Due to more potential
severe weather in the forecast for Great Bend on Thursday, Kansas Collegiate
Athletic Conference (KCAC) has delayed the start of the 2022 KCAC Baseball
&amp; Softball Championship Tournament. The KCAC Tournament will now be begin on
Friday, May 6.&nbsp;

The baseball tournament will
now take place Friday, May 6 - Monday, May 9. The schedule for each day will be
as follows:

The softball tournament
will now take place Friday, May 6 - Sunday, May 8. The schedule for each day
will be as follows:

KCAC Community Night will now take
place on Friday. &nbsp;Citizens can get a FREE
ticket to experience any of the Friday kickoff games!&nbsp; Tickets are required for the free entry and
can be picked up at the Great Bend City Office at 1209 Williams or at the Great
Bend Recreation Commission office at 1214 Stone and the Great Bend Activity
Center, 2715 18th. T-shirts will be given to the first 100
individuals attending KCAC Community Night games scheduled for 5:00 PM.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Updated brackets with the new schedule can be found here:

For any extra information on the KCAC visit their website at
<a href="http://www.kcacsports.com">http://www.kcacsports.com</a>

For more information contact the Recreation Commission
office at 620.793.3755.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651595237011.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Due to more potential
severe weather in the forecast for Great Bend on Thursday, Kansas Collegiate
Athletic Conference (KCAC) has delayed the start of the 2022 KCAC Baseball
&amp; Softball Championship Tournament. The KCAC Tournament will now be begin on
Friday, May 6.&nbsp;The baseball tournament will
now take place Friday, May 6 - Monday, May 9. The schedule for each day will be
as follows:<ul>
 <li>Friday, May 6 (three games): 12 PM, 3:30 PM, and 7:30 PM</li><li>Saturday, May 7 (four games): 10 AM, 1:30 PM, 4 PM, and 7:30
 PM</li><li>Sunday, May 8 (two games): 1 PM and 4:30 PM</li><li>Monday, May 9 (one to two games): Championship Game 1 at 12
 PM, Championship Game 2 (if necessary) to start 30 minutes following the
 completion of Championship Game 1.</li>
 </ul>The softball tournament
will now take place Friday, May 6 - Sunday, May 8. The schedule for each day
will be as follows:<ul>
 <li>Friday, May
 6 (Games 1-8): Games 1 &amp; 2 at 12 PM, Games 3 &amp; 4 at 2:30 PM, Games
 5 &amp; 6 at 5 PM, and Games 7 &amp; 8 at 7:30 PM</li><li>Saturday,
 May 7 (Games 9-13): Games 9 &amp; 10 at 12 PM, Games 11 &amp; 12 at 2:30
 PM, and Game 13 at 5 PM</li><li>Sunday, May
 8 (one to two games):&nbsp;Championship Game 1 at 1:30&nbsp;PM,
 Championship Game 2 (if necessary) to start 30 minutes following the
 completion of Championship Game 1.</li>
 </ul>KCAC Community Night will now take
place on Friday. &nbsp;Citizens can get a FREE
ticket to experience any of the Friday kickoff games!&nbsp; Tickets are required for the free entry and
can be picked up at the Great Bend City Office at 1209 Williams or at the Great
Bend Recreation Commission office at 1214 Stone and the Great Bend Activity
Center, 2715 18th. T-shirts will be given to the first 100
individuals attending KCAC Community Night games scheduled for 5:00 PM.&nbsp;&nbsp; Updated brackets with the new schedule can be found here:<ul>
 <li>Baseball:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2022KCACbsbBracket">https://bit.ly/2022KCACbsbBracket</a></li><li>Softball:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2022KCACsbBracket">https://bit.ly/2022KCACsbBracket</a></li>
 </ul>For any extra information on the KCAC visit their website at
<a href="http://www.kcacsports.com">http://www.kcacsports.com</a>For more information contact the Recreation Commission
office at 620.793.3755.

KCAC Baseball and Softball Tournament pushed back another day

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State fired athletic director Darron Boatright on Wednesday amid growing criticism over the university’s inability to compete in the new market of name, image and likeness payments to athletes.

University President Rick Muma said in a news release that Boatright had achievements and successes during his tenure, but “there were significant, ongoing concerns that became acute in recent weeks, ones that I did not believe could be addressed.” Muma did not elaborate.

Sarah Adams, the schools senior associate athletic director and senior women’s administrator, will become interim athletic director while a search is conducted for Boatright’s replacement.

Critics targeted Boatright in recent weeks because Wichita State had not raised funds after the Supreme Court lifted a ban on college athletes being compensate for their names, images and likenesses, The Wichita Eagle reported. They said it was Boatright’s responsibility to ensure the school’s donors were aware of the new rules and be prepared with incentives to retain current players and attract new ones.

The men’s basketball program had eight scholarship players enter the NCAA transfer portal this spring.

“Where we erred was focusing on educating our athletes about NIL and not just collecting cash and paying kids to come to Wichita State,” Boatright said in a previous interview. “We were told all along this was not pay-for-play, but now it appears the NCAA has no problems with that, so why not?”

Boatright, who was athletic director for six years, was given a two-year contract extension through June 2024 that gave him a 37.5% raise to $275,000 a year. Fans were critical because the extension was never publicly announced and came during the coronavirus pandemic, The Eagle reported.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State fired athletic director Darron Boatright on Wednesday amid growing criticism over the university’s inability to compete in the new market of name, image and likeness payments to athletes.University President Rick Muma said in a news release that Boatright had achievements and successes during his tenure, but “there were significant, ongoing concerns that became acute in recent weeks, ones that I did not believe could be addressed.” Muma did not elaborate.Sarah Adams, the schools senior associate athletic director and senior women’s administrator, will become interim athletic director while a search is conducted for Boatright’s replacement.Critics targeted Boatright in recent weeks because Wichita State had not raised funds after the Supreme Court lifted a ban on college athletes being compensate for their names, images and likenesses, The Wichita Eagle reported. They said it was Boatright’s responsibility to ensure the school’s donors were aware of the new rules and be prepared with incentives to retain current players and attract new ones.The men’s basketball program had eight scholarship players enter the NCAA transfer portal this spring.“Where we erred was focusing on educating our athletes about NIL and not just collecting cash and paying kids to come to Wichita State,” Boatright said in a previous interview. “We were told all along this was not pay-for-play, but now it appears the NCAA has no problems with that, so why not?”Boatright, who was athletic director for six years, was given a two-year contract extension through June 2024 that gave him a 37.5% raise to $275,000 a year. Fans were critical because the extension was never publicly announced and came during the coronavirus pandemic, The Eagle reported.

Wichita State fires its athletic director Boatright

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yadier Molina wasn’t going to let an illness that kept the Cardinals catcher out of the previous day’s lineup also keep him from walking onto the field with Adam Wainwright for the 310th time on Wednesday.

Nor was Molina going to take the rest of the day off after St. Louis jumped out to a big lead.

“He felt terrible (yesterday) and today felt terrible,” Wainwright said of his longtime teammate, who caught him for seven innings of one-hit ball in a 10-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on a cold, damp day at Kauffman Stadium.

“I told him if he just wanted to play five and leave, I’d understand. But he didn’t want to leave me out there.”

Rarely is one ever on the field without the other.

Wainwright and Molina, who went 1 for 5 at the plate, tied the Braves’ Warren Spahn and Del Crandall for the most team wins by starting battery mates with their 202nd together.

Now, Wainwright and Molina need just six more starts to match Spahn and Crandall for second in history behind Mickey Lolich and Bill Freehan of the Tigers.

“The battery mates is awesome,” Wainwright said, “but the winning is the cool part.”

Wainwright (3-3) allowed just a one-out single to Michael Taylor in the third against the weak-hitting Royals, whose only other baserunners against the 40-year-old right-hander came on a fielder’s choice, an error and a walk.

Meanwhile, the slumbering St. Louis offense came alive in a big way: Nolan Arenado hit a three-run homer and drove in five runs, Tyler O’Neill hit a two-run shot and drove in three, and Harrison Bader and Paul DeJong also drove in runs.

“We’ve just got to be better. I believe we’re better,” Arenado said. “Some guys just aren’t comfortable yet. That will come.”

The final scheduled game between the cross-state rivals this year was moved from a night game to the afternoon because of the threat of rain, though sprinkles still fell on the sparse Kauffman Stadium crowd midway through it.

By that point, the few fans still in their seats were mostly wearing red.

It took a mere 17 pitches from Kris Bubic (0-3) for Tommy Edman and Paul Goldschmidt to work leadoff walks and Arenado to turn on a 2-1 pitch, depositing it 410 feet away in the left-field stands and giving the Cardinals a 3-0 lead.

The three runs were more than they had scored against Kansas City the past two games combined.

“You’re going to give up homers, that’s going to happen,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said, “but free bases in front of them are going to add up.”

Albert Pujols, who brashly proclaimed pregame that “I’m going to do some damage today,” promptly flied out. But the rest of the St. Louis lineup kept on wrecking: Juan Yepez blooped a single to right for his first big league hit, O’Neill drove him in with a triple and Bader provided a sacrifice fly to make it 5-0 before the Royals had a turn to bat.

The final line on Bubic: four runs and two hits and two walks while retiring a single batter.

“I told Nolan if they want to score five runs for me the first inning the rest of the year, that’s fine,” Wainwright said. “I’m good with that plan.”

Yepez, who was recalled from Triple-A Memphis to replace ailing INF Edmundo Sosa a day earlier, got the start in RF in his big league debut. He finished 2 for 3 with a pair of bloop doubles down the right-field line.

Royals C MJ Melendez got his first start behind the plate Wednesday. Last year’s minor league home run champ went 1 for 3 after also getting a hit as the DH in his big league debut Tuesday night.

Cardinals: No new COVID-19 cases were reported after Sosa and four staff members tested positive and were sent back to St. Louis for quarantine. The Cardinals are taking RHP Jake Walsh and C Ali Sanchez from the taxi squad on their upcoming trip in case more positives occur. “I’ll clean the toilets if I need to. I just want to stay,” Walsh said.

Royals: 1B Carlos Santana was placed on the injured list with right ankle bursitis and INF Emmanuel Rivera was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. Santana was hitting just .159 with a homer and six RBIs.

Cardinals RHP Miles Mikolas (1-1, 1.52 ERA) starts the opener of a four-game series in San Francisco on Thursday night. The Royals have the night off before RHP Carlos Hernandez (0-1, 6.00) opens a three-game set in Baltimore on Friday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yadier Molina wasn’t going to let an illness that kept the Cardinals catcher out of the previous day’s lineup also keep him from walking onto the field with Adam Wainwright for the 310th time on Wednesday.Nor was Molina going to take the rest of the day off after St. Louis jumped out to a big lead.“He felt terrible (yesterday) and today felt terrible,” Wainwright said of his longtime teammate, who caught him for seven innings of one-hit ball in a 10-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on a cold, damp day at Kauffman Stadium.“I told him if he just wanted to play five and leave, I’d understand. But he didn’t want to leave me out there.”Rarely is one ever on the field without the other.Wainwright and Molina, who went 1 for 5 at the plate, tied the Braves’ Warren Spahn and Del Crandall for the most team wins by starting battery mates with their 202nd together.Now, Wainwright and Molina need just six more starts to match Spahn and Crandall for second in history behind Mickey Lolich and Bill Freehan of the Tigers.“The battery mates is awesome,” Wainwright said, “but the winning is the cool part.”Wainwright (3-3) allowed just a one-out single to Michael Taylor in the third against the weak-hitting Royals, whose only other baserunners against the 40-year-old right-hander came on a fielder’s choice, an error and a walk.Meanwhile, the slumbering St. Louis offense came alive in a big way: Nolan Arenado hit a three-run homer and drove in five runs, Tyler O’Neill hit a two-run shot and drove in three, and Harrison Bader and Paul DeJong also drove in runs.“We’ve just got to be better. I believe we’re better,” Arenado said. “Some guys just aren’t comfortable yet. That will come.”The final scheduled game between the cross-state rivals this year was moved from a night game to the afternoon because of the threat of rain, though sprinkles still fell on the sparse Kauffman Stadium crowd midway through it.By that point, the few fans still in their seats were mostly wearing red.It took a mere 17 pitches from Kris Bubic (0-3) for Tommy Edman and Paul Goldschmidt to work leadoff walks and Arenado to turn on a 2-1 pitch, depositing it 410 feet away in the left-field stands and giving the Cardinals a 3-0 lead.The three runs were more than they had scored against Kansas City the past two games combined.“You’re going to give up homers, that’s going to happen,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said, “but free bases in front of them are going to add up.”Albert Pujols, who brashly proclaimed pregame that “I’m going to do some damage today,” promptly flied out. But the rest of the St. Louis lineup kept on wrecking: Juan Yepez blooped a single to right for his first big league hit, O’Neill drove him in with a triple and Bader provided a sacrifice fly to make it 5-0 before the Royals had a turn to bat.The final line on Bubic: four runs and two hits and two walks while retiring a single batter.“I told Nolan if they want to score five runs for me the first inning the rest of the year, that’s fine,” Wainwright said. “I’m good with that plan.”WELCOME TO THE SHOWYepez, who was recalled from Triple-A Memphis to replace ailing INF Edmundo Sosa a day earlier, got the start in RF in his big league debut. He finished 2 for 3 with a pair of bloop doubles down the right-field line.Royals C MJ Melendez got his first start behind the plate Wednesday. Last year’s minor league home run champ went 1 for 3 after also getting a hit as the DH in his big league debut Tuesday night.TRAINER’S ROOMCardinals: No new COVID-19 cases were reported after Sosa and four staff members tested positive and were sent back to St. Louis for quarantine. The Cardinals are taking RHP Jake Walsh and C Ali Sanchez from the taxi squad on their upcoming trip in case more positives occur. “I’ll clean the toilets if I need to. I just want to stay,” Walsh said.Royals: 1B Carlos Santana was placed on the injured list with right ankle bursitis and INF Emmanuel Rivera was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. Santana was hitting just .159 with a homer and six RBIs.UP NEXTCardinals RHP Miles Mikolas (1-1, 1.52 ERA) starts the opener of a four-game series in San Francisco on Thursday night. The Royals have the night off before RHP Carlos Hernandez (0-1, 6.00) opens a three-game set in Baltimore on Friday.

Wainwright, Arenado lead Cardinals to 10-0 romp over Royals

K.C. Non-Drafted
SigningsSouth Dakota LB Jack
CochraneMaryland RB Tayon
Fleet-DavisIowa State LB Mike
RoseClemson WR Justyn
RossUCLA LB Jordan
Genmark HeathKent State QB Dustin
CrumHawaii OL Gene PryorOle Miss RB Jerrion
EalySouthern Illinois S
Qua BrownWestern Michigan C
Mike CaliendoNorthern Colorado DB
Komotay KoffieWake Forest DB Nasir
GreerMerrimack DB Caleb
HoldenTraining Camp
InviteesHarvard RB Devin
DarringtonNorthwestern State
WR Kendrick PriceIncarnate Word WR
Trevor BegueWestern Michigan WR
Bryce NunnellyBoston College EDGE
Brandon BarlowTulane S Jaylon
MonroeHoward Payne WR Jake
ParkerVirginia OL Chris
GlaserSam Houston State DT
Joe WallaceNC Central WR Ryan
McDanielNevada DT Tristan
NicholsWeber State LB
Sherwin LavakaColorado State LS
Ross ReiterMissouri S&amp;T WR
Breon MichelCSU-Pueblo DT Ikenna
OnwuasoanyaMarshall OT Will
UlmerSouth Carolina K
Parker WhiteKansas G Malik ClarkToledo LB Jonathan
JonesAlabama State DL
Christian ClarkWestern Kentucky DB
Antwon KinkadeMizzou WR D'ionte
'Boo' Smith

Kansas City Chiefs non-drafted signings and camp invites


Senior's Arely Reyes and Ulisa Valdez each scored a pair of goals to
help the Great Bend Lady Panther Soccer team defeat Wichita Southeast
4-0 Tuesday at Cavanaugh Field in the team's final home match of the season.


Great Bend led 3-0 at halftime before Valdez put the game away with a
late second half goal for the final margin.


The victory ended the Lady Panthers 9-game losing streak and leaves
them with a record of 3-10 heading into their next match on the road Monday at Manhattan.

Senior's Arely Reyes and Ulisa Valdez each scored a pair of goals to
help the Great Bend Lady Panther Soccer team defeat Wichita Southeast
4-0 Tuesday at Cavanaugh Field in the team's final home match of the season.
Great Bend led 3-0 at halftime before Valdez put the game away with a
late second half goal for the final margin.
The victory ended the Lady Panthers 9-game losing streak and leaves
them with a record of 3-10 heading into their next match on the road Monday at Manhattan.
Southeast drops to 2-10 on the season.

Lady Panthers pick up 4-0 win on Senior Day

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit his first major league home run, Brad Keller pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-1 Tuesday night to end a four-game losing streak.

Witt connected for a solo homer in the second inning. The prized rookie extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

“I thought it was in the gap for a double,” Witt said. “I should have hit that first pitch that was right down the middle. It’s always good to get the first of something out of the way, no matter what it is.”

Witt had two hits, two RBIs and scored twice. MJ Melendez got a hit in his big league debut and Edward Olivares had a career-high four of the Royals’ 15 hits.

Keller (1-2) allowed four hits in 6 1/3 innings, walked three and struck out two. He permitted a baserunner in every inning but sixth, but never more than one until the seventh.

“Whenever guys got on I tried to bear down and make pitches,” Keller said. “My fastball command wasn’t as (good) as it could be, but to able to go to the slider and get outs was big for me today.”

Witt homered off Dakota Hudson (2-2), hitting an 0-1 changeup 417 feet into the bleachers in left center.

Witt came up in the fourth with no outs and runners on the corners and grounded into a double play that scored a run.

Hudson left after issuing a leadoff walk in the seventh to Nicky Lopez with the Royals ahead 2-0. Olivares hit an RBI trouble and Andrew Benintendi, Whit Merrifield, Witt and Michael Taylor also had RBIs in the inning.

“I was really happy to see (a five-run inning in the seventh) after we had a chance early on and let it slip through our fingers,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. “Brad was fantastic. It was probably not his sharpest stuff, but he was really good.”

The Cards got a run in the eighth on Tyler O’Neill’s single.

Cardinals SS Edmundo Sosa, along with three members of the Cardinals medical staff and one clubhouse attendant, tested positive for COVID-19. Sosa was placed on the COVID-19 injured list.

Cardinals: C Yadier Molina was scratched with non-COVID illness. Manager Oliver Marmol was confident he’d be back in the lineup on Wednesday. Molina was replaced in the starting lineup by Andrew Knizner.

Royals: 1B Carlos Santana was a late scratch with right ankle soreness. His spot in the lineup was taken by Ryan O’Hearn.

The Cardinals and Royals will conclude their two-game series Wednesday with an afternoon contest. The game was originally scheduled for a 6:10 p.m. start, but the weather forecast led to the change. The Cardinals will send RHP Adam Wainwright (2-3, 4.00 ERA) to the mound. The Royals will counter with LHP Kris Bubic (0-2, 10.50 ERA).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit his first major league home run, Brad Keller pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-1 Tuesday night to end a four-game losing streak.Witt connected for a solo homer in the second inning. The prized rookie extended his hitting streak to 11 games.“I thought it was in the gap for a double,” Witt said. “I should have hit that first pitch that was right down the middle. It’s always good to get the first of something out of the way, no matter what it is.”Witt had two hits, two RBIs and scored twice. MJ Melendez got a hit in his big league debut and Edward Olivares had a career-high four of the Royals’ 15 hits.Keller (1-2) allowed four hits in 6 1/3 innings, walked three and struck out two. He permitted a baserunner in every inning but sixth, but never more than one until the seventh.“Whenever guys got on I tried to bear down and make pitches,” Keller said. “My fastball command wasn’t as (good) as it could be, but to able to go to the slider and get outs was big for me today.”Witt homered off Dakota Hudson (2-2), hitting an 0-1 changeup 417 feet into the bleachers in left center.Witt came up in the fourth with no outs and runners on the corners and grounded into a double play that scored a run.Hudson left after issuing a leadoff walk in the seventh to Nicky Lopez with the Royals ahead 2-0. Olivares hit an RBI trouble and Andrew Benintendi, Whit Merrifield, Witt and Michael Taylor also had RBIs in the inning.“I was really happy to see (a five-run inning in the seventh) after we had a chance early on and let it slip through our fingers,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. “Brad was fantastic. It was probably not his sharpest stuff, but he was really good.”The Cards got a run in the eighth on Tyler O’Neill’s single.TRANSACTIONCardinals SS Edmundo Sosa, along with three members of the Cardinals medical staff and one clubhouse attendant, tested positive for COVID-19. Sosa was placed on the COVID-19 injured list.TRAINER’S ROOMCardinals: C Yadier Molina was scratched with non-COVID illness. Manager Oliver Marmol was confident he’d be back in the lineup on Wednesday. Molina was replaced in the starting lineup by Andrew Knizner.Royals: 1B Carlos Santana was a late scratch with right ankle soreness. His spot in the lineup was taken by Ryan O’Hearn.UP NEXTThe Cardinals and Royals will conclude their two-game series Wednesday with an afternoon contest. The game was originally scheduled for a 6:10 p.m. start, but the weather forecast led to the change. The Cardinals will send RHP Adam Wainwright (2-3, 4.00 ERA) to the mound. The Royals will counter with LHP Kris Bubic (0-2, 10.50 ERA).

Witt Jr hits 1st MLB homer, leads Keller, Royals over Cards

Softball -Game 1- Hutchinson 6 Great Bend 3 -Game 2- Hutchinson 9 Great Bend 3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642278253811.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Softball -Game 1- Hutchinson 6 Great Bend 3 -Game 2- Hutchinson 9 Great Bend 3<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/spkgopnp/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit his first major league home run, Brad Keller pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-1 to end a four-game losing streak. Witt had two hits, two RBIs and scored twice. MJ Melendez got a hit in his big league debut and Edward Olivares had a career-high four of the Royals’ 15 hits. Keller allowed four hits in 6 1/3 innings, walked three and struck out two. Witt extended his hitting streak to 11 games with his solo home run in the second inning off Dakota Hudson. The prized rookie launched an 0-1 changeup from Hudson 417 feet into the bleachers in left center.

UNDATED (AP) — The New Orleans Saints and Tyrann Mathieu have agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract, reuniting the All-Pro safety with his hometown team, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person confirmed the contract, first reported by ESPN.com, on condition of anonymity because it was not yet signed. It includes $18 million guaranteed, a sizeable investment for a safety who turns 30 next week. The Saints had been searching for help at the position after Marcus Williams signed with the Ravens in free agency and Malcom Jenkins announced his retirement.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — College football coaches are pushing for changes to NCAA rules to help stabilize rosters depleted by transfers. The proposals would lift the yearly cap on how many players a school can sign and create designated windows in which a player must enter the transfer portal to retain immediate eligibility. Support for the changes is gaining ‘momentum.' Todd Berry, the executive director of the American Football Coaches Association, says the changes would help bring some order to what has become a chaotic time in college football. Berry says the coaches’ proposal would scrap the current cap that limits schools to signing 25 players per year. Those players can be either high school recruits or transfers. The overall scholarship cap of 85 would remain in place.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ja Morant scored 47 points to match his postseason high and carry the Memphis Grizzlies into a tie in the Western Conference semifinals with a 106-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Morant scored the last 15 points for Memphis, starting with 4:16 left.

BOSTON (AP) — The Celtics evened their series against the Milwaukee Bucks with a 109-86 Game 2 win in Boston. Jaylen Brown shook off a dismal shooting night in Game 1, scoring 25 points of his 30 in the first half on 9 of 10 shooting, including 5 for 5 from the 3.

HOUSTON(AP) — Astros manager Dusty Baker has won his 2,000th game with Houston's 4-0 win over the Seattle Marines. He's the 12th skipper in major league history to reach the milestone and the first Black man to do it. It comes more than 29 years after he collected his first win on April 9, 1993 when he led San Francisco to a 2-1 victory over St. Louis.

Pittsburgh	at	Detroit	4:40 p.m.	(Postponed)

San Diego	at	Cleveland	4:40 p.m.	(Postponed)

Final	Chicago White Sox	3	Chicago Cubs	1	

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650620046232.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit his first major league home run, Brad Keller pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-1 to end a four-game losing streak. Witt had two hits, two RBIs and scored twice. MJ Melendez got a hit in his big league debut and Edward Olivares had a career-high four of the Royals’ 15 hits. Keller allowed four hits in 6 1/3 innings, walked three and struck out two. Witt extended his hitting streak to 11 games with his solo home run in the second inning off Dakota Hudson. The prized rookie launched an 0-1 changeup from Hudson 417 feet into the bleachers in left center.UNDATED (AP) — The New Orleans Saints and Tyrann Mathieu have agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract, reuniting the All-Pro safety with his hometown team, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person confirmed the contract, first reported by ESPN.com, on condition of anonymity because it was not yet signed. It includes $18 million guaranteed, a sizeable investment for a safety who turns 30 next week. The Saints had been searching for help at the position after Marcus Williams signed with the Ravens in free agency and Malcom Jenkins announced his retirement.SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — College football coaches are pushing for changes to NCAA rules to help stabilize rosters depleted by transfers. The proposals would lift the yearly cap on how many players a school can sign and create designated windows in which a player must enter the transfer portal to retain immediate eligibility. Support for the changes is gaining ‘momentum.' Todd Berry, the executive director of the American Football Coaches Association, says the changes would help bring some order to what has become a chaotic time in college football. Berry says the coaches’ proposal would scrap the current cap that limits schools to signing 25 players per year. Those players can be either high school recruits or transfers. The overall scholarship cap of 85 would remain in place.MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ja Morant scored 47 points to match his postseason high and carry the Memphis Grizzlies into a tie in the Western Conference semifinals with a 106-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Morant scored the last 15 points for Memphis, starting with 4:16 left.BOSTON (AP) — The Celtics evened their series against the Milwaukee Bucks with a 109-86 Game 2 win in Boston. Jaylen Brown shook off a dismal shooting night in Game 1, scoring 25 points of his 30 in the first half on 9 of 10 shooting, including 5 for 5 from the 3.HOUSTON(AP) — Astros manager Dusty Baker has won his 2,000th game with Houston's 4-0 win over the Seattle Marines. He's the 12th skipper in major league history to reach the milestone and the first Black man to do it. It comes more than 29 years after he collected his first win on April 9, 1993 when he led San Francisco to a 2-1 victory over St. Louis.TUESDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEPittsburgh	at	Detroit	4:40 p.m.	(Postponed)San Diego	at	Cleveland	4:40 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Texas	6	Philadelphia	4	Final	Chicago White Sox	3	Chicago Cubs	1	Final	Kansas City	7	St. Louis	1	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Boston	4	L.A. Angels	0	Final	N.Y. Yankees	9	Toronto	1	Final	Minnesota	7	Baltimore	2	Final	Houston	4	Seattle	0	Final	Tampa Bay	10	Oakland	7	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Mets	5	Atlanta	4	Final	N.Y. Mets	3	Atlanta	0	Final	Arizona	5	Miami	4	Final	Milwaukee	6	Cincinnati	3	Final	Washington	10	Colorado	2	Final	L.A. Dodgers	3	San Francisco	1	NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Boston	109	Milwaukee	86	Final	Memphis	106	Golden State	101	NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Washington	4	Florida	2	Final 3OT	Pittsburgh	4	N-Y Rangers	3	Final	Colorado	7	Nashville	2	Final	Calgary	1	Dallas	0

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

The Big 12 had 25 players selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, its most since 26 in 2019, and tied with the Pac-12 for the third-most draftees among conferences. Oklahoma’s seven selections tied with Alabama for fifth-most among institutions. Baylor's six picks&nbsp; tied a program record for selections in a seven-round draft while Iowa State's four draftees are its most in a seven-round draft. Cyclone RB Breece Hall was the first Big 12 player chosen as the No. 36 overall selection in the second round by the New York Jets. Second Round 36. Breece Hall, RB (Iowa State), New York Jets 37. Jalen PItre, S (Baylor), Houston Texans 50. Tyquan Thornton, WR (Baylor), New England Patriots 64. Nik Bonitto, OLB (Oklahoma), Denver Broncos Third Round 66. Brian Asamoah, ILB (Oklahoma), Minnesota Vikings 79. JT Woods, S (Baylor), Los Angeles Chargers 89. Terrel Bernard, ILB (Baylor), Buffalo Bills Fourth Round 108. Perrion Winfrey, DT (Oklahoma), Cleveland Browns 116. Eyioma Uwazurike, DE (Iowa State), Denver Broncos 125. Erik Ezukanma, WR (Texas Tech), Miami Dolphins 128. Charlie Kolar, TE (Iowa State), Baltimore Ravens Fifth Round 152. Delarrin Turner-Yell, S (Oklahoma), Denver Broncos Sixth Round 181. Kyron Johnson, ILB (Kansas), Philadelphia Eagles 188. Malcolm Rodriguez, ILB (Oklahoma State), Detroit Lions 193. Devin Harper, ILB (Oklahoma State), Dallas Cowboys 202. Michael Woods II, WR (Oklahoma), Cleveland Browns 203. Trestan Ebner, RB (Baylor), Chicago Bears Seventh Round 223. Isaiah Thomas, DE (Oklahoma), Cleveland Browns 240. Christian Holmes, CB (Oklahoma State), Washington Commanders 242. Kalon Barnes, CB (Baylor), Carolina Panthers 246. Dawson Deaton, C (Texas Tech), Cleveland Browns 247. Skylar Thompson, QB (K-State), Miami Dolphins 253. Russ Yeast, S (K-State), Los Angeles Rams 257. Marquis Hayes, OL (Oklahoma), Arizona Cardinals 262. Brock Purdy, QB (Iowa State), San Francisco 49ers&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Big 12 had 25 players selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, its most since 26 in 2019, and tied with the Pac-12 for the third-most draftees among conferences. Oklahoma’s seven selections tied with Alabama for fifth-most among institutions. Baylor's six picks&nbsp; tied a program record for selections in a seven-round draft while Iowa State's four draftees are its most in a seven-round draft. Cyclone RB Breece Hall was the first Big 12 player chosen as the No. 36 overall selection in the second round by the New York Jets. Second Round 36. Breece Hall, RB (Iowa State), New York Jets 37. Jalen PItre, S (Baylor), Houston Texans 50. Tyquan Thornton, WR (Baylor), New England Patriots 64. Nik Bonitto, OLB (Oklahoma), Denver Broncos Third Round 66. Brian Asamoah, ILB (Oklahoma), Minnesota Vikings 79. JT Woods, S (Baylor), Los Angeles Chargers 89. Terrel Bernard, ILB (Baylor), Buffalo Bills Fourth Round 108. Perrion Winfrey, DT (Oklahoma), Cleveland Browns 116. Eyioma Uwazurike, DE (Iowa State), Denver Broncos 125. Erik Ezukanma, WR (Texas Tech), Miami Dolphins 128. Charlie Kolar, TE (Iowa State), Baltimore Ravens Fifth Round 152. Delarrin Turner-Yell, S (Oklahoma), Denver Broncos Sixth Round 181. Kyron Johnson, ILB (Kansas), Philadelphia Eagles 188. Malcolm Rodriguez, ILB (Oklahoma State), Detroit Lions 193. Devin Harper, ILB (Oklahoma State), Dallas Cowboys 202. Michael Woods II, WR (Oklahoma), Cleveland Browns 203. Trestan Ebner, RB (Baylor), Chicago Bears Seventh Round 223. Isaiah Thomas, DE (Oklahoma), Cleveland Browns 240. Christian Holmes, CB (Oklahoma State), Washington Commanders 242. Kalon Barnes, CB (Baylor), Carolina Panthers 246. Dawson Deaton, C (Texas Tech), Cleveland Browns 247. Skylar Thompson, QB (K-State), Miami Dolphins 253. Russ Yeast, S (K-State), Los Angeles Rams 257. Marquis Hayes, OL (Oklahoma), Arizona Cardinals 262. Brock Purdy, QB (Iowa State), San Francisco 49ers&nbsp;&nbsp;

25 Big 12 Players Selected in the 2022 NFL Draft

&nbsp; HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head baseball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1023">Jerod Goodale</a>&nbsp;has announced his resignation due to personal reasons after four years at the helm. Goodale, the 15th coach in program history, joined the Tiger coaching staff in May 2018. He coached the Tigers to 29 wins over the last four seasons, bringing his 11-year career total to 209 victories including seven years as head coach at Colorado School of Mines. Goodale coached four All-MIAA performers in his time at FHSU alongside 70 Academic Honor Roll recognitions, 26 D2ADA Academic Achievement Awards and one CoSIDA Academic All-District selection in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6327">Grant Schmidt</a>. In his 18 years as a collegiate baseball coach, Goodale has helped produce 12 All-Americans, 81 all-conference performers, 150 academic all-conference performers, four Academic All-Americans, two national gold glove award winners, 31 players selected in the Major League Baseball Draft and four players that have reached the Major League Baseball level. A nationwide search for the 16th head baseball coach in program history will begin immediately.

&nbsp; HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head baseball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1023">Jerod Goodale</a>&nbsp;has announced his resignation due to personal reasons after four years at the helm. Goodale, the 15th coach in program history, joined the Tiger coaching staff in May 2018. He coached the Tigers to 29 wins over the last four seasons, bringing his 11-year career total to 209 victories including seven years as head coach at Colorado School of Mines. Goodale coached four All-MIAA performers in his time at FHSU alongside 70 Academic Honor Roll recognitions, 26 D2ADA Academic Achievement Awards and one CoSIDA Academic All-District selection in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6327">Grant Schmidt</a>. In his 18 years as a collegiate baseball coach, Goodale has helped produce 12 All-Americans, 81 all-conference performers, 150 academic all-conference performers, four Academic All-Americans, two national gold glove award winners, 31 players selected in the Major League Baseball Draft and four players that have reached the Major League Baseball level. A nationwide search for the 16th head baseball coach in program history will begin immediately.Fort Hays State Athletics

Goodale Announces Resignation as Head Baseball Coach

Kansas Athletics Surplus Sale Set for This Saturday

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang announced his first high school signee on Monday afternoon (May 2) with the addition of Louisiana prep standout Dorian Finister (New Orleans, La./Carver), who signed a Financial Aid Agreement with the program for the 2022-23 season.

A 6-foot-5, 175-pound combo guard arrives at K-State after stellar career at G.W. Carver Collegiate Academy in New Orleans, where he recently helped lead the Rams to a 33-5 record and the Louisiana Class 4A State Championship in 2021-22. He scored more 1,300 career points in his 103-game career at Carver for head coach Nate Roche.

"Dorian is another great addition to our family," said Tang. "We really think he can develop into an outstanding player here at K-State. It all starts with him being a quality young man with a terrific family. I know he can't wait to get here and start working with the players and the staff to help elevate our program. Just like Jerrell and Cam, the K-State Family is going to love getting to know Dorian on and off the court."

Finister is the third player to sign with the Wildcats since Tang became head coach on March 21, joining transfers --6-foot-3, 185-pound combo guard Cam Carter (Donaldsonville, La./Oak Hill Academy [Va.]/Mississippi State) and 6-foot-10, 216-pound center Jerrell Colbert (Houston, Texas/Houston [Tenn.]/LSU).

Finister is the second high school player in the current recruiting class after 6-foot-8, 215-pound power forward Taj Manning (Grandview, Mo./La Lumiere School [Ind.]), who signed with the previous staff during the Fall 2021 Signing Period, recently reconfirmed his commitment to attend K-State for the 2022-23 season.

"I chose Kansas State because I went on a visit and the facilities are great, the support is great, everything about it was great. They just made me feel like I was at home, and I'm big at home," said Finister. "I'm gonna really miss everybody here (at Carver). But when I went up there, they really make me feel like I could survive, I'll be comfortable, and I'll get better. Just one more step to the NBA. That's my ultimate goal."

Finister was part of a highly-successful Carver program, which posted an 88-16 (.846) overall record and advanced to three consecutive LHSAA Class 4A Final Fours (2020, 2021, 2022) capped by a state championship in 2022 during his playing career. The Rams dominated McMain in the Class 4A State Championship, 66-31, with Finister contributing 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 25 minutes.

During his career at Carver, Finister averaged 12.7 points on 63.4 percent (497-of-784) shooting, including 43.8 percent (60-of-137) from 3-point range, to go with 7.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks in 103 games played. The versatile guard scored 20 or more points in 10 games, while adding 20 double-doubles (points/rebounds and points/assists) and 3 triples-doubles (points/rebounds/assists) in his career. His career-high of 26 points came on 9-of-15 field goals and 7-of-9 free throws as a junior vs. Landry on Dec. 15, 2020.

Finister was a three-time Class 4A all-state selection by the LSWA (Louisiana Sports Writers Association), including a Second Team honoree as a senior in 2021-22.

As a senior in 2021-22, Finister ranked second on the Rams in nearly every category (points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks) to teammate Solomon Washington, who was named the Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year. Finister scored nearly 500 points, averaging 12.3 points on 56.4 percent (180-of-319) shooting from the field, including 65.4 percent (153-of-234) inside the 3-point arc, while connecting on nearly 80 percent (79.4 percent; 81-of-102) from the free throw line. He also averaged 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks in 24.1 minutes per game. He posted 9 double-doubles and 1 triple-double during the season.

Finister collected 2 of his 3 triple-doubles in back-to-back games as a junior in 2021-22 with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists vs. Ben Franklin on Feb. 13, 2021, and 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists vs. Warren Easton on Feb. 26, 2021. His other career triple-double came this past season with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists vs. Ponchatoula on Dec. 10, 2021.

Finister played on the AAU circuit for the LivOn-Fleur De Lis coached by Randy Livingston.

Finister rated a consensus 3-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals, including a top-40 combo guard and the No. 3 prospect in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports.

Finister was offered by a number of programs, including Houston, Texas A&amp;M, Tulane and UTEP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651595371587.jpeg" alt="kstatesports.com" />
 <figcaption>kstatesports.com</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang announced his first high school signee on Monday afternoon (May 2) with the addition of Louisiana prep standout Dorian Finister (New Orleans, La./Carver), who signed a Financial Aid Agreement with the program for the 2022-23 season.A 6-foot-5, 175-pound combo guard arrives at K-State after stellar career at G.W. Carver Collegiate Academy in New Orleans, where he recently helped lead the Rams to a 33-5 record and the Louisiana Class 4A State Championship in 2021-22. He scored more 1,300 career points in his 103-game career at Carver for head coach Nate Roche."Dorian is another great addition to our family," said Tang. "We really think he can develop into an outstanding player here at K-State. It all starts with him being a quality young man with a terrific family. I know he can't wait to get here and start working with the players and the staff to help elevate our program. Just like Jerrell and Cam, the K-State Family is going to love getting to know Dorian on and off the court."Finister is the third player to sign with the Wildcats since Tang became head coach on March 21, joining transfers --6-foot-3, 185-pound combo guard Cam Carter (Donaldsonville, La./Oak Hill Academy [Va.]/Mississippi State) and 6-foot-10, 216-pound center Jerrell Colbert (Houston, Texas/Houston [Tenn.]/LSU).Finister is the second high school player in the current recruiting class after 6-foot-8, 215-pound power forward Taj Manning (Grandview, Mo./La Lumiere School [Ind.]), who signed with the previous staff during the Fall 2021 Signing Period, recently reconfirmed his commitment to attend K-State for the 2022-23 season."I chose Kansas State because I went on a visit and the facilities are great, the support is great, everything about it was great. They just made me feel like I was at home, and I'm big at home," said Finister. "I'm gonna really miss everybody here (at Carver). But when I went up there, they really make me feel like I could survive, I'll be comfortable, and I'll get better. Just one more step to the NBA. That's my ultimate goal."Finister was part of a highly-successful Carver program, which posted an 88-16 (.846) overall record and advanced to three consecutive LHSAA Class 4A Final Fours (2020, 2021, 2022) capped by a state championship in 2022 during his playing career. The Rams dominated McMain in the Class 4A State Championship, 66-31, with Finister contributing 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 25 minutes.During his career at Carver, Finister averaged 12.7 points on 63.4 percent (497-of-784) shooting, including 43.8 percent (60-of-137) from 3-point range, to go with 7.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks in 103 games played. The versatile guard scored 20 or more points in 10 games, while adding 20 double-doubles (points/rebounds and points/assists) and 3 triples-doubles (points/rebounds/assists) in his career. His career-high of 26 points came on 9-of-15 field goals and 7-of-9 free throws as a junior vs. Landry on Dec. 15, 2020.Finister was a three-time Class 4A all-state selection by the LSWA (Louisiana Sports Writers Association), including a Second Team honoree as a senior in 2021-22.As a senior in 2021-22, Finister ranked second on the Rams in nearly every category (points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks) to teammate Solomon Washington, who was named the Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year. Finister scored nearly 500 points, averaging 12.3 points on 56.4 percent (180-of-319) shooting from the field, including 65.4 percent (153-of-234) inside the 3-point arc, while connecting on nearly 80 percent (79.4 percent; 81-of-102) from the free throw line. He also averaged 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks in 24.1 minutes per game. He posted 9 double-doubles and 1 triple-double during the season.Finister collected 2 of his 3 triple-doubles in back-to-back games as a junior in 2021-22 with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists vs. Ben Franklin on Feb. 13, 2021, and 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists vs. Warren Easton on Feb. 26, 2021. His other career triple-double came this past season with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists vs. Ponchatoula on Dec. 10, 2021.Finister played on the AAU circuit for the LivOn-Fleur De Lis coached by Randy Livingston.Finister rated a consensus 3-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals, including a top-40 combo guard and the No. 3 prospect in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports.Finister was offered by a number of programs, including Houston, Texas A&amp;M, Tulane and UTEP.

Tang Inks High School Standout Dorian Finister

Wednesday's Cardinals-Royals game will start at 12:10 p.m. due to the weather forecast in Kansas City. The game was originally scheduled to start at 6:10 p.m.

Original tickets will remain valid for Wednesday's game. Fans don't need to exchange their original tickets if they elect to attend. If fans want to exchange their tickets for Wednesday's game for another game due to the time change, they must do so before first pitch Wednesday.

Fans who currently hold or purchase a ticket for Wednesday's game by midnight will receive $10 in loaded value on their ticket, to be used at any Aramark concession stand or in the Royals Team Store.

Parking tickets purchased for Wednesday's game will be valid for any game played during the 2022 season.

Wednesday's broadcast time on 1590 KVGB and 95.5 FM is 11:30 am.

Wednesday's Cardinals-Royals game will start at 12:10 p.m. due to the weather forecast in Kansas City. The game was originally scheduled to start at 6:10 p.m.Original tickets will remain valid for Wednesday's game. Fans don't need to exchange their original tickets if they elect to attend. If fans want to exchange their tickets for Wednesday's game for another game due to the time change, they must do so before first pitch Wednesday.Fans who currently hold or purchase a ticket for Wednesday's game by midnight will receive $10 in loaded value on their ticket, to be used at any Aramark concession stand or in the Royals Team Store.Parking tickets purchased for Wednesday's game will be valid for any game played during the 2022 season.Wednesday's broadcast time on 1590 KVGB and 95.5 FM is 11:30 am.

Wednesday's Cards-Royals game time moved up to 12:10 p.m.


The Great Bend Lady Panther Soccer travelled to Hays Monday anxious to end
their 9-game losing streak as they took on the TMP Monarchs.  Things
didn't work out the way they had hoped. TMP beat the Panthers 4-1 to
drop Great Bend's record to 2-10


The Lady Panthers are right back in action Tuesday as they host
Wichita Southeast at 6:30 p.m.

The Great Bend Lady Panther Soccer travelled to Hays Monday anxious to end
their 9-game losing streak as they took on the TMP Monarchs. Things
didn't work out the way they had hoped. TMP beat the Panthers 4-1 to
drop Great Bend's record to 2-10
The Lady Panthers are right back in action Tuesday as they host
Wichita Southeast at 6:30 p.m.

TMP knocks off Lady Panthers 4-1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs placed an unrestricted free-agent tender on defensive end Melvin Ingram and traded for Houston cornerback Lonnie Johnson on Monday, hoping to add two more pieces to a defense that was revamped during the NFL draft.

The seldom-used UFA tender means the Chiefs essentially offered Ingram a $4.4 million contract for next season, which represents 110% of his pay from last season, while still giving the veteran pass rusher the chance to negotiate with other teams.

If Ingram signs elsewhere before July 22, though, the Chiefs could earn a compensatory pick in next year’s draft.

The Chiefs improved one of the league’s worst pass rushes last season by drafting Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis in the first round Thursday night, then adding Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal in the third round Friday night. But the Chiefs had otherwise done little in free agency to improve a group that suddenly plays in a division featuring quarterbacks Russell Wilson in Denver, Justin Herbert in Los Angeles and Derek Carr in Las Vegas.

Ingram arrived in Kansas City in a midseason trade with Pittsburgh last season, when the Chiefs were trying to inject some life in their dismal pass rush. He had four sacks and 33 pressures in nine regular-season games and three playoff games.

The Chiefs also acquired Johnson from the Texans on Monday, sending a conditional seventh-round draft pick for him. His acquisition came after the Chiefs used the No. 21 overall pick on Washington defensive back Trent McDuffie and a fourth-round pick on Fayetteville State’s Joshua Williams along with drafting a pair of safeties.

Johnson started seven of 14 games last season in Houston, playing alongside safety Justin Reid, who signed with the Chiefs earlier in free agency. The second-round pick in the 2019 draft has started 19 of 44 games in his career.

The Texans drafted cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. third overall. They also added veteran Steven Nelson in free agency.

In other news, the Chiefs added an intriguing option among their undrafted free agents by signing Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross, who was once viewed as a potential first-round pick before a spinal disorder threatened his career.

Ross caught 112 passes for 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns during his first two seasons with Clemson, helping the Tigers win the national championship after his freshman season. But he was diagnosed with a congenital fusion of his neck and spine in the spring of 2020, forcing him to undergo surgery and miss the entire season.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Ross returned to Clemson last year to catch 46 passes for 514 yards and three touchdowns, despite dealing with a stress fracture in his foot for much of the season.

The Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins for a package of draft picks and lost Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle in free agency, resulting in a vastly different wide receiver group for Patrick Mahomes heading into training camp.

They added former Steelers star JuJu Smith-Schuster and Packers deep threat Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency, then used a second-round pick on Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore during last week’s draft.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs placed an unrestricted free-agent tender on defensive end Melvin Ingram and traded for Houston cornerback Lonnie Johnson on Monday, hoping to add two more pieces to a defense that was revamped during the NFL draft.The seldom-used UFA tender means the Chiefs essentially offered Ingram a $4.4 million contract for next season, which represents 110% of his pay from last season, while still giving the veteran pass rusher the chance to negotiate with other teams.If Ingram signs elsewhere before July 22, though, the Chiefs could earn a compensatory pick in next year’s draft.The Chiefs improved one of the league’s worst pass rushes last season by drafting Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis in the first round Thursday night, then adding Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal in the third round Friday night. But the Chiefs had otherwise done little in free agency to improve a group that suddenly plays in a division featuring quarterbacks Russell Wilson in Denver, Justin Herbert in Los Angeles and Derek Carr in Las Vegas.Ingram arrived in Kansas City in a midseason trade with Pittsburgh last season, when the Chiefs were trying to inject some life in their dismal pass rush. He had four sacks and 33 pressures in nine regular-season games and three playoff games.The Chiefs also acquired Johnson from the Texans on Monday, sending a conditional seventh-round draft pick for him. His acquisition came after the Chiefs used the No. 21 overall pick on Washington defensive back Trent McDuffie and a fourth-round pick on Fayetteville State’s Joshua Williams along with drafting a pair of safeties.Johnson started seven of 14 games last season in Houston, playing alongside safety Justin Reid, who signed with the Chiefs earlier in free agency. The second-round pick in the 2019 draft has started 19 of 44 games in his career.The Texans drafted cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. third overall. They also added veteran Steven Nelson in free agency.In other news, the Chiefs added an intriguing option among their undrafted free agents by signing Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross, who was once viewed as a potential first-round pick before a spinal disorder threatened his career.Ross caught 112 passes for 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns during his first two seasons with Clemson, helping the Tigers win the national championship after his freshman season. But he was diagnosed with a congenital fusion of his neck and spine in the spring of 2020, forcing him to undergo surgery and miss the entire season.The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Ross returned to Clemson last year to catch 46 passes for 514 yards and three touchdowns, despite dealing with a stress fracture in his foot for much of the season.The Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins for a package of draft picks and lost Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle in free agency, resulting in a vastly different wide receiver group for Patrick Mahomes heading into training camp.They added former Steelers star JuJu Smith-Schuster and Packers deep threat Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency, then used a second-round pick on Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore during last week’s draft.

Chiefs place tender on Ingram, trade for cornerback Johnson

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Taking a day off isn’t high on a list of favorite things for Paul Goldschmidt, but the St. Louis first baseman knows it can help.

Goldschmidt hit an early home run and Steven Matz and the Cardinals bullpen made it stand up Monday in a 1-0 win over the Kansas City Royals.

Goldschmidt, who got his first day off of the season Sunday, connected with one out in the first inning against Zack Greinke.

“It’s nice to relax and come in fresh today,” Goldschmidt said. “It’s a long-term benefit. We’re in the middle of 20 in a row and 30 of 31, so it was a great time for it.”

“Off days are important but as a competitor, you want to keep going. Earlier in my career, I’d fight the manager more. It’s a long season. I want to stay fresh and play well,” he said.

It was the 71st career homer in the first inning for Goldschmidt and that ranks third among active players. Teammate Albert Pujols is first with 154.

“It was a bad pitch to him,” Greinke said.

The Royals lost their fourth in a row overall, and have dropped 21 of their last 28 to St. Louis dating to Aug. 7, 2017. This game was a makeup from a rainout on April 13 — the I-70 interleague series continues Tuesday and Wednesday in Kansas City.

It was the third time the Royals have been shut out this season and it was their second 1-0 loss.

“It’s a shame to lose such a great start and not give him any support,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. ”Really it was just one pitch. We say that a lot but he executed pitches all day long. One slider didn’t do what he wanted it to do. It’s not often one pitch beats you but he did it to the wrong hitter.”

Matz (3-1) scattered four hits, including a pair of doubles, in six innings. He walked none, hit a batter and struck out four.

Matz had allowed five runs over his previous three starts, spanning 14 2/3 innings, after yielding seven in his Cardinals debut on April 10.

“I felt really good,” Matz said. “I didn’t labor out there. I stayed with my stuff and kept my rhythm.”

St. Louis relievers Kodi Whitley, Nick Wittgren and Giovanny Gallegos were equally sharp, each pitching an inning in the combined five-hitter. Gallegos gave up a two-out single in the ninth but picked up his fifth save in six chances.

It was the fourth shutout this season for the Cardinals.

Greinke (0-2) gave up three hits in six innings. The 18-year veteran made the 493rd start of his career and didn’t walk anyone with one strikeout.

“My last starts have been my best,” Greinke said. “I hope to get a little bit crisper.”

Carlos Santana had two of the Royals’ five hits. The Cardinals managed just four hits.

Of the 18 players who got an at-bat in his game, half of them — nine — now have a batting average of .196 or lower this season.

Major League Baseball hitters finished April with a paltry .231 batting average, on pace to fall below the record low of .237 in 1968 when Cardinals great Bob Gibson and other pitchers dominated.

Royals CF Michael Taylor robbed Andrew Knizer of a home run in the fifth when he caught the ball over the wall in right center and pulled it back in, drawing applause from the crowd. “That’s one of the best catches I’ve ever seen,” Matheny said. ... In the sixth, Gold Glove LF Tyler O’Neill dove and snagged a line drive by the Royals’ Whit Merrifield just before it hit the grass.

Royals: RHP Matt Peacock and INF Emmanuel Rivera were optioned to Triple-A Omaha. C MJ Melendez has been recalled from Omaha. Melendez led the minors with 41 home runs last season.

Cardinals: LHP Packy Naughton was optioned to the Triple-A Memphis. The rookie appeared in one game following his recall on April 22. RHP Aaron Brooks was designated for assignment. He appeared in five games, totaling 9 1/3 innings in relief.

Royals: C Cam Gallagher (left hamstring strain) placed on 10-day IL. Gallagher got hurt as ran out a single in the third inning in Sunday’s game against the Yankees. The Royals had to pinch-run for him. An MRI showed a Grade 2 hamstring strain. He will be out for an undetermined amount of time.

Cardinals: INF Tommy Edman (aggravated hip flexor) didn’t play. He left Sunday’s game against Arizona in the seventh inning. He said after the game Sunday that neither he nor the St. Louis medical staff believe the injury is serious. ... RHP Drew VerHagen (right hip) is scheduled to have a rehab assignment Tuesday in Triple-A Memphis.

Royals: RHP Brad Keller (0-2, 2.19) did not factor into the decision of Kansas City’s 5-2 win in 10 innings last Thursday in Chicago, in which he allowed one run on three hits and no walks in seven innings. He has lost four straight starts to the Cardinals.

Cardinals: Dakota Hudson (2-1, 2.75) earned his second straight win in as many starts. In his last outing against Arizona, he carried a no-hit bid into the sixth inning. ... The Cardinals have won all four games Hudson has appeared in his career against Kansas City.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Taking a day off isn’t high on a list of favorite things for Paul Goldschmidt, but the St. Louis first baseman knows it can help.Goldschmidt hit an early home run and Steven Matz and the Cardinals bullpen made it stand up Monday in a 1-0 win over the Kansas City Royals.Goldschmidt, who got his first day off of the season Sunday, connected with one out in the first inning against Zack Greinke.“It’s nice to relax and come in fresh today,” Goldschmidt said. “It’s a long-term benefit. We’re in the middle of 20 in a row and 30 of 31, so it was a great time for it.”“Off days are important but as a competitor, you want to keep going. Earlier in my career, I’d fight the manager more. It’s a long season. I want to stay fresh and play well,” he said.It was the 71st career homer in the first inning for Goldschmidt and that ranks third among active players. Teammate Albert Pujols is first with 154.“It was a bad pitch to him,” Greinke said.The Royals lost their fourth in a row overall, and have dropped 21 of their last 28 to St. Louis dating to Aug. 7, 2017. This game was a makeup from a rainout on April 13 — the I-70 interleague series continues Tuesday and Wednesday in Kansas City.It was the third time the Royals have been shut out this season and it was their second 1-0 loss.“It’s a shame to lose such a great start and not give him any support,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. ”Really it was just one pitch. We say that a lot but he executed pitches all day long. One slider didn’t do what he wanted it to do. It’s not often one pitch beats you but he did it to the wrong hitter.”Matz (3-1) scattered four hits, including a pair of doubles, in six innings. He walked none, hit a batter and struck out four.Matz had allowed five runs over his previous three starts, spanning 14 2/3 innings, after yielding seven in his Cardinals debut on April 10.“I felt really good,” Matz said. “I didn’t labor out there. I stayed with my stuff and kept my rhythm.”St. Louis relievers Kodi Whitley, Nick Wittgren and Giovanny Gallegos were equally sharp, each pitching an inning in the combined five-hitter. Gallegos gave up a two-out single in the ninth but picked up his fifth save in six chances.It was the fourth shutout this season for the Cardinals.Greinke (0-2) gave up three hits in six innings. The 18-year veteran made the 493rd start of his career and didn’t walk anyone with one strikeout.“My last starts have been my best,” Greinke said. “I hope to get a little bit crisper.”Carlos Santana had two of the Royals’ five hits. The Cardinals managed just four hits.LUMBER SLUMBEROf the 18 players who got an at-bat in his game, half of them — nine — now have a batting average of .196 or lower this season.Major League Baseball hitters finished April with a paltry .231 batting average, on pace to fall below the record low of .237 in 1968 when Cardinals great Bob Gibson and other pitchers dominated.DEFENSIVE GEMSRoyals CF Michael Taylor robbed Andrew Knizer of a home run in the fifth when he caught the ball over the wall in right center and pulled it back in, drawing applause from the crowd. “That’s one of the best catches I’ve ever seen,” Matheny said. ... In the sixth, Gold Glove LF Tyler O’Neill dove and snagged a line drive by the Royals’ Whit Merrifield just before it hit the grass.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: RHP Matt Peacock and INF Emmanuel Rivera were optioned to Triple-A Omaha. C MJ Melendez has been recalled from Omaha. Melendez led the minors with 41 home runs last season.Cardinals: LHP Packy Naughton was optioned to the Triple-A Memphis. The rookie appeared in one game following his recall on April 22. RHP Aaron Brooks was designated for assignment. He appeared in five games, totaling 9 1/3 innings in relief.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Cam Gallagher (left hamstring strain) placed on 10-day IL. Gallagher got hurt as ran out a single in the third inning in Sunday’s game against the Yankees. The Royals had to pinch-run for him. An MRI showed a Grade 2 hamstring strain. He will be out for an undetermined amount of time.Cardinals: INF Tommy Edman (aggravated hip flexor) didn’t play. He left Sunday’s game against Arizona in the seventh inning. He said after the game Sunday that neither he nor the St. Louis medical staff believe the injury is serious. ... RHP Drew VerHagen (right hip) is scheduled to have a rehab assignment Tuesday in Triple-A Memphis.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brad Keller (0-2, 2.19) did not factor into the decision of Kansas City’s 5-2 win in 10 innings last Thursday in Chicago, in which he allowed one run on three hits and no walks in seven innings. He has lost four straight starts to the Cardinals.Cardinals: Dakota Hudson (2-1, 2.75) earned his second straight win in as many starts. In his last outing against Arizona, he carried a no-hit bid into the sixth inning. ... The Cardinals have won all four games Hudson has appeared in his career against Kansas City.

Goldschmidt HR, Matz sharp as Cardinals edge Royals 1-0

Jayhawk West Baseball Barton 21-7&nbsp; 36-15&nbsp; - Colby 20-8&nbsp; 33-16&nbsp; 1 Cloud County 21-11&nbsp; 38-15&nbsp; 2 Hutchinson 16-12&nbsp; 30-21&nbsp; 5 Butler 16-12&nbsp; 28-22&nbsp; 5 Dodge City 15-13&nbsp; 28-21&nbsp; 6 Garden City 7-21&nbsp; 15-35&nbsp; 14 Pratt 6-22&nbsp; 19-31&nbsp; 15 Seward County 6-22&nbsp; 13-37&nbsp; 15

Final Jayhawk West Softball Butler 30-2 42-2&nbsp; - Hutchinson 29-3&nbsp; 38-6 Colby 19-13&nbsp; 34-18&nbsp; 11 Barton 18-14&nbsp; 24-20&nbsp; 12 Garden City 15-17&nbsp; 22-30&nbsp; 15 Seward County 14-18&nbsp; 23-25&nbsp; 16 Dodge City 14-18&nbsp; 20-26&nbsp; 16 NW Tech 4-28&nbsp; 5-39&nbsp; 26 Pratt 1-31&nbsp; 3-35&nbsp; 29

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651505817039.jpeg" alt="Through Sunday" />
 <figcaption>Through Sunday</figcaption>
 </figure>(TEAM-CONF-OVERALL- GB)Jayhawk West Baseball Barton 21-7&nbsp; 36-15&nbsp; - Colby 20-8&nbsp; 33-16&nbsp; 1 Cloud County 21-11&nbsp; 38-15&nbsp; 2 Hutchinson 16-12&nbsp; 30-21&nbsp; 5 Butler 16-12&nbsp; 28-22&nbsp; 5 Dodge City 15-13&nbsp; 28-21&nbsp; 6 Garden City 7-21&nbsp; 15-35&nbsp; 14 Pratt 6-22&nbsp; 19-31&nbsp; 15 Seward County 6-22&nbsp; 13-37&nbsp; 15Final Jayhawk West Softball Butler 30-2 42-2&nbsp; - Hutchinson 29-3&nbsp; 38-6 Colby 19-13&nbsp; 34-18&nbsp; 11 Barton 18-14&nbsp; 24-20&nbsp; 12 Garden City 15-17&nbsp; 22-30&nbsp; 15 Seward County 14-18&nbsp; 23-25&nbsp; 16 Dodge City 14-18&nbsp; 20-26&nbsp; 16 NW Tech 4-28&nbsp; 5-39&nbsp; 26 Pratt 1-31&nbsp; 3-35&nbsp; 29

Jayhawk West Baseball and Softball standings

The 6th ranked Barton Community College men's tennis team placed third Sunday at the KJCCC/Region VI Championships held over the weekend at Maize South High School courts.

Barton compiled 5.5 points in the four-team tough regional as the nation's top ranked team Cowley College scored 16 points to double up runner-up and 2nd ranked Seward County with 10th ranked Pratt coming up empty on the scoreboard.

The top three of the region earned an automatic bid for the NJCAA Division I Championships as Barton joins the Tigers and Saints May 16-20 in Tyler, Texas, while Pratt's season comes to an end.

Barnabas Kalaba registered a pair of upsets on Saturday, the first coming in teaming up with doubles partner James Kaoma in the No. 2 flight to knock off the nation's sixth ranked duo of Luke Quaynor and Kyllian Savary of Seward County 6-2, 7-6 (7-2). Kalaba returned to the courts in the afternoon session competing in the No. 4 flight of singles to then knock-off 19th ranked Juan Gonzalez of Seward County 7-6 (7-2), 6-1.

On Sunday, Barnabas and Kaoma pushed Cowley's 7th ranked Boruch Skierkier and Gaston Erhardt to three sets as the Cougar duo won the first set 6-4 but the Tigers fired back to take the next two for the championship 6-1 and 6-2. Barnabas' singles title bid also fell short as Cowley's 18th ranked Gaston Erhardt won in straight sets 6-2, 7-5.

With the exception of Kalabas' second place in doubles and singles, the Cougars were seeded and finished third throughout the other flights after dropping opening matches to nationally ranked players or duos in the packed regional.

Four such teams battled in the No. 1 flight of tandem play, the Cougars' 11th ranked Gustavo Campos and Eduardo Morais falling 6-4 and 6-2 to 4th ranked Aymeric Bruno and Taiyo Hirano of Cowley before prevailing 6-4 and 6-3 over Pratt's 19th ranked Dante Despontin and David Arrieta for third place.

The same was true in the top singles flight with 29th ranked Gustavo falling 6-2 and 6-0 to 3rd ranked Luciano Fisicaro of Seward County before earning a 6-3 and 6-2 victory over Pratt's 36th ranked Despontin.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651505377955.jpeg" alt="Barnabas Kalaba - Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barnabas Kalaba - Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The 6th ranked Barton Community College men's tennis team placed third Sunday at the KJCCC/Region VI Championships held over the weekend at Maize South High School courts.Barton compiled 5.5 points in the four-team tough regional as the nation's top ranked team Cowley College scored 16 points to double up runner-up and 2nd ranked Seward County with 10th ranked Pratt coming up empty on the scoreboard.The top three of the region earned an automatic bid for the NJCAA Division I Championships as Barton joins the Tigers and Saints May 16-20 in Tyler, Texas, while Pratt's season comes to an end.Barnabas Kalaba registered a pair of upsets on Saturday, the first coming in teaming up with doubles partner James Kaoma in the No. 2 flight to knock off the nation's sixth ranked duo of Luke Quaynor and Kyllian Savary of Seward County 6-2, 7-6 (7-2). Kalaba returned to the courts in the afternoon session competing in the No. 4 flight of singles to then knock-off 19th ranked Juan Gonzalez of Seward County 7-6 (7-2), 6-1.On Sunday, Barnabas and Kaoma pushed Cowley's 7th ranked Boruch Skierkier and Gaston Erhardt to three sets as the Cougar duo won the first set 6-4 but the Tigers fired back to take the next two for the championship 6-1 and 6-2. Barnabas' singles title bid also fell short as Cowley's 18th ranked Gaston Erhardt won in straight sets 6-2, 7-5.With the exception of Kalabas' second place in doubles and singles, the Cougars were seeded and finished third throughout the other flights after dropping opening matches to nationally ranked players or duos in the packed regional.Four such teams battled in the No. 1 flight of tandem play, the Cougars' 11th ranked Gustavo Campos and Eduardo Morais falling 6-4 and 6-2 to 4th ranked Aymeric Bruno and Taiyo Hirano of Cowley before prevailing 6-4 and 6-3 over Pratt's 19th ranked Dante Despontin and David Arrieta for third place.The same was true in the top singles flight with 29th ranked Gustavo falling 6-2 and 6-0 to 3rd ranked Luciano Fisicaro of Seward County before earning a 6-3 and 6-2 victory over Pratt's 36th ranked Despontin.

6th ranked Barton Men's Tennis take third at Region VI Championship


The Barton Baseball Cougars split their double header at Cloud County
Sunday to wrap up their big four game series with the Thunderbirds.


Barton cruised to the game one victory winning 8-2 before Cloud was
able to salvage the final game of the series with a 6-5 victory.


After taking 3 of 4 from the T-Birds, Barton heads into the final
week of the regular season with a one game lead over Colby in the
Jayhawk West standings with a record of 21-7 in league and 36-15
overall. Cloud now sits in third at 21-11 and 38-15. 



The Cougars and Colby now face each other in the final regular season
series that starts Thursday in Colby with a double header before
returning to Great Bend on Saturday.  The Trojans are 20-8 in the
West and 33-16 overall.


Cloud County has completed their conference schedule and has a
non-league double header at KCK Community College on Tuesday to wrap
up their regular season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651487681127.jpeg" alt="Ricardo Sanchez celebrates Thursday after breaking the programs single season doubles record. - Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Ricardo Sanchez celebrates Thursday after breaking the programs single season doubles record. - Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>
The Barton Baseball Cougars split their double header at Cloud County
Sunday to wrap up their big four game series with the Thunderbirds.
Barton cruised to the game one victory winning 8-2 before Cloud was
able to salvage the final game of the series with a 6-5 victory.
After taking 3 of 4 from the T-Birds, Barton heads into the final
week of the regular season with a one game lead over Colby in the
Jayhawk West standings with a record of 21-7 in league and 36-15
overall. Cloud now sits in third at 21-11 and 38-15. 

The Cougars and Colby now face each other in the final regular season
series that starts Thursday in Colby with a double header before
returning to Great Bend on Saturday. The Trojans are 20-8 in the
West and 33-16 overall.
Cloud County has completed their conference schedule and has a
non-league double header at KCK Community College on Tuesday to wrap
up their regular season.

Cougars split at Cloud to maintain hold on 1st place

Kindric Castro and Adam Hardin of the Barton Community College eSports team clinched the programs third NJCAAE National Championship Sunday afternoon earning a 4-0 sweep over Iowa Western Community College in the NJCAAE Call of Duty Cold War 2v2 National Championship.

Other Championship results saw Chance Costello earning an NJCAAE National Runner-Up finish in Madden 22 falling to Suffolk County Community College Saturday evening 41-21 and 35-7.

As a squad the Cougars concluded the spring season with a 68-38 overall record with Kindric and Castro ending their campaign at 12-1 and Costello finishing just shy of a perfect season at 10-1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651485061626.jpeg" alt="Adam Hardin and Kindric Castro with Head Coach Curtis Rose following their NJCAAE National Championship-Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Adam Hardin and Kindric Castro with Head Coach Curtis Rose following their NJCAAE National Championship-Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kindric Castro and Adam Hardin of the Barton Community College eSports team clinched the programs third NJCAAE National Championship Sunday afternoon earning a 4-0 sweep over Iowa Western Community College in the NJCAAE Call of Duty Cold War 2v2 National Championship.Other Championship results saw Chance Costello earning an NJCAAE National Runner-Up finish in Madden 22 falling to Suffolk County Community College Saturday evening 41-21 and 35-7.As a squad the Cougars concluded the spring season with a 68-38 overall record with Kindric and Castro ending their campaign at 12-1 and Costello finishing just shy of a perfect season at 10-1.

Castro and Hardin clinch Barton eSports third National Championship

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luis Severino had a good vantage point to watch Aaron Judge send a pitch 453 feet to straightaway center field in the first inning Sunday, and the Yankees starter marveled at the nearly 400-foot homer that the slugger added in the ninth.

It was the 30-foot oopsie RBI that Judge hit in between that helped get Severino off the hook for a loss.

Along with running his homer streak to three straight games, Judge drove in the tying run in the seventh on a checked swing that trundled slowly down the first-base line, helping New York rally for a 6-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals that pushed the club’s winning streak to nine games.

“What can I say?” Severino asked. “The guy’s a monster.”

Not on that groundout, though. It traveled all of 30 feet. But certainly on the two homers, which combined to travel nearly the length of three football fields. They gave Judge five in his last five games and eight on the season.

“I mean, the way he cleaned that first one out, man — it’s hard to hit one more pure,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.

Josh Donaldson drove in the go-ahead run in the seventh on a fielder’s choice. Clarke Schmidt (2-2) pitched a scoreless inning in relief to earn the win, then was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre afterward. Aroldis Chapman left the tying run on base in the ninth to earn his sixth save on the year and 20th in a row.

“Everyone came in and contributed,” Boone said. “We didn’t break it open but everyone had a hand in there.”

The Yankees, riding the longest winning streak in the majors, improved to 16-6. It’s only the fourth time since 1959 that the 27-time World Series champions have won at least 16 of their first 22 games.

Michael Taylor homered for Kansas City, which has lost eight of its last 10.

The Royals looked as if they might avoid the sweep when Nicky Lopez, Whit Merrifield and Andrew Benintendi loaded the bases in the third inning. Severino’s wild pitch allowed Lopez to score from third, and after Salvador Perez hit into a fielder’s choice, Carlos Santana snuck a two-out double down the right-field line to give Kansas City a 3-1 lead.

The Royals added another run in the fourth thanks in part to an error on third baseman DJ LeMahieu, the Yankees’ second in as many days. Prior to that, they had gone 13 straight games without committing one.

LeMahieu, atoning for his miscue, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa each drove in a run to get the Yankees within 4-3, and Judge and Donaldson completed the comeback in the seventh, before the tack-on homer in the ninth.

“The seventh has been the inning that has been biting us pretty hard,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said.

Schmidt was optioned along with LF Miguel Andujar, who went 2 for 4 and scored a run for New York. “It’s a real tough pill to swallow,” Schmidt said. “It’s a tough part of the game but it’s a business also.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luis Severino had a good vantage point to watch Aaron Judge send a pitch 453 feet to straightaway center field in the first inning Sunday, and the Yankees starter marveled at the nearly 400-foot homer that the slugger added in the ninth.It was the 30-foot oopsie RBI that Judge hit in between that helped get Severino off the hook for a loss.Along with running his homer streak to three straight games, Judge drove in the tying run in the seventh on a checked swing that trundled slowly down the first-base line, helping New York rally for a 6-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals that pushed the club’s winning streak to nine games.“What can I say?” Severino asked. “The guy’s a monster.”Not on that groundout, though. It traveled all of 30 feet. But certainly on the two homers, which combined to travel nearly the length of three football fields. They gave Judge five in his last five games and eight on the season.“I mean, the way he cleaned that first one out, man — it’s hard to hit one more pure,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.Josh Donaldson drove in the go-ahead run in the seventh on a fielder’s choice. Clarke Schmidt (2-2) pitched a scoreless inning in relief to earn the win, then was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre afterward. Aroldis Chapman left the tying run on base in the ninth to earn his sixth save on the year and 20th in a row.“Everyone came in and contributed,” Boone said. “We didn’t break it open but everyone had a hand in there.”The Yankees, riding the longest winning streak in the majors, improved to 16-6. It’s only the fourth time since 1959 that the 27-time World Series champions have won at least 16 of their first 22 games.Michael Taylor homered for Kansas City, which has lost eight of its last 10.The Royals looked as if they might avoid the sweep when Nicky Lopez, Whit Merrifield and Andrew Benintendi loaded the bases in the third inning. Severino’s wild pitch allowed Lopez to score from third, and after Salvador Perez hit into a fielder’s choice, Carlos Santana snuck a two-out double down the right-field line to give Kansas City a 3-1 lead.The Royals added another run in the fourth thanks in part to an error on third baseman DJ LeMahieu, the Yankees’ second in as many days. Prior to that, they had gone 13 straight games without committing one.LeMahieu, atoning for his miscue, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa each drove in a run to get the Yankees within 4-3, and Judge and Donaldson completed the comeback in the seventh, before the tack-on homer in the ninth.“The seventh has been the inning that has been biting us pretty hard,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said.ROSTER MOVESSchmidt was optioned along with LF Miguel Andujar, who went 2 for 4 and scored a run for New York. “It’s a real tough pill to swallow,” Schmidt said. “It’s a tough part of the game but it’s a business also.”TRAINER’S ROOMYankees: OF Joey Gallo was out of the lineup after leaving Saturday night’s game with tightness in his left groin, though the injury is not considered serious. “I wanted to keep playing,” Gallo said, “but I think it’s just the smart move.”Royals: C Cam Gallagher left the game with a strained left hamstring. ... 3B Bobby Witt Jr. was removed from the starting lineup an hour before first pitch. He was hit on the wrist by a pitch Saturday night. “Yeah, he’s sore,” Matheny said.UP NEXTThe Yankees visit Toronto for a three-game set beginning Monday night with LHP Jordan Montgomery (0-1, 2.70) starting the opener.The Royals play a makeup game Monday in St. Louis with RHP Zack Greinke (0-1, 2.86) on the mound, then the cross-state rivals return to Kansas City for two more games beginning Tuesday night.