<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 Tuesday, April 15" 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=unfww-187f878-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ KC falls in The Bronx, ⚾ Jackie Robinson Day, 🏀 WNBA Draft

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744683624561.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Seattle Storm" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Seattle Storm</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The moment 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/serena_sundell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@serena_sundell</a>&#39;s name is called for the <a href="https://twitter.com/seattlestorm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@seattlestorm</a> in the third round of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBADraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WNBADraft</a> 💚 <a href="https://t.co/CaHGooaegi">pic.twitter.com/CaHGooaegi</a>&mdash; K-State Women&#39;s Basketball (@KStateWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateWBB/status/1911960517331112406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div>Kansas State Athletics
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MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas State guard&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11858" rel="smarttag" rev="11858">Serena Sundell</a></dfn>&nbsp;was selected with the 26th overall selection and the first pick of the third round of the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm on Monday night at the WNBA's annual draft event. Sundell becomes the ninth player in school history to be selected during the WNBA Draft. Sundell &nbsp;is the 12th player overall to become a part of the league and first since Breanna Lewis in the 2018 season. Seattle, coached by Noelle Quinn, finished fifth in the WNBA in 2024 with a regular season record of 25-15 and lost in the first round of the 2024 WNBA playoffs. Sundell will play professionally in the same city as her brother, Jalen, who is an offensive lineman with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks. Sundell, a 2025 Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and Associated Press (AP) All-America honorable mention selection, led the nation with a career-high and school record for total assists (262) and paced the nation and led the Big 12 with a career-high for assists per game (7.28 apg) and was second in the Big 12 for assist-turnover ratio (2.52). She recorded a league-best nine games with 10 or more assists. The product of Maryville, Missouri, was second on the team in scoring average with 14.1 points per game and led the Wildcats with 508 points, which was the second-highest total of her career on a .501 field goal percentage. Sundell was the only player in the nation this season and the third player since 1993-94 to register a season with 500 or more points, 250 or more assists and shoot 50.0 percent or better from the field. She registered a career-high 31 blocked shots (0.86 bpg) and pulled in 159 rebounds (4.4 rpg), which was the second-highest rebound total in her career. Sundell, a 2025 All-Big 12 First Team, registered a career-high eight double-doubles this season. She was the first Big 12 player since the 2022-23 season and the fifth player in program history to register a triple-double with 26 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds against USC Upstate on Dec. 5, 2024. With her point (508) and assist (262) totals this season, Sundell was the first player in Big 12 history to record four seasons with 350 or more points and 150 or more assists. She joined former Wildcat Kayla Goth as the only two players in program history with 500 or more points and 200 or more assists in a season. In her career, Sundell holds the school records for career starts (139) and games played (139). She holds the school record and ranks fourth in Big 12 history for career assists with 811 and is second in program history for career assists per game (5.83 apg). She ranks sixth on the K-State career scoring list with 1,771 points. She ranks tied for seventh in school history for career blocks (104). She was the first player in school history and the 14th in NCAA Division I women's basketball history with 1,700 or more career points and 800 or more career assists. K-State concluded the 2024-25 season ranked 13th in the Associated Press poll and 15th in the USA Today Coaches poll and were ranked in both polls for the entirety of the season. The Wildcats achieved the 19th NCAA Tournament bid and the fourth Sweet 16 appearance in program history. K-State registered the second-most wins in a season in school history with 28 and tied for the second-most wins in a two-season span (54). As a team, the Wildcats established new single-season records for points (2,842), assists (763) and blocks (206). K-State led the Big 12 in scoring offense, scoring margin, field goal percentage, three-point field goal percentage, field goal percentage defense, assists per game and assist-turnover ratio. Kansas State's WNBA Draft history Year &ndash; Player &ndash; Selection &ndash; Round &ndash; Team 2025 &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11858" rel="smarttag" rev="11858">Serena Sundell</a></dfn>&nbsp;&ndash; 26th pick &ndash; third &ndash; Seattle Storm 2017 &ndash; Breanna Lewis &ndash; 23rd pick &ndash; second &ndash; Dallas Wings 2013 &ndash; Brittany Chambers &ndash; 22nd pick &ndash; second &ndash; Los Angeles Sparks 2009 &ndash; Shalee Lehning &ndash; 25th pick &ndash; second &ndash; Atlanta Dream 2005 &ndash; Kendra Wecker &ndash; 4th pick &ndash; first &ndash; San Antonio Silver Stars 2005 &ndash; Megan Mahoney &ndash; 34th pick &ndash; third &ndash; Connecticut Sun 2004 &ndash; Nicole Ohlde &ndash; 6th pick &ndash; first &ndash; Minnesota Lynx 2000 &ndash; Shanele Stires &ndash; 56th pick &ndash; fourth &ndash; Minnesota Lynx 2000 &ndash; Olga Firsova &ndash; 13th pick &ndash; first &ndash; New York Liberty</div>

🏀 K-State's Sundell taken No. 26 in WNBA Draft by Seattle Storm

NEW YORK (AP) — Trent Grisham, Ben Rice and Austin Wells each hit a solo home run off Seth Lugo in the fifth inning, and the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Monday night in their first meeting since last year’s AL Division Series.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. tied the score in the fourth with his sixth homer, an inning after Bobby Witt Jr.’s home run against Carlos Carrasco (2-1) on the 10th pitch of his at-bat put Kansas City ahead.

Carrasco and four relievers combined on a two-hitter for the Yankees, whose starters entered with a 5.40 ERA.

New York (9-7) had lost five of its previous seven games. The Yankees beat the Royals in four games during their ALDS last October.

Lugo (1-2) gave up 16 homers in 33 starts last season, when he was a first-time All-Star. Mixing nine different pitches, he allowed seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. He had yielded more than two homers just once before, when Philadelphia hit four on Sept. 17, 2020.

Carrasco allowed one hit in five innings. Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, Luke Weaver and Devin Williams followed. Williams allowed Witt’s leadoff single in the ninth and a one-out walk before retiring Miakel Garcia on a game-ending flyout for his second save.

Kansas City (8-9) wore its new powder blue-and-white caps and helmets with dark blue bills along with powder blue uniforms.

Jonathan India went 0 for 3 with a walk as the designated hitter after missing a game with tightness in his right quadriceps.

Royals first baseman Mark Canha (left abductor strain) will start a minor league rehab assignment Tuesday. Left-hander Sam Long was seen by a doctor who confirmed the pitcher has elbow inflammation. Long won’t throw for five days, then will ramp up for five days.

Grisham’s home run was his fourth this season; last year he hit his fourth on June 22.

All four Yankees homers were by left-handed hitters: on a changeup, cutter and a pair of fastballs.

Yankees LHP Max Fried (2-0, 1.56 ERA) and Royals RHP Michael Wacha (0-2, 4.20) start Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744683245282.png" alt="While Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, right, looks on, New York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) celebrates his solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game Monday, April 14, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)" />
 <figcaption>While Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, right, looks on, New York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) celebrates his solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game Monday, April 14, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Trent Grisham, Ben Rice and Austin Wells each hit a solo home run off Seth Lugo in the fifth inning, and the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Monday night in their first meeting since last year’s AL Division Series.Jazz Chisholm Jr. tied the score in the fourth with his sixth homer, an inning after Bobby Witt Jr.’s home run against Carlos Carrasco (2-1) on the 10th pitch of his at-bat put Kansas City ahead.Carrasco and four relievers combined on a two-hitter for the Yankees, whose starters entered with a 5.40 ERA.New York (9-7) had lost five of its previous seven games. The Yankees beat the Royals in four games during their ALDS last October.Lugo (1-2) gave up 16 homers in 33 starts last season, when he was a first-time All-Star. Mixing nine different pitches, he allowed seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. He had yielded more than two homers just once before, when Philadelphia hit four on Sept. 17, 2020.Carrasco allowed one hit in five innings. Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, Luke Weaver and Devin Williams followed. Williams allowed Witt’s leadoff single in the ninth and a one-out walk before retiring Miakel Garcia on a game-ending flyout for his second save.Kansas City (8-9) wore its new powder blue-and-white caps and helmets with dark blue bills along with powder blue uniforms.Jonathan India went 0 for 3 with a walk as the designated hitter after missing a game with tightness in his right quadriceps.Royals first baseman Mark Canha (left abductor strain) will start a minor league rehab assignment Tuesday. Left-hander Sam Long was seen by a doctor who confirmed the pitcher has elbow inflammation. Long won’t throw for five days, then will ramp up for five days.<h2>Key moment</h2>Grisham’s home run was his fourth this season; last year he hit his fourth on June 22.<h2>Key stat</h2>All four Yankees homers were by left-handed hitters: on a changeup, cutter and a pair of fastballs.<h2>Up next</h2>Yankees LHP Max Fried (2-0, 1.56 ERA) and Royals RHP Michael Wacha (0-2, 4.20) start Tuesday night.

⚾ Yankees beat Royals in series opener

WICHITA, Kan. — Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Jim Dunning Jr. has announced the 10 members of the 2025 induction class, which will be honored Saturday, Aug. 2, in Topeka.

This year’s class features a diverse group of standout coaches, Olympians, national champions, All-Americans, and record holders at both the national and world level.

“This is an accomplished group and one the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame is extremely proud to recognize on behalf of the entire state,” Dunning said. “The individuals represent the best of Kansas and come from all walks of life. Their stories provide inspiration to all Kansans.”

Additionally, Mark Mangino, former Kansas head football coach and Kansas State assistant, was selected in 2024 but will be honored during this year’s ceremony due to a scheduling conflict last year.

The induction raises the total number of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame members to 349. The Hall was established by the Kansas State Legislature in 1961 as part of the state’s Centennial Celebration, with original honorees including James Naismith, Mike Ahearn, Glenn Cunningham, Walter Johnson, and Jess Willard.

The 2025 Induction Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Washburn University Ballroom, 1700 SW College Ave., followed by a reception and lunch. Tickets are $50 and available at <a href="http://kshof.org">kshof.org</a>.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact KSHOF Executive Director Richard Konzem at 785-331-6607 or <a>richard@kshof.org</a>.

Kansas Sports Hall of Fame announces 2025 induction class

The Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches (KABC) released it's latest rankings on Friday. McPherson (12-0) maintains the top spot in 4A, while Hesston (7-2) and Haven (8-2) are each in the 3A poll. Sedgwick (10-0) and Little River (10-0) are represented in the 2-1A rankings.

Click here to visit the <a href="https://www.kabcbaseball.org/rankings">KABC website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712613050526.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KABC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KABC</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches (KABC) released it's latest rankings on Friday. McPherson (12-0) maintains the top spot in 4A, while Hesston (7-2) and Haven (8-2) are each in the 3A poll. Sedgwick (10-0) and Little River (10-0) are represented in the 2-1A rankings.Click here to visit the <a href="https://www.kabcbaseball.org/rankings">KABC website</a>.Class 6A<ol>
 <li>Lawrence Free State
</li><li>Olathe East
</li><li>Blue Valley West
</li><li>Olathe West
</li><li>Mill Valley
</li><li>Haysville Campus
</li><li>Wichita Northwest
</li><li>Olathe South
</li><li>Blue Valley Northwest
</li><li>Blue Valley
</li>
 </ol>Class 5A<ol>
 <li>St. Thomas Aquinas
</li><li>Shawnee Heights
</li><li>Bishop Carroll
</li><li>Topeka Seaman
</li><li>Maize South
</li><li>Great Bend
</li><li>Salina South
</li><li>Emporia
</li><li>Spring Hill
</li><li>Blue Valley Southwest
</li>
 </ol>Class 4A<ol>
 <li>McPherson
</li><li>Topeka Hayden
</li><li>Rock Creek (St. George)
</li><li>Paola
</li><li>Fort Scott
</li><li>Mulvane
</li><li>Louisburg
</li><li>Concordia
</li><li>Clay Center/Wakefield
</li><li>Hoisington/Central Plains
</li>
 </ol>Class 3A<ol>
 <li>Wichita Trinity
</li><li>Cheney
</li><li>Bishop Ward
</li><li>Silver Lake
</li><li>Hesston
</li><li>Jeff West (Meriden)
</li><li>Riverside
</li><li>Iola
</li><li>Haven
</li><li>Wichita Collegiate
</li>
 </ol>Class 2-1A<ol>
 <li>Valley Falls
</li><li>St. Mary’s Colgan (Pittsburg)
</li><li>TMP-Marian (Hays)
</li><li>Mission Valley (Eskridge)
</li><li>Central Heights (Richmond)
</li><li>Sedgwick
</li><li>Elkhart
</li><li>Doniphan West (Highland)
</li><li>Colony-Crest
</li><li>Little River</li>
 </ol>

⚾ McPherson remains No. 1 in KABC  class 4A rankings

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725282945901.png" alt="EAGLE Media" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a> <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a> <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a><div><h2>Monday,&nbsp;April&nbsp;14</h2>
Royals at Yankees - 5:30 p.m. pregame, 6:05 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Tuesday,&nbsp;April 15</h2>
Hutch High baseball&nbsp;at&nbsp;Maize South - 4 p.m. &amp; 6 p.m. (HutchPost.com)
Royals at Yankees - 5:30 p.m. pregame, 6:05 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Wednesday,&nbsp;April 16</h2>
Royals at Yankees - 5:30 p.m. pregame, 6:05 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Thursday,&nbsp;April 17</h2>
Hutch High baseball&nbsp;at Andover Central - 4 p.m. (HutchPost.com)
Royals at Tigers - 5 p.m. pregame, 5:40 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Friday,&nbsp;April 18</h2>
Royals at Tigers - 5 p.m. pregame, 5:40 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>Saturday,&nbsp;April&nbsp;19</h2>
Royals at Tigers - 11:30 a.m. pregame,&nbsp;12:10 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>Sunday,&nbsp;April 20</h2>
Royals at Tigers -&nbsp;noon pregame,&nbsp;12:40&nbsp;p.m. first pitch (KWBW)</div>

🎧 EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar (April 14-April 20)

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals drop 2 of 3 to Guardians, ⛳ McIlroy wins Masters in playoff

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — The closer Rory McIlroy came to fulfilling his lifetime dream — winning the Masters — the more it kept slipping away. Sunday at Augusta National felt like his last 11 years in the majors, blunders mixed in with sheer brilliance.

A two-shot lead gone in two holes. A four-shot lead gone in three holes with a shocker of a mistake. A 5-foot putt on the final hole to win narrowly missed.

And then McIlroy turned what could have been another major collapse into his grandest moment of all when he hit wedge to 3 feet for birdie in a sudden-death playoff against Justin Rose to become — finally — a Masters champion and take his place in golf history as the sixth player with the career Grand Slam.

“There were points in my career where I didn’t know if I would have this nice garment over my shoulders,” McIlroy said, that Masters green jacket looking like a perfect fit. “But I didn’t make it easy today. I certainly didn’t make it easy. I was nervous.

“It was one of the toughest days I’ve ever had on the golf course.”

The reward was greater than he imagined, and it showed. He rapped in that final putt, raised both arms in the air and let the putter fall behind him. He covered his head, dropped to his knees, and before long his forehead was on the green as his chest heaved with emotion.

That was 11 years of pent-up emotion from his last major, when he began to carry the burden of getting the final leg of the Grand Slam. It was 14 years of remembering the time he wasted a four-shot lead with an 80 on the final day as a 21-year-old.

“I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” he said.

The thought could have easily crossed his mind during the final round.

What could have been a coronation for McIlroy along the back nine turned into a heart-racing, lead-changing, jaw-dropping finish at golf’s greatest theater that ended with McIlroy sobbing with joy and disbelief.

It ended with more heartache for Rose, who lost to Sergio Garcia in a playoff in 2017 and forced this one with a clutch 20-foot birdie on the 18th hole for a 6-under 66. He wound up joining Ben Hogan as the only players to lose twice in playoffs at Augusta National.

“It’s the kind of putt you dream about as a kid, and to have it and hole it, it was a special feeling,” Rose said. “And unfortunately, the playoff, they always end so quickly. If you’re not the guy to hit the great shot or hole the great putt, it’s over. But not really anything I could have done more today.”

The joy on McIlroy’s face never left him from the time that putt dropped — on the green, in Butler Cabin when defending champion Scottie Scheffler first helped him into the green jacket, and during the trophy presentation on the 18th green.

“My dreams have been made today,” McIlroy said.

Moments later, speaking to 4-year-old daughter Poppy, he told her: “Never give up on your dreams. Never, ever give up on your dreams.”

This was shaping up as another horror show for McIlroy, who in 2011 lost a four-shot lead on the final day with a 43 on the back nine, a highlight reel that now can start collecting dust.

“I didn’t make it easy today,” McIlroy said.

Right when it looked as though he would throw away another major, McIlroy delivered two majestic shots when nothing less would do, two birdies that sent him to the 18th hole with a one-shot lead.

That still wasn’t enough. He hit a wedge into the bunker and wound up missing a 5-foot par putt for a 1-over 73 and the first Masters playoff in eight years.

Faced with more failure, McIlroy responded with another booming drive, and this wedge bounced onto the slope of the top shelf with enough spin to trickle down toward the hole, closer and closer, until it stopped 3 feet away.

And when Rose missed from 15 feet, McIlroy finally sealed it.

“I just think all week how I responded to setbacks, that’s what I’ll take from this week,” McIlroy said, though he could have been speaking for the last decade. “Couldn’t be more proud I myself for that and being able to back bounce when I needed to.”

McIlroy went 11 long years without any major, knowing the Masters green jacket was all that kept him from joining Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen as the only winners of golf’s four professional majors.

Nicklaus and Player spoke on Thursday how they thought this was his time. Woods was among those&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TigerWoods/status/1911580687771091196" target="_blank">to congratulate McIlroy and welcome him to the club</a>.

So wild was this Sunday at Augusta National that McIlroy set a Masters record as the first champion to make four double bogeys — two in the first round that put him seven shots behind, two in the final round that turned this into a thriller.

U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, who beat McIlroy at Pinehurst No. 2 last June, had the lead after two holes when McIlroy opened with a double bogey. DeChambeau crashed out with a pair of three-putts and two shots into the water on the back nine, closing with a 75.

Ludvig Aberg, a runner-up in his Masters debut a year ago, suddenly had a share of the lead when McIlroy fell apart on the middle of the back nine. He missed a birdie putt from the fringe to take the lead, then finished bogey-triple bogey.

McIlroy and Rose finished at 11-under 277, two shots ahead of former Masters champion Patrick Reed (69). Scheffler, trying to win the Masters for the third time in four years, never got anything going this week and still shot 69 to finish fourth.

Rose had every reason to believe he threw away his chances on Saturday with a 75 that put him seven shots behind, and then two bogeys on the front nine. Even as he steadied himself, he was four shots back and running out of time.

He did his part in a 10-birdie round and that dynamic birdie putt to cap it off.

Nothing was more shocking than the 13th. McIlroy played it safe, leaving himself a big target from 82 yards away and a lob wedge. He missed his mark by some 20 yards, the ball disappearing into the tributary of Rae’s Creek and leading to double bogey.

Rose was on the par-3 16th and hit his tee shot to 4 feet for birdie, and suddenly they were tied. Then, McIlroy hit a weak drive to the right and was blocked by pines. He didn’t reach the green, didn’t make the par putt and no longer had the lead.

But he was resilient as ever — he’s been like that his entire career. Seemingly in trouble left of the 15th fairway, McIlroy hit 7-iron around the trees and onto the green to 6 feet.

He missed the eagle putt — the birdie still helped him regain a share of the lead. Two holes later, facing a semi-blind shot, he drilled 8-iron and chased after it, urging it to “Go! Go! Go! Go!” And it did, barely clearing the bunker and rolling out to 2 feet for birdie and a one-shot lead.

Turns out that wasn’t enough, either. He was 5 feet away from victory and badly missed the putt, leaving him more work to do — another chance to fail.

Not this time. The 35-year-old from Northern Ireland never wavered in what he came to Augusta National to do. He leaves with a green jacket.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744597187514.png" alt="Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, celebrates winning in a playoff against Justin Rose, of England, after the final round the Masters golf tournament, Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)" />
 <figcaption>Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, celebrates winning in a playoff against Justin Rose, of England, after the final round the Masters golf tournament, Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)</figcaption>
 </figure>AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — The closer Rory McIlroy came to fulfilling his lifetime dream — winning the Masters — the more it kept slipping away. Sunday at Augusta National felt like his last 11 years in the majors, blunders mixed in with sheer brilliance.A two-shot lead gone in two holes. A four-shot lead gone in three holes with a shocker of a mistake. A 5-foot putt on the final hole to win narrowly missed.And then McIlroy turned what could have been another major collapse into his grandest moment of all when he hit wedge to 3 feet for birdie in a sudden-death playoff against Justin Rose to become — finally — a Masters champion and take his place in golf history as the sixth player with the career Grand Slam.“There were points in my career where I didn’t know if I would have this nice garment over my shoulders,” McIlroy said, that Masters green jacket looking like a perfect fit. “But I didn’t make it easy today. I certainly didn’t make it easy. I was nervous.“It was one of the toughest days I’ve ever had on the golf course.”The reward was greater than he imagined, and it showed. He rapped in that final putt, raised both arms in the air and let the putter fall behind him. He covered his head, dropped to his knees, and before long his forehead was on the green as his chest heaved with emotion.That was 11 years of pent-up emotion from his last major, when he began to carry the burden of getting the final leg of the Grand Slam. It was 14 years of remembering the time he wasted a four-shot lead with an 80 on the final day as a 21-year-old.“I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” he said.The thought could have easily crossed his mind during the final round.What could have been a coronation for McIlroy along the back nine turned into a heart-racing, lead-changing, jaw-dropping finish at golf’s greatest theater that ended with McIlroy sobbing with joy and disbelief.It ended with more heartache for Rose, who lost to Sergio Garcia in a playoff in 2017 and forced this one with a clutch 20-foot birdie on the 18th hole for a 6-under 66. He wound up joining Ben Hogan as the only players to lose twice in playoffs at Augusta National.“It’s the kind of putt you dream about as a kid, and to have it and hole it, it was a special feeling,” Rose said. “And unfortunately, the playoff, they always end so quickly. If you’re not the guy to hit the great shot or hole the great putt, it’s over. But not really anything I could have done more today.”The joy on McIlroy’s face never left him from the time that putt dropped — on the green, in Butler Cabin when defending champion Scottie Scheffler first helped him into the green jacket, and during the trophy presentation on the 18th green.“My dreams have been made today,” McIlroy said.Moments later, speaking to 4-year-old daughter Poppy, he told her: “Never give up on your dreams. Never, ever give up on your dreams.”This was shaping up as another horror show for McIlroy, who in 2011 lost a four-shot lead on the final day with a 43 on the back nine, a highlight reel that now can start collecting dust.“I didn’t make it easy today,” McIlroy said.Right when it looked as though he would throw away another major, McIlroy delivered two majestic shots when nothing less would do, two birdies that sent him to the 18th hole with a one-shot lead.That still wasn’t enough. He hit a wedge into the bunker and wound up missing a 5-foot par putt for a 1-over 73 and the first Masters playoff in eight years.Faced with more failure, McIlroy responded with another booming drive, and this wedge bounced onto the slope of the top shelf with enough spin to trickle down toward the hole, closer and closer, until it stopped 3 feet away.And when Rose missed from 15 feet, McIlroy finally sealed it.“I just think all week how I responded to setbacks, that’s what I’ll take from this week,” McIlroy said, though he could have been speaking for the last decade. “Couldn’t be more proud I myself for that and being able to back bounce when I needed to.”McIlroy went 11 long years without any major, knowing the Masters green jacket was all that kept him from joining Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen as the only winners of golf’s four professional majors.Nicklaus and Player spoke on Thursday how they thought this was his time. Woods was among those&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TigerWoods/status/1911580687771091196" target="_blank">to congratulate McIlroy and welcome him to the club</a>.So wild was this Sunday at Augusta National that McIlroy set a Masters record as the first champion to make four double bogeys — two in the first round that put him seven shots behind, two in the final round that turned this into a thriller.U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, who beat McIlroy at Pinehurst No. 2 last June, had the lead after two holes when McIlroy opened with a double bogey. DeChambeau crashed out with a pair of three-putts and two shots into the water on the back nine, closing with a 75.Ludvig Aberg, a runner-up in his Masters debut a year ago, suddenly had a share of the lead when McIlroy fell apart on the middle of the back nine. He missed a birdie putt from the fringe to take the lead, then finished bogey-triple bogey.McIlroy and Rose finished at 11-under 277, two shots ahead of former Masters champion Patrick Reed (69). Scheffler, trying to win the Masters for the third time in four years, never got anything going this week and still shot 69 to finish fourth.Rose had every reason to believe he threw away his chances on Saturday with a 75 that put him seven shots behind, and then two bogeys on the front nine. Even as he steadied himself, he was four shots back and running out of time.He did his part in a 10-birdie round and that dynamic birdie putt to cap it off.McIlroy did his part, too.Nothing was more shocking than the 13th. McIlroy played it safe, leaving himself a big target from 82 yards away and a lob wedge. He missed his mark by some 20 yards, the ball disappearing into the tributary of Rae’s Creek and leading to double bogey.Rose was on the par-3 16th and hit his tee shot to 4 feet for birdie, and suddenly they were tied. Then, McIlroy hit a weak drive to the right and was blocked by pines. He didn’t reach the green, didn’t make the par putt and no longer had the lead.But he was resilient as ever — he’s been like that his entire career. Seemingly in trouble left of the 15th fairway, McIlroy hit 7-iron around the trees and onto the green to 6 feet.He missed the eagle putt — the birdie still helped him regain a share of the lead. Two holes later, facing a semi-blind shot, he drilled 8-iron and chased after it, urging it to “Go! Go! Go! Go!” And it did, barely clearing the bunker and rolling out to 2 feet for birdie and a one-shot lead.Turns out that wasn’t enough, either. He was 5 feet away from victory and badly missed the putt, leaving him more work to do — another chance to fail.Not this time. The 35-year-old from Northern Ireland never wavered in what he came to Augusta National to do. He leaves with a green jacket.

⛳ Rory McIlroy wins Masters playoff to complete the career Grand Slam

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744597616244.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>&nbsp;
Wichita State Athletics
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WICHITA, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;East Carolina avoided a series sweep with a 5-3 win over Wichita State in 9 innings Sunday afternoon at Wilkins Stadium. Wichita State (21-19-1, 9-8-1) saw its 12-game win streak vs. the Pirates come to an end. It also marked the first extra inning game of the season for Wichita State. The Shockers managed just three hits on the afternoon, all coming in the first three innings of the game. Wichita State didn't collect a hit over the final six innings.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/9312" rel="smarttag" rev="9312">Sami Hood</a></dfn>&nbsp;had the big hit, a solo home run in the second inning.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322" rel="smarttag" rev="9322">Ellee Eck</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/9318" rel="smarttag" rev="9318">Taylor Sedlacek</a></dfn>&nbsp;were the only other Shockers to record a hit. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>&nbsp;was solid in the start, going 5.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-sliger/9327" rel="smarttag" rev="9327">Ava Sliger</a></dfn>&nbsp;(5-5) suffered the tough luck loss in relief. She only allowed two runs on four hits, a walk and three strikeouts in 3.2 innings. Wichita State scored a single run in each of the first three innings.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/camryn-compton/9311" rel="smarttag" rev="9311">Camryn Compton</a></dfn>&nbsp;opened the scoring in the bottom of the first on a sac fly. Hood made it 2-0 in the second on her solo shot into the bleachers in right-center. East Carolina cut the deficit in half in the top of the third on a solo home run, but Wichita State immediately got the run back in the home half. The East Carolina catcher dropped a pop-up right in front of home plate. With two outs on the play and Eck on second, she was off and running on contact and ended up scoring on the Pirate miscue to make it 3-1. The Pirates came right back with a run in the fourth on a sac fly, cutting the margin to 3-2. They would then tie the game at 3-3 in the top of the sixth on a leadoff double and RBI single. After scoreless seventh and eighth innings, the conference leader in home runs, Emma Jackson, sent a 2-1 pitch over the wall in left-center to put the Pirates on top for the first time in the game, 5-3. Wichita State would only manage a leadoff walk from Sedlacek in the bottom of the ninth. Up Next Wichita State visits Oklahoma State for a midweek matchup Tuesday night at 6 p.m.
&nbsp;</div>

🥎 WSU drops series finale to ECU

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744598004687.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
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WICHITA, Kan. (April 13, 2025)&mdash;The Wichita Wind Surge finished their opening homestand on top in a 5-2 victory over the Midland RockHounds at Equity Bank Park. For the second straight game, Wichita clawed back with a four-run inning to win their fifth game of the series.
Midland&rsquo;s Brennan Milone slugged his first home run of the season, a solo shot, onto the left field berm in the top of the third.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/allan-cerda-678323">Allan Cerda</a>&nbsp;opened the bottom of the third with a leadoff triple before scoring on a sacrifice fly to center from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/tanner-schobel-802355">Tanner Schobel</a>&nbsp;two batters later.
Cerda would continue to impact the game on the basepaths by scoring on a wild pitch in the bottom of the fifth.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jake-rucker-696160">Jake Rucker</a>&nbsp;placed a single through the left side to bring in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ben-ross-805346">Ben Ross</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jorel-ortega-687567">Jorel Ortega</a>&nbsp;before crossing the plate himself on an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/andrew-cossetti-681355">Andrew Cossetti</a>&nbsp;double.
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While Junior Perez left the yard on a solo blast to right center in the top of the eighth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jaylen-nowlin-701549">Jaylen Nowlin</a>&nbsp;settled in after that over the final two innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/mike-paredes-702474">Mike Paredes</a>&nbsp;earned the win, his first of the season, by throwing three hitless frames with two walks and three strikeouts. As the starter,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/darren-bowen-804539">Darren Bowen</a>&nbsp;went for four innings and gave up an unearned run on four hits with a walk and four strikeouts. This week, Bowen threw nine innings and yielded just two runs over that span in two starts.
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-1&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1911521000362999906&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fnews%2Fwichita-rallies-back-for-second-straight-game-in-win-over-midland&amp;sessionId=1b99592b993f2d0024424c64f721e4aa3fb86b30&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="1911521000362999906"></iframe></div>
POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>Wichita has recorded a four-run inning in two straight games.</li>
<li>Allan Cerda&rsquo;s triple was the first triple of the season for the Wind Surge.</li>
<li>Three of the five Wichita wins this week were in come-from-behind fashion.</li>
<li>The three through nine hitters in the Wind Surge lineup all recorded hits this afternoon.</li>
<li>This series marked the first time Wichita had won five games in a series since August 22-28, 2023, at Arkansas. The last time that they accomplished the feat in the ICT came the week prior from August 15-20, 2023, versus Springfield.</li>
</ul>
The Wind Surge will travel to Oklahoma to take on the Tulsa Drillers beginning on Tuesday, April 15, at 6:00 PM at ONEOK Field. Wichita returns to Equity Bank Park for a series against the Springfield Cardinals on the following 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 Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wind Surge beat RockHounds for fourth straight win

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744597722400.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>&nbsp;Wichita State Athletics
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WICHITA, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Four runs in the top of the sixth inning by the visiting Roadrunners were too much for Wichita State to overcome in a 5-1 loss at Eck Stadium on Sunday afternoon
In the bottom of the first,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-livingston/9185" rel="smarttag" rev="9185">Josh Livingston</a></dfn>&nbsp;gave Wichita State their first lead of the weekend series with a towering two-out solo home run to right field for a 1-0 advantage.
In the fourth, UTSA broke through against Shocker starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-hamilton/9179" rel="smarttag" rev="9179">Brady Hamilton</a></dfn>&nbsp;with an RBI single up the middle to tie the game at 1-1.
Two innings later, the 'Runners raced in front with four runs in the top of the sixth to take a 5-1 lead.
Neither side was able to score the rest of the way as UTSA claimed a 5-1 victory, sweeping the weekend series.
Hamilton (1-4) suffered the loss in his 5.2 innings of work. Four Shockers recorded hits, headlined by the solo homer from Livingston.
The Shockers are back in action on Tuesday night as they travel to in-state foe Kansas. First pitch from Lawrence is scheduled for 6:00 pm CT.
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⚾ Shockers swept by Roadrunners

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744597351278.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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FORT WORTH, Texas &ndash;&nbsp;No. 19-ranked Kansas baseball fell 7-2 to No. 24 TCU on Sunday afternoon at Lupton Stadium. The Kansas loss resulted in a series sweep for the Horned Frogs. &nbsp; Kansas broke the single-season home run record on the second pitch of the game.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/derek-cerda/16140" rel="smarttag" rev="16140">Derek Cerda</a></dfn>&nbsp;hit the 76th home run of the season for the Jayhawks to set a new program record in the 37th game of the season. &nbsp; <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/cooper-moore/16136" rel="smarttag" rev="16136">Cooper Moore</a></dfn>&nbsp;started for Kansas and went 7.0+ innings and allowed six runs, five earned, on nine hits, while striking out seven and walking none. Kansas fell to 27-10 overall this season and 9-6 in Big 12 play. &nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; Cerda led off the game with a solo home run on the second pitch. That gave Kansas a 1-0 lead. &bull; TCU (28-9, 11-4 Big 12) broke through with four runs in third inning to take a 4-1 lead. Jack Bell had a two-run double, Sawyer Strosnider drove in a run and Noah Franco hit an RBI double to give the Horned Frogs the lead. &bull; Kansas got one of those runs back in the top of the fourth inning.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>&nbsp;delivered an RBI single into center field to make it a 4-2 game. &bull; The Horned Frogs added three insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, including a two-run homer from Chase Brunson. That closed out the scoring at 7-2. &nbsp; PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Mason Brassfield (4-1) Final line: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 SO Loss:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/cooper-moore/16136" rel="smarttag" rev="16136">Cooper Moore</a></dfn>&nbsp;(3-1) Final line: 7.0 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 7 SO &nbsp; SOCIAL POST OF THE GAME
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=%40KUBaseball&amp;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=1911483524642746582&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F4%2F13%2Fbaseball-no-19-kansas-breaks-single-season-home-run-record-drops-finale-at-no-24-tcu.aspx&amp;sessionId=033168275f3ec2199371490ec8d6e7635d46c7a1&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1911483524642746582"></iframe></div>
&nbsp; QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES "We always talk about clean, efficient, sound baseball and winning the strike zone. We certainly didn't win the strike zone. We did a nice job this weekend of not giving a lot away on the mound. No walks today and seven punchouts, but they also punched out 13 guys. So, we lost we lost the strike zone battle most of the weekend. I think the learning is when you play really, really good teams, which TCU is clearly one of the best in the Big 12, it's whoever plays the cleanest and they certainly played the cleanest. It's a good reminder that the play matters. I thought our preparation was great and we competed hard, but ultimately you have to execute in those crunch time moments when you play against great teams." &ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; &bull; Kansas broke the single-season home run record in the first inning with a leadoff home run by Cerda. The Jayhawks now have 76 home runs in 37 games, surpassing the previous program record of 75 homers set in 2006 (68 games) and matched in 2023 (57 games). &bull; Cerda hit his eighth home run of the season, including his second leadoff homer (March 6 vs. Milwaukee). He has reached base safely in each of the last 16 games. &bull;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn>&nbsp;extended his on-base streak to 23 games. &bull;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>&nbsp;recorded his 15th multi-hit game with two doubles. &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas will return home to Hoglund Ballpark for four games this upcoming week, which includes a midweek matchup against Wichita State and a three-game weekend series with Kansas State.</div>

⚾ No. 19 Kansas swept at No. 24 TCU

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744597503139.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The Arizona Wildcats put on a dominant offensive performance en route to an 11-1 win over the Kansas Jayhawks Sunday afternoon at Arrocha Ballpark. The 13th-ranked Wildcats improved to 36-7 on the season and 13-5 in Big 12 play, while Kansas dropped to 17-20 overall and 4-10 in conference play. Arizona jumped out to an early lead in the opening inning, scoring five runs on four hits. Kansas wasn't able to get anything going in its first plate appearances, but the Jayhawks got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second inning. Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949">Olivia Bruno</a>&nbsp;launched a home run to left field &mdash; her sixth of the season. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/kennedy-diggs/15857">Kennedy Diggs</a>&nbsp;took the mound for the Jayhawks to start the third inning and put together a solid performance against the 13th-ranked team in the country. Diggs threw a scoreless third inning and recorded two strikeouts while allowing three hits on the day. After being honored before the game, senior&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906">Katie Brooks</a>&nbsp;replaced Diggs in the circle to finish the game for the Jayhawks in the top of the fifth inning. Brooks recorded her 29th strikeout of the season and the 192nd of her career. Kansas was never able to recover from Arizona's dominant first inning and fell 11-1 in the series finale. The Wildcats swept the series 3-0.&nbsp; Pitchers of Record: Win: Devyn Netz (16-4) Line: 3.0 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 0 SO Loss:&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949">Olivia Bruno</a>&nbsp;(3-3) Line: 2.0 IP, 6&nbsp;R, 7&nbsp;H, 2 BB, 0&nbsp;SO Up Next The Kansas softball team will host Missouri State at Arrocha Ballpark on Tuesday, April 15, at 5 p.m. CT. The game will be streamed live on the ESPN+ platform.&nbsp;
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🥎 KU drops three at No. 13 Arizona

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cole Ragans managed to pitch through a left hamstring cramp for 7 2/3 innings and get his first win this season.

“The hammy started to tighten up and I just didn’t want to push it,” Ragans said after leading the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 4-2 on Sunday.

A 27-year-old left-hander who finished fourth in AL Cy Young Award voting last year, Ragans struck out 10 and walked none while allowing two runs — one earned — and four hits.

Ragans (1-0) felt a nagging pain in his hamstring throughout the game, but it intensified after he got Austin Hedges to pop out for the second out of the eighth inning. Lucas Erceg relieved and got the last out of the inning. Carlos Estévez allowed a leadoff single in the ninth, then struck out three straight batters for his fifth save in six chances.

“You don’t want it to where it turns more serious than it actually is," Ragans said. "There was no reason to keep trying to pitch.”

Kansas City was optimistic Ragans will take his next turn, likely Friday in Detroit.

“He was honest with us throughout the game and was honest with us when he started feeling in more in the eighth inning,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He was trying to be smart and not push through it, which was the right thing to do.”

Ragans threw 89 pitches and became the second pitcher in Royals’ history to have 10 or more strikeouts in three consecutive starts after Kevin Appier in 1996.

Cleveland took a 2-0 lead in the second when Daniel Schneemann hit an RBI double and continued home on shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.’s throwing error. Ragans then retired nine straight batters and 17 of his last 18.

Kansas City rallied when Salvador Perez hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning and Maikel Garcia had a two-run double in the fifth.

“I try to get quick outs,” Ragans said. “If I’m filling up the strike zone, then (the hitters) are going to have to swing the bats. I just try to get ahead in the count and stay ahead and trust the guys behind me to make plays. If they are swinging early in the count, it might help you later to get them to chase some pitches.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744583159284.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — Cole Ragans managed to pitch through a left hamstring cramp for 7 2/3 innings and get his first win this season.“The hammy started to tighten up and I just didn’t want to push it,” Ragans said after leading the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 4-2 on Sunday.A 27-year-old left-hander who finished fourth in AL Cy Young Award voting last year, Ragans struck out 10 and walked none while allowing two runs — one earned — and four hits.Ragans (1-0) felt a nagging pain in his hamstring throughout the game, but it intensified after he got Austin Hedges to pop out for the second out of the eighth inning. Lucas Erceg relieved and got the last out of the inning. Carlos Estévez allowed a leadoff single in the ninth, then struck out three straight batters for his fifth save in six chances.“You don’t want it to where it turns more serious than it actually is," Ragans said. "There was no reason to keep trying to pitch.”Kansas City was optimistic Ragans will take his next turn, likely Friday in Detroit.“He was honest with us throughout the game and was honest with us when he started feeling in more in the eighth inning,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He was trying to be smart and not push through it, which was the right thing to do.”Ragans threw 89 pitches and became the second pitcher in Royals’ history to have 10 or more strikeouts in three consecutive starts after Kevin Appier in 1996.Cleveland took a 2-0 lead in the second when Daniel Schneemann hit an RBI double and continued home on shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.’s throwing error. Ragans then retired nine straight batters and 17 of his last 18.Kansas City rallied when Salvador Perez hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning and Maikel Garcia had a two-run double in the fifth.“I try to get quick outs,” Ragans said. “If I’m filling up the strike zone, then (the hitters) are going to have to swing the bats. I just try to get ahead in the count and stay ahead and trust the guys behind me to make plays. If they are swinging early in the count, it might help you later to get them to chase some pitches.”

⚾Cole Ragans strikes out 10 as Royals win in Cleveland

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744597876664.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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 "We're really proud of our guys after Friday night," commented seventh-year head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2603" rel="smarttag" rev="2603">Pete Hughes</a></dfn>, who collected his 115th&nbsp;home victory at the helm of K-State baseball. "As a head coach, you want your kids to be tough and toughness is often defined with how you handle adversity." "They got themselves back in the series yesterday and played great with energy out of the gates today," Hughes added. Sheffield turned in his fourth quality start at K-State in improving his record to 5-3, as he scattered two hits to go with five strikeouts and one walk. The Flowood, Miss, product retired 17 consecutive batters before allowing a two-out double in the sixth. "We got a phenomenal start from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/lincoln-sheffield/12332" rel="smarttag" rev="12332">Lincoln Sheffield</a></dfn>, and we all fed off Lincoln's start. That is the storyline of today's game." Antonio Jimenez put an end to the left-hander's scoreless outing, launching a solo homer in the seventh. Sheffield put down of the 21 of the 24 batters he faced in his third seven-inning start of the year. Trailing 8-1, UCF (19-16, 4-1) managed to score six unanswered runs in the final three frames, including four in the ninth to force K-State to make its second pitching change of the inning. With two outs, the Wildcats called&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/james-guyette/12295" rel="smarttag" rev="12295">James Guyette</a></dfn>&nbsp;to the bump, where the right-hander used four pitches to strike out the final batter and pick up his second save. "For sure a great series win for our program. It is difficult to win series in the Big 12, and we just saw how difficult it is to win games in the Big 12. Games are never over." Six different players contributed a hit in the win with multi-hit efforts from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/keegan-o-connor/12317" rel="smarttag" rev="12317">Keegan O'Connor</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dee-kennedy/12308" rel="smarttag" rev="12308">Dee Kennedy</a></dfn>. O'Connor, who went 3-for-3 with two RBI and three runs scored, finished a triple short of completing the cycle. Kennedy produced a game-high three RBI with a three-run blast in the second. With two home runs in the series finale by O'Connor and Kennedy, the Cats brought their season total to 61, registering their 19th&nbsp;game with two or more. In front of three consecutive sold-out crowds, the Wildcats ended the weekend hitting .300 as a team with seven extra-base hits, including four doubles in the finale. "I can't talk enough about the support that this program, and really every program at Kansas State receives, that's why it's a special place. The support we get from this community, it's beyond description. I told our kids today, don't ever take for granted what we play in front of every day, because it's unique and they are a part of it." HOW IT HAPPENED Sheffield retired six consecutive batters to build momentum in the home dugout, as the Wildcats spotted the Knights' starter Wiley Hartley (4-1) for three runs in the second. O'Connor and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyan-lodice/12298" rel="smarttag" rev="12298">Kyan Lodice</a></dfn>&nbsp;were each issued a walk to bring Kennedy to the plate, who hit in the seventh spot on the day. After a mound visit from UCF's head coach, the sophomore third baseman launched the second pitch he faced 410-feet over the wall in center to clear the bases. O'Connor extended the Cats' lead to four with a solo shot in the fourth &ndash; his ninth of the year. The Wildcats exploded for four runs in the fifth, as four different players doubled in the inning. O'Connor, who doubled to record his 11th&nbsp;multi-hit, took advantage of a failed pick off attempt and scored to make it 8-0. After five hitless innings, Sheffield's perfect outing came to an end in the top of the sixth, as a call was overturned awarding a double to UCF's Kendry Maduro. The hander issued a walk to move Maduro into scoring position but immediately bounced back with his fifth strikeout of the game. &nbsp; Trailing 8-0, Jimenez ended the Knights' drought with his solo shot out to right field, igniting a late six-run rally over the final three innings. With the tying run on second in the ninth, Guyette fanned the final batter to secure the series win. INSIDE THE BOX
<ul>
<li>K-State scored eight runs on nine hits, committed two errors, and stranded four on base.</li>
<li>UCF scored six runs on eight hits with two errors committed, and leaving four runners on base.</li>
<li>Sheffield (5-3) picked up the win, surrendering one run over his seven-inning start. He scattered two hits in the outing with one walk and five strikeouts.</li>
<li>Guyette was credited with his second save of the year.</li>
<li>Hartley (4-1) was tagged for his first loss, surrendering four earned runs on three hits in three innings.</li>
<li>O'Connor went 3-for-3 with two RBI and three runs scored while Kennedy (2-for-4) drove in a game-leading three RBI.</li>
<li>Slack was spotted for five earned runs in 1 &frac12; innings of work.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
TEAM NOTES
<ul>
<li>With the win, K-State knotted the all-time series, 3-3, with a 2-1 edge in games played in Manhattan.</li>
<li>K-State ties third in the league standings alongside Arizona.</li>
<li>Sunday's win secured K-State's fifth overall series win, improving to 5-1 over.</li>
<li>K-State has homered in 27 of 35 games this season, averaging 1.74 per game.</li>
<li>The Cats are 18-1 when producing two or more homers in a game.</li>
<li>Sunday's contest marked K-State's first rubber match of the season.</li>
</ul>
UP NEXT K-State will head to Boston, Mass., to start off a five-game road trip with a pair of contests at Northeastern (April 15-16), before returning for the Dillons Sunflower Showdown against Kansas starting Friday, April 18 in Lawrence. K-State baseball single-game tickets are available, and can be purchased by visiting&nbsp;<a name="_Hlk192492882"></a>KStateSports.com, call 1-800-221-CATS (2287), or stopping by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.</div>

⚾ K-State drops UCF Sunday to win series

CLEVELAND (AP) — Luis Ortiz allowed just one hit and struck out a career-high 10 in his home debut for Cleveland as the Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Saturday night to extend their winning streak to five games.

Ortiz (1-2) had his second straight strong outing, giving up just a home run in the fourth inning to Vinnie Pasquantino before leaving after 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander was acquired in December from Pittsburgh.

Gabriel Arias homered and José Ramírez hit a sacrifice fly off Mike Lorenzen (1-2) as the Guardians remained unbeaten at home. Arias connected in the sixth inning. He has three homers this season — all against Kansas City.

The Royals entered the ninth with just two hits before getting four straight singles and scoring twice against Guardians All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, who hasn't been himself through the season's first two weeks.

Ortiz held Kansas City hitless until the fourth when Pasquantino drove a pitch over the wall in right-center with one out. It was Pasquantino's second homer and only the seventh in 2025 for the Royals, who came in tied with Toronto for the fewest in the majors.

Arias drove in Cleveland's first run with a single in the fourth. He has five RBIs in the last two games.

After giving up a one-out walk in the sixth while leading 2-1, Ortiz got a favorable called third strike from plate umpire Manny Gonzalez on an outside pitch to whiff Royals star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. for the second time.

The Guardians are 5-0 at home for the first time since 2002, when they opened 7-0 in Progressive Field.

Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-0, 2.81) had 11 strikeouts last week against Minnesota. He'll start the series finale against Cleveland's Ben Lively (0-1, 4.40), who got a no-decision against Kansas City in the season opener.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Luis Ortiz allowed just one hit and struck out a career-high 10 in his home debut for Cleveland as the Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Saturday night to extend their winning streak to five games.Ortiz (1-2) had his second straight strong outing, giving up just a home run in the fourth inning to Vinnie Pasquantino before leaving after 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander was acquired in December from Pittsburgh.Gabriel Arias homered and José Ramírez hit a sacrifice fly off Mike Lorenzen (1-2) as the Guardians remained unbeaten at home. Arias connected in the sixth inning. He has three homers this season — all against Kansas City.The Royals entered the ninth with just two hits before getting four straight singles and scoring twice against Guardians All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, who hasn't been himself through the season's first two weeks.Ortiz held Kansas City hitless until the fourth when Pasquantino drove a pitch over the wall in right-center with one out. It was Pasquantino's second homer and only the seventh in 2025 for the Royals, who came in tied with Toronto for the fewest in the majors.Arias drove in Cleveland's first run with a single in the fourth. He has five RBIs in the last two games.<h2>Key moment</h2>After giving up a one-out walk in the sixth while leading 2-1, Ortiz got a favorable called third strike from plate umpire Manny Gonzalez on an outside pitch to whiff Royals star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. for the second time.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Guardians are 5-0 at home for the first time since 2002, when they opened 7-0 in Progressive Field.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-0, 2.81) had 11 strikeouts last week against Minnesota. He'll start the series finale against Cleveland's Ben Lively (0-1, 4.40), who got a no-decision against Kansas City in the season opener.

⚾ Ortiz strikes out career-high 10 as Guardians beat the Royals 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team split an Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division I doubleheader with Valley Center on Friday evening at Hobart-Detter Field.

The Salthawks lost the first game, 11-8, before bouncing back to win Game 2, 12-8.

Hutchinson is now 6-4 on the season and will travel to Maize South on Tuesday. Valley Center is now 6-6 on the year and will host Derby on Tuesday.

Game 1 — Valley Center 11, Hutchinson 8

A four-run lead wasn’t enough for the Hutchinson Salthawks, who fell 11-8 to Valley Center after a seventh-inning surge by the Hornets on Friday.

Hutchinson built an 8-4 lead after Cole Bleything tripled in three runs in the fifth inning and later scored on a balk. But Valley Center responded with five runs on five hits in the top of the seventh to take control. Doc Needham’s two-run single capped the comeback.

Gavin Saner opened the scoring for Valley Center with an RBI single in the first. The Hornets added a run in the second on an Austin Saner single. Hutchinson answered with a three-run second inning, highlighted by Caiden Beavers’ two-run single and an error that allowed another run to score.

Beavers finished 2-for-4 at the plate and also stole two bases. Bleything drove in a team-high two runs. Carter Morgan and Beavers each swiped multiple bases, helping Hutchinson finish with six steals and six walks.

Beavers took the loss in relief, allowing three unearned runs in two-thirds of an inning. Starter Jack Davis pitched five innings, allowing one earned run and striking out five. Valley Center’s Brodie Saner earned the win, tossing three innings and striking out four.

Valley Center - 210 102 5 - 11 10 3 Hutchinson - 130 040 0 - 8 5 4 W: Bryson Saner. L: Caiden Beavers. Time: 2:28.

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Game 2 — Hutchinson 12, Valley Center 8

Hutchinson High School used a seven-run fourth inning to pull away from Valley Center in a 12-8 win on Friday.

After falling behind early, the Salthawks rallied in the bottom of the third to take a 3-2 lead behind a steal of home by Caiden Beavers and an RBI single by Jack Davis. Valley Center responded in the top of the fourth, reclaiming a 4-3 lead on a Cooper Boone RBI single and a fielder’s choice groundout from Braden Hietsman.

But Hutchinson erupted in the bottom half of the inning. Jack Yoder drove in two with a single, Beavers added an RBI triple, and Cole Bleything brought in another run on a fielder’s choice. The rally gave Hutchinson an 8-5 lead, and they never trailed again.

JuJu Lyons earned the win for the Salthawks, allowing five runs—four earned—on seven hits in five innings while striking out four. Landon Parks threw two innings of relief. Jacob Morton took the loss for Valley Center, giving up eight runs (five earned) on seven hits over four innings.

Beavers and Lyons each collected three hits for Hutchinson. Beavers also stole two bases and scored twice. Yoder drove in three runs, while Carter Morgan added two hits. The Salthawks finished with 12 hits and six stolen bases as a team.

Valley Center - 300 200 3 - 8 8 4 Hutchinson - 022 404 x - 12 12 3 W: JuJu Lyons. L: Jacob Morton. Time: 2:13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744414402627.jpeg" alt="Cole Bleything delivers a pitch in the first game of a doubleheader between Hutchinson High School and Valley Center High School on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson, Kan. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Cole Bleything delivers a pitch in the first game of a doubleheader between Hutchinson High School and Valley Center High School on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson, Kan. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team split an Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division I doubleheader with Valley Center on Friday evening at Hobart-Detter Field.The Salthawks lost the first game, 11-8, before bouncing back to win Game 2, 12-8.Hutchinson is now 6-4 on the season and will travel to Maize South on Tuesday. Valley Center is now 6-6 on the year and will host Derby on Tuesday.Game 1 — Valley Center 11, Hutchinson 8A four-run lead wasn’t enough for the Hutchinson Salthawks, who fell 11-8 to Valley Center after a seventh-inning surge by the Hornets on Friday.Hutchinson built an 8-4 lead after Cole Bleything tripled in three runs in the fifth inning and later scored on a balk. But Valley Center responded with five runs on five hits in the top of the seventh to take control. Doc Needham’s two-run single capped the comeback.Gavin Saner opened the scoring for Valley Center with an RBI single in the first. The Hornets added a run in the second on an Austin Saner single. Hutchinson answered with a three-run second inning, highlighted by Caiden Beavers’ two-run single and an error that allowed another run to score.Beavers finished 2-for-4 at the plate and also stole two bases. Bleything drove in a team-high two runs. Carter Morgan and Beavers each swiped multiple bases, helping Hutchinson finish with six steals and six walks.Beavers took the loss in relief, allowing three unearned runs in two-thirds of an inning. Starter Jack Davis pitched five innings, allowing one earned run and striking out five. Valley Center’s Brodie Saner earned the win, tossing three innings and striking out four.Valley Center - 210 102 5 - 11 10 3 Hutchinson - 130 040 0 - 8 5 4 W: Bryson Saner. L: Caiden Beavers. Time: 2:28.-----------------------------------------------------------------------Game 2 — Hutchinson 12, Valley Center 8Hutchinson High School used a seven-run fourth inning to pull away from Valley Center in a 12-8 win on Friday.After falling behind early, the Salthawks rallied in the bottom of the third to take a 3-2 lead behind a steal of home by Caiden Beavers and an RBI single by Jack Davis. Valley Center responded in the top of the fourth, reclaiming a 4-3 lead on a Cooper Boone RBI single and a fielder’s choice groundout from Braden Hietsman.But Hutchinson erupted in the bottom half of the inning. Jack Yoder drove in two with a single, Beavers added an RBI triple, and Cole Bleything brought in another run on a fielder’s choice. The rally gave Hutchinson an 8-5 lead, and they never trailed again.JuJu Lyons earned the win for the Salthawks, allowing five runs—four earned—on seven hits in five innings while striking out four. Landon Parks threw two innings of relief. Jacob Morton took the loss for Valley Center, giving up eight runs (five earned) on seven hits over four innings.Beavers and Lyons each collected three hits for Hutchinson. Beavers also stole two bases and scored twice. Yoder drove in three runs, while Carter Morgan added two hits. The Salthawks finished with 12 hits and six stolen bases as a team.Valley Center - 300 200 3 - 8 8 4 Hutchinson - 022 404 x - 12 12 3 W: JuJu Lyons. L: Jacob Morton. Time: 2:13.

⚾ Salthawks split doubleheader with Hornets

CLEVELAND (AP) — Gabriel Arias had three hits — including a three-run homer — Angel Martínez had his second career three-hit game and the Cleveland Guardians extended their winning streak to four, beating the Kansas City Royals 7-0 on Friday night.

Five Cleveland pitchers combined for the second shutout of the homestand. Tim Herrin (2-0) got the win after starter Tanner Bibee went 4 1/3 innings.

Arias snapped an 0 for 15 skid with a base hit in the second inning. He then connected on a first-pitch fastball from Royals' starter Kris Bubic (0-1) in the fourth inning and put it into the stands in right-center for his second homer of the season.

The three runs were the first earned runs Bubic had allowed in 26 2/3 innings dating to last season.

Martínez, called up from Triple A Columbus on Wednesday, also had a sacrifice fly in a four-run eighth inning to drive in Nolan Jones. Steven Kwan and Carlos Santana added RBI singles and Brayan Rocchio scored from second base after Royals' second baseman Jonathan India had a fly ball by José Ramírez pop out of his glove. It was India's second error of the game.

Kyle Manzardo was safe at second base when the throw by India after fielding Jhonkensy Noel’s grounder was wide and pulled Michael Massey off the bag. That put runners at first and second when Arias came up.

Cleveland's starting pitchers have posted a 1.42 ERA in the team's last five games and have given up only four earned runs in 25 1/3 innings. The Guardians' rotation had a 7.05 ERA in their first eight games.

Kansas City right-hander Michael Lorenzen (1-1, 3.18 ERA), who reached 10 years of major-league service on Tuesday, faces Cleveland right-hander Luis Ortiz (0-2, 8.44 ERA) in the middle game of the series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744426314387.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Hunter Renfroe (16) reacts in front of Cleveland Guardians' Austin Hedges, left, after being called out on strikes in the fourth inning of a baseball game in Cleveland, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Hunter Renfroe (16) reacts in front of Cleveland Guardians' Austin Hedges, left, after being called out on strikes in the fourth inning of a baseball game in Cleveland, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)</figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — Gabriel Arias had three hits — including a three-run homer — Angel Martínez had his second career three-hit game and the Cleveland Guardians extended their winning streak to four, beating the Kansas City Royals 7-0 on Friday night.Five Cleveland pitchers combined for the second shutout of the homestand. Tim Herrin (2-0) got the win after starter Tanner Bibee went 4 1/3 innings.Arias snapped an 0 for 15 skid with a base hit in the second inning. He then connected on a first-pitch fastball from Royals' starter Kris Bubic (0-1) in the fourth inning and put it into the stands in right-center for his second homer of the season.The three runs were the first earned runs Bubic had allowed in 26 2/3 innings dating to last season.Martínez, called up from Triple A Columbus on Wednesday, also had a sacrifice fly in a four-run eighth inning to drive in Nolan Jones. Steven Kwan and Carlos Santana added RBI singles and Brayan Rocchio scored from second base after Royals' second baseman Jonathan India had a fly ball by José Ramírez pop out of his glove. It was India's second error of the game.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kyle Manzardo was safe at second base when the throw by India after fielding Jhonkensy Noel’s grounder was wide and pulled Michael Massey off the bag. That put runners at first and second when Arias came up.<h2>Key stat</h2>Cleveland's starting pitchers have posted a 1.42 ERA in the team's last five games and have given up only four earned runs in 25 1/3 innings. The Guardians' rotation had a 7.05 ERA in their first eight games.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City right-hander Michael Lorenzen (1-1, 3.18 ERA), who reached 10 years of major-league service on Tuesday, faces Cleveland right-hander Luis Ortiz (0-2, 8.44 ERA) in the middle game of the series.

⚾ Arias 3-run homer helps Guardians shut out the Royals

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team will host the Valley Center Hornets at Hobart-Detter Field for an AVCTL DI doubleheader.

First pitch of Game 1 is at 4 p.m. with Game 2 to follow.

The Salthawks are 5-3 on the season and have won four straight games, while the Hornets are 5-5 and winners of three straight.

Click below to listen to the broadcast of both games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744390458687.png" alt="Game Day vs Valley Center @ Hobart-Detter on Hutchpost.com" />
 <figcaption>Game Day vs Valley Center @ Hobart-Detter on Hutchpost.com</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team will host the Valley Center Hornets at Hobart-Detter Field for an AVCTL DI doubleheader.First pitch of Game 1 is at 4 p.m. with Game 2 to follow.The Salthawks are 5-3 on the season and have won four straight games, while the Hornets are 5-5 and winners of three straight.Click below to listen to the broadcast of both games.<div><iframe src="https://eagle-media-sports-hutch.mixlr.com/embed" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" height="200px" width="100%"></iframe><a href="https://mixlr.com/" style="color:#1a1a1a;display:block;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:left;padding: 4px 0;">Eagle Media Sports - Hutchpost Sports is on Mixlr</a></div>

⚾ Hutch High hosts Valley Center

<a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

The Hutchinson High School girls soccer team continues it's strong start to the season, as the Salthawks won their sixth straight game on Thursday evening at Salina Central, 8-0.

With the win, the Salthawks improve to 6-1 on the season.

The Salthawks have outscored their first seven opponents, 24-4, and have shutout their opponents in four of it's six wins.

The lone loss for Hutch High was in the season opener at Andover Central, 1-0. Since the loss, the Salthawks have defeated Buhler, Wichita Classical School, Emporia, Wichita East, Newton and Salina Central.

Entering Thursday's game, Rhyan Galyon led the Salthawks with eight goals scored and two assists, while Azul Maciel is right behind with six goals and two assists. Lily Rodriguez and Ayla Booe each have a goal apiece.&nbsp;

Hutch High will travel to Eisenhower on Tuesday to face the Tigers. The next home match for the Salthawks will be Tuesday, April 22, against Valley Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744379233057.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Hutchinson High School Soccer" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Hutchinson High School Soccer</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostThe Hutchinson High School girls soccer team continues it's strong start to the season, as the Salthawks won their sixth straight game on Thursday evening at Salina Central, 8-0.With the win, the Salthawks improve to 6-1 on the season.The Salthawks have outscored their first seven opponents, 24-4, and have shutout their opponents in four of it's six wins.The lone loss for Hutch High was in the season opener at Andover Central, 1-0. Since the loss, the Salthawks have defeated Buhler, Wichita Classical School, Emporia, Wichita East, Newton and Salina Central.Entering Thursday's game, Rhyan Galyon led the Salthawks with eight goals scored and two assists, while Azul Maciel is right behind with six goals and two assists. Lily Rodriguez and Ayla Booe each have a goal apiece.&nbsp;Hutch High will travel to Eisenhower on Tuesday to face the Tigers. The next home match for the Salthawks will be Tuesday, April 22, against Valley Center.

⚽ Salthawks shutout Mustangs for sixth straight win

McPHERSON, Kan. — Buhler High School senior Drew DeMeyer earned medalist honors, and the Crusaders finished second as a team Thursday at the McPherson Invitational boys golf tournament at Turkey Creek Golf Course.

DeMeyer carded a 1-over-par 73 to win the individual title. Buhler posted a team score of 320, just two strokes behind team champion Salina Sacred Heart, which finished with a 318.

Zach Chance shot 79 to place seventh, and Nick Chance followed closely with an 80 to take eighth. James Dingler (88) and Brennan Geilenfeldt (89) also contributed for Buhler.

Hutchinson High School placed seventh with a 355. Senior Mitchell Rice tied for third individually with a 77. Landyn Powell (90), Maks Dreiling (93), Alex Haas (95) and Tate England (100) rounded out the Salthawks’ scoring.

Sterling High finished 10th with a 375. Cameron Morris led the Black Bears with an 86, tying for 22nd place. Wyatt Newberry shot 91, Lane Weigel added a 96 and Waylon Schmidt finished with a 102.

Host McPherson took fourth with a 347, while Newton placed 11th at 388.

Salina Sacred Heart placed four individuals in the top 10 to capture the team title.

The meet featured 14 teams from across central Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744378431803.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostMcPHERSON, Kan. — Buhler High School senior Drew DeMeyer earned medalist honors, and the Crusaders finished second as a team Thursday at the McPherson Invitational boys golf tournament at Turkey Creek Golf Course.DeMeyer carded a 1-over-par 73 to win the individual title. Buhler posted a team score of 320, just two strokes behind team champion Salina Sacred Heart, which finished with a 318.Zach Chance shot 79 to place seventh, and Nick Chance followed closely with an 80 to take eighth. James Dingler (88) and Brennan Geilenfeldt (89) also contributed for Buhler.Hutchinson High School placed seventh with a 355. Senior Mitchell Rice tied for third individually with a 77. Landyn Powell (90), Maks Dreiling (93), Alex Haas (95) and Tate England (100) rounded out the Salthawks’ scoring.Sterling High finished 10th with a 375. Cameron Morris led the Black Bears with an 86, tying for 22nd place. Wyatt Newberry shot 91, Lane Weigel added a 96 and Waylon Schmidt finished with a 102.Host McPherson took fourth with a 347, while Newton placed 11th at 388.Salina Sacred Heart placed four individuals in the top 10 to capture the team title.<h2>Top local individual finishers</h2><ul>
 <li>Drew DeMeyer, Buhler – 1st (73)
</li><li>Mitchell Rice, Hutchinson – Tied 3rd (77)
</li><li>Zach Chance, Buhler – 7th (79)
</li><li>Nick Chance, Buhler – 8th (80)
</li><li>Cameron Morris, Sterling – Tied 22nd (86)
</li>
 </ul>The meet featured 14 teams from across central Kansas.

⛳ Buhler’s DeMeyer wins McPherson Invitational; Crusaders place second

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744379889211.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
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WICHITA, Kan. (April 10, 2025)&mdash;The Wichita Wind Surge took a 3-2 victory over the Midland RockHounds at Equity Bank Park. After trailing 2-0 heading into the bottom of the first, the pitching staff gave up just one hit over the final eight innings, while the offense came together to get ahead.
Henry Bolte sent one right back up the middle for an RBI single in the top of the first. The RockHounds loaded the bases later in the frame, and then Carter Aldrete singled off the umpire lined up in front of shortstop, who ruled everyone move up a base for a 2-0 Midland lead.
While Wichita&rsquo;s starting pitcher,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/chase-chaney-681116">Chase Chaney</a>, and long reliever&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/john-klein-804619">John Klein</a>&nbsp;kept the RockHounds off the board, the Wind Surge responded in the bottom of the fifth. First,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kyler-fedko-693459">Kyler Fedko</a>&nbsp;ran in to score on an infield error off of the bat of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/tanner-schobel-802355">Tanner Schobel</a>. The following batter,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ben-ross-805346">Ben Ross</a>, lined an opposite-field single to right field to tie the game at 2-2.
<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=1910501333733429627&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fnews%2Fwind-surge-comeback-over-rockhounds-behind-fedko-s-three-hit-night&amp;sessionId=404031f8208a01f8752f1d77220c0ad9e7d8883b&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="1910501333733429627"></iframe></div>
In the bottom of the sixth, Fedko doubled to left field for Wichita&rsquo;s first lead of the night at 3-2. The double was the second two-bagger of the game for Fedko and his third hit overall.
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-1&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1910509562437788130&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fnews%2Fwind-surge-comeback-over-rockhounds-behind-fedko-s-three-hit-night&amp;sessionId=404031f8208a01f8752f1d77220c0ad9e7d8883b&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="1910509562437788130"></iframe></div>
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/john-stankiewicz-694496">John Stankiewicz</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/cody-laweryson-689520">Cody Laweryson</a>&nbsp;shut down Midland over the final three innings, striking out three batters in that span. Klein earned his first win of the season after striking out five hitters with one walk over three no-hit innings of relief.
POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>Before tonight&rsquo;s game, Christian MacLeod and Pierson Ohl began rehab assignments with Single-A Fort Myers.</li>
<li>The 11 strikeouts are the most by the Wind Surge pitching staff in a game this season, beating the 10 in the series opener on April 8, 2025.</li>
<li>Kyler Fedko&rsquo;s 3 RBIs are his highest recorded in a game with Wichita. His 3 hits tie his Wind Surge career-high on May 22, 2024, vs. San Antonio.</li>
<li>Tonight&rsquo;s win is the first come-from-behind victory for Wichita this season.</li>
<li>After the save tonight, Cody Laweryson is one away from tying his season-high for saves in a season with the Wind Surge (3, 2024).</li>
</ul>
The Wind Surge continue their series against the Midland RockHounds tomorrow, Friday, April 11, at 6:35 PM, on Professional Wrestling Night at Equity Bank Park. Show off your best wrestling costume to win prizes, and stick around for the best fireworks show in Kansas! 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 Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wind Surge earns comeback win over RockHounds

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Justin Rose did more than just match his best score at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/masters-augusta-national-golf-482c1a8e44c45b9e8a8477c45354536e">the Masters</a>.

With a round that was nearly nine shots better than the field Thursday, the 44-year-old Rose managed to steal the spotlight from the Masters dominance of Scottie Scheffler and the endless quest of Rory McIlroy to complete the career Grand Slam.

Rose felt his 7-under 65 had the potential to be something special. And even with a bogey on the final hole, it was every bit of that.

He opened with three straight birdies. He ran off three in a row around the turn. And he wound up with a three-shot lead over Scheffler, Ludvig Aberg and Corey Conners.

“When I have been playing well, I feel like I have been competing at a high level,” Rose said. “My consistency maybe has not been as high this year. But my good is good again. So I’m excited about that.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/masters-scottie-scheffler-augusta-national-642846f37dacd0052b858b318eca8f1d">Scheffler did his part</a>&nbsp;in his bid to win a third Masters green jacket in four years, playing a bogey-free round of 68.

McIlroy, so desperate to win this major and complete the career Grand Slam, was right there with him until the end. He took a pair of double bogeys late in the afternoon with careless mistakes and had to settle for a 72. It was the seventh straight time he failed to break 70 in the opening round of the Masters.

He declined to speak to the media after his round.

Rose set one Masters record: The fifth time he has had at least a share of the 18-hole lead, breaking the mark held by Jack Nicklaus. The glaring difference, of course, is Nicklaus has six of those green jackets.

It also was the eighth time Rose has had at least a share of the lead after any round at Augusta National, something only five others have done. All are Masters champions.

“I feel like I’ve played well enough to win this tournament,” said Rose, whose best chance was a playoff loss to Sergio Garcia in 2017. “I just feel like I don’t have the jacket to prove it. ... But you’ve got to be playing the golf to keep creating those opportunities, and the only way to do that is to get your name on the leaderboard. I definitely don’t shy away from it.”

Rose opened with a 25-foot birdie putt and made his eighth birdie with a 20-foot putt on the par-3 16th. In between was a series of good shots — smart shots — that gave him plenty of chances and he converted most of them.

Augusta National, soaked by rain that washed out most of the Monday practice round, already was getting scary fast.

The average score was 73.6. Only six players broke 70, and 20 others broke par.

“Ridiculous. That’s nuts,” Viktor Hovland said about Rose's score. “Those greens are so firm. I remember a few years ago — I can’t remember what year it was — but he kind of did something similar. I think this one is probably a little bit more impressive because out of all the Masters I’ve played, this is probably the firmest it’s been on a Thursday. It’s definitely no joke out there.”

Scheffler was 3 under at the turn, including one birdie on the par-5 eighth in which his ball was deep in a divot hole short of the green. He managed to get that out some 20 feet left of the pin and used the slope to bring it back to 15 feet and made the putt.

“I struggled for what felt like two pars today,” Scheffler said “But other than that, the golf course was in front of me most of the day, kept the ball in play, did a lot of really good things out there.”

U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton carried the LIV Golf flag, both at 69. DeChambeau had seven birdies in his up-and-down day, a show of his scoring power.

“Making some bogeys for me probably frees me up a little bit and says, you know what? Just go out and play some golf,” DeChambeau said.

The roars came early, along with a few shockers.

Fred Couples, who wondered a month ago if at 65 with a creaky back he would still be welcomed to play, became only the second player that age to break par.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TheMasters/status/1910386911371288697">Couples holed out</a>&nbsp;from the fairway on the 14th with a 6-iron hybrid on his way to a 71. Tom Watson was also 65 — by 28 days he is still the oldest — when he shot 71 in 2015.

The horror show belonged to Nick Dunlap, a 21-year-old who last year won on the PGA Tour as an amateur. This must have felt like amateur hour when he made double bogey on the final hole for a 90. It was the highest score since Ben Crenshaw shot 91 in 2015 at ag 63.

Hideki Matsuyama might have caught the worst break when his approach into the par-5 13th hit the pin and caromed into the tributary of Rae's Creek. The wildest day belonged to Nicolai Hojgaard — one eagle, five birdies, four pars, five bogeys and three double bogeys. Do the math and that comes out to 76.

“It's mentally draining playing a round like this,” Hojgaard said.

And then there was McIlroy, chipping into the water from behind the 15th green for double bogey, and then going long on the 17th and compounding that mistake with a three-putt for another double bogey.

Far more blissful on a warm spring day was Rose, who at one point had it going so well that he felt like a pitcher throwing a no-hitter.

He pitched to 6 feet for birdie on the par-5 eighth. He hit wedge to the ninth and used the slope to set up a 5-foot birdie, giving him a career-low 31 on the front nine. That was followed by a 12-foot birdie putt.

“That's when the day felt a bit different. That’s when I felt I was doing something potentially more on the special side,” Rose said.

And then he really began to pull away from the field with a smart pitch away from the water to set up a 10-foot birdie on the 15th,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TheMasters/status/1910439648578486394">followed by the 20-foot birdie on the 16th</a>. The pins on the final two holes allowed for birdies and Rose was thinking super special. He got par-bogey instead that didn't ruin his mood.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744338031442.jpeg" alt="Justin Rose waves after making a putt on the 18th hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)" />
 <figcaption>Justin Rose waves after making a putt on the 18th hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)</figcaption>
 </figure>AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Justin Rose did more than just match his best score at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/masters-augusta-national-golf-482c1a8e44c45b9e8a8477c45354536e">the Masters</a>.With a round that was nearly nine shots better than the field Thursday, the 44-year-old Rose managed to steal the spotlight from the Masters dominance of Scottie Scheffler and the endless quest of Rory McIlroy to complete the career Grand Slam.Rose felt his 7-under 65 had the potential to be something special. And even with a bogey on the final hole, it was every bit of that.He opened with three straight birdies. He ran off three in a row around the turn. And he wound up with a three-shot lead over Scheffler, Ludvig Aberg and Corey Conners.“When I have been playing well, I feel like I have been competing at a high level,” Rose said. “My consistency maybe has not been as high this year. But my good is good again. So I’m excited about that.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/masters-scottie-scheffler-augusta-national-642846f37dacd0052b858b318eca8f1d">Scheffler did his part</a>&nbsp;in his bid to win a third Masters green jacket in four years, playing a bogey-free round of 68.McIlroy, so desperate to win this major and complete the career Grand Slam, was right there with him until the end. He took a pair of double bogeys late in the afternoon with careless mistakes and had to settle for a 72. It was the seventh straight time he failed to break 70 in the opening round of the Masters.He declined to speak to the media after his round.Rose set one Masters record: The fifth time he has had at least a share of the 18-hole lead, breaking the mark held by Jack Nicklaus. The glaring difference, of course, is Nicklaus has six of those green jackets.It also was the eighth time Rose has had at least a share of the lead after any round at Augusta National, something only five others have done. All are Masters champions.“I feel like I’ve played well enough to win this tournament,” said Rose, whose best chance was a playoff loss to Sergio Garcia in 2017. “I just feel like I don’t have the jacket to prove it. ... But you’ve got to be playing the golf to keep creating those opportunities, and the only way to do that is to get your name on the leaderboard. I definitely don’t shy away from it.”Rose opened with a 25-foot birdie putt and made his eighth birdie with a 20-foot putt on the par-3 16th. In between was a series of good shots — smart shots — that gave him plenty of chances and he converted most of them.Augusta National, soaked by rain that washed out most of the Monday practice round, already was getting scary fast.The average score was 73.6. Only six players broke 70, and 20 others broke par.“Ridiculous. That’s nuts,” Viktor Hovland said about Rose's score. “Those greens are so firm. I remember a few years ago — I can’t remember what year it was — but he kind of did something similar. I think this one is probably a little bit more impressive because out of all the Masters I’ve played, this is probably the firmest it’s been on a Thursday. It’s definitely no joke out there.”Scheffler was 3 under at the turn, including one birdie on the par-5 eighth in which his ball was deep in a divot hole short of the green. He managed to get that out some 20 feet left of the pin and used the slope to bring it back to 15 feet and made the putt.He was rarely under stress.“I struggled for what felt like two pars today,” Scheffler said “But other than that, the golf course was in front of me most of the day, kept the ball in play, did a lot of really good things out there.”U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton carried the LIV Golf flag, both at 69. DeChambeau had seven birdies in his up-and-down day, a show of his scoring power.“Making some bogeys for me probably frees me up a little bit and says, you know what? Just go out and play some golf,” DeChambeau said.The roars came early, along with a few shockers.Fred Couples, who wondered a month ago if at 65 with a creaky back he would still be welcomed to play, became only the second player that age to break par.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TheMasters/status/1910386911371288697">Couples holed out</a>&nbsp;from the fairway on the 14th with a 6-iron hybrid on his way to a 71. Tom Watson was also 65 — by 28 days he is still the oldest — when he shot 71 in 2015.The horror show belonged to Nick Dunlap, a 21-year-old who last year won on the PGA Tour as an amateur. This must have felt like amateur hour when he made double bogey on the final hole for a 90. It was the highest score since Ben Crenshaw shot 91 in 2015 at ag 63.Hideki Matsuyama might have caught the worst break when his approach into the par-5 13th hit the pin and caromed into the tributary of Rae's Creek. The wildest day belonged to Nicolai Hojgaard — one eagle, five birdies, four pars, five bogeys and three double bogeys. Do the math and that comes out to 76.“It's mentally draining playing a round like this,” Hojgaard said.And then there was McIlroy, chipping into the water from behind the 15th green for double bogey, and then going long on the 17th and compounding that mistake with a three-putt for another double bogey.Far more blissful on a warm spring day was Rose, who at one point had it going so well that he felt like a pitcher throwing a no-hitter.He pitched to 6 feet for birdie on the par-5 eighth. He hit wedge to the ninth and used the slope to set up a 5-foot birdie, giving him a career-low 31 on the front nine. That was followed by a 12-foot birdie putt.“That's when the day felt a bit different. That’s when I felt I was doing something potentially more on the special side,” Rose said.And then he really began to pull away from the field with a smart pitch away from the water to set up a 10-foot birdie on the 15th,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TheMasters/status/1910439648578486394">followed by the 20-foot birdie on the 16th</a>. The pins on the final two holes allowed for birdies and Rose was thinking super special. He got par-bogey instead that didn't ruin his mood.

⛳️ Justin Rose steals the Masters show and builds 3-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler

Glen Grunwald visits with Kristi Roper and Rob Dreher visits with Chris Young.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726138917283.jpeg" alt="Reno County Coaches Corner and More Show&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Coaches Corner and More Show&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Glen Grunwald visits with Kristi Roper and Rob Dreher visits with Chris Young.<div><iframe title="Reno County Coaches Show & More" 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=bwxkv-1878f45-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Reno County Coaches Show and More (Kristi Roper, Chris Young)

Kansas City, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2 on Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744318556062.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. watches his sacrifice fly to score one run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. watches his sacrifice fly to score one run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2 on Thursday.The Royals trailed by a run before rallying for two in the seventh against reliever Cole Sands (1-1).With one out, Freddy Fermin walked ahead of singles by Drew Waters and Jonathan India, tying the game at 2 before Witt drove a deep fly to center for the lead.Daniel Lynch IV (2-0) struck out two of three batters faced and Carlos Estévez earned his fourth save.Twins starter Bailey Ober allowed a first-inning run on three consecutive singles, then settled in to permit just two hits over his final five scoreless frames. He finished six innings, allowing a run on five hits and a walk, striking out four.Ty France led off the second inning with his second home run of the year, tying the game.After one-out walks to Trevor Larnach and France, Ryan Jeffers grounded an RBI single up the middle, breaking a 1-1 tie.Royals starter Michael Wacha tossed 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks, with four strikeouts.<h2>Key moment</h2>Jonathan India fouled off four consecutive 3-2 pitches before hitting an RBI single to left, tying the game 2-all in the seventh.<h2>Key stat</h2>Wacha has allowed fewer than three runs in all but one of his eight starts against the Twins.<h2>Up next</h2>Returning to Minnesota Friday, the Twins face Detroit Tigers RHP Reese Olson (1-1, 5.06). Minnesota has not announced a probable starter and, with RHP Pablo López expected to be placed on the Injured List, are expected to recall RHP Zebby Matthews from Triple-A St. Paul to make his first start of the season.