The Kansas City
Royals look to end their seven-game home skid with a victory against
the Tampa Bay Rays.

Tampa Bay Rays
(43-35, second in the AL East) vs. Kansas City Royals (38-40, third
in the AL Central)

Kansas City,
Missouri; Tuesday, 7:40 p.m. EDT

PITCHING
PROBABLES: Rays: Taj Bradley (4-5, 4.95 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 73
strikeouts); Royals: Kris Bubic (6-4, 2.12 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 88
strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
LINE: Royals -142, Rays +119; over/under is 8 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE:
The Kansas City Royals take on the Tampa Bay Rays looking to stop
their seven-game home skid.

Kansas City has gone
19-19 at home and 38-40 overall. The Royals are 15-2 in games when
they scored five or more runs.

Tampa Bay has a
43-35 record overall and a 16-12 record on the road. The Rays have an
18-5 record in games when they did not allow a home run.

The teams meet
Tuesday for the fourth time this season.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Vinnie Pasquantino leads the Royals with 11 home runs while slugging
.409. Salvador Perez is 9 for 36 with three home runs and eight RBIs
over the last 10 games.

Junior Caminero
leads the Rays with 19 home runs while slugging .523. Yandy Diaz is
20 for 44 with three home runs and seven RBIs over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES:
Royals: 4-6, .206 batting average, 3.17 ERA, outscored by one
run

Rays: 7-3,
.324 batting average, 3.90 ERA, outscored opponents by 23 runs

INJURIES:
Royals: Cole Ragans: 15-Day IL (rotator cuff), Michael Massey:
10-Day IL (ankle), Hunter Harvey: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Alec Marsh:
60-Day IL (shoulder), James McArthur: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Rays: Manuel
Rodriguez: 15-Day IL (forearm), Jonny Deluca: 60-Day IL (shoulder),
Ha-Seong Kim: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Hunter Bigge: 15-Day IL (lat),
Shane McClanahan: 60-Day IL (tricep), Richie Palacios: 10-Day IL
(knee), Alex Faedo: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Nathan Lavender: 60-Day IL
(elbow)

By The Associated
PressThe Kansas City
Royals look to end their seven-game home skid with a victory against
the Tampa Bay Rays.Tampa Bay Rays
(43-35, second in the AL East) vs. Kansas City Royals (38-40, third
in the AL Central)Kansas City,
Missouri; Tuesday, 7:40 p.m. EDTPITCHING
PROBABLES: Rays: Taj Bradley (4-5, 4.95 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 73
strikeouts); Royals: Kris Bubic (6-4, 2.12 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 88
strikeouts)BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
LINE: Royals -142, Rays +119; over/under is 8 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE:
The Kansas City Royals take on the Tampa Bay Rays looking to stop
their seven-game home skid.Kansas City has gone
19-19 at home and 38-40 overall. The Royals are 15-2 in games when
they scored five or more runs.Tampa Bay has a
43-35 record overall and a 16-12 record on the road. The Rays have an
18-5 record in games when they did not allow a home run.The teams meet
Tuesday for the fourth time this season.TOP PERFORMERS:
Vinnie Pasquantino leads the Royals with 11 home runs while slugging
.409. Salvador Perez is 9 for 36 with three home runs and eight RBIs
over the last 10 games.Junior Caminero
leads the Rays with 19 home runs while slugging .523. Yandy Diaz is
20 for 44 with three home runs and seven RBIs over the past 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES:
Royals: 4-6, .206 batting average, 3.17 ERA, outscored by one
runRays: 7-3,
.324 batting average, 3.90 ERA, outscored opponents by 23 runsINJURIES:
Royals: Cole Ragans: 15-Day IL (rotator cuff), Michael Massey:
10-Day IL (ankle), Hunter Harvey: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Alec Marsh:
60-Day IL (shoulder), James McArthur: 60-Day IL (elbow)Rays: Manuel
Rodriguez: 15-Day IL (forearm), Jonny Deluca: 60-Day IL (shoulder),
Ha-Seong Kim: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Hunter Bigge: 15-Day IL (lat),
Shane McClanahan: 60-Day IL (tricep), Richie Palacios: 10-Day IL
(knee), Alex Faedo: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Nathan Lavender: 60-Day IL
(elbow)

Royals host the Rays on home losing streak

On Tuesday of last week – National Mascot Day – Dan Meers, the franchise's original KC Wolf, announced his retirement after 35 years as the team's beloved mascot and "Director of Shenanigans."

"Dan Meers has been the heart and soul behind KC Wolf for 35 years," Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. "Since joining the organization in 1990, Dan helped establish KC Wolf not only as a source of energy and enthusiasm on gamedays, but as a symbol of pride and passion for all of Chiefs Kingdom. He ensured that his alter ego brought joy to people young and old, and his deep connection to the Kansas City community has made him a beloved figure to generations of Chiefs fans."

A native of St. Charles, Missouri, Meers graduated from the University of Missouri in 1990, where he served four years as Truman the Tiger. Widely regarded as one of the nation's top collegiate mascots, he finished second in the 1988 and 1990 National Collegiate Mascot Championships and was named the top overall college mascot in the country in 1989.

After graduating with honors, Meers began his professional career as Fredbird with the St. Louis Cardinals. After a short stint in professional baseball, Meers joined the Kansas City Chiefs full-time in 1990 after the Chiefs introduced their brand-new mascot, KC Wolf, in 1989.

Over the next 35 years, Meers became the NFL's longest-tenured mascot by more than a dozen years. He performed at 307 regular and postseason games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadum and 375 total games, including preseason matchups. Meers also appeared at six international games as KC Wolf, including four American Bowl preseason games (Berlin, 1990; Tokyo, 1994 and 1998; and Monterrey, 1996) and two regular season international contests (London, 2015 and Frankfurt, 2023). He appeared at all five Super Bowls (LIV, LV, LVII, LVIII, LIX) the club has participated in since the 2019 season, including the three wins (LIV, LVII, LVIII). KC Wolf was selected to 14 Pro Bowls and participated in nine NFL all-star games during Meers' tenure.

"To say I'm a blessed man is an understatement. For the past 35 years I've had my dream job. I've worked for the team I love, in the city I love, with the people I love. After all these years I certainly hope Chiefs Kingdom knows just how much I love and appreciate them. I have memories and stories that will last me a lifetime," Meers said. "I especially want to thank my family, the Hunt family, the Chiefs organization and the greatest fans in the world for all the love, support, and laughs we've shared over the past 35 years. I'm truly a blessed, blessed man!"

Throughout his career, Meers brought the spirit of Chiefs Kingdom as KC Wolf to 12 countries, 38 states, and countless events. He visited U.S. military installations at home and overseas and made approximately 10,000 appearances, including community events, birthday parties, banquets, weddings, grand openings, and more.

Meers also developed multiple speaking engagement programs aimed at promoting character, positivity and purpose. His school, corporate, community, and faith-based presentations helped define KC Wolf not just as a mascot, but as "a character with character."

KC Wolf became the first NFL mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2020, Meers became the first – and remains the only – mascot to be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. He was also twice recognized by the franchise for his exceptional contributions to the club and the community, earning the Chiefs Presidential Award in 1993 and the Chiefs Service Award in 2016.

In addition to his work as KC Wolf, Meers is a noted motivational speaker and author of two books: Wolves Can't Fly and Mascot on a Mission. All proceeds from books sales have supported global missions and ministries through the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Character That Counts. Meers has made numerous trips internationally, serving orphans and underserved communities around the world, including in Honduras, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, India, and Tanzania.

Chiefs Kingdom is invited to celebrate Meers' retirement by sharing their favorite photos and videos of themselves or their families with KC Wolf over the years at www.chiefs.com/wolfmemories.

Meers will continue to be involved with the Chiefs organization as a consultant and backup KC Wolf. The search for the next KC Wolf is underway, with top candidates having already completed interviews with the club.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750702799632.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>Chiefs.comOn Tuesday of last week – National Mascot Day – Dan Meers, the franchise's original KC Wolf, announced his retirement after 35 years as the team's beloved mascot and "Director of Shenanigans.""Dan Meers has been the heart and soul behind KC Wolf for 35 years," Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. "Since joining the organization in 1990, Dan helped establish KC Wolf not only as a source of energy and enthusiasm on gamedays, but as a symbol of pride and passion for all of Chiefs Kingdom. He ensured that his alter ego brought joy to people young and old, and his deep connection to the Kansas City community has made him a beloved figure to generations of Chiefs fans."A native of St. Charles, Missouri, Meers graduated from the University of Missouri in 1990, where he served four years as Truman the Tiger. Widely regarded as one of the nation's top collegiate mascots, he finished second in the 1988 and 1990 National Collegiate Mascot Championships and was named the top overall college mascot in the country in 1989.After graduating with honors, Meers began his professional career as Fredbird with the St. Louis Cardinals. After a short stint in professional baseball, Meers joined the Kansas City Chiefs full-time in 1990 after the Chiefs introduced their brand-new mascot, KC Wolf, in 1989.Over the next 35 years, Meers became the NFL's longest-tenured mascot by more than a dozen years. He performed at 307 regular and postseason games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadum and 375 total games, including preseason matchups. Meers also appeared at six international games as KC Wolf, including four American Bowl preseason games (Berlin, 1990; Tokyo, 1994 and 1998; and Monterrey, 1996) and two regular season international contests (London, 2015 and Frankfurt, 2023). He appeared at all five Super Bowls (LIV, LV, LVII, LVIII, LIX) the club has participated in since the 2019 season, including the three wins (LIV, LVII, LVIII). KC Wolf was selected to 14 Pro Bowls and participated in nine NFL all-star games during Meers' tenure."To say I'm a blessed man is an understatement. For the past 35 years I've had my dream job. I've worked for the team I love, in the city I love, with the people I love. After all these years I certainly hope Chiefs Kingdom knows just how much I love and appreciate them. I have memories and stories that will last me a lifetime," Meers said. "I especially want to thank my family, the Hunt family, the Chiefs organization and the greatest fans in the world for all the love, support, and laughs we've shared over the past 35 years. I'm truly a blessed, blessed man!"Throughout his career, Meers brought the spirit of Chiefs Kingdom as KC Wolf to 12 countries, 38 states, and countless events. He visited U.S. military installations at home and overseas and made approximately 10,000 appearances, including community events, birthday parties, banquets, weddings, grand openings, and more.Meers also developed multiple speaking engagement programs aimed at promoting character, positivity and purpose. His school, corporate, community, and faith-based presentations helped define KC Wolf not just as a mascot, but as "a character with character."KC Wolf became the first NFL mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2020, Meers became the first – and remains the only – mascot to be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. He was also twice recognized by the franchise for his exceptional contributions to the club and the community, earning the Chiefs Presidential Award in 1993 and the Chiefs Service Award in 2016.In addition to his work as KC Wolf, Meers is a noted motivational speaker and author of two books: Wolves Can't Fly and Mascot on a Mission. All proceeds from books sales have supported global missions and ministries through the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Character That Counts. Meers has made numerous trips internationally, serving orphans and underserved communities around the world, including in Honduras, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, India, and Tanzania.Chiefs Kingdom is invited to celebrate Meers' retirement by sharing their favorite photos and videos of themselves or their families with KC Wolf over the years at www.chiefs.com/wolfmemories.Meers will continue to be involved with the Chiefs organization as a consultant and backup KC Wolf. The search for the next KC Wolf is underway, with top candidates having already completed interviews with the club.

Dan Meers Announces Retirement Following 35-Year Career as KC Wolf

By MIKE COURSON Special to Great Bend Post

Cooper Ohnmacht had
to travel more than 1,600 miles to find some competition. The junior
at Great Bend High School has won Class 5A state championships in the
triple jump in each of the past two seasons as the state's overall
leader in the event. Sunday, he tried his talents against the
nation's best at the Nike Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field in
Eugene, Ore. Ohnmacht's leap of 47-1 was good enough for 14th place.

As a freshman,
Ohnmacht set the GBHS record in the triple jump. Last month, he reset
that record by winning a regional title at 48-3, the best mark in
Kansas this spring. He won his second state title a week later,
beating the 5A field in Wichita by 18 inches at 47-1.5.

Ohmacht's
career-best would have been good enough for just eighth place in
Sunday's loaded national championship event. Yehven Zhmailo, a 16
year old from Washington State, won the title by nearly a foot with a
mark of 52-0.75. That would rank No. 1 all-time in Kansas by five
inches. Zhmailo smashed his own Washington state record by 13 inches.

Miles Nesmith, a 17
year old from Memphis, was the only other jumper over 51 feet Sunday
at 51-2.25. Nesmith entered the event as the nation's top high-school
triple jumper. 


Ohnmacht was also a
third-place finisher in the long jump at state this year, and a state
qualifier in the javelin. He also debuted in the high jump as a
sophomore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750698246911.jpeg" alt="File photo - Mike Courson" />
 <figcaption>File photo - Mike Courson</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Special to Great Bend PostCooper Ohnmacht had
to travel more than 1,600 miles to find some competition. The junior
at Great Bend High School has won Class 5A state championships in the
triple jump in each of the past two seasons as the state's overall
leader in the event. Sunday, he tried his talents against the
nation's best at the Nike Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field in
Eugene, Ore. Ohnmacht's leap of 47-1 was good enough for 14th place.As a freshman,
Ohnmacht set the GBHS record in the triple jump. Last month, he reset
that record by winning a regional title at 48-3, the best mark in
Kansas this spring. He won his second state title a week later,
beating the 5A field in Wichita by 18 inches at 47-1.5.Ohmacht's
career-best would have been good enough for just eighth place in
Sunday's loaded national championship event. Yehven Zhmailo, a 16
year old from Washington State, won the title by nearly a foot with a
mark of 52-0.75. That would rank No. 1 all-time in Kansas by five
inches. Zhmailo smashed his own Washington state record by 13 inches.Miles Nesmith, a 17
year old from Memphis, was the only other jumper over 51 feet Sunday
at 51-2.25. Nesmith entered the event as the nation's top high-school
triple jumper. 
Ohnmacht was also a
third-place finisher in the long jump at state this year, and a state
qualifier in the javelin. He also debuted in the high jump as a
sophomore.

Great Bend's Ohnmacht finishes 14th at Nike Nationals in Oregon

By: Rick Peterson Jr. &nbsp;KSHSAA Covered

DODGE CITY – Maize South’s Christian McDonald found himself in the perfect spot at the perfect time to deliver the signature moment of Saturday’s Kansas Shrine Bowl. 

Moments after the West offense found a spark with a touchdown drive to take the lead, McDonald added an early dagger in the third quarter, scoring on a 28-yard interception return to put the West on its way to a 26-8 victory in a windy 52nd edition of the Shrine Bowl at Memorial Stadium. 

The defensive back jumped a route in the right flat and followed his blockers up the sideline to highlight a 19-0 third quarter for the West.

“I had to make sure I was assignment correct and reading the quarterback,” McDonald said. “Anything that came to the flats, that was me. I just made sure I was underneath the route and once the play came to me I jumped on it. 

“I took advantage of the opportunity I had.”

The West followed up McDonald’s pick-six with another defensive stop and tacked on a 1-yard TD from Cheney quarterback Josh Burdick late in the third frame for the final points of the game. 

“That (pick-six) was really electrifying for the whole team,” McDonald said. “It wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for my lead blocker (Derby’s James Middlebrook). If he didn’t set the block, I probably wouldn’t have scored, so it’s a team effort.”

“That was a (defensive call) we’d been working on. We’d been saving it,” said West head coach Dominic Dingle of Wichita Heights. “It was a Cover 2 look, and (McDonald) did a great job of executing the game plan. It was a big-time, game-changing play.”

The wind caused havoc at times, starting on the game’s first possession.

After a three-and-out at the East 5, the punt from Gardner-Edgerton quarterback Bravin Powell-Brown got caught in the wind and sailed backward into the end zone where Wellington’s Brody Weir pounced on the ball for a touchdown.

Neither team had much success moving the ball into the wind, with all five of the touchdowns coming with the wind at the scoring team’s backs. 

“We knew (the wind) was going to be a part of the game tonight,” Dingle said. “Everything just kind of worked out the way that we want. We only kicked the ball twice, and that was exactly what we wanted to do. It was part of our game plan and it worked out perfectly tonight.”

The East bounced back from the early punt mishap to take an 8-7 halftime lead. Powell-Brown, who led Gardner-Edgerton to back-to-back 6A championships, scored the East’s lone touchdown on a 51-yard run with 9:58 left in the second quarter. Powell-Brown found Aquinas’ Elzie Slaughter for the two-point conversion. 

Olathe North’s Wyatt Flood helped the East keep the lead heading into the locker room after breaking up a pass that was nearly caught in the end zone by Abilene’s Weston Rock with 1.2 seconds left. 

The West, which rotated Burdick, Norton’s Eli Jones and Manhattan’s Carter Aslin at quarterback, found its offensive rhythm in the third quarter. 

Burdick and Jones each made big plays on the go-ahead drive, capped by a 2-yard TD run from Jones. 

“It started up front and the quarterbacks were just making dynamite decisions,” Dingle said.

Burdick, an Emporia State signee who quarterbacked Cheney to a 3A state championship as a junior, was named MVP for the West

“Our defense played amazing,” Burdick said. “Really, I think there could have been a lot more MVPs in this game. A lot of guys played really well. We were one big family on the West and I think that’s what helped us pull away.”

Lansing defensive lineman Ayden Ellington was MVP for the East. 

The West quickly got back into the win column after last year saw the East pick up its first win in six years. 

“We really couldn’t have started any worse, but we just kept going, kept going, and got up one at half,” said East head coach Garrett Michael of Sabetha. “All you can ask for as a coach is a chance, and that’s what we had. 

“I’m proud of everyone. I’m not really worried about winning or losing the game. The kids win.”

East … 0 … 8 … 0 … 0 … – … 8

West ... 7 … 0 … 19 … 0 … – … 26

West – Weir punt recovery in end zone (Jones kick)

East – Powell-Brown 49 run (Slaughter pass from Brown)

West – McDonald 28 interception return (run failed) 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750673289560.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Cheney's Josh Burdick leaps away from a tackle - Photo - Rick Peterson Jr./Kansas Covered" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Cheney's Josh Burdick leaps away from a tackle - Photo - Rick Peterson Jr./Kansas Covered</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Rick Peterson Jr. &nbsp;KSHSAA CoveredDODGE CITY – Maize South’s Christian McDonald found himself in the perfect spot at the perfect time to deliver the signature moment of Saturday’s Kansas Shrine Bowl. Moments after the West offense found a spark with a touchdown drive to take the lead, McDonald added an early dagger in the third quarter, scoring on a 28-yard interception return to put the West on its way to a 26-8 victory in a windy 52nd edition of the Shrine Bowl at Memorial Stadium. The defensive back jumped a route in the right flat and followed his blockers up the sideline to highlight a 19-0 third quarter for the West.“I had to make sure I was assignment correct and reading the quarterback,” McDonald said. “Anything that came to the flats, that was me. I just made sure I was underneath the route and once the play came to me I jumped on it. “I took advantage of the opportunity I had.”The West followed up McDonald’s pick-six with another defensive stop and tacked on a 1-yard TD from Cheney quarterback Josh Burdick late in the third frame for the final points of the game. “That (pick-six) was really electrifying for the whole team,” McDonald said. “It wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for my lead blocker (Derby’s James Middlebrook). If he didn’t set the block, I probably wouldn’t have scored, so it’s a team effort.”“That was a (defensive call) we’d been working on. We’d been saving it,” said West head coach Dominic Dingle of Wichita Heights. “It was a Cover 2 look, and (McDonald) did a great job of executing the game plan. It was a big-time, game-changing play.”The wind caused havoc at times, starting on the game’s first possession.After a three-and-out at the East 5, the punt from Gardner-Edgerton quarterback Bravin Powell-Brown got caught in the wind and sailed backward into the end zone where Wellington’s Brody Weir pounced on the ball for a touchdown.Neither team had much success moving the ball into the wind, with all five of the touchdowns coming with the wind at the scoring team’s backs. “We knew (the wind) was going to be a part of the game tonight,” Dingle said. “Everything just kind of worked out the way that we want. We only kicked the ball twice, and that was exactly what we wanted to do. It was part of our game plan and it worked out perfectly tonight.”The East bounced back from the early punt mishap to take an 8-7 halftime lead. Powell-Brown, who led Gardner-Edgerton to back-to-back 6A championships, scored the East’s lone touchdown on a 51-yard run with 9:58 left in the second quarter. Powell-Brown found Aquinas’ Elzie Slaughter for the two-point conversion. Olathe North’s Wyatt Flood helped the East keep the lead heading into the locker room after breaking up a pass that was nearly caught in the end zone by Abilene’s Weston Rock with 1.2 seconds left. The West, which rotated Burdick, Norton’s Eli Jones and Manhattan’s Carter Aslin at quarterback, found its offensive rhythm in the third quarter. Burdick and Jones each made big plays on the go-ahead drive, capped by a 2-yard TD run from Jones. “It started up front and the quarterbacks were just making dynamite decisions,” Dingle said.Burdick, an Emporia State signee who quarterbacked Cheney to a 3A state championship as a junior, was named MVP for the West“Our defense played amazing,” Burdick said. “Really, I think there could have been a lot more MVPs in this game. A lot of guys played really well. We were one big family on the West and I think that’s what helped us pull away.”Lansing defensive lineman Ayden Ellington was MVP for the East. The West quickly got back into the win column after last year saw the East pick up its first win in six years. “We really couldn’t have started any worse, but we just kept going, kept going, and got up one at half,” said East head coach Garrett Michael of Sabetha. “All you can ask for as a coach is a chance, and that’s what we had. “I’m proud of everyone. I’m not really worried about winning or losing the game. The kids win.”WEST 26, EAST 8East … 0 … 8 … 0 … 0 … – … 8West ... 7 … 0 … 19 … 0 … – … 26West – Weir punt recovery in end zone (Jones kick)East – Powell-Brown 49 run (Slaughter pass from Brown)West – Jones 2 run (run failed) West – McDonald 28 interception return (run failed) West – Burdick 1 run (Jones kick)

West rides big third quarter to 26-8 victory in windy Shrine Bowl

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Coastal Carolina coach Kevin Schnall, tossed from the game along with first base coach Matt Schilling in the first inning of the College World Series finals Sunday, said his ejection wasn't justified and he was wrongly accused of bumping an umpire.

Walker Mitchell was at bat with two outs and Sebastian Alexander had just stolen second base when Schnall went to the top steps of the dugout, gestured at plate umpire Angel Campos with three fingers and began shouting at him.

The NCAA said Schnall was arguing balls and strikes, was given a warning and thrown out when he did not leave immediately. Instead, Schnall went onto the field to continue arguing.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cws-lsu-coastal-carolina-df100f0388fc52fe2443da7cfeead7c7">LSU won 5-3</a>&nbsp;for their second national championship in three years.

When Schnall was arguing with Campos, one of the base umpires ran toward the confrontation and fell on his back.

“If you guys watch the video, there was a guy who came in extremely aggressively, tripped over Campos’ foot, embarrassed in front of 25,000, and goes ‘two-game suspension’ and says ‘bumping the umpire,’" Schnall said. ”There was no bump. I shouldn’t be held accountable for a grown man’s athleticism. Now it’s excessive because I was trying to say I didn’t bump him.

“It is what it is. If that warranted an ejection, there would be a lot of ejections. As umpires, it’s your job to manage the game with some poise and calmness and a little bit of tolerance.”

A spokesman said the NCAA stands by its original statement on the incident when asked for comment on Schnall's remarks about bumping an umpire.

The NCAA in its initial statement on the incident said Schnall and Schilling engaged in “prolonged arguing,” which is to result in a two-game suspension. Schnall would miss the first two games of the 2026 season.

Schilling was thrown out for the comments he made while arguing, the NCAA said. If an assistant is ejected, he automatically also is suspended for one game. Schilling also got an additional two-game suspension under the “prolonged arguing” rule, the NCAA said. That means he will miss the first three games next year.

Associate head coach Chad Oxendine took over Schnall's duties.

Schnall said he couldn't hear Campos' initial warning when he was arguing balls and strikes from the dugout.

“As a head coach, it’s your right to get an explanation for why we got warned,” Schnall said. “I'm 48 years old and I shouldn't get shooed by another grown man. When I came out, I got told it was a warning issued for arguing balls and strikes, and I said it was because you missed three. At that point, ejected. If that warrants an ejection, I’m the first one to stand here like a man and apologize.”

“I’m not sorry for what happened,” he said. “I’m sorry for this being over. I’m sorry for how it ended.”

In a&nbsp;statement posted Sunday night&nbsp;on Coastal Carolina athletic director Chance Miller's X account, the school said the ejections “altered the trajectory of a must-win game for our team.”

“These decisions were made with an alarming level of haste, without an attempt at de-escalation, and deprived our student-athletes of the leadership they have relied on throughout a historic postseason run.

“This is not about a single call — it's about process and professionalism. In the biggest moment of the college baseball season, our program and its student-athletes deserved better.”

The statement also urged the NCAA to re-evaluate how it trains, assigns and reviews umpires in championship settings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750672861257.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Coastal Carolina head coach Kevin Schnall, left, screams at the umpires after being ejected in the first inning against LSU in Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Coastal Carolina head coach Kevin Schnall, left, screams at the umpires after being ejected in the first inning against LSU in Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Coastal Carolina coach Kevin Schnall, tossed from the game along with first base coach Matt Schilling in the first inning of the College World Series finals Sunday, said his ejection wasn't justified and he was wrongly accused of bumping an umpire.Walker Mitchell was at bat with two outs and Sebastian Alexander had just stolen second base when Schnall went to the top steps of the dugout, gestured at plate umpire Angel Campos with three fingers and began shouting at him.The NCAA said Schnall was arguing balls and strikes, was given a warning and thrown out when he did not leave immediately. Instead, Schnall went onto the field to continue arguing.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cws-lsu-coastal-carolina-df100f0388fc52fe2443da7cfeead7c7">LSU won 5-3</a>&nbsp;for their second national championship in three years.When Schnall was arguing with Campos, one of the base umpires ran toward the confrontation and fell on his back.“If you guys watch the video, there was a guy who came in extremely aggressively, tripped over Campos’ foot, embarrassed in front of 25,000, and goes ‘two-game suspension’ and says ‘bumping the umpire,’" Schnall said. ”There was no bump. I shouldn’t be held accountable for a grown man’s athleticism. Now it’s excessive because I was trying to say I didn’t bump him.“It is what it is. If that warranted an ejection, there would be a lot of ejections. As umpires, it’s your job to manage the game with some poise and calmness and a little bit of tolerance.”A spokesman said the NCAA stands by its original statement on the incident when asked for comment on Schnall's remarks about bumping an umpire.The NCAA in its initial statement on the incident said Schnall and Schilling engaged in “prolonged arguing,” which is to result in a two-game suspension. Schnall would miss the first two games of the 2026 season.Schilling was thrown out for the comments he made while arguing, the NCAA said. If an assistant is ejected, he automatically also is suspended for one game. Schilling also got an additional two-game suspension under the “prolonged arguing” rule, the NCAA said. That means he will miss the first three games next year.Associate head coach Chad Oxendine took over Schnall's duties.Schnall said he couldn't hear Campos' initial warning when he was arguing balls and strikes from the dugout.“As a head coach, it’s your right to get an explanation for why we got warned,” Schnall said. “I'm 48 years old and I shouldn't get shooed by another grown man. When I came out, I got told it was a warning issued for arguing balls and strikes, and I said it was because you missed three. At that point, ejected. If that warrants an ejection, I’m the first one to stand here like a man and apologize.”That wasn't going to happen.“I’m not sorry for what happened,” he said. “I’m sorry for this being over. I’m sorry for how it ended.”In a&nbsp;statement posted Sunday night&nbsp;on Coastal Carolina athletic director Chance Miller's X account, the school said the ejections “altered the trajectory of a must-win game for our team.”“These decisions were made with an alarming level of haste, without an attempt at de-escalation, and deprived our student-athletes of the leadership they have relied on throughout a historic postseason run.“This is not about a single call — it's about process and professionalism. In the biggest moment of the college baseball season, our program and its student-athletes deserved better.”The statement also urged the NCAA to re-evaluate how it trains, assigns and reviews umpires in championship settings.

Coastal Carolina coach says CWS ejection was unwarranted

AMERICAN LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GBNew
York	45	32	.584	—Tampa
Bay	43	35	.551	2½Toronto	41	36	.532	4Boston	40	39	.506	6Baltimore	33	44	.429	12Central DivisionDetroit	49	30	.620	—Cleveland	39	37	.513	8½Kansas
City	38	40	.487	10½Minnesota	37	40	.481	11Chicago	25	53	.321	23½West DivisionHouston	45	33	.577	—Seattle	39	37	.513	5Texas	38	40	.487	7Los
Angeles	37	40	.481	7½Athletics	32	48	.400	14NATIONAL LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GBPhiladelphia	47	31	.603	—New
York	46	32	.590	1Atlanta	35	41	.461	11Washington	32	46	.410	15Miami	31	45	.408	15Central DivisionChicago	46	31	.597	—Milwaukee	43	35	.551	3½St.
Louis	42	36	.538	4½Cincinnati	40	38	.513	6½Pittsburgh	31	48	.392	16West DivisionLos
Angeles	48	31	.608	—San
Francisco	44	34	.564	3½San
Diego	42	35	.545	5Arizona	39	38	.506	8

MLB Standings

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) —
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the court for the final time this
season, collapsed into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault and finally
smiled.

The climb is
complete. The rebuild is done. The Oklahoma City Thunder are
champions.

The best team all
season was the best team at the end, bringing the NBA title to
Oklahoma City for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his
MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and the Thunder beat the
Indiana Pacers — who lost Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury
in the opening minutes — 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on
Sunday night.

“It doesn’t feel
real,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals MVP. “So many hours.
So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So
many nights of belief. It’s crazy to know that we’re all here,
but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we
deserve this.”

Jalen Williams
scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren had 18 for the Thunder, who
finished off a season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games
between the regular season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97
Chicago Bulls for third most in any season.

Only Golden State
(88 in 2016-17) and the Bulls (87 in 2015-16) won more.

It’s the second
championship for the franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA
title in 1979; the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. There’s
nothing in the rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title.

In October, a
championship banner is finally coming. A Thunder banner.

“They behave like
champions. They compete like champions,” Daigneault said. “They
root for each other’s success, which is rare in professional
sports. I’ve said it many times and now I’m going to say it one
more time. They are an uncommon team and now they’re champions.”

The Pacers led 48-47
at the half even after losing Haliburton to what his father said was
an Achilles tendon injury about seven minutes into the game. But they
were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter as the Thunder built a
13-point lead and began to run away.

“Deflated, but
proud of everything we’ve accomplished,” Pacers guard TJ
McConnell said.

Bennedict Mathurin
had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, which still is waiting for
its first NBA title. The Pacers — who were 10-15 after 25 games and
were bidding to be the first team in NBA history to turn that bad of
a start into a championship — had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in the
series, but they simply didn’t have enough in the end.

Home teams improved
to 16-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s. And the Thunder became the seventh
champion in the last seven seasons, a run of parity like none other
in NBA history.

Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam was part of the Toronto team that won in 2019, Thunder
guard Alex Caruso was part of the Los Angeles Lakers team that won in
the pandemic “bubble” in 2020, Milwaukee won in 2021, Golden
State in 2022, Pacers forward Thomas Bryant and Denver prevailed in
2023, and Boston won last year’s title.

And now, the Thunder
get their turn. The youngest team to win a title in nearly a
half-century has reached the NBA mountaintop.

The Thunder are the
ninth franchise to win a title in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's 12
seasons. His predecessor, David Stern, saw eight franchises win
titles in his 30 seasons as commissioner.

“It really hurts
on the one hand,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “On the other
hand, this team has given all of Pacer Nation something to be very
proud of.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750672587014.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Oklahoma City Thunder players hold up the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after they won the NBA basketball championship with a Game 7 victory against the Indiana Pacers Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Oklahoma City Thunder players hold up the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after they won the NBA basketball championship with a Game 7 victory against the Indiana Pacers Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) —
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the court for the final time this
season, collapsed into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault and finally
smiled.It was over.The climb is
complete. The rebuild is done. The Oklahoma City Thunder are
champions.The best team all
season was the best team at the end, bringing the NBA title to
Oklahoma City for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his
MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and the Thunder beat the
Indiana Pacers — who lost Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury
in the opening minutes — 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on
Sunday night.“It doesn’t feel
real,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals MVP. “So many hours.
So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So
many nights of belief. It’s crazy to know that we’re all here,
but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we
deserve this.”Jalen Williams
scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren had 18 for the Thunder, who
finished off a season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games
between the regular season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97
Chicago Bulls for third most in any season.Only Golden State
(88 in 2016-17) and the Bulls (87 in 2015-16) won more.It’s the second
championship for the franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA
title in 1979; the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. There’s
nothing in the rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title.In October, a
championship banner is finally coming. A Thunder banner.“They behave like
champions. They compete like champions,” Daigneault said. “They
root for each other’s success, which is rare in professional
sports. I’ve said it many times and now I’m going to say it one
more time. They are an uncommon team and now they’re champions.”The Pacers led 48-47
at the half even after losing Haliburton to what his father said was
an Achilles tendon injury about seven minutes into the game. But they
were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter as the Thunder built a
13-point lead and began to run away.“Deflated, but
proud of everything we’ve accomplished,” Pacers guard TJ
McConnell said.Bennedict Mathurin
had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, which still is waiting for
its first NBA title. The Pacers — who were 10-15 after 25 games and
were bidding to be the first team in NBA history to turn that bad of
a start into a championship — had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in the
series, but they simply didn’t have enough in the end.Home teams improved
to 16-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s. And the Thunder became the seventh
champion in the last seven seasons, a run of parity like none other
in NBA history.Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam was part of the Toronto team that won in 2019, Thunder
guard Alex Caruso was part of the Los Angeles Lakers team that won in
the pandemic “bubble” in 2020, Milwaukee won in 2021, Golden
State in 2022, Pacers forward Thomas Bryant and Denver prevailed in
2023, and Boston won last year’s title.And now, the Thunder
get their turn. The youngest team to win a title in nearly a
half-century has reached the NBA mountaintop.The Thunder are the
ninth franchise to win a title in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's 12
seasons. His predecessor, David Stern, saw eight franchises win
titles in his 30 seasons as commissioner.“It really hurts
on the one hand,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “On the other
hand, this team has given all of Pacer Nation something to be very
proud of.”

Game 7: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 29 points and Thunder beat Pacers 103-91 for NBA title

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) —
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points
and 12 assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away in the
second half to beat the Indiana Pacers 103-91 and win the NBA
championship. Jalen Williams scored 21 for the Thunder, who were
pushed to a Game 7 brink in the NBA Finals — but finished off a
season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games between the regular
season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for
third-most in any season. The Pacers lost star Tyrese Haliburton
early in Game 7 to a serious lower right leg injury.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) —
Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, who was playing with a strained right
calf, went down with a lower right leg injury in the first quarter of
the Pacers' Game 7 loss in the NBA Finals to the Oklahoma City
Thunder and immediately began punching the court in frustration.
Haliburton was taken to the Pacers’ locker room for evaluation
while putting no weight on the leg. Virtually the entire Indiana
playing, coaching and medical staff surrounded him on the court once
he got hurt. He was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game.
Haliburton's father, John, told ABC it was an Achilles tendon injury.
The Thunder won 103-91.

UNDATED (AP) — The
Houston Rockets are acquiring 15-time All-Star and four-time Olympic
gold medalist Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster
deal struck Sunday, according to a person with knowledge of the
agreement. The Rockets are giving up Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and
six future picks, according to the person who spoke to The Associated
Press on condition of anonymity because the deal was still pending
NBA approval. It ends weeks of speculation about where Durant would
end up. Many teams were involved at various times, including Miami
and Minnesota, but in the end Phoenix took the Rockets’ offer.

SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Jose Iglesias tied the game with two-run, two-out, bases-loaded
pinch-hit single in the seventh inning and then drove in the winning
run with a grounder in the ninth for the San Diego Padres, who beat
the Kansas City Royals 3-2 to take two of three. Iglesias hit a soft
bouncer to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who fielded it, spun around and
threw home too late to get Luis Arraez. Arraez started the decisive
rally with a single off Daniel Lynch IV and took third on Xander
Bogaerts’ double. John Schreiber came on and allowed Iglesias’
grounder.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Andrew Abbott retired the final 18 batters he faced in seven
commanding innings, and the Cincinnati Reds avoided a three-game
sweep with a 4-1 win against the St. Louis Cardinals. Jose Trevino,
Jake Fraley and Elly de la Cruz each doubled and scored, and Matt
McLain hit his ninth home run for the Reds. The Cardinals had a
five-game winning streak snapped. Abbott (7-1) allowed only three
singles, including Yohel Pozo’s RBI single in the second inning.
Abbott had three strikeouts and lowered his ERA to 1.79.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Shohei Ohtani pitched one hitless inning Sunday in his second mound
start for the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out two and allowing just
one baserunner on an error. The three-time MVP then drove in five
runs at the plate, hitting a three-run triple down the right field
line in the seventh before adding a two-run homer in the eighth.
Ohtani threw 18 pitches against the Washington Nationals at Chavez
Ravine, recording 12 strikes with one wild pitch. After leadoff
hitter CJ Abrams grounded out, Mookie Betts dropped James Wood’s
popup in the sun, but Ohtani struck out Luis García Jr. and
Nathaniel Lowe to end it.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —
LSU knocked previously unbeaten Coastal Carolina ace Jacob Morrison
out of the game with a four-run fourth inning and the Tigers won
their second national championship in three years with a 5-3 victory
in the College World Series finals. The Tigers completed a two-game
sweep of the Chanticleers, who entered the finals on a 26-game win
streak and on Sunday saw coach Kevin Schnall and first base coach
Matt Schilling ejected in the bottom of the first inning. LSU gave
the Southeastern Conference its sixth straight national title in
baseball and 11th in 16 years.

CROMWELL, Conn. (AP)
— Keegan Bradley has won the Travelers Championship for the second
time in three years. This one was a stunner. He was trailing Tommy
Fleetwood by three shots with four to play at the TPC River
Highlands. He was still one shot behind playing the 18th. Bradley hit
his approach to just under 6 feet for birdie. Fleetwood came up 50
feet short and took three putts for bogey. Bradley now moves to No. 9
in the Ryder Cup and he'll have some decisions to make whether he
should give up his role as U.S. captain to play at Bethpage Black.

ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — The competition is about to stiffen for the U.S. in the
CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Americans finished their seventh 3-0 run
through group play in the Gold Cup with a 2-1 victory over Haiti.
Next up is Costa Rica or Mexico. Both countries are ranked higher
than all three group play opponents. The unproven U.S. squad has seen
uneven performances so far. Goalkeeper Matt Freese's gaffe cost the
U.S. the lead against Haiti before Patrick Agyemang’s tiebreaking
goal. The attack was more dangerous against Haiti, but the U.S.
missed on plenty of scoring chances.

NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) —
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points
and 12 assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away in the
second half to beat the Indiana Pacers 103-91 and win the NBA
championship. Jalen Williams scored 21 for the Thunder, who were
pushed to a Game 7 brink in the NBA Finals — but finished off a
season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games between the regular
season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for
third-most in any season. The Pacers lost star Tyrese Haliburton
early in Game 7 to a serious lower right leg injury.OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) —
Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, who was playing with a strained right
calf, went down with a lower right leg injury in the first quarter of
the Pacers' Game 7 loss in the NBA Finals to the Oklahoma City
Thunder and immediately began punching the court in frustration.
Haliburton was taken to the Pacers’ locker room for evaluation
while putting no weight on the leg. Virtually the entire Indiana
playing, coaching and medical staff surrounded him on the court once
he got hurt. He was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game.
Haliburton's father, John, told ABC it was an Achilles tendon injury.
The Thunder won 103-91.UNDATED (AP) — The
Houston Rockets are acquiring 15-time All-Star and four-time Olympic
gold medalist Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster
deal struck Sunday, according to a person with knowledge of the
agreement. The Rockets are giving up Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and
six future picks, according to the person who spoke to The Associated
Press on condition of anonymity because the deal was still pending
NBA approval. It ends weeks of speculation about where Durant would
end up. Many teams were involved at various times, including Miami
and Minnesota, but in the end Phoenix took the Rockets’ offer.SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Jose Iglesias tied the game with two-run, two-out, bases-loaded
pinch-hit single in the seventh inning and then drove in the winning
run with a grounder in the ninth for the San Diego Padres, who beat
the Kansas City Royals 3-2 to take two of three. Iglesias hit a soft
bouncer to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who fielded it, spun around and
threw home too late to get Luis Arraez. Arraez started the decisive
rally with a single off Daniel Lynch IV and took third on Xander
Bogaerts’ double. John Schreiber came on and allowed Iglesias’
grounder.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Andrew Abbott retired the final 18 batters he faced in seven
commanding innings, and the Cincinnati Reds avoided a three-game
sweep with a 4-1 win against the St. Louis Cardinals. Jose Trevino,
Jake Fraley and Elly de la Cruz each doubled and scored, and Matt
McLain hit his ninth home run for the Reds. The Cardinals had a
five-game winning streak snapped. Abbott (7-1) allowed only three
singles, including Yohel Pozo’s RBI single in the second inning.
Abbott had three strikeouts and lowered his ERA to 1.79.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Shohei Ohtani pitched one hitless inning Sunday in his second mound
start for the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out two and allowing just
one baserunner on an error. The three-time MVP then drove in five
runs at the plate, hitting a three-run triple down the right field
line in the seventh before adding a two-run homer in the eighth.
Ohtani threw 18 pitches against the Washington Nationals at Chavez
Ravine, recording 12 strikes with one wild pitch. After leadoff
hitter CJ Abrams grounded out, Mookie Betts dropped James Wood’s
popup in the sun, but Ohtani struck out Luis García Jr. and
Nathaniel Lowe to end it.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —
LSU knocked previously unbeaten Coastal Carolina ace Jacob Morrison
out of the game with a four-run fourth inning and the Tigers won
their second national championship in three years with a 5-3 victory
in the College World Series finals. The Tigers completed a two-game
sweep of the Chanticleers, who entered the finals on a 26-game win
streak and on Sunday saw coach Kevin Schnall and first base coach
Matt Schilling ejected in the bottom of the first inning. LSU gave
the Southeastern Conference its sixth straight national title in
baseball and 11th in 16 years.CROMWELL, Conn. (AP)
— Keegan Bradley has won the Travelers Championship for the second
time in three years. This one was a stunner. He was trailing Tommy
Fleetwood by three shots with four to play at the TPC River
Highlands. He was still one shot behind playing the 18th. Bradley hit
his approach to just under 6 feet for birdie. Fleetwood came up 50
feet short and took three putts for bogey. Bradley now moves to No. 9
in the Ryder Cup and he'll have some decisions to make whether he
should give up his role as U.S. captain to play at Bethpage Black.ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — The competition is about to stiffen for the U.S. in the
CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Americans finished their seventh 3-0 run
through group play in the Gold Cup with a 2-1 victory over Haiti.
Next up is Costa Rica or Mexico. Both countries are ranked higher
than all three group play opponents. The unproven U.S. squad has seen
uneven performances so far. Goalkeeper Matt Freese's gaffe cost the
U.S. the lead against Haiti before Patrick Agyemang’s tiebreaking
goal. The attack was more dangerous against Haiti, but the U.S.
missed on plenty of scoring chances.SUNDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	8	Texas	3	Final	Seattle	14	Chicago
Cubs	6	Final	Milwaukee	9	Minnesota	8	Final	San
Diego	3	Kansas City	2	Final	San
Francisco	9	Boston	5	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	N.Y.
Yankees	4	Baltimore	2	Final	Detroit	9	Tampa
Bay	3	Final	Chicago White
Sox	4	Toronto	2	Final	Cleveland	3	Athletics	0	Final	Houston	8	L.A.
Angels	7	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Miami	5	Atlanta	3	Final	Cincinnati	4	St.
Louis	1	Final	Colorado	4	Arizona	2	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	13	Washington	7	Final	Philadelphia	7	N.Y.
Mets	1	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Oklahoma
City	103	Indiana	91

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jose Iglesias tied the game with two-run, two-out, bases-loaded pinch-hit single in the seventh inning and then&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1936916158826864995">drove in the winning run</a>&nbsp;with a grounder in the ninth for the San Diego Padres, who beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Sunday to take two of three.

Iglesias hit a soft bouncer to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who fielded it, spun around and threw home too late to get Luis Arraez.

Arraez started the decisive rally with a single off Daniel Lynch IV (3-2) and took third on Xander Bogaerts' double. John Schreiber came on and allowed Iglesias' grounder.

Robert Suarez (2-3) worked the ninth. He is appealing his three-game suspension for hitting Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani on Thursday night.

Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer for the Royals and phenom Jac Caglianone leaped and got his glove over the right-field wall to rob Jackson Merrill of a two-run home run in the eighth.

Seth Lugo, who pitched for the Padres in 2023, was brilliant in retiring 18 straight batters after allowing Fernando Tatis’ leadoff single.

The Padres finally broke through when Merrill, who returned from the seven-day concussion injured list, doubled into the right-field corner leading off the seventh. Lugo retired Manny Machado and made way for Angel Zerpa, who issued consecutive two-out walks.

Iglesias, pinch-hitting for left-hander Jake Cronenworth, hit an opposite-field single to right, and he tripped and fell breaking out of the box.

Perez lined a 1-0 pitch from Randy Vásquez 412 feet into the left-field stands to break a scoreless tie in the sixth.

Kansas City's Drew Waters was thrown out trying to score from first on Freddy Fermin’s double to center in the ninth.

It was Iglesias' fifth career walk-off and first since July 2, 2019, with Cincinnati.

Royals LHP Kris Bubic (6-4, 2.12 ERA) is scheduled to start Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game home series against Tampa Bay. The Padres haven't named a starter for Monday night's game against visiting Washington to start a three-game set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750671831938.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr., center, celebrates with teammates after Jose Iglesias hit a two-RBI single during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Sunday, June 22, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr., center, celebrates with teammates after Jose Iglesias hit a two-RBI single during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Sunday, June 22, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jose Iglesias tied the game with two-run, two-out, bases-loaded pinch-hit single in the seventh inning and then&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1936916158826864995">drove in the winning run</a>&nbsp;with a grounder in the ninth for the San Diego Padres, who beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Sunday to take two of three.Iglesias hit a soft bouncer to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who fielded it, spun around and threw home too late to get Luis Arraez.Arraez started the decisive rally with a single off Daniel Lynch IV (3-2) and took third on Xander Bogaerts' double. John Schreiber came on and allowed Iglesias' grounder.Robert Suarez (2-3) worked the ninth. He is appealing his three-game suspension for hitting Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani on Thursday night.Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer for the Royals and phenom Jac Caglianone leaped and got his glove over the right-field wall to rob Jackson Merrill of a two-run home run in the eighth.Seth Lugo, who pitched for the Padres in 2023, was brilliant in retiring 18 straight batters after allowing Fernando Tatis’ leadoff single.The Padres finally broke through when Merrill, who returned from the seven-day concussion injured list, doubled into the right-field corner leading off the seventh. Lugo retired Manny Machado and made way for Angel Zerpa, who issued consecutive two-out walks.Iglesias, pinch-hitting for left-hander Jake Cronenworth, hit an opposite-field single to right, and he tripped and fell breaking out of the box.Perez lined a 1-0 pitch from Randy Vásquez 412 feet into the left-field stands to break a scoreless tie in the sixth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kansas City's Drew Waters was thrown out trying to score from first on Freddy Fermin’s double to center in the ninth.<h2>Key stat</h2>It was Iglesias' fifth career walk-off and first since July 2, 2019, with Cincinnati.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Kris Bubic (6-4, 2.12 ERA) is scheduled to start Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game home series against Tampa Bay. The Padres haven't named a starter for Monday night's game against visiting Washington to start a three-game set.

Jose Iglesias drives in the tying and winning runs as the Padres beat the Royals 3-2

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — LSU knocked previously unbeaten Coastal Carolina ace Jacob Morrison out of the game with a four-run fourth inning and the Tigers won their second national championship in three years Sunday with a 5-3 victory in the College World Series finals.

The Tigers (53-15) completed a two-game sweep of the Chanticleers (56-13), who entered the finals on a 26-game win streak and on Sunday saw coach Kevin Schnall and first base coach Matt Schilling ejected in the bottom of the first inning.

LSU gave the Southeastern Conference its sixth straight national title in baseball and 11th in 16 years. It was LSU's eighth, all since 1991 and second most all-time behind Southern California’s 12.

Tigers coach Jay Johnson became the first Division I coach to win two titles in his first four years at a school. No other coach had accomplished that feat in fewer than eight seasons.

Coastal Carolina won the national title in 2016 and was trying to become the first team since 1962 (Michigan) and the fifth all-time to win the championship in its first two CWS appearances.

With five-time champion coach Skip Bertman watching from the stands, LSU tied it at 1 in the third on Ethan Frey’s RBI double and went up 5-1 in the fourth on two-run singles by Chris Stanfield and Derek Curiel.

Coastal Carolina pulled within 5-3 in the seventh against LSU starter Anthony Eyanson when No. 9 batter Wells Sykes hit his fourth homer of the season.

That brought on Chase Shores for his fourth appearance of the CWS. The 6-foot-8 right-hander touched 100 mph with his fastball while retiring the first five batters he faced before Dean Mihos, who homered in the second, singled through the right side leading off the ninth.

With Tigers fans on their feet and chanting “L-S-U, L-S-U,” Shores struck out Ty Dooley and got Sykes to ground into a game-ending double play. The Tigers’ dugout emptied and the celebratory dogpile behind the mound ensued.

The Chanticleers had won 15 straight when Morrison (12-1) started. Morrison’s 3 2/3 innings marked his shortest start of the season and the five runs against him were the most he has allowed.

LSU entered having won 13 games in a row in which one of its top two pitchers — Kade Anderson and Eyanson — started.

Anderson threw a three-hit shutout in LSU’s 1-0 win in Game 1, and Eyanson (12-2) was mostly sharp over his 6 1/3 innings. The three runs against him came on seven hits and a walk. He struck out nine.

Schnall, in his first year as head coach after taking over for the retired Gary Gilmore, had not been ejected this season before Sunday.

The NCAA said Schnall was arguing balls and strikes, was given a warning and thrown out when he did not leave immediately. Schilling was tossed for comments he made as the confrontation with umpires continued near the plate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750629722549.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;LSU players celebrate the defeating Coastal Carolina in Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;LSU players celebrate the defeating Coastal Carolina in Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — LSU knocked previously unbeaten Coastal Carolina ace Jacob Morrison out of the game with a four-run fourth inning and the Tigers won their second national championship in three years Sunday with a 5-3 victory in the College World Series finals.The Tigers (53-15) completed a two-game sweep of the Chanticleers (56-13), who entered the finals on a 26-game win streak and on Sunday saw coach Kevin Schnall and first base coach Matt Schilling ejected in the bottom of the first inning.LSU gave the Southeastern Conference its sixth straight national title in baseball and 11th in 16 years. It was LSU's eighth, all since 1991 and second most all-time behind Southern California’s 12.Tigers coach Jay Johnson became the first Division I coach to win two titles in his first four years at a school. No other coach had accomplished that feat in fewer than eight seasons.Coastal Carolina won the national title in 2016 and was trying to become the first team since 1962 (Michigan) and the fifth all-time to win the championship in its first two CWS appearances.With five-time champion coach Skip Bertman watching from the stands, LSU tied it at 1 in the third on Ethan Frey’s RBI double and went up 5-1 in the fourth on two-run singles by Chris Stanfield and Derek Curiel.Coastal Carolina pulled within 5-3 in the seventh against LSU starter Anthony Eyanson when No. 9 batter Wells Sykes hit his fourth homer of the season.That brought on Chase Shores for his fourth appearance of the CWS. The 6-foot-8 right-hander touched 100 mph with his fastball while retiring the first five batters he faced before Dean Mihos, who homered in the second, singled through the right side leading off the ninth.With Tigers fans on their feet and chanting “L-S-U, L-S-U,” Shores struck out Ty Dooley and got Sykes to ground into a game-ending double play. The Tigers’ dugout emptied and the celebratory dogpile behind the mound ensued.The Chanticleers had won 15 straight when Morrison (12-1) started. Morrison’s 3 2/3 innings marked his shortest start of the season and the five runs against him were the most he has allowed.LSU entered having won 13 games in a row in which one of its top two pitchers — Kade Anderson and Eyanson — started.Anderson threw a three-hit shutout in LSU’s 1-0 win in Game 1, and Eyanson (12-2) was mostly sharp over his 6 1/3 innings. The three runs against him came on seven hits and a walk. He struck out nine.Schnall, in his first year as head coach after taking over for the retired Gary Gilmore, had not been ejected this season before Sunday.Walker Mitchell was at bat with two outs and Sebastian Alexander had just stolen second base when Schnall went to the top steps of the dugout, gestured at plate umpire Angel Campos with three fingers and began shouting at him.The NCAA said Schnall was arguing balls and strikes, was given a warning and thrown out when he did not leave immediately. Schilling was tossed for comments he made as the confrontation with umpires continued near the plate.

LSU sweeps Coastal Carolina in CWS finals

By AARON BEARD AP Basketball Writer

Duke’s Khaman Maluach anchored the interior for an elite defensive team that reached the Final Four. Maryland’s Derik Queen was the offensive focal point for a team that reached the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend.

Those freshmen are the headliners among big men in the upcoming NBA draft.

While there’s a deep well of high-end guard prospects, the bigs have a smaller list and could produce Maluach and Queen as the lone lottery picks.

Here’s a look at the position entering Wednesday's first round:

STRENGTHS: He has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cITbKs8ojx8">the length and size of an elite rim-runner</a>&nbsp;who can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUTFHNsgFMg">impact games as a shot blocker and lob threat</a>. The 7-foot-1, 253-pounder from South Sudan — he joined NBA Academy Africa in 2021 — showed ability to defend on the perimeter in Duke’s switch-heavy approach and had the combine’s biggest wingspan at 7-6 3/4.

Maluach runs the floor well for transition potential beyond finishing those pick-and-roll chances, where he ranked in the 99th percentile by shooting 89.4% (42 of 47), according to Synergy's analytics rankings. He shot 76.6% from the foul line and made four 3s, indicators that he can develop his touch.

CONCERNS: Maluach, who turns 19 in September, is a relative newcomer to the game and is still developing a raw offensive skillset. His 71.2% shooting largely came on dunks and putbacks, and he got to the line just twice per game.

Taking away those in-close opportunities can blunt Maluach’s impact (for now, anyway). That was on display&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/final-four-march-madness-houston-duke-988f0040e5f8728ef4d68d8569fcc4fd">in Duke's Final Four loss to Houston</a>; he struggled against older and more physical players while managing six points on 1-for-2 shooting with zero rebounds in 21 minutes.

STRENGTHS: The 6-9, 248-pound Queen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhBSPZPdg4w">is a skilled big</a>&nbsp;who averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds while ranking among Division I leaders with 15 double-doubles with his ability to score in postups or off the offensive glass. He was also a solid passer (1.9 assists) and shot 76.6% on free throws while getting to the line 6.1 times per game, indicating his willingness to attack defenders.

The 20-year-old claimed his place in March Madness lore by banking in a buzzer-beating runner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-colorado-state-maryland-score-003b99c846e93e5d41bca08b6375f7bc">to beat Colorado State and reach the NCAA Sweet 16</a>.

CONCERNS: Queen isn’t the biggest of bigs nor an elite defender. There’s also uncertainty on how he might fare against a bigger or quicker defenders, while he must improve his range after making just 7 of 35 3-pointers (20%).

He also didn’t measure well at the combine; he tied for last among all players in standing vertical leap (23.5 inches) and tied for second-lowest in max vertical (28.0), as well as last or next to last in lane agility, shuttle run and three-quarter court sprint testing.

STRENGTHS: The five-star recruit and first-round prospect&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtO2VjpFXGk">helped the Bulldogs return to the NCAAs</a>&nbsp;for the first time in a decade, with the 19-year-old capable of playing as a small-ball center or power forward. His athleticism helped him thrive on the offensive glass (22nd in Division I at 3.33 rebounds per game) and as a rim finisher, along with showing potential as a versatile defender.

CONCERNS: Newell needs bulk on his 6-9, 224-pound frame to handle physical, stronger opponents. He also needs to enhance his outside shot after shooting 29.2% on 3-pointers (26 of 89).

STRENGTHS: The freshman has the frame to tussle amid bumps in the post (6-9, 263) and in traffic. He averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 53.2% overall, including 57.1% in post-up chances, according to Synergy.

The first-round prospect has defensive potential with a 7-6 wingspan (tied for second-longest at the combine) that helped him average 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals.

CONCERNS: The 19-year-old must improve his 3-point shot (6 of 37, 16.2%). There was a limited sample size of 24 games before a foot injury ended his season, though the Hoyas lost seven of 10 without him to illustrate his value.

– RASHEER FLEMING: The 6-8, 232-pound junior from Saint Joseph’s is a first-round prospect who averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last year. He has a better than 7-5 wingspan, and went from shooting 31.3% on 3s in his first two seasons to 39% last year.

– DANNY WOLF: The 6-11, 252-pound junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oeUovAmWfA">thrived in moving from Yale in the Ivy League to the Big Ten’s Michigan</a>. The first-round prospect averaged 13.2 points and 9.7 rebounds while also making 38 3s in 37 games to go with 15 double-doubles.

– MAXIME RAYNAUD: Stanford’s fourth-year senior from France is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF1F-BOZkJE">a skilled 7-footer</a>&nbsp;who averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds while making 67 3-pointers in 35 games last year. His rangy skillset could land him late in the first round.

– JOAN BERINGER: The 6-11, 230-pound Frenchman turns 19 in November and could be a first-rounder as a mobile threat working in the pick-and-roll and as a lob threat.

– HANSEN YANG: The 7-1, 249-pound center from China is a potential late first-rounder with intriguing size (9-3 standing reach, nearly 7-3 wingspan, only combine player in top three in both hand length and width)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yang-china-basketball-draft-combine-nba-8b51a79250a16f5a9ed6b7cbee7233a6">to go with shooting and passing touch</a>. He turns 20 on June 26, the day of the second round.

– RYAN KALKBRENNER: The 7-1, 257-pound senior from Creighton averaged 14.5 points and 2.4 blocks while shooting 65.8% over five college seasons. He has good touch in the paint and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyL77quDl4c">had 49 points in a game last year</a>&nbsp;(second-most in Division I) as a possible late first-rounder.

– YANIC KONAN NIEDERHAUSER: The 6-11, 243-pound junior from Penn State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfvuFVNeZ2A">is a likely second-rounder</a>&nbsp;who ranked 12th in Division I by averaging 2.31 blocks. He had a better than 7-3 wingspan with a 37-inch max vertical leap at the combine.

– JOHNI BROOME: The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPe8rKYn1Q8">Associated Press All-American from Auburn</a>&nbsp;is a likely second-round prospect. He averaged 10.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks, but lacks elite athleticism (he tied Queen in max vertical leap) and plays below the rim with a 6-9, 249-pound frame.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750602949417.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Duke center Khaman Maluach (9) reacts during the second half of a Sweet 16 round NCAA college basketball tournament game against Arizona, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Duke center Khaman Maluach (9) reacts during the second half of a Sweet 16 round NCAA college basketball tournament game against Arizona, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON BEARD AP Basketball WriterDuke’s Khaman Maluach anchored the interior for an elite defensive team that reached the Final Four. Maryland’s Derik Queen was the offensive focal point for a team that reached the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend.Those freshmen are the headliners among big men in the upcoming NBA draft.While there’s a deep well of high-end guard prospects, the bigs have a smaller list and could produce Maluach and Queen as the lone lottery picks.Here’s a look at the position entering Wednesday's first round:<h2>Khaman Maluach, Duke</h2>STRENGTHS: He has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cITbKs8ojx8">the length and size of an elite rim-runner</a>&nbsp;who can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUTFHNsgFMg">impact games as a shot blocker and lob threat</a>. The 7-foot-1, 253-pounder from South Sudan — he joined NBA Academy Africa in 2021 — showed ability to defend on the perimeter in Duke’s switch-heavy approach and had the combine’s biggest wingspan at 7-6 3/4.Maluach runs the floor well for transition potential beyond finishing those pick-and-roll chances, where he ranked in the 99th percentile by shooting 89.4% (42 of 47), according to Synergy's analytics rankings. He shot 76.6% from the foul line and made four 3s, indicators that he can develop his touch.CONCERNS: Maluach, who turns 19 in September, is a relative newcomer to the game and is still developing a raw offensive skillset. His 71.2% shooting largely came on dunks and putbacks, and he got to the line just twice per game.Taking away those in-close opportunities can blunt Maluach’s impact (for now, anyway). That was on display&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/final-four-march-madness-houston-duke-988f0040e5f8728ef4d68d8569fcc4fd">in Duke's Final Four loss to Houston</a>; he struggled against older and more physical players while managing six points on 1-for-2 shooting with zero rebounds in 21 minutes.<h2>Derik Queen, Maryland</h2>STRENGTHS: The 6-9, 248-pound Queen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhBSPZPdg4w">is a skilled big</a>&nbsp;who averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds while ranking among Division I leaders with 15 double-doubles with his ability to score in postups or off the offensive glass. He was also a solid passer (1.9 assists) and shot 76.6% on free throws while getting to the line 6.1 times per game, indicating his willingness to attack defenders.The 20-year-old claimed his place in March Madness lore by banking in a buzzer-beating runner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-colorado-state-maryland-score-003b99c846e93e5d41bca08b6375f7bc">to beat Colorado State and reach the NCAA Sweet 16</a>.CONCERNS: Queen isn’t the biggest of bigs nor an elite defender. There’s also uncertainty on how he might fare against a bigger or quicker defenders, while he must improve his range after making just 7 of 35 3-pointers (20%).He also didn’t measure well at the combine; he tied for last among all players in standing vertical leap (23.5 inches) and tied for second-lowest in max vertical (28.0), as well as last or next to last in lane agility, shuttle run and three-quarter court sprint testing.<h2>Asa Newell, Georgia</h2>STRENGTHS: The five-star recruit and first-round prospect&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtO2VjpFXGk">helped the Bulldogs return to the NCAAs</a>&nbsp;for the first time in a decade, with the 19-year-old capable of playing as a small-ball center or power forward. His athleticism helped him thrive on the offensive glass (22nd in Division I at 3.33 rebounds per game) and as a rim finisher, along with showing potential as a versatile defender.CONCERNS: Newell needs bulk on his 6-9, 224-pound frame to handle physical, stronger opponents. He also needs to enhance his outside shot after shooting 29.2% on 3-pointers (26 of 89).<h2>Thomas Sorber, Georgetown</h2>STRENGTHS: The freshman has the frame to tussle amid bumps in the post (6-9, 263) and in traffic. He averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 53.2% overall, including 57.1% in post-up chances, according to Synergy.The first-round prospect has defensive potential with a 7-6 wingspan (tied for second-longest at the combine) that helped him average 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals.CONCERNS: The 19-year-old must improve his 3-point shot (6 of 37, 16.2%). There was a limited sample size of 24 games before a foot injury ended his season, though the Hoyas lost seven of 10 without him to illustrate his value.<h2>Others of note:</h2>– RASHEER FLEMING: The 6-8, 232-pound junior from Saint Joseph’s is a first-round prospect who averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last year. He has a better than 7-5 wingspan, and went from shooting 31.3% on 3s in his first two seasons to 39% last year.– DANNY WOLF: The 6-11, 252-pound junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oeUovAmWfA">thrived in moving from Yale in the Ivy League to the Big Ten’s Michigan</a>. The first-round prospect averaged 13.2 points and 9.7 rebounds while also making 38 3s in 37 games to go with 15 double-doubles.– MAXIME RAYNAUD: Stanford’s fourth-year senior from France is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF1F-BOZkJE">a skilled 7-footer</a>&nbsp;who averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds while making 67 3-pointers in 35 games last year. His rangy skillset could land him late in the first round.– JOAN BERINGER: The 6-11, 230-pound Frenchman turns 19 in November and could be a first-rounder as a mobile threat working in the pick-and-roll and as a lob threat.– HANSEN YANG: The 7-1, 249-pound center from China is a potential late first-rounder with intriguing size (9-3 standing reach, nearly 7-3 wingspan, only combine player in top three in both hand length and width)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yang-china-basketball-draft-combine-nba-8b51a79250a16f5a9ed6b7cbee7233a6">to go with shooting and passing touch</a>. He turns 20 on June 26, the day of the second round.– RYAN KALKBRENNER: The 7-1, 257-pound senior from Creighton averaged 14.5 points and 2.4 blocks while shooting 65.8% over five college seasons. He has good touch in the paint and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyL77quDl4c">had 49 points in a game last year</a>&nbsp;(second-most in Division I) as a possible late first-rounder.– YANIC KONAN NIEDERHAUSER: The 6-11, 243-pound junior from Penn State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfvuFVNeZ2A">is a likely second-rounder</a>&nbsp;who ranked 12th in Division I by averaging 2.31 blocks. He had a better than 7-3 wingspan with a 37-inch max vertical leap at the combine.– JOHNI BROOME: The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPe8rKYn1Q8">Associated Press All-American from Auburn</a>&nbsp;is a likely second-round prospect. He averaged 10.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks, but lacks elite athleticism (he tied Queen in max vertical leap) and plays below the rim with a 6-9, 249-pound frame.

Duke's Maluach, Maryland's Queen headline list of big men in upcoming NBA draft

AMERICAN LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GBNew York	44	32	.579	—Tampa Bay	43	34	.558	1½Toronto	41	35	.539	3Boston	40	38	.513	5Baltimore	33	43	.434	11Central DivisionDetroit	48	30	.615	—Cleveland	38	37	.507	8½Kansas City	38	39	.494	9½Minnesota	37	39	.487	10Chicago	24	53	.312	23½West DivisionHouston	44	33	.571	—Seattle	38	37	.507	5Texas	38	39	.494	6Los Angeles	37	39	.487	6½Athletics	32	47	.405	13NATIONAL LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GBNew York	46	31	.597	—Philadelphia	46	31	.597	—Atlanta	35	40	.467	10Washington	32	45	.416	14Miami	30	45	.400	15Central DivisionChicago	46	30	.605	—Milwaukee	42	35	.545	4½St. Louis	42	35	.545	4½Cincinnati	39	38	.506	7½Pittsburgh	30	48	.385	17West DivisionLos Angeles	47	31	.603	—San Francisco	43	34	.558	3½San Diego	41	35	.539	5Arizona	39	37	.513	7Colorado	17	60	.221	29½

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Kade Anderson made his final start in an LSU uniform on Saturday night, and it was a masterpiece that put the Tigers on the cusp of their second national championship in three years.

Anderson pitched a three-hitter and struck out 10 in a 1-0 victory over Coastal Carolina in Game 1 of the College World Series finals, his second straight dominant performance in Omaha.

“That’s what we’ve seen all year,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “He’s the best pitcher in the country. And did it again tonight. That’s been on the regular every game one of the entire season. Everybody got to see what we’ve seen and known for an entire season.”

The Chanticleers (56-12) lost for the first time in 27 games and must win Sunday to force a third and deciding game Monday night.

LSU (52-15) made Steven Milam's RBI single in the first inning stand up with Anderson getting stronger as the game progressed against a Coastal Carolina team that had won its first three CWS games by a combined 24-9.

“If it was going to be easy, there would be more than one national champion,” Chanticleers coach Kevin Schnall said. "We’ve got to regroup. We’ve won 26 in a row. Let’s just call it is what it is — the odds were not in our favor to go 28-0 and win this national championship."

Anderson, a lefty projected to be a top-three pick in next month's MLB amateur draft, threw 130 pitches and was just as good as he was in LSU's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cws-ncaa-lsu-arkansas-38af43be2badc8397e509dd9a006c386">CWS opener against Arkansas last weekend</a>. He has allowed one run and six hits and struck out 17 in 16 innings in Omaha.

Anderson grew up in Madisonville, Louisiana, as a big fan of LSU baseball. Asked how often he dreamed of a CWS performance like Saturday's and winning a title, he said, “Probably every night.”

“That wasn't necessarily to end the College World Series,” he said. “We’ve got one more that we’re preparing for. We’ll go back to the hotel and start preparing for that one as well.”

Against the Chanticleers he had to deal with traffic on the basepaths after issuing three of his five walks in the first two innings and hitting two batters. He was up to the challenge. The Chanticleers were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position.

“It’s the College World Series. You’re going to pitch with runners on base,” Johnson said. “It’s the best teams in the country, and that’s one of the best teams in the country. They do a great job of finding their way on base. And they did a few times tonight.”

Anderson (12-1) walked pinch-hitter Domenico Tozzi with two outs in the ninth, prompting a mound visit from pitching coach Nate Yeskie. Anderson then got Wells Sykes to fly out to end the game. Anderson and catcher Luis Hernandez embraced, and then their teammates mobbed them behind the mound to celebrate the first complete-game shutout in the CWS since 2022.

Anderson worked around two walks in the first inning, got out of the third when Sebastian Alexander was caught stealing third base, and he struck out three in a row after Blagen Pado’s double leading off the fourth.

After he gave up LSU's early run, Coastal Carolina’s Cameron Flukey (8-2) matched zeroes with Anderson from the second to sixth inning. Flukey limited the Tigers to four hits, walked two and struck out nine before turning the ball over to Dominick Carbone to start the seventh.

The Tigers are 16-0 when they have a lead at any point when Anderson is pitching. It was Anderson's second shutout of the season. He threw 135 pitches in a 2-0 win over Oklahoma on April 3.

Anderson said he wasn't bothered by the conditions. The temperature was 97 degrees at first pitch with a gusty wind blowing out to left.

“I think that’s the real benefit of playing in Louisiana,” he said. “Growing up there, this was honestly not nearly as bad as it was in the super regional.”

LSU will try to lock up its eighth national title Sunday.

Coastal Carolina won the championship in its first trip to Omaha in 2016 and is seeking to become the fifth school to win the title in each of its first two trips to the CWS, but the first since Michigan in 1962.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750602559177.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;LSU starting pitcher Kade Anderson (32) throws against Coastal Carolina in the first inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;LSU starting pitcher Kade Anderson (32) throws against Coastal Carolina in the first inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Kade Anderson made his final start in an LSU uniform on Saturday night, and it was a masterpiece that put the Tigers on the cusp of their second national championship in three years.Anderson pitched a three-hitter and struck out 10 in a 1-0 victory over Coastal Carolina in Game 1 of the College World Series finals, his second straight dominant performance in Omaha.“That’s what we’ve seen all year,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “He’s the best pitcher in the country. And did it again tonight. That’s been on the regular every game one of the entire season. Everybody got to see what we’ve seen and known for an entire season.”The Chanticleers (56-12) lost for the first time in 27 games and must win Sunday to force a third and deciding game Monday night.LSU (52-15) made Steven Milam's RBI single in the first inning stand up with Anderson getting stronger as the game progressed against a Coastal Carolina team that had won its first three CWS games by a combined 24-9.“If it was going to be easy, there would be more than one national champion,” Chanticleers coach Kevin Schnall said. "We’ve got to regroup. We’ve won 26 in a row. Let’s just call it is what it is — the odds were not in our favor to go 28-0 and win this national championship."Anderson, a lefty projected to be a top-three pick in next month's MLB amateur draft, threw 130 pitches and was just as good as he was in LSU's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cws-ncaa-lsu-arkansas-38af43be2badc8397e509dd9a006c386">CWS opener against Arkansas last weekend</a>. He has allowed one run and six hits and struck out 17 in 16 innings in Omaha.Anderson grew up in Madisonville, Louisiana, as a big fan of LSU baseball. Asked how often he dreamed of a CWS performance like Saturday's and winning a title, he said, “Probably every night.”“That wasn't necessarily to end the College World Series,” he said. “We’ve got one more that we’re preparing for. We’ll go back to the hotel and start preparing for that one as well.”Against the Chanticleers he had to deal with traffic on the basepaths after issuing three of his five walks in the first two innings and hitting two batters. He was up to the challenge. The Chanticleers were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position.“It’s the College World Series. You’re going to pitch with runners on base,” Johnson said. “It’s the best teams in the country, and that’s one of the best teams in the country. They do a great job of finding their way on base. And they did a few times tonight.”Anderson (12-1) walked pinch-hitter Domenico Tozzi with two outs in the ninth, prompting a mound visit from pitching coach Nate Yeskie. Anderson then got Wells Sykes to fly out to end the game. Anderson and catcher Luis Hernandez embraced, and then their teammates mobbed them behind the mound to celebrate the first complete-game shutout in the CWS since 2022.Anderson worked around two walks in the first inning, got out of the third when Sebastian Alexander was caught stealing third base, and he struck out three in a row after Blagen Pado’s double leading off the fourth.After he gave up LSU's early run, Coastal Carolina’s Cameron Flukey (8-2) matched zeroes with Anderson from the second to sixth inning. Flukey limited the Tigers to four hits, walked two and struck out nine before turning the ball over to Dominick Carbone to start the seventh.The Tigers are 16-0 when they have a lead at any point when Anderson is pitching. It was Anderson's second shutout of the season. He threw 135 pitches in a 2-0 win over Oklahoma on April 3.Anderson said he wasn't bothered by the conditions. The temperature was 97 degrees at first pitch with a gusty wind blowing out to left.“I think that’s the real benefit of playing in Louisiana,” he said. “Growing up there, this was honestly not nearly as bad as it was in the super regional.”LSU will try to lock up its eighth national title Sunday.Coastal Carolina won the championship in its first trip to Omaha in 2016 and is seeking to become the fifth school to win the title in each of its first two trips to the CWS, but the first since Michigan in 1962.Schnall reminded reporters that in 2016, Arizona left-hander JC Cloney threw a shutout in Game 1 of the finals and Coastal Carolina came back to win the next two.“Again, we’ve got to respond, rebound, regroup,” Schnall said. “We’ve got Jacob Morrison pitching tomorrow. Answer the bell.”