KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals&nbsp;selected eight players on the second day of the 2022 First-Year Player Draft, including six pitchers and two position players, all from the college ranks.

Including their first two picks last night, this marks the second time in franchise history that the Royals have selected college players with their first 10 picks, following 2018, when their first 11 picks were from the college ranks.

In the third round (87th&nbsp;overall), Kansas City selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Mason Barnett&nbsp;out of Auburn University. Barnett recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts in 5.1 innings during the Regional Championship Game vs. UCLA on June 5, in which he allowed just 1 hit. He struck out 142 batters in 111.1 innings (11.5 K/9) across 40 appearances (21 starts) during his three seasons at Auburn. In 2021, he made 5 starts with Brewster in the Cape Cod League, where he was teammates with Royals first-round pick&nbsp;Gavin Cross.

The Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Steven Zobac&nbsp;in the fourth round (115th&nbsp;overall) out of the University of California. Zobac was a two-way player from 2020-21 before focusing on pitching as a junior in 2022. On May 13 vs. New Mexico he recorded 12 strikeouts in 7.0 innings, marking the first 12-strikeout game by a Cal pitcher since 2015. His twin sister,&nbsp;Kacey Zobac, plays softball at Cal and they were teammates until they were 11, when she switched to softball.

In the fifth round (145th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Hunter Patteson&nbsp;out of the University of Central Florida. Patteson had Tommy John Surgery in 2022 after leading his team with a 1.82 ERA (6 ER in 29.2 IP) in 7 starts as a junior, while recording 41 strikeouts (12.4 K/9) and just 5 walks (1.5 BB/9). He was selected by the Cubs in the 35th&nbsp;round of the 2019 Draft out of Vero Beach High School (Fla.), the same school that produced&nbsp;Alex Cobb.

With their sixth pick (175th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected&nbsp;Hayden Dunhurst&nbsp;out of the University of Mississippi, who was the primary catcher for the 2022 College World Series championship team. He recorded 18 HR and 88 RBI in 138 games during his college career, and was named ABCA/Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner behind the plate as a sophomore in 2021, becoming the second player in school history to earn the honor. Dunhurst was previously selected by the Rockies in the 37th&nbsp;round of the 2019 Draft out of Pearl River Central High School (Miss.).

In the seventh round (205th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Mack Anglin&nbsp;out of Clemson University. Anglin, 22, went 6-6 in 15 starts this season with 78 strikeouts in 76.1 innings (9.2 K/9). He pitched 12.2 scoreless innings for Wareham in the 2021 Cape Cod League and was selected by Washington in the 13th&nbsp;round last year as a draft-eligible sophomore but chose to return to Clemson. He was named Gatorade’s Ohio Player of the Year in 2019 out of Highland High School, where he lettered four times in baseball and thrice in basketball, scoring more than 1,000 points in his hoops career.

With their eighth pick (235th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Wesley Scott&nbsp;out of Walters State Community College. Scott, 21, committed to Vanderbilt out of Woodcrest Christian High School in 2019, but attended Arizona in 2020. With Walters State in 2022, he went 9-2 with 1 save and 118 strikeouts in 75.0 innings (14.2 K/9) in 15 starts (18 appearances). Scott made 3 postseason starts this season, including a quarterfinal win over the No. 2 ranked team in the JUCO World Series. On Jan. 29, he recorded 5 strikeouts over 3.0 innings in relief to finish off a combined no hitter. Wesley also made 2 starts in the 2022 MLB Draft League.

In the ninth round (265th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Brandon Johnson&nbsp;out of the University of Mississippi, where he threw the final pitch that clinched the 2022 College World Series to catcher&nbsp;Hayden Dunhurst, Kansas City’s sixth-round pick. He started his collegiate career at Columbia State Community College, where he went 8-0 with 109 strikeouts in 80.2 innings (12.2 K/9) from 2019-20.

With their 10th&nbsp;pick (295th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected outfielder&nbsp;Levi Usher&nbsp;out of the University of Louisville. Usher, 22, hit .285 (70-for-246) as a senior this season with a career-best 25 extra-base hits and 49 RBI in 64 games. He also led the ACC in stolen bases for the second straight year, stealing 36 bags in 39 attempts. Usher was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and earned an ABCA/Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award for his work in center field, which was highlighted by the No. 1 play on SportsCenter on April 30, when he robbed a home run vs. Clemson. He was selected by the Angels in the 37th&nbsp;round of the 2019 Draft out of Cedar Rapids Prairie High School (Iowa) but chose to attend Kirkwood Community College for his freshman season.

The Draft will conclude Tuesday with rounds 11-20, beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT on <a href="http://MLB.com">MLB.com</a>.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals&nbsp;selected eight players on the second day of the 2022 First-Year Player Draft, including six pitchers and two position players, all from the college ranks.Including their first two picks last night, this marks the second time in franchise history that the Royals have selected college players with their first 10 picks, following 2018, when their first 11 picks were from the college ranks.In the third round (87th&nbsp;overall), Kansas City selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Mason Barnett&nbsp;out of Auburn University. Barnett recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts in 5.1 innings during the Regional Championship Game vs. UCLA on June 5, in which he allowed just 1 hit. He struck out 142 batters in 111.1 innings (11.5 K/9) across 40 appearances (21 starts) during his three seasons at Auburn. In 2021, he made 5 starts with Brewster in the Cape Cod League, where he was teammates with Royals first-round pick&nbsp;Gavin Cross.The Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Steven Zobac&nbsp;in the fourth round (115th&nbsp;overall) out of the University of California. Zobac was a two-way player from 2020-21 before focusing on pitching as a junior in 2022. On May 13 vs. New Mexico he recorded 12 strikeouts in 7.0 innings, marking the first 12-strikeout game by a Cal pitcher since 2015. His twin sister,&nbsp;Kacey Zobac, plays softball at Cal and they were teammates until they were 11, when she switched to softball.In the fifth round (145th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Hunter Patteson&nbsp;out of the University of Central Florida. Patteson had Tommy John Surgery in 2022 after leading his team with a 1.82 ERA (6 ER in 29.2 IP) in 7 starts as a junior, while recording 41 strikeouts (12.4 K/9) and just 5 walks (1.5 BB/9). He was selected by the Cubs in the 35th&nbsp;round of the 2019 Draft out of Vero Beach High School (Fla.), the same school that produced&nbsp;Alex Cobb.With their sixth pick (175th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected&nbsp;Hayden Dunhurst&nbsp;out of the University of Mississippi, who was the primary catcher for the 2022 College World Series championship team. He recorded 18 HR and 88 RBI in 138 games during his college career, and was named ABCA/Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner behind the plate as a sophomore in 2021, becoming the second player in school history to earn the honor. Dunhurst was previously selected by the Rockies in the 37th&nbsp;round of the 2019 Draft out of Pearl River Central High School (Miss.).In the seventh round (205th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Mack Anglin&nbsp;out of Clemson University. Anglin, 22, went 6-6 in 15 starts this season with 78 strikeouts in 76.1 innings (9.2 K/9). He pitched 12.2 scoreless innings for Wareham in the 2021 Cape Cod League and was selected by Washington in the 13th&nbsp;round last year as a draft-eligible sophomore but chose to return to Clemson. He was named Gatorade’s Ohio Player of the Year in 2019 out of Highland High School, where he lettered four times in baseball and thrice in basketball, scoring more than 1,000 points in his hoops career.With their eighth pick (235th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Wesley Scott&nbsp;out of Walters State Community College. Scott, 21, committed to Vanderbilt out of Woodcrest Christian High School in 2019, but attended Arizona in 2020. With Walters State in 2022, he went 9-2 with 1 save and 118 strikeouts in 75.0 innings (14.2 K/9) in 15 starts (18 appearances). Scott made 3 postseason starts this season, including a quarterfinal win over the No. 2 ranked team in the JUCO World Series. On Jan. 29, he recorded 5 strikeouts over 3.0 innings in relief to finish off a combined no hitter. Wesley also made 2 starts in the 2022 MLB Draft League.In the ninth round (265th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Brandon Johnson&nbsp;out of the University of Mississippi, where he threw the final pitch that clinched the 2022 College World Series to catcher&nbsp;Hayden Dunhurst, Kansas City’s sixth-round pick. He started his collegiate career at Columbia State Community College, where he went 8-0 with 109 strikeouts in 80.2 innings (12.2 K/9) from 2019-20.With their 10th&nbsp;pick (295th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected outfielder&nbsp;Levi Usher&nbsp;out of the University of Louisville. Usher, 22, hit .285 (70-for-246) as a senior this season with a career-best 25 extra-base hits and 49 RBI in 64 games. He also led the ACC in stolen bases for the second straight year, stealing 36 bags in 39 attempts. Usher was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and earned an ABCA/Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award for his work in center field, which was highlighted by the No. 1 play on SportsCenter on April 30, when he robbed a home run vs. Clemson. He was selected by the Angels in the 37th&nbsp;round of the 2019 Draft out of Cedar Rapids Prairie High School (Iowa) but chose to attend Kirkwood Community College for his freshman season.The Draft will conclude Tuesday with rounds 11-20, beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT on <a href="http://MLB.com">MLB.com</a>.

Royals select eight players Monday

NEWTON, Kan. — It looked for most of Monday night like Newton was going to hold off the Hutchinson Monarchs, but then a 15-run top of the seventh turned the tide and Hutchinson won 16-3.

Lane Brewster and Joey Baran each had 4 RBI for Hutchinson. Clay Wesbrooks got the win in relief.

The Monarchs, now 27-7, host Newton tonight at Hobart-Detter. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

NEWTON, Kan. — It looked for most of Monday night like Newton was going to hold off the Hutchinson Monarchs, but then a 15-run top of the seventh turned the tide and Hutchinson won 16-3.Lane Brewster and Joey Baran each had 4 RBI for Hutchinson. Clay Wesbrooks got the win in relief.The Monarchs, now 27-7, host Newton tonight at Hobart-Detter. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

Monarchs win Monday over Newton

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Washington Nationals star Juan Soto won his first Home Run Derby. He held off Seattle Mariners rookie Julio Rodríguez in the final 19-18. 

The 23-year-old Soto hit 53 total homers to win the midseason power showcase, showing off his incredible talent. Soto was locked in at the plate even during a tumultuous recent stretch packed with speculation about his possible departure from the Nats after turning down a huge contract extension. 

Soto beat Cleveland’s José Ramírez 18-17 in the first round before getting past 42-year-old Albert Pujols 16-15 to reach the final.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Washington Nationals star Juan Soto won his first Home Run Derby. He held off Seattle Mariners rookie Julio Rodríguez in the final 19-18. The 23-year-old Soto hit 53 total homers to win the midseason power showcase, showing off his incredible talent. Soto was locked in at the plate even during a tumultuous recent stretch packed with speculation about his possible departure from the Nats after turning down a huge contract extension. Soto beat Cleveland’s José Ramírez 18-17 in the first round before getting past 42-year-old Albert Pujols 16-15 to reach the final.

Soto wins Home Run Derby

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2022/7/18/mens-basketball-nine-home-games-highlight-jerome-tangs-first-season-in-2022-23.aspx">Via K-State Sports</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Nine home games at Bramlage Coliseum, including marquee matchups with in-state rival Wichita State and SEC foe Florida, highlight the non-conference schedule for first-year head coach Jerome Tang and his Kansas State men's basketball program, which was released Monday (July 18).

In addition to its nine home games, K-State will host former conference foe Nebraska in a return of the Wildcat Classic to the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Season tickets for the 2022-23 home schedule as well as the Wildcat Classic in Kansas City are currently on sale through the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling (800) 221.CATS as well as online at kstatesports.com. Ticket packages can be found at here.

K-State will officially open the Jerome Tang era on Monday, Nov. 7 against UTRGV. A home exhibition game will be played versus an opponent and date to be announced at a later time.

In all, the Wildcats will play 18 home games in 2022-23, including the nine-game Big 12 schedule with visits from reigning national champion Kansas and NCAA Tournament participants Baylor, Iowa State, TCU, Texas and Texas Tech. The conference schedule will be released in the fall.

'Cats Open with Three of First Four Games at Bramlage Coliseum

K-State will open the 2022-23 campaign with three of its first four games at home, all coming in the first 11 days of the season. The Wildcats will host former assistant coach Matt Figger and his Vaqueros in the season opener on Nov. 7 before traveling to Cal for the first road game of the Tang era on Friday, Nov. 11. The team will return home for games against UAPB (Monday, Nov. 14) and Kansas City (Thursday, Nov. 17).

The Wildcats are a combined 33-2 all-time against their first four opponents, including 21-0 at home against the Vaqueros, Golden Lions and 'Roos.

K-State will participate in the fourth annual Cayman Islands Classic, which runs from Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 21-23 at The John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman. It will mark just the third visit to the Caribbean for a tournament following the 2002 and 2018 Paradise Jams in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Wildcats will face Rhode Island in the final game of the first day of the tournament at 7:30 p.m., CT on Nov. 21. The K-State/URI winner will advance to face the winner of the contest between Nevada and Tulane on Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m., CT, while the two remaining teams will play at 5 p.m., CT.

In the opposite bracket, the winner of the first game between LSU and Illinois State will play the winner of the second game between Akron and Western Kentucky on Nov. 22 at 1:30 p.m., CT, while the two remaining teams will open the second day of the tournament at 11 a.m., CT.

The winner of each bracket will face off in the championship game on Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m., CT. There will be three consolation games that will precede the title contest at 11 a.m., CT (seventh-place game), 1:30 p.m., CT (fifth-place game) and 5 p.m., CT (third-place game), respectively.

Those interested in travel packages can contact Sports &amp; Entertainment Travel, the official fan travel provider for the Cayman Islands Classic, by visiting their website at www.CaymanIslandClassicTravel.com or reach them by phone at (877) 669-8903.

Visit to Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Big 12/BIG EAST Battle

K- State will conclude the first month with a visit to historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Nov. 30 to take on the Butler Bulldogs as part of the fourth edition of the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle.

This will be just the second meeting between the programs and the first since Butler knocked off K-State, 63-56, in the NCAA West Regional Final in Salt Lake City to advance to the 2010 Final Four. It will be the first-ever visit to venerable Hinkle Fieldhouse, which is one of the oldest college basketball arenas still in use opening in 1928.

The two teams were scheduled to play in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle at Hinkle Fieldhouse during the 2020-21 season, but the game was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols within the Bulldog program.

K-State is 0-2 all-time in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle following losses to Marquette in 2019 and 2021. Last season, the Golden Eagles posted a 64-63 win over the Wildcats at Bramlage Coliseum.

K-State will play all home games in the month of December, including hosting Nebraska in a return of the Wildcat Classic on Dec. 17 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

The month kicks off with a visit from in-state rival Wichita State for the first time since 2003. Last season, the Wildcats opened the 4-game series with a 65-59 win over the Shockers at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita. K-State is 21-11 all-time against WSU, including 14-2 at home.

K-State will play Abilene Christian (Tuesday, Dec. 6), Incarnate Word (Sunday, Dec. 11) and Radford (Wednesday, Dec. 21) at Bramlage Coliseum in December. This will be the first meeting with ACU since 1986, while IWU and Radford are first-time opponents.

The Wildcats will host the Cornhuskers in the 11th Wildcat Classic game at the T-Mobile Center and the first since 2019. The schools were supposed to open the series at the T-Mobile Center on Dec. 19, 2020, but it was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

K-State and Nebraska have met in Kansas City 22 times with the Wildcats holding a 19-3 advantage. The schools faced off 16 times in the Big Six/Seven/Eight Holiday Tournament between 1944-77 and then on 6 more occasions in the Big Eight/12 Championship between 1979-2001.

The game will be the second in a 3-game series between the former conference foes after the Wildcats earned a 67-58 win over the Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska on Dec. 19, 2021.

Saint Louis snapped K-State's 5-game winning streak in the Classic with a 66-63 victory on Dec. 21, 2019. The Wildcats are 20-20 all-time in the arena, including an 8-2 mark in the Wildcat Classic.

K-State will conclude its non-conference schedule on Jan. 28, 2023, by hosting Florida in the 10th annual Big 12/SEC Challenge. The January meeting will be just the third all-time – all coming since 2010 – between the schools and the first in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. It will also be the first time either team has hosted on their home court.

The series is tied 1-1, as Florida won the first matchup, 57-44, in the Orange Bowl Classic in Sunrise, Fla., on December 18, 2010, while K-State evened the series with a 67-61 victory in the Wildcat Classic at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on December 22, 2012.

K-State is 3-6 all-time in the Challenge series with all three wins coming at home (Ole Miss in 2013 and 2016 and Georgia in 2018). The Wildcats will be looking to snap a 4-game skid against SEC foes after dropping games to Texas A&amp;M (2019 and 2021), Alabama (2020) and Ole Miss (2022).

K-State enters year one under Tang, who was hired by the school on March 21 after a 19-year stint in helping build Baylor into a national powerhouse, in 2022-23. The Wildcats return All-Big 12 honorable mention selection and All-Defensive Team member Markquis Nowell (12.4 ppg., 5.0 apg.) and junior forward Ish Massoud (6.8 ppg., 2.8 rpg.). Nowell led the Big 12 in steals (2.2 spg.), while he was second in assists and assist/turnover ratio.

The Wildcats have signed nine additional players for the upcoming season, including transfers Cam Carter (Mississippi State), Jerrell Colbert (LSU), Tykei Greene (Manhattan/Stony Brook), Abayomi "Baybe" Iyiola (Stetson/Arkansas/Hofstra), David N'Guessan (Virginia Tech), Desi Sills (Arkansas/Arkansas State) and Nae'Qwan Tomlin (Chipola College) as well as a pair of incoming freshmen Dorian Finister and Taj Manning.

Greene, Sills and Tomlin have all eclipsed the 1,000-point barrier during their college careers, while Iyiola has grabbed 16 double-doubles so far in college. N'Guessan played in 57 games, including 36 this past season, at Virginia Tech, while Carter and Colbert are both former consensus Top 150 players.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658166673395.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2022/7/18/mens-basketball-nine-home-games-highlight-jerome-tangs-first-season-in-2022-23.aspx">Via K-State Sports</a>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Nine home games at Bramlage Coliseum, including marquee matchups with in-state rival Wichita State and SEC foe Florida, highlight the non-conference schedule for first-year head coach Jerome Tang and his Kansas State men's basketball program, which was released Monday (July 18).In addition to its nine home games, K-State will host former conference foe Nebraska in a return of the Wildcat Classic to the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Saturday, Dec. 17.Season tickets for the 2022-23 home schedule as well as the Wildcat Classic in Kansas City are currently on sale through the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling (800) 221.CATS as well as online at kstatesports.com. Ticket packages can be found at here.K-State will officially open the Jerome Tang era on Monday, Nov. 7 against UTRGV. A home exhibition game will be played versus an opponent and date to be announced at a later time.In all, the Wildcats will play 18 home games in 2022-23, including the nine-game Big 12 schedule with visits from reigning national champion Kansas and NCAA Tournament participants Baylor, Iowa State, TCU, Texas and Texas Tech. The conference schedule will be released in the fall.'Cats Open with Three of First Four Games at Bramlage ColiseumK-State will open the 2022-23 campaign with three of its first four games at home, all coming in the first 11 days of the season. The Wildcats will host former assistant coach Matt Figger and his Vaqueros in the season opener on Nov. 7 before traveling to Cal for the first road game of the Tang era on Friday, Nov. 11. The team will return home for games against UAPB (Monday, Nov. 14) and Kansas City (Thursday, Nov. 17).The Wildcats are a combined 33-2 all-time against their first four opponents, including 21-0 at home against the Vaqueros, Golden Lions and 'Roos.First Trip to the Cayman IslandsK-State will participate in the fourth annual Cayman Islands Classic, which runs from Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 21-23 at The John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman. It will mark just the third visit to the Caribbean for a tournament following the 2002 and 2018 Paradise Jams in the U.S. Virgin Islands.The Wildcats will face Rhode Island in the final game of the first day of the tournament at 7:30 p.m., CT on Nov. 21. The K-State/URI winner will advance to face the winner of the contest between Nevada and Tulane on Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m., CT, while the two remaining teams will play at 5 p.m., CT.In the opposite bracket, the winner of the first game between LSU and Illinois State will play the winner of the second game between Akron and Western Kentucky on Nov. 22 at 1:30 p.m., CT, while the two remaining teams will open the second day of the tournament at 11 a.m., CT.The winner of each bracket will face off in the championship game on Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m., CT. There will be three consolation games that will precede the title contest at 11 a.m., CT (seventh-place game), 1:30 p.m., CT (fifth-place game) and 5 p.m., CT (third-place game), respectively.Those interested in travel packages can contact Sports &amp; Entertainment Travel, the official fan travel provider for the Cayman Islands Classic, by visiting their website at www.CaymanIslandClassicTravel.com or reach them by phone at (877) 669-8903.Visit to Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Big 12/BIG EAST BattleK- State will conclude the first month with a visit to historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Nov. 30 to take on the Butler Bulldogs as part of the fourth edition of the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle.This will be just the second meeting between the programs and the first since Butler knocked off K-State, 63-56, in the NCAA West Regional Final in Salt Lake City to advance to the 2010 Final Four. It will be the first-ever visit to venerable Hinkle Fieldhouse, which is one of the oldest college basketball arenas still in use opening in 1928.The two teams were scheduled to play in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle at Hinkle Fieldhouse during the 2020-21 season, but the game was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols within the Bulldog program.K-State is 0-2 all-time in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle following losses to Marquette in 2019 and 2021. Last season, the Golden Eagles posted a 64-63 win over the Wildcats at Bramlage Coliseum.Homestand in DecemberK-State will play all home games in the month of December, including hosting Nebraska in a return of the Wildcat Classic on Dec. 17 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.The month kicks off with a visit from in-state rival Wichita State for the first time since 2003. Last season, the Wildcats opened the 4-game series with a 65-59 win over the Shockers at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita. K-State is 21-11 all-time against WSU, including 14-2 at home.K-State will play Abilene Christian (Tuesday, Dec. 6), Incarnate Word (Sunday, Dec. 11) and Radford (Wednesday, Dec. 21) at Bramlage Coliseum in December. This will be the first meeting with ACU since 1986, while IWU and Radford are first-time opponents.The Wildcats will host the Cornhuskers in the 11th Wildcat Classic game at the T-Mobile Center and the first since 2019. The schools were supposed to open the series at the T-Mobile Center on Dec. 19, 2020, but it was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.K-State and Nebraska have met in Kansas City 22 times with the Wildcats holding a 19-3 advantage. The schools faced off 16 times in the Big Six/Seven/Eight Holiday Tournament between 1944-77 and then on 6 more occasions in the Big Eight/12 Championship between 1979-2001.The game will be the second in a 3-game series between the former conference foes after the Wildcats earned a 67-58 win over the Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska on Dec. 19, 2021.Saint Louis snapped K-State's 5-game winning streak in the Classic with a 66-63 victory on Dec. 21, 2019. The Wildcats are 20-20 all-time in the arena, including an 8-2 mark in the Wildcat Classic.Host Florida in SEC/Big 12 ChallengeK-State will conclude its non-conference schedule on Jan. 28, 2023, by hosting Florida in the 10th annual Big 12/SEC Challenge. The January meeting will be just the third all-time – all coming since 2010 – between the schools and the first in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. It will also be the first time either team has hosted on their home court.The series is tied 1-1, as Florida won the first matchup, 57-44, in the Orange Bowl Classic in Sunrise, Fla., on December 18, 2010, while K-State evened the series with a 67-61 victory in the Wildcat Classic at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on December 22, 2012.K-State is 3-6 all-time in the Challenge series with all three wins coming at home (Ole Miss in 2013 and 2016 and Georgia in 2018). The Wildcats will be looking to snap a 4-game skid against SEC foes after dropping games to Texas A&amp;M (2019 and 2021), Alabama (2020) and Ole Miss (2022).The Wildcats At A GlanceK-State enters year one under Tang, who was hired by the school on March 21 after a 19-year stint in helping build Baylor into a national powerhouse, in 2022-23. The Wildcats return All-Big 12 honorable mention selection and All-Defensive Team member Markquis Nowell (12.4 ppg., 5.0 apg.) and junior forward Ish Massoud (6.8 ppg., 2.8 rpg.). Nowell led the Big 12 in steals (2.2 spg.), while he was second in assists and assist/turnover ratio.The Wildcats have signed nine additional players for the upcoming season, including transfers Cam Carter (Mississippi State), Jerrell Colbert (LSU), Tykei Greene (Manhattan/Stony Brook), Abayomi "Baybe" Iyiola (Stetson/Arkansas/Hofstra), David N'Guessan (Virginia Tech), Desi Sills (Arkansas/Arkansas State) and Nae'Qwan Tomlin (Chipola College) as well as a pair of incoming freshmen Dorian Finister and Taj Manning.Greene, Sills and Tomlin have all eclipsed the 1,000-point barrier during their college careers, while Iyiola has grabbed 16 double-doubles so far in college. N'Guessan played in 57 games, including 36 this past season, at Virginia Tech, while Carter and Colbert are both former consensus Top 150 players.

K-State announces non-conference men's basketball schedule

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651156028140.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Eagle MEDIA Sports 2022" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Eagle MEDIA Sports 2022</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Eagle Media Sports for Monday, July 18th, 2022" 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=c98mb-1276efc-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 Monday Morning

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/surge-sweep-travs-as-encarnacion-strand-hits-for-the-cycle">Via WindSurge.com</a>

Wichita, KS- Christian Encarnacion-Strand hit for the cycle and led the Wind Surge to a 11-1 victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Sunday afternoon as the Surge swept the six-game series.

Louie Varland got the start on the mound for Wichita and pitched five strong innings allowing a lone run on four hits. He struck out seven to improve to 7-3 on the season.

Wichita jumped on the Travelers in the bottom of the first inning as Encarnacion-Strand hit an RBI triple. Roy Morales followed with a single to right field that scored Encarnacion-Strand. Christian finished four for five with three RBIs in the game.

Edouard Julien and Encarnacion-Strand hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the second inning and Morales scored on a wild pitch that extended the Wichita lead to 6-1.

The Surge added five insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth on RBI singles from Chris Williams, Morales, and Encarnacion-Strand to take a commanding 11-1 lead.

The Surge tallied their first six-game series sweep in franchise history, while Encarnacion-Strand became the first player in Surge history to hit for the cycle.

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/surge-sweep-travs-as-encarnacion-strand-hits-for-the-cycle">Via WindSurge.com</a>Wichita, KS- Christian Encarnacion-Strand hit for the cycle and led the Wind Surge to a 11-1 victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Sunday afternoon as the Surge swept the six-game series.Louie Varland got the start on the mound for Wichita and pitched five strong innings allowing a lone run on four hits. He struck out seven to improve to 7-3 on the season.Wichita jumped on the Travelers in the bottom of the first inning as Encarnacion-Strand hit an RBI triple. Roy Morales followed with a single to right field that scored Encarnacion-Strand. Christian finished four for five with three RBIs in the game.Edouard Julien and Encarnacion-Strand hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the second inning and Morales scored on a wild pitch that extended the Wichita lead to 6-1.The Surge added five insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth on RBI singles from Chris Williams, Morales, and Encarnacion-Strand to take a commanding 11-1 lead.The Surge tallied their first six-game series sweep in franchise history, while Encarnacion-Strand became the first player in Surge history to hit for the cycle.

Surge sweep with Sunday win

TORONTO (AP) — Alejandro Kirk hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, sending the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-2 victory against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players, including All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi and infielder Whit Merrifield, during this four-game series in Toronto.

The Royals won the first game of the series Thursday and then dropped the next three.

Since unvaccinated foreign nationals aren’t allowed to enter Canada, the Royals roster included Triple-A and Double-A prospects, making an already difficult series against the high-powered Blue Jays more challenging.

Both teams scored a pair of runs in the first few innings, but that was the extent of the offense until Kirk’s homer off Wyatt Mills (0-1).

Blue Jays starter José Berríos settled into a rhythm, working 6⅓ innings, allowing two earned runs and seven hits while striking out seven and walking one.

Left-hander Tim Mayza (3-0) took over for Berríos out of the bullpen, working 1⅔ innings in relief with two strikeouts to pick up the win. Jordan Romano worked a perfect ninth for his 20th save of the season.

TORONTO (AP) — Alejandro Kirk hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, sending the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-2 victory against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players, including All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi and infielder Whit Merrifield, during this four-game series in Toronto.The Royals won the first game of the series Thursday and then dropped the next three.Since unvaccinated foreign nationals aren’t allowed to enter Canada, the Royals roster included Triple-A and Double-A prospects, making an already difficult series against the high-powered Blue Jays more challenging.Both teams scored a pair of runs in the first few innings, but that was the extent of the offense until Kirk’s homer off Wyatt Mills (0-1).Blue Jays starter José Berríos settled into a rhythm, working 6⅓ innings, allowing two earned runs and seven hits while striking out seven and walking one.Left-hander Tim Mayza (3-0) took over for Berríos out of the bullpen, working 1⅔ innings in relief with two strikeouts to pick up the win. Jordan Romano worked a perfect ninth for his 20th save of the season.

Blue Jays win Sunday over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo.— The Kansas City Royals on Sunday selected Gavin Cross, an outfielder from Virginia Tech, with the ninth overall pick in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft.

Cross, 21, hit .328 (80-for-244) with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 57 games in his junior season as Virginia Tech. The left-handed batter recorded 39 extra-base hits for a .660 slugging percentage and 1.071 OPS, while making most of his starts in center field. He also stole 12 bases without being caught.

In three years at Virginia Tech, Cross slashed .340/.412/.609 with 28 home runs and 28 stolen bases in 124 games.

He is the fifth player chosen ninth overall in Royals history and the first since 2001. One of the previous four players selected ninth overall by Kansas City was Kevin Appier (drafted in 1987), who was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 2011. The Royals also selected Clint Hurdle ninth overall in the 1975 Draft.

This marks the first time the Royals have selected a position player with their first pick since 2019, when they drafted Bobby Witt Jr. No. 2 overall. Cross is the first college position player selected by the Royals with their first pick since Hunter Dozier was drafted eighth overall out of Stephen F. Austin State University in 2013.

Also, in the second round at 49th overall, the Royals selected Arkansas third baseman Cayden Wallace. Wallace played with Dayton Moore's son, Robert, who was drafted by the Brewers at 72nd overall.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.— The Kansas City Royals on Sunday selected Gavin Cross, an outfielder from Virginia Tech, with the ninth overall pick in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft.Cross, 21, hit .328 (80-for-244) with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 57 games in his junior season as Virginia Tech. The left-handed batter recorded 39 extra-base hits for a .660 slugging percentage and 1.071 OPS, while making most of his starts in center field. He also stole 12 bases without being caught.In three years at Virginia Tech, Cross slashed .340/.412/.609 with 28 home runs and 28 stolen bases in 124 games.He is the fifth player chosen ninth overall in Royals history and the first since 2001. One of the previous four players selected ninth overall by Kansas City was Kevin Appier (drafted in 1987), who was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 2011. The Royals also selected Clint Hurdle ninth overall in the 1975 Draft.This marks the first time the Royals have selected a position player with their first pick since 2019, when they drafted Bobby Witt Jr. No. 2 overall. Cross is the first college position player selected by the Royals with their first pick since Hunter Dozier was drafted eighth overall out of Stephen F. Austin State University in 2013.Also, in the second round at 49th overall, the Royals selected Arkansas third baseman Cayden Wallace. Wallace played with Dayton Moore's son, Robert, who was drafted by the Brewers at 72nd overall.

Royals make pair of Sunday picks

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson Monarchs lost 12-11 to the Cheney Diamond Dawgs in a non-league matchup Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field.

Cheney took advantage of 4 singles and 2 Monarchs errors, all with 2 outs, to score 4 and take a 12-11 lead in the 7th and their bullpen made it hold up.

The Monarchs, now 26-7, get back into Sunflower Collegiate League play Monday night against Newton at Centennial Park in Newton. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson Monarchs lost 12-11 to the Cheney Diamond Dawgs in a non-league matchup Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field.Cheney took advantage of 4 singles and 2 Monarchs errors, all with 2 outs, to score 4 and take a 12-11 lead in the 7th and their bullpen made it hold up.The Monarchs, now 26-7, get back into Sunflower Collegiate League play Monday night against Newton at Centennial Park in Newton. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

Cheney wins over Hutchinson Saturday

Wichita, KS -- Edouard Julien led the Wind Surge to a 7-6 victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Saturday night with a three-run, walk off homer in the bottom of the ninth. It was Wichita’s fifth straight win.

After Arkansas took an early 3-0 lead, Chris Williams hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth inning to shrink the lead to one. Williams later added a two-run RBI double that scored Andrew Bechtold and Cole Sturgeon to give the Surge a 4-3 lead.

The Travelers scored the next three runs, including two in the top of the ninth to take a 6-4 lead. Shortstop Riley Unroe hit an RBI triple to score Tanner Kirwer and Unroe scored on a wild pitch.

The Surge tallied their eighth walk-off victory of the season…

The Wind Surge and the Travelers will face off in the series finale Sunday. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. and gates open at noon.

Wichita, KS -- Edouard Julien led the Wind Surge to a 7-6 victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Saturday night with a three-run, walk off homer in the bottom of the ninth. It was Wichita’s fifth straight win.After Arkansas took an early 3-0 lead, Chris Williams hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth inning to shrink the lead to one. Williams later added a two-run RBI double that scored Andrew Bechtold and Cole Sturgeon to give the Surge a 4-3 lead.The Travelers scored the next three runs, including two in the top of the ninth to take a 6-4 lead. Shortstop Riley Unroe hit an RBI triple to score Tanner Kirwer and Unroe scored on a wild pitch.The Surge tallied their eighth walk-off victory of the season…The Wind Surge and the Travelers will face off in the series finale Sunday. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. and gates open at noon.

Wind Surge win Saturday

TORONTO (AP) — Teoscar Hernández singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning and the Toronto Blue Jays rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday.

Royals designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino hit a tie-breaking home run in the top of the 10th to put Kansas City up 5-3, but Toronto rallied in the bottom half against former Blue Jays reliever Joel Payamps (2-3).

After stepping out of the box and banging his bat in frustration over a strike two call that looked inside, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led off the bottom of the 10th with a double, scoring automatic runner George Springer.

Hernández said Guerrero’s double “kind of fired up the whole team.” Pinch-hitter Raimel Tapia followed it with a game-tying base hit to center.

Bo Bichette singled and Hernández grounded a base hit through the left side to score Tapia, who slid home with the winning run as the crowd of 40,135 erupted.

The Blue Jays are 21-14 in one-run games, the most one-run victories in the majors.

Toronto’s Jordan Romano (3-2) got the win despite allowing Pasquantino’s homer.

TORONTO (AP) — Teoscar Hernández singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning and the Toronto Blue Jays rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday.Royals designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino hit a tie-breaking home run in the top of the 10th to put Kansas City up 5-3, but Toronto rallied in the bottom half against former Blue Jays reliever Joel Payamps (2-3).After stepping out of the box and banging his bat in frustration over a strike two call that looked inside, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led off the bottom of the 10th with a double, scoring automatic runner George Springer.Hernández said Guerrero’s double “kind of fired up the whole team.” Pinch-hitter Raimel Tapia followed it with a game-tying base hit to center.Bo Bichette singled and Hernández grounded a base hit through the left side to score Tapia, who slid home with the winning run as the crowd of 40,135 erupted.The Blue Jays are 21-14 in one-run games, the most one-run victories in the majors.Toronto’s Jordan Romano (3-2) got the win despite allowing Pasquantino’s homer.

Blue Jays walk off Royals Saturday

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/five-home-runs-power-wichita-to-9-2-win">Via WindSurge.com</a>

Wichita, KS- Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Chris Williams led the Wind Surge to a 9-2 victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Friday night as they each hit a pair of homers to boost Wichita to their fourth straight win.

Chris Williams scored the game’s first run as he hit a home run in the bottom of the second inning to give the Surge an early 1-0 lead. Williams finished two for three with two RBIs and a walk in the game.

The Travelers tied the game in the top of the fourth inning behind an RBI double from first baseman Jake Scheiner that scored Jack Larsen.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand hit his first Double-A home run in the bottom of the fifth that gave Wichita a 2-1 lead.

The Surge scored five more runs in the sixth inning as Williams and Encarnacion-Strand each hit their second homers in the game and Nash Knight followed with an RBI double and extended the lead to 7-1.

DaShawn Keirsey Jr. added to the hit parade in the seventh inning with a two-run homer as Wichita hit a season-high five homers in a single game that extended the lead to 9-1.

Williams hit four home runs in his last two games and has eight hits in eighteen at bats in the series with five home runs and 14 RBI The Surge on Friday had two or more players hit multiple home runs in a game for the tenth time this season.

The Wind Surge will resume play against the Arkansas Travelers Saturday night. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m.

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/five-home-runs-power-wichita-to-9-2-win">Via WindSurge.com</a>Wichita, KS- Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Chris Williams led the Wind Surge to a 9-2 victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Friday night as they each hit a pair of homers to boost Wichita to their fourth straight win.Chris Williams scored the game’s first run as he hit a home run in the bottom of the second inning to give the Surge an early 1-0 lead. Williams finished two for three with two RBIs and a walk in the game.The Travelers tied the game in the top of the fourth inning behind an RBI double from first baseman Jake Scheiner that scored Jack Larsen.Christian Encarnacion-Strand hit his first Double-A home run in the bottom of the fifth that gave Wichita a 2-1 lead.The Surge scored five more runs in the sixth inning as Williams and Encarnacion-Strand each hit their second homers in the game and Nash Knight followed with an RBI double and extended the lead to 7-1.DaShawn Keirsey Jr. added to the hit parade in the seventh inning with a two-run homer as Wichita hit a season-high five homers in a single game that extended the lead to 9-1.Williams hit four home runs in his last two games and has eight hits in eighteen at bats in the series with five home runs and 14 RBI The Surge on Friday had two or more players hit multiple home runs in a game for the tenth time this season.The Wind Surge will resume play against the Arkansas Travelers Saturday night. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m.

Homeruns power Surge to win

TORONTO (AP) — Teoscar Hernández and Matt Chapman hit three-run home runs, Alek Manoah snapped a three-start winless streak with seven strong innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the depleted Kansas City Royals 8-1 on Friday night.

Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players and bolstered its roster with Triple-A and Double-A prospects. The Royals, who won the first game of the series 3-1 on Thursday, lost for the second time in seven games.

Foreign nationals who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 are not allowed to enter Canada, save for limited exceptions that require a 14-day quarantine. Unvaccinated baseball players are placed on the restricted list, which means they are not paid and do not accrue major league service time.

Among the 10 players on Kansas City’s 26-man roster who stayed home were All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor. Also barred were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.

A second-year right-hander, Manoah (10-4) came in having lost consecutive starts for the first time in his brief career. He turned that around by giving up one run and four hits, walking none and striking out six.

Royals manager Mike Matheny said Manoah’s slider was tricky for the young Royals to handle.

Manoah’s next appearance will be for the American League at next week’s All-Star game in Los Angeles.

Trevor Richards and Anthony Banda each worked an inning of relief.

Chapman and Raimel Tapia each had three hits as the Blue Jays piled up 16 total. Toronto is 5-10 in July.

Greinke (3-6) allowed four runs, three earned, in four innings, losing to the Blue Jays for the first time since June 5, 2009, when new teammate first baseman Nick Pratto was 10 years old. Greinke had gone 3-0 with a 2.38 ERA in five starts against Toronto since.

Pratto had his first big league hit, a single in the fifth, but the Royals didn’t manage much against Manoah, who improved to 11-1 with a 2.20 ERA in 18 career starts north of the border.

Shortstop Maikel Garcia became the fifth Kansas City player to make his debut this series when he replaced Bobby Witt Jr. on defense in the bottom of the sixth.

Pratto doubled in the ninth to finish 2 for 4.

TORONTO (AP) — Teoscar Hernández and Matt Chapman hit three-run home runs, Alek Manoah snapped a three-start winless streak with seven strong innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the depleted Kansas City Royals 8-1 on Friday night.Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players and bolstered its roster with Triple-A and Double-A prospects. The Royals, who won the first game of the series 3-1 on Thursday, lost for the second time in seven games.Foreign nationals who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 are not allowed to enter Canada, save for limited exceptions that require a 14-day quarantine. Unvaccinated baseball players are placed on the restricted list, which means they are not paid and do not accrue major league service time.Among the 10 players on Kansas City’s 26-man roster who stayed home were All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor. Also barred were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.A second-year right-hander, Manoah (10-4) came in having lost consecutive starts for the first time in his brief career. He turned that around by giving up one run and four hits, walking none and striking out six.Royals manager Mike Matheny said Manoah’s slider was tricky for the young Royals to handle.Manoah’s next appearance will be for the American League at next week’s All-Star game in Los Angeles.Trevor Richards and Anthony Banda each worked an inning of relief.Chapman and Raimel Tapia each had three hits as the Blue Jays piled up 16 total. Toronto is 5-10 in July.Greinke (3-6) allowed four runs, three earned, in four innings, losing to the Blue Jays for the first time since June 5, 2009, when new teammate first baseman Nick Pratto was 10 years old. Greinke had gone 3-0 with a 2.38 ERA in five starts against Toronto since.Pratto had his first big league hit, a single in the fifth, but the Royals didn’t manage much against Manoah, who improved to 11-1 with a 2.20 ERA in 18 career starts north of the border.Shortstop Maikel Garcia became the fifth Kansas City player to make his debut this series when he replaced Bobby Witt Jr. on defense in the bottom of the sixth.Pratto doubled in the ninth to finish 2 for 4.

Toronto wins Friday over Royals

KANSAS CITY— The deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals has come and gone and&nbsp; the Chiefs player with the tag, offensive tackle Orlando Brown was not able to get a better deal done.

On the tag, Brown would be due $16.7 million in 2022, thus far he has not attended the Chiefs OTAs pending a new deal. Brown is a three-time Pro Bowler, including last year with Kansas City, and the blind side protector of Patrick Mahomes.

A decision on whether Brown will hold out or not has not yet been made.

KANSAS CITY— The deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals has come and gone and&nbsp; the Chiefs player with the tag, offensive tackle Orlando Brown was not able to get a better deal done.On the tag, Brown would be due $16.7 million in 2022, thus far he has not attended the Chiefs OTAs pending a new deal. Brown is a three-time Pro Bowler, including last year with Kansas City, and the blind side protector of Patrick Mahomes.A decision on whether Brown will hold out or not has not yet been made.

Brown has not signed new deal; future uncertain

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651156028140.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Eagle MEDIA Sports 2022" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Eagle MEDIA Sports 2022</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Eagle Media Sports for Friday, July 15th, 2022" 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=a3mq3-1274207-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 Friday Morning

MULVANE, Kan. — A nine-run sixth inning by the Hutchinson Monarchs took care of Mulvane Thursday night 19-6.

Lane Brewster had a three-run homer in the win. 

The Monarchs, now 24-6, return home Friday to face the Patriots for a 7 p.m. first pitch at Hobart-Detter Field.

MULVANE, Kan. — A nine-run sixth inning by the Hutchinson Monarchs took care of Mulvane Thursday night 19-6.Lane Brewster had a three-run homer in the win. The Monarchs, now 24-6, return home Friday to face the Patriots for a 7 p.m. first pitch at Hobart-Detter Field.

Monarchs win over Mulvane again Thursday

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/chris-williams-grand-slam-leads-surge-to-win">Via WindSurge.com</a>

Wichita, KS- The Wind Surge defeated the Arkansas Travelers 11-5 on Thursday night as the Surge tallied 15 hits and three homers to win their third straight game.

Andrew Bechtold and Chris Williams led the way for Wichita as Williams hit two homers and finished three for five with six RBIs. Bechtold went four for five at the plate with an RBI.

Wichita took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning as Bechtold hit a solo home run and Williams followed with an RBI double.

Williams hit his second grand slam of the season in the bottom of the third inning that gave the Surge a commanding 6-0 lead.

Surge newcomer Christian Encarnacion-Strand hit a two-run RBI double in the bottom of the fifth in his Double-A debut. The hit extended the lead to 10-1.

Travelers’ catcher Jake Anchia hit a three-run homer in the top of the sixth inning and Cade Marlowe followed with an RBI single that cut the deficit to 10-5.

The Surge improved to 6-1 in Turbo Tubs uniforms. The series continues Friday.

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/chris-williams-grand-slam-leads-surge-to-win">Via WindSurge.com</a>Wichita, KS- The Wind Surge defeated the Arkansas Travelers 11-5 on Thursday night as the Surge tallied 15 hits and three homers to win their third straight game.Andrew Bechtold and Chris Williams led the way for Wichita as Williams hit two homers and finished three for five with six RBIs. Bechtold went four for five at the plate with an RBI.Wichita took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning as Bechtold hit a solo home run and Williams followed with an RBI double.Williams hit his second grand slam of the season in the bottom of the third inning that gave the Surge a commanding 6-0 lead.Surge newcomer Christian Encarnacion-Strand hit a two-run RBI double in the bottom of the fifth in his Double-A debut. The hit extended the lead to 10-1.Travelers’ catcher Jake Anchia hit a three-run homer in the top of the sixth inning and Cade Marlowe followed with an RBI single that cut the deficit to 10-5.The Surge improved to 6-1 in Turbo Tubs uniforms. The series continues Friday.

Wind Surge win Thursday over Arkansas

TORONTO (AP) — Angel Zerpa pitched five solid innings, Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking homer and the Kansas City Royals overcame the absence of 10 unvaccinated players to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 on Thursday night.

Nate Eaton homered in his big league debut as the Royals won for the fifth time in six games.

Among the 10 players on Kansas City’s 26-man roster who stayed home were All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor.

Also barred were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.

The Royals recalled infielder Nick Pratto and selected Eaton, infielder Michael Massey, catcher Freddy Fermin and outfielder Brewer Hicklen from Triple-A Omaha. Infielder Maikel Garcia, catcher Sebastian Rivero and left-hander Zerpa were recalled from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

Pratto was in the starting lineup at first base and Eaton was in center field with Rivero catching Zerpa (2-0), who allowed one run and four hits, walked two and struck out two in the second start of his career and first this season.

Jackson Kowar pitched two innings, Taylor Clarke handled the eighth and Scott Barlow finished for his 16th save in 18 chances.

TORONTO (AP) — Angel Zerpa pitched five solid innings, Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking homer and the Kansas City Royals overcame the absence of 10 unvaccinated players to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 on Thursday night.Nate Eaton homered in his big league debut as the Royals won for the fifth time in six games.Foreign nationals who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 are not allowed to enter Canada, save for limited exceptions that require a 14-day quarantine. Unvaccinated baseball players are placed on the restricted list, which means they are not paid and do not accrue major league service time.Among the 10 players on Kansas City’s 26-man roster who stayed home were All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor.Also barred were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.The Royals recalled infielder Nick Pratto and selected Eaton, infielder Michael Massey, catcher Freddy Fermin and outfielder Brewer Hicklen from Triple-A Omaha. Infielder Maikel Garcia, catcher Sebastian Rivero and left-hander Zerpa were recalled from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.Pratto was in the starting lineup at first base and Eaton was in center field with Rivero catching Zerpa (2-0), who allowed one run and four hits, walked two and struck out two in the second start of his career and first this season.Jackson Kowar pitched two innings, Taylor Clarke handled the eighth and Scott Barlow finished for his 16th save in 18 chances.

Royals reinforcements win in Toronto Thursday

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark declared the league “open for business,” saying that while nothing is imminent all options will be considered as he takes over with conference realignment again shaking college sports.

Yormark made his introductory remarks Wednesday at the start of the conference’s football media days at AT&amp;T Stadium. He was named Bob Bowlsby’s successor two weeks ago. The next day it was announced Southern California and UCLA would be leaving the Pac-12 to join the Big Ten in 2024, setting off all kinds of speculation about what moves might follow.

“We are exploring all options and we are open for business,” Yormark said when immediately asked if the Big 12 was actively engaged in talks with any Pac-12 schools.

“Optionality is good, and we’re getting through all of them,” he said, without being specific about schools. “I think it’s fair to say I’ve received a lot of phone calls, a lot of interest. People understand the direction of the Big 12, and we’re exploring those levels of interest.”

With the Pac-12 down to 10 teams, any further significant loss of members could deal a fatal blow to a conference that was officially founded in 1959.

The former Roc Nation executive and CEO of the Brooklyn Nets officially begins work Aug. 1, but he has already been plenty busy with Big 12 business.

“What excites me most about joining the Big 12 is the transformative moment in front of all of us today,” he said. “We have an opportunity to grow and then build the Big 12 brand and business. … Moments like these do not happen often, and we must seize them and make the most of them.”

Along with realignment, Yormark emphasized adding revenue streams and the opportunity to nationalize the Big 12 brand, be more aspirational and appeal to youth culture “to get younger and hipper.”

He also mentioned, “seeing the true professionalization of college sports” at a time when the name, image, and likeness compensation for athletes is going into its second year.

The Big Ten’s move West was another seismic shift in conference realignment, much like when it was revealed a week after Big 12 media days last summer that Texas and Oklahoma were moving to the Southeastern Conference no later than the 2025 season.

“I’m certain that Brett is just deeply appreciative of the way he was welcomed into the Big 12 Conference with, once again, conference realignment at the top of the list of things to deal with,” said Baylor President Linda Livingstone, part of the Big 12 board’s three-person executive committee that headed the search.

Livingstone spoke to Yormark by phone a couple of days after he was named, which was after the news about UCLA and USC.

“Well, welcome to college athletics, and you thought working for Jay-Z was really exciting,” she told him.

Yormark described himself as actively engaged in realignment, with input from throughout the conference.

The Big 12 is going into its 12th and final season as a 10-school league. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF all join next summer after being approved for membership last September.

The pending departures of two of the Pac-12′s biggest brands came as a huge surprise, just like a year ago with the Big 12′s only national champions in football deciding to bail on the conference.

Yormark said the possible addition of more teams to the Big 12 wouldn’t necessarily have an impact on any decision involving the Longhorns or Sooners leaving before the expiration of the league’s media rights deal that has three more football seasons.

“I’m sure there’s going to be a moment in time where we’re going to sit down, discuss the future,” Yormark said about Texas and Oklahoma. “But any situation like this, I always look for a win-win scenario. That being said, it’s important that whatever happens is in the best interest of this conference.”

Yormark plans in August and September to visit the current Big 12 schools and the four coming on board next summer.

Livingstone said Yormark rose to the top of a strong pool of candidates during the search process.

“We could tell that with his experience in professional sports and sponsorships, and in media, in entertainment, given where college athletics is going, and all the changes taking place, with our media rights negotiation coming up, that Brett, in combination with the really strong athletic directors we have across the conference, would be a great combination to position us really well for the future,” she said.

This is will be Yormark’s first job in college athletics, though he said it is a career path he often thought about taking.

The 55-year-old was an executive on the commercial side of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation after previously working with the Nets and running Barclay Center, their home arena, for more than a decade. He was NASCAR’s vice president for corporate sponsorships before that.

“I always had the vision to be in college sports. Candidly, I thought it might have been an AD, I wasn’t sure,” Yormark said. “But I was enamored with the space. It was fueled during my time at Barclays Center. When this opportunity presented itself, I said, let’s give it a great shot, and thankfully it all worked out.”

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark declared the league “open for business,” saying that while nothing is imminent all options will be considered as he takes over with conference realignment again shaking college sports.Yormark made his introductory remarks Wednesday at the start of the conference’s football media days at AT&amp;T Stadium. He was named Bob Bowlsby’s successor two weeks ago. The next day it was announced Southern California and UCLA would be leaving the Pac-12 to join the Big Ten in 2024, setting off all kinds of speculation about what moves might follow.“We are exploring all options and we are open for business,” Yormark said when immediately asked if the Big 12 was actively engaged in talks with any Pac-12 schools.“Optionality is good, and we’re getting through all of them,” he said, without being specific about schools. “I think it’s fair to say I’ve received a lot of phone calls, a lot of interest. People understand the direction of the Big 12, and we’re exploring those levels of interest.”With the Pac-12 down to 10 teams, any further significant loss of members could deal a fatal blow to a conference that was officially founded in 1959.The former Roc Nation executive and CEO of the Brooklyn Nets officially begins work Aug. 1, but he has already been plenty busy with Big 12 business.“What excites me most about joining the Big 12 is the transformative moment in front of all of us today,” he said. “We have an opportunity to grow and then build the Big 12 brand and business. … Moments like these do not happen often, and we must seize them and make the most of them.”Along with realignment, Yormark emphasized adding revenue streams and the opportunity to nationalize the Big 12 brand, be more aspirational and appeal to youth culture “to get younger and hipper.”He also mentioned, “seeing the true professionalization of college sports” at a time when the name, image, and likeness compensation for athletes is going into its second year.The Big Ten’s move West was another seismic shift in conference realignment, much like when it was revealed a week after Big 12 media days last summer that Texas and Oklahoma were moving to the Southeastern Conference no later than the 2025 season.“I’m certain that Brett is just deeply appreciative of the way he was welcomed into the Big 12 Conference with, once again, conference realignment at the top of the list of things to deal with,” said Baylor President Linda Livingstone, part of the Big 12 board’s three-person executive committee that headed the search.Livingstone spoke to Yormark by phone a couple of days after he was named, which was after the news about UCLA and USC.“Well, welcome to college athletics, and you thought working for Jay-Z was really exciting,” she told him.Yormark described himself as actively engaged in realignment, with input from throughout the conference.The Big 12 is going into its 12th and final season as a 10-school league. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF all join next summer after being approved for membership last September.The pending departures of two of the Pac-12′s biggest brands came as a huge surprise, just like a year ago with the Big 12′s only national champions in football deciding to bail on the conference.Yormark said the possible addition of more teams to the Big 12 wouldn’t necessarily have an impact on any decision involving the Longhorns or Sooners leaving before the expiration of the league’s media rights deal that has three more football seasons.“I’m sure there’s going to be a moment in time where we’re going to sit down, discuss the future,” Yormark said about Texas and Oklahoma. “But any situation like this, I always look for a win-win scenario. That being said, it’s important that whatever happens is in the best interest of this conference.”Yormark plans in August and September to visit the current Big 12 schools and the four coming on board next summer.Livingstone said Yormark rose to the top of a strong pool of candidates during the search process.“We could tell that with his experience in professional sports and sponsorships, and in media, in entertainment, given where college athletics is going, and all the changes taking place, with our media rights negotiation coming up, that Brett, in combination with the really strong athletic directors we have across the conference, would be a great combination to position us really well for the future,” she said.This is will be Yormark’s first job in college athletics, though he said it is a career path he often thought about taking.The 55-year-old was an executive on the commercial side of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation after previously working with the Nets and running Barclay Center, their home arena, for more than a decade. He was NASCAR’s vice president for corporate sponsorships before that.“I always had the vision to be in college sports. Candidly, I thought it might have been an AD, I wasn’t sure,” Yormark said. “But I was enamored with the space. It was fueled during my time at Barclays Center. When this opportunity presented itself, I said, let’s give it a great shot, and thankfully it all worked out.”

Big 12 open for business amid realignment talk

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651156028140.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Eagle MEDIA Sports 2022" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Eagle MEDIA Sports 2022</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Eagle Media Sports for Thursday, July 14th, 2022" 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=i3w2p-1272dd8-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 Thursday Morning

Wichita, KS - The Wichita Wind Surge won their second game in a row over the Arkansas Travelers by a score of 16-12 Wednesday afternoon at Riverfront Stadium, recording their most runs scored this season.

Wichita’s offense set a season high of 21 hits, one shy of their franchise record. The run total was their highest of the season. Matt Wallner and Anthony Prato led the team with four hits each.

Cole Sturgeon got the Surge on the board with a 3-run blast in the first inning. He finished the game 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs.

Chris Williams joined the offensive barrage with an RBI single in second and a 3-run home run in the third inning.

After falling behind the Surge 14-0, the Travelers sent up 14 batters in the fifth inning, scoring nine runs on nine hits. It was most runs the Wind Surge have given up in a single inning this season.

After a late game push from the Travelers, Denny Bentley recorded the win, pitching three innings and giving up one run.

The series continues Thursday with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch.

Wichita, KS - The Wichita Wind Surge won their second game in a row over the Arkansas Travelers by a score of 16-12 Wednesday afternoon at Riverfront Stadium, recording their most runs scored this season.Wichita’s offense set a season high of 21 hits, one shy of their franchise record. The run total was their highest of the season. Matt Wallner and Anthony Prato led the team with four hits each.Cole Sturgeon got the Surge on the board with a 3-run blast in the first inning. He finished the game 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs.Chris Williams joined the offensive barrage with an RBI single in second and a 3-run home run in the third inning.After falling behind the Surge 14-0, the Travelers sent up 14 batters in the fifth inning, scoring nine runs on nine hits. It was most runs the Wind Surge have given up in a single inning this season.After a late game push from the Travelers, Denny Bentley recorded the win, pitching three innings and giving up one run.The series continues Thursday with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch.