<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745199105348.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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AMES, Iowa&nbsp;&ndash; Behind a composed performance in the circle from&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906">Katie Brooks</a>&nbsp;and an explosive showing at the plate, Kansas softball powered its way to a 13 to 5 run-rule win over Iowa State on Sunday afternoon in Ames. After a pair of tough losses to start the series, the Jayhawks responded with energy and execution on both sides of the ball,&nbsp; highlighted by timely hits, a statement home run from&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949">Olivia Bruno</a>, and a confident outing from Brooks, who made her 57th career start in the Crimson and Blue. "I'm really proud of&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906">Katie Brooks</a>&nbsp;today. She gave up a two-run homer but answered right back the next inning&mdash;she stayed confident and competitive in the circle," said head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/jennifer-mcfalls/526">Jennifer McFalls</a>."We played good defense behind her and got timely hits when we needed them. Most importantly, we just need to focus on ourselves, bottle up this momentum, and take it back to Lawrence with us." Brooks took the circle for the third game of the Iowa State series, making her 11th start of the season and the 57th of her Kansas career. Brooks made quick work of the Cyclones in the first inning, retiring the side with ease and giving the Jayhawks their second opportunity at the plate. The Jayhawks sparked some offensive momentum in the top of the second, starting with freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-wallace/15856">Ava Wallace</a>&nbsp;reaching first on a hard-hit ground ball to shortstop.&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/anna-soles/6934">Anna Soles</a>&nbsp;followed with a double to center field, driving in the first run of the game and putting Kansas on the board. <a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/presley-limbaugh/6855">Presley Limbaugh</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/hailey-cripe/6977">Hailey Cripe</a>&nbsp;kicked off the third inning with back-to-back singles, setting the stage for&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949">Olivia Bruno</a>. Down 0-2 in the count, Bruno crushed a pitch to deep center field, giving Kansas a commanding 4-0 lead over Iowa State. In the bottom of the third, Iowa State applied some pressure with a two-run homer, cutting Kansas' 4-0 lead in half. The Jayhawks kept their composure, escaping the inning without further damage thanks to a heads-up foul ball catch in right field by&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/aynslee-linduff/6968">Aynslee Linduff</a>. Kansas responded effectively in the fourth, plating five runs to extend their lead. The scoring began with a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/hailey-cripe/6977">Hailey Cripe</a>&nbsp;double that brought home&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/karsen-griggs/15854">Karsen Griggs</a>&nbsp;and Limbuagh with ease, while pushing&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/aynslee-linduff/6968">Aynslee Linduff</a>&nbsp;to third. Junior&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/campbell-bagshaw/6868">Campbell Bagshaw</a>&nbsp;followed with a blast to right-center, clearing the bases and giving the Jayhawks a commanding 9-2 lead. Iowa State made its presence known at the bottom of the fourth, pushing across three runs with aggressive offense and cutting the Kansas lead to 9-5.&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906">Katie Brooks</a>&nbsp;held her ground, ending the rally with a clutch strikeout to send the Jayhawks back on offense. The Kansas offense kept rolling in the fifth, tallying four hits and four more runs. The Jayhawks saw contributions across the lineup, with&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-amezcua/15852">Bailey Amezcua</a>, Limbaugh, Linduff, and Bagshaw all delivering at the plate. The juniors came up clutch as well, each driving in a run to stretch the lead to 13-5 heading into the bottom of the fifth. The Jayhawks brought the Cyclones to their final three outs, holding a commanding 13-5 lead, and they stayed locked in, shutting the door and keeping Iowa State off the board. With a strong defensive stand, Kansas closed out the game in five innings, securing a dominant run-rule win and their lone victory of the weekend.&nbsp; Pitchers of Record: Win:&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906">Katie Brooks</a>&nbsp; (5-7) Line: 5.0 IP, 5&nbsp; R, 6&nbsp; H, 3 BB, 4 SO Loss: Jaiden Ralston (8-7) Line: 3.0&nbsp; IP, 4 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 1 SO Up Next Kansas will return to Lawrence briefly before hitting the road again to take on Kansas City. The Jayhawks will then be back home for a three-game series against No. 22 Oklahoma State at Arrocha Ballpark. Notables
<ul style="font-weight: 400;">
<li>&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/anna-soles/6934">Anna Soles</a>&nbsp;earned her 13th hit of the season and 16th hit of her Jayhawk career.&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949">Olivia Bruno</a>&nbsp;launched her eighth home run of the season for Kansas, now sitting just four shy of matching her all-time single-season high.</li>
<li>Junior&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/campbell-bagshaw/6868">Campbell Bagshaw</a>&nbsp;earned her second home run of the season and her fifth overall&nbsp;</li>
<li>The Jayhawks earned their 8th run rule of the year after defeating Iowa State 13-5</li>
<li>The Kansas softball team collected 13 RBIs in their Sunday contest against Iowa State, marking the second-highest RBI total in a game for the Jayhawks this season. Their season-high stands at 22 RBIs, achieved during a 23-0 victory over East Texas A&amp;M on March 1, 2025</li>
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🥎 Jayhawks run-rule Cyclones in series finale

DETROIT (AP) — Andy Ibáñez hit a tiebreaking home run in the second inning to back rookie Jackson Jobe and lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over Kansas City on Friday night that extended the Royals’ losing streak to five.

Spencer Torkelson delivered a two-run double in the seventh for his AL-leading 13th extra-base hit for the Tigers.

Kansas City dropped to 1-7 on a 10-game trip. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double for a 1-0 lead.

Tomás Nido, who had three hits, hit a tying single in the second and Ibáñez’s drive leading off the fourth put Detroit ahead for good.

Jobe (2-0) allowed one run and five hits in five inning.

Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10 or more strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs and six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.

Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino’s single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got two outs for his fourth save.

The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out.

The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only Colorado. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.

DETROIT (AP) — Andy Ibáñez hit a tiebreaking home run in the second inning to back rookie Jackson Jobe and lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over Kansas City on Friday night that extended the Royals’ losing streak to five.Spencer Torkelson delivered a two-run double in the seventh for his AL-leading 13th extra-base hit for the Tigers.Kansas City dropped to 1-7 on a 10-game trip. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double for a 1-0 lead.Tomás Nido, who had three hits, hit a tying single in the second and Ibáñez’s drive leading off the fourth put Detroit ahead for good.Jobe (2-0) allowed one run and five hits in five inning.Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10 or more strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs and six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino’s single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got two outs for his fourth save.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only Colorado. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Ibáñez hits tiebreaking homer to lead Tigers over Royals

DETROIT (AP) — Tomás Nido and Andy Ibáñez hit solo homers and rookie Jackson Jobe pitched five strong innings to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino's double for a 1-0 lead.

Nido, who went 3 for 4, homered for the first time with the Tigers to tie it in the second. Ibáñez's solo shot leading off the fourth put them ahead for good.

Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Royals starter Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10-plus strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs on six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.

Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino's single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got the final two outs for his fourth save.

The Royals have lost five straight and are 1-7 so far on a 10-game road trip.

The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out to end it.

The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only the Rockies. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745028333160.jpeg" alt="Detroit Tigers' Tomás Nido hits a one-run single against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning during a baseball game, Friday, April 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)" />
 <figcaption>Detroit Tigers' Tomás Nido hits a one-run single against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning during a baseball game, Friday, April 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Tomás Nido and Andy Ibáñez hit solo homers and rookie Jackson Jobe pitched five strong innings to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.Spencer Torkelson delivered a two-run double in the seventh for his AL-leading 13th extra-base hit for the Tigers.Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino's double for a 1-0 lead.Nido, who went 3 for 4, homered for the first time with the Tigers to tie it in the second. Ibáñez's solo shot leading off the fourth put them ahead for good.Jobe (2-0) allowed one run on five hits.Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Royals starter Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10-plus strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs on six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino's single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got the final two outs for his fourth save.The Royals have lost five straight and are 1-7 so far on a 10-game road trip.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out to end it.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only the Rockies. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Nido and Ibáñez homer in Tigers victory over Royals

Hutchinson, McPherson battle deep field at Newton Invitational

NEWTON, Kan. — Hutchinson and McPherson faced off against a large and competitive field Thursday at the Newton Invitational held at Sand Creek Station Golf Course.

Maize South took home top team honors with a score of 322, led by Colten Hoover’s 78. Bishop Carroll finished second at 327, and Valley Center was third with a 339. Hutchinson placed 10th with a team total of 369, while McPherson followed in 12th at 372.

Hutchinson was paced by Mitchell Rice, who carded an 84 to tie for 14th individually. Landyn Powell added a 93, followed by Alex Haas and Maks Dreiling with matching 96s. Tate England rounded out the scoring for the Salthawks with a 112, and Chris Evans shot 122.

McPherson’s top finisher was Cole Cooper, who turned in a 90. Kamerson Buckbee and Teigan Younger each shot 93 and 94, respectively. Lawson Ediger and Hudson Krehbiel both finished at 95, while Zane Sporleder and Paxton Ingels contributed rounds of 97 and 98.

Garden City’s Maddix Shook earned medalist honors with a 74, two strokes ahead of Max Farber from Bishop Carroll.

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Hesston takes 4th, Buhler ties for 9th at Wichita Collegiate Invitational

WICHITA, Kan. — Hesston placed fourth and Buhler tied for 10th at the Wichita Collegiate School Invitational boys golf tournament Thursday at Tallgrass Country Club.

Andover claimed the team title with a 319, followed by Wichita Collegiate (323) and Andover Central and Hesston (327 each). Buhler posted a 354 to tie Augusta for 10th in the 12-team field.

Carter Frey and Grant Waterson led the way for Hesston, each carding an 81 to finish tied for 10th individually. Teammates Austin Penner and Eli Frantz followed closely with rounds of 82 and 83, respectively, while Ty Unruh added a 91 and Eli Roth shot a 92.

Buhler was paced by Drew DeMeyer, who tied for 13th with an 82. Zach Chance added an 85, Brennan Geilenfeldt posted a 92, Jace Heimerman finished at 95, Brayden Adams shot 97, and Isaiah Heredia rounded out the scoring with a 113.

Andover’s Seth Benjamin and Andover Central’s Xayden Garcia shared medalist honors with rounds of 74.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744378431803.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHutchinson, McPherson battle deep field at Newton InvitationalNEWTON, Kan. — Hutchinson and McPherson faced off against a large and competitive field Thursday at the Newton Invitational held at Sand Creek Station Golf Course.Maize South took home top team honors with a score of 322, led by Colten Hoover’s 78. Bishop Carroll finished second at 327, and Valley Center was third with a 339. Hutchinson placed 10th with a team total of 369, while McPherson followed in 12th at 372.Hutchinson was paced by Mitchell Rice, who carded an 84 to tie for 14th individually. Landyn Powell added a 93, followed by Alex Haas and Maks Dreiling with matching 96s. Tate England rounded out the scoring for the Salthawks with a 112, and Chris Evans shot 122.McPherson’s top finisher was Cole Cooper, who turned in a 90. Kamerson Buckbee and Teigan Younger each shot 93 and 94, respectively. Lawson Ediger and Hudson Krehbiel both finished at 95, while Zane Sporleder and Paxton Ingels contributed rounds of 97 and 98.Garden City’s Maddix Shook earned medalist honors with a 74, two strokes ahead of Max Farber from Bishop Carroll.-----------------------------------------------------------------------Hesston takes 4th, Buhler ties for 9th at Wichita Collegiate InvitationalWICHITA, Kan. — Hesston placed fourth and Buhler tied for 10th at the Wichita Collegiate School Invitational boys golf tournament Thursday at Tallgrass Country Club.Andover claimed the team title with a 319, followed by Wichita Collegiate (323) and Andover Central and Hesston (327 each). Buhler posted a 354 to tie Augusta for 10th in the 12-team field.Carter Frey and Grant Waterson led the way for Hesston, each carding an 81 to finish tied for 10th individually. Teammates Austin Penner and Eli Frantz followed closely with rounds of 82 and 83, respectively, while Ty Unruh added a 91 and Eli Roth shot a 92.Buhler was paced by Drew DeMeyer, who tied for 13th with an 82. Zach Chance added an 85, Brennan Geilenfeldt posted a 92, Jace Heimerman finished at 95, Brayden Adams shot 97, and Isaiah Heredia rounded out the scoring with a 113.Andover’s Seth Benjamin and Andover Central’s Xayden Garcia shared medalist honors with rounds of 74.

⛳ Area high school roundup from Thursday

LINDSBORG, Kan. — Athletes from across central Kansas delivered standout performances Thursday at the Smoky Valley Invitational held at Bethany College, with several local schools making their mark in individual and relay events, on a day that saw wind gusts north of 40 miles per hour.

McPherson’s Matt Burger won the boys 100-meter dash in 11.16 seconds and narrowly missed a double win, taking second in the 200-meter dash (23.46). The Bullpups also took second in the boys 4x100 relay and won the girls 4x800 relay (10:27.97), led by Lexi Patterson, who also won the girls 3200 meters in 12:24.48.

Trinity Catholic’s Isaac Hammersmith stood out by finishing runner-up in the 100 (11.30), placing seventh in the 200, and winning the high jump with a leap of 6-8. He also claimed the long jump title with a mark of 22 feet, 0.5 inches. Trinity’s boys 4x400 relay team placed fourth (3:37.01), and John Lindstrom placed second in the 3200 and third in the 1600.

Buhler’s Lillie Ledford dominated on the girls side, winning the 400 (59.46) and finishing second in the 200 and third in the 100. The Crusaders won the girls 4x400 relay (4:16.20) and placed third in the 4x100. On the boys side, Zach Friesen won the 110 hurdles (15.05), and Aidan Anderson was runner-up in the 300 hurdles (42.27). Buhler also got a pole vault runner-up finish from Max Harmony (14-0).

Pratt freshman Cade Liggett won the boys 200 (23.44) and was fifth in the 100. Teammate Carlito Lara won the boys 800 in 1:59.00 and helped Pratt win the 4x400 relay in 3:26.45. The Greenbacks girls 4x100 team took gold in 51.73.

Smoky Valley’s Esther Clark Pavlovich won the girls 800 (2:25.05) and 1600 (5:39.89), while Trista Spitler swept the horizontal jumps, winning the triple jump (35-6) and placing second in the long jump. Smoky Valley's girls 4x800 relay finished third (10:49.56).

Local athletes from the area dominated many field events as well, with Pratt’s Kollyn Strong winning the boys shot put (51-11), and Buhler’s Ryan Gotti capturing the girls javelin title (122-9).

Team Results Summary (Top Area Performers)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744996285714.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostLINDSBORG, Kan. — Athletes from across central Kansas delivered standout performances Thursday at the Smoky Valley Invitational held at Bethany College, with several local schools making their mark in individual and relay events, on a day that saw wind gusts north of 40 miles per hour.McPherson’s Matt Burger won the boys 100-meter dash in 11.16 seconds and narrowly missed a double win, taking second in the 200-meter dash (23.46). The Bullpups also took second in the boys 4x100 relay and won the girls 4x800 relay (10:27.97), led by Lexi Patterson, who also won the girls 3200 meters in 12:24.48.Trinity Catholic’s Isaac Hammersmith stood out by finishing runner-up in the 100 (11.30), placing seventh in the 200, and winning the high jump with a leap of 6-8. He also claimed the long jump title with a mark of 22 feet, 0.5 inches. Trinity’s boys 4x400 relay team placed fourth (3:37.01), and John Lindstrom placed second in the 3200 and third in the 1600.Buhler’s Lillie Ledford dominated on the girls side, winning the 400 (59.46) and finishing second in the 200 and third in the 100. The Crusaders won the girls 4x400 relay (4:16.20) and placed third in the 4x100. On the boys side, Zach Friesen won the 110 hurdles (15.05), and Aidan Anderson was runner-up in the 300 hurdles (42.27). Buhler also got a pole vault runner-up finish from Max Harmony (14-0).Pratt freshman Cade Liggett won the boys 200 (23.44) and was fifth in the 100. Teammate Carlito Lara won the boys 800 in 1:59.00 and helped Pratt win the 4x400 relay in 3:26.45. The Greenbacks girls 4x100 team took gold in 51.73.Smoky Valley’s Esther Clark Pavlovich won the girls 800 (2:25.05) and 1600 (5:39.89), while Trista Spitler swept the horizontal jumps, winning the triple jump (35-6) and placing second in the long jump. Smoky Valley's girls 4x800 relay finished third (10:49.56).Local athletes from the area dominated many field events as well, with Pratt’s Kollyn Strong winning the boys shot put (51-11), and Buhler’s Ryan Gotti capturing the girls javelin title (122-9).<h2>Team Results Summary (Top Area Performers)</h2><ul>
 <li>McPherson: 1st – Girls 4x800, 2nd – Boys 4x100
</li><li>Trinity Catholic: 1st – Boys High Jump, Long Jump (Hammersmith); 4th – Boys 4x400
</li><li>Buhler: 1st – Girls 4x400; 3rd – Girls 4x100; 1st – Boys 110 hurdles (Friesen)
</li><li>Pratt: 1st – Boys 800 (Lara); 1st – Boys 4x400; 1st – Girls 4x100
</li><li>Smoky Valley: 1st – Girls 800, 1600 (Clark Pavlovich); 1st – Girls Triple Jump (Spitler)</li>
 </ul>

👟 Area high school track & field roundup from Thursday

PRATT, Kan. — The Nickerson High School baseball and softball teams were swept by the Pratt Greenbacks on Thursday at the Green Sports Complex.

The Nickerson baseball team falls to 1-11, while the Panther softball team drops to 2-10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668289099740.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostPRATT, Kan. — The Nickerson High School baseball and softball teams were swept by the Pratt Greenbacks on Thursday at the Green Sports Complex.The Nickerson baseball team falls to 1-11, while the Panther softball team drops to 2-10.<div><h1>BASEBALL RECAPS</h1>
Game 1 &mdash; Pratt 15,&nbsp;Nickerson 0
A dominant offensive performance powered Pratt to a 15-0 run-rule victory over Nickerson on Thursday, fueled by an eight-run second inning.
The Greenbacks opened the scoring in the first inning as Cresten Pore delivered a two-run single and Ethan Koger added an RBI walk to give Pratt a 3-0 lead.
Pratt erupted in the second, scoring eight runs on seven hits. Caleb Strong had a pair of extra-base hits in the inning, including a two-run double. Josiah Schmidt, Luke Gatlin, Madden Wilson, Kyler Craft and Owen Schmidt each drove in runs as part of the outburst.
The Greenbacks added four more in the third, highlighted by an RBI single from Wilson, an RBI triple by Craft, and another two-run double from Strong.
Schmidt earned the win for Pratt, tossing three shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out three. Fallon Rist took the loss for Nickerson, giving up seven runs in one inning of work.
Strong led Pratt&rsquo;s 13-hit effort, going a perfect 4-for-4 with five RBIs. Craft, Wilson, and Schmidt each recorded multiple hits. Pratt also drew seven walks and swiped eight bases, led by Schmidt&rsquo;s three steals. The defense was flawless, turning a double play and committing no errors.
Corbin Shelton had the lone hit for Nickerson.
&nbsp;
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Game 2 &mdash;&nbsp;Pratt 15, Nickerson 0
Pratt erupted for nine runs in the first inning and never looked back, cruising to a 15-0 win over Nickerson in three innings Thursday to sweep the doubleheader.
Owen Schmidt ignited the Greenbacks' early surge with an RBI triple in the first. Cresten Pore was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in another run, followed by RBI hits from Luke Gatlin, Max Thimesch, Madden Wilson, Kyler Craft and Josiah Schmidt, who capped the inning with a two-run single.
Pratt continued to pour it on in the second with a steal of home by Pore and an RBI single by Schmidt. Three more runs crossed in the third on a double by Gatlin, a hit batter, and a sacrifice fly from Schmidt.
Thimesch earned the win for Pratt, scattering three hits over three scoreless innings. He struck out one and walked one. Nickerson&rsquo;s Corbin Shelton took the loss after surrendering 12 runs on 11 hits across two innings.
Dale Smith led Nickerson with two hits out of the leadoff spot. The Panthers played clean defense with no errors.
Pratt tallied 13 hits in the victory, led by Schmidt&rsquo;s 3-for-3 day at the plate. Pore, Gatlin, and Schmidt each collected multiple hits, and Pore also stole two of the team&rsquo;s seven total bases. The Greenbacks played error-free in the field, with Pore recording five defensive chances.
Nickerson returns to action Tuesday at home against Hesston.
<h1>&nbsp;</h1>
<h1>SOFTBALL RECAPS</h1>
Game 1 &mdash; Pratt 20, Nickerson&nbsp;5
Despite a three-hit effort from Jayli Groth, Nickerson couldn&rsquo;t keep pace with a red-hot Pratt offense on Thursday, falling 20-5 in four innings.
Groth went 3-for-3 at the plate, including a double in the fourth, and drove in a run in the first inning to give the Panthers an early lead.
Pratt responded with four runs in the bottom half of the first, highlighted by a two-run inside-the-park home run from Addison Sowers and an RBI double from Savannah Copus.
The Greenbacks broke things open in the second with an eight-run outburst. Sowers tripled in three runs, and Renee Hamm, Anaston Teasley, and Taylor Creadick each added RBI hits in the frame.
Nickerson added two more in the third on a home run by Lily Chapman, but Pratt struck for six more in the bottom half. Sowers continued her dominant day with an RBI single and finished 3-for-3 with six RBIs. Hope Hughes added a two-run double and Creadick collected her fourth hit of the game.
Mayci Terhune took the loss for Nickerson, allowing 20 runs on 16 hits across three innings. Copus earned the win for Pratt, giving up five runs on 10 hits while striking out four.
Nickerson finished with 10 hits. Groth and Chapman each drove in two runs, while Kaitlyn Kreutzer and Kyleigh Hathaway both had multi-hit games. The Panthers stole five bases, including two each by Kreutzer and Groth.
Pratt racked up 16 hits with four from Creadick in the leadoff spot. Winklepleck, Copus, and Teasley also had multi-hit efforts. The Lady Greenbacks were sharp defensively, committing no errors and collecting five stolen bases.
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Game 2 &mdash; Pratt 15, Nickerson 0
Nickerson couldn&rsquo;t overcome a fast start from Pratt on Thursday, falling 15-0 in three innings in the second game of their doubleheader.
The Greenbacks jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning behind RBI hits from Anaston Teasley, Hope Hughes, and Madilyn Bolen. Mica Stapleton also drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in the game&rsquo;s first run.
Pratt added three more runs in the second, capitalizing on a pair of hit batters and a passed ball to stretch the lead to 8-0.
The third inning sealed it, as Pratt erupted for seven more runs on six hits. Taylor Creadick and Addison Sowers each delivered RBI singles, Teasley cleared the bases with a three-run double, and Hughes capped the scoring with her third hit of the game.
Dallie Winklepleck earned the win in the circle, throwing three shutout innings while allowing two hits and striking out five. Lily Chapman took the loss for Nickerson, giving up five runs in the first.
Jayli Groth and Shalie Powell each had a hit for the Lady Panthers. Taylor Huggard stole two bases, and Nickerson played clean defensively with no errors. Kaitlyn Kreutzer led the team with three defensive chances.
Hughes finished 3-for-3 to lead Pratt&rsquo;s 11-hit effort, while Teasley went 2-for-2 with three RBIs. The Greenbacks were aggressive on the basepaths with seven stolen bases and committed no errors in the field.
Nickerson will look to bounce back Tuesday when it hosts Hesston.
&nbsp;</div>

⚾🥎 Panther baseball and softball teams swept by Greenbacks

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Trinity Catholic Celtics baseball team split it's doubleheader with the Remington Broncos on Thursday afternoon, while the Celtic softball team dropped both to the Broncos.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744984519843.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Trinity Catholic High School" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Trinity Catholic High School</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostSOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Trinity Catholic Celtics baseball team split it's doubleheader with the Remington Broncos on Thursday afternoon, while the Celtic softball team dropped both to the Broncos.&nbsp;<div><h1>BASEBALL RECAPS</h1>
Game 1 &mdash; Remington 15, Trinity Catholic 3
Remington erupted for eight runs in the fifth inning to pull away from Trinity Catholic and secure a 15-3 win on Thursday.
After a slow start, the Broncos broke a 3-3 tie in the top of the fourth with four runs, then blew the game open with an eight-run outburst in the fifth.
Jonah Cummings got Remington on the board with an RBI double in the second, but Trinity Catholic answered in the bottom half as Elijah Gutierrez tripled to center to tie the game. The Celtics briefly took the lead in the third on a defensive miscue that made it 3-1.
The Broncos responded in the fourth with a two-run double from Peyton Ryan, a two-run double by Eli Claassen, and an RBI groundout from Kendell Reimer to make it 7-3.
Remington piled on in the fifth, scoring eight runs on three hits. Key moments included a triple by Tyrel Koehn, a two-run single from Sterling Scribner, and a two-run triple from Josh Knowles, aided by multiple Trinity errors.
Claassen earned the win on the mound, allowing just four hits and one earned run over five innings while striking out eight. Jeremy Gentry took the loss for Trinity, giving up five runs in three innings.
Lucas Griffith drove in two runs to lead the Celtics offensively. Gutierrez, Bryan Maya, Drew Dechant, and Gentry each had one hit.
Remington collected 13 hits as five players had multi-hit games, including Cummings, Ryan, Knowles, and Scribner. Four Broncos recorded two RBIs apiece, and the team drew six walks to complement its offensive effort.
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Game 2 &mdash; Trinity Catholic 3, Remington 0
Drew Dechant was electric on the mound Thursday, striking out 18 as Trinity Catholic edged Remington 3-1 in a well-pitched battle.
Dechant tossed a complete game, allowing just one hit and one run while walking one across seven innings. He also helped himself at the plate, driving in two runs to lead the Celtics offensively.
Remington took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a steal of home, but Trinity tied it in the third when Dechant grounded out to bring in a run.
The Celtics took control in the fifth, as Dechant ripped a triple to left field and Jeremy Gentry followed with an RBI single to give Trinity a 3-1 advantage.
Dechant, Gentry, Sam Vogel and Lucas Griffith each tallied two hits. Griffith also swiped two bases as Trinity collected eight hits and played error-free defense. Gage Schroeder anchored the infield with 17 putouts.
Josh Knowles took the loss for Remington, striking out eight over five innings while allowing three runs on eight hits. Eli Claassen recorded the lone hit for the Broncos, who stole seven bases and also committed no errors. Jonah Cummings led the Remington defense with nine putouts.
Trinity Catholic returns to action Tuesday at home against Moundridge.
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<h1>SOFTBALL RECAPS</h1>
Game 1 &mdash; Remington 16, Trinity Catholic 0
Trinity Catholic struggled to contain a hot Remington offense on Thursday, falling 16-0 in four innings.
The Broncos broke the game open in the second inning, scoring five runs highlighted by a two-run single from Cheyenne Hoch and a two-run double off the bat of Jozelynn Weerts. Laila McCormick added an RBI groundout to cap the frame.
Remington tacked on seven more runs in the third, taking advantage of defensive miscues by Trinity. Maggie Coats and Hoch each drove in a run, while a string of errors plated several more. Cambree Lawler chipped in with an RBI single.
The Celtics managed just one hit &mdash; a single from Addison Crockett &mdash; and turned one double play defensively. Pitcher Mattie Galliher allowed 10 hits and 16 runs (10 earned) over four innings, walking seven.
Hoch led the Broncos at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Elena Bowling, Kynzee Klaassen, Hoch, and Madi Phipps each collected two hits as part of Remington&rsquo;s 10-hit outing. Lawler and McCormick each drew two walks as the Broncos worked seven free passes and turned a double play in the win.
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Game 2 &mdash; Remington 16, Trinity Catholic 4
A strong start wasn&rsquo;t enough for Trinity Catholic on Thursday, as the Celtics fell 16-4 to Remington in a four-inning run-rule.
Trinity jumped out early, scoring three runs in the first inning behind a two-run triple from Addison Crockett and an RBI groundout by Mattie Galliher.
But the Broncos responded in a big way in the top of the second, scoring seven runs on just one hit &mdash; aided by five walks, two errors, and a hit batter that brought in three runs.
Remington extended its lead in the third, plating two more on a walk and a steal of home by Jozelynn Weerts.
The Broncos blew the game open in the fourth with a seven-run frame. Madi Phipps drove in two with a single, Weerts followed with a three-run double, and Kynzee Klaassen capped the rally with a two-run double.
Crockett led Trinity at the plate with three RBIs and one of the team&rsquo;s three hits. She also threw 3 1/3 innings in relief, allowing nine runs on seven hits. Faith Suter started for the Celtics and was tagged with seven runs in 1 2/3 innings. Remington&rsquo;s Britany Klaassen earned the win, allowing four runs (three earned) over two innings.
Weerts went 2-for-4 with three RBIs to lead Remington. Klaassen and Phipps also had two hits each. The Broncos showed discipline at the plate, drawing nine walks and stealing 16 bases &mdash; including multiple swipes by five different players.
Trinity Catholic will look to bounce back Tuesday when it hosts Moundridge.</div>

⚾🥎 Trinity Catholic baseball splits, softball drops both to Remington

BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler High School baseball team picked up two wins over Augusta on Thursday afternoon at Wheatland Park, 7-4 and 14-4.

The wins improve the Crusaders' record to 12-4 on the season, while Augusta drops to 2-11.

Dylan Scripsick drove in three runs and Mitchel McDaniel delivered a three-hit night as Buhler topped Augusta 7-4 on Thursday behind timely hitting and strong defense.

Augusta struck first with an RBI single by Dalton Apel in the opening frame, but Buhler answered in the bottom half when Scripsick singled down the left field line to even the score at 1-1.

Scripsick came through again in the second, driving in two more runs with a single to give the Crusaders a 3-1 lead. Augusta tied it up in the third on a sacrifice fly by Hulse and another RBI single from Apel.

Buhler broke the game open in the fourth as McDaniel plated two with a base hit, and Brayden Henry followed with an RBI double to push the lead to 6-3. The Crusaders added one more in the sixth to seal it.

Nixon Standlee earned the complete-game win for Buhler, allowing eight hits and just one earned run over seven innings. He struck out seven and walked one. Augusta starter Brody Haskell took the loss, giving up six runs on six hits over 4.2 innings while walking five and striking out three.

McDaniel finished 3-for-4 to lead Buhler in hits, while Scripsick went 2-for-3 with a team-high three RBIs. Cash Carson and Scripsick each stole two bases, as the Crusaders tallied five steals and drew six walks on the night. Buhler also flashed the leather, turning two double plays defensively.

Apel went 2-for-4 with two RBIs to pace Augusta’s offense. Haskell had a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 as the leadoff hitter. Augusta also turned two double plays in the field.

Mitchel McDaniel hit a grand slam and drove in four runs to lead Buhler to a 14-4 win over Augusta on Thursday, completing a doubleheader sweep at home.

McDaniel’s blast came in the fourth inning, clearing the left field fence to extend Buhler’s lead to 9-1. He also drew a bases-loaded walk in the sixth to add another RBI as the Crusaders closed out the win by run rule.

Augusta opened the scoring in the first with an RBI single from Apel, but Buhler quickly responded. Brayden Henry tied the game with an RBI single and Jace Miller’s sacrifice fly made it 2-1 after one inning. The Crusaders added two more in the second on a Miller RBI single and a sac fly from Cash Carson.

Brett Scripsick drove in a run with a double in the third, and Carson added a two-RBI single in the sixth as part of a five-run frame that put the game out of reach.

Henry earned the win on the mound, tossing five innings and allowing just one earned run on six hits while striking out two without a walk. Luke Holmberg pitched the sixth in relief. Augusta’s Paxton Bonham took the loss, giving up five runs (three earned) over three innings.

Buhler collected nine hits and showed great discipline at the plate, drawing 13 walks. Carson, Scripsick, and Henry had two hits each, while McDaniel, Miller, and Scripsick each walked twice. The Crusaders also stole five bases and turned a double play.

Apel led Augusta offensively, going 2-for-3.

Buhler will travel to Mulvane for its next contest on Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714507386308.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostBUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler High School baseball team picked up two wins over Augusta on Thursday afternoon at Wheatland Park, 7-4 and 14-4.The wins improve the Crusaders' record to 12-4 on the season, while Augusta drops to 2-11.Game 1 — Buhler 14, Augusta 4Dylan Scripsick drove in three runs and Mitchel McDaniel delivered a three-hit night as Buhler topped Augusta 7-4 on Thursday behind timely hitting and strong defense.Augusta struck first with an RBI single by Dalton Apel in the opening frame, but Buhler answered in the bottom half when Scripsick singled down the left field line to even the score at 1-1.Scripsick came through again in the second, driving in two more runs with a single to give the Crusaders a 3-1 lead. Augusta tied it up in the third on a sacrifice fly by Hulse and another RBI single from Apel.Buhler broke the game open in the fourth as McDaniel plated two with a base hit, and Brayden Henry followed with an RBI double to push the lead to 6-3. The Crusaders added one more in the sixth to seal it.Nixon Standlee earned the complete-game win for Buhler, allowing eight hits and just one earned run over seven innings. He struck out seven and walked one. Augusta starter Brody Haskell took the loss, giving up six runs on six hits over 4.2 innings while walking five and striking out three.McDaniel finished 3-for-4 to lead Buhler in hits, while Scripsick went 2-for-3 with a team-high three RBIs. Cash Carson and Scripsick each stole two bases, as the Crusaders tallied five steals and drew six walks on the night. Buhler also flashed the leather, turning two double plays defensively.Apel went 2-for-4 with two RBIs to pace Augusta’s offense. Haskell had a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 as the leadoff hitter. Augusta also turned two double plays in the field.-----------------------------------------------------------------------Game 2 — Buhler 14, Augusta 4Mitchel McDaniel hit a grand slam and drove in four runs to lead Buhler to a 14-4 win over Augusta on Thursday, completing a doubleheader sweep at home.McDaniel’s blast came in the fourth inning, clearing the left field fence to extend Buhler’s lead to 9-1. He also drew a bases-loaded walk in the sixth to add another RBI as the Crusaders closed out the win by run rule.Augusta opened the scoring in the first with an RBI single from Apel, but Buhler quickly responded. Brayden Henry tied the game with an RBI single and Jace Miller’s sacrifice fly made it 2-1 after one inning. The Crusaders added two more in the second on a Miller RBI single and a sac fly from Cash Carson.Brett Scripsick drove in a run with a double in the third, and Carson added a two-RBI single in the sixth as part of a five-run frame that put the game out of reach.Henry earned the win on the mound, tossing five innings and allowing just one earned run on six hits while striking out two without a walk. Luke Holmberg pitched the sixth in relief. Augusta’s Paxton Bonham took the loss, giving up five runs (three earned) over three innings.Buhler collected nine hits and showed great discipline at the plate, drawing 13 walks. Carson, Scripsick, and Henry had two hits each, while McDaniel, Miller, and Scripsick each walked twice. The Crusaders also stole five bases and turned a double play.Apel led Augusta offensively, going 2-for-3.Buhler will travel to Mulvane for its next contest on Thursday.

⚾ Buhler sweeps Augusta behind McDaniel's big night

BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler High School softball team hit seven home runs in it's doubleheader sweep of Augusta on Thursday afternoon at Wheatland Park.&nbsp;

The Crusaders are now 13-3 on the season, while the Orioles fall to 5-9.

In a back-and-forth slugfest, Buhler walked it off in extra innings to outlast the visiting Orioles, 18-17, on Thursday. Alexa Adame delivered the game-winning single in the bottom of the eighth to score the decisive run.

The Lady Crusaders trailed throughout much of the game before erupting in the bottom of the seventh with four home runs, including a game-tying solo shot to center by Tori Tustian to even the score at 17. That set the stage for Adame’s heroics one inning later.

Annistyn Cram powered Buhler’s offense with five RBIs, going 2-for-4. Tustian and Adame each collected three hits, while Ella Thiessen, Maddie Stallman, Sydney Quint, Taylor Kesinger and Macy Miller all added multi-hit performances as part of a 19-hit night for the Crusaders. Buhler also swiped four bases and turned two double plays defensively.

Kesinger went the distance in the circle for Buhler, giving up 19 hits and 17 runs (12 earned) while striking out five and walking three over eight innings.

The Orioles came out swinging, scoring six runs in the top of the first. Bracyn Landers doubled in two, Harley Dehner and Chloe Wignall each added RBI doubles, and Becca Skov and Ragan Pfeifer chipped in with RBI singles. Landers later hit a three-run homer in the fifth and Dehner added a solo shot in the seventh to give the Orioles a late edge.

Landers finished 3-for-6 with five RBIs to pace the Orioles, who also collected 19 hits. Dehner, Skov, and Landers all recorded three-hit games, while Pfeifer, Wignall, Camrea Riley, and Rylee Pfeifer had multiple hits. Wignall and Pfeifer each stole multiple bases as the Orioles totaled five steals on the night.

Riley took the loss in relief, allowing six runs (five earned) in 1.1 innings. Starter Rylee Sanger gave up 14 hits and 12 runs (nine earned) over six innings.

Sydney Quint recorded three hits, including a three-run homer, and Tori Tustian blasted a grand slam as Buhler cruised past the visiting Orioles, 14-0, on Thursday to cap a doubleheader sweep.

Quint finished 3-for-4 with a single in the first, a three-run shot to center in the second, and another base hit in the fourth. The Lady Crusaders tallied 16 hits overall, with eight coming in the decisive fourth inning, when they pushed across eight runs.

Ella Thiessen, Alexa Adame, Lilly Horne, and Annistyn Cram each delivered RBI singles in the fourth before Tustian cleared the bases with a grand slam to center. Buhler also scored in the first on a sacrifice bunt by Thiessen and added three more in the second on Quint’s homer. Cram tacked on a two-run homer to right in the third inning.

Horne picked up the win in the circle, tossing five shutout innings. She allowed just three hits while striking out three and walking none. Aaliyah Mitchell took the loss for the Orioles, surrendering 14 runs on 15 hits over three innings.

Tustian drove in four runs to lead Buhler, while Thiessen, Adame, Taylor Kesinger, Macy Miller, Cram and Horne all recorded multiple hits. The Crusaders also played clean defense, turning a double play and committing no errors. Maddie Stallman led the team with three defensive putouts.

Harley Dehner, Bracyn Landers, and Mitchell each had a hit for the Orioles, who also turned a double play and played error-free defense. Landers made a team-high seven plays in the field.

Buhler returns to action Thursday with a road game at Mulvane.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744983267852.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Gamechanger" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Gamechanger</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostBUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler High School softball team hit seven home runs in it's doubleheader sweep of Augusta on Thursday afternoon at Wheatland Park.&nbsp;The Crusaders are now 13-3 on the season, while the Orioles fall to 5-9.Game 1 — Buhler 18, Augusta 17In a back-and-forth slugfest, Buhler walked it off in extra innings to outlast the visiting Orioles, 18-17, on Thursday. Alexa Adame delivered the game-winning single in the bottom of the eighth to score the decisive run.The Lady Crusaders trailed throughout much of the game before erupting in the bottom of the seventh with four home runs, including a game-tying solo shot to center by Tori Tustian to even the score at 17. That set the stage for Adame’s heroics one inning later.Annistyn Cram powered Buhler’s offense with five RBIs, going 2-for-4. Tustian and Adame each collected three hits, while Ella Thiessen, Maddie Stallman, Sydney Quint, Taylor Kesinger and Macy Miller all added multi-hit performances as part of a 19-hit night for the Crusaders. Buhler also swiped four bases and turned two double plays defensively.Kesinger went the distance in the circle for Buhler, giving up 19 hits and 17 runs (12 earned) while striking out five and walking three over eight innings.The Orioles came out swinging, scoring six runs in the top of the first. Bracyn Landers doubled in two, Harley Dehner and Chloe Wignall each added RBI doubles, and Becca Skov and Ragan Pfeifer chipped in with RBI singles. Landers later hit a three-run homer in the fifth and Dehner added a solo shot in the seventh to give the Orioles a late edge.Landers finished 3-for-6 with five RBIs to pace the Orioles, who also collected 19 hits. Dehner, Skov, and Landers all recorded three-hit games, while Pfeifer, Wignall, Camrea Riley, and Rylee Pfeifer had multiple hits. Wignall and Pfeifer each stole multiple bases as the Orioles totaled five steals on the night.Riley took the loss in relief, allowing six runs (five earned) in 1.1 innings. Starter Rylee Sanger gave up 14 hits and 12 runs (nine earned) over six innings.-----------------------------------------------------------------------Game 2 — Buhler 14, Augusta 0Sydney Quint recorded three hits, including a three-run homer, and Tori Tustian blasted a grand slam as Buhler cruised past the visiting Orioles, 14-0, on Thursday to cap a doubleheader sweep.Quint finished 3-for-4 with a single in the first, a three-run shot to center in the second, and another base hit in the fourth. The Lady Crusaders tallied 16 hits overall, with eight coming in the decisive fourth inning, when they pushed across eight runs.Ella Thiessen, Alexa Adame, Lilly Horne, and Annistyn Cram each delivered RBI singles in the fourth before Tustian cleared the bases with a grand slam to center. Buhler also scored in the first on a sacrifice bunt by Thiessen and added three more in the second on Quint’s homer. Cram tacked on a two-run homer to right in the third inning.Horne picked up the win in the circle, tossing five shutout innings. She allowed just three hits while striking out three and walking none. Aaliyah Mitchell took the loss for the Orioles, surrendering 14 runs on 15 hits over three innings.Tustian drove in four runs to lead Buhler, while Thiessen, Adame, Taylor Kesinger, Macy Miller, Cram and Horne all recorded multiple hits. The Crusaders also played clean defense, turning a double play and committing no errors. Maddie Stallman led the team with three defensive putouts.Harley Dehner, Bracyn Landers, and Mitchell each had a hit for the Orioles, who also turned a double play and played error-free defense. Landers made a team-high seven plays in the field.Buhler returns to action Thursday with a road game at Mulvane.

🥎 Crusaders hit 7 home runs in sweep over Orioles

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School softball team picked up a pair of wins over the Wichita Heights Falcons on Thursday afternoon at Fun Valley.&nbsp;

Hutchinson is now 3-11 on the season, while Heights drops to 2-8.

Game 1 — Hutchinson 16, Wichita Heights 0

Kohlbie Craft drove in seven runs on three hits to lead the Hutchinson High softball team to a dominant 16-0 win over Wichita Heights on Thursday at Fun Valley.

Craft delivered run-scoring singles in the second and third innings before crushing a three-run home run to center in the fourth to cap her standout performance at the plate. She also pitched three shutout innings in the circle, allowing just one hit while striking out six and walking none.

The Salthawks took control early, scoring one run in the first and erupting for six runs in the second inning. Craft’s two-run single and Brooke Hogan’s three-run homer to left highlighted the frame. Hutchinson added two more in the third on another Craft single and a Hogan double, then put the game away with a six-run fourth inning, which included a two-run single from Jaden Durant and Craft’s three-run blast.

Hutchinson racked up 10 hits in the win. Alaina Borders and Hogan each had two hits, while Yazmin Pena drew four walks to lead the team’s eight free passes overall. Borders and Pena also recorded multiple stolen bases, as the Salthawks swiped eight bags as a team.

Jayanna Cornejo tossed a scoreless inning of relief, striking out one and walking three to finish the shutout.

Heights was held to just one hit, a single from Hannah Keane, who also started in the circle and allowed 16 runs on 10 hits and eight walks over three innings.

Game 2 — Hutchinson 13, Wichita Heights 1

A fast start and strong offensive showing helped the Hutchinson High softball team complete a sweep of Wichita Heights with a 13-1 win Thursday at Fun Valley.

The Lady Salthawks plated eight runs in the bottom of the first inning. The rally was sparked by a two-run error, a run-scoring double from Jayanna Cornejo, an RBI hit-by-pitch to Mauree Garland, a three-run triple by Annalee Eckhoff, and a single from Yazmin Pena that drove in another.

Hutchinson added five more runs in the fourth on six hits. Cornejo tripled in a run, Sadie Marciano and Alaina Borders added RBI singles, and Baylee Pickering capped the inning with a two-run inside-the-park home run.

Addison Coupe earned the win in the circle, tossing three shutout innings. She allowed two hits, struck out one, and walked none. Kierah Sterling pitched the final inning in relief. Heights starter Hannah Keane allowed 13 runs (12 earned) on 13 hits over four innings, striking out seven and walking two.

The Salthawks totaled 13 hits in the game, led by Pena’s 3-for-4 day from the leadoff spot. Cornejo and Pickering also had multiple hits, while Eckhoff drove in three runs with her lone hit. Hutchinson was aggressive on the bases, stealing five bags, including two by Pena.

Keane and Westein each recorded one hit for the Falcons.

Hutchinson returns to action Tuesday when it hosts Campus at Fun Valley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744982717503.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Gamechanger" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Gamechanger</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School softball team picked up a pair of wins over the Wichita Heights Falcons on Thursday afternoon at Fun Valley.&nbsp;Hutchinson is now 3-11 on the season, while Heights drops to 2-8.Game 1 — Hutchinson 16, Wichita Heights 0Kohlbie Craft drove in seven runs on three hits to lead the Hutchinson High softball team to a dominant 16-0 win over Wichita Heights on Thursday at Fun Valley.Craft delivered run-scoring singles in the second and third innings before crushing a three-run home run to center in the fourth to cap her standout performance at the plate. She also pitched three shutout innings in the circle, allowing just one hit while striking out six and walking none.The Salthawks took control early, scoring one run in the first and erupting for six runs in the second inning. Craft’s two-run single and Brooke Hogan’s three-run homer to left highlighted the frame. Hutchinson added two more in the third on another Craft single and a Hogan double, then put the game away with a six-run fourth inning, which included a two-run single from Jaden Durant and Craft’s three-run blast.Hutchinson racked up 10 hits in the win. Alaina Borders and Hogan each had two hits, while Yazmin Pena drew four walks to lead the team’s eight free passes overall. Borders and Pena also recorded multiple stolen bases, as the Salthawks swiped eight bags as a team.Jayanna Cornejo tossed a scoreless inning of relief, striking out one and walking three to finish the shutout.Heights was held to just one hit, a single from Hannah Keane, who also started in the circle and allowed 16 runs on 10 hits and eight walks over three innings.Game 2 — Hutchinson 13, Wichita Heights 1A fast start and strong offensive showing helped the Hutchinson High softball team complete a sweep of Wichita Heights with a 13-1 win Thursday at Fun Valley.The Lady Salthawks plated eight runs in the bottom of the first inning. The rally was sparked by a two-run error, a run-scoring double from Jayanna Cornejo, an RBI hit-by-pitch to Mauree Garland, a three-run triple by Annalee Eckhoff, and a single from Yazmin Pena that drove in another.Hutchinson added five more runs in the fourth on six hits. Cornejo tripled in a run, Sadie Marciano and Alaina Borders added RBI singles, and Baylee Pickering capped the inning with a two-run inside-the-park home run.Addison Coupe earned the win in the circle, tossing three shutout innings. She allowed two hits, struck out one, and walked none. Kierah Sterling pitched the final inning in relief. Heights starter Hannah Keane allowed 13 runs (12 earned) on 13 hits over four innings, striking out seven and walking two.The Salthawks totaled 13 hits in the game, led by Pena’s 3-for-4 day from the leadoff spot. Cornejo and Pickering also had multiple hits, while Eckhoff drove in three runs with her lone hit. Hutchinson was aggressive on the bases, stealing five bags, including two by Pena.Keane and Westein each recorded one hit for the Falcons.Hutchinson returns to action Tuesday when it hosts Campus at Fun Valley.

🥎 Craft's big day leads Salthawks past Falcons

<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 drop opener in Detroit, ⚾ Wind Surge loses to Drillers, ⚾🥎 Area prep scores

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dodge City Red captured the team championship at the Hutchinson Salthawk Invitational on Thursday at the Fairgrounds Tennis Complex, topping a strong eight-team field with 30 points. Garden City and Salina South tied for second with 28 points, while Dodge City White placed third with 19.

Among local squads, Newton had the top showing, finishing fourth with 18 points, followed by Buhler in fifth with eight, Hutchinson Trinity in sixth with seven, and host Hutchinson in seventh with one.

Hutch High was represented by Shane Schroeder and Jackson Tech in singles play, while A. Johnson/S. Thompson and S. Harriman/S. Schroeder competed in doubles. The Salthawks earned one point in No. 1 doubles behind a pool win over Hutchinson Trinity.

Buhler saw Ty Campbell place fifth in No. 1 singles and Clayton Schneider finish sixth in No. 2 singles. The No. 2 doubles team of T. Ricker and C. Davis secured a fourth-place finish in their draw, earning a team-best four points in that bracket.

Hutchinson Trinity had Liam Lemaster and Wilmer Hernandez competing in singles, with the doubles pair of S. Madden/V. Wuertz winning their opening round before finishing sixth. Trinity totaled seven team points, highlighted by a fourth-place showing from their No. 2 doubles team of E. Harvey and S. Pennycuff.

Newton turned in a strong showing, finishing just outside the podium with 18 points. Braxton Berquist and Isaac Koehn both earned fourth-place finishes in singles, while the No. 1 doubles team of M. Rose and T. Wedel placed third and the No. 2 duo of K. McClelland and D. Jones added three more points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986859811.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Hutchinson High School Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Hutchinson High School Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dodge City Red captured the team championship at the Hutchinson Salthawk Invitational on Thursday at the Fairgrounds Tennis Complex, topping a strong eight-team field with 30 points. Garden City and Salina South tied for second with 28 points, while Dodge City White placed third with 19.Among local squads, Newton had the top showing, finishing fourth with 18 points, followed by Buhler in fifth with eight, Hutchinson Trinity in sixth with seven, and host Hutchinson in seventh with one.Hutch High was represented by Shane Schroeder and Jackson Tech in singles play, while A. Johnson/S. Thompson and S. Harriman/S. Schroeder competed in doubles. The Salthawks earned one point in No. 1 doubles behind a pool win over Hutchinson Trinity.Buhler saw Ty Campbell place fifth in No. 1 singles and Clayton Schneider finish sixth in No. 2 singles. The No. 2 doubles team of T. Ricker and C. Davis secured a fourth-place finish in their draw, earning a team-best four points in that bracket.Hutchinson Trinity had Liam Lemaster and Wilmer Hernandez competing in singles, with the doubles pair of S. Madden/V. Wuertz winning their opening round before finishing sixth. Trinity totaled seven team points, highlighted by a fourth-place showing from their No. 2 doubles team of E. Harvey and S. Pennycuff.Newton turned in a strong showing, finishing just outside the podium with 18 points. Braxton Berquist and Isaac Koehn both earned fourth-place finishes in singles, while the No. 1 doubles team of M. Rose and T. Wedel placed third and the No. 2 duo of K. McClelland and D. Jones added three more points.

🎾 Results from Hutch High home tennis invite

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744981929732.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
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TULSA, Okla. (April 17, 2025)&mdash;The Wichita Wind Surge lost 5-3 to the Tulsa Drillers at ONEOK Field. Despite working back from a 4-0 deficit and putting the tying run to the plate in the top of the ninth, the Wind Surge have now fallen in three straight games.
After six total men were left stranded on base through three innings, Aaron Bracho cracked a line-drive two-run home run out to the bullpen area in right field in the bottom of the fourth.
In the following frame, Chris Newell got to second base on an infield error in the following inning, later scoring on an RBI single to right field from Ezequiel Pagan. Damon Keith singled home Pagan from second for a 4-0 Drillers lead through five innings.
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ricardo-olivar-691627">Ricardo Olivar</a>&nbsp;walked to lead off the top of the sixth, then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ben-ross-805346">Ben Ross</a>&nbsp;reached on an infield error to make it two on and nobody out for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kyler-fedko-693459">Kyler Fedko</a>. Fedko cracked a three-run home run, his third of the season, to left field to put Wichita within a run. It marked Fedko&rsquo;s second straight game with a homer.
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1913047571913756967&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fnews%2Fwind-surge-fizzle-in-third-game-with-the-drillers&amp;sessionId=c95730040e4b71a45647761b74222588a152f31e&amp;siteScreenName=milb&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1913047571913756967"></iframe></div>
Taylor Young singled to start the home half of the seventh, stole second base, and then advanced to third on an infield error. Pagan then tapped a dribbler right back to the Wind Surge reliever&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/mike-paredes-702474">Mike Paredes</a>, and Young beat the throw toward home plate to give Tulsa a two-run advantage at 5-3, which became the eventual final. In the top of the ninth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/andrew-cossetti-681355">Andrew Cossetti</a>&nbsp;walked to put the tying run to the plate, but the game ended two at-bats later after a double play and an infield 4-3 putout.
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/trent-baker-694536">Trent Baker</a>&nbsp;takes the loss, marking his first decision of the season. Over four and two-thirds innings, he gave up four runs (two earned) on five hits with just one walk to a season-high seven strikeouts. Paredes threw for the remaining three and a third innings, his new high in Wichita. In that time, he kept things relatively quiet with an unearned run on three hits with a walk and four strikeouts.
POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>Tonight&rsquo;s game was the 12th of the 2025 season, but it was the first 7:00 PM start for Wichita. That&rsquo;s the longest stretch to begin a year before a first pitch time that late in Wind Surge franchise history (previous high was four games in 2023).</li>
<li>The seven strikeouts by Trent Baker are the new high in a game by a Wichita starter in 2025.</li>
<li>After just Baker and Paredes pitched in the game, that&rsquo;s the new lowest number (2) of pitchers used in a game this season by the Wind Surge.</li>
<li>Kyler Fedko now leads the Wind Surge in home runs this season with 3. He&rsquo;s also the first Wichita player to hit a long ball in back-to-back games in 2025.</li>
<li>With a walk in the top of the seventh, Tanner Schobel has now reached base in 12 straight games. He&rsquo;s one of two players that has suited up for every game in 2025 for Wichita (Ben Ross).</li>
</ul>
The Wind Surge will continue their series with the Tulsa Drillers tomorrow, Friday, April 18, at 7:00 PM at ONEOK Field. Wichita returns to Equity Bank Park for a series against the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday, April 22, at 6:05 PM on Two For Tuesday. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wind Surge drop third straight to Drillers

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744981835645.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Shockers
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TULSA, Okla. &ndash;&nbsp;Wichita State swept Thursday's doubleheader at Tulsa by scores of 10-0 and 11-7 to secure the series at Collins Family Softball Complex. Wichita State (23-20-1, 11-8-1) recorded its fifth series win of the season. Game 1: Wichita State 10, Tulsa 0 (5) <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322" rel="smarttag" rev="9322">Ellee Eck</a></dfn>&nbsp;had a career day in the doubleheader opener, going 3-for-4 with two home runs and a career-high five RBIs. Her two home runs tied a career high, which she set just a couple weeks ago vs. South Florida.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315" rel="smarttag" rev="9315">Krystin Nelson</a></dfn>&nbsp;provided run support at the bottom of the lineup, going 2-for-3 with a career-high tying three RBIs. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>&nbsp;(7-4) tossed a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits and one walk, wihle striking out four. Wichita State put early pressure on the Golden Hurricane, scoring a pair of runs in the top of the first. With the bases loaded four batters in,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323" rel="smarttag" rev="9323">Jodie Epperson</a></dfn>&nbsp;brought the first run in on a hit by pitch. The very next batter,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324" rel="smarttag" rev="9324">Gabby Scott</a></dfn>, dropped a single into shallow right to make it 2-0. After scoreless frames in the second and third, Wichita State opened its lead in the fourth to 6-0. Nelson's two-run single off the wall in center started the scoring and then Eck's two-run home run in the next at-bat capped the frame. Nelson went back to work in the fifth with an RBI single to put the Shockers up a touchdown. With two runners on, Eck smashed her second home run of the game to give the Shockers a 10-0 lead. Game 2: Wichita State 11, Tulsa 7 <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329" rel="smarttag" rev="9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a></dfn>&nbsp;went 2-for-4 with an RBI.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314" rel="smarttag" rev="9314">Lauren Lucas</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/9312" rel="smarttag" rev="9312">Sami Hood</a></dfn>&nbsp;both had two-run home runs.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315" rel="smarttag" rev="9315">Krystin Nelson</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323" rel="smarttag" rev="9323">Jodie Epperson</a></dfn>&nbsp;had a hit and an RBI apiece. Wichita State started the game just like game one by loading the bases in the top of the first. All three reached via walk, but the Shockers were only able to score one on an Epperson sac fly. Tulsa responded with two runs in the bottom of the second to take its first lead of the day, 2-1. A three-run third extended Tulsa's lead to 5-1. After four quiet innings at the plate, Wichita State's bats finally came to life in the top of the sixth. An RBI groundout from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329" rel="smarttag" rev="9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a></dfn>&nbsp;cut the deficit to 5-2 and then the first of two errors in the inning made it 5-3. The next batter,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315" rel="smarttag" rev="9315">Krystin Nelson</a></dfn>, hit a sharp grounder to second that bounced off her glove and ended up rolling all the way to the right field wall, sending Nelson all the way around to score. The three runs on the play put Wichita State back in front, 6-5. After an Eck bunt single, Lucas smoked an opposite field two-run homer over the wall in left to make it 8-5. Tulsa put the pressure back on by scoring two more in the bottom of the sixth, cutting it to a one-run game, 8-7. Wichita State added three more insurance runs in the top of the seventh on Hood's two-run homer and Tulsa's fifth error of the night. Up Next Wichita State and Tulsa wrap up the series Friday at 12 p.m. on ESPN+.</div>

🥎 Shockers sweep Golden Hurricane, clinch series

BOCA RATON, Fla. –&nbsp;Florida Atlantic scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back on the way to a 9-2 win on Thursday night at FAU Baseball Stadium.

The Shockers (12-25, 4-9) faced a sizeable deficit almost immediately when the Owls got an RBI single from Patrick Ward and a two-out grand slam off the bat of Nick Romano, staking FAU to a 5-0 lead against Wichita State starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/grant-adler/9422">Grant Adler</a>&nbsp;(3-4).

Florida Atlantic lefty Trey Beard (7-0) kept the Owls comfortably in front with six solid innings, striking out seven while allowing five hits and one run. Wichita State got their lone run against Beard in the top of the third, using singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-dillon/9411">Cole Dillon</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/lane-haworth/9180">Lane Haworth</a>&nbsp;to set up a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/9183">Camden Johnson</a>&nbsp;that cut the deficit to 5-1.

The Owls (25-12, 7-6) extended their advantage with single runs in the third and fourth innings, highlighted by a solo homer from Ayden Garcia. Adler ultimately took the loss, allowing eight hits and seven runs with seven strikeouts over five innings.

Wichita State had a chance to get back in the game in the top of the seventh;&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kam-durnin/9177">Kam Durnin</a>&nbsp;opened the frame with a triple and Dillon promptly singled him home, trimming the margin to 7-2. Haworth coaxed a walk to put runners at first and second with no outs, but the next three Shockers struck out to end the threat.

John Schroeder added the finishing touches with a two-run single in the bottom of the eighth for the final margin.

The Shockers and Owls continue the series on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 pm CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744981727262.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>BOCA RATON, Fla. –&nbsp;Florida Atlantic scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back on the way to a 9-2 win on Thursday night at FAU Baseball Stadium.The Shockers (12-25, 4-9) faced a sizeable deficit almost immediately when the Owls got an RBI single from Patrick Ward and a two-out grand slam off the bat of Nick Romano, staking FAU to a 5-0 lead against Wichita State starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/grant-adler/9422">Grant Adler</a>&nbsp;(3-4).Florida Atlantic lefty Trey Beard (7-0) kept the Owls comfortably in front with six solid innings, striking out seven while allowing five hits and one run. Wichita State got their lone run against Beard in the top of the third, using singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-dillon/9411">Cole Dillon</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/lane-haworth/9180">Lane Haworth</a>&nbsp;to set up a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/9183">Camden Johnson</a>&nbsp;that cut the deficit to 5-1.The Owls (25-12, 7-6) extended their advantage with single runs in the third and fourth innings, highlighted by a solo homer from Ayden Garcia. Adler ultimately took the loss, allowing eight hits and seven runs with seven strikeouts over five innings.Wichita State had a chance to get back in the game in the top of the seventh;&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kam-durnin/9177">Kam Durnin</a>&nbsp;opened the frame with a triple and Dillon promptly singled him home, trimming the margin to 7-2. Haworth coaxed a walk to put runners at first and second with no outs, but the next three Shockers struck out to end the threat.John Schroeder added the finishing touches with a two-run single in the bottom of the eighth for the final margin.The Shockers and Owls continue the series on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 pm CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Shockers undone by first inning barrage

DETROIT (AP) — Riley Greene broke out of an extended slump with three hits and two RBIs to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.

The Royals lost their fourth straight game and have dropped six of seven.

Greene, who had one hit and 18 strikeouts in his previous 32 at-bats entering the game, popped out to short in the first inning before RBI singles in the third and fifth innings. He added an infield single in the seventh.

Spencer Torkelson had two hits and drove in three runs for Detroit, which had lost three of four.

Reese Olson (2-1) worked five scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Tommy Kahnle earned his third save.

Maikel Garcia had an RBI single in the eighth inning for the Royals. Former Tiger Michael Lorenzen (1-3) gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts.

Kansas City hitting coach Alec Zumwalt was ejected in the ninth inning for arguing balls and strikes.

After Detroit jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third, the Royals loaded the bases with one out in the fourth. But, Drew Walters struck on on three pitches from Olson, and Kyle Isbel popped out to left on the first pitch he face.

Torkelson, who hit .219 last season and spent 2 1/2 months in Triple-A, is batting .286 with six homers and 16 RBIs in 20 games.

Royals LHP Cole Ragans (1-0, 2.28) will face Tigers rookie RHP Jackson Jobe (1-0, 3.00) in the second game of a four-game set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744976621673.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey throws to first base late after the force out on Detroit Tigers' Riley Greene (31) in the seventh inning during a baseball game, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey throws to first base late after the force out on Detroit Tigers' Riley Greene (31) in the seventh inning during a baseball game, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Riley Greene broke out of an extended slump with three hits and two RBIs to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.The Royals lost their fourth straight game and have dropped six of seven.Greene, who had one hit and 18 strikeouts in his previous 32 at-bats entering the game, popped out to short in the first inning before RBI singles in the third and fifth innings. He added an infield single in the seventh.Spencer Torkelson had two hits and drove in three runs for Detroit, which had lost three of four.Reese Olson (2-1) worked five scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Tommy Kahnle earned his third save.Maikel Garcia had an RBI single in the eighth inning for the Royals. Former Tiger Michael Lorenzen (1-3) gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts.Kansas City hitting coach Alec Zumwalt was ejected in the ninth inning for arguing balls and strikes.<h2>Key moment</h2>After Detroit jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third, the Royals loaded the bases with one out in the fourth. But, Drew Walters struck on on three pitches from Olson, and Kyle Isbel popped out to left on the first pitch he face.<h2>Key stat</h2>Torkelson, who hit .219 last season and spent 2 1/2 months in Triple-A, is batting .286 with six homers and 16 RBIs in 20 games.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Cole Ragans (1-0, 2.28) will face Tigers rookie RHP Jackson Jobe (1-0, 3.00) in the second game of a four-game set.

⚾ Riley Greene sheds slump as Tigers send Royals to their 4th straight loss

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.

<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.