<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 Monday, June 9, 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=wgcr3-18cfaa0-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 avoid sweep in Chicago; ⚾ Wind Surge splits series with Naturals; 🏀 OKC ties NBA Finals

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points, Alex Caruso added 20 off the bench and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 123-107 on Sunday night to tie the NBA Finals at one game apiece.

Jalen Williams scored 19, Aaron Wiggins had 18 and Chet Holmgren finished with 15 for the Thunder. It was the franchise’s first finals game win since the opener of the 2012 series against Miami.

Tyrese Haliburton scored 17 for Indiana, which erased a 15-point, fourth-quarter deficit in Game 1 but never made a push on Sunday. Myles Turner scored 16 and Pascal Siakam added 15 for the Pacers, the first team since Miami in 2013 to not have a 20-point scorer in the first two games of the finals.

Game 3 is Wednesday at Indianapolis, in what will be the first finals game in that city in 25 years.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s first basket of the night was a history-maker: It gave him 3,000 points on the season, including the regular season and playoffs. And later in Game 2, he passed New York’s Jalen Brunson (514) as the leading overall scorer in these playoffs.

But the real milestone for the MVP came a couple hours later, when he and most everybody else on the Thunder got a finals win for the first time.

A 19-2 run in the second quarter turned what was a six-point game into a 23-point Thunder lead. It might have seemed wobbly a couple of times — an immediate 10-0 rebuttal by the Pacers made it 52-39, and Indiana was within 13 again after Andrew Nembhard’s layup with 7:09 left in the third — but the Thunder lead was never in serious doubt.

With the noise level in the building often topping 100 decibels — a chainsaw is 110 dB, for comparison purposes — the Thunder did what they’ve done pretty much all season. They came off a loss,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-2025-thunder-pacers-8966a303b1059b4e11b3b178dcea0567">this time a 111-110 defeat in Game 1,</a>&nbsp;and blew somebody out as their response.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749437202371.png" alt="(AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)" />
 <figcaption>(AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points, Alex Caruso added 20 off the bench and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 123-107 on Sunday night to tie the NBA Finals at one game apiece.Jalen Williams scored 19, Aaron Wiggins had 18 and Chet Holmgren finished with 15 for the Thunder. It was the franchise’s first finals game win since the opener of the 2012 series against Miami.Tyrese Haliburton scored 17 for Indiana, which erased a 15-point, fourth-quarter deficit in Game 1 but never made a push on Sunday. Myles Turner scored 16 and Pascal Siakam added 15 for the Pacers, the first team since Miami in 2013 to not have a 20-point scorer in the first two games of the finals.Game 3 is Wednesday at Indianapolis, in what will be the first finals game in that city in 25 years.Gilgeous-Alexander’s first basket of the night was a history-maker: It gave him 3,000 points on the season, including the regular season and playoffs. And later in Game 2, he passed New York’s Jalen Brunson (514) as the leading overall scorer in these playoffs.But the real milestone for the MVP came a couple hours later, when he and most everybody else on the Thunder got a finals win for the first time.A 19-2 run in the second quarter turned what was a six-point game into a 23-point Thunder lead. It might have seemed wobbly a couple of times — an immediate 10-0 rebuttal by the Pacers made it 52-39, and Indiana was within 13 again after Andrew Nembhard’s layup with 7:09 left in the third — but the Thunder lead was never in serious doubt.With the noise level in the building often topping 100 decibels — a chainsaw is 110 dB, for comparison purposes — the Thunder did what they’ve done pretty much all season. They came off a loss,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-2025-thunder-pacers-8966a303b1059b4e11b3b178dcea0567">this time a 111-110 defeat in Game 1,</a>&nbsp;and blew somebody out as their response.

🏀 Thunder open another big lead and keep control, topping Pacers to even NBA Finals

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749435483279.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (June 8, 2025)&mdash;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kala-i-rosario-693850">Kala&rsquo;i Rosario</a>&nbsp;tallies multiple RBIs for the second straight game as the Wichita Wind Surge fell 6-5 in walk-off fashion to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Arvest Ballpark. The Wind Surge ended up splitting their penultimate series with the Naturals this season, and the last for the two teams to take place in Springdale.
After&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/gabriel-gonzalez-694224">Gabby Gonzalez</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/aaron-sabato-693306">Aaron Sabato</a>&nbsp;walked in the top of the first, Rosario tripled to left to bring them both around to score. Rosario has tallied multiple RBIs in consecutive games dating back to Saturday.
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<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ben-ross-805346">Ben Ross</a>&nbsp;cranked a solo home run, his fourth of the season, to left field for a 3-0 Wichita lead in the top of the second inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/andrew-cossetti-681355">Andrew Cossetti</a>&nbsp;then blasted one out two innings later.
Sam Ruta put Northwest Arkansas on the board and the home run column with a solo shot to right in the home half of the fourth. Besides that long ball accounting for an earned run,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/aaron-rozek-702065">Aaron Rozek</a>&nbsp;ended his day with five innings of three-hit baseball with three walks and three strikeouts.
Gavin Cross left the yard for the second straight game to put the Naturals within two at 4-2 on the first pitch in the bottom of the sixth. Brett Squires coming home on an infield error later on in the frame made it a one-run game.
Sabato doubled off the base of the centerfield wall before the seventh-inning stretch to score&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kyler-fedko-693459">Kyler Fedko</a>&nbsp;and give the Wind Surge a 5-3 lead. Northwest Arkansas loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth before Cossetti snagged a line drive out of the air to leave them stranded.
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Dustin Dickerson connected on a walk-off three-run home run that crept over the top of the left field wall in the bottom of the ninth to win the game for the Naturals at 6-5.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/joel-cesar-666802">Joel Cesar</a>&nbsp;got pinned with the loss and now stands at 1-3 on the year after giving up the long ball.
POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>Aaron Sabato is up to a 26 game on base streak.</li>
<li>Kyler Fedko and Kala&rsquo;i Rosario both reached the double-digit steals mark with Wichita.</li>
<li>The Wind Surge have lost three times in walk-off fashion to Northwest Arkansas this season.</li>
<li>Three Wichita batters record multi-hit performances.</li>
<li>The Wind Surge moves back to Equity Bank Park to begin an interdivisional series with the Corpus Christi Hooks on Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
Wichita returns to Equity Bank Park for a series with the Corpus Christi Hooks on June 10 at 7:05 PM for Youth Sports Night. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wind Surge walked off by Naturals in finale

CHICAGO (AP) — Jonathan India hit a tiebreaking double in Kansas City's two-run seventh inning, and the Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 7-5 on Sunday to avoid a series sweep.

Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr. each hit a two-run homer for Kansas City, which had lost three of four. Jac Caglianone went 4 for 4 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-jac-caglianone-7cf37caa0c43f86a4cfb462cb8689512">his sixth major league game</a>.

The Royals also got a big lift from Michael Lorenzen (4-6), who pitched six effective innings for his first win since April 29. The right-hander went 0-3 with a 6.89 ERA in his previous six starts.

Miguel Vargas homered and drove in three runs for Chicago, which had won three in a row, matching a season high.

Vargas drew a bases-loaded walk and Edgar Quero added an RBI single as the White Sox rallied for three runs in the ninth. But then Witt robbed Austin Slater of a run-scoring hit with a terrific diving catch at shortstop.

With two out and the bases loaded, Carlos Estévez earned his 19th save when he struck out Tim Elko swinging.

White Sox right-hander Mike Vasil allowed two runs and five hits over 3 1/3 innings in his first major league start.

Perez's fifth homer tied it at 2 in the fourth, and the Royals went ahead to stay in the seventh.

India drove in pinch-runner Drew Waters with a grounder down the third base line. After Witt popped out, Maikel Garcia made it 4-2 with an RBI single off Jordan Leasure.

India tacked on a run-scoring single in the ninth.

Tyler Alexander (3-6) took the loss in his first game with Chicago, allowing one run and five hits in three innings. The lefty&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-mlb-5177234aef93c9fe46b1288e176e1ec2">signed a one-year deal</a>&nbsp;with the White Sox before the game.

The Royals finished with 16 hits, but they hit into five double plays.

Witt made it 7-2 when he connected for his eighth homer in the ninth against Bryse Wilson.

Caglianone went 2 for 21 in his first five games with Kansas City.

Royals: Following an off day, LHP Noah Cameron (2-1, 0.85 ERA) starts Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at home against the New York Yankees.

White Sox: RHP Shane Smith (2-3, 2.45 ERA) takes the mound Tuesday night at Houston. RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1, 4.44) starts for the Astros.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749426413335.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Jonathan India hit a tiebreaking double in Kansas City's two-run seventh inning, and the Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 7-5 on Sunday to avoid a series sweep.Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr. each hit a two-run homer for Kansas City, which had lost three of four. Jac Caglianone went 4 for 4 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-jac-caglianone-7cf37caa0c43f86a4cfb462cb8689512">his sixth major league game</a>.The Royals also got a big lift from Michael Lorenzen (4-6), who pitched six effective innings for his first win since April 29. The right-hander went 0-3 with a 6.89 ERA in his previous six starts.Miguel Vargas homered and drove in three runs for Chicago, which had won three in a row, matching a season high.Vargas drew a bases-loaded walk and Edgar Quero added an RBI single as the White Sox rallied for three runs in the ninth. But then Witt robbed Austin Slater of a run-scoring hit with a terrific diving catch at shortstop.With two out and the bases loaded, Carlos Estévez earned his 19th save when he struck out Tim Elko swinging.White Sox right-hander Mike Vasil allowed two runs and five hits over 3 1/3 innings in his first major league start.Perez's fifth homer tied it at 2 in the fourth, and the Royals went ahead to stay in the seventh.India drove in pinch-runner Drew Waters with a grounder down the third base line. After Witt popped out, Maikel Garcia made it 4-2 with an RBI single off Jordan Leasure.India tacked on a run-scoring single in the ninth.Tyler Alexander (3-6) took the loss in his first game with Chicago, allowing one run and five hits in three innings. The lefty&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-mlb-5177234aef93c9fe46b1288e176e1ec2">signed a one-year deal</a>&nbsp;with the White Sox before the game.The Royals finished with 16 hits, but they hit into five double plays.<h2>Key moment</h2>Witt made it 7-2 when he connected for his eighth homer in the ninth against Bryse Wilson.<h2>Key stat</h2>Caglianone went 2 for 21 in his first five games with Kansas City.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals: Following an off day, LHP Noah Cameron (2-1, 0.85 ERA) starts Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at home against the New York Yankees.White Sox: RHP Shane Smith (2-3, 2.45 ERA) takes the mound Tuesday night at Houston. RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1, 4.44) starts for the Astros.___

⚾India hits a tiebreaking double as the Royals beat the White Sox

CHICAGO (AP) — So much for that slow start for Jac Caglianone.

The sweet-swinging slugger went 4 for 4 on Sunday, helping the Kansas City Royals to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-white-sox-score-0bd634cb821fabc35aec3fe7eea3dcf5">a 7-5 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Chicago White Sox. The perfect afternoon at the plate arrived after he went 2 for 21 in his first five games in the major leagues.

“A huge thanks to all the guys out here in the locker room. They were very supportive through it all,” Caglianone said. “Hitting balls hard, not really much to show for it. Thankfully they found some grass today.”

Caglianone lined a single to center in the first inning. He doubled in the fourth, recording a 113.6 mph exit velocity on his drive into the gap in right-center. He singled again in the sixth and in the eighth.

“Jac’s had 20 at-bats, and he’s squared a bunch of balls up in those 20,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “Today he got rewarded for it.”

Caglianone, 22, was selected by Kansas City with the No. 6 pick in the 2024 amateur draft out of the University of Florida. The outfielder/first baseman batted .322 with 15 homers and 56 RBIs over two minor league stops before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-jac-caglianone-7c87ef3b99c8869c740c8cabc1cf0d26">he was promoted</a>&nbsp;by the Royals last week.

Caglianone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-jac-caglianone-3f76d42e95c4b332e44d716b8211ff74">made his major league debut</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday at St. Louis and went 0 for 5 in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-cardinals-score-caglianone-e097941d2205aa261dbce617f18050f2">10-7 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Cardinals. He hit a drive to right-center in his first at-bat, but center fielder Victor Scott II made a running catch just steps away from the outfield wall.

He got his first two hits when he doubled in a run in the opener of a doubleheader against St. Louis on Thursday and singled against the White Sox on Saturday.

“I can’t wait to see what that guy’s going to do in the big leagues,” catcher Salvador Perez said. “He’s one of the best. That’s a big dude, too, so I think he’s going to do well.”

Caglianone, listed at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, is being helped along by Perez and the rest of the Royals. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has been trying to give him a new rule every day.

On Saturday, it was “Have two of everything,” Caglianone said.

“When you go and travel, so you can just kind of have a bag ready,” he continued. “I never thought of that. It’s more off-the-field stuff than it is on the field.”

Caglianone could make his home debut as soon as Tuesday night, when the Royals host the New York Yankees in the opener of a three-game series.

“I’m super fired up. I think I’m more excited for that than I was for the actual debut itself,” he said. “I have a lot of family and friends coming to that, so I’m excited to see them, and I’m excited to see all the fans at (Kauffman Stadium).”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749220388202.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone gestures toward the dugout after hiding an RBI double during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone gestures toward the dugout after hiding an RBI double during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — So much for that slow start for Jac Caglianone.The sweet-swinging slugger went 4 for 4 on Sunday, helping the Kansas City Royals to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-white-sox-score-0bd634cb821fabc35aec3fe7eea3dcf5">a 7-5 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Chicago White Sox. The perfect afternoon at the plate arrived after he went 2 for 21 in his first five games in the major leagues.“A huge thanks to all the guys out here in the locker room. They were very supportive through it all,” Caglianone said. “Hitting balls hard, not really much to show for it. Thankfully they found some grass today.”Caglianone lined a single to center in the first inning. He doubled in the fourth, recording a 113.6 mph exit velocity on his drive into the gap in right-center. He singled again in the sixth and in the eighth.“Jac’s had 20 at-bats, and he’s squared a bunch of balls up in those 20,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “Today he got rewarded for it.”Caglianone, 22, was selected by Kansas City with the No. 6 pick in the 2024 amateur draft out of the University of Florida. The outfielder/first baseman batted .322 with 15 homers and 56 RBIs over two minor league stops before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-jac-caglianone-7c87ef3b99c8869c740c8cabc1cf0d26">he was promoted</a>&nbsp;by the Royals last week.Caglianone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-jac-caglianone-3f76d42e95c4b332e44d716b8211ff74">made his major league debut</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday at St. Louis and went 0 for 5 in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-cardinals-score-caglianone-e097941d2205aa261dbce617f18050f2">10-7 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Cardinals. He hit a drive to right-center in his first at-bat, but center fielder Victor Scott II made a running catch just steps away from the outfield wall.He got his first two hits when he doubled in a run in the opener of a doubleheader against St. Louis on Thursday and singled against the White Sox on Saturday.“I can’t wait to see what that guy’s going to do in the big leagues,” catcher Salvador Perez said. “He’s one of the best. That’s a big dude, too, so I think he’s going to do well.”Caglianone, listed at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, is being helped along by Perez and the rest of the Royals. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has been trying to give him a new rule every day.On Saturday, it was “Have two of everything,” Caglianone said.“When you go and travel, so you can just kind of have a bag ready,” he continued. “I never thought of that. It’s more off-the-field stuff than it is on the field.”Caglianone could make his home debut as soon as Tuesday night, when the Royals host the New York Yankees in the opener of a three-game series.“I’m super fired up. I think I’m more excited for that than I was for the actual debut itself,” he said. “I have a lot of family and friends coming to that, so I’m excited to see them, and I’m excited to see all the fans at (Kauffman Stadium).”

⚾ Jac Caglianone posts his first multihit game with the Kansas City Royals

CHICAGO (AP) — Tim Elko hit a two-run homer, Adrian Houser pitched six strong innings and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Saturday.

Chase Meidroth also went deep for the White Sox, who have won three straight for the second time this season.

Houser (2-1) gave up a run and six hits while striking out six and walking one. It was the 32-year-old right-hander's fourth quality start since signing with the White Sox on May 20.

Cam Booser and Steven Wilson each gave up a hit in a scoreless inning, and Dan Altavilla got the last three outs for his second career save — first since 2020 while pitching for Seattle.

Michael Wacha (3-5) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out five.

Royals first baseman Vinny Pasquantino had was 3 for 3, including his 10th homer in the second inning for a 1-0 lead.

Elko's homer in the bottom of the second gave the White Sox a 2-1 lead. Meidroth pushed the advantage to two runs with his shot in the third, and Edgar Quero capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the eighth.

With runners on the corners and two outs in the eighth, Wilson struck out veteran catcher Salvador Pérez swinging to end the inning. Pérez struck out four times in four at-bats.

Other than Pasquantino, the rest of the Royals' lineup went 5 for 30 with nine strikeouts.

CHICAGO (AP) — Tim Elko hit a two-run homer, Adrian Houser pitched six strong innings and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Saturday.Chase Meidroth also went deep for the White Sox, who have won three straight for the second time this season.Houser (2-1) gave up a run and six hits while striking out six and walking one. It was the 32-year-old right-hander's fourth quality start since signing with the White Sox on May 20.Cam Booser and Steven Wilson each gave up a hit in a scoreless inning, and Dan Altavilla got the last three outs for his second career save — first since 2020 while pitching for Seattle.Michael Wacha (3-5) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out five.Royals first baseman Vinny Pasquantino had was 3 for 3, including his 10th homer in the second inning for a 1-0 lead.Elko's homer in the bottom of the second gave the White Sox a 2-1 lead. Meidroth pushed the advantage to two runs with his shot in the third, and Edgar Quero capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the eighth.<h2>Key moment</h2>With runners on the corners and two outs in the eighth, Wilson struck out veteran catcher Salvador Pérez swinging to end the inning. Pérez struck out four times in four at-bats.<h2>Key stat</h2>Other than Pasquantino, the rest of the Royals' lineup went 5 for 30 with nine strikeouts.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Elko hits 2-run HR as White Sox beat the Royals 

<a href="http://glen.grunwald@eaglemedia.com">By Glen Grunwald</a>

AUGUSTA, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs defeated Kansas Cannons 14-4 on Friday thanks in part to 12 runs in the eighth inning.

Kansas Cannons got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Hunter Alvord homered to left field, and Owen Baxter singled down the left field line, each scoring one run.

Hutchinson Monarchs flipped the game on its head in the top of the eighth, scoring 12 runs on four hits to take the lead, 14-4. The biggest blow in the inning was a grand slam to right field by Blake Bradford that drove in four.

Ethan Giesbrecht earned the win for Hutchinson Monarchs. The righty surrendered eight hits and three runs over five innings, striking out six and walking one. Brayden Thompson took the loss for Kansas Cannons. The right-handed pitcher went one inning, surrendering six runs on two hits, striking out three and walking four. Logan Gross started on the hill for Kansas Cannons. The starting pitcher allowed four hits and zero runs over four innings, striking out four and walking none.

Kansas Cannons accumulated 10 hits in the game. Chase Diggins, Teigan Munce, Baxter, and Cooper Greene each collected two hits for Kansas Cannons. Munce, Alvord, and Baxter each drove in one run for Kansas Cannons.

Hutchinson Monarchs accumulated 13 hits in the game. Keegan Demmer and Dylan Bell were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected three hits for Hutchinson Monarchs. Bradford provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Hutchinson Monarchs with four runs batted in. The number three hitter went 2-for-4 on the day. Jeter Worthley and Drew Bugner each collected multiple hits for Hutchinson Monarchs. Bugner led Hutchinson Monarchs with two walks. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, accumulating seven walks for the game. Hutchinson Monarchs turned one double play in the game.

Kansas Cannons (6-2) welcome Junction City Brigade on Saturday for their next game.

The Hutchinson Monarchs (5-0) next action is at home on Monday night versus the Wichita Black Sox. First pitch is at 7pm on monarchs live.tv and hutchpost.com sports.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749312751399.png" alt="Final - Hutch Monarchs defeat the Kansas Cannons with huge 8th inning in Augusta&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Final - Hutch Monarchs defeat the Kansas Cannons with huge 8th inning in Augusta&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="http://glen.grunwald@eaglemedia.com">By Glen Grunwald</a>HutchpostAUGUSTA, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs defeated Kansas Cannons 14-4 on Friday thanks in part to 12 runs in the eighth inning.Kansas Cannons got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Hunter Alvord homered to left field, and Owen Baxter singled down the left field line, each scoring one run.Hutchinson Monarchs flipped the game on its head in the top of the eighth, scoring 12 runs on four hits to take the lead, 14-4. The biggest blow in the inning was a grand slam to right field by Blake Bradford that drove in four.Ethan Giesbrecht earned the win for Hutchinson Monarchs. The righty surrendered eight hits and three runs over five innings, striking out six and walking one. Brayden Thompson took the loss for Kansas Cannons. The right-handed pitcher went one inning, surrendering six runs on two hits, striking out three and walking four. Logan Gross started on the hill for Kansas Cannons. The starting pitcher allowed four hits and zero runs over four innings, striking out four and walking none.Kansas Cannons accumulated 10 hits in the game. Chase Diggins, Teigan Munce, Baxter, and Cooper Greene each collected two hits for Kansas Cannons. Munce, Alvord, and Baxter each drove in one run for Kansas Cannons.Hutchinson Monarchs accumulated 13 hits in the game. Keegan Demmer and Dylan Bell were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected three hits for Hutchinson Monarchs. Bradford provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Hutchinson Monarchs with four runs batted in. The number three hitter went 2-for-4 on the day. Jeter Worthley and Drew Bugner each collected multiple hits for Hutchinson Monarchs. Bugner led Hutchinson Monarchs with two walks. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, accumulating seven walks for the game. Hutchinson Monarchs turned one double play in the game.Kansas Cannons (6-2) welcome Junction City Brigade on Saturday for their next game.The Hutchinson Monarchs (5-0) next action is at home on Monday night versus the Wichita Black Sox. First pitch is at 7pm on monarchs live.tv and hutchpost.com sports.

⚾ Kansas Cannons fall to Hutch Monarchs after surrendering big eighth Inning

CHICAGO (AP) — Luis Robert Jr. drove in three runs in his return to the lineup, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-2 on Friday night.

Mike Tauchman homered to help the last-place White Sox to their third win in four games. Davis Martin struck out seven while pitching six innings of two-run ball.

White Sox catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-teel-5483da186d1af7e30bbcf366df4c3609">Kyle Teel</a>, one of baseball's top prospects, went 1 for 2 with two walks and scored a run in his major league debut.

Robert hit a tiebreaking two-run single in Chicago's five-run eighth inning. He also had a run-scoring single in the second.

It was Robert's first game since Monday. The slumping slugger has been working on some adjustments at the plate, and he got an extra day after he was struck on his head by a ball in the batting cage.

The White Sox beat the Royals for the second time in the last 20 matchups.

Maikel Garcia and Vinnie Pasquantino hit back-to-back homers for Kansas City with two out in the third inning. It was the seventh of the season for Garcia, and No. 9 for Pasquantino.

Tauchman tied it at 2 when he connected against Seth Lugo in the fifth.

The White Sox loaded the bases with one out in the eighth, and Robert drove in pinch-runner Michael A. Taylor and Austin Slater with a bloop single to right against Jonathan Bowlan (1-1).

Teel scored on Taylor Clarke’s wild pitch, and errors on third baseman Garcia and Clarke brought home two more runs.

Jordan Leasure (1-4) pitched an inning for the win.

Royals rookie Jac Caglianone went 0 for 4. He is 1 for 17 in his first four games.

Leasure walked Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. singled as Kansas City put the first two on in the eighth. Teel pounced on a bunt by Garcia and got the first out at third. Witt took third on a fielder’s choice before Salvador Perez fouled out, ending the inning.

The Royals swept a four-game home series with the White Sox from May 5-8 and outscored them 19-4. Chicago leads the all-time series 440-434.

Royals right-hander Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.88 ERA) starts Saturday against White Sox right-hander Adrian Houser (1-1, 1.47 ERA).

CHICAGO (AP) — Luis Robert Jr. drove in three runs in his return to the lineup, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-2 on Friday night.Mike Tauchman homered to help the last-place White Sox to their third win in four games. Davis Martin struck out seven while pitching six innings of two-run ball.White Sox catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-teel-5483da186d1af7e30bbcf366df4c3609">Kyle Teel</a>, one of baseball's top prospects, went 1 for 2 with two walks and scored a run in his major league debut.Robert hit a tiebreaking two-run single in Chicago's five-run eighth inning. He also had a run-scoring single in the second.It was Robert's first game since Monday. The slumping slugger has been working on some adjustments at the plate, and he got an extra day after he was struck on his head by a ball in the batting cage.The White Sox beat the Royals for the second time in the last 20 matchups.Maikel Garcia and Vinnie Pasquantino hit back-to-back homers for Kansas City with two out in the third inning. It was the seventh of the season for Garcia, and No. 9 for Pasquantino.Tauchman tied it at 2 when he connected against Seth Lugo in the fifth.The White Sox loaded the bases with one out in the eighth, and Robert drove in pinch-runner Michael A. Taylor and Austin Slater with a bloop single to right against Jonathan Bowlan (1-1).Teel scored on Taylor Clarke’s wild pitch, and errors on third baseman Garcia and Clarke brought home two more runs.Jordan Leasure (1-4) pitched an inning for the win.Royals rookie Jac Caglianone went 0 for 4. He is 1 for 17 in his first four games.<h2>Key moment</h2>Leasure walked Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. singled as Kansas City put the first two on in the eighth. Teel pounced on a bunt by Garcia and got the first out at third. Witt took third on a fielder’s choice before Salvador Perez fouled out, ending the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals swept a four-game home series with the White Sox from May 5-8 and outscored them 19-4. Chicago leads the all-time series 440-434.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals right-hander Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.88 ERA) starts Saturday against White Sox right-hander Adrian Houser (1-1, 1.47 ERA).

⚾ Robert drives in 3 runs as the White Sox beat the Royals

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Finally, Texas has broken through.

Mia Scott hit a grand slam, Teagan Kavan won again and Texas defeated Texas Tech 10-4 in Game 3 of the Women’s College World Series championship series on Friday night to claim its first national title.

Texas had lost to Oklahoma in the championship series two of the previous three years. Oklahoma was one of the teams Texas beat on its way to the championship. And Texas coach Mike White finally won in his ninth World Series trip between his coaching stints at Oregon and Texas.

“I’m still trying to process the whole thing,” White said. “Actually, it’s something you dream about.”

Kavan, a sophomore, allowed no earned runs in all 31 2/3 innings she pitched at the World Series. She went 4-0 with a save in the World Series for the Longhorns and was named Most Outstanding Player.

She was happy to win it for White in the Longhorns’ first year playing in the Southeastern Conference.

“Without coach White, I don’t know if we’re here,” she said. “He’s the best. He’s so competitive. He wants it just as bad as we do, of course. And he pushes us to be better every day. He makes me a better pitcher mentally and physically. And so there’s no one else I’d rather play for. He’s the bomb, and I’m glad we got it done for him.”

Leighann Goode hit a 3-run homer, Kayden Henry had three hits and Scott, Reese Atwood and Katie Stewart each had two hits for Texas (56-12).

Texas Tech star pitcher NiJaree Canady, who had thrown every pitch for the Red Raiders through their first five World Series games, was pulled after one inning in Game 3. The two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association Pitcher of the Year gave up five runs on five hits and only threw 25 pitches. The loss came&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nijaree-canady-softball-924479f5cc1e73d803746a7b6718db91">after she signed an NIL deal worth more than $1 million</a>&nbsp;for the second straight year.

Not even support from former Texas Tech football star Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, who were in attendance, could put the Red Raiders (54-14) over the top.

Canady’s night started like many of her others, as she struck out the first batter she faced. After that, she didn’t resemble the pitcher entered the game leading the nation in wins and ERA. Goode’s homer in the first put the Longhorns up 5-0.

Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco said he was pleased with Canady’s effort throughout the season, but he pushed her a bit too far.

“If I had a game in two days, that’s who I want beside me to go to war with,” he said. “She’s an unbelievable talent.”

Scott’s blast came in the fourth inning and gave Texas a 10-0 lead.

Hailey Toney was a bright spot for the Red Raiders. She singled to knock in two runs in the fifth, then singled to knock in another run in the seventh.

It was a surprise run for the Red Raiders. Glasco left Louisiana to coach at Texas Tech this season. The team only had three returning players and had to mix a group of newcomers together.

They won the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles and reached the World Series for the first time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749435675696.png" alt="AP Photo/Kyle Phillips" />
 <figcaption>AP Photo/Kyle Phillips</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Finally, Texas has broken through.Mia Scott hit a grand slam, Teagan Kavan won again and Texas defeated Texas Tech 10-4 in Game 3 of the Women’s College World Series championship series on Friday night to claim its first national title.Texas had lost to Oklahoma in the championship series two of the previous three years. Oklahoma was one of the teams Texas beat on its way to the championship. And Texas coach Mike White finally won in his ninth World Series trip between his coaching stints at Oregon and Texas.“I’m still trying to process the whole thing,” White said. “Actually, it’s something you dream about.”Kavan, a sophomore, allowed no earned runs in all 31 2/3 innings she pitched at the World Series. She went 4-0 with a save in the World Series for the Longhorns and was named Most Outstanding Player.She was happy to win it for White in the Longhorns’ first year playing in the Southeastern Conference.“Without coach White, I don’t know if we’re here,” she said. “He’s the best. He’s so competitive. He wants it just as bad as we do, of course. And he pushes us to be better every day. He makes me a better pitcher mentally and physically. And so there’s no one else I’d rather play for. He’s the bomb, and I’m glad we got it done for him.”Leighann Goode hit a 3-run homer, Kayden Henry had three hits and Scott, Reese Atwood and Katie Stewart each had two hits for Texas (56-12).Texas Tech star pitcher NiJaree Canady, who had thrown every pitch for the Red Raiders through their first five World Series games, was pulled after one inning in Game 3. The two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association Pitcher of the Year gave up five runs on five hits and only threw 25 pitches. The loss came&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nijaree-canady-softball-924479f5cc1e73d803746a7b6718db91">after she signed an NIL deal worth more than $1 million</a>&nbsp;for the second straight year.Not even support from former Texas Tech football star Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, who were in attendance, could put the Red Raiders (54-14) over the top.Canady’s night started like many of her others, as she struck out the first batter she faced. After that, she didn’t resemble the pitcher entered the game leading the nation in wins and ERA. Goode’s homer in the first put the Longhorns up 5-0.Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco said he was pleased with Canady’s effort throughout the season, but he pushed her a bit too far.“If I had a game in two days, that’s who I want beside me to go to war with,” he said. “She’s an unbelievable talent.”Scott’s blast came in the fourth inning and gave Texas a 10-0 lead.Hailey Toney was a bright spot for the Red Raiders. She singled to knock in two runs in the fifth, then singled to knock in another run in the seventh.It was a surprise run for the Red Raiders. Glasco left Louisiana to coach at Texas Tech this season. The team only had three returning players and had to mix a group of newcomers together.They won the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles and reached the World Series for the first time.

🥎 Texas beats Texas Tech in decisive 3rd game of WCWS to win its 1st national title

<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 Friday, June 6, 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=zcxm2-18cc78a-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 win series in St. Louis; ⚾ Monarchs blank Cannons; 🏀 Pacers steal Game 1 in OKC

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — NiJaree Canady scattered six hits and pitched her way out of a seventh-inning jam, and Texas Tech forced a decisive third game in the Women’s College World Series with a 4-3 victory over Texas in Game 2 on Thursday night.

The Game 3 showdown on Friday matches teams looking for their first national title.

Canady, who allowed a go-ahead, two-run single for Texas while trying to walk a member of the Longhorns in the sixth inning of an eventual 2-1 loss in the series opener on Wednesday, again went the distance for the Red Raiders. She has pitched every inning in the super regionals and World Series and carried a 4-1 lead to the seventh.

But Texas’ Katie Stewart reached on an error by the shortstop and Canady hit Victoria Hunter to put runners on first and second with no outs. Leighann Goode doubled to left center, scoring Stewart and moving Hunter to third. Pinch-hitter Katie Cimusz lined out to left field and Hunter scored to cut the deficit to 4-3.

But Canady got Ashton Mahoney to ground out and struck out Kayden Henry to end the game.

“Last night was a test for us, and we’re growing from everything that happens to us,” Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco said. “I told them after the game last night we learn 10 times more when we lose than when we win. We learned so much last night, and I think the bottom of seventh, our fortitude and our determination and the way we reacted there at the end was a testament to the toughness they’re acquiring by playing these tough battles.”

Mac Morgan started for Texas and pitched two scoreless innings. Cambria Salmon entered and worked two scoreless before running into trouble in the fifth when Texas Tech loaded the bases with two outs. Salmon then hit Alana Johnson with a pitch to score Raegan Jennings from third and then thew a wild pitch that scored Mihya Davis, giving the Red Raiders a 2-0 lead.

The Longhorns answered in the sixth on a solo home run to left center to make it 2-1.

Texas Tech responded in their half of the sixth off Longhorns reliever Citlay Gutierrez. Demi Elder drew a walk, Victoria Valdez reached on a throwing error that allowed pinch runner Mikayla Garcia to advance to third base. Bailey Lindermuth greeted reliever Teagan Kavan with a sacrifice fly to score Garcia, and Davis reached on a fielding error that brought home Valdez.

“An exciting game. A tough finish to it,” Texas coach Mike White said. “Getting down against NiJa 4-1, we made a good fight to come back, but we got down with some uncharacteristic errors there and some missed plays that they took advantage of, some good base running and everything else.

“We’ve got to come back now and face NiJa again for sure, and we’re going to have to kind of work really hard to get some runs and then obviously shut them down as well.”

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was on hand to root for the Red Raiders. The Texas Tech alum has been a supporter of the team on social media throughout the season and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TexasTechSB/status/1930378962485620832/photo/1" target="_blank">even gifted team members sports gear</a>, including varsity jackets and sneakers.

Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, were animated and seemingly in full “sports fan” mode throughout the game, watching from a box in the stands. He appeared to be as involved in the game as he was in all his Super Bowl appearances, standing, clapping, yelling and encouraging the Red Raiders, hanging on every pitch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749217038142.jpeg" alt="Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady celebrates during the second game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)" />
 <figcaption>Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady celebrates during the second game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — NiJaree Canady scattered six hits and pitched her way out of a seventh-inning jam, and Texas Tech forced a decisive third game in the Women’s College World Series with a 4-3 victory over Texas in Game 2 on Thursday night.The Game 3 showdown on Friday matches teams looking for their first national title.Canady, who allowed a go-ahead, two-run single for Texas while trying to walk a member of the Longhorns in the sixth inning of an eventual 2-1 loss in the series opener on Wednesday, again went the distance for the Red Raiders. She has pitched every inning in the super regionals and World Series and carried a 4-1 lead to the seventh.But Texas’ Katie Stewart reached on an error by the shortstop and Canady hit Victoria Hunter to put runners on first and second with no outs. Leighann Goode doubled to left center, scoring Stewart and moving Hunter to third. Pinch-hitter Katie Cimusz lined out to left field and Hunter scored to cut the deficit to 4-3.But Canady got Ashton Mahoney to ground out and struck out Kayden Henry to end the game.“Last night was a test for us, and we’re growing from everything that happens to us,” Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco said. “I told them after the game last night we learn 10 times more when we lose than when we win. We learned so much last night, and I think the bottom of seventh, our fortitude and our determination and the way we reacted there at the end was a testament to the toughness they’re acquiring by playing these tough battles.”Mac Morgan started for Texas and pitched two scoreless innings. Cambria Salmon entered and worked two scoreless before running into trouble in the fifth when Texas Tech loaded the bases with two outs. Salmon then hit Alana Johnson with a pitch to score Raegan Jennings from third and then thew a wild pitch that scored Mihya Davis, giving the Red Raiders a 2-0 lead.The Longhorns answered in the sixth on a solo home run to left center to make it 2-1.Texas Tech responded in their half of the sixth off Longhorns reliever Citlay Gutierrez. Demi Elder drew a walk, Victoria Valdez reached on a throwing error that allowed pinch runner Mikayla Garcia to advance to third base. Bailey Lindermuth greeted reliever Teagan Kavan with a sacrifice fly to score Garcia, and Davis reached on a fielding error that brought home Valdez.“An exciting game. A tough finish to it,” Texas coach Mike White said. “Getting down against NiJa 4-1, we made a good fight to come back, but we got down with some uncharacteristic errors there and some missed plays that they took advantage of, some good base running and everything else.“We’ve got to come back now and face NiJa again for sure, and we’re going to have to kind of work really hard to get some runs and then obviously shut them down as well.”Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was on hand to root for the Red Raiders. The Texas Tech alum has been a supporter of the team on social media throughout the season and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TexasTechSB/status/1930378962485620832/photo/1" target="_blank">even gifted team members sports gear</a>, including varsity jackets and sneakers.Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, were animated and seemingly in full “sports fan” mode throughout the game, watching from a box in the stands. He appeared to be as involved in the game as he was in all his Super Bowl appearances, standing, clapping, yelling and encouraging the Red Raiders, hanging on every pitch.

🥎 Texas Tech beats Texas to set up decisive Game 3 at WCWS

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton and the never-say-die Indiana Pacers pulled off yet another last-second comeback, this time on the NBA’s biggest stage.

Haliburton’s 21-foot jumper with 0.3 seconds left gave Indiana its first and only lead of the game, and the Pacers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 on Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals after a comeback for the ages.

“Man, basketball’s fun,” Haliburton said. “Winning is fun.”

The Pacers turned the ball over 25 times, trailed by 15 points in the fourth quarter against a team with the best home record in the NBA and had no answers for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — the NBA MVP who led all scorers with 38 points.

But they had the league’s new Mr. Big Shot, who has now had one of these moments in every series the Pacers have played in these playoffs.

— April 29, Indiana trailed Milwaukee 118-111 with 34.6 seconds left in overtime. Haliburton scored with 1.4 seconds remaining and the Pacers won 119-118.

— May 6, Indiana trailed Cleveland 119-112 with 48 seconds left and won 120-119. Haliburton got the game-winner with 1.1 seconds to play.

— May 21, Indiana trailed New York 121-112 with 51.1 seconds left in regulation. Haliburton sent it to overtime on a jumper with no time on the clock; Indiana won 138-135.

“We’ve had lots of experience in these kinds of games,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.

The Pacers were down by 15 with 9:42 left, their rally the biggest in the fourth quarter of a finals game since Dallas also came from 15 down to beat Miami on June 2, 2011.

Carlisle coached those Mavericks. And, well, here he is again.

“That’s a really good team,” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said. “Credit them for not only tonight but their run. They’ve had so many games like that that have seemed improbable. And they just play with a great spirit and they keep coming. They keep playing.”

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 19 points. Obi Toppin scored 17, Myles Turner had 15, and Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard each had 14.

Jalen Williams had 17 and Lu Dort scored 15 for Oklahoma City, which was 36-1 at home with 15-point leads this season.

Game 2 is at Oklahoma City on Sunday night.

Oklahoma City led by 15 early in the fourth when Carlisle called time and subbed out all five players, seeking a spark. It worked. The Pacers outscored the Thunder 15-4 over the next 3:26 — getting within 98-94 on a 3 by Turner with 6:16 left.

They weren’t done. And in the final second, they found a way. Again.

“We had control of the game for the most part,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Now, it’s a 48-minute game. And they teach you that lesson more than anyone else in the league — the hard way.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749216788536.jpeg" alt="Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates with forward Aaron Nesmith (23) after making a 3-pointer during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates with forward Aaron Nesmith (23) after making a 3-pointer during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton and the never-say-die Indiana Pacers pulled off yet another last-second comeback, this time on the NBA’s biggest stage.Haliburton’s 21-foot jumper with 0.3 seconds left gave Indiana its first and only lead of the game, and the Pacers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 on Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals after a comeback for the ages.“Man, basketball’s fun,” Haliburton said. “Winning is fun.”Especially like this.The Pacers turned the ball over 25 times, trailed by 15 points in the fourth quarter against a team with the best home record in the NBA and had no answers for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — the NBA MVP who led all scorers with 38 points.But they had the league’s new Mr. Big Shot, who has now had one of these moments in every series the Pacers have played in these playoffs.— April 29, Indiana trailed Milwaukee 118-111 with 34.6 seconds left in overtime. Haliburton scored with 1.4 seconds remaining and the Pacers won 119-118.— May 6, Indiana trailed Cleveland 119-112 with 48 seconds left and won 120-119. Haliburton got the game-winner with 1.1 seconds to play.— May 21, Indiana trailed New York 121-112 with 51.1 seconds left in regulation. Haliburton sent it to overtime on a jumper with no time on the clock; Indiana won 138-135.Now, this.“We’ve had lots of experience in these kinds of games,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.The Pacers were down by 15 with 9:42 left, their rally the biggest in the fourth quarter of a finals game since Dallas also came from 15 down to beat Miami on June 2, 2011.Carlisle coached those Mavericks. And, well, here he is again.“That’s a really good team,” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said. “Credit them for not only tonight but their run. They’ve had so many games like that that have seemed improbable. And they just play with a great spirit and they keep coming. They keep playing.”Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 19 points. Obi Toppin scored 17, Myles Turner had 15, and Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard each had 14.Jalen Williams had 17 and Lu Dort scored 15 for Oklahoma City, which was 36-1 at home with 15-point leads this season.Game 2 is at Oklahoma City on Sunday night.Oklahoma City led by 15 early in the fourth when Carlisle called time and subbed out all five players, seeking a spark. It worked. The Pacers outscored the Thunder 15-4 over the next 3:26 — getting within 98-94 on a 3 by Turner with 6:16 left.They weren’t done. And in the final second, they found a way. Again.“We had control of the game for the most part,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Now, it’s a 48-minute game. And they teach you that lesson more than anyone else in the league — the hard way.”

🏀 NBA Finals: Haliburton caps huge rally with winning jumper as Pacers stun Thunder in Game 1

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Maikel Garcia homered, doubled and scored three times, and the Kansas City Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-5 in the second game of a day-night doubleheader on Thursday night.

Royals starter Cole Ragans pitched three innings in his return from the 15-day injured list with a left groin strain. He allowed five runs on five hits, struck out four and walked three.

Angel Zerpa (3-0) pitched three scoreless innings in relief, giving up one hit, one walk and striking out four. Carlos Estévez earned his 18th save in 21 tries.

Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore (3-5) was pulled after four-plus innings with fatigue-related issues. He allowed a season-high seven runs on eight hits.

The Cardinals rallied to take game one of the doubleheader 6-5 on Willson Contreras' RBI single in the tenth.

Garcia's two-run homer in the first gave the Royals a 2-0 lead in the nightcap.

Freddy Fermin hit a curveball 406 feet into the third deck in left field to lead off the third, sparking a three-run rally. Jonathan India singled and scored and Garcia doubled and scored on a Salvador Perez single to give the Royals a 5-1 lead.

Contreras singled home the Cardinals' first run in the first inning and jump started a four-run third with a two-run double. Nolan Arenado followed with a two-run homer to tie the game at 5-all.

Nick Loftin's RBI single scored Mark Canha to break the tie in the fourth. Garcia walked and scored on a Perez single in the fifth.

Liberatore left the game after surrendering a leadoff walk to Garcia in the fifth.

Garcia's homer gave the Royals a first-inning home run for the third straight game.

The Royals are at the Chicago White Sox on Friday night to open a series, while the Cardinals are home against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749179118227.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — Maikel Garcia homered, doubled and scored three times, and the Kansas City Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-5 in the second game of a day-night doubleheader on Thursday night.Royals starter Cole Ragans pitched three innings in his return from the 15-day injured list with a left groin strain. He allowed five runs on five hits, struck out four and walked three.Angel Zerpa (3-0) pitched three scoreless innings in relief, giving up one hit, one walk and striking out four. Carlos Estévez earned his 18th save in 21 tries.Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore (3-5) was pulled after four-plus innings with fatigue-related issues. He allowed a season-high seven runs on eight hits.The Cardinals rallied to take game one of the doubleheader 6-5 on Willson Contreras' RBI single in the tenth.Garcia's two-run homer in the first gave the Royals a 2-0 lead in the nightcap.Freddy Fermin hit a curveball 406 feet into the third deck in left field to lead off the third, sparking a three-run rally. Jonathan India singled and scored and Garcia doubled and scored on a Salvador Perez single to give the Royals a 5-1 lead.Contreras singled home the Cardinals' first run in the first inning and jump started a four-run third with a two-run double. Nolan Arenado followed with a two-run homer to tie the game at 5-all.Nick Loftin's RBI single scored Mark Canha to break the tie in the fourth. Garcia walked and scored on a Perez single in the fifth.Key momentLiberatore left the game after surrendering a leadoff walk to Garcia in the fifth.Key statGarcia's homer gave the Royals a first-inning home run for the third straight game.Up nextThe Royals are at the Chicago White Sox on Friday night to open a series, while the Cardinals are home against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

⚾️ Garcia homers as the Royals beat the Cards to split doubleheader

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749216690065.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
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SPRINGDALE, Ark. (June 5, 2025)&mdash;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/aaron-sabato-693306">Aaron Sabato</a>&nbsp;became the new Wichita Wind Surge franchise home run leader and recorded five RBIs in a 10-8 slugfest victory for Wichita over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Arvest Ballpark. Seven of the 10 runs for the Wind Surge came in over the last three innings on eight total hits.
Sabato connected on a double off the wall in left center to score&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kala-i-rosario-693850">Kala&rsquo;i Rosario</a>&nbsp;for the game&rsquo;s first run in the top of the first. Carter Jensen hit a sacrifice fly to the warning track in the bottom of the first, and Rudy Martin ran in to score from second base to tie the game.
Sabato crushed a two-run home run, his sixth of the season, over the Wind Surge bullpen in left field to give Wichita a 3-1 lead in the top of the fourth. The long ball puts him as the new Wind Surge all-time home run hitter in franchise history.
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Northwest Arkansas put up three runs on a pair of opposite-field hits across the bottom halves of the fourth and fifth frames. Jordan Groshans lined an RBI single to right in the fourth, and Jensen grounded a two-RBI knock to left to give the Naturals a 4-3 lead in the fifth.
The Wind Surge responded with two runs to open each the seventh and eighth, and three tallies in the top ninth to get to a 10-4 lead. Five of the eight hits across those three innings went for extra bases, including another two-run home run by Sabato and a solo shot by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jorel-ortega-687567">Jorel Ortega</a>&nbsp;in the top of the ninth.
A bases-loaded walk and a Jensen bases-clearing double brought the tying run to the plate for Northwest Arkansas in the bottom of the ninth.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/john-stankiewicz-694496">John Stankiewicz</a>&nbsp;entered from the bullpen and struck out Groshans and Brett Squires to end the game with a 10-8 Wichita final and his third save of the year.
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<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/angel-macuare-672836">Angel Macuare</a>&nbsp;records his second win of the season after throwing three innings of relief and giving up an earned run on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>Aaron Sabato is the new Wichita Wind Surge franchise home run leader after hitting his 33rd and 34th total blasts today. He&rsquo;s reached base in 23 consecutive games, and becomes the fifth Wind Surge hitter to record multiple home runs in a game this season (Kyler Fedko, Ricardo Olivar, Jorel Ortega, Tanner Schobel).</li>
<li>Mike Paredes notches his first start of the season after making 14 appearances out of the bullpen to begin the year.</li>
<li>Jose Salas goes 2-for-3 with an RBI double in his Double-A debut with Wichita.</li>
<li>Five different Wind Surge batters had multi-hit performances.</li>
<li>Six different Wichita hitters recorded an RBI.</li>
</ul>
The Wind Surge continue the series with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on June 6 at 7:05 PM at Arvest Ballpark. Wichita returns to Equity Bank Park for a series with the Corpus Christi Hooks on June 10. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wind Surge outlasts Naturals in shootout

<a href="http://glen.grunwald@eaglemedia.com">By Glen Grunwald</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs leaned on timely hitting and dominant pitching to shut out the Kansas Cannons 2-0 on Wednesday night at Hobart-Detter Field.

Blake Bradford gave the Monarchs the early edge in the bottom of the second, launching a solo home run to center field for a 1-0 lead. Hutchinson added insurance in the eighth when Jarrett Herrmann scored on a hard hit ground-ball single to second by Drew Bugner.

Monarchs starter Lachlan Rosser went two innings and picked up the win, while Brayden McClure anchored the bullpen with four shutout innings and five strikeouts. Cason Gonzalez also contributed in middle relief to keep the Cannons off the board.

Mitchell Johnson slammed the door in the ninth, striking out the side to earn the save and seal the shutout.

Cannons pitcher Blake Seefeldt took the loss, despite a solid outing, as Kansas struggled to generate offense throughout the night.

With the win, the Monarchs improved their early-season form, backed by a deep bullpen and clutch performances at the plate.

Both two teams match up Friday night in Augusta. Hutchinson (4-0), Kansas Cannons (5-1). 

The <a href="http://www.kansascannons.com/">Kansas Cannons</a> home games are streamed on gamechanger.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749179830032.png" alt="Final - Hutch shut-out Kansas Cannons with brilliant bull pen effort" />
 <figcaption>Final - Hutch shut-out Kansas Cannons with brilliant bull pen effort</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="http://glen.grunwald@eaglemedia.com">By Glen Grunwald</a>HutchpostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs leaned on timely hitting and dominant pitching to shut out the Kansas Cannons 2-0 on Wednesday night at Hobart-Detter Field.Blake Bradford gave the Monarchs the early edge in the bottom of the second, launching a solo home run to center field for a 1-0 lead. Hutchinson added insurance in the eighth when Jarrett Herrmann scored on a hard hit ground-ball single to second by Drew Bugner.Monarchs starter Lachlan Rosser went two innings and picked up the win, while Brayden McClure anchored the bullpen with four shutout innings and five strikeouts. Cason Gonzalez also contributed in middle relief to keep the Cannons off the board.Mitchell Johnson slammed the door in the ninth, striking out the side to earn the save and seal the shutout.Cannons pitcher Blake Seefeldt took the loss, despite a solid outing, as Kansas struggled to generate offense throughout the night.With the win, the Monarchs improved their early-season form, backed by a deep bullpen and clutch performances at the plate.Both two teams match up Friday night in Augusta. Hutchinson (4-0), Kansas Cannons (5-1). The <a href="http://www.kansascannons.com/">Kansas Cannons</a> home games are streamed on gamechanger.com.&nbsp;

⚾ Hutchinson Monarchs blank Cannons 2-0 behind strong relief effort

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Willson Contreras had an RBI single in the 10th inning to give the St. Louis Cardinals a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday in the first game of a day-night doubleheader.

Yohel Pozo scored on a fielder’s choice to tie it for the Cardinals before Contreras singled to left against Carlos Estévez (2-1) to score Lars Nootbaar.

Vinnie Pasquantino singled in a run in the top of the 10th to give the Royals a 5-4 lead.

Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas allowed three runs on eight hits in six innings. JoJo Romero (2-3) allowed a run in one inning.

Noah Cameron continued his string of impressive starts for the Royals with six scoreless innings. He struck out three, walked two and gave up two hits while lowering his ERA to 0.85 in five starts this season.

Jonathan India homered on the second pitch of the game — a 401-foot shot to left-center. Jac Caglianone added to the lead in the fourth with his first major league hit, a double that scored Salvador Perez to make it 2-0.

Contreras doubled and scored, and Nolan Arenado scored on Yohel Pozo's sacrifice fly in the seventh to cut the deficit to 3-2.

Iván Herrera’s two-run homer in the eighth inning gave the Cardinals a 4-3 lead. India’s sacrifice fly off Ryan Helsley scored Nick Loftin to tie it in the ninth.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh and the Cardinals down 3-1, manager Oliver Marmol called on Nolan Gorman to pinch hit. Royals manager Matt Quatraro countered with left-hander Daniel Lynch IV out of the bullpen, forcing Marmol to use Yohel Pozo from the right side. Lynch limited Pozo to a sacrifice fly and got out of the jam by retiring Nootbaar.

India’s home run was the fourth he’s hit against Mikolas in his career. It was the 12th time India has led off a game with a homer,

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Willson Contreras had an RBI single in the 10th inning to give the St. Louis Cardinals a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday in the first game of a day-night doubleheader.Yohel Pozo scored on a fielder’s choice to tie it for the Cardinals before Contreras singled to left against Carlos Estévez (2-1) to score Lars Nootbaar.Vinnie Pasquantino singled in a run in the top of the 10th to give the Royals a 5-4 lead.Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas allowed three runs on eight hits in six innings. JoJo Romero (2-3) allowed a run in one inning.Noah Cameron continued his string of impressive starts for the Royals with six scoreless innings. He struck out three, walked two and gave up two hits while lowering his ERA to 0.85 in five starts this season.Jonathan India homered on the second pitch of the game — a 401-foot shot to left-center. Jac Caglianone added to the lead in the fourth with his first major league hit, a double that scored Salvador Perez to make it 2-0.Contreras doubled and scored, and Nolan Arenado scored on Yohel Pozo's sacrifice fly in the seventh to cut the deficit to 3-2.Iván Herrera’s two-run homer in the eighth inning gave the Cardinals a 4-3 lead. India’s sacrifice fly off Ryan Helsley scored Nick Loftin to tie it in the ninth.<h2>Key moment</h2>With the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh and the Cardinals down 3-1, manager Oliver Marmol called on Nolan Gorman to pinch hit. Royals manager Matt Quatraro countered with left-hander Daniel Lynch IV out of the bullpen, forcing Marmol to use Yohel Pozo from the right side. Lynch limited Pozo to a sacrifice fly and got out of the jam by retiring Nootbaar.<h2>Key stat</h2>India’s home run was the fourth he’s hit against Mikolas in his career. It was the 12th time India has led off a game with a homer,<h2>Up next</h2>The Royals are at the Chicago White Sox on Friday night to open a series, while the Cardinals are home against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

⚾️ Contreras RBI single in 10th lifts Cards past Royals in doubleheader opener

WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State University will host the championship rounds of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) in 2026 and 2027, city and NCAA officials announced Thursday during Mayor Lily Wu’s weekly briefing.

The WBIT is a 32-team postseason tournament launched in 2024, that provides NCAA-funded opportunities for top women’s basketball programs that do not receive bids to the NCAA Tournament. Considered the women’s counterpart to the men’s National Invitation Tournament, the WBIT aims to elevate competitive postseason play across the country.

Games will be held at Koch Arena on March 30 and April 1 in 2026, and March 29 and March 31 in 2027.

Jessie Carmack, NCAA assistant director of women’s basketball, said the WBIT has played a key role in expanding visibility and opportunity for women’s programs nationwide.

“(The WBIT) represents the incredible growth in women’s basketball and the increasing recognition of the exceptional talent and dedication of female athletes,” Carmack said. “This platform allows programs to gain valuable experience on the national stage.”

Josh Howell, vice president of sports development for Visit Wichita, said the event will bring both economic and community benefits to the area.

“We are very excited to welcome, for the first time, this tournament that showcases some of the best in women’s basketball and delivers high-energy matchups that fans won’t want to miss,” Howell said in a statement. “In addition to the positive local economic impact and national TV exposure, this is a great competition for basketball fans in the region to experience in person.”

Koch Arena has a history of hosting major events, including The Basketball Tournament (TBT) each summer and the American Athletic Conference volleyball championship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749141116806.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy WBIT" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy WBIT</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostWICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State University will host the championship rounds of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) in 2026 and 2027, city and NCAA officials announced Thursday during Mayor Lily Wu’s weekly briefing.The WBIT is a 32-team postseason tournament launched in 2024, that provides NCAA-funded opportunities for top women’s basketball programs that do not receive bids to the NCAA Tournament. Considered the women’s counterpart to the men’s National Invitation Tournament, the WBIT aims to elevate competitive postseason play across the country.Games will be held at Koch Arena on March 30 and April 1 in 2026, and March 29 and March 31 in 2027.Jessie Carmack, NCAA assistant director of women’s basketball, said the WBIT has played a key role in expanding visibility and opportunity for women’s programs nationwide.“(The WBIT) represents the incredible growth in women’s basketball and the increasing recognition of the exceptional talent and dedication of female athletes,” Carmack said. “This platform allows programs to gain valuable experience on the national stage.”Josh Howell, vice president of sports development for Visit Wichita, said the event will bring both economic and community benefits to the area.“We are very excited to welcome, for the first time, this tournament that showcases some of the best in women’s basketball and delivers high-energy matchups that fans won’t want to miss,” Howell said in a statement. “In addition to the positive local economic impact and national TV exposure, this is a great competition for basketball fans in the region to experience in person.”Koch Arena has a history of hosting major events, including The Basketball Tournament (TBT) each summer and the American Athletic Conference volleyball championship.

🏀 Wichita State to host WBIT Final Four in 2026, 2027

<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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🎧⚾ Royals rained out; ⚾ Wind Surge lose on walk-off; 🏀 NBA Finals begin tonight

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs (3-0) will host the Kansas Cannons (5-0) at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park tonight with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. The Hutch versus Derby game that was set to be played in Derby on Tuesday, was re-scheduled for Wednesday night was postponed again due to wet fields. That game will be scheduled for a later date.

The Monarchs are slated for 19 home games with all of those games set to be video streamed on <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8dc5bdf3-e9a7-4011-9b4a-2b453688d13f">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Eagle Media's Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play call tonight with Matt Peterson providing the video stream..&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749124766187.png" alt="Game Day Hutchinson Monarchs host the Kansas Cannons tonight at Hobart-Detter Field (Photo courtesy of Andrew Carpenter Digital Fox Photography " />
 <figcaption>Game Day Hutchinson Monarchs host the Kansas Cannons tonight at Hobart-Detter Field (Photo courtesy of Andrew Carpenter Digital Fox Photography </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs (3-0) will host the Kansas Cannons (5-0) at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park tonight with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. The Hutch versus Derby game that was set to be played in Derby on Tuesday, was re-scheduled for Wednesday night was postponed again due to wet fields. That game will be scheduled for a later date.The Monarchs are slated for 19 home games with all of those games set to be video streamed on <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8dc5bdf3-e9a7-4011-9b4a-2b453688d13f">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Eagle Media's Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play call tonight with Matt Peterson providing the video stream..&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2452524?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🎥⚾ WATCH LIVE: Hutch Monarchs host Kansas Canons

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Reese Atwood hit a go-ahead, two-run single for Texas&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TexasSoftball/status/1930444421478154337" target="_blank">when Texas Tech ace NiJaree Canady was trying to walk her intentionally</a>&nbsp;in the sixth inning, and the Longhorns beat the Red Raiders 2-1 in Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals on Wednesday night.

Teagan Kavan pitched a three-hitter for Texas (54-11), which can secure its first national title with a victory in Game 2 on Thursday night. Texas Tech (53-12) would have to win two straight to claim its first championship in its first WCWS appearance.

Canady allowed four hits and struck out seven, but she has lost four of five career starts against Texas, with two of those defeats for the Red Raiders this season and two for her previous school, Stanford.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749129776490.jpeg" alt="Signage at an NCAA softball Women’s College World Series game, Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)" />
 <figcaption>Signage at an NCAA softball Women’s College World Series game, Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Reese Atwood hit a go-ahead, two-run single for Texas&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TexasSoftball/status/1930444421478154337" target="_blank">when Texas Tech ace NiJaree Canady was trying to walk her intentionally</a>&nbsp;in the sixth inning, and the Longhorns beat the Red Raiders 2-1 in Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals on Wednesday night.Teagan Kavan pitched a three-hitter for Texas (54-11), which can secure its first national title with a victory in Game 2 on Thursday night. Texas Tech (53-12) would have to win two straight to claim its first championship in its first WCWS appearance.Canady allowed four hits and struck out seven, but she has lost four of five career starts against Texas, with two of those defeats for the Red Raiders this season and two for her previous school, Stanford.This one came down to a pitch that Canady tried but failed to throw well out of the strike zone.“I made that mistake,” she said. “I think that loss is on me, and I apologize to my team.”Canady struck out the first two batters in the sixth but ran into trouble when Kayden Henry singled to left and stole second. Mia Scott reached on an infield single, moving Henry to third, and Scott took second without a throw.With first base open and a 3-0 count on Atwood, Texas Tech catcher Victoria Valdez stood up to set a target well out of the zone for Canady, but the pitch came in letter-high and Atwood hit a hard grounder through the left side.“You’ve got to give credit to Atwood there,” Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco said. “She wanted to play ball. She wanted to make a play. She made a difference in the game at a time we were trying to take her out of the game.”Texas Tech scored in the fifth inning with the help of an obstruction call. Pinch-hitter Logan Halleman reached on a fielding error and Atwood threw her out trying to steal second. Texas Tech challenged the call, and umpires ruled that shortstop Leighanne Goode had obstructed Halleman’s path to the bag.Mihya Davis singled to right-center to drive in Halleman.Kavan has not allowed an earned run in four WCWS appearances. Over 24 innings, she has allowed 12 hits and struck out 15. She got 10 groundouts on Wednesday night.The Red Raiders threatened in the first, loading the bases with no outs. Canady, who leads Texas Tech with 11 homers, hit a grounder to third to start a 5-2-3 double play, and Alexa Langeliers grounded out to the pitcher to end the inning.“Obviously it was a hard-fought game,” Texas coach Mike White said. “It could have gone either way, a game of inches. A lot of things happening for a 2-1 ballgame for sure. Fortunately we were able to come out on top of it. NiJaree Canady is just an extremely good pitcher. We have one on our side too with Teagan Kavan. They kind of matched toe-to-toe for quite a while, and it was good.”