ANDOVER, Kan. — Caiden Beavers drove in four runs on three hits as Hutchinson rolled past Andover Central 19-6 on Thursday, plating nine runs in the fifth inning to break the game wide open.

Beavers doubled home two runs in the first inning and later added a two-run single in the fifth to lead the Salthawks, who pounded out 17 hits and stole five bases in the run-rule victory. Cole Bleything went 4-for-4 with three runs and four RBIs, while Carter Morgan had three hits and drove in four, including a three-run triple in the fifth.

Hutchinson jumped ahead 6-1 after the first inning, sparked by Beavers' double, a fielder’s choice by JuJu Lyons, a two-base error, and back-to-back RBI doubles from Bleything and Landon Parks.

Morgan’s RBI single in the third stretched the lead to 7-4, and Hutchinson erupted in the fifth with six hits and nine runs — including a sacrifice fly by Lyons, an RBI single from Bleything, a bases-loaded walk by Parks, Morgan’s triple, and a run-scoring double by Jack Yoder.

Jack Davis picked up the win, tossing 4.2 innings and allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits and six walks, striking out one. Bleything came on in relief to finish the fifth.

Maddox Archibald went 3-for-4 with three RBIs to lead the Jaguars (4-8), who have now dropped three straight. Carter Inslee added two hits and Brody DeGarmo walked twice.

The Salthawks (8-5), winners of two straight, return to action Wednesday against Campus at Hobart-Detter Field.

Hutchinson - 601 39x x - 19 17 5 Andover Central - 130 11x x - 6 7 2 W: Jack Davis (3-0). L: Jet Thompson. Time: 1:58.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744932547576.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostANDOVER, Kan. — Caiden Beavers drove in four runs on three hits as Hutchinson rolled past Andover Central 19-6 on Thursday, plating nine runs in the fifth inning to break the game wide open.Beavers doubled home two runs in the first inning and later added a two-run single in the fifth to lead the Salthawks, who pounded out 17 hits and stole five bases in the run-rule victory. Cole Bleything went 4-for-4 with three runs and four RBIs, while Carter Morgan had three hits and drove in four, including a three-run triple in the fifth.Hutchinson jumped ahead 6-1 after the first inning, sparked by Beavers' double, a fielder’s choice by JuJu Lyons, a two-base error, and back-to-back RBI doubles from Bleything and Landon Parks.Morgan’s RBI single in the third stretched the lead to 7-4, and Hutchinson erupted in the fifth with six hits and nine runs — including a sacrifice fly by Lyons, an RBI single from Bleything, a bases-loaded walk by Parks, Morgan’s triple, and a run-scoring double by Jack Yoder.Jack Davis picked up the win, tossing 4.2 innings and allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits and six walks, striking out one. Bleything came on in relief to finish the fifth.Maddox Archibald went 3-for-4 with three RBIs to lead the Jaguars (4-8), who have now dropped three straight. Carter Inslee added two hits and Brody DeGarmo walked twice.The Salthawks (8-5), winners of two straight, return to action Wednesday against Campus at Hobart-Detter Field.Hutchinson - 601 39x x - 19 17 5 Andover Central - 130 11x x - 6 7 2 W: Jack Davis (3-0). L: Jet Thompson. Time: 1:58.

⚾ Salthawks score season-high 19 runs in rout of Jaguars 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704804468264.png" alt="Evening Sports with Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Evening Sports with Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Noon Sports for Thursday, April 17, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=23c8s-1883478-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 ⚾ Hutch High at Andover Central, Area HS schedule, ⚾ NBCWS title game moves downtown

Halstead High School will be well represented at the 2025 Kansas Volleyball Association All-Star match as senior Dalaina Schutte was named to the Blue Team roster, and her mother, Diana Schutte, will serve as the team’s head coach. The annual showcase is set for June 7 at Washburn Rural High School in Topeka. First serve at 5 p.m.

The players selected are first nominated by their high school coaches (who must be KVA members), and then recommended by committee to fill the squads. Based on achievements, positions, classifications, collegiate plans and availability the squads are determined and divided into two teams which should provide for a very competitive match.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684765193638.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Halstead High School will be well represented at the 2025 Kansas Volleyball Association All-Star match as senior Dalaina Schutte was named to the Blue Team roster, and her mother, Diana Schutte, will serve as the team’s head coach. The annual showcase is set for June 7 at Washburn Rural High School in Topeka. First serve at 5 p.m.The players selected are first nominated by their high school coaches (who must be KVA members), and then recommended by committee to fill the squads. Based on achievements, positions, classifications, collegiate plans and availability the squads are determined and divided into two teams which should provide for a very competitive match.BLUE TEAM<ul>
 <li>Kate Hinck – Washburn Rural High School</li><li>Chloe Traffas – Attica High School</li><li>Dalaina Schutte – Halstead High School</li><li>Campbell Chabot – Seaman High School</li><li>Jordyn Washington – Andover Central High School</li><li>Ayla Klingenberg – Rock Creek High School</li><li>Kennedy Behnke – Ellinwood High School</li><li>Layla Collins – Washburn Rural High School</li><li>Ava Esser – Seaman High School</li><li>Ella Bolan – Silver Lake High School</li><li>Emily Bainter – Hoxie High School</li><li>Prayer Roebuck – Neodesha High School</li>
 </ul>BLUE COACHES<ul>
 <li>Head Coach – Diana Schutte, Halstead High School</li><li>Assistant Coach – Randy Rockhold, Ingalls High School</li><li>Assistant Coach – Austin Isham, Blue Valley Southwest High School</li>
 </ul>RED TEAM<ul>
 <li>Kinley Wilhelm – Seaman High School</li><li>Bella Holcomb – Andover Central High School</li><li>Hallie Holthaus – Nemaha Central High School</li><li>Bria Dawson – Olathe North High School</li><li>Sophia Thompson – Beloit High School</li><li>Harlee Randall – Flint Hills High School</li><li>Katja Blanchat – Smoky Valley High School</li><li>Maegan Mills – Seaman High School</li><li>Addison Budke – Beloit High School</li><li>Cali Honeyman – Nemaha Central High School</li><li>Samantha Klotz – Royal Valley High School</li><li>Saige Hadley – Lebo High School</li>
 </ul>RED COACHES<ul>
 <li>Head Coach – Brooke Harper, Eudora High School</li><li>Assistant Coach – Jessica Horstick, Blue Valley West High School</li><li>Assistant Coach – Susan Steinfort, Valley Heights High School</li>
 </ul>

🏐 Halstead’s Schutte duo selected to KVA All-Star Game

ANDOVER, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School varsity baseball team travels to Andover Central to face the Jaguars in an AVCTL non league single game action this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.

The Salthawks enter the doubleheader with a 7-5 record and are fresh off a split at Maize South on Tuesday. The Jaguars are 4-7 and come into the game after falling to Maize, 3-1 on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744778157548.png" alt="Game Day Hutch High @ Andover Central " />
 <figcaption>Game Day Hutch High @ Andover Central </figcaption>
 </figure>ANDOVER, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School varsity baseball team travels to Andover Central to face the Jaguars in an AVCTL non league single game action this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.The Salthawks enter the doubleheader with a 7-5 record and are fresh off a split at Maize South on Tuesday. The Jaguars are 4-7 and come into the game after falling to Maize, 3-1 on Wednesday.Click below to listen to the broadcast.<div><iframe src="https://eagle-media-sports-hutch.mixlr.com/embed" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" height="200px" width="100%"></iframe><a href="https://mixlr.com/" style="color:#1a1a1a;display:block;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:left;padding: 4px 0;">Eagle Media Sports - Hutchpost Sports is on Mixlr</a></div>

🎧⚾ Hutch High travels to Andover Central for AVCTL single game

WICHITA, Kan. — The National Baseball Congress (NBC) announced Thursday that the championship game of the 2025 NBC World Series will return to downtown Wichita.

During a press conference at Equity Bank Park, NBC World Series tournament director Katie Woods revealed that the title game will be played at the downtown ballpark—home of the Wichita Wind Surge—on Saturday, Aug. 2.

“Today, I’m thrilled to announce that championship night of the 2025 NBC World Series powered by Evergy will return to downtown Wichita and be played right here at Equity Bank Park,” Woods said.

The rest of the 91st NBC World Series will take place July 24 through Aug. 1 at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University.

“This is more than just a change of venue,” Woods said. “It’s a homecoming—a return to the heart of Wichita, where the NBC World Series was played for over 80 years at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. That stadium was built for this tournament, and its spirit lives on in every pitch, every memory and every fan who has cheered along the way.”

For more information regarding the NBC World Series, <a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724333219963.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostWICHITA, Kan. — The National Baseball Congress (NBC) announced Thursday that the championship game of the 2025 NBC World Series will return to downtown Wichita.During a press conference at Equity Bank Park, NBC World Series tournament director Katie Woods revealed that the title game will be played at the downtown ballpark—home of the Wichita Wind Surge—on Saturday, Aug. 2.“Today, I’m thrilled to announce that championship night of the 2025 NBC World Series powered by Evergy will return to downtown Wichita and be played right here at Equity Bank Park,” Woods said.The rest of the 91st NBC World Series will take place July 24 through Aug. 1 at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University.“This is more than just a change of venue,” Woods said. “It’s a homecoming—a return to the heart of Wichita, where the NBC World Series was played for over 80 years at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. That stadium was built for this tournament, and its spirit lives on in every pitch, every memory and every fan who has cheered along the way.”For more information regarding the NBC World Series, <a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/">click here</a>.

⚾ NBC World Series championship moves to Equity Bank Park in downtown Wichita

NEW YORK (AP) — Lee Corso’s nearly four-decade run on ESPN’s “College GameDay” is coming to an end.

Corso, the longtime&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUAPPOaUr4k" target="_blank">ESPN broadcaster and folksy former coach</a>&nbsp;widely known for his endearing expressions and elaborate headgear picks, is set to retire after a career with the show that began in 1987, ESPN announced Thursday. His final broadcast will be Aug. 30 — Week 1 of the 2025 college football season — and the network said additional programming to celebrate Corso is also planned.

“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and ‘College GameDay’ for nearly 40 years,” Corso said in a statement to ESPN. “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”

Corso, who turns 90 in August, began his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/44715325" target="_blank">popular headgear segment</a>&nbsp;in October 1995 at a game at Ohio State. Since then, he has gone 286-144 in 430 selections wearing everything from helmets and mascot heads to dressing up as the Fighting Irish leprechaun from Notre Dame, the Stanford tree and historic figures James Madison and Benjamin Franklin.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jS6-PBVUulY" target="_blank">“Not so fast, my friend”</a>&nbsp;is one of his most well-known comments and his good humor alongside Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis and Desmond Howard and many others going back more than three decades helped make Corso and the show a beloved staple for millions on college football Saturdays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Corso’s career has lasted through a health scare in 2009, when he suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak for a while. He returned to “College GameDay ”later that year. Though he hasn’t joined his colleagues as much on the road in recent years, Corso was at the site of last year’s national title game between Ohio State and Notre Dame in Atlanta.

Corso was a college and pro football coach for 28 years before transitioning to broadcasting. He coached 15 years in college at Louisville, Indiana and Northern Illinois.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744905368234.jpeg" alt="Nick Saban, left, and Lee Corso talk on the set of ESPN College Gameday on the sideline before an NCAA college football game between Michigan and Texas in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sept. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)" />
 <figcaption>Nick Saban, left, and Lee Corso talk on the set of ESPN College Gameday on the sideline before an NCAA college football game between Michigan and Texas in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sept. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Lee Corso’s nearly four-decade run on ESPN’s “College GameDay” is coming to an end.Corso, the longtime&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUAPPOaUr4k" target="_blank">ESPN broadcaster and folksy former coach</a>&nbsp;widely known for his endearing expressions and elaborate headgear picks, is set to retire after a career with the show that began in 1987, ESPN announced Thursday. His final broadcast will be Aug. 30 — Week 1 of the 2025 college football season — and the network said additional programming to celebrate Corso is also planned.“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and ‘College GameDay’ for nearly 40 years,” Corso said in a statement to ESPN. “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”Corso, who turns 90 in August, began his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/44715325" target="_blank">popular headgear segment</a>&nbsp;in October 1995 at a game at Ohio State. Since then, he has gone 286-144 in 430 selections wearing everything from helmets and mascot heads to dressing up as the Fighting Irish leprechaun from Notre Dame, the Stanford tree and historic figures James Madison and Benjamin Franklin.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jS6-PBVUulY" target="_blank">“Not so fast, my friend”</a>&nbsp;is one of his most well-known comments and his good humor alongside Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis and Desmond Howard and many others going back more than three decades helped make Corso and the show a beloved staple for millions on college football Saturdays.&nbsp;&nbsp;Corso’s career has lasted through a health scare in 2009, when he suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak for a while. He returned to “College GameDay ”later that year. Though he hasn’t joined his colleagues as much on the road in recent years, Corso was at the site of last year’s national title game between Ohio State and Notre Dame in Atlanta.Corso was a college and pro football coach for 28 years before transitioning to broadcasting. He coached 15 years in college at Louisville, Indiana and Northern Illinois.

🏈 Lee Corso to retire from ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ after four-decade run

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Thursday, April 17, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=vt6yr-1882f43-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 ⚾ Royals swept by Yankees, ⚾ Wind Surge lose in 14 innings, ⚾ Hutch High plays at Andover Central

LAWRENCE, Kan. —&nbsp;Guard Melvin Council Jr. has signed a financial aid agreement to play basketball at Kansas for the 2025-26 season, KU head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bill-self/727">Bill Self</a>&nbsp;announced today. Council will have one season of eligibility at KU and is transferring from St. Bonaventure.

"We're very excited to announce Melvin Council Jr. has signed," Self said. "He's a 6-4, long, rangy guard that can play with the ball and without the ball. Melvin will remind our fans physically and athletically of Tyshawn Taylor. He's a superior athlete who can score the ball and has the potential to be one of the more elite defenders that we've had in recent memory. He's been very well drilled and well coached at Monroe (College), Wagner (College) and Saint Bonaventure. We could not be more excited to have him in the fold."

A NABC All-District and All-Atlantic 10 Third Team selection in 2024-25, Council averaged 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game during his senior season at St. Bonaventure. The 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, Rochester, New York, native led the A-10 in steals with 72 and scored in double figures in 29 games, including all A-10 league contests. Council had four games of 20 or more points, including a season-high 24 points at Fordham on Jan. 4, 2025.

Council played his junior season at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York, where he earned All-Northeast Conference First Team honors, averaging 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game in 2023-24. He also led the Seahawks to the 2024 NEC Tournament title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament in earning all-tourney honors. Wagner defeated Howard, 54-47, in the 2024 NCAA Tournament First Four in Dayton, Ohio, before falling to North Carolina, 90-62, in the round of 64 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Prior to Wagner, Council was a two-time NJCAA Division I All-America at Monroe College in 2022 and 2023. In 2022-23, Council led Monroe College averaging 18.7 points, 4.1 assists and 2.4 steals per game and he also averaged 5.6 rebounds per contest. Council was also named to the 2023 NJCAA Division I Basketball Championship All-Tournament Team, where he averaged 21.0 points, 5.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds in two games. As a freshman, Council averaged 23.8 points and 7.4 rebounds at Monroe College. Council ended his Monroe College career as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,400 points. Monroe College is located in New Rochelle, New York. Council played high school basketball at University Prep in Rochester, New York, where he averaged 26.4 points per game his senior season in 2019-20.

Council is Kansas' third transfer signee, along with guards Tre White from Illinois and Jayden Dawson from Loyola-Chicago.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744897319976.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Athletics&nbsp;LAWRENCE, Kan. —&nbsp;Guard Melvin Council Jr. has signed a financial aid agreement to play basketball at Kansas for the 2025-26 season, KU head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bill-self/727">Bill Self</a>&nbsp;announced today. Council will have one season of eligibility at KU and is transferring from St. Bonaventure."We're very excited to announce Melvin Council Jr. has signed," Self said. "He's a 6-4, long, rangy guard that can play with the ball and without the ball. Melvin will remind our fans physically and athletically of Tyshawn Taylor. He's a superior athlete who can score the ball and has the potential to be one of the more elite defenders that we've had in recent memory. He's been very well drilled and well coached at Monroe (College), Wagner (College) and Saint Bonaventure. We could not be more excited to have him in the fold."A NABC All-District and All-Atlantic 10 Third Team selection in 2024-25, Council averaged 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game during his senior season at St. Bonaventure. The 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, Rochester, New York, native led the A-10 in steals with 72 and scored in double figures in 29 games, including all A-10 league contests. Council had four games of 20 or more points, including a season-high 24 points at Fordham on Jan. 4, 2025.Council played his junior season at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York, where he earned All-Northeast Conference First Team honors, averaging 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game in 2023-24. He also led the Seahawks to the 2024 NEC Tournament title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament in earning all-tourney honors. Wagner defeated Howard, 54-47, in the 2024 NCAA Tournament First Four in Dayton, Ohio, before falling to North Carolina, 90-62, in the round of 64 in Charlotte, North Carolina.Prior to Wagner, Council was a two-time NJCAA Division I All-America at Monroe College in 2022 and 2023. In 2022-23, Council led Monroe College averaging 18.7 points, 4.1 assists and 2.4 steals per game and he also averaged 5.6 rebounds per contest. Council was also named to the 2023 NJCAA Division I Basketball Championship All-Tournament Team, where he averaged 21.0 points, 5.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds in two games. As a freshman, Council averaged 23.8 points and 7.4 rebounds at Monroe College. Council ended his Monroe College career as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,400 points. Monroe College is located in New Rochelle, New York. Council played high school basketball at University Prep in Rochester, New York, where he averaged 26.4 points per game his senior season in 2019-20.Council is Kansas' third transfer signee, along with guards Tre White from Illinois and Jayden Dawson from Loyola-Chicago.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 KU adds transfer from St. Bonaventure

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge hit a tiebreaking homer leading off the seventh inning that ended a 10-game drought, and the New York Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.

With a runner at second base in the ninth, Cody Bellinger made a diving catch in right field on MJ Melendez’s sinking liner to preserve Fernando Cruz’s first career save.

Judge went deep for the first time since April 4 in Pittsburgh when he lifted a 1-0 sinker from John Schreiber (1-1) into the New York bullpen beyond the right-center fence.

Judge had three hits for the third time this season. He reached base four times and his batting average climbed 27 points to a major league-best .409.

Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt had some dominant moments and pitched 5 2/3 innings of three-run ball in his season debut. After recovering from rotator cuff tendinitis, the right-hander permitted four hits and threw 73 pitches.

Anthony Volpe hit a two-run double in the third and Bellinger had an RBI double in the fourth to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead.

Schmidt retired 11 straight before Drew Waters opened the fifth with a single and scored on Kyle Isbel's triple. Isbel scored the tying run on a groundout by Jonathan India.

Salvador Perez hit an RBI single four batters in before Schmidt settled down.

Kansas City starter Kris Bubic allowed three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Mark Leiter Jr. (2-1) got four outs after Schmidt was lifted, and Cruz pitched two scoreless innings.

After the Royals tied the game, Bobby Witt Jr. swung at the first pitch and flied out to end the fifth.

Judge entered hitting .382 (13 for 34) over his previous 10 games.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-2, 3.71 ERA) opposes Tigers RHP Reese Olson (1-1, 6.00) in the opener of a four-game series Thursday at Detroit.

Yankees: RHP Will Warren (1-0, 5.14 ERA), who earned his first career win Saturday, faces Rays RHP Taj Bradley (2-0, 3.71) in the opener of a four-game series at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744886129479.jpeg" alt="-Yankees' Aaron Judge hits a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)" />
 <figcaption>-Yankees' Aaron Judge hits a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge hit a tiebreaking homer leading off the seventh inning that ended a 10-game drought, and the New York Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.With a runner at second base in the ninth, Cody Bellinger made a diving catch in right field on MJ Melendez’s sinking liner to preserve Fernando Cruz’s first career save.Judge went deep for the first time since April 4 in Pittsburgh when he lifted a 1-0 sinker from John Schreiber (1-1) into the New York bullpen beyond the right-center fence.Judge had three hits for the third time this season. He reached base four times and his batting average climbed 27 points to a major league-best .409.Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt had some dominant moments and pitched 5 2/3 innings of three-run ball in his season debut. After recovering from rotator cuff tendinitis, the right-hander permitted four hits and threw 73 pitches.Anthony Volpe hit a two-run double in the third and Bellinger had an RBI double in the fourth to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead.Schmidt retired 11 straight before Drew Waters opened the fifth with a single and scored on Kyle Isbel's triple. Isbel scored the tying run on a groundout by Jonathan India.Salvador Perez hit an RBI single four batters in before Schmidt settled down.Kansas City starter Kris Bubic allowed three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.Mark Leiter Jr. (2-1) got four outs after Schmidt was lifted, and Cruz pitched two scoreless innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>After the Royals tied the game, Bobby Witt Jr. swung at the first pitch and flied out to end the fifth.<h2>Key stat</h2>Judge entered hitting .382 (13 for 34) over his previous 10 games.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-2, 3.71 ERA) opposes Tigers RHP Reese Olson (1-1, 6.00) in the opener of a four-game series Thursday at Detroit.Yankees: RHP Will Warren (1-0, 5.14 ERA), who earned his first career win Saturday, faces Rays RHP Taj Bradley (2-0, 3.71) in the opener of a four-game series at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday.

⚾ Judge hits go-ahead homer as Yankees sweep the Royals 

TULSA, Okla. (April 16, 2025)—The Wichita Wind Surge fell 5-4 in 14 innings to the Tulsa Drillers at ONEOK Field. Today’s contest was the longest game of 2025 for the Wind Surge at three hours and 57 minutes.

Chris Newell singled up the middle in Tulsa’s first at-bat in the bottom of the first. John Rhodes found the outfield grass two batters later while Newell reached third after an outfield error. Damon Keith followed with a sacrifice fly to center field to bring in Newell for a 1-0 Drillers lead.

Besides that unearned run that came across, Wichita starter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/chase-chaney-681116">Chase Chaney</a>&nbsp;kept Tulsa off the scoreboard for the rest of his outing, throwing for four and two-thirds innings and yielding just six hits with a strikeout.

<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jake-rucker-696160">Jake Rucker</a>&nbsp;pushed one the other way to tie the game on a sacrifice fly to right field in the top of the seventh, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/noah-cardenas-681433">Noah Cardenas</a>&nbsp;scoring from third. The run was the first of the series for the Wind Surge.

After Rucker reached on a single in the top of the ninth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kyler-fedko-693459">Kyler Fedko</a>&nbsp;teed off on a hanging slider for a go-ahead two-run blast to left field, his second long ball of the season, and a 3-2 Wichita advantage.

The Drillers would connect on back-to-back singles by Keith and Jose Ramos with one out in the bottom of the ninth. Aaron Bracho would then line a ground-rule double to the left field corner that hopped out of play to bring Tulsa within one. After Yeiner Fernandez was intentionally walked to load the bases, Ezequiel Pagan tied the game on a sacrifice fly to center field.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/john-stankiewicz-694496">John Stankiewicz</a>&nbsp;struck out the following batter, Sean McLain, to force extra innings.

Both sides stranded men in the tenth, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/aaron-sabato-693306">Aaron Sabato</a>started a highlight-reel double play in the bottom half of the frame.

<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/tanner-schobel-802355">Tanner Schobel</a>&nbsp;singled in Rucker in the top of the eleventh, though Jose Ramos tied the game again in the home half of the inning on a sacrifice fly to center. Neither side budged until the bottom of the fourteenth, when Yeiner Fernandez walked it off on a single to right field for a 5-4 final.

<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jarret-whorff-806337">Jarret Whorff</a>&nbsp;takes the loss to fall to 0-1 on the season, throwing the final two innings and giving up the go-ahead score while walking and striking out a pair each.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744857247897.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita Wind SurgeTULSA, Okla. (April 16, 2025)—The Wichita Wind Surge fell 5-4 in 14 innings to the Tulsa Drillers at ONEOK Field. Today’s contest was the longest game of 2025 for the Wind Surge at three hours and 57 minutes.Chris Newell singled up the middle in Tulsa’s first at-bat in the bottom of the first. John Rhodes found the outfield grass two batters later while Newell reached third after an outfield error. Damon Keith followed with a sacrifice fly to center field to bring in Newell for a 1-0 Drillers lead.Besides that unearned run that came across, Wichita starter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/chase-chaney-681116">Chase Chaney</a>&nbsp;kept Tulsa off the scoreboard for the rest of his outing, throwing for four and two-thirds innings and yielding just six hits with a strikeout.<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jake-rucker-696160">Jake Rucker</a>&nbsp;pushed one the other way to tie the game on a sacrifice fly to right field in the top of the seventh, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/noah-cardenas-681433">Noah Cardenas</a>&nbsp;scoring from third. The run was the first of the series for the Wind Surge.After Rucker reached on a single in the top of the ninth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kyler-fedko-693459">Kyler Fedko</a>&nbsp;teed off on a hanging slider for a go-ahead two-run blast to left field, his second long ball of the season, and a 3-2 Wichita advantage.The Drillers would connect on back-to-back singles by Keith and Jose Ramos with one out in the bottom of the ninth. Aaron Bracho would then line a ground-rule double to the left field corner that hopped out of play to bring Tulsa within one. After Yeiner Fernandez was intentionally walked to load the bases, Ezequiel Pagan tied the game on a sacrifice fly to center field.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/john-stankiewicz-694496">John Stankiewicz</a>&nbsp;struck out the following batter, Sean McLain, to force extra innings.Both sides stranded men in the tenth, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/aaron-sabato-693306">Aaron Sabato</a>started a highlight-reel double play in the bottom half of the frame.<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/tanner-schobel-802355">Tanner Schobel</a>&nbsp;singled in Rucker in the top of the eleventh, though Jose Ramos tied the game again in the home half of the inning on a sacrifice fly to center. Neither side budged until the bottom of the fourteenth, when Yeiner Fernandez walked it off on a single to right field for a 5-4 final.<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jarret-whorff-806337">Jarret Whorff</a>&nbsp;takes the loss to fall to 0-1 on the season, throwing the final two innings and giving up the go-ahead score while walking and striking out a pair each.POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Today was the first time that Wichita played in a game that pushed into extra innings. It also marked the earliest start of the season (11:04 AM) so far for the Wind Surge.</li><li>This game was also the longest game of 2025 for Wichita, both innings-wise (14) and time-wise (3:57). The 14 innings are the most the Wind Surge have played in a single game in franchise history.</li><li>Through two games in this series, Wichita starters have not given up an earned run in eight and one-third innings pitched.</li><li>Tyler Dearden had the first 4-hit game of the season for the Wind Surge, connecting on four singles out of the ninth spot in the lineup.</li><li>Kyler Fedko is now tied for the team lead in home runs with 2 (Rubel Cespedes, Tanner Schobel).</li>
 </ul>

⚾ Wind Surge lose 14 inning game in Tulsa

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744834541650.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;K-State women's basketball student-athlete&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11858" rel="smarttag" rev="11858">Serena Sundell</a></dfn>&nbsp;continued to receive recognition for her work in the classroom, as she has been named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America Second Team. This was Sundell's first career CSC Academic All-America honor. She is the ninth K-State women's basketball student-athlete to earn Academic All-America honors and the fourth in the&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2524" rel="smarttag" rev="2524">Jeff Mittie</a></dfn>&nbsp;era. In addition to her Academic All-America honor, Sundell is a three-time CSC Academic All-District VII honoree, a three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection, earned the 2024 Dr. Gerald Lage Academic Achievement Award and was a 2022 Big 12 Academic All-Rookie Team selection.&nbsp; She graduated in May 2024 with her bachelor's degree in organizational management and is pursuing her master's degree in business administration. On the court in 2024-25, Sundell was a 2025 Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and Associated Press (AP) All-America honorable mention selection. She led the nation with a career-high and school record for total assists (262) and paced the nation and led the Big 12 with a career-high for assists per game (7.28 apg) and was second in the Big 12 for assist-turnover ratio (2.52). She recorded a league-best nine games with 10 or more assists. The product of Maryville, Missouri, was second on the team in scoring average with 14.1 points per game and led the Wildcats with 508 points, which was the second-highest total of her career on a .501 field goal percentage. Sundell was the only player in the nation this season and the third player since 1993-94 to register a season with 500 or more points, 250 or more assists and shoot 50.0 percent or better from the field. She registered a career-high 31 blocked shots (0.86 bpg) and pulled in 159 rebounds (4.4 rpg), which was the second-highest rebound total in her career. Sundell, a 2025 All-Big 12 First Team, registered a career-high eight double-doubles this season. She was the first Big 12 player since the 2022-23 season and the fifth player in program history to register a triple-double with 26 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds against USC Upstate on Dec. 5, 2024. With her point (508) and assist (262) totals this season, Sundell was the first player in Big 12 history to record four seasons with 350 or more points and 150 or more assists. She joined former Wildcat Kayla Goth as the only two players in program history with 500 or more points and 200 or more assists in a season. In her career, Sundell holds the school records for career starts (139) and games played (139). She holds the school record and ranks fourth in Big 12 history for career assists with 811 and is second in program history for career assists per game (5.83 apg). She ranks sixth on the K-State career scoring list with 1,771 points. She ranks tied for seventh in school history for career blocks (104). She was the first player in school history and the 14th in NCAA Division I women's basketball history with 1,700 or more career points and 800 or more career assists. K-State concluded the 2024-25 season ranked 13th in the Associated Press poll and 15th in the USA Today Coaches poll and were ranked in both polls for the entirety of the season. The Wildcats achieved the 19th NCAA Tournament bid and the fourth Sweet 16 appearance in program history. K-State registered the second-most wins in a season in school history with 28 and tied for the second-most wins in a two-season span (54). As a team, the Wildcats established new single-season records for points (2,842), assists (763) and blocks (206). K-State led the Big 12 in scoring offense, scoring margin, field goal percentage, three-point field goal percentage, field goal percentage defense, assists per game and assist-turnover ratio. Kansas State's College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-Americans
<table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Year</td>
<td>Student-Athlete</td>
<td>Team</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2025</td>
<td><dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11858" rel="smarttag" rev="11858">Serena Sundell</a></dfn></td>
<td>Second</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2024</td>
<td><dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11852" rel="smarttag" rev="11852">Ayoka Lee</a></dfn></td>
<td>First</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022</td>
<td><dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11852" rel="smarttag" rev="11852">Ayoka Lee</a></dfn></td>
<td>First</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2021</td>
<td><dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11852" rel="smarttag" rev="11852">Ayoka Lee</a></dfn></td>
<td>Second</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2020</td>
<td>Peyton Williams</td>
<td>Second</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2018</td>
<td>Shaelyn Martin</td>
<td>Second</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2010</td>
<td>Ashley Sweat</td>
<td>Third</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2009</td>
<td>Shalee Lehning</td>
<td>Third</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2005</td>
<td>Laurie Koehn</td>
<td>Second</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2004</td>
<td>Laurie Koehn</td>
<td>First</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2004</td>
<td>Nicole Ohlde</td>
<td>Second</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1981</td>
<td>Gayla Williams</td>
<td>Third</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>

🏀 K-State’s Sundell named to CSC Academic All-America Second Team

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744822013270.png" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure><div>NJCAA
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

NJCAA Sports Information Director of the Year
The NJCAA Sports Information Director of the Year is awarded to a sports information director who best exemplifies the overall purpose of promoting and leading their institution, athletic department, and student-athletes through sports information.&nbsp;
Created in the spring of 2020, the NJCAA Sports Information Director of the Year is part of the NJCAA Annual Awards that honor three distinct categories across the association - Athletic Director of the Year, Sports Information Director of the Year, and Athletic Trainer of the Year. These awards represent individuals who strive to create the optimal student-athlete experience on their campus while also performing duties that go far beyond the institutional level. To view past winners, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/awards/honors/annual_awards/index" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJCAA Annual Award Past Winners</a>
Steve Carpenter &ndash; Hutchinson Community College (KS)
Steve Carpenter is in his 21st&nbsp;year as the Sports Information Director for the Hutchinson Blue Dragons and is the only SID Hutchinson has ever employed. Carpenter is responsible for all facets of the sports information department, including the creation of game notes, providing statistics, maintaining BlueDragonSports.com, updating social media accounts, and any other digital needs for the Hutchinson athletic department. Year over year, Carpenter goes above and beyond for not only Hutchinson sporting events, but also any other events taking place on campus. He serves as the media contact for all Kansas State High School events held at Hutchinson and is the NBC Baseball Statistician for the Hutchinson Monarchs.
Listeners may recognize Carpenter's voice as the play-by-play announcer for all Blue Dragons' baseball, softball, and soccer games along with select basketball games. He also serves as the public address announcer for Hutchinson volleyball games. Carpenter helped create and host the Countdown to Kickoff weekly radio show during football season and the Blue Dragon Talk show for men's and women's basketball. In addition to his on-air roles, Carpenter leads statistic documentation for Blue Dragons events and teaches students how to operate the statistic platforms. He has overseen statistics for numerous NJCAA Championships at Hutchinson, including basketball, volleyball, football semifinals and bowl games, and track and field.
Carpenter leads the Regional and Conference SID Committees, organizing player of the week nominations. He was also selected as an additional poll voter for the NJCAA Women's Basketball committee in 2023-24. Carpenter has earned numerous accolades in his career including the Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award, College Sports Communications National Championship honors, and many Kansas Press Association and Harris Enterprises Awards for Sports Writing, Column Writing, and Page Design.
Carpenter became the first full-time Sports Information Director at Hutchinson after a 17-year journalism career that spanned four newspapers in two states. Prior to joining the Blue Dragon Athletic Department, Carpenter was the sports editor of The Hutchinson News from 1995 to 2003. At The News, Carpenter covered Blue Dragon athletics, taking over as full-time football and volleyball beat writer in 1997 and the entire Blue Dragon/junior college beat in 2001.
For all 2025 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/awards/2024-25_honors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2024-25 NJCAA Award Winners</a>
For all NJCAA Honors, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/awards/honors/index" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJCAA Honors Home</a></div>

HutchCC's Carpenter named NJCAA Sports Information Director of the Year

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Wednesday, April 16" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=p2jgm-188157b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 ⚾ Royals drop Game 2 to Yankees, ⚾ Hutch High splits at Maize South, 🏀 Phil Anderson retires from HutchCC

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744774462298.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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&nbsp;
&nbsp;
BOSTON, Mass. &ndash;&nbsp;Two costly errors opened the door for Northeastern to overcome an early 3-0 deficit, as the Huskies put together an 11-4 win Tuesday at Friedman Diamond. K-State (23-13) opened the game with three runs with home runs from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/seth-dardar/12320" rel="smarttag" rev="12320">Seth Dardar</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/keegan-o-connor/12317" rel="smarttag" rev="12317">Keegan O'Connor</a></dfn>. The lead was short lived as Northeastern (26-9) came back to tie the game in the third, before plating two runs in the next frame and taking control of the game. "You have to play catch, take care of the baseball and situationally hit to win games at our level. We did none of these things today," head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2603" rel="smarttag" rev="2603">Pete Hughes</a></dfn>&nbsp;commented. "Our short-term goal is to become a more consistent product and thrive on doing the little things all the time." K-State starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tanner-duke/12334" rel="smarttag" rev="12334">Tanner Duke</a></dfn>&nbsp;(1-2) was tagged for the loss after surrendering five runs, including four that were unearned, in three innings of work. The right-hander ended his fourth midweek start allowing five hits with two walks and two strikeouts. &nbsp; Five different Wildcats produced a hit with O'Connor driving in a team-high two RBI.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/adam-arther/12286" rel="smarttag" rev="12286">Adam Arther</a></dfn>&nbsp;logged 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief. HOW IT HAPPENED The Wildcats tacked on three runs in the opening frame, led by a solo blast from Dardar. Catcher&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/bear-madliak/12309" rel="smarttag" rev="12309">Bear Madliak</a></dfn>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch and came around the bases on O'Connor's 10th&nbsp;homer of the season. NU answered and quickly took the reins after scoring eight runs over a four-inning span. After four scoreless innings, pinch hitter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-english/12292" rel="smarttag" rev="12292">Nick English</a></dfn>&nbsp;singled through the right side and advanced to second on a hit to left from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dee-kennedy/12308" rel="smarttag" rev="12308">Dee Kennedy</a></dfn>&nbsp;before a throwing error pulled the game within four. The Huskies recovered the run handed over in the top of the sixth, as Harrison Feinberg launched a solo shot to center field. INSIDE THE BOX
<ul>
<li>K-State scored three runs on five hits with three errors committed and seven runners left on base.</li>
<li>NU scored 11 runs on 11 hits, committed one error and left seven on base.</li>
<li>Dardar and O'Connor each homered in the first.</li>
<li>Duke (1-2) was tagged for the loss, allowing five runs (one earned) on five hits.</li>
<li>McGarth earned his first victory, logging two shutout innings with one hit allowed and three strikeouts.</li>
<li>The Cats three runs were all scored in the first. &nbsp;</li>
</ul>
TEAM NOTES
<ul>
<li>K-State leads the all-time series 2-1, while the series is tied 1-1 in games played in Boston.</li>
<li>The Cats have homered in 28 of 36 games this season, with an 18-2 record when producing two or more homers in a game.</li>
<li>O'Connor became the second player this season to reach double digit home runs (10).</li>
</ul>
UP NEXT The two-game set against Northeastern will conclude Wednesday at 1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET at Friedman Diamond and can be seen on FloCollege while radio coverage is available on KMAN.</div>

⚾ K-State drops midweek game at Northeastern

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744774365824.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;The Kansas softball team delivered a dominant performance against Missouri State, shutting out the Bears in an 8-0 victory. Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949" rel="smarttag" rev="6949">Olivia Bruno</a></dfn>&nbsp;did it all for the Jayhawks&mdash;recording two hits, two RBIs and a home run at the plate, while pitching four scoreless innings with four strikeouts in the circle. Kansas improved to 18-20 on the season, while Missouri State fell to 13-28.&nbsp; "I think we're heading in the right direction, but there's still a lot of room for growth," said head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/jennifer-mcfalls/526" rel="smarttag" rev="526">Jennifer McFalls</a></dfn>. "I truly believe this team has so much more potential, and we're continuing to work toward the level I know we're capable of reaching." Bruno got off to a strong start, tallying two strikeouts in the first inning and driving in Kansas' first run with an RBI single. The Jayhawk defense kept the momentum going in the second and third innings, limiting Missouri State to just one hit and no runs. In the bottom of the third inning, the Jayhawks got back on the scoreboard with a pair of RBI's from juniors&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/hailey-cripe/6977" rel="smarttag" rev="6977">Hailey Cripe</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/campbell-bagshaw/6868" rel="smarttag" rev="6868">Campbell Bagshaw</a></dfn>&nbsp;pushing the Kansas lead to 3-0 entering the fourth inning.&nbsp; In the fourth inning, the Jayhawks strong defensive performance continued to tell the story of the evening. Bruno recorded her 40th strikeout of the season and Kansas kept Missouri State off the scoreboard.&nbsp; Kansas had its most impactful offensive stand in the bottom of the fourth inning. Freshman&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-wallace/15856" rel="smarttag" rev="15856">Ava Wallace</a></dfn>&nbsp;launched her third home run of the season to center field and junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/emma-tatum/6927" rel="smarttag" rev="6927">Emma Tatum</a></dfn>&nbsp;drove home sophomore Madi Hayes to extend Kansas' lead to five runs.&nbsp; Bruno finished off her impressive performance with a solo home run to center field in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Jayhawks would continue with the momentum and grabbed two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to end the game. The final score of the game was 8-0 in favor of Kansas.&nbsp; Pitchers of Record: Win:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949" rel="smarttag" rev="6949">Olivia Bruno</a></dfn>&nbsp;(4-3) Line: 4.0 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 SO Loss: Makenzi Swick (2-10) Line: 2.1 IP, 3 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 0 SO Up Next The Kansas softball team is set to travel to Ames, Iowa, for a three-game conference series against Iowa State, April 17-19. The series begins Thursday at 4 p.m. CT. Notables
<ul>
<li>Kansas tallied their 150th RBI on the season with an RBI Sacrifice Fly from junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/hailey-cripe/6977" rel="smarttag" rev="6977">Hailey Cripe</a></dfn>&nbsp;in the bottom of the third inning.&nbsp;</li>
<li><dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949" rel="smarttag" rev="6949">Olivia Bruno</a></dfn>&nbsp;tossed four shutout innings and tallied four strikeouts, marking the third time this season she's held an opponent scoreless over at least four innings. Her other scoreless outings came against SIU (8.0 IP, 0 ER) and Arizona State (6.0 IP, 0 ER). Bruno has recorded 4+ strikeouts in seven games this season. Bruno also recorded her 40th strikeout of the season in the top of the fourth inning.</li>
<li><dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-wallace/15856" rel="smarttag" rev="15856">Ava Wallace</a></dfn>&nbsp;hit her third home run of the season in the bottom of the fourth inning.</li>
<li>Tatum moves to third on the team in RBIs (16) after an RBI in the bottom of the fourth inning.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Kansas earned its sixth shutout of the season with an 8-0 victory over Missouri State, the second time this season shutting out the Bears. The Jayhawks' previous shutouts came against Missouri State (8-0), East Texas A&amp;M (23-0), Mizzou (3-0), Kansas City (8-0) and Arizona State (8-0).</li>
<li>The win gave Kansas its sixth run-rule victory of the season.</li>
<li>8 different Jayhawks scored a run in Kansas' 8-0 win.</li>
</ul></div>

🥎 KU dominates Missouri State in shutout victory

STILLWATER, Okla. –&nbsp;Wichita State fell in 5 innings at No. 21/22 Oklahoma State Tuesday night, 10-2.

Wichita State (21-20-1, 9-8-1) managed just three hits on the night.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323">Jodie Epperson</a>&nbsp;drove in both runs on a first inning double.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324">Gabby Scott</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a>&nbsp;recorded the only other hits on a pair of singles.

To open the game, Oklahoma State retired the first two Shockers, but back-to-back walks came back to bite them. Epperson laced a full count pitch over the head of the center fielder to bring both baserunners in, giving Wichita State an early 2-0 lead.

Like the Shockers, the Cowgirls scored its first run with two outs in the bottom of the first on an RBI double down the left field line.

Oklahoma State grabbed its first lead in the bottom of the second on an RBI groundout and two-run double. Two of its three runs came with two outs.

Three more came across for the Cowgirls in the third on a two-run double and wild pitch to make it 7-2.

The Cowgirls added two in the fourth and the final run in the fifth on a walk-off RBI single.

Up Next Wichita State continues its stay in Oklahoma with a three-game series at Tulsa, April 17-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744774606214.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Wichita State AthleticsSTILLWATER, Okla. –&nbsp;Wichita State fell in 5 innings at No. 21/22 Oklahoma State Tuesday night, 10-2.Wichita State (21-20-1, 9-8-1) managed just three hits on the night.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323">Jodie Epperson</a>&nbsp;drove in both runs on a first inning double.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324">Gabby Scott</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a>&nbsp;recorded the only other hits on a pair of singles.To open the game, Oklahoma State retired the first two Shockers, but back-to-back walks came back to bite them. Epperson laced a full count pitch over the head of the center fielder to bring both baserunners in, giving Wichita State an early 2-0 lead.Like the Shockers, the Cowgirls scored its first run with two outs in the bottom of the first on an RBI double down the left field line.Oklahoma State grabbed its first lead in the bottom of the second on an RBI groundout and two-run double. Two of its three runs came with two outs.Three more came across for the Cowgirls in the third on a two-run double and wild pitch to make it 7-2.The Cowgirls added two in the fourth and the final run in the fifth on a walk-off RBI single.Up Next Wichita State continues its stay in Oklahoma with a three-game series at Tulsa, April 17-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Oklahoma State beats Wichita State in Stillwater

LAWRENCE, Kan. --&nbsp;Wichita State banged out 16 hits and 12 runs but matched a program record with 18 runners left on base in an 18-12 loss to Kansas on Tuesday night at Hoglund Ballpark.

The Shockers (12-24) struck for four runs in the top of the first to grab control early. After a leadoff double from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/9183">Camden Johnson</a>, Kansas starter Malakai Vetock struggled with command, hitting one batter and walking another while throwing two wild pitches to score Johnson.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kam-durnin/9177">Kam Durnin</a>&nbsp;made it 2-0 with an opposite-field RBI single and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/ryan-callahan/9175">Ryan Callahan</a>&nbsp;yanked a two-run double into the right field corner for a 4-0 lead.

Kansas (28-10) got a run back in the bottom of the first, a tally the Shockers answered in the top of the second on a Kansas throwing error. But the Jayhawks erased the 5-1 deficit with a five-run bottom of the second, highlighted by a three-run homer off the bat of Jackson Hauge for a 6-5 lead.

Wichita State moved back in front with a pair of two-out RBI singles in the top of the fourth, one from Callahan and the other from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-dillon/9411">Cole Dillon</a>&nbsp;that inched WSU back in front, 7-6.

The Jayhawks took the lead for good with seven in the home half of the inning. The first eight batters reached base against the combination of&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-reynolds/9397">Owen Reynolds</a>&nbsp;(1-1) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/caleb-anderson/9173">Caleb Anderson</a>, including three walks, two singles and a hit by pitch. When the dust had settled, Kansas held a 13-7 lead.

Callahan added to his spectacular day with a two-run single in the top of the fifth, giving him a career-high five RBI and pulling WSU to within 13-9. But Kansas fired right back with four runs of their own in the bottom of the inning for a 17-9 cushion.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-gustafson/9178">Jaden Gustafson</a>&nbsp;lashed an RBI single and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/lane-haworth/9180">Lane Haworth</a>&nbsp;lifted a sacrifice fly in the sixth, cutting the margin back to 17-11. The teams traded single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to produce the final margin.

Thaniel Trumper (1-1) picked up the win for Kansas, working 1.1 innings out of the bullpen. Both teams used nine pitchers on the evening.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/9183">Camden Johnson</a>&nbsp;led Wichita State with four hits, tying a career high. The Shockers were hit by eight pitches, setting a new program record.

The Shockers are back in action on Thursday evening at Florida Atlantic. First pitch of the series opener is scheduled for 5:30 pm CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744809799224.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;LAWRENCE, Kan. --&nbsp;Wichita State banged out 16 hits and 12 runs but matched a program record with 18 runners left on base in an 18-12 loss to Kansas on Tuesday night at Hoglund Ballpark.The Shockers (12-24) struck for four runs in the top of the first to grab control early. After a leadoff double from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/9183">Camden Johnson</a>, Kansas starter Malakai Vetock struggled with command, hitting one batter and walking another while throwing two wild pitches to score Johnson.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kam-durnin/9177">Kam Durnin</a>&nbsp;made it 2-0 with an opposite-field RBI single and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/ryan-callahan/9175">Ryan Callahan</a>&nbsp;yanked a two-run double into the right field corner for a 4-0 lead.Kansas (28-10) got a run back in the bottom of the first, a tally the Shockers answered in the top of the second on a Kansas throwing error. But the Jayhawks erased the 5-1 deficit with a five-run bottom of the second, highlighted by a three-run homer off the bat of Jackson Hauge for a 6-5 lead.Wichita State moved back in front with a pair of two-out RBI singles in the top of the fourth, one from Callahan and the other from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-dillon/9411">Cole Dillon</a>&nbsp;that inched WSU back in front, 7-6.The Jayhawks took the lead for good with seven in the home half of the inning. The first eight batters reached base against the combination of&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-reynolds/9397">Owen Reynolds</a>&nbsp;(1-1) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/caleb-anderson/9173">Caleb Anderson</a>, including three walks, two singles and a hit by pitch. When the dust had settled, Kansas held a 13-7 lead.Callahan added to his spectacular day with a two-run single in the top of the fifth, giving him a career-high five RBI and pulling WSU to within 13-9. But Kansas fired right back with four runs of their own in the bottom of the inning for a 17-9 cushion.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-gustafson/9178">Jaden Gustafson</a>&nbsp;lashed an RBI single and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/lane-haworth/9180">Lane Haworth</a>&nbsp;lifted a sacrifice fly in the sixth, cutting the margin back to 17-11. The teams traded single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to produce the final margin.Thaniel Trumper (1-1) picked up the win for Kansas, working 1.1 innings out of the bullpen. Both teams used nine pitchers on the evening.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/9183">Camden Johnson</a>&nbsp;led Wichita State with four hits, tying a career high. The Shockers were hit by eight pitches, setting a new program record.The Shockers are back in action on Thursday evening at Florida Atlantic. First pitch of the series opener is scheduled for 5:30 pm CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Shockers drop slugfest to Jayhawks

MAIZE, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team earned a split on the road at 5A No. 5 Maize South, falling in the first game, 8-2, before bouncing back for a 13-10 win in the finale.

The Salthawks are now 7-5 overall and will travel to Andover Central on Thursday for a single game at 4 p.m., while the Mavericks drop to 9-4 and will host Valley Center next Tuesday.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Game 1 — Maize South 8, Hutchinson 2

A five-run sixth inning proved to be the difference Tuesday as Maize South pulled away for an 8-2 win over Hutchinson.

Hutchinson struck first in the top of the first when Jack Yoder drew a bases-loaded walk to give the Salthawks a 1-0 lead. Maize South responded in the bottom half, taking a 2-1 lead on a bases-loaded walk to Cy Stucky and a run-scoring double play off the bat of Tanner Herrington.

The Mavericks broke the game open in the sixth, scoring five runs on seven hits. Brody Epke doubled in a run, Connor Mucciaccio added an RBI single, and Tate McNew delivered a two-run triple. Kade Cary capped the inning with an RBI groundout to push the lead to 7-1.

Keegan McLachlan picked up the win for Maize South, allowing four hits and one run over 5 1/3 innings while striking out three. Hutchinson starter Gabe Valadez took the loss, giving up six runs on six hits with five walks and three strikeouts in five innings.

Carter Morgan led Hutchinson at the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Yoder swiped two bases, and the Salthawks turned a double play defensively.

Maize South tallied 10 hits, led by Mucciaccio’s 3-for-3 performance and two RBIs. McNew also drove in two runs and finished with a triple. Kallen Scott added two hits for the Mavericks.

Hutchinson - 100 000 1 - 2 5 1 Maize South - 200 105 x - 8 10 1 W: McLachlin. L: Valadez. Time: 1:47.

Game 2 — Hutchinson 13, Maize South 10

Hutchinson stormed back from an early four-run deficit to outslug Maize South 13-10 in a high-scoring contest Tuesday evening.

The Salthawks racked up 13 hits and swiped 14 bases in the win, overcoming a 6-2 hole after two innings. Hutchinson tied the game in the third behind RBI hits from Gabe Valadez and Brodie McCuan, along with a sacrifice fly from Cole Bleything and a run-scoring lineout by Jack Davis.

Maize South briefly regained the lead in the bottom of the third on a sacrifice fly by Brody Epke, but Hutchinson flipped the script with a seven-run fourth inning, highlighted by a two-RBI single from JuJu Lyons. The Salthawks collected six hits in the frame and took a 13-7 lead.

Carter Morgan picked up the win for Hutchinson, allowing 10 runs—only three earned—over six innings with two strikeouts and three walks. Bleything earned the save. Maize South starter Cole Haynes went two innings, giving up two runs on four hits.

Caiden Beavers led Hutchinson at the plate, going 3-for-4 from the leadoff spot. Landon Parks drove in two runs, while Yoder and Morgan each recorded multiple hits. Yoder, Lyons, and Valadez each stole multiple bases in the Salthawks’ aggressive effort on the basepaths.

Maize South finished with nine hits, including two apiece from Kade Cary, Kanyon Akers, and Epke. Cary also drove in two runs. The Mavericks stole four bases in the loss.

Hutchinson - 204 700 0 - 13 13 5 Maize South - 151 030 0 - 10 9 3 W: Morgan. L: Kary. Time: 2:27.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744773789933.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostMAIZE, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team earned a split on the road at 5A No. 5 Maize South, falling in the first game, 8-2, before bouncing back for a 13-10 win in the finale.The Salthawks are now 7-5 overall and will travel to Andover Central on Thursday for a single game at 4 p.m., while the Mavericks drop to 9-4 and will host Valley Center next Tuesday.-----------------------------------------------------------------------Game 1 — Maize South 8, Hutchinson 2A five-run sixth inning proved to be the difference Tuesday as Maize South pulled away for an 8-2 win over Hutchinson.Hutchinson struck first in the top of the first when Jack Yoder drew a bases-loaded walk to give the Salthawks a 1-0 lead. Maize South responded in the bottom half, taking a 2-1 lead on a bases-loaded walk to Cy Stucky and a run-scoring double play off the bat of Tanner Herrington.The Mavericks broke the game open in the sixth, scoring five runs on seven hits. Brody Epke doubled in a run, Connor Mucciaccio added an RBI single, and Tate McNew delivered a two-run triple. Kade Cary capped the inning with an RBI groundout to push the lead to 7-1.Keegan McLachlan picked up the win for Maize South, allowing four hits and one run over 5 1/3 innings while striking out three. Hutchinson starter Gabe Valadez took the loss, giving up six runs on six hits with five walks and three strikeouts in five innings.Carter Morgan led Hutchinson at the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Yoder swiped two bases, and the Salthawks turned a double play defensively.Maize South tallied 10 hits, led by Mucciaccio’s 3-for-3 performance and two RBIs. McNew also drove in two runs and finished with a triple. Kallen Scott added two hits for the Mavericks.Hutchinson - 100 000 1 - 2 5 1 Maize South - 200 105 x - 8 10 1 W: McLachlin. L: Valadez. Time: 1:47.-----------------------------------------------------------------------Game 2 — Hutchinson 13, Maize South 10Hutchinson stormed back from an early four-run deficit to outslug Maize South 13-10 in a high-scoring contest Tuesday evening.The Salthawks racked up 13 hits and swiped 14 bases in the win, overcoming a 6-2 hole after two innings. Hutchinson tied the game in the third behind RBI hits from Gabe Valadez and Brodie McCuan, along with a sacrifice fly from Cole Bleything and a run-scoring lineout by Jack Davis.Maize South briefly regained the lead in the bottom of the third on a sacrifice fly by Brody Epke, but Hutchinson flipped the script with a seven-run fourth inning, highlighted by a two-RBI single from JuJu Lyons. The Salthawks collected six hits in the frame and took a 13-7 lead.Carter Morgan picked up the win for Hutchinson, allowing 10 runs—only three earned—over six innings with two strikeouts and three walks. Bleything earned the save. Maize South starter Cole Haynes went two innings, giving up two runs on four hits.Caiden Beavers led Hutchinson at the plate, going 3-for-4 from the leadoff spot. Landon Parks drove in two runs, while Yoder and Morgan each recorded multiple hits. Yoder, Lyons, and Valadez each stole multiple bases in the Salthawks’ aggressive effort on the basepaths.Maize South finished with nine hits, including two apiece from Kade Cary, Kanyon Akers, and Epke. Cary also drove in two runs. The Mavericks stole four bases in the loss.Hutchinson - 204 700 0 - 13 13 5 Maize South - 151 030 0 - 10 9 3 W: Morgan. L: Kary. Time: 2:27.

⚾ Hutch High explodes for 13 runs in Game 2 to earn split at 5A No. 5 Maize South

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jasson-dominguez-yankees-left-field-97771d9cd48c1c5c6ca447713b478c0c">Jasson Domínguez</a>&nbsp;went 3 for 3 with a three-run double that put the New York Yankees ahead in the sixth inning of a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Max Fried (3-0) struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings and the Yankees erased a 2-0 deficit with a four-run sixth aided by three straight two-out walks. New York will go for a three-game sweep Wednesday in a rematch of an AL Division Series won by the Yankees over the Royals in four games last October.

MJ Melendez homered and Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI double off the right-center fence in the third for the Royals, who lost for the fourth time in five games and fell to 2-6 on the road. They have dropped 19 of their past 20 completed series against the Yankees since May 2015, including the playoffs.

Luke Weaver retired Maikel Garcia with two runners on to end the seventh and set down all four batters he faced. Devin Williams worked a perfect ninth for his third save.

Michael Wacha (0-3) was working on a four-hit shutout when he walked Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe to load the bases in the sixth. Angel Zerpa entered and, struggling to hear his PitchCom device, walked Austin Wells on four pitches to force in a run.

Domínguez, who singled twice batting left-handed against Wacha, then lined a 1-2 fastball down the left-field line hitting right-handed against Zerpa and knocked his own helmet off his head with his follow through.

Defensive replacement Trent Grisham made a fine running catch in deep center field with a runner aboard to help thwart a potential Royals rally in the seventh.

Melendez was batting .077 with one extra-base hit this season when he homered into the New York bullpen leading off the third to snap an 0-for-18 skid.

Royals LHP Kris Bubic (2-1, 0.96 ERA) starts the series finale Wednesday night against RHP Clarke Schmidt, scheduled to make his season debut after recovering from rotator cuff tendinitis.

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jasson-dominguez-yankees-left-field-97771d9cd48c1c5c6ca447713b478c0c">Jasson Domínguez</a>&nbsp;went 3 for 3 with a three-run double that put the New York Yankees ahead in the sixth inning of a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.Max Fried (3-0) struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings and the Yankees erased a 2-0 deficit with a four-run sixth aided by three straight two-out walks. New York will go for a three-game sweep Wednesday in a rematch of an AL Division Series won by the Yankees over the Royals in four games last October.MJ Melendez homered and Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI double off the right-center fence in the third for the Royals, who lost for the fourth time in five games and fell to 2-6 on the road. They have dropped 19 of their past 20 completed series against the Yankees since May 2015, including the playoffs.Luke Weaver retired Maikel Garcia with two runners on to end the seventh and set down all four batters he faced. Devin Williams worked a perfect ninth for his third save.Michael Wacha (0-3) was working on a four-hit shutout when he walked Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe to load the bases in the sixth. Angel Zerpa entered and, struggling to hear his PitchCom device, walked Austin Wells on four pitches to force in a run.Domínguez, who singled twice batting left-handed against Wacha, then lined a 1-2 fastball down the left-field line hitting right-handed against Zerpa and knocked his own helmet off his head with his follow through.<h2>Key moment</h2>Defensive replacement Trent Grisham made a fine running catch in deep center field with a runner aboard to help thwart a potential Royals rally in the seventh.<h2>Key stat</h2>Melendez was batting .077 with one extra-base hit this season when he homered into the New York bullpen leading off the third to snap an 0-for-18 skid.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Kris Bubic (2-1, 0.96 ERA) starts the series finale Wednesday night against RHP Clarke Schmidt, scheduled to make his season debut after recovering from rotator cuff tendinitis.

⚾️ Domínguez's 3-run double sends Yankees to win over Royals

MAIZE, Kan. - The Hutchinson High School varsity baseball team travels to Maize South to face the Mavericks in an AVCTL Division I doubleheader this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. for Game 1, with Game 2 to follow.

The Salthawks enter the doubleheader with a 6-4 record and are fresh off a split of Valley Center on Friday. The Mavericks are 8-3 but just were swept by archrival Maize last week in home and home games.&nbsp;

Click below to listen to the broadcast of both games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744717681759.png" alt="Game Day_ Hutch @ Maize South Doubleheader" />
 <figcaption>Game Day_ Hutch @ Maize South Doubleheader</figcaption>
 </figure>MAIZE, Kan. - The Hutchinson High School varsity baseball team travels to Maize South to face the Mavericks in an AVCTL Division I doubleheader this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. for Game 1, with Game 2 to follow.The Salthawks enter the doubleheader with a 6-4 record and are fresh off a split of Valley Center on Friday. The Mavericks are 8-3 but just were swept by archrival Maize last week in home and home games.&nbsp;Click below to listen to the broadcast of both games.<div><iframe src="https://eagle-media-sports-hutch.mixlr.com/embed" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" height="200px" width="100%"></iframe><a href="https://mixlr.com/" style="color:#1a1a1a;display:block;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:left;padding: 4px 0;">Eagle Media Sports - Hutchpost Sports is on Mixlr</a></div>

🎧⚾ Hutch High travels to Maize South for AVCTL doubleheader

STEVE CARPENTER Hutchinson CC Sports Information Director

After Wednesday, Phil Anderson becomes the answer to a Hutchinson Community College Athletic Department trivia question.

That question is: Who is the only Blue Dragon coach – head or assistant – to win national championships in two different sports?

Most recently, Anderson was on the bench when the 2024 Blue Dragon women’s basketball team captured its first national championship in program history. Anderson was also on Blue Dragon men’s basketball head coach Steve McClain’s staff when the Blue Dragons won the 1994 men’s national title.

Completing his 11th season on John Ontjes’ women’s basketball staff, Anderson has announced his retirement. His final day with the Blue Dragons will be Wednesday.

“I look back and it’s been such an honor being here,” Anderson said. “Working with the entire athletic staff, I feel lucky. But it’s time to make a change. I want to spend more time with my family and grandkids and that’s the major reason for the change.”

Since the start of the 1991-92 season, Anderson has been synonymous with basketball in the City of Hutchinson, whether it be with the Blue Dragons or at Hutchinson High School.

The 1991-92 season brought Anderson to Hutchinson Community College as a men’s assistant coach. In three seasons on McClain’s staff, Anderson helped the Blue Dragons produce a record of 91-16. The 1993-94 Blue Dragons went 35-4, won the Region 6 Tournament and went on to defeat Three Rivers 78-74 in the 1994 NJCAA Tournament championship game, the second men’s national title to that point in Blue Dragon history.

Anderson made the move across 13th Avenue in 1994 to take over The Hutchinson High boys basketball program. Success followed Anderson to Hutch High. In 12 seasons as the Salt Hawks’ head coach, Anderson rolled up a 172-93 overall record. His 2001 Salt Hawk team captured the Kansas Class 6A state championship. In 2002, Hutch High returned to the 6A title game, but finished the season as the state runner-up.

From 2007 to 2014, Anderson was the Hutchinson Middle School-8 head coach. After the 2014 season, Anderson got a call from Ontjes to join the Blue Dragon women’s basketball staff.

“I had just gotten finished coaching Coach Ontjes’ son Max in eighth grade. He had an opening on his staff and asked if I was interested. I jumped at the chance.”

What an 11-year run it’s been with Anderson and the Blue Dragons.

The Blue Dragons amassed 339 wins with nine trips to the NJCAA Tournament. Anderson’s first season with the Blue Dragon women went all the way to the NJCAA Tournament championship game in 2015.The Blue Dragons won seven Jayhawk Conference championships (2016, 2017, 2020/21, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) and three Region VI Tournament titles (2017, 2022, 2024).

The 2023-24 Blue Dragon women went 37-0 and captured the 2024 NJCAA Division I national championship with an 88-80 overtime victory over Northwest Florida State in the championship game on April 1, 2024 in Casper, Wyoming.

On the way to the national tournament, the Blue Dragons captured Jayhawk Conference and Region VI championships. Freshman guard Kiki Smith was named the conference, region and NJCAA National Player of the Year as well as the MVP of the national tournament. Including Smith, five Blue Dragon players earned all-KJCCC honors with Journey Armstead and Monae Duffy joining Smith in the first team. Hailey Jackson and Akaysha Muggeridge were second-team selections.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 11 years with Coach Anderson in our program,” Ontjes said. “He’s been a major part of my career. I’ve taken a lot from him when I worked for him. He’s so competitive and it’s so fun to battle and go into big games with him.”

For Anderson and Ontjes, their journey together has come full circle.

The first time Anderson’s and Ontjes’ paths crossed came in the Adolf Rupp Tournament in Halstead when Anderson was the head coach at Lyons High School and Ontjes was playing at Nickerson High School.

“We had the misfortune of playing Nickerson that night in the semifinals,” Anderson said. “It turned into a layup drill for Nickerson and Coach Ontjes was leading the way.”

Anderson continued to watch Ontjes’ career progress at Nickerson and as luck would have it, Ontjes came to Hutchinson to play for the Blue Dragons when Anderson was hired in 1991.

After Ontjes’ playing career, he joined Anderson’s coaching staff at Hutchinson High School. Ontjes then became the Salt Hawks’ women’s coach in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons before taking over the Blue Dragon program.

“I felt very lucky to be able to hire him at Hutchinson High School and have him on our staff,” Anderson said. “It’s been a great run and I feel very lucky to be part of it.

“To be on Coach Ontjes’ staff, his accomplishments have been incredible and historical. I feel very lucky to be a part of it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744730362932.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon assistant women's basketball coach Phil Anderson, seen cutting down a piece of the net following the 2023-2024 national championship victory in Casper, Wyoming, announces his retirement." />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon assistant women's basketball coach Phil Anderson, seen cutting down a piece of the net following the 2023-2024 national championship victory in Casper, Wyoming, announces his retirement.</figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE CARPENTER Hutchinson CC Sports Information DirectorAfter Wednesday, Phil Anderson becomes the answer to a Hutchinson Community College Athletic Department trivia question.That question is: Who is the only Blue Dragon coach – head or assistant – to win national championships in two different sports?Most recently, Anderson was on the bench when the 2024 Blue Dragon women’s basketball team captured its first national championship in program history. Anderson was also on Blue Dragon men’s basketball head coach Steve McClain’s staff when the Blue Dragons won the 1994 men’s national title.Completing his 11th season on John Ontjes’ women’s basketball staff, Anderson has announced his retirement. His final day with the Blue Dragons will be Wednesday.“I look back and it’s been such an honor being here,” Anderson said. “Working with the entire athletic staff, I feel lucky. But it’s time to make a change. I want to spend more time with my family and grandkids and that’s the major reason for the change.”Since the start of the 1991-92 season, Anderson has been synonymous with basketball in the City of Hutchinson, whether it be with the Blue Dragons or at Hutchinson High School.The 1991-92 season brought Anderson to Hutchinson Community College as a men’s assistant coach. In three seasons on McClain’s staff, Anderson helped the Blue Dragons produce a record of 91-16. The 1993-94 Blue Dragons went 35-4, won the Region 6 Tournament and went on to defeat Three Rivers 78-74 in the 1994 NJCAA Tournament championship game, the second men’s national title to that point in Blue Dragon history.Anderson made the move across 13th Avenue in 1994 to take over The Hutchinson High boys basketball program. Success followed Anderson to Hutch High. In 12 seasons as the Salt Hawks’ head coach, Anderson rolled up a 172-93 overall record. His 2001 Salt Hawk team captured the Kansas Class 6A state championship. In 2002, Hutch High returned to the 6A title game, but finished the season as the state runner-up.From 2007 to 2014, Anderson was the Hutchinson Middle School-8 head coach. After the 2014 season, Anderson got a call from Ontjes to join the Blue Dragon women’s basketball staff.“I had just gotten finished coaching Coach Ontjes’ son Max in eighth grade. He had an opening on his staff and asked if I was interested. I jumped at the chance.”What an 11-year run it’s been with Anderson and the Blue Dragons.The Blue Dragons amassed 339 wins with nine trips to the NJCAA Tournament. Anderson’s first season with the Blue Dragon women went all the way to the NJCAA Tournament championship game in 2015.The Blue Dragons won seven Jayhawk Conference championships (2016, 2017, 2020/21, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) and three Region VI Tournament titles (2017, 2022, 2024).Then came 2024 …The 2023-24 Blue Dragon women went 37-0 and captured the 2024 NJCAA Division I national championship with an 88-80 overtime victory over Northwest Florida State in the championship game on April 1, 2024 in Casper, Wyoming.On the way to the national tournament, the Blue Dragons captured Jayhawk Conference and Region VI championships. Freshman guard Kiki Smith was named the conference, region and NJCAA National Player of the Year as well as the MVP of the national tournament. Including Smith, five Blue Dragon players earned all-KJCCC honors with Journey Armstead and Monae Duffy joining Smith in the first team. Hailey Jackson and Akaysha Muggeridge were second-team selections.“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 11 years with Coach Anderson in our program,” Ontjes said. “He’s been a major part of my career. I’ve taken a lot from him when I worked for him. He’s so competitive and it’s so fun to battle and go into big games with him.”For Anderson and Ontjes, their journey together has come full circle.The first time Anderson’s and Ontjes’ paths crossed came in the Adolf Rupp Tournament in Halstead when Anderson was the head coach at Lyons High School and Ontjes was playing at Nickerson High School.“We had the misfortune of playing Nickerson that night in the semifinals,” Anderson said. “It turned into a layup drill for Nickerson and Coach Ontjes was leading the way.”Anderson continued to watch Ontjes’ career progress at Nickerson and as luck would have it, Ontjes came to Hutchinson to play for the Blue Dragons when Anderson was hired in 1991.After Ontjes’ playing career, he joined Anderson’s coaching staff at Hutchinson High School. Ontjes then became the Salt Hawks’ women’s coach in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons before taking over the Blue Dragon program.“I felt very lucky to be able to hire him at Hutchinson High School and have him on our staff,” Anderson said. “It’s been a great run and I feel very lucky to be part of it.“To be on Coach Ontjes’ staff, his accomplishments have been incredible and historical. I feel very lucky to be a part of it.

🏀 Phil Anderson to retire from HutchCC women's staff

NICKERSON, Kan. — The USD 309 Board of Education approved the hiring of Terence Williams as the next head boys basketball coach at Nickerson High School during its regular meeting Monday evening.

Williams, a Dodge City High School graduate, brings a diverse background of playing and coaching experience. He played collegiately at Allen County Community College and Oklahoma Panhandle State University, then spent time overseas at the EuroProBasket International Academy in Spain before returning to the U.S. to begin his coaching and teaching career.

For the past five years, Williams has served as an assistant coach at Dodge City High School. He is also the founder of LV8Hoops, an AAU program focused on player development and mentoring youth through basketball.

“We hired Terence Williams because of his passion to develop student-athletes, as well as build a competitive and winning program,” said Devin Maxwell, who will take over as Nickerson’s athletic director at the end of the school year. “We think he will make great connections with the students and will be a great leader for our basketball program.”

Maxwell said Williams brings “a lot of knowledge, energy and passion to make everyone around him better.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668289099740.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy USD 309 Nickerson-South Hutchinson" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy USD 309 Nickerson-South Hutchinson</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostNICKERSON, Kan. — The USD 309 Board of Education approved the hiring of Terence Williams as the next head boys basketball coach at Nickerson High School during its regular meeting Monday evening.Williams, a Dodge City High School graduate, brings a diverse background of playing and coaching experience. He played collegiately at Allen County Community College and Oklahoma Panhandle State University, then spent time overseas at the EuroProBasket International Academy in Spain before returning to the U.S. to begin his coaching and teaching career.For the past five years, Williams has served as an assistant coach at Dodge City High School. He is also the founder of LV8Hoops, an AAU program focused on player development and mentoring youth through basketball.“We hired Terence Williams because of his passion to develop student-athletes, as well as build a competitive and winning program,” said Devin Maxwell, who will take over as Nickerson’s athletic director at the end of the school year. “We think he will make great connections with the students and will be a great leader for our basketball program.”Maxwell said Williams brings “a lot of knowledge, energy and passion to make everyone around him better.”

🏀 Terence Williams approved as new head boys basketball coach at Nickerson High School

ANDOVER, Kan. — Hesston earned a top-three team finish and placed two golfers in the top 10 during Monday’s Andover Central Invitational at Terradyne Country Club.

The Swathers carded a 323 to finish third in the 11-team field. Grant Waterson and Eli Frantz each shot 77 to tie for eighth individually, while Carter Frey added an 83 and Austin Penner posted an 86.

Buhler placed eighth with a team score of 334, led by Zach Chance’s 76 — which tied for sixth overall. Drew DeMeyer followed with a 79 to finish just outside the top 10, and Nick Chance added an 85. James Dingler and Brennan Geilenfeldt rounded out Buhler’s scoring with rounds of 94 and 97, respectively.

Andover captured the team title with a 299, paced by four players in the top five. Colt Farrow of Andover Central was the individual medalist with a 72. Andover Central finished second at 312.

You can find full results from the Andover Central Invitational by <a href="https://kansasgolfscores.com/ks_b_25/tourneyResults.php?tid=2522&amp;db=boys">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744378431803.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostANDOVER, Kan. — Hesston earned a top-three team finish and placed two golfers in the top 10 during Monday’s Andover Central Invitational at Terradyne Country Club.The Swathers carded a 323 to finish third in the 11-team field. Grant Waterson and Eli Frantz each shot 77 to tie for eighth individually, while Carter Frey added an 83 and Austin Penner posted an 86.Buhler placed eighth with a team score of 334, led by Zach Chance’s 76 — which tied for sixth overall. Drew DeMeyer followed with a 79 to finish just outside the top 10, and Nick Chance added an 85. James Dingler and Brennan Geilenfeldt rounded out Buhler’s scoring with rounds of 94 and 97, respectively.Andover captured the team title with a 299, paced by four players in the top five. Colt Farrow of Andover Central was the individual medalist with a 72. Andover Central finished second at 312.You can find full results from the Andover Central Invitational by <a href="https://kansasgolfscores.com/ks_b_25/tourneyResults.php?tid=2522&amp;db=boys">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;

⛳ Hesston finishes 3rd, Buhler 8th at Andover Central Invitational

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Central Christian's Nathan Reed and Ryland Kooiman each shot a 76 to share individual medalist honors Monday at the Central Christian School Invitational at Carey Park Golf Course.

The duo helped lead the Cougars to a fourth-place team finish with a 313. Cael Kooiman added a 79 to place fourth individually, and Tyler Reed rounded out the Central Christian scoring with an 82 for 10th place. Brody Froese also cracked the top 15 with an 88.

Trinity Catholic placed fifth in the team standings with a 321, highlighted by a trio of players — Ian Shaw, Seamus Hogan and Miles Blaylock — who all shot 80 to tie for fifth individually. Lincoln Barnes and Tyler Casebolt followed closely behind with rounds of 81.

Nickerson finished 10th with a 436, led by Addrick Nelson’s 96. Sedgwick followed in 12th at 437, with Keighan Earles carding a 100 to pace the Cardinals. Inman placed 14th with a 477, with Creighton Fries posting the team’s low round at 98.

Lost Springs-Centre claimed the team title with an 85, led by Easton Glessner’s 85. Whitewater-Remington placed second at 121, while Berean Academy finished third with a 270.

Full results from the Central Christian School Invitational can be found <a href="https://kansasgolfscores.com/ks_b_25/tourneyResults.php?tid=2533&amp;db=boys">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744378431803.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Central Christian's Nathan Reed and Ryland Kooiman each shot a 76 to share individual medalist honors Monday at the Central Christian School Invitational at Carey Park Golf Course.The duo helped lead the Cougars to a fourth-place team finish with a 313. Cael Kooiman added a 79 to place fourth individually, and Tyler Reed rounded out the Central Christian scoring with an 82 for 10th place. Brody Froese also cracked the top 15 with an 88.Trinity Catholic placed fifth in the team standings with a 321, highlighted by a trio of players — Ian Shaw, Seamus Hogan and Miles Blaylock — who all shot 80 to tie for fifth individually. Lincoln Barnes and Tyler Casebolt followed closely behind with rounds of 81.Nickerson finished 10th with a 436, led by Addrick Nelson’s 96. Sedgwick followed in 12th at 437, with Keighan Earles carding a 100 to pace the Cardinals. Inman placed 14th with a 477, with Creighton Fries posting the team’s low round at 98.Lost Springs-Centre claimed the team title with an 85, led by Easton Glessner’s 85. Whitewater-Remington placed second at 121, while Berean Academy finished third with a 270.Full results from the Central Christian School Invitational can be found <a href="https://kansasgolfscores.com/ks_b_25/tourneyResults.php?tid=2533&amp;db=boys">here</a>.

⛳ Central Christian School's Kooiman and Reed share individual title at home invite

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
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