sommer had a huge day going a combined 6 for 10 with three home runs, triple and nine RBIs.

Second baseman Hunter Gotreaux was 6 for 9 with two doubles, home run and six RBIs.

Third baseman Ben McLaughlin homered twice and had three doubles, going 5 for 10 with five RBIs. McLaughlin moved into sole possession of second place on the Blue Dragon career home run list with 29 home runs. He is now tied for ninth with Dylan Nedved for on the career RBI list with 67.

The Blue Dragons scored at least two runs in each of their five offensive innings in the first game. Six different Blue Dragon players had at least two hits in the game.

Sommer and McLaughlin, the Dragons’ Nos. 1 and 2 hitters in the lineup, were a combined 6 for 9 with six runs and six RBIs.

McLaughlin went 3 for 5 with four RBIs and three runs scored. He had RBI doubles in the first and second innings and a two-run home run in the third inning. Sommer was 3 for 4 with a triple, home run, three runs scored and two RBIs. He had an RBI single in the second and a solo home run in the fourth.

Gotreaux had a game-high five RBIs, going 2 for 3 with three runs scored and a stolen base. Gotreaux launched a three-run home run in Hutchinson’s seven-run second for a 9-0 lead. He added a two-run double in the fifth inning.

Jack Torosian was on base in all four plate appearances, going 2 for 2 with two RBIs. Cade Baker was 2 for 2 with a double and RBIs. Bryce Logan drove in two with a bases-loaded hit by pitch and RBI single.

This was the 20th time in program history, the first since scoring 23 last season against Dodge City, the Blue Dragons scored 20 or more runs in a game.

Starting pitcher Chase Torkelson evened his season record at 4-4 with a complete-game performance. He allowed eight hits and three earned runs with two strikeouts and a walk.

Sommer followed his big first game with his second multi-home run game of the season and a career-high seven RBIs. He had a grand slam in the second inning and a three-run shot to center field in the seventh inning to finish 3 for 6.

The Blue Dragons reached the 20-hit mark for the first time since a 21-hit game against Pratt on April 22, 2018.

Gotreaux tied a career high for hits, going 4 for 6 with a double, RBI and three runs scored.

Centerfielder Kael Babin tied a career high for hits, going 2 for 5 with a career-high four RBIs. Babin had an RBI single in the second, two-run single in the fifth and RBI single in the ninth.

McLaughlin homers in going 2 for 5 with an RBI. Torosian was 2 for 6 with a double, triple and two runs. Baker went 2 for 3 with three runs and a double with two walks.

The Blue Dragons had three huge innings to build what was an 11-run lead entering the bottom of the ninth. The Dragons scored six runs in the second, four in the fifth and seven runs in the ninth. Pratt scored two runs in each of the first three innings, and then was shut out from the fourth through the eighth before scoring six in the bottom of the ninth.

Brady Beverman (4-1) got the win with 3 2-3 innings of relief work. He allowed four hits and two earned runs while striking out four and walking two. Reed Scott had two scoreless innings of relief with a pair of hits and two strikeouts. Kaden Wickersham had to get the final two outs of the ninth. He struck out two.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationPRATT – The Hutchinson Community College bats exploded on Saturday in a crucial Jayhawk West doubleheader sweep of the Pratt Beavers at Stanion Field.The Blue Dragons combined for 32 runs and 37 with and 19 extra-base hits, including six home runs as Hutchinson run-ruled Pratt 15-2 in five innings in Game 1 and outslugged the Beavers 17-12 in Game 2 to take its seventh-straight season series from the Beavers.The Dragons are now tied for fourth place in the Jayhawk West with Butler with identical 16-12 records heading into the final week of the regular season. The Blue Dragons will play Dodge City next week, while Butler plays Garden City. The Hutchinson-Dodge City series starts at Cavalier Field in Dodge City Thursday and concludes at Hobart-Detter Field next Saturday.Hutchinson is now a season-high nine games over .500 at 30-21. The Blue Dragons reach the 30-win plateau for the 28th time in program history and the eighth time in the Ryan Schmidt era.Several Blue Dragons had big days at the plate in the final two games of the four-game series with the Beavers.Designated hitter Braedyn Sommer had a huge day going a combined 6 for 10 with three home runs, triple and nine RBIs.Second baseman Hunter Gotreaux was 6 for 9 with two doubles, home run and six RBIs.Third baseman Ben McLaughlin homered twice and had three doubles, going 5 for 10 with five RBIs. McLaughlin moved into sole possession of second place on the Blue Dragon career home run list with 29 home runs. He is now tied for ninth with Dylan Nedved for on the career RBI list with 67.GAME 1 RECAPThe Blue Dragons scored at least two runs in each of their five offensive innings in the first game. Six different Blue Dragon players had at least two hits in the game.Sommer and McLaughlin, the Dragons’ Nos. 1 and 2 hitters in the lineup, were a combined 6 for 9 with six runs and six RBIs.McLaughlin went 3 for 5 with four RBIs and three runs scored. He had RBI doubles in the first and second innings and a two-run home run in the third inning. Sommer was 3 for 4 with a triple, home run, three runs scored and two RBIs. He had an RBI single in the second and a solo home run in the fourth.Gotreaux had a game-high five RBIs, going 2 for 3 with three runs scored and a stolen base. Gotreaux launched a three-run home run in Hutchinson’s seven-run second for a 9-0 lead. He added a two-run double in the fifth inning.Jack Torosian was on base in all four plate appearances, going 2 for 2 with two RBIs. Cade Baker was 2 for 2 with a double and RBIs. Bryce Logan drove in two with a bases-loaded hit by pitch and RBI single.This was the 20th time in program history, the first since scoring 23 last season against Dodge City, the Blue Dragons scored 20 or more runs in a game.Starting pitcher Chase Torkelson evened his season record at 4-4 with a complete-game performance. He allowed eight hits and three earned runs with two strikeouts and a walk.GAME 2 RECAPSommer followed his big first game with his second multi-home run game of the season and a career-high seven RBIs. He had a grand slam in the second inning and a three-run shot to center field in the seventh inning to finish 3 for 6.The Blue Dragons reached the 20-hit mark for the first time since a 21-hit game against Pratt on April 22, 2018.Gotreaux tied a career high for hits, going 4 for 6 with a double, RBI and three runs scored.Centerfielder Kael Babin tied a career high for hits, going 2 for 5 with a career-high four RBIs. Babin had an RBI single in the second, two-run single in the fifth and RBI single in the ninth.McLaughlin homers in going 2 for 5 with an RBI. Torosian was 2 for 6 with a double, triple and two runs. Baker went 2 for 3 with three runs and a double with two walks.The Blue Dragons had three huge innings to build what was an 11-run lead entering the bottom of the ninth. The Dragons scored six runs in the second, four in the fifth and seven runs in the ninth. Pratt scored two runs in each of the first three innings, and then was shut out from the fourth through the eighth before scoring six in the bottom of the ninth.Brady Beverman (4-1) got the win with 3 2-3 innings of relief work. He allowed four hits and two earned runs while striking out four and walking two. Reed Scott had two scoreless innings of relief with a pair of hits and two strikeouts. Kaden Wickersham had to get the final two outs of the ninth. He struck out two.

⚾️ Dragons explode in sweep of Pratt

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports Information

PRATT – Freshman Aspen Goetz’s perfect day at the plate paced the No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College softball team to a KJCCC doubleheader sweep of the Pratt Beavers and closed the 2022 regular season on a 12-game winning streak.

The Blue Dragons finished off the regular season with a pair of five-inning run-rule victories over the Beavers, 15-2 and 22-0.

Hutchinson is now 38-6 entering Friday’s Region VI Tournament, finishing second in the KJCCC for the second-straight season with a program record 29 conference wins (29-3). The 38 wins tie the 2016 and 2018 Blue Dragon teams for the fifth-most wins in a season in program history.

The Dragons will open play in the 2022 Region VI Tournament on Friday in Dodge City. Official pairings will be released early next week.

The Blue Dragons’ 12-game winning streak ties for the fifth-longest win streaks in program history, matching win streaks done twice in 2016. This is the Blue Dragons’ second win streak of 10 or more game this season, ninth win streak of 10 or more games in program history and the seventh of 12 or more wins.

With a combined 37 runs scored on 38 hits on Saturday, the Blue Dragons had their biggest combined doubleheader output since Fort Scott last season when Hutchinson amassed 30 runs on 27 hits on February 5, 2021. The Blue Dragons combined for seven home runs in the doubleheader.

Goetz led the way by going a combined 8 for 8 with three doubles, two home runs, eight RBIs and five runs scored against Pratt. Goetz’s huge afternoon raised her batting average 52 points from .272 to .324. Goetz is now second on the team with seven home runs and moved into second on the team with 38 RBIs.

The Blue Dragons opened their Saturday offensive onslaught with a six-run second inning in Game 1. Hutchinson scored runs in four of five offensive innings and outhit Pratt 17-4.

Goetz and second baseman Ella Dougherty both went 4 for 4 in the opener to pace the Blue Dragons.

Goetz had a homer, two doubles in her second four-hit game. The four RBIs matched a season high for the third time. Goetz had an RBI single in the second, two-run home run in the third and had an RBI double in the fourth.

Dougherty had her third four-hit game with a double, two runs and a stolen base with two RBIs. Dougherty had a bases-loaded walk in the second and an RBI single in Hutchinson’s five-run fifth inning.

No other Blue Dragon had more than one hit, but 11 different Hutchinson players had hits and eight different Blue Dragons had at least one RBI.

Freshman Grace Sykora pinch hit and hit her first career home run in the fourth inning. Allie Stipsits also had a double.

Starting pitcher Emily Munson improved to 9-0 for the season, tossing three shutout innings. Munson allowed two hits and struck out four. Kiersten Wietze worked the fourth and Riley Wertz struck out the side in the fifth to close out the game.

Hutchinson posted season highs with 22 runs, 21 hits and five home runs in Game 2.

The 22 runs scored are fifth most in Blue Dragon single-season history. The 21 hits tied for fifth most in team history and the five home runs are fifth most in team history, the most homers in a game since Fort Scott in February of 2021.

The Blue Dragons homered four times in a seven-run fifth inning. Wertz, Goetz and Lexi McDonald all hit two-run homers while Sykora pinch hit and drilled a solo home run.

The other home run came from sophomore Natalie Bevan, who pounded a three-run blast in Hutchinson’s eight-run second inning.

Twelve Blue Dragons had at least one hit and 11 different Hutchinson players had RBIs.

Goetz led the way with her second-straight 4 for 4 game – her third three-hit game of the season – with a homer, double and four RBIs. Goetz also had a two-run double in the second inning.

Freshman Anna Berblinger came off the bench to go 3 for 3 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored.

Madison Grimes, Lexi Pitcher, Wertz and Stipsits all had two runs each. Haley Miller, McDaniel and Wertz had two RBIs each.

The Dragons had a season-high 10 extra base hits.

Sadie Loney and Morgan Pennycuff combined for a one-hit shutout. Loney struck out two and hit a batter in the first two innings. Pennycuff (2-0) got the win with three shutout innings. She allowed one hit and struck out five.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationPRATT – Freshman Aspen Goetz’s perfect day at the plate paced the No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College softball team to a KJCCC doubleheader sweep of the Pratt Beavers and closed the 2022 regular season on a 12-game winning streak.The Blue Dragons finished off the regular season with a pair of five-inning run-rule victories over the Beavers, 15-2 and 22-0.Hutchinson is now 38-6 entering Friday’s Region VI Tournament, finishing second in the KJCCC for the second-straight season with a program record 29 conference wins (29-3). The 38 wins tie the 2016 and 2018 Blue Dragon teams for the fifth-most wins in a season in program history.The Dragons will open play in the 2022 Region VI Tournament on Friday in Dodge City. Official pairings will be released early next week.The Blue Dragons’ 12-game winning streak ties for the fifth-longest win streaks in program history, matching win streaks done twice in 2016. This is the Blue Dragons’ second win streak of 10 or more game this season, ninth win streak of 10 or more games in program history and the seventh of 12 or more wins.With a combined 37 runs scored on 38 hits on Saturday, the Blue Dragons had their biggest combined doubleheader output since Fort Scott last season when Hutchinson amassed 30 runs on 27 hits on February 5, 2021. The Blue Dragons combined for seven home runs in the doubleheader.Goetz led the way by going a combined 8 for 8 with three doubles, two home runs, eight RBIs and five runs scored against Pratt. Goetz’s huge afternoon raised her batting average 52 points from .272 to .324. Goetz is now second on the team with seven home runs and moved into second on the team with 38 RBIs.GAME 1 RECAPThe Blue Dragons opened their Saturday offensive onslaught with a six-run second inning in Game 1. Hutchinson scored runs in four of five offensive innings and outhit Pratt 17-4.Goetz and second baseman Ella Dougherty both went 4 for 4 in the opener to pace the Blue Dragons.Goetz had a homer, two doubles in her second four-hit game. The four RBIs matched a season high for the third time. Goetz had an RBI single in the second, two-run home run in the third and had an RBI double in the fourth.Dougherty had her third four-hit game with a double, two runs and a stolen base with two RBIs. Dougherty had a bases-loaded walk in the second and an RBI single in Hutchinson’s five-run fifth inning.No other Blue Dragon had more than one hit, but 11 different Hutchinson players had hits and eight different Blue Dragons had at least one RBI.Freshman Grace Sykora pinch hit and hit her first career home run in the fourth inning. Allie Stipsits also had a double.Starting pitcher Emily Munson improved to 9-0 for the season, tossing three shutout innings. Munson allowed two hits and struck out four. Kiersten Wietze worked the fourth and Riley Wertz struck out the side in the fifth to close out the game.GAME 2 RECAPHutchinson posted season highs with 22 runs, 21 hits and five home runs in Game 2.The 22 runs scored are fifth most in Blue Dragon single-season history. The 21 hits tied for fifth most in team history and the five home runs are fifth most in team history, the most homers in a game since Fort Scott in February of 2021.The Blue Dragons homered four times in a seven-run fifth inning. Wertz, Goetz and Lexi McDonald all hit two-run homers while Sykora pinch hit and drilled a solo home run.The other home run came from sophomore Natalie Bevan, who pounded a three-run blast in Hutchinson’s eight-run second inning.Twelve Blue Dragons had at least one hit and 11 different Hutchinson players had RBIs.Goetz led the way with her second-straight 4 for 4 game – her third three-hit game of the season – with a homer, double and four RBIs. Goetz also had a two-run double in the second inning.Freshman Anna Berblinger came off the bench to go 3 for 3 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored.Madison Grimes, Lexi Pitcher, Wertz and Stipsits all had two runs each. Haley Miller, McDaniel and Wertz had two RBIs each.The Dragons had a season-high 10 extra base hits.Sadie Loney and Morgan Pennycuff combined for a one-hit shutout. Loney struck out two and hit a batter in the first two innings. Pennycuff (2-0) got the win with three shutout innings. She allowed one hit and struck out five.

⚾️ Goetz's perfect day at the plate paces Dragons to sweep, 12-game win streak

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports Information&nbsp;&nbsp;

EL DORADO – Hutchinson Community College sophomore thrower Hannah Schrock earned two national qualifying marks and posted three personal records to lead a huge day for the Hutchinson Community College women’s track and field team on Saturday at the Butler Invitational.

Led by Schrock, the Blue Dragons had four new national qualifiers and seven PRs on Saturday at BG Products Stadium. Hutchison doubled its number of national qualifiers to eight for the 2022 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in three weeks at Gowans Stadium.

Schrock started her day with a fourth-place finish in the hammer throw with a national-qualifying and personal-record throw of 142-feet, 1 inches. That throw ranks No. 11 in Blue Dragon history. The Blue Dragon sophomore then qualified for nationals in the discus with a second-place effort in the discus with a throw of 132 feet, 9 inches. Schrock finished off her huge day with a second-place finish in the shot put with a national-qualifying and career-best mark of 36 feet, 3 inches.

A pair of returning All-Americans secured their spots in three weeks at Gowans Stadium.

Sophomore Patrisha Doll won the Butler Invite javelin with a national qualifying mark of 125 feet, 4 inches. That throw is a season’s best for Doll.

Sophomore Violet Martinez qualified in the pole vault after winning the event with a career-best clearance of 10 feet, 6 inches.

The Blue Dragons secured two other event wins on Saturday.

Freshman Gabi Unruh set a PR and won the high jump with a clearance of 4 feet, 11.75 inches.

The 4x100 Blue Dragon relay team of Ashliona Martin, Courtney Baetz, McKenna Gray and Keneah Romney won the event with a time of 42.34 seconds.

Other top performances by the Blue Dragons on Saturday.

+ Sophomore Lushous Davis had two PRs. She finished third in the shot put with a distance of 35 feet, 9.5 inches. Davis finished sixth in the hammer throw with a PR distance of 136-2, which is the 13th-best distance in Blue Dragon outdoor history.

+ Aidyn White placed in two events and had a PR of her own. White was second in the long jump after going 14 feet, 8 inches. She set a PR in a third-place showing in the triple jump of 32 feet, 0.75 inches.

+ Romney placed second in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:12.56.

The Blue Dragons begin three days of action on Thursday at the Region VI Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Garden City.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports Information&nbsp;&nbsp;EL DORADO – Hutchinson Community College sophomore thrower Hannah Schrock earned two national qualifying marks and posted three personal records to lead a huge day for the Hutchinson Community College women’s track and field team on Saturday at the Butler Invitational.Led by Schrock, the Blue Dragons had four new national qualifiers and seven PRs on Saturday at BG Products Stadium. Hutchison doubled its number of national qualifiers to eight for the 2022 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in three weeks at Gowans Stadium.Schrock started her day with a fourth-place finish in the hammer throw with a national-qualifying and personal-record throw of 142-feet, 1 inches. That throw ranks No. 11 in Blue Dragon history. The Blue Dragon sophomore then qualified for nationals in the discus with a second-place effort in the discus with a throw of 132 feet, 9 inches. Schrock finished off her huge day with a second-place finish in the shot put with a national-qualifying and career-best mark of 36 feet, 3 inches.A pair of returning All-Americans secured their spots in three weeks at Gowans Stadium.Sophomore Patrisha Doll won the Butler Invite javelin with a national qualifying mark of 125 feet, 4 inches. That throw is a season’s best for Doll.Sophomore Violet Martinez qualified in the pole vault after winning the event with a career-best clearance of 10 feet, 6 inches.The Blue Dragons secured two other event wins on Saturday.Freshman Gabi Unruh set a PR and won the high jump with a clearance of 4 feet, 11.75 inches.The 4x100 Blue Dragon relay team of Ashliona Martin, Courtney Baetz, McKenna Gray and Keneah Romney won the event with a time of 42.34 seconds.Other top performances by the Blue Dragons on Saturday.+ Sophomore Lushous Davis had two PRs. She finished third in the shot put with a distance of 35 feet, 9.5 inches. Davis finished sixth in the hammer throw with a PR distance of 136-2, which is the 13th-best distance in Blue Dragon outdoor history.+ Aidyn White placed in two events and had a PR of her own. White was second in the long jump after going 14 feet, 8 inches. She set a PR in a third-place showing in the triple jump of 32 feet, 0.75 inches.+ Romney placed second in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:12.56.The Blue Dragons begin three days of action on Thursday at the Region VI Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Garden City.

👟 Women's Track: Schrock has big performance to lead big day for Dragons at Butler

EL DORADO – The final regular-season meet of 2022 yielded five event wins and five personal records for the Hutchinson Community College men’s track and field team on Saturday.

The Blue Dragons captured a season-high five event victories at the Butler Invitational at BG Products Stadium.

Sophomore Aaron Geissinger won the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a personal-best time of 10 minutes, 7.05 seconds.

Freshman Dimetre Browne won the long jump with a leap of 23 feet, 1.25 inches.

Sophomore Simon Steinert won the pole vault after clearing 14 feet.

Sophomore Clyedterrious Thompson won the 100 meters with a time of 10.74 seconds. He ran 10.57 seconds in the preliminaries.

Freshman Darrien Holloway won the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.05 seconds.

Four other Blue Dragons posted personal-best performances on Saturday.

Three of those PRs came from the hammer throw. Jobe Fowles had a throw of 151 feet to finish third. Cody Flax was seventh with a PR of 142-3. Antonio Cooper was eighth with a PR throw of 133-11.

The other Blue Dragon PR came from freshman Caleb Manning, who placed second with a clearance of 6 feet, 3.5 inches.

Other top performances for the Blue Dragons on Saturday:

+ Andrew Holt placed second in the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:14.15.

+ Cooper placed third in the shot put with a mark of 50 feet, 2.75 inches. Cooper was fourth in the discus with a throw of 130 feet, 5 inches.

+ Brayden Peterson was third in the pole vault after clearing 12 feet.

+ Donovan Bryant was third in the high jump after clearing 6 feet, 1.5 inches.

+ Fowles placed third in the discus with a throw of 131 feet, 2 inches.

+ Sharim Hamilton placed fourth in the 400 meters with a time of 50.30 seconds.

+ The Blue Dragon 4x100 relay team of Davion Gardenhire, Hamilton, Browne and Thompson placed fourth with a time of 42.85.

+ Carson Radford was fifth in the long jump with a leap of 19 feet, 5.25 inches.

+ Brennon Heckel was sixth in the javelin with a mark of 115 feet, 3 inches.

+ Manning also placed sixth in the triple jump with a leap of 46 feet, 4.75 inches.

The Blue Dragons begin the postseason next week with the Region VI Outdoor Track and Field Championships next Thursday through Saturday in Garden City.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationEL DORADO – The final regular-season meet of 2022 yielded five event wins and five personal records for the Hutchinson Community College men’s track and field team on Saturday.The Blue Dragons captured a season-high five event victories at the Butler Invitational at BG Products Stadium.Sophomore Aaron Geissinger won the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a personal-best time of 10 minutes, 7.05 seconds.Freshman Dimetre Browne won the long jump with a leap of 23 feet, 1.25 inches.Sophomore Simon Steinert won the pole vault after clearing 14 feet.Sophomore Clyedterrious Thompson won the 100 meters with a time of 10.74 seconds. He ran 10.57 seconds in the preliminaries.Freshman Darrien Holloway won the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.05 seconds.Four other Blue Dragons posted personal-best performances on Saturday.Three of those PRs came from the hammer throw. Jobe Fowles had a throw of 151 feet to finish third. Cody Flax was seventh with a PR of 142-3. Antonio Cooper was eighth with a PR throw of 133-11.The other Blue Dragon PR came from freshman Caleb Manning, who placed second with a clearance of 6 feet, 3.5 inches.Other top performances for the Blue Dragons on Saturday:+ Andrew Holt placed second in the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:14.15.+ Cooper placed third in the shot put with a mark of 50 feet, 2.75 inches. Cooper was fourth in the discus with a throw of 130 feet, 5 inches.+ Brayden Peterson was third in the pole vault after clearing 12 feet.+ Donovan Bryant was third in the high jump after clearing 6 feet, 1.5 inches.+ Fowles placed third in the discus with a throw of 131 feet, 2 inches.+ Sharim Hamilton placed fourth in the 400 meters with a time of 50.30 seconds.+ The Blue Dragon 4x100 relay team of Davion Gardenhire, Hamilton, Browne and Thompson placed fourth with a time of 42.85.+ Carson Radford was fifth in the long jump with a leap of 19 feet, 5.25 inches.+ Brennon Heckel was sixth in the javelin with a mark of 115 feet, 3 inches.+ Manning also placed sixth in the triple jump with a leap of 46 feet, 4.75 inches.The Blue Dragons begin the postseason next week with the Region VI Outdoor Track and Field Championships next Thursday through Saturday in Garden City.

👟 Men's Track: Dragons win 5 events at Butler Invite

MANHATTAN (KSNT) – Kansas State offensive lineman and Hutch High graduate Josh Rivas has been signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants.

Rivas played in 46 career games (23 starts) at K-State, earning an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention award as a senior.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN (KSNT) – Kansas State offensive lineman and Hutch High graduate Josh Rivas has been signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kansas State guard Josh Rivas to the New York Giants on an undrafted deal, per a league source&mdash; Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1520560544872378368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Rivas played in 46 career games (23 starts) at K-State, earning an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention award as a senior.&nbsp;

🏈 Rivas signs NFL free agent deal

Matt Wallner hit a pair of home runs and added three runs batted in to lead the Wind Surge to their second fourth straight win. The Wind Surge defeated Arkansas 9-4 and secured their third consecutive winning series.

Wichita struck first, scoring five runs off four hits and three walks featuring a two-run RBI-double from Deshawn Keirsey to take a commanding 5-0 lead in the first inning. Ben Gross took the hill for the Surge for his first start of the season and pitched three innings and gave up four runs on three walks before being relieved by Kody Funderburk with a 7-4 Wichita lead.

Wallner led the team with three RBI and three hits, Alex Isola added his second home run of the season and had three RBI and Keirsey added two RBI for the Wichita offense.

The Surge bullpen continued their hot streak, pitching a combined six scoreless innings to secure the win. Funderbunk pitched three innings and allowed just three hits, and earned his first win of the season. Arkansas starter Connor Jones took the loss allowing eight runs in five innings.

Notes: Matt Wallner had his first multi-home run game for the Wind Surge and third as a professional, hit two last season at Cedar Rapids and hit five in his career at Southern Miss. It’s the first multi-home run game of the season for the Wind Surge and the tenth overall. Austin Martin reached base for his 18th straight game… Dennis Ortega reached base for his 15th consecutive game… The Surge bullpen has allowed one run in its last 18 1/3 innings pitched. The Surge lead the series four games to one.

The Wind Surge will conclude the road trip with a Sunday afternoon game for a 1:35 p.m. first pitch before heading back to Wichita.

Matt Wallner hit a pair of home runs and added three runs batted in to lead the Wind Surge to their second fourth straight win. The Wind Surge defeated Arkansas 9-4 and secured their third consecutive winning series.Wichita struck first, scoring five runs off four hits and three walks featuring a two-run RBI-double from Deshawn Keirsey to take a commanding 5-0 lead in the first inning. Ben Gross took the hill for the Surge for his first start of the season and pitched three innings and gave up four runs on three walks before being relieved by Kody Funderburk with a 7-4 Wichita lead.Wallner led the team with three RBI and three hits, Alex Isola added his second home run of the season and had three RBI and Keirsey added two RBI for the Wichita offense.The Surge bullpen continued their hot streak, pitching a combined six scoreless innings to secure the win. Funderbunk pitched three innings and allowed just three hits, and earned his first win of the season. Arkansas starter Connor Jones took the loss allowing eight runs in five innings.Notes: Matt Wallner had his first multi-home run game for the Wind Surge and third as a professional, hit two last season at Cedar Rapids and hit five in his career at Southern Miss. It’s the first multi-home run game of the season for the Wind Surge and the tenth overall. Austin Martin reached base for his 18th straight game… Dennis Ortega reached base for his 15th consecutive game… The Surge bullpen has allowed one run in its last 18 1/3 innings pitched. The Surge lead the series four games to one.The Wind Surge will conclude the road trip with a Sunday afternoon game for a 1:35 p.m. first pitch before heading back to Wichita.

⚾️ Wind Surge win fourth straight

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up the NFL draft having filled all of their biggest holes particularly on the defensive side of the ball. They addressed that area with cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis in the first round, safety Bryan Cook in the second and linebacker Leo Chenal in the third. They also landed help for Patrick Mahomes in the form of Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore in the second round and Kentucky offensive lineman Darrian Kinnard, who many viewed as a Day Two talent but who fell to Kansas City in the fifth round.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up the NFL draft having filled all of their biggest holes particularly on the defensive side of the ball. They addressed that area with cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis in the first round, safety Bryan Cook in the second and linebacker Leo Chenal in the third. They also landed help for Patrick Mahomes in the form of Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore in the second round and Kentucky offensive lineman Darrian Kinnard, who many viewed as a Day Two talent but who fell to Kansas City in the fifth round.

🏈 Draft complete for Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gerrit Cole pitched six shutout innings and the New York Yankees manufactured just enough runs to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 for their eighth straight win. 

Cole scattered five hits and two walks while striking out six. Aroldis Chapman worked the ninth for his fifth save, helping the Yankees improve to 15-6 on the season. 

It's just the fifth time since 1959 that they've won at least 15 of their first 21 games. Carlos Hernandez took the loss for the Royals, allowing two earned runs and three in all on four hits and five walks in four innings.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gerrit Cole pitched six shutout innings and the New York Yankees manufactured just enough runs to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 for their eighth straight win. Cole scattered five hits and two walks while striking out six. Aroldis Chapman worked the ninth for his fifth save, helping the Yankees improve to 15-6 on the season. It's just the fifth time since 1959 that they've won at least 15 of their first 21 games. Carlos Hernandez took the loss for the Royals, allowing two earned runs and three in all on four hits and five walks in four innings.

⚾️ Royals lose to Yankees 3-0

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Daniel Salloi scored the only goal of the second half to help Sporting Kansas City earn a 2-2 draw with Dallas FC in MLS action. 

Salloi scored the equalizer for Sporting KC (2-6-2) in the 77th minute off a pass from Cameron Duke after Dallas’ Brandon Servania was sent off in the 67th minute for receiving two quick yellow cards. 

Johnny Russell scored on a penalty kick in the 22nd minute to give Sporting KC a 1-0 lead. Dallas (4-1-4) bounced backed with goals by Alan Velasco in the 36th minute and Jesus Ferreira in the 42nd to grab a 2-1 lead at halftime.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Daniel Salloi scored the only goal of the second half to help Sporting Kansas City earn a 2-2 draw with Dallas FC in MLS action. Salloi scored the equalizer for Sporting KC (2-6-2) in the 77th minute off a pass from Cameron Duke after Dallas’ Brandon Servania was sent off in the 67th minute for receiving two quick yellow cards. Johnny Russell scored on a penalty kick in the 22nd minute to give Sporting KC a 1-0 lead. Dallas (4-1-4) bounced backed with goals by Alan Velasco in the 36th minute and Jesus Ferreira in the 42nd to grab a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Sporting and Dallas FC draw Saturday

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Madison Bumgarner pitched five strong innings, Daulton Varsho had two hits and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-2. Bumgarner outdueled Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright in a game featuring two starters who have combined for 314 career wins. Bumgarner threw a season-high 89 pitches in five innings, giving up one run on three hits. Luis Frias, Noé Ramirez, Joe Mantiply and Ian Kennedy combined for four innings of relief. Wainwright gave up a season-high five walks. Paul Goldschmidt's solo home run in the first snapped an eight-game homerless drought for the Cardinals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore on Friday night, then used their other second-round pick on Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook, adding them to a first-round haul of Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie and Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis. The Chiefs used their late third-round pick Friday night to add big, rangy Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal. They have one pick apiece in the fourth and fifth rounds and four more in the seventh before the draft concludes Saturday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres all homered and the New York Yankees won their seventh in a row, beat the Kansas City Royals 12-2 in a rain-shortened game. The game was called after eight innings. New York took a 3-2 lead into the seventh before scoring four runs, three on Judge's homer. Torres connected for a two-run drive during a five-run eighth. Winning pitcher Nestor Cortes allowed one earned run and eight hits in five innings.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jack Eichel had two goals and an assist, leading the Vegas Golden Knights to a 7-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues in the regular-season finale for both teams. The Blues finished third in the Central Division and will open the postseason at Minnesota next week. St. Louis, which lost its final two games, finished with a record of 49-22-11 for 109 points. For the first time since entering the NHL as an expansion franchise in the 2017-18 season, the Golden Knights missed the playoffs. Vegas ended the season at 43-31-8 with 94 points.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are actively considering the future of Arrowhead Stadium, pushing ahead with plans far earlier than expected following the Kansas City Royals' decision to investigate a new downtown ballpark. Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said Friday that the Chiefs, who have shared the Truman Sports Complex with the Royals since the early 1970s, would help the Major League Baseball team evaluate what is best for them. But the Chiefs also have to plan for the future of their own stadium, which will celebrate its opening 50 years ago during the upcoming season.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators have given final approval to a bill that authorizes betting on sporting events. Most of the state's revenues from the new legal gambling would go to efforts to lure the Missouri-based Kansas City Chiefs to the Kansas side of the metropolitan area. The Republican-controlled Senate voted 21-13 early Friday to approve the gambling bill. The Republican-controlled House passed the measure, 73-49, so it goes next to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. She is expected to sign it. The bill says that 80% of the state's revenues would go into a fund to provide incentives for professional sports teams to come to Kansas. Supporters were thinking specifically of the Chiefs.

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals have continued to add defensive depth, taking Florida defensive tackle Zachary Carter in the third round of the NFL draft. The Bengals had traded up three spots to get Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt in the second round after taking safety Daxton Hill in the opening round. Cincinnati is seeking to pump up the pass rush after losing interior lineman Larry Ogunjobi to free agency. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Carter started 12 games for the Gators, compiling 32 tackles with eight sacks.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Keeneland says an exercise rider has died after being thrown from a horse at its training track. A Keeneland spokeswoman confirmed 20-year-old Callie Witt died Friday morning after being thrown from a 2-year-old horse. On-site medical personnel immediately tended to Witt for life-threatening injuries, according to a statement by Keeneland. The Lexington Fire and Emergency arrived quickly and took her to the University of Kentucky Hospital Emergency Department. Witt was later pronounced dead from blunt force injuries. A native of Nebraska, she had worked for trainer Joe Sharp.

Grizzlies rally past Wolves 114-106 to reach 2nd round

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks each scored 23 points and the Memphis Grizzlies rallied yet again to eliminate the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 114-106 in Game 6.

Brandon Clarke added 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Grizzlies, who withstood another quiet night by star Ja Morant and another double-digit deficit entering the fourth quarter.

The Grizzlies advanced in the playoffs for the first time in seven years, this time to meet Golden State. They'll host Game 1 in Memphis.

76ers' Embiid has broken orbital bone, as East semis loom

MIAMI (AP) — Joel Embiid (joh-EHL' ehm-BEED') has a right orbital fracture and a mild concussion and the Philadelphia 76ers say the MVP finalist is out for the foreseeable future.

Embiid was injured late in Philadelphia's victory at Toronto on Thursday night, when the 76ers were closing out the Raptors and finishing off a six-game win in an Eastern Conference first-round series.

The win sent fourth-seeded Philadelphia into the East semifinals against top-seeded Miami, a matchup that begins Monday night. But Embiid's status is now very much in doubt. A similar fracture, to his left orbital bone, kept him out for about three weeks — spanning 10 games, including two playoff games against the Heat.

No-no-no-no-no! 5 Mets pitchers combine to no-hit Phillies

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Mets starter Tylor Megill and four relievers combined on the first no-hitter of the Major League Baseball season, teaming up to throw a whopping 159 pitches in a 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Megill was pulled after five innings and 88 pitches. The bullpen took over from there, with Drew Smith, Joely Rodríguez, Seth Lugo and Edwin Díaz completing the second no-hitter in Mets history. Díaz finished it off in style, striking out Bryce Harper, Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto in the ninth.

— The Yankees' winning streak is now at seven after clubbing the Royals in Kansas City. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres all homered for a 12-2 victory in a rain-shortened game. The game was called after eight innings.

— The Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 11-1, as Hunter Renfroe hit two of Milwaukee's season-high five home runs. Adrian Houser struck out six and scattered two hits over six shutout innings to earn the win.

— Taylor Ward and Shohei Ohtani (SHOH'-hay oh-TAH'-nee) hit first-inning solo home runs off Lucas Giolito and Los Angeles rode a combined three-hitter to beat Chicago 5-1. The Angels used seven pitchers to climb seven games over .500 for the first time since June 2018.

— The Red Sox used a dominating pitching performance by Rich Hill and four relievers to beat the Orioles 3-1 in Baltimore. Christian Arroyo hit his first homer of the season in the second inning to provide Boston with all the offense they needed to saddle the Orioles with their fifth straight defeat.

— Jeremy Peña hit a three-run home run, Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman also connected, and the Houston Astros beat the Toronto Blue Jays 11-7. The Astros matched a season-high with 14 hits and extended their winning streak to four games.

— The Padres were 7-3 victors over the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Ha-Seong Kim and Jake Cronenworth homered. Yu Darvish pitched six effective innings for San Diego.

— Jorge Soler (soh-LEHR') and Miguel Rojas homered and the Miami Marlins won their sixth straight game, beating the Seattle Mariners 8-6. The first inning blast by Soler bounced off a column behind the left-center field pavilion and was measured at 468 feet, the third-longest in the major leagues this season.

— Josh Lowe and Mike Zunino homered for the first time this season, as the Tampa Bay Rays beat Minnesota 6-1 to snap the Twins' seven-game win streak. Corey Kluber gave up one hit in six innings for the Rays.

— William Contreras hit two long home runs, Austin Riley also connected and Travis Demeritte had an inside-the-park homer as the Atlanta Braves beat the Texas Rangers 6-3. Atlanta starter Ian Anderson allowed two runs and three hits over six innings.

— Madison Bumgarner pitched five strong innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-2. Bumgarner outdueled Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright in a game featuring two starters who have combined for 314 career wins.

— Cincinnati continues to founder at the bottom of the standings. This time it was in Denver, where the Rockies trounced them 10-4. The Reds have lost 17 of 20 games so far this season.

— The Cleveland Guardians rallied to beat the Oakland Athletics 9-8, snapping a seven-game losing streak. Josh Naylor's two-run home run capped a four-run seventh inning for the A's.

— Justin Turner and Chris Taylor each hit their first home runs of the season to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-1 win over the Detroit Tigers. Tyler Anderson earned the win for the Dodgers, allowing one earned run on five hits in five innings.

— Juan Soto homered and the Washington Nationals pounded out a season-high 22 hits, ending an eight-game losing streak by beating the San Francisco Giants 14-4. The Giants played without several regulars due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the team.

Dodgers' Bauer suspended 2 seasons over alleged sex assault

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has given Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer an unprecedented two-season suspension without pay for violating the league's domestic violence and sexual assault policy, a charge he has denied.

Bauer is vowing to overturn the discipline before an arbitrator.

The suspension covers 324 games without pay and if left in place would cost the 31-year-old pitcher just over $60 million.

The 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner was placed on administrative leave last July under the joint domestic violence and sexual assault policy of MLB and the players' association.

Playoff matchups take shape as teams close out the regular season

TORONTO (AP) — Kirill Kaprizov had a goal and an assist and the Minnesota Wild clinched home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs by beating the Colorado Avalanche 4-1.

Jordan Greenway had two goals and Tyson Jost also scored while Marc-Andre Fleury made 27 saves for the Wild.

Minnesota will face St. Louis in the first round next week.

— Jack Eichel (EYE'-kul) had two goals and an assist, leading the Vegas Golden Knights to a 7-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues. The Golden Knights missed the playoffs. for the first time since entering the NHL as an expansion franchise in the 2017-18 season.

— William Nylander scored twice and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Boston Bruins 5-2. Both teams rested most of their stars in the regular-season finale. The Maple Leafs ensured they will face the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, while the Bruins are set to meet the Carolina Hurricanes.

— Steven Stamkos scored three goals for his first hat trick of the season, and the Tampa Bay Lightning rallied to beat the New York Islanders 6-4. Tampa Bay trailed by two before scoring five times in the third period. The Islanders will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

— Dryden Hunt scored the go-ahead goal in the third period, Alexandar Georgiev (GEER'-gee-ehv) made 34 saves and the New York Rangers closed out the regular-season season with a 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals. The Capitals' loss means the Pittsburgh Penguins take the No. 3 seed in the Metropolitan Division and will play the Rangers, who are in the postseason for the first time since 2017. Washington will go into the playoffs as the East's second wild card, and will match up with the Florida Panthers.

— Evgeni Malkin scored his 20th goal of the season and had an assist, and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3. Kris Letang, Brian Boyle, Evan Rodrigues and Marcus Pettersson also scored for the Penguins, while Casey DeSmith stopped 33 shots.

— The Florida Panthers have finished the regular season with best record in the NHL. But the Presidents' Trophy winners got knocked around in Montreal in their season finale. Cole Caufield had his first NHL hat trick as the Canadiens blasted the Panthers 10-2.

— Devin Shore scored the lone shootout goal and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Vancouver Canucks 3-2. The Oilers rested star forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl as the prepare to face the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs.

— Jason Robertson scored on a power play against an emergency replacement goalie midway through the third period and the Dallas Stars beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-2. Thomas Hodges made his first appearance in an NHL game after Ducks' goalies John Gibson and Anthony Stolarz were injured. Hodges has been the emergency goalie for the Stars and the ECHL's Allen Americans for three seasons.

— Connor Hellebuyck (HEH'-leh-buhk) made 32 saves to help the Winnipeg Jets beat the playoff-bound Calgary Flames 3-1. Blake Wheeler, Mason Appleton and Brenden Dillon scored for Winnipeg, who will conclude their season Sunday at home against the Seattle Kraken.

— The Arizona Coyotes rallied from a four-goal deficit to beat the Nashville Predators 5-4 in their final game at Gila River Arena. Shayne Gostisbehere (GAHS'-tihs-behr) scored two goals including the game winner to rally the Coyotes from a 4-0 first period deficit.

— Brady Tkachuk (kah-CHUHK') had a goal and an assist to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Neither team qualified for the postseason and the Philadelphia fans booed their team off the ice.

— Pius Suter (pyoos SOO'-tur) scored the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period and the Detroit Red Wings beat the New Jersey Devils 5-3 in the teams' season finale.

— Casey Mittelstadt scored 2:07 into overtime to give the Buffalo Sabres a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the final regular-season game for two non-playoff teams.

— Yanni Gourde and Adam Larsson scored in the first period to help Seattle a 3-0 win over the San Jose Sharks in the Kraken's final home game of the season. Victor Rask scored an empty-net goal in the final minute and Chris Driedger had 24 saves for his first shutout of the season — the Kraken's third.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>ST. LOUIS (AP) — Madison Bumgarner pitched five strong innings, Daulton Varsho had two hits and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-2. Bumgarner outdueled Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright in a game featuring two starters who have combined for 314 career wins. Bumgarner threw a season-high 89 pitches in five innings, giving up one run on three hits. Luis Frias, Noé Ramirez, Joe Mantiply and Ian Kennedy combined for four innings of relief. Wainwright gave up a season-high five walks. Paul Goldschmidt's solo home run in the first snapped an eight-game homerless drought for the Cardinals.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore on Friday night, then used their other second-round pick on Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook, adding them to a first-round haul of Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie and Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis. The Chiefs used their late third-round pick Friday night to add big, rangy Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal. They have one pick apiece in the fourth and fifth rounds and four more in the seventh before the draft concludes Saturday.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres all homered and the New York Yankees won their seventh in a row, beat the Kansas City Royals 12-2 in a rain-shortened game. The game was called after eight innings. New York took a 3-2 lead into the seventh before scoring four runs, three on Judge's homer. Torres connected for a two-run drive during a five-run eighth. Winning pitcher Nestor Cortes allowed one earned run and eight hits in five innings.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jack Eichel had two goals and an assist, leading the Vegas Golden Knights to a 7-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues in the regular-season finale for both teams. The Blues finished third in the Central Division and will open the postseason at Minnesota next week. St. Louis, which lost its final two games, finished with a record of 49-22-11 for 109 points. For the first time since entering the NHL as an expansion franchise in the 2017-18 season, the Golden Knights missed the playoffs. Vegas ended the season at 43-31-8 with 94 points.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are actively considering the future of Arrowhead Stadium, pushing ahead with plans far earlier than expected following the Kansas City Royals' decision to investigate a new downtown ballpark. Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said Friday that the Chiefs, who have shared the Truman Sports Complex with the Royals since the early 1970s, would help the Major League Baseball team evaluate what is best for them. But the Chiefs also have to plan for the future of their own stadium, which will celebrate its opening 50 years ago during the upcoming season.TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators have given final approval to a bill that authorizes betting on sporting events. Most of the state's revenues from the new legal gambling would go to efforts to lure the Missouri-based Kansas City Chiefs to the Kansas side of the metropolitan area. The Republican-controlled Senate voted 21-13 early Friday to approve the gambling bill. The Republican-controlled House passed the measure, 73-49, so it goes next to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. She is expected to sign it. The bill says that 80% of the state's revenues would go into a fund to provide incentives for professional sports teams to come to Kansas. Supporters were thinking specifically of the Chiefs.CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals have continued to add defensive depth, taking Florida defensive tackle Zachary Carter in the third round of the NFL draft. The Bengals had traded up three spots to get Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt in the second round after taking safety Daxton Hill in the opening round. Cincinnati is seeking to pump up the pass rush after losing interior lineman Larry Ogunjobi to free agency. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Carter started 12 games for the Gators, compiling 32 tackles with eight sacks.LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Keeneland says an exercise rider has died after being thrown from a horse at its training track. A Keeneland spokeswoman confirmed 20-year-old Callie Witt died Friday morning after being thrown from a 2-year-old horse. On-site medical personnel immediately tended to Witt for life-threatening injuries, according to a statement by Keeneland. The Lexington Fire and Emergency arrived quickly and took her to the University of Kentucky Hospital Emergency Department. Witt was later pronounced dead from blunt force injuries. A native of Nebraska, she had worked for trainer Joe Sharp.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NBA PLAYOFFSGrizzlies rally past Wolves 114-106 to reach 2nd roundMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks each scored 23 points and the Memphis Grizzlies rallied yet again to eliminate the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 114-106 in Game 6.Brandon Clarke added 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Grizzlies, who withstood another quiet night by star Ja Morant and another double-digit deficit entering the fourth quarter.The Grizzlies advanced in the playoffs for the first time in seven years, this time to meet Golden State. They'll host Game 1 in Memphis.NBA-NEWS76ers' Embiid has broken orbital bone, as East semis loomMIAMI (AP) — Joel Embiid (joh-EHL' ehm-BEED') has a right orbital fracture and a mild concussion and the Philadelphia 76ers say the MVP finalist is out for the foreseeable future.Embiid was injured late in Philadelphia's victory at Toronto on Thursday night, when the 76ers were closing out the Raptors and finishing off a six-game win in an Eastern Conference first-round series.The win sent fourth-seeded Philadelphia into the East semifinals against top-seeded Miami, a matchup that begins Monday night. But Embiid's status is now very much in doubt. A similar fracture, to his left orbital bone, kept him out for about three weeks — spanning 10 games, including two playoff games against the Heat.MLB-SCHEDULENo-no-no-no-no! 5 Mets pitchers combine to no-hit PhilliesNEW YORK (AP) — New York Mets starter Tylor Megill and four relievers combined on the first no-hitter of the Major League Baseball season, teaming up to throw a whopping 159 pitches in a 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.Megill was pulled after five innings and 88 pitches. The bullpen took over from there, with Drew Smith, Joely Rodríguez, Seth Lugo and Edwin Díaz completing the second no-hitter in Mets history. Díaz finished it off in style, striking out Bryce Harper, Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto in the ninth.In other major league action:— The Yankees' winning streak is now at seven after clubbing the Royals in Kansas City. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres all homered for a 12-2 victory in a rain-shortened game. The game was called after eight innings.— The Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 11-1, as Hunter Renfroe hit two of Milwaukee's season-high five home runs. Adrian Houser struck out six and scattered two hits over six shutout innings to earn the win.— Taylor Ward and Shohei Ohtani (SHOH'-hay oh-TAH'-nee) hit first-inning solo home runs off Lucas Giolito and Los Angeles rode a combined three-hitter to beat Chicago 5-1. The Angels used seven pitchers to climb seven games over .500 for the first time since June 2018.— The Red Sox used a dominating pitching performance by Rich Hill and four relievers to beat the Orioles 3-1 in Baltimore. Christian Arroyo hit his first homer of the season in the second inning to provide Boston with all the offense they needed to saddle the Orioles with their fifth straight defeat.— Jeremy Peña hit a three-run home run, Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman also connected, and the Houston Astros beat the Toronto Blue Jays 11-7. The Astros matched a season-high with 14 hits and extended their winning streak to four games.— The Padres were 7-3 victors over the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Ha-Seong Kim and Jake Cronenworth homered. Yu Darvish pitched six effective innings for San Diego.— Jorge Soler (soh-LEHR') and Miguel Rojas homered and the Miami Marlins won their sixth straight game, beating the Seattle Mariners 8-6. The first inning blast by Soler bounced off a column behind the left-center field pavilion and was measured at 468 feet, the third-longest in the major leagues this season.— Josh Lowe and Mike Zunino homered for the first time this season, as the Tampa Bay Rays beat Minnesota 6-1 to snap the Twins' seven-game win streak. Corey Kluber gave up one hit in six innings for the Rays.— William Contreras hit two long home runs, Austin Riley also connected and Travis Demeritte had an inside-the-park homer as the Atlanta Braves beat the Texas Rangers 6-3. Atlanta starter Ian Anderson allowed two runs and three hits over six innings.— Madison Bumgarner pitched five strong innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-2. Bumgarner outdueled Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright in a game featuring two starters who have combined for 314 career wins.— Cincinnati continues to founder at the bottom of the standings. This time it was in Denver, where the Rockies trounced them 10-4. The Reds have lost 17 of 20 games so far this season.— The Cleveland Guardians rallied to beat the Oakland Athletics 9-8, snapping a seven-game losing streak. Josh Naylor's two-run home run capped a four-run seventh inning for the A's.— Justin Turner and Chris Taylor each hit their first home runs of the season to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-1 win over the Detroit Tigers. Tyler Anderson earned the win for the Dodgers, allowing one earned run on five hits in five innings.— Juan Soto homered and the Washington Nationals pounded out a season-high 22 hits, ending an eight-game losing streak by beating the San Francisco Giants 14-4. The Giants played without several regulars due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the team.MLB-DODGERS-BAUER SUSPENDEDDodgers' Bauer suspended 2 seasons over alleged sex assaultNEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has given Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer an unprecedented two-season suspension without pay for violating the league's domestic violence and sexual assault policy, a charge he has denied.Bauer is vowing to overturn the discipline before an arbitrator.The suspension covers 324 games without pay and if left in place would cost the 31-year-old pitcher just over $60 million.The 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner was placed on administrative leave last July under the joint domestic violence and sexual assault policy of MLB and the players' association.NHL-SCHEDULEPlayoff matchups take shape as teams close out the regular seasonTORONTO (AP) — Kirill Kaprizov had a goal and an assist and the Minnesota Wild clinched home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs by beating the Colorado Avalanche 4-1.Jordan Greenway had two goals and Tyson Jost also scored while Marc-Andre Fleury made 27 saves for the Wild.Minnesota will face St. Louis in the first round next week.Elsewhere in the NHL:— Jack Eichel (EYE'-kul) had two goals and an assist, leading the Vegas Golden Knights to a 7-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues. The Golden Knights missed the playoffs. for the first time since entering the NHL as an expansion franchise in the 2017-18 season.— William Nylander scored twice and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Boston Bruins 5-2. Both teams rested most of their stars in the regular-season finale. The Maple Leafs ensured they will face the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, while the Bruins are set to meet the Carolina Hurricanes.— Steven Stamkos scored three goals for his first hat trick of the season, and the Tampa Bay Lightning rallied to beat the New York Islanders 6-4. Tampa Bay trailed by two before scoring five times in the third period. The Islanders will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2018.— Dryden Hunt scored the go-ahead goal in the third period, Alexandar Georgiev (GEER'-gee-ehv) made 34 saves and the New York Rangers closed out the regular-season season with a 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals. The Capitals' loss means the Pittsburgh Penguins take the No. 3 seed in the Metropolitan Division and will play the Rangers, who are in the postseason for the first time since 2017. Washington will go into the playoffs as the East's second wild card, and will match up with the Florida Panthers.— Evgeni Malkin scored his 20th goal of the season and had an assist, and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3. Kris Letang, Brian Boyle, Evan Rodrigues and Marcus Pettersson also scored for the Penguins, while Casey DeSmith stopped 33 shots.— The Florida Panthers have finished the regular season with best record in the NHL. But the Presidents' Trophy winners got knocked around in Montreal in their season finale. Cole Caufield had his first NHL hat trick as the Canadiens blasted the Panthers 10-2.— Devin Shore scored the lone shootout goal and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Vancouver Canucks 3-2. The Oilers rested star forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl as the prepare to face the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs.— Jason Robertson scored on a power play against an emergency replacement goalie midway through the third period and the Dallas Stars beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-2. Thomas Hodges made his first appearance in an NHL game after Ducks' goalies John Gibson and Anthony Stolarz were injured. Hodges has been the emergency goalie for the Stars and the ECHL's Allen Americans for three seasons.— Connor Hellebuyck (HEH'-leh-buhk) made 32 saves to help the Winnipeg Jets beat the playoff-bound Calgary Flames 3-1. Blake Wheeler, Mason Appleton and Brenden Dillon scored for Winnipeg, who will conclude their season Sunday at home against the Seattle Kraken.— The Arizona Coyotes rallied from a four-goal deficit to beat the Nashville Predators 5-4 in their final game at Gila River Arena. Shayne Gostisbehere (GAHS'-tihs-behr) scored two goals including the game winner to rally the Coyotes from a 4-0 first period deficit.— Brady Tkachuk (kah-CHUHK') had a goal and an assist to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Neither team qualified for the postseason and the Philadelphia fans booed their team off the ice.— Pius Suter (pyoos SOO'-tur) scored the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period and the Detroit Red Wings beat the New Jersey Devils 5-3 in the teams' season finale.— Casey Mittelstadt scored 2:07 into overtime to give the Buffalo Sabres a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the final regular-season game for two non-playoff teams.— Yanni Gourde and Adam Larsson scored in the first period to help Seattle a 3-0 win over the San Jose Sharks in the Kraken's final home game of the season. Victor Rask scored an empty-net goal in the final minute and Chris Driedger had 24 saves for his first shutout of the season — the Kraken's third.NHL NEWSNHLPA begins search for executive director Fehr's successorUNDATED (AP) — The NHL Players' Association has begun a search for Don Fehr's successor as executive director.Fehr has been in charge of the union since December 2010. Fehr led players through two rounds of collective bargaining negotiations in 2013 and 2020. He will remain in his job until a successor is found by a seven-player committee.An investigation recently found he was not at fault for the NHLPA's handling of sexual assault allegations made by a player early in his tenure.NFL DRAFTSeemed forever for QBs to go in 1st 2 rounds of NFL draftLAS VEGAS (AP) — It took 42 selections Friday before a second quarterback was taken in the NFL draft.It was a proven commodity in college, Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder going to Atlanta a full 54 spots after Kenny Pickett of Pittsburgh went 20th to the Steelers in round one. Ridder, who led a non-Power Five team to the College Football Playoff for the first time, has a skill set that's been compared to Marcus Mariota, who the Falcons have brought in as a potential starter.The Tennessee Titans selected Malik Willis with the 86th overall pick. That prodded the Carolina Panthers to trade for the 94th pick so they could grab Matt Corral from Mississippi.This is the first draft since 2000 that only one quarterback went in the first two rounds: Pickett this year, Chad Pennington to the Jets back then.