- Barton Baseball coach Brent Biggs wraps up the Cougars 4-game series with Cloud County over the weekend and the previews the week ahead.

- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas.

- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" with Great Bend Track and Field coach Lyles Lashley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Monday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Monday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s0sz3C-l6Y4?si=oByS3A2FkMYvLx-9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Barton Baseball coach Brent Biggs wraps up the Cougars 4-game series with Cloud County over the weekend and the previews the week ahead.- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas.- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" with Great Bend Track and Field coach Lyles Lashley.-Weekend Sports Headlines- Sounds of the Weekend

Monday on Sports Day (Watch)

Pounding out 34 hits for 39 runs Saturday at Cougar Field, the Barton Community College softball team had a record setting 25-run outburst registering a pair of five inning victories over Garden City Community College.

A nine-run third inning highlighted the opener's 14-6 victory with a 13-run first inning of the backend of the twin bill kickstarting a 25-5 win for the most runs scored by the Cougars in program history.  Barton's previous most of 24 runs crossing came last year at Northwest Kansas Technical College and the 2022 victory hosting the junior varsity of Central Christian College.

The Cougars batted .618 on the day, 20 of their hits coming via the extra bases as fourteen came on doubles, a triple, and five clearing the fence for home runs with four of those coming in the record breaking game two run production.

Barton improves to 17-9 in conference play and 20-16 overall while Garden City falls to 3-21 in league and 5-32 on the season.

The hot day at the plate will now have a week to simmer as Barton has down time before a busy final stretch of the regular season beginning with next Saturday's trip to Goodland for a 2:00 p.m. (CT) doubleheader at Northwest Kansas Technical College.

The Cougars will then step out of conference play on the ensuing Monday for a 2:00 p.m. first pitch hosting Otero Junior College, travel to Pratt Community College on Wednesday, then wrap up the regular season slate on Saturday, April 27, hosting Hutchinson Community College on Sophomore Recognition Day.

Allyson McDougal led the Cougars' fireworks connecting on extra cases in five of her six hits in seven at-bats, driving in a team high eight runs coming on a trio of doubles, a triple, and the freshman's 4th home run of the season.

Fellow freshman Elina Bartlett also connected on her fourth of the year, blasting the Cougars' lone fence clearer in the opener's 9-run third frame helping the Cougars build a then 14-0 lead.

In game two Barton jumped on the Broncbusters in their first at-bat, scoring 13 runs on 8 hits including a stretch of three home runs in four at-bats. Aly Lawrence began the power surge with a three-run drive deep to left field for her second of the year. Following a Kelsi Gaston walk, McDougal and Chloe Enslinger went back-to-back to cap the big inning as Enslinger's center field deep fly increased the freshman's team home run lead to seven on the season.

Lani Dryden, who was pulled in game one's second inning due to a minor injury making a tag on a stolen base attempt, was back in the lineup for the backend going 3-for-3 including her first plate appearance driving a 1-2 pitch over the left center fence for the sophomore's second of the year.

The home run keyed a 3-run frame for the Cougars, another trio plating in the third inning, with another nine runs crossing the plate in Barton's final at-bat fourth inning.

In addition to a five RBI afternoon, Lawrence picked up the game one victory improving to 5-3 on the year. Alicia Goseland, who took over to get the final out of the opener, picked up the game two win improving to 2-4 on the year after relieving Bartlett with an out remaining in the third frame.

Parlaying multiple centerfield defensive gems including throwing out a runner at the plate, Laci Dryden keyed the offense at the top of the lineup going 4-of-5 on three doubles in driving in four runs, walking four times, and stealing three bases drawing the sophomore just outside the single season Top-10 list with 19 thus far.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713177794238.jpeg" alt="Cougars celebrate Lani Dryden's 2nd inning leadoff home run-Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Cougars celebrate Lani Dryden's 2nd inning leadoff home run-Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Pounding out 34 hits for 39 runs Saturday at Cougar Field, the Barton Community College softball team had a record setting 25-run outburst registering a pair of five inning victories over Garden City Community College.A nine-run third inning highlighted the opener's 14-6 victory with a 13-run first inning of the backend of the twin bill kickstarting a 25-5 win for the most runs scored by the Cougars in program history. Barton's previous most of 24 runs crossing came last year at Northwest Kansas Technical College and the 2022 victory hosting the junior varsity of Central Christian College.The Cougars batted .618 on the day, 20 of their hits coming via the extra bases as fourteen came on doubles, a triple, and five clearing the fence for home runs with four of those coming in the record breaking game two run production.Barton improves to 17-9 in conference play and 20-16 overall while Garden City falls to 3-21 in league and 5-32 on the season.The hot day at the plate will now have a week to simmer as Barton has down time before a busy final stretch of the regular season beginning with next Saturday's trip to Goodland for a 2:00 p.m. (CT) doubleheader at Northwest Kansas Technical College.The Cougars will then step out of conference play on the ensuing Monday for a 2:00 p.m. first pitch hosting Otero Junior College, travel to Pratt Community College on Wednesday, then wrap up the regular season slate on Saturday, April 27, hosting Hutchinson Community College on Sophomore Recognition Day.Allyson McDougal led the Cougars' fireworks connecting on extra cases in five of her six hits in seven at-bats, driving in a team high eight runs coming on a trio of doubles, a triple, and the freshman's 4th home run of the season.Fellow freshman Elina Bartlett also connected on her fourth of the year, blasting the Cougars' lone fence clearer in the opener's 9-run third frame helping the Cougars build a then 14-0 lead.In game two Barton jumped on the Broncbusters in their first at-bat, scoring 13 runs on 8 hits including a stretch of three home runs in four at-bats. Aly Lawrence began the power surge with a three-run drive deep to left field for her second of the year. Following a Kelsi Gaston walk, McDougal and Chloe Enslinger went back-to-back to cap the big inning as Enslinger's center field deep fly increased the freshman's team home run lead to seven on the season.Lani Dryden, who was pulled in game one's second inning due to a minor injury making a tag on a stolen base attempt, was back in the lineup for the backend going 3-for-3 including her first plate appearance driving a 1-2 pitch over the left center fence for the sophomore's second of the year.The home run keyed a 3-run frame for the Cougars, another trio plating in the third inning, with another nine runs crossing the plate in Barton's final at-bat fourth inning.In addition to a five RBI afternoon, Lawrence picked up the game one victory improving to 5-3 on the year. Alicia Goseland, who took over to get the final out of the opener, picked up the game two win improving to 2-4 on the year after relieving Bartlett with an out remaining in the third frame.Parlaying multiple centerfield defensive gems including throwing out a runner at the plate, Laci Dryden keyed the offense at the top of the lineup going 4-of-5 on three doubles in driving in four runs, walking four times, and stealing three bases drawing the sophomore just outside the single season Top-10 list with 19 thus far.

Cougar Softball pounds out record setting sweep over Garden City

Cedricka Williams took down the national discus record Saturday highlighting the Barton track and field team results in the two-day KT Woodman Classic held at Wichita's Cessna Stadium.

Having broke the program best two weeks ago, Williams rewrote the record and then some on her third toss of the event marking a 57.57m (188-11) to better her collegiate best by over seven feet while blowing past the national NJCAA all-time furthest by over three and half feet. Just a freshman, Williams' personal best came as a high school senior in setting the Jamaican U20 record ten inches further at 57.84m (189-9).

In addition to Williams' accomplishment in the event, fellow freshman Ivanilda Semedo also bettered her best effort in finishing second on a 53.98m (177-01) throw to not only solidify her program second best slot but move into the 5th best NJCAA all-time spot.

Staying on the 8th ranked women's side of results and impacts, freshman Sanae Hassnaoui ran her way into the program's 1500m all-time placing with an event winning 4:26.29 time.

Two days of windy conditions prevented both the Cougar women and men from adding a few more to its national qualifying list but still recorded some wind legal and non-affected personal bests.

Ana Couto met 100m hurdle qualifying standards clocking a 14.58 time with Great Bend's Kyndall Blessing posting two new bests, improving her national qualifying javelin mark to 38.86m (127-06) and improving her hammer throw to a 43.29m (142-0) mark.

Highlighting the 5th ranked men's performances, Hamza Belkhalfi moved up a spot on the program's 1500m list to 8th all-time with a 3:53.92 stoppage to place second in Friday's event by a photo finish .40 seconds.

Both already qualified in discus, Christopher Young's season best 58.69m (192-07) placed second on the day ahead of Ricardo Hayles personal best 54.03m (177-03) in landing just outside the program's top ten.

Barton will next head to Waco, Texas this weekend competing against another top tiered level of competition at Baylor University's Michael Johnson Invitational.

100m Hurdles: 8th Ana Couto (NQ 14.58), 14th Widlife Vermilus (15.27)

400m Hurdles: 13th Widlife Vermilus (1:09.20)

Triple Jump: 10th Jazmine Williamson (10.96m, 35-11.50)

100m: 5th Ashley Shaw (11.84 *Non-NQ due to +5.4 wind), 11th Chloe Perryman (12.12), 18th Jazmine Williamson (12.26), 23rd Kay-Lagay Clarke (12.35), 39th Myla Tabora (12.87)

200m: 22nd Kialia Claiborne (25.42), 26th Chloe Perryman (25.44), 35th Kay-Lagay Clarke (26.01), 65th Myla Tabora (28.05)

400m: 16th Kialia Claiborne (58.87), 18th Shone Walters (59.32)

800m: 8th Shone Walters (PB 2:17.16 *Already NQ)

1500m: 1st Sanae Hassnaoui (NQ 4:26.29 *3rd Program All-Time), 59th Karina Estrada (PB 6:32.36)

Discus Throw: 1st Cedricka Williams (57.57m, 188-11 *Rewrites her program record **National Record), 2nd Ivanilda Semedo (PB 53.98m, 177-01 *Already NQ *Betters her 2nd Program All-time), 15th Treneese Hamilton (36.54m, 119-11)

Javelin Throw: 5th Kyndall Blessing (PB 38.86m, 127-06 *Already NQ)

Hammer Throw: 7th Treneese Hamilton (45.61m, 149-08 *Already NQ), 12th Kyndall Blessing (PB 43.29m, 142-0)

Long Jump: 12th Micah Dobson (6.55m, 21-05.75), 13th Kalil Murphy (6.52m, 21-04.75)

Triple Jump: 7th Micah Dobson (14.56m, 47-09.25)

110m Hurdles: 4th Bryce Southerland (14.21 *Non-NQ due to +4.9 wind)

400m Hurdles: 14th Jayden Singleton (56.80), 24th Grayden Stapleton (58.87)

100m: 15th Brandon Pemberton (PB 10.51), 18th Malachi Carter (10.55), 19th Jermaine Thompson (10.60), 30th Noah Kincade (10.73)

200m: 6th Jermaine Thompson (21.38), 19th Noah Kincade (21.95), 27th Brandon Pemberton (22.14), 29th Marshae McDonald (22.19), 40th Malachi Carter (22.42)

400m: 20th Marshae McDonald (50.39), 23rd Charles Green (50.53)

1500m: 2nd Hamza Belkhalfi (PB 3:53.92 *Already NQ **Moved from 9th to 8th Program All-Time)

Discus Throw: 2nd Christopher Young (SB 58.69m, 192-07 *Already NQ), 3rd Ricardo Hayles (PB 54.03m, 177-03 *Already NQ)

Hammer Throw: 12th Boris Peranovic (46.78m, 153-6 *Already NQ), 14th Christopher Young (45.93m, 150-08)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713177422036.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Cedricka Williams took down the national discus record Saturday highlighting the Barton track and field team results in the two-day KT Woodman Classic held at Wichita's Cessna Stadium.Having broke the program best two weeks ago, Williams rewrote the record and then some on her third toss of the event marking a 57.57m (188-11) to better her collegiate best by over seven feet while blowing past the national NJCAA all-time furthest by over three and half feet. Just a freshman, Williams' personal best came as a high school senior in setting the Jamaican U20 record ten inches further at 57.84m (189-9).In addition to Williams' accomplishment in the event, fellow freshman Ivanilda Semedo also bettered her best effort in finishing second on a 53.98m (177-01) throw to not only solidify her program second best slot but move into the 5th best NJCAA all-time spot.Staying on the 8th ranked women's side of results and impacts, freshman Sanae Hassnaoui ran her way into the program's 1500m all-time placing with an event winning 4:26.29 time.Two days of windy conditions prevented both the Cougar women and men from adding a few more to its national qualifying list but still recorded some wind legal and non-affected personal bests.Ana Couto met 100m hurdle qualifying standards clocking a 14.58 time with Great Bend's Kyndall Blessing posting two new bests, improving her national qualifying javelin mark to 38.86m (127-06) and improving her hammer throw to a 43.29m (142-0) mark.Highlighting the 5th ranked men's performances, Hamza Belkhalfi moved up a spot on the program's 1500m list to 8th all-time with a 3:53.92 stoppage to place second in Friday's event by a photo finish .40 seconds.Both already qualified in discus, Christopher Young's season best 58.69m (192-07) placed second on the day ahead of Ricardo Hayles personal best 54.03m (177-03) in landing just outside the program's top ten.Barton will next head to Waco, Texas this weekend competing against another top tiered level of competition at Baylor University's Michael Johnson Invitational.Barton Women's Results:100m Hurdles: 8th Ana Couto (NQ 14.58), 14th Widlife Vermilus (15.27)400m Hurdles: 13th Widlife Vermilus (1:09.20)Triple Jump: 10th Jazmine Williamson (10.96m, 35-11.50)High Jump: DNP Ana Couto (NH)100m: 5th Ashley Shaw (11.84 *Non-NQ due to +5.4 wind), 11th Chloe Perryman (12.12), 18th Jazmine Williamson (12.26), 23rd Kay-Lagay Clarke (12.35), 39th Myla Tabora (12.87)200m: 22nd Kialia Claiborne (25.42), 26th Chloe Perryman (25.44), 35th Kay-Lagay Clarke (26.01), 65th Myla Tabora (28.05)400m: 16th Kialia Claiborne (58.87), 18th Shone Walters (59.32)800m: 8th Shone Walters (PB 2:17.16 *Already NQ)1500m: 1st Sanae Hassnaoui (NQ 4:26.29 *3rd Program All-Time), 59th Karina Estrada (PB 6:32.36)Discus Throw: 1st Cedricka Williams (57.57m, 188-11 *Rewrites her program record **National Record), 2nd Ivanilda Semedo (PB 53.98m, 177-01 *Already NQ *Betters her 2nd Program All-time), 15th Treneese Hamilton (36.54m, 119-11)Javelin Throw: 5th Kyndall Blessing (PB 38.86m, 127-06 *Already NQ)Hammer Throw: 7th Treneese Hamilton (45.61m, 149-08 *Already NQ), 12th Kyndall Blessing (PB 43.29m, 142-0)Barton Men's Results:Long Jump: 12th Micah Dobson (6.55m, 21-05.75), 13th Kalil Murphy (6.52m, 21-04.75)Triple Jump: 7th Micah Dobson (14.56m, 47-09.25)110m Hurdles: 4th Bryce Southerland (14.21 *Non-NQ due to +4.9 wind)400m Hurdles: 14th Jayden Singleton (56.80), 24th Grayden Stapleton (58.87)100m: 15th Brandon Pemberton (PB 10.51), 18th Malachi Carter (10.55), 19th Jermaine Thompson (10.60), 30th Noah Kincade (10.73)200m: 6th Jermaine Thompson (21.38), 19th Noah Kincade (21.95), 27th Brandon Pemberton (22.14), 29th Marshae McDonald (22.19), 40th Malachi Carter (22.42)400m: 20th Marshae McDonald (50.39), 23rd Charles Green (50.53)1500m: 2nd Hamza Belkhalfi (PB 3:53.92 *Already NQ **Moved from 9th to 8th Program All-Time)Discus Throw: 2nd Christopher Young (SB 58.69m, 192-07 *Already NQ), 3rd Ricardo Hayles (PB 54.03m, 177-03 *Already NQ)Hammer Throw: 12th Boris Peranovic (46.78m, 153-6 *Already NQ), 14th Christopher Young (45.93m, 150-08)

Williams breaks National record at KT Woodman Classic

AMERICAN LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GBNew York	12	4	.750	—Baltimore	9	6	.600	2½Boston	9	7	.563	3Tampa Bay	9	7	.563	3Toronto	8	8	.500	4Central DivisionCleveland	10	5	.667	—Kansas
City	10	6	.625	½Detroit	9	6	.600	1Minnesota	6	8	.429	3½Chicago	2	13	.133	8West DivisionTexas	8	8	.500	—Los
Angeles	7	8	.467	½Oakland	7	9	.438	1Seattle	6	10	.375	2Houston	6	11	.353	2½NATIONAL LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GBAtlanta	9	5	.643	—Philadelphia	8	8	.500	2New York	7	8	.467	2½Washington	6	9	.400	3½Miami	3	13	.188	7Central DivisionMilwaukee	10	4	.714	—Pittsburgh	11	5	.688	—Chicago	9	6	.600	1½Cincinnati	9	6	.600	1½St.
Louis	7	9	.438	4West DivisionLos
Angeles	11	7	.611	—San Diego	9	9	.500	2Arizona	8	8	.500	2San
Francisco	6	10	.375	4

MLB Standings

NEW YORK (AP) —
Harrison Bader broke a scoreless tie with an infield single in the
eighth inning and Edwin Díaz earned his first save at Citi Field
since October 2022 as the New York Mets edged the Kansas City Royals
2-1. Mets rookie Jose Buttó and Royals starter Cole Ragans matched
zeros for six innings in a crisp pitchers’ duel. New York stranded
nine runners over the first seven innings before Kansas City reliever
Chris Stratton walked the bases loaded in the eighth. With two outs,
Bader hit a slow roller toward third and Maikel Garcia was unable to
make a barehand pickup. Stratton then walked Brandon Nimmo on four
pitches, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead. Díaz gave up a homer in the
ninth before getting his third save this season.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez left a game against the New
York Mets with injuries to his left groin and hip following a
fourth-inning collision at home plate with Starling Marte. Marte
attempted to tag up and score on Tyrone Taylor’s lineout to left.
MJ Melendez’s throw beat Marte, who slid and appeared to hit Perez
in his midsection. Perez held on to the ball for the final out but
was slow to get up. Perez walked off the field slowly and was
replaced by Freddy Fermin in the bottom of the fifth.

PHOENIX (AP) — Zac
Gallen pitched six sharp innings and Corbin Carroll hit a two-run
single in a five-run fifth to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks over the
St. Louis Cardinals 5-0. Gallen threw 90 pitches, giving up four hits
and walking two. He struck out seven, two of them coming with a
runner on third and one out. The right-hander caught Brandon Crawford
looking on a full count with the bases loaded in the second and then
got a grounder to escape the jam. Gallen also whiffed Ivan Herrera on
a 3-2 curve in the fourth before retiring Crawford on a popup. St.
Louis starter Miles Mikolas faced the minimum through four innings
but didn’t finish the fifth.

BALTIMORE (AP) —
Jackson Holliday delivered his first big league hit in the seventh
inning, then scored the tiebreaking run to help the Baltimore Orioles
avoid a sweep with a 6-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Holliday, baseball’s top-ranked prospect, struck out in his first
two at-bats and was 0 for 13 with nine Ks since his call-up before he
singled with the Orioles down 4-3 in the seventh. Gunnar Henderson
followed with a tying single, and then Holliday scored when Adley
Rutschman bounced into a double play. Colton Cowser went deep the
following inning for Baltimore’s third solo homer of the day.
Milwaukee went 2 for 17 with runners in scoring position.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) —
Scottie Scheffler is the Masters champion for the second time in
three years. And once again, it wasn't particularly close. Scheffler
grabbed the lead for good with magnificent shots around the turn. And
then he let Ludvig Aberg, Collin Morikawa and Max Homa make all the
mistakes. Scheffler closed with a 68 for a four-shot victory. He's
the fourth-youngest player to have two green jackets. And he
stretches his lead at No. 1 in the world to levels not seen since the
peak years of Tiger Woods. Scheffler now has three wins in his last
four starts.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) —
Tiger Woods finished the Masters on Sunday wtih a 16-over 304, his
highest 72-hole score ever in a career that spans three decades. All
of that hardly mattered to the crowd. The 48-year-old Woods, who is
still dealing with the effects of numerous surgeries that have
impacted his body and limited his playing time on the PGA Tour,
received a huge ovation after he pitched onto the green on No. 18 and
made par while wearing his traditional Sunday red. Woods went 82-77
on the weekend. Despite the score, Woods called it a “good week”
and said he plans to begin preparing for the other three majors
including the PGA Championship in May, the U.S. Open in June and the
British Open in July.

FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — Chase Elliott pulled ahead and cleared Ross Chastain on the
first lap after the second restart in overtime at Texas Motor
Speedway, ending a 42-race winless streak for NASCAR’s most popular
driver. The race ended on the 16th caution after Elliott had taken
the white flag for the 276th lap in a race scheduled for 267 laps.
The chasing Chastain was bumped from behind by defending race winner
William Byron, who finished third. Brad Keselowski was second. It was
the fifth win this season for Hendrick Motorsports, the 306th for
NASCAR’s winningest team. It was the first for Elliott in the No. 9
since Talladega in October 2022.

UTICA, N.Y. (AP) —
Danielle Serdachny converted a rebound in front 5:16 into overtime
for a power-play goal and Canada beat the United States 6-5 in a
breathtaking women’s world hockey championship gold medal game.
Canada won its tournament-leading 13ths gold medal and did so on U.S.
soil in central New York, a year after the Americans won their 10th
tournament outside of Toronto. Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin
scored twice, Julia Gosling also scored, while Erin Ambrose and Emily
Clark had shots bank into the net off U.S. defenseman Caroline
Harvey. Harvey and Laila Edwards had a goal and assist for the
Americans who finished the tournament 6-1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —
Harrison Bader broke a scoreless tie with an infield single in the
eighth inning and Edwin Díaz earned his first save at Citi Field
since October 2022 as the New York Mets edged the Kansas City Royals
2-1. Mets rookie Jose Buttó and Royals starter Cole Ragans matched
zeros for six innings in a crisp pitchers’ duel. New York stranded
nine runners over the first seven innings before Kansas City reliever
Chris Stratton walked the bases loaded in the eighth. With two outs,
Bader hit a slow roller toward third and Maikel Garcia was unable to
make a barehand pickup. Stratton then walked Brandon Nimmo on four
pitches, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead. Díaz gave up a homer in the
ninth before getting his third save this season.NEW YORK (AP) —
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez left a game against the New
York Mets with injuries to his left groin and hip following a
fourth-inning collision at home plate with Starling Marte. Marte
attempted to tag up and score on Tyrone Taylor’s lineout to left.
MJ Melendez’s throw beat Marte, who slid and appeared to hit Perez
in his midsection. Perez held on to the ball for the final out but
was slow to get up. Perez walked off the field slowly and was
replaced by Freddy Fermin in the bottom of the fifth.PHOENIX (AP) — Zac
Gallen pitched six sharp innings and Corbin Carroll hit a two-run
single in a five-run fifth to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks over the
St. Louis Cardinals 5-0. Gallen threw 90 pitches, giving up four hits
and walking two. He struck out seven, two of them coming with a
runner on third and one out. The right-hander caught Brandon Crawford
looking on a full count with the bases loaded in the second and then
got a grounder to escape the jam. Gallen also whiffed Ivan Herrera on
a 3-2 curve in the fourth before retiring Crawford on a popup. St.
Louis starter Miles Mikolas faced the minimum through four innings
but didn’t finish the fifth.BALTIMORE (AP) —
Jackson Holliday delivered his first big league hit in the seventh
inning, then scored the tiebreaking run to help the Baltimore Orioles
avoid a sweep with a 6-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Holliday, baseball’s top-ranked prospect, struck out in his first
two at-bats and was 0 for 13 with nine Ks since his call-up before he
singled with the Orioles down 4-3 in the seventh. Gunnar Henderson
followed with a tying single, and then Holliday scored when Adley
Rutschman bounced into a double play. Colton Cowser went deep the
following inning for Baltimore’s third solo homer of the day.
Milwaukee went 2 for 17 with runners in scoring position.AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) —
Scottie Scheffler is the Masters champion for the second time in
three years. And once again, it wasn't particularly close. Scheffler
grabbed the lead for good with magnificent shots around the turn. And
then he let Ludvig Aberg, Collin Morikawa and Max Homa make all the
mistakes. Scheffler closed with a 68 for a four-shot victory. He's
the fourth-youngest player to have two green jackets. And he
stretches his lead at No. 1 in the world to levels not seen since the
peak years of Tiger Woods. Scheffler now has three wins in his last
four starts.AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) —
Tiger Woods finished the Masters on Sunday wtih a 16-over 304, his
highest 72-hole score ever in a career that spans three decades. All
of that hardly mattered to the crowd. The 48-year-old Woods, who is
still dealing with the effects of numerous surgeries that have
impacted his body and limited his playing time on the PGA Tour,
received a huge ovation after he pitched onto the green on No. 18 and
made par while wearing his traditional Sunday red. Woods went 82-77
on the weekend. Despite the score, Woods called it a “good week”
and said he plans to begin preparing for the other three majors
including the PGA Championship in May, the U.S. Open in June and the
British Open in July.FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — Chase Elliott pulled ahead and cleared Ross Chastain on the
first lap after the second restart in overtime at Texas Motor
Speedway, ending a 42-race winless streak for NASCAR’s most popular
driver. The race ended on the 16th caution after Elliott had taken
the white flag for the 276th lap in a race scheduled for 267 laps.
The chasing Chastain was bumped from behind by defending race winner
William Byron, who finished third. Brad Keselowski was second. It was
the fifth win this season for Hendrick Motorsports, the 306th for
NASCAR’s winningest team. It was the first for Elliott in the No. 9
since Talladega in October 2022.UTICA, N.Y. (AP) —
Danielle Serdachny converted a rebound in front 5:16 into overtime
for a power-play goal and Canada beat the United States 6-5 in a
breathtaking women’s world hockey championship gold medal game.
Canada won its tournament-leading 13ths gold medal and did so on U.S.
soil in central New York, a year after the Americans won their 10th
tournament outside of Toronto. Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin
scored twice, Julia Gosling also scored, while Erin Ambrose and Emily
Clark had shots bank into the net off U.S. defenseman Caroline
Harvey. Harvey and Laila Edwards had a goal and assist for the
Americans who finished the tournament 6-1.SUNDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Tampa
Bay	9	San Francisco	4	Final	N.Y.
Mets	2	Kansas City	1	Final	Toronto	5	Colorado	0	Final	Baltimore	6	Milwaukee	4	Final	Cincinnati	11	Chicago
White Sox	4	Final	Chicago
Cubs	3	Seattle	2	Final	Oakland	7	Washington	6	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	4	Minnesota	3	Final	Boston	5	L.A.
Angels	4	Final	Houston	8	Texas	5	Final	Cleveland	8	N.Y.
Yankees	7	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	9	Philadelphia	2	Final	Atlanta	9	Miami	7	Final	Arizona	5	St.
Louis	0	Final	San
Diego	6	L.A. Dodgers	3	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Charlotte	120	Cleveland	110	Final	Boston	132	Washington	122	Final	Philadelphia	107	Brooklyn	86	Final	Indiana	157	Atlanta	115	Final	Miami	118	Toronto	103	Final	Orlando	113	Milwaukee	88	Final OT	New
York	120	Chicago	119	Final	San
Antonio	123	Detroit	95	Final	Houston	116	L.A.
Clippers	105	Final	Oklahoma
City	135	Dallas	86	Final	Golden
State	123	Utah	116	Final	Sacramento	121	Portland	82	Final	Denver	126	Memphis	111	Final	Phoenix	125	Minnesota	106	Final	L.A.
Lakers	124	New Orleans	108	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	St.
Louis	4	Seattle	1	Final
OT	Vegas	4	Colorado	3	Final	Carolina	4	Chicago	2

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

NEW YORK (AP) — Harrison Bader broke a scoreless tie with an infield single in the eighth inning and Edwin Díaz earned his first save at Citi Field since October 2022 as the New York Mets edged the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Sunday.

“That was obviously not the most conventional way of scoring an RBI, but it did get the job done,” Bader said.

Mets rookie Jose Buttó and Royals starter Cole Ragans matched zeros for six innings in a crisp pitchers’ duel. New York stranded nine runners over the first seven innings — seven between the fifth and seventh — before Chris Stratton (1-1) walked the bases loaded in the eighth.

With two outs, Bader hit a slow roller toward third and Maikel Garcia was unable to make a barehand pickup.

“I thought it was going to hit the wall,” Bader said with a grin. “That was just a fortunate play and a play that went in our favor, which we like. I think we create our own luck in this field and in this game. That one worked out for us and I’m very happy it did.”

Stratton then walked Brandon Nimmo on four pitches, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead. The four walks by Stratton were his most since Aug. 26, 2019, when he walked four in two innings for Pittsburgh against Philadelphia.

“That’s an uncharacteristic outing and it certainly didn’t look like he was missing by much,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

Díaz gave up a two-out homer to Vinnie Pasquantino in the ninth before getting Freddy Fermin on a popup for his third save this season. The first two came in Cincinnati.

It was Díaz’s first save at home — where his high-energy entrances to “ Narco ” by Blasterjaxx &amp; Timmy Trumpet became hugely popular two years ago — since Oct. 4, 2022. After signing a $102 million, five-year contract, the star closer missed last season following a March 2023 knee injury sustained while celebrating on the field after Puerto Rico beat the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

Brooks Raley (1-0) struck out two in a perfect eighth for the win. New York has won seven of 10 since an 0-5 start, taking three straight series.

“We’re playing a really good brand of baseball,” Bader said. “Just got to keep going.”

Buttó allowed two hits and struck out a career-high nine in six innings, the most strikeouts by a Mets pitcher since Jose Quintana had 10 last Sept. 23. The 26-year-old right-hander, who has made 12 big league appearances dating to 2022, is likely to get an extended audition in the rotation with Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill sidelined by shoulder injuries.

“He’s not going anywhere,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He’ll continue to get the ball and he’ll get his chance. It’s good to see somebody stepping up.”

After the start was delayed 46 minutes by rain, Ragans gave up five hits and fanned eight in six innings. He was aided by a terrific defensive play from left fielder MJ Melendez, who threw out Starling Marte at the plate for an inning-ending double play in the fourth.

Marte slid hard into Salvador Perez, and the All-Star catcher later exited with injuries to his left groin and hip. Quatraro said Perez would be evaluated again Monday.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better play on the defensive side, aside from the injury," Quatraro said.

Dwight Gooden had his No. 16 retired by the Mets in a pregame ceremony. Gooden went 157-85 with a 3.10 ERA and 1,875 strikeouts from 1984-94 during a Mets tenure interrupted by substance abuse and a suspension.

Royals: INF Michael Massey (lower back strain) went 1 for 4 with an RBI in his fifth rehab game for Double-A Omaha. Massey is batting .318 (7 of 22) for the Storm Chasers.

Mets: DH J.D. Martinez (back), who had a cortisone shot Tuesday, is expected to resume baseball activities Monday. … RHP Sean Reid-Foley (right shoulder) began a minor league rehab assignment and struck out the side in a perfect inning for Class A Brooklyn.

Royals: RHP Seth Lugo (2-0, 1.45 ERA) pitches Monday as Kansas City begins a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox, who counter with RHP Erick Fedde (0-0, 4.30).

Mets: Continue their homestand Monday night when RHP Adrian Houser (0-1, 5.40 ERA) starts against Pittsburgh LHP Martin Perez (1-0, 1.89).

NEW YORK (AP) — Harrison Bader broke a scoreless tie with an infield single in the eighth inning and Edwin Díaz earned his first save at Citi Field since October 2022 as the New York Mets edged the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Sunday.“That was obviously not the most conventional way of scoring an RBI, but it did get the job done,” Bader said.Mets rookie Jose Buttó and Royals starter Cole Ragans matched zeros for six innings in a crisp pitchers’ duel. New York stranded nine runners over the first seven innings — seven between the fifth and seventh — before Chris Stratton (1-1) walked the bases loaded in the eighth.With two outs, Bader hit a slow roller toward third and Maikel Garcia was unable to make a barehand pickup.“I thought it was going to hit the wall,” Bader said with a grin. “That was just a fortunate play and a play that went in our favor, which we like. I think we create our own luck in this field and in this game. That one worked out for us and I’m very happy it did.”Stratton then walked Brandon Nimmo on four pitches, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead. The four walks by Stratton were his most since Aug. 26, 2019, when he walked four in two innings for Pittsburgh against Philadelphia.“That’s an uncharacteristic outing and it certainly didn’t look like he was missing by much,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.Díaz gave up a two-out homer to Vinnie Pasquantino in the ninth before getting Freddy Fermin on a popup for his third save this season. The first two came in Cincinnati.It was Díaz’s first save at home — where his high-energy entrances to “ Narco ” by Blasterjaxx &amp; Timmy Trumpet became hugely popular two years ago — since Oct. 4, 2022. After signing a $102 million, five-year contract, the star closer missed last season following a March 2023 knee injury sustained while celebrating on the field after Puerto Rico beat the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.Brooks Raley (1-0) struck out two in a perfect eighth for the win. New York has won seven of 10 since an 0-5 start, taking three straight series.“We’re playing a really good brand of baseball,” Bader said. “Just got to keep going.”Buttó allowed two hits and struck out a career-high nine in six innings, the most strikeouts by a Mets pitcher since Jose Quintana had 10 last Sept. 23. The 26-year-old right-hander, who has made 12 big league appearances dating to 2022, is likely to get an extended audition in the rotation with Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill sidelined by shoulder injuries.“He’s not going anywhere,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He’ll continue to get the ball and he’ll get his chance. It’s good to see somebody stepping up.”After the start was delayed 46 minutes by rain, Ragans gave up five hits and fanned eight in six innings. He was aided by a terrific defensive play from left fielder MJ Melendez, who threw out Starling Marte at the plate for an inning-ending double play in the fourth.Marte slid hard into Salvador Perez, and the All-Star catcher later exited with injuries to his left groin and hip. Quatraro said Perez would be evaluated again Monday.“We couldn’t have asked for a better play on the defensive side, aside from the injury," Quatraro said.THE DOCTOR IS INDwight Gooden had his No. 16 retired by the Mets in a pregame ceremony. Gooden went 157-85 with a 3.10 ERA and 1,875 strikeouts from 1984-94 during a Mets tenure interrupted by substance abuse and a suspension.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: INF Michael Massey (lower back strain) went 1 for 4 with an RBI in his fifth rehab game for Double-A Omaha. Massey is batting .318 (7 of 22) for the Storm Chasers.Mets: DH J.D. Martinez (back), who had a cortisone shot Tuesday, is expected to resume baseball activities Monday. … RHP Sean Reid-Foley (right shoulder) began a minor league rehab assignment and struck out the side in a perfect inning for Class A Brooklyn.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Seth Lugo (2-0, 1.45 ERA) pitches Monday as Kansas City begins a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox, who counter with RHP Erick Fedde (0-0, 4.30).Mets: Continue their homestand Monday night when RHP Adrian Houser (0-1, 5.40 ERA) starts against Pittsburgh LHP Martin Perez (1-0, 1.89).

Mets get 2 in 8th to snap scoreless tie and beat Royals 2-1

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The 13th ranked Barton Community College women's golf team's day one lead of Meet #2 of the conference season wasn't enough as the Cougars were caught during the final round at Garden City's Southwind Country Club.

Barton took a nine-stroke, first round lead behind a 319 but on day two carded a 331 for a combined 82-over 650 to be overtaken by Dodge City Community College's concluding round of 312 to win by ten strokes. The 7th ranked Conquistadors' combined rounds for a 72-over 640 secured their second straight victory with Fort Scott Community College finishing a distant third place at 210-over 778 total.

Finishing second in the first KJCCC meet, Butpapaporn Sukterm shined during the two-day event winning by 10 strokes, carding both rounds under par with a 70 and 69 for a combined 3-under 139 total. Previous tournament winner Gaemphuang Ketrahong of Dodge City paired 75 and 74 rounds finishing at 7-over 149 for a four-stroke cushion of the runner-up position.

The rest of the five-member squad either held or dropped from their day one standings.

Valentina Leyva's opening round 7-over 78 tumbled four slots down the leaderboard after a closing 89 in finishing tied for 7th at 25-over 167.

Andrea Peraza held steady in the 9th spot with consistent 85-84 cards compiling a 27-over 169.

Frida Medellin placed 11th at 33-over 175 on 86-89 scores while Alayna Crosby also slipped down a spot on the final day leaderboard with 88-91 rounds to place 12th with a 37-over 179

The Cougars next meet comes Friday at the Emporia Municipal Golf Course for the third and final regular season two-day conference meet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713111948798.jpeg" alt="Frida Medellin, Butpapaporn Sukterm, and Andrea Peraza - Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Frida Medellin, Butpapaporn Sukterm, and Andrea Peraza - Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe 13th ranked Barton Community College women's golf team's day one lead of Meet #2 of the conference season wasn't enough as the Cougars were caught during the final round at Garden City's Southwind Country Club.Barton took a nine-stroke, first round lead behind a 319 but on day two carded a 331 for a combined 82-over 650 to be overtaken by Dodge City Community College's concluding round of 312 to win by ten strokes. The 7th ranked Conquistadors' combined rounds for a 72-over 640 secured their second straight victory with Fort Scott Community College finishing a distant third place at 210-over 778 total.Finishing second in the first KJCCC meet, Butpapaporn Sukterm shined during the two-day event winning by 10 strokes, carding both rounds under par with a 70 and 69 for a combined 3-under 139 total. Previous tournament winner Gaemphuang Ketrahong of Dodge City paired 75 and 74 rounds finishing at 7-over 149 for a four-stroke cushion of the runner-up position.The rest of the five-member squad either held or dropped from their day one standings.Valentina Leyva's opening round 7-over 78 tumbled four slots down the leaderboard after a closing 89 in finishing tied for 7th at 25-over 167.Andrea Peraza held steady in the 9th spot with consistent 85-84 cards compiling a 27-over 169.Frida Medellin placed 11th at 33-over 175 on 86-89 scores while Alayna Crosby also slipped down a spot on the final day leaderboard with 88-91 rounds to place 12th with a 37-over 179The Cougars next meet comes Friday at the Emporia Municipal Golf Course for the third and final regular season two-day conference meet.Barton scores and placings:1st Butpapaporn Sukterm (-3, 70-69)7th Valentina Leyva (+25, 78-89)9th Andrea Peraza (+27, 85-84)11th Frida Medellin (+33, 86-89)12th Alayna Crosby (+37, 88-91)

Sukterm's victory not enough as Barton women's golf takes second

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Jayhawk fans got their first look at the 2024 Kansas Football team on Friday night, as the Jayhawks hosted its annual Spring Showcase to Rock Chalk Park.

The showcase featured an evening of activities at Rock Chalk Park, featuring on-field action that included practice periods and two 30-minutes halves of live football.

A televised broadcast will not be carried live but will be available on ESPN+ beginning next week.

The Jayhawks enter the 2024 season under head coach Lance Leipold, as the Jayhawks are coming off its first winning season since 2008. Under Leipold, the Jayhawks have been to back-to-back bowl games, including a 49-36 win over UNLV in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

Kansas will kick off the 2024 season on Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Lindenwood at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. All six of Kansas’ 2024 home games will be played in the Kansas City Metro due to construction on the university’s Gateway District.

kuathletics.comLAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Jayhawk fans got their first look at the 2024 Kansas Football team on Friday night, as the Jayhawks hosted its annual Spring Showcase to Rock Chalk Park.The showcase featured an evening of activities at Rock Chalk Park, featuring on-field action that included practice periods and two 30-minutes halves of live football.A televised broadcast will not be carried live but will be available on ESPN+ beginning next week.The Jayhawks enter the 2024 season under head coach Lance Leipold, as the Jayhawks are coming off its first winning season since 2008. Under Leipold, the Jayhawks have been to back-to-back bowl games, including a 49-36 win over UNLV in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl.Kansas will kick off the 2024 season on Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Lindenwood at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. All six of Kansas’ 2024 home games will be played in the Kansas City Metro due to construction on the university’s Gateway District.

Fans Get First Look at the 2024 Kansas Jayhawks at Friday's Spring Showcase

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Stranding the tying and go-ahead runners in the seventh in an 8-7 loss to open the day, the Barton Community College baseball team would burst out scoring 15-runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to salvage the series finale with a 20-10 seventh inning run-rule victory over Cloud County Community College to split the home doubleheader at Lawson-Biggs Field on Saturday afternoon.

Snapping its five-game skid to Cloud County, the Cougars now sit at 29-14 on the year with a fifth best 14-10 league mark while the T-Birds clinched their first series victory over Barton since 2019 taking 3-of-4 over the weekend moving to 29-13 overall with a conference second best record of 15-5.

Stepping out of conference play for the next five games, Barton will resume its homestand Tuesday afternoon in a 2:00 p.m. first pitch against the 19th ranked Tigers of Cowley College in the second game of a home-and-away series. Set to take on the Tigers for the second time in a month's span, the Cougars took the opening contest 16-8 at Cowley back on March 19th. 

Scoreless through the opening two frames, Owen Clyne's single extending his hitting streak to 12-straight games in the bottom of the third broke open the scoring bringing home Robby Bolin's reaching fielder's choice gifting Barton a brief 1-0 lead.

Stringing five of their 12 hits together in the top of the fourth, Cloud County pieced a three-run inning on Noah Konings two-run round tripper to left center and fourth single in the frame producing an Austin Coyle RBI and 3-1 lead.

Reclaiming the lead behind a trio of hits in the home fourth, the Cougars jetted back out front for the final time at 4-3, following Bolin's RBI single scoring Wyatt Yetter's drawn leadoff walk and Cesar Gomez distributing the third single of the frame driving Grant Nottlemann's bunt single and Bolin in from second.

Scoring five unanswered, Nolan Fruend's double in the top of the fifth evened things at 4-4 with the ultimate damage coming in the sixth as a Paul Schuyler two-run home run and Fruend two-run single aided off a trio of hit-by-pitches pushed Cloud back out front 8-4.

Kyler Horsman cut the Cougar deficit to within one, 8-7 launching his first collegiate home run over the left center field scoreboard trotting home Bolin's plunking and Gomez ensuing walk.

Keeping the margin at one, Preston Golden worked a scoreless top of the seventh pitching around a two-out single.

Looking for one final rally attempt, Jaron Cotton's leadoff single in the bottom of the seventh advancing on Trent Reitmayer's pinch hit sacrifice bunt and Nottlemann's two-out drawn walk would be left with a foul out to left field stranding the tying run at second and go-ahead runner at first.

Making just his fourth start, Nathan Bowman earned a no-decision tossing a career high 4.1-innings scattering eight hits, four runs with a walk and three strikeouts.

Colton Wahlstrom (1-1) suffered his first loss of the season in relief working 1.0-inning yielding two hits and three runs. 

Already extending his hitting streak to 12-straight in the bottom of the first, Bolin legged out the first of three doubles produced by the Cougars in the bottom of the third sparking a four-run frame. Clyne's RBI double a batter later cut the deficit in half stretching his hitting streak to 13 straight coming across with Cotton and Horsman walks off Owen Bailey's bases clearing three-run double pushing Barton out front 5-4.

Cloud County wouldn't take long to regain the lead in the top of the fourth as Demitri Shakotko's two-run home run succeeding a leadoff walk gifted the T-Birds a 6-5 lead with an additional two runs crossing in the top of the sixth extending the lead to 8-5, on Shakotko's run producing single and Jakob Poturnak's sacrifice fly.

Held to six hits through five innings, the Cougar offense erupted following a leadoff strikeout in the ultimate game-changing sixth inning with 15 consecutive batters reaching base while pounding out 12 hits and 15 runs to turn an 8-5 deficit into a 20-8 advantage.

Sending a total of 21 to the plate in the sixth, Cole Schieffer and Bolin powered the run production driving in six of the 15 runs with three apiece. Gomez and Horsman added a pair of RBIs each with Cotton, Brock Howard, Hank Orr and Clyne each knocking in one.

Four singles in the top of the seventh scoring two runs pulled the T-Birds to within 20-10 forcing Jordan Bedell to come on to provide the final out on a fielder's choice to secure the run rule victory.

Bolin led a five-pack of multi-hit performance by the Cougars with a career best 5 for 5 day with a double, five RBIs and four runs scored.

Going a combined 6 for 9 performance from the seventh and eighth spots in the lineup, Bailey finished 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs while Howard added going 3 for 5 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Stretching his hitting streak to a season long 13-games, Clyne finished 2 for 4 with three RBIs and three runs while Schieffer rounded the multi-hit performances turning in a 2 for 3 day off the bench with three runs brought home.

Entering in the fourth inning Anthony Treto (4-1) provided strong work out of the bullpen going 3.2-innings permitting five hits, four runs, three earned, walking one and fanning a trio of T-Birds in notching his fourth victory of the season.

Starter Ethan Minaker pitched the opening 2.2-innings in the no-decision effort. Cade Kunz and Bedell each went 0.1-innings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713101294734.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoStranding the tying and go-ahead runners in the seventh in an 8-7 loss to open the day, the Barton Community College baseball team would burst out scoring 15-runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to salvage the series finale with a 20-10 seventh inning run-rule victory over Cloud County Community College to split the home doubleheader at Lawson-Biggs Field on Saturday afternoon.Snapping its five-game skid to Cloud County, the Cougars now sit at 29-14 on the year with a fifth best 14-10 league mark while the T-Birds clinched their first series victory over Barton since 2019 taking 3-of-4 over the weekend moving to 29-13 overall with a conference second best record of 15-5.Stepping out of conference play for the next five games, Barton will resume its homestand Tuesday afternoon in a 2:00 p.m. first pitch against the 19th ranked Tigers of Cowley College in the second game of a home-and-away series. Set to take on the Tigers for the second time in a month's span, the Cougars took the opening contest 16-8 at Cowley back on March 19th. Game 1 Recap (L 8-7)Scoreless through the opening two frames, Owen Clyne's single extending his hitting streak to 12-straight games in the bottom of the third broke open the scoring bringing home Robby Bolin's reaching fielder's choice gifting Barton a brief 1-0 lead.Stringing five of their 12 hits together in the top of the fourth, Cloud County pieced a three-run inning on Noah Konings two-run round tripper to left center and fourth single in the frame producing an Austin Coyle RBI and 3-1 lead.Reclaiming the lead behind a trio of hits in the home fourth, the Cougars jetted back out front for the final time at 4-3, following Bolin's RBI single scoring Wyatt Yetter's drawn leadoff walk and Cesar Gomez distributing the third single of the frame driving Grant Nottlemann's bunt single and Bolin in from second.Scoring five unanswered, Nolan Fruend's double in the top of the fifth evened things at 4-4 with the ultimate damage coming in the sixth as a Paul Schuyler two-run home run and Fruend two-run single aided off a trio of hit-by-pitches pushed Cloud back out front 8-4.Kyler Horsman cut the Cougar deficit to within one, 8-7 launching his first collegiate home run over the left center field scoreboard trotting home Bolin's plunking and Gomez ensuing walk.Keeping the margin at one, Preston Golden worked a scoreless top of the seventh pitching around a two-out single.Looking for one final rally attempt, Jaron Cotton's leadoff single in the bottom of the seventh advancing on Trent Reitmayer's pinch hit sacrifice bunt and Nottlemann's two-out drawn walk would be left with a foul out to left field stranding the tying run at second and go-ahead runner at first.Making just his fourth start, Nathan Bowman earned a no-decision tossing a career high 4.1-innings scattering eight hits, four runs with a walk and three strikeouts.Colton Wahlstrom (1-1) suffered his first loss of the season in relief working 1.0-inning yielding two hits and three runs. Game 2 Recap (W 20-10 (7)Already extending his hitting streak to 12-straight in the bottom of the first, Bolin legged out the first of three doubles produced by the Cougars in the bottom of the third sparking a four-run frame. Clyne's RBI double a batter later cut the deficit in half stretching his hitting streak to 13 straight coming across with Cotton and Horsman walks off Owen Bailey's bases clearing three-run double pushing Barton out front 5-4.Cloud County wouldn't take long to regain the lead in the top of the fourth as Demitri Shakotko's two-run home run succeeding a leadoff walk gifted the T-Birds a 6-5 lead with an additional two runs crossing in the top of the sixth extending the lead to 8-5, on Shakotko's run producing single and Jakob Poturnak's sacrifice fly.Held to six hits through five innings, the Cougar offense erupted following a leadoff strikeout in the ultimate game-changing sixth inning with 15 consecutive batters reaching base while pounding out 12 hits and 15 runs to turn an 8-5 deficit into a 20-8 advantage.Sending a total of 21 to the plate in the sixth, Cole Schieffer and Bolin powered the run production driving in six of the 15 runs with three apiece. Gomez and Horsman added a pair of RBIs each with Cotton, Brock Howard, Hank Orr and Clyne each knocking in one.Four singles in the top of the seventh scoring two runs pulled the T-Birds to within 20-10 forcing Jordan Bedell to come on to provide the final out on a fielder's choice to secure the run rule victory.Bolin led a five-pack of multi-hit performance by the Cougars with a career best 5 for 5 day with a double, five RBIs and four runs scored.Going a combined 6 for 9 performance from the seventh and eighth spots in the lineup, Bailey finished 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs while Howard added going 3 for 5 with an RBI and two runs scored.Stretching his hitting streak to a season long 13-games, Clyne finished 2 for 4 with three RBIs and three runs while Schieffer rounded the multi-hit performances turning in a 2 for 3 day off the bench with three runs brought home.Entering in the fourth inning Anthony Treto (4-1) provided strong work out of the bullpen going 3.2-innings permitting five hits, four runs, three earned, walking one and fanning a trio of T-Birds in notching his fourth victory of the season.Starter Ethan Minaker pitched the opening 2.2-innings in the no-decision effort. Cade Kunz and Bedell each went 0.1-innings.

Cougars salvage final game of series with Cloud County

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University Director of Athletics Andy Peterson has selected Matt Keeley as the 21st head men's basketball coach in program history.&nbsp;

Bearcat Athletics will schedule a press conference in the near future to formally announce Keeley as the new head coach.

"I'm very confident in bringing Coach Keeley on board to lead our men's basketball program," Peterson said in a news release from Northwest. "I've known him for a long time having scrimmaged, coached, and recruited against him over the years and know who he is as a person and a competitor."

"He will be an asset to our program, our department, our institution and our community. I can't wait to get started working with him in this next evolution of Bearcat men's basketball."

Keeley, a native of Great Bend, Kan., has served as a head coach at Ottawa University Arizona for the past seven seasons. He has posted a head coaching mark of 113-89. He was named the 2023 NCCAA National Coach of the Year.

He guided the Spirit to three consecutive national tournament appearances including a national runner-up finish in 2021 and a spot in the 2023 Fab Four. Keeley secured back-to-back GSAC tournament championships during his time in Surprise, Ariz.

"I am so excited and equally honored to join the Northwest Missouri State program as the next men's basketball coach," Keeley said. "Being on campus you quickly realize that Northwest is a truly special place whose biggest asset is its amazing people. My family and I can't wait to work alongside all the Bearcat family in the local community and beyond to continue the program's success."

"Thank you to President Lance Tatum and Athletic Director Andy Peterson for allowing me the opportunity to carry on the tradition that is Northwest Missouri State basketball."

Before embarking on creating a new program in Arizona, Keeley was an assistant coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University from 2009-17 under head coach Rocky Lamar. Keeley was also a graduate assistant coach at MNU in the 2004-05 season.

Keeley is no stranger to the MIAA as he spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Washburn University for head coach Bob Chipman in 2007-08 and 2008-09.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713038158203.jpeg" alt="Matt Keeley has been selected as the 21st head coach in Northwest Missouri State program history/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri State University" />
 <figcaption>Matt Keeley has been selected as the 21st head coach in Northwest Missouri State program history/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri State University</figcaption>
 </figure>MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University Director of Athletics Andy Peterson has selected Matt Keeley as the 21st head men's basketball coach in program history.&nbsp;Bearcat Athletics will schedule a press conference in the near future to formally announce Keeley as the new head coach."I'm very confident in bringing Coach Keeley on board to lead our men's basketball program," Peterson said in a news release from Northwest. "I've known him for a long time having scrimmaged, coached, and recruited against him over the years and know who he is as a person and a competitor.""He will be an asset to our program, our department, our institution and our community. I can't wait to get started working with him in this next evolution of Bearcat men's basketball."Keeley, a native of Great Bend, Kan., has served as a head coach at Ottawa University Arizona for the past seven seasons. He has posted a head coaching mark of 113-89. He was named the 2023 NCCAA National Coach of the Year.He guided the Spirit to three consecutive national tournament appearances including a national runner-up finish in 2021 and a spot in the 2023 Fab Four. Keeley secured back-to-back GSAC tournament championships during his time in Surprise, Ariz."I am so excited and equally honored to join the Northwest Missouri State program as the next men's basketball coach," Keeley said. "Being on campus you quickly realize that Northwest is a truly special place whose biggest asset is its amazing people. My family and I can't wait to work alongside all the Bearcat family in the local community and beyond to continue the program's success.""Thank you to President Lance Tatum and Athletic Director Andy Peterson for allowing me the opportunity to carry on the tradition that is Northwest Missouri State basketball."Before embarking on creating a new program in Arizona, Keeley was an assistant coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University from 2009-17 under head coach Rocky Lamar. Keeley was also a graduate assistant coach at MNU in the 2004-05 season.Keeley is no stranger to the MIAA as he spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Washburn University for head coach Bob Chipman in 2007-08 and 2008-09.

Great Bend native named head coach at Northwest Missouri State

NEW YORK (AP) — Salvador Perez hit his milestone 250th homer and Bobby Witt Jr. scored four times to lead the Kansas City Royals to an 11-7 win over the New York Mets on Saturday.

Perez, who won the 2015 World Series MVP when Kansas City beat the Mets in five games, laced a two-run single in the second before hitting a replay-aided two-run homer in the fourth. He was originally credited with an RBI double when Brandon Nimmo got a piece of the ball as he crashed into the left-center-field wall, but the Royals challenged and a review showed the ball rolled over the orange home-run line.

“Means a lot — super exciting, especially (in) the win,” Perez said. “Hopefully many more.”

Perez is the sixth Venezuela-born player to hit 250 homers as well as the 12th primary catcher in big league history to do so.

“It’s special for us — everybody that gets to witness this, day in and day out, the fans in Kansas City have seen it for 13 years now,” second-year Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Just to be here everyday and watch somebody like him, as professional as he is, continue to rack up those accolades is really special.”

The four-run game was the second of the week for Witt, who also scored four times in Thursday’s 13-3 win over the Houston Astros. He just missed scoring a fifth run in the sixth inning Saturday, when Nimmo robbed him of a three-run homer with a leaping catch at the right-center-field wall.

Nick Loftin collected a career-high three RBIs as Kansas City improved to 10-5 — just the seventh time in franchise history the Royals have won at least 10 of their first 15 games.

The Royals have outscored their opponents 84-46, which is the second-largest run differential in team history through 15 games behind the 1977 team (plus-39), which won 102 games and the AL West.

“We’re trying to make it an everyday thing — just showing up to the yard, knowing that we’re supposed to win,” Witt said. “That’s how you’ve got to prepare. You can’t come to the field being skeptical about anything. Just come to the field ready to play ready to win.”

Alec Marsh (2-0) gave up four runs in five innings.

Pete Alonso hit solo homers to left in the third and sixth and finished with three RBIs for the Mets, who were trying to get to .500 for the first time this season. New York trailed 11-4 in the sixth but got the tying run on deck in the ninth, when Francisco Lindor grounded out against James McArthur to strand two.

“Got down a few runs there and continued to put together good at-bats, continued to put pressure, continued to get traffic all the way to the end,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Guys battled them pitch to pitch. That’s good to see, obviously.”

The multi-homer game was the 20th for Alonso, leaving him just two shy of Darryl Strawberry’s franchise record.

Sean Manaea (1-1) allowed eight runs (six earned) in 3 2/3 innings. He surrendered just one run over 11 innings in his first two starts.

Royals: IF Michael Massey (lower back strain) went 2-for-4 in his fourth rehab game with Double-A Omaha Saturday. Massey is 6-of-18 with the Storm Chasers.

Mets: RHP Kodai Senga (right shoulder strain), who is on the 60-day injured list and ineligible to return until May 27, was slated to throw from 120 feet Saturday. … Manager Carlos Mendoza said DH J.D. Martinez (back) is still not participating in baseball activities, four days after he received a cortisone shot. … RHP Sean Reid-Foley (right shoulder) is scheduled to throw an inning for Single-A Brooklyn on Sunday.

The series concludes Sunday, when the Mets plan to recall RHP José Buttó (0-0, 1.50 ERA) from Triple-A Syracuse to start against Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-1, 2.60 ERA).

NEW YORK (AP) — Salvador Perez hit his milestone 250th homer and Bobby Witt Jr. scored four times to lead the Kansas City Royals to an 11-7 win over the New York Mets on Saturday.Perez, who won the 2015 World Series MVP when Kansas City beat the Mets in five games, laced a two-run single in the second before hitting a replay-aided two-run homer in the fourth. He was originally credited with an RBI double when Brandon Nimmo got a piece of the ball as he crashed into the left-center-field wall, but the Royals challenged and a review showed the ball rolled over the orange home-run line.“Means a lot — super exciting, especially (in) the win,” Perez said. “Hopefully many more.”Perez is the sixth Venezuela-born player to hit 250 homers as well as the 12th primary catcher in big league history to do so.“It’s special for us — everybody that gets to witness this, day in and day out, the fans in Kansas City have seen it for 13 years now,” second-year Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Just to be here everyday and watch somebody like him, as professional as he is, continue to rack up those accolades is really special.”The four-run game was the second of the week for Witt, who also scored four times in Thursday’s 13-3 win over the Houston Astros. He just missed scoring a fifth run in the sixth inning Saturday, when Nimmo robbed him of a three-run homer with a leaping catch at the right-center-field wall.Nick Loftin collected a career-high three RBIs as Kansas City improved to 10-5 — just the seventh time in franchise history the Royals have won at least 10 of their first 15 games.The Royals have outscored their opponents 84-46, which is the second-largest run differential in team history through 15 games behind the 1977 team (plus-39), which won 102 games and the AL West.“We’re trying to make it an everyday thing — just showing up to the yard, knowing that we’re supposed to win,” Witt said. “That’s how you’ve got to prepare. You can’t come to the field being skeptical about anything. Just come to the field ready to play ready to win.”Alec Marsh (2-0) gave up four runs in five innings.Pete Alonso hit solo homers to left in the third and sixth and finished with three RBIs for the Mets, who were trying to get to .500 for the first time this season. New York trailed 11-4 in the sixth but got the tying run on deck in the ninth, when Francisco Lindor grounded out against James McArthur to strand two.“Got down a few runs there and continued to put together good at-bats, continued to put pressure, continued to get traffic all the way to the end,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Guys battled them pitch to pitch. That’s good to see, obviously.”The multi-homer game was the 20th for Alonso, leaving him just two shy of Darryl Strawberry’s franchise record.Sean Manaea (1-1) allowed eight runs (six earned) in 3 2/3 innings. He surrendered just one run over 11 innings in his first two starts.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: IF Michael Massey (lower back strain) went 2-for-4 in his fourth rehab game with Double-A Omaha Saturday. Massey is 6-of-18 with the Storm Chasers.Mets: RHP Kodai Senga (right shoulder strain), who is on the 60-day injured list and ineligible to return until May 27, was slated to throw from 120 feet Saturday. … Manager Carlos Mendoza said DH J.D. Martinez (back) is still not participating in baseball activities, four days after he received a cortisone shot. … RHP Sean Reid-Foley (right shoulder) is scheduled to throw an inning for Single-A Brooklyn on Sunday.UP NEXTThe series concludes Sunday, when the Mets plan to recall RHP José Buttó (0-0, 1.50 ERA) from Triple-A Syracuse to start against Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-1, 2.60 ERA).

Salvador Perez homers as Royals beat Mets 11-7

The Lady Panthers wrapped up a busy week of softball with four games in Dodge City Friday and Saturday. After playing into the night and finishing Friday at 0-2, Great Bend bounced back Saturday to defeat Derby 9-8 and Wichita Northwest 18-3. The Lady Panthers now sit at 13-3 on the season.

Great Bend 9, Derby 8 Saturday morning's opener went back and forth with a 4-4 tied after three innings and a 6-6 tied heading into the seventh. Denver Ringo and Chayla Prendergast walked to open the top of the seventh. With two outs in the books, Camdyn Post delivered a single that scored Ringo and Braelyn Turner, running for Prendergast. Kya Behr kept the inning alive with a single, then DeShawnna Bryant singled in Post for what turned out to be the game-winning run. Derby plated two runs in the bottom of the seventh but left the game-tying run stranded on second.

Prendergast threw all seven innings for the win, striking out one and allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits. At the plate, the freshman homered for her lone hit in the game though she also walked twice.

Kamryn Koelch had three hits, including a double, to drive in two runs. Post singled four times.

Great Bend 18, Wichita Northwest 3 Game two Saturday was much less dramatic as Great Bend plated 10 runs in the first inning and added four more runs in each of the next two innings.

Alyssa McCauley homered, driving in three runs. Behr went 4-for-4 with three doubles, driving in four and scoring three times. Paige Thexton doubled, singled twice, and walked, driving in two runs and scoring four times. Koelsch doubled and walked twice, and Halle Post doubled. Bryant singled twice and walked, driving in two and scoring once.

Turner recorded five outs with three earned runs allowed on five walks. Thexton pitched the final four outs, striking out two in the combined no-hitter.

Goddard-Eisenhower 9, Great Bend 4 Things went well for five innings to open Friday's play. Both teams scored in the first inning and that score remained until the Tigers put up a 7-spot in the sixth inning. Great Bend answered with three runs in the bottom of the sixth but could not overcome the deficit.&nbsp;

Bryant doubled twice to lead the offense. Thexton and Behr each added two singles.

Turner pitched into the sixth, striking out five and walking four. She allowed three earned runs on one hit. Prendergast pitched the final six outs, striking out three and allowing two earned runs on four hits. The Tigers scored four unearned runs against the freshman.

Maize South 10, Great Bend 3 The Lady Panthers again got off to a big start in game two Friday with a 2-0 lead after one inning. The Mavs tied things up in the second, then scored six runs in the third inning.

Prendergast picked up the loss, allowing eight earned runs on seven hits with two strikeouts in 2.1 innings. Turner pitched 3.2 innings, allowing one earned run on five hits with a strikeout. McCauley threw an inning with one hit allowed.

The Lady Panther offense managed just six hits with no walks. McCauley doubled and singled, driving in two of the three runs. Bryant doubled for her lone hit, and Behr singled in the other run.

Great Bend travels to Hays on Tuesday for a single game, then hosts the Lady Indians for two games on Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886582717.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsThe Lady Panthers wrapped up a busy week of softball with four games in Dodge City Friday and Saturday. After playing into the night and finishing Friday at 0-2, Great Bend bounced back Saturday to defeat Derby 9-8 and Wichita Northwest 18-3. The Lady Panthers now sit at 13-3 on the season.Great Bend 9, Derby 8 Saturday morning's opener went back and forth with a 4-4 tied after three innings and a 6-6 tied heading into the seventh. Denver Ringo and Chayla Prendergast walked to open the top of the seventh. With two outs in the books, Camdyn Post delivered a single that scored Ringo and Braelyn Turner, running for Prendergast. Kya Behr kept the inning alive with a single, then DeShawnna Bryant singled in Post for what turned out to be the game-winning run. Derby plated two runs in the bottom of the seventh but left the game-tying run stranded on second.Prendergast threw all seven innings for the win, striking out one and allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits. At the plate, the freshman homered for her lone hit in the game though she also walked twice.Kamryn Koelch had three hits, including a double, to drive in two runs. Post singled four times.Great Bend 18, Wichita Northwest 3 Game two Saturday was much less dramatic as Great Bend plated 10 runs in the first inning and added four more runs in each of the next two innings.Alyssa McCauley homered, driving in three runs. Behr went 4-for-4 with three doubles, driving in four and scoring three times. Paige Thexton doubled, singled twice, and walked, driving in two runs and scoring four times. Koelsch doubled and walked twice, and Halle Post doubled. Bryant singled twice and walked, driving in two and scoring once.Turner recorded five outs with three earned runs allowed on five walks. Thexton pitched the final four outs, striking out two in the combined no-hitter.Goddard-Eisenhower 9, Great Bend 4 Things went well for five innings to open Friday's play. Both teams scored in the first inning and that score remained until the Tigers put up a 7-spot in the sixth inning. Great Bend answered with three runs in the bottom of the sixth but could not overcome the deficit.&nbsp;Bryant doubled twice to lead the offense. Thexton and Behr each added two singles.Turner pitched into the sixth, striking out five and walking four. She allowed three earned runs on one hit. Prendergast pitched the final six outs, striking out three and allowing two earned runs on four hits. The Tigers scored four unearned runs against the freshman.Maize South 10, Great Bend 3 The Lady Panthers again got off to a big start in game two Friday with a 2-0 lead after one inning. The Mavs tied things up in the second, then scored six runs in the third inning.Prendergast picked up the loss, allowing eight earned runs on seven hits with two strikeouts in 2.1 innings. Turner pitched 3.2 innings, allowing one earned run on five hits with a strikeout. McCauley threw an inning with one hit allowed.The Lady Panther offense managed just six hits with no walks. McCauley doubled and singled, driving in two of the three runs. Bryant doubled for her lone hit, and Behr singled in the other run.Great Bend travels to Hays on Tuesday for a single game, then hosts the Lady Indians for two games on Thursday.

Lady Panther softball rebounds with two wins at Dodge City

NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Alonso homered and Luis Severino earned his first win for the New York Mets, who snapped Kansas City's seven-game winning streak Friday night with a 6-1 victory over the Royals.

Brett Baty hit a two-run double and the Mets scored all five of their runs off starter Michael Wacha with two outs. New York reached double digits in hits for the fourth consecutive game and has won six of eight following an 0-5 start.

“We are finding our footing. We are sticking with each other. We are playing the game the right way. We don’t have the team to go out there and roll through teams," shortstop Francisco Lindor said. "Now we are in a place where we are playing every inning the right way.”

Coming off a 7-0 homestand that marked the longest winning streak in the majors this season, the surprising Royals (9-5) were looking for their first eight-game winning streak since a nine-game run in July 2017.

Salvador Perez homered for the Royals, making their first visit to Citi Field since June 2016. The year before that, they clinched the club’s second World Series title there.

Severino (1-1) worked around four walks in five innings during his third start for the Mets, who signed him to a $13 million, one-year contract in December after the two-time All-Star spent his first eight seasons across town with the Yankees.

“He just kept us on the end of the bat. We didn’t square a whole lot up,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a couple opportunities with the walks, when he lost the zone a little bit, but we just didn’t capitalize.”

The only hit Severino gave up was a 433-foot leadoff homer by Perez in the second. The right-hander struck out four, including young star Bobby Witt Jr. with two runners aboard to end a 27-pitch fifth that began with a 12-pitch walk to Adam Frazier.

“Just get ahead in the count in a big situation. He's a great hitter,” Severino said. “Get ahead in the count and throw a good pitch to finish.”

Four relievers completed the three-hitter.

Jeff McNeil had three of New York's 14 hits, one day after the Mets pilled up 16 in a 16-4 blowout at Atlanta.

“I think as a team, we're winning ballgames and our confidence is growing. I feel like we're all meshing together, and we're playing well," Baty said.

Harrison Bader singled against Wacha (1-1) with two outs in the third and stole second before scoring on Brandon Nimmo's double.

New York hit four straight two-out singles in the fourth, with McNeil and DJ Stewart driving in runs. Baty's double just over center fielder Kyle Isbel's head made it 5-1 in the fifth.

“It's always good when you can have offensive games like that,” McNeil said. “Just grinded out at-bats.”

Wacha gave up 10 hits and two walks in six innings. Alonso launched his fourth homer on an 0-2 pitch from Will Smith leading off the eighth.

“They got some big two-out hits. You know, those are backbreaking at times, especially when they’re two-strike, two-out hits," Quatraro said. “But if you put up one run, it’s going to be tough to win.”

Royals: INF Michael Massey (low back strain) had a scheduled day off on his minor league rehab assignment after playing the previous two days. He is expected back in the lineup Saturday with Triple-A Omaha.

Mets: DH J.D. Martinez was still resting to allow an injection to take effect and hopefully will begin moving around again Saturday, manager Carlos Mendoza said. The 36-year-old Martinez was given a shot Tuesday to address lower back tightness that has delayed his season debut. The veteran slugger has been working out and playing at the team’s facility in Florida since signing a $12 million, one-year contract on March 23. ... Rookie RHP Jose Buttó will be recalled from the minors to start the series finale Sunday.

Mets LHP Sean Manaea (1-0, 0.82 ERA) pitches the middle game of the series Saturday against RHP Alec Marsh (1-0, 3.09). Manaea has struck out 14 and permitted just four hits over 11 innings in his first two starts for the Mets.

NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Alonso homered and Luis Severino earned his first win for the New York Mets, who snapped Kansas City's seven-game winning streak Friday night with a 6-1 victory over the Royals.Brett Baty hit a two-run double and the Mets scored all five of their runs off starter Michael Wacha with two outs. New York reached double digits in hits for the fourth consecutive game and has won six of eight following an 0-5 start.“We are finding our footing. We are sticking with each other. We are playing the game the right way. We don’t have the team to go out there and roll through teams," shortstop Francisco Lindor said. "Now we are in a place where we are playing every inning the right way.”Coming off a 7-0 homestand that marked the longest winning streak in the majors this season, the surprising Royals (9-5) were looking for their first eight-game winning streak since a nine-game run in July 2017.Salvador Perez homered for the Royals, making their first visit to Citi Field since June 2016. The year before that, they clinched the club’s second World Series title there.Severino (1-1) worked around four walks in five innings during his third start for the Mets, who signed him to a $13 million, one-year contract in December after the two-time All-Star spent his first eight seasons across town with the Yankees.“He just kept us on the end of the bat. We didn’t square a whole lot up,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a couple opportunities with the walks, when he lost the zone a little bit, but we just didn’t capitalize.”The only hit Severino gave up was a 433-foot leadoff homer by Perez in the second. The right-hander struck out four, including young star Bobby Witt Jr. with two runners aboard to end a 27-pitch fifth that began with a 12-pitch walk to Adam Frazier.“Just get ahead in the count in a big situation. He's a great hitter,” Severino said. “Get ahead in the count and throw a good pitch to finish.”Four relievers completed the three-hitter.Jeff McNeil had three of New York's 14 hits, one day after the Mets pilled up 16 in a 16-4 blowout at Atlanta.“I think as a team, we're winning ballgames and our confidence is growing. I feel like we're all meshing together, and we're playing well," Baty said.Harrison Bader singled against Wacha (1-1) with two outs in the third and stole second before scoring on Brandon Nimmo's double.New York hit four straight two-out singles in the fourth, with McNeil and DJ Stewart driving in runs. Baty's double just over center fielder Kyle Isbel's head made it 5-1 in the fifth.“It's always good when you can have offensive games like that,” McNeil said. “Just grinded out at-bats.”Wacha gave up 10 hits and two walks in six innings. Alonso launched his fourth homer on an 0-2 pitch from Will Smith leading off the eighth.“They got some big two-out hits. You know, those are backbreaking at times, especially when they’re two-strike, two-out hits," Quatraro said. “But if you put up one run, it’s going to be tough to win.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: INF Michael Massey (low back strain) had a scheduled day off on his minor league rehab assignment after playing the previous two days. He is expected back in the lineup Saturday with Triple-A Omaha.Mets: DH J.D. Martinez was still resting to allow an injection to take effect and hopefully will begin moving around again Saturday, manager Carlos Mendoza said. The 36-year-old Martinez was given a shot Tuesday to address lower back tightness that has delayed his season debut. The veteran slugger has been working out and playing at the team’s facility in Florida since signing a $12 million, one-year contract on March 23. ... Rookie RHP Jose Buttó will be recalled from the minors to start the series finale Sunday.UP NEXTMets LHP Sean Manaea (1-0, 0.82 ERA) pitches the middle game of the series Saturday against RHP Alec Marsh (1-0, 3.09). Manaea has struck out 14 and permitted just four hits over 11 innings in his first two starts for the Mets.

Mets stop Royals' 7-game winning streak with 6-1 victory

NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Alonso homered and Luis Severino earned his first win for the New York Mets, who snapped Kansas City’s seven-game winning streak with a 6-1 victory over the Royals. Brett Baty hit a two-run double and the Mets scored all five of their runs off starter Michael Wacha with two outs. New York reached double digits in hits for the fourth consecutive game and has won six of eight following an 0-5 start. Coming off a 7-0 homestand that marked the longest winning streak in the majors this season, the surprising Royals were looking for their first eight-game winning streak since a nine-game run in July 2017. Salvador Perez homered for Kansas City.

PHOENIX (AP) — Nolan Arenado hit a three-run homer, Paul Goldschmidt had the go-ahead RBI single in the seventh and the St. Louis Cardinals rebounded from blowing a six-run lead to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-6. Lars Nootbaar added a two-run homer for the Cardinals in his return from the injured list. The Diamondbacks rallied from a 6-0 deficit, tying it with six runs in the fifth. Eugenio Suárez had the big blow with a tying, three-run homer off Giovanny Gallegos that just cleared the fence. The Cardinals shook off the collapse and jumped ahead 7-6 on Goldschmidt's single.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712497619824.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Alonso homered and Luis Severino earned his first win for the New York Mets, who snapped Kansas City’s seven-game winning streak with a 6-1 victory over the Royals. Brett Baty hit a two-run double and the Mets scored all five of their runs off starter Michael Wacha with two outs. New York reached double digits in hits for the fourth consecutive game and has won six of eight following an 0-5 start. Coming off a 7-0 homestand that marked the longest winning streak in the majors this season, the surprising Royals were looking for their first eight-game winning streak since a nine-game run in July 2017. Salvador Perez homered for Kansas City.PHOENIX (AP) — Nolan Arenado hit a three-run homer, Paul Goldschmidt had the go-ahead RBI single in the seventh and the St. Louis Cardinals rebounded from blowing a six-run lead to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-6. Lars Nootbaar added a two-run homer for the Cardinals in his return from the injured list. The Diamondbacks rallied from a 6-0 deficit, tying it with six runs in the fifth. Eugenio Suárez had the big blow with a tying, three-run homer off Giovanny Gallegos that just cleared the fence. The Cardinals shook off the collapse and jumped ahead 7-6 on Goldschmidt's single.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit his 175th home run in the majors, tying Hideki Matsui for the most by a Japanese-born player. He reached the mark with a solo shot during the first inning of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 8-7 loss in 11 innings against the San Diego Padres. Ohtani drove an elevated outside fastball by Michael King 403 feet into the center-field stands with one out. It was his fourth homer in eight games. Earlier, a federal judge ordered Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s former longtime interpreter, to undergo gambling addiction treatment in a sports betting case stemming from allegations he stole $16 million from Ohtani.NEW YORK (AP) — The major league batting average dropped seven percentage points to .242 in the first two weeks of the season, while the average time of a nine-inning game rose two minutes to 2:39 in the second season of the pitch clock. Major League Baseball implemented restrictions on defensive shifts last year, when the batting average rose to .249 in the first 14 days from .230 the comparable period in 2022 and .235 in 2021. Last year’s final average of .248 was up from .243 in 2022 and .244 in 2021. The average rises during the course of the season as weather warms.MIAMI (AP) — The Atlanta Braves say ace Spencer Strider will miss the rest of the season after having surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, performed the procedure on Friday. Strider complained about discomfort in his elbow after pitching four innings in Atlanta’s 6-5 win over Arizona on April 5. An MRI the next day revealed damage to his UCL. Strider was 20-5 in 2023 and led MLB in wins and strikeouts. He had a 7.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts in two starts this year.NEW YORK (AP) — A baseball agent at Bad Bunny’s Rimas Sports firm has lost his certification with the Major League Baseball Players Association. ESPN first reported the revocation, citing anonymous sources who said other agents had alleged improper benefits provided to players. The union declined to comment Friday on the reason for its decision to strip William Arroyo of his right to represent MLB players. Arroyo declined comment for now but said he would have something to say soon. The decision is subject to an appeal before a member of the American Arbitration Association, according to the union’s agent regulations.LOS ANGELES (AP) — The former longtime interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to undergo court-ordered gambling addiction treatment after federal prosecutors accused him of stealing $16 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts. Ippei Mizuhara’s initial appearance in federal court on Friday marked the first time the interpreter has been seen in public since the scandal exploded last month. Mizuhara’s attorney says he is seeking an agreement with the government to resolve the case. Ohtani says he is very grateful for the investigation and wants to focus on baseball going forward.AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Perhaps the top perk for the 60 players who survived the wind at the Masters was getting a more pleasant weekend at Augusta National. Flags are flapping Saturday morning instead of crackling. There should be enough wind to create doubt. But the third round is shaping up to be more about scoring than surviving. Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler and Max Homa are tied at the top. The weekend also includes Tiger Woods. It always does at the Masters when he has been healthy enough to play. Woods set the Masters record with his 24th cut in a row. He's seven shots back.AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Tiger Woods has claimed more history at Augusta National, making the cut for a record 24th consecutive time. Of course, his sights are fixated on a far greater goal — a sixth green jacket. Woods broke the cut record he shared with three-time champion Gary Player and 1992 winner Fred Couples. Woods finished the second round at 1-over 145 for the tournament, safely above the projected cut line of 4 over. It was a grueling day for the five-time Masters champion, even more so considering the 48-year-old has endured numerous injuries, countless surgeries and a devastating car wreck that nearly cost him his right leg. He had to play the final five holes of the rain-delayed first round, then played another 18 holes after a short break.WACO, Texas (AP) — Scott Drew will remain as Baylor’s men’s basketball coach, stating his desire to “bring more championships” to the program on social media after being linked to the Kentucky coaching vacancy following John Calipari’s departure to Arkansas. Drew mentioned his Christian faith in a post on X and expressed gratitude for support from athletic director Mack Rhoades and Baylor President Linda Livingstone. Alabama coach Nate Oats and Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan have also expressed commitment to their current coaching jobs.FRIDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Tampa Bay	2	San Francisco	1	Final	N.Y. Mets	6	Kansas City	1	Final	Milwaukee	11	Baltimore	1	Final	Colorado	12	Toronto	4	Final	Cincinnati	11	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	Seattle	4	Chicago Cubs	2	Final	Oakland	2	Washington	1	AMERICAN LEAGUEN-Y Yankees	at	Cleveland	12:10 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Detroit	8	Minnesota	2	Final	L.A. Angels	7	Boston	0	Final	Texas	12	Houston	8	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	5	Philadelphia	2	Final	Atlanta	8	Miami	1	Final	St. Louis	9	Arizona	6	Final	San Diego	8	L.A. Dodgers	7	NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Chicago	129	Washington	127	Final	Philadelphia	125	Orlando	113	Final	Boston	131	Charlotte	98	Final	Cleveland	129	Indiana	120	Final	New York	111	Brooklyn	107	Final	Miami	125	Toronto	103	Final	San Antonio	121	Denver	120	Final	L.A. Lakers	123	Memphis	120	Final	Minnesota	109	Atlanta	106	Final	Detroit	107	Dallas	89	Final	Houston	116	Portland	107	Final	New Orleans	114	Golden State	109	Final	Utah	110	L.A. Clippers	109	Final	Phoenix	108	Sacramento	107	Final	Oklahoma City	125	Milwaukee	107	NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Carolina	5	St. Louis	2	Final	Nashville	5	Chicago	1	Final OT	Arizona	3	Edmonton	2	Final	Vegas	7	Minnesota	2	Final	Calgary	6	Anaheim	3