Charles Barkley said Friday that next season will be his last on TV, no matter what happens with the NBA's media deals.

The Hall of Fame player has spent the last 24 years working as a studio analyst for TNT, which could lose the rights to broadcast NBA after next season.

But no matter where the games end up, Barkley won't be following.

“There’s been a lot of noise around our network the last few months and I just want to say I’ve talked to all the other networks, but I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT,” Barkley said while working on NBA TV's NBA Finals postgame show.

The NBA's current deals with ABC-ESPN and Turner Sports expire after next season and the league has been talking with NBC, ESPN and Amazon, among other networks and platforms, about what comes next. Commissioner Adam Silver said last week he hopes new long-term deals will be completed shortly.

Barkley and broadcast teammates Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith have discussed their uncertain future on their popular “Inside the NBA” studio show. Barkley would seemingly draw interest from any network televising NBA, but the 61-year-old has decided that 25 years will be enough and he will “pass the baton,” hopefully, to a TNT teammate such as Vince Carter or Jamal Crawford.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718467951785.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Charles Barkley arrives at the NBA Awards on June 24, 2019, at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. Barkley says next season will be his last on TV, no matter what happens with the NBA's media deals. It will be the Hall of Fame player's 25th season and could be the last that TNT broadcasts the league. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Charles Barkley arrives at the NBA Awards on June 24, 2019, at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. Barkley says next season will be his last on TV, no matter what happens with the NBA's media deals. It will be the Hall of Fame player's 25th season and could be the last that TNT broadcasts the league. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By The Associated PressCharles Barkley said Friday that next season will be his last on TV, no matter what happens with the NBA's media deals.The Hall of Fame player has spent the last 24 years working as a studio analyst for TNT, which could lose the rights to broadcast NBA after next season.But no matter where the games end up, Barkley won't be following.“There’s been a lot of noise around our network the last few months and I just want to say I’ve talked to all the other networks, but I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT,” Barkley said while working on NBA TV's NBA Finals postgame show.The NBA's current deals with ABC-ESPN and Turner Sports expire after next season and the league has been talking with NBC, ESPN and Amazon, among other networks and platforms, about what comes next. Commissioner Adam Silver said last week he hopes new long-term deals will be completed shortly.Barkley and broadcast teammates Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith have discussed their uncertain future on their popular “Inside the NBA” studio show. Barkley would seemingly draw interest from any network televising NBA, but the 61-year-old has decided that 25 years will be enough and he will “pass the baton,” hopefully, to a TNT teammate such as Vince Carter or Jamal Crawford.

Charles Barkley says next season will be his last on TV

Wade Phillips has long been considered one of the best defensive coordinators in pro football.

His track record as a head coach though, especially when it comes to the postseason, hasn't been looked on as kindly.

However, Phillips has a chance to get an elusive championship ring as a head coach on Sunday in St. Louis when his San Antonio Brahmas take on the Birmingham Stallions in the first UFL Championship Game.

“Obviously, it would be great. I'd feel great for the players. They deserve where they are now,” Phillips said. “I think they deserve a championship, but they have to play and win it.”

A UFL title would also be a great early birthday present for Phillips, who turns 77 on Friday. When Phillips was fired as the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator after the 2019 season, many thought that might be the end of his coaching career that has spanned seven decades and started when he was a graduate assistant at the University of Houston in 1969.

Phillips returned to coach Houston's XFL franchise in 2023. The Roughnecks were 7-3 and made the playoffs, but lost to eventual champion Arlington in the South Division final.

After the USFL and XFL merged, Phillips moved over to San Antonio this season. Not much was expected though, especially with 30 new players on the roster. The Brahmas bucked the odds and went 7-3 in the regular season. Last week, they upset the favored St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL Conference final and advanced to the championship game.

“I believe we’ve been the underdogs in almost every game. So, we like playing that role,” Phillips said.

Phillips had an 82-64 regular-season NFL record with six teams, but was 1-5 in the playoffs. He won a Super Bowl ring as Denver's defensive coordinator during the 2015 season when the Broncos beat Carolina in Super Bowl 50.

While Phillips enjoyed plenty of attention coaching the Dallas Cowboys for three-plus seasons, he said there isn't that much difference coaching the Brahmas.

“Money. Yeah. Jerry paid me a lot more money,” Phillips said with a smile. "But it's not different. It's organization and when you're the head coach everything comes to you.

“It’s coaching. That’s what I do. I'm probably not good at anything else. I like being around the players, the strategy of the game, and, and the reward for winning is a neat feeling.”

Skip Holtz — who is trying to lead Birmingham to its third straight spring league title — has also experienced a career renaissance of his own after 17 seasons as a college head coach. Holtz and Phillips did not have any interactions before the UFL, but Holtz said he has looked up to Phillips.

“It is very difficult to be a head football coach. I think it’s even more difficult to be a head football coach with his type of length and tenure. With the success that he’s had year in and year out. I think he, he does a great job. He’s done it with character,” Holtz said.

Over the past three seasons, the Stallions are 32-4 in the regular season and playoffs. Their last loss came to the Brahmas on May 25 in San Antonio.

Birmingham has the league's top offense, averaging 347.5 yards and 26.5 points per game. Quarterback Adrian Martinez was named the UFL's Most Valuable Player, but Matt Corral came in during the second half of last week's USFL Conference final and led the Stallions to a 31-18 victory.

San Antonio had the UFL's best defense (256.7 yards per game) and allowed only 15.3 points per game.

Whatever the result of Sunday's game, Phillips has indicated he would like to return next season.

By JOE REEDY AP Sports WriterWade Phillips has long been considered one of the best defensive coordinators in pro football.His track record as a head coach though, especially when it comes to the postseason, hasn't been looked on as kindly.However, Phillips has a chance to get an elusive championship ring as a head coach on Sunday in St. Louis when his San Antonio Brahmas take on the Birmingham Stallions in the first UFL Championship Game.“Obviously, it would be great. I'd feel great for the players. They deserve where they are now,” Phillips said. “I think they deserve a championship, but they have to play and win it.”A UFL title would also be a great early birthday present for Phillips, who turns 77 on Friday. When Phillips was fired as the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator after the 2019 season, many thought that might be the end of his coaching career that has spanned seven decades and started when he was a graduate assistant at the University of Houston in 1969.Phillips returned to coach Houston's XFL franchise in 2023. The Roughnecks were 7-3 and made the playoffs, but lost to eventual champion Arlington in the South Division final.After the USFL and XFL merged, Phillips moved over to San Antonio this season. Not much was expected though, especially with 30 new players on the roster. The Brahmas bucked the odds and went 7-3 in the regular season. Last week, they upset the favored St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL Conference final and advanced to the championship game.“I believe we’ve been the underdogs in almost every game. So, we like playing that role,” Phillips said.Phillips had an 82-64 regular-season NFL record with six teams, but was 1-5 in the playoffs. He won a Super Bowl ring as Denver's defensive coordinator during the 2015 season when the Broncos beat Carolina in Super Bowl 50.While Phillips enjoyed plenty of attention coaching the Dallas Cowboys for three-plus seasons, he said there isn't that much difference coaching the Brahmas.Well, there is one major difference.“Money. Yeah. Jerry paid me a lot more money,” Phillips said with a smile. "But it's not different. It's organization and when you're the head coach everything comes to you.“It’s coaching. That’s what I do. I'm probably not good at anything else. I like being around the players, the strategy of the game, and, and the reward for winning is a neat feeling.”Skip Holtz — who is trying to lead Birmingham to its third straight spring league title — has also experienced a career renaissance of his own after 17 seasons as a college head coach. Holtz and Phillips did not have any interactions before the UFL, but Holtz said he has looked up to Phillips.“It is very difficult to be a head football coach. I think it’s even more difficult to be a head football coach with his type of length and tenure. With the success that he’s had year in and year out. I think he, he does a great job. He’s done it with character,” Holtz said.Over the past three seasons, the Stallions are 32-4 in the regular season and playoffs. Their last loss came to the Brahmas on May 25 in San Antonio.Birmingham has the league's top offense, averaging 347.5 yards and 26.5 points per game. Quarterback Adrian Martinez was named the UFL's Most Valuable Player, but Matt Corral came in during the second half of last week's USFL Conference final and led the Stallions to a 31-18 victory.San Antonio had the UFL's best defense (256.7 yards per game) and allowed only 15.3 points per game.Whatever the result of Sunday's game, Phillips has indicated he would like to return next season.

At 76, Wade Phillips hopes to get elusive first title as a head coach

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 170-year-old rivalry is flaring up as Kansas lawmakers try to snatch the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs away from Missouri even though economists long ago concluded subsidizing pro sports isn't worth the cost.

The Kansas Legislature's top leaders endorsed helping the Chiefs and professional baseball's Kansas City Royals finance new stadiums in Kansas ahead of a special session set to convene Tuesday. The plan would authorize state bonds for stadium construction and pay them off with revenues from sports betting, the Kansas Lottery and additional tax dollars generated in and around the new venues.

The states' border runs through the metropolitan area of about 2.3 million people, and the teams would move only about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west.

Decades of research have concluded a pro sports franchise doesn't boost a local economy much, if any, because it mostly captures existing spending from other places in the same community. But for Kansas officials, spending would at least leave Missouri and come to Kansas, and one-upping Missouri has its own allure.

“I’ve wanted to see the Chiefs in Kansas my whole life, but I hope we can do it in a way that is enriching for these communities, rather than creating additional burdens for them,” said state Rep. Jason Probst, a Democrat from central Kansas.

The rivalry between Kansas and Missouri can be traced as far back as the lead-up to the Civil War, before Kansas was even a state. People from Missouri came from the east, hoping in vain to create another slave state like their own. Both sides looted, burned and killed across the border.

There also was a century-long sports rivalry between the University of Kansas and University of Missouri. And for years the two states burned through hundreds of millions of dollars to lure businesses to one side of the border or the other in the pursuit of jobs. They called an uneasy truce in 2019.

Missouri officials are pledging to be equally aggressive to keep the Royals and Chiefs, and not only because they view them as economic assets.

“They’re sources of great pride,” said Missouri state Rep. John Patterson, a suburban Kansas City Republican expected to be the next state House speaker.

Kansas legislators see the Chiefs and Royals in play because voters on the Missouri side refused in April to extend a local sales tax for the upkeep of their side-by-side stadiums. Lawmakers also argue that failing to take action risks having one or both teams leave the Kansas City area, although economists are skeptical that the threat is real.

While the stadium complex lease runs through January 2031, Kansas officials argue the teams must make decisions soon for new or renovated stadiums to be ready by then. They also are promising the Chiefs a stadium with a dome or retractable roof that can host Super Bowls, college basketball Final Fours and huge indoor concerts.

“You’ve got this asset and all the businesses that move there as a result, or are created there,” said Kansas state Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from the edge of his state’s Kansas City suburbs and a leader of the relocation effort. “You’ll get commerce out of that area every day.”

Roughly 60% of the area’s population lives in Missouri, but the Kansas side is growing more quickly.

Despite the legislative push in Kansas, Missouri lawmakers aren't rushing to propose alternatives. Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson told reporters Thursday that his state is “not just going to roll over,” but also said, “We're just in the first quarter” of the contest.

Both states hold primary elections on Aug. 3, with most legislative seats on the ballot this year. The April vote in Missouri on the local stadium tax suggested subsidizing pro sports teams could be a political loser in that state, particularly with the conservative-leaning electorate in GOP primaries.

“In Missouri, the Republican Party used to be led by a business wing that might be in favor of this sort of thing, but in the Trump era, that’s not the case,” said David Kimball, a University of Missouri-St. Louis political science professor. “The more conservative, the more Trump-oriented wing, they’re not big supporters of spending taxpayer money on much of anything.”

Kansas Republicans face pressure on the right to avoid having the state pick economic winners and losers. For Probst, the Democrat, the concern is using government "to make rich people richer,” meaning team owners.

Economists have studied pro sports teams and subsidies for stadiums since at least the 1980s. J.C. Bradbury, an economics and finance professor from Kennesaw State University in Georgia, said studies show subsidizing stadiums is “a terrible channel for economic growth.”

While supporters of the Kansas effort have cited a report indicating large, positive economic implications, Bradbury said “phony” reports are a staple of stadium campaigns.

“Stadiums are poor public investment, and I would say it’s a near unanimous consensus,” said Bradbury, who has reviewed studies and done them himself.

Yet more than 30 lobbyists have registered to push for a stadium-financing plan from Kansas lawmakers, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce's CEO has called this a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to attract the Chiefs.

The Chiefs not only have won three Super Bowl titles in five years, but they have an especially strong fanbase that has expanded because of tight end Travis Kelce’s romance with pop star Taylor Swift.

Host cities find the National Football League attractive because franchises are valued in the billions and wealthy owners and celebrity players command a media spotlight, said Judith Grant Long, an associate professor of sports management and urban planning at the University of Michigan and a director of its center on sports venues.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 170-year-old rivalry is flaring up as Kansas lawmakers try to snatch the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs away from Missouri even though economists long ago concluded subsidizing pro sports isn't worth the cost.The Kansas Legislature's top leaders endorsed helping the Chiefs and professional baseball's Kansas City Royals finance new stadiums in Kansas ahead of a special session set to convene Tuesday. The plan would authorize state bonds for stadium construction and pay them off with revenues from sports betting, the Kansas Lottery and additional tax dollars generated in and around the new venues.The states' border runs through the metropolitan area of about 2.3 million people, and the teams would move only about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west.Decades of research have concluded a pro sports franchise doesn't boost a local economy much, if any, because it mostly captures existing spending from other places in the same community. But for Kansas officials, spending would at least leave Missouri and come to Kansas, and one-upping Missouri has its own allure.“I’ve wanted to see the Chiefs in Kansas my whole life, but I hope we can do it in a way that is enriching for these communities, rather than creating additional burdens for them,” said state Rep. Jason Probst, a Democrat from central Kansas.The rivalry between Kansas and Missouri can be traced as far back as the lead-up to the Civil War, before Kansas was even a state. People from Missouri came from the east, hoping in vain to create another slave state like their own. Both sides looted, burned and killed across the border.There also was a century-long sports rivalry between the University of Kansas and University of Missouri. And for years the two states burned through hundreds of millions of dollars to lure businesses to one side of the border or the other in the pursuit of jobs. They called an uneasy truce in 2019.Missouri officials are pledging to be equally aggressive to keep the Royals and Chiefs, and not only because they view them as economic assets.“They’re sources of great pride,” said Missouri state Rep. John Patterson, a suburban Kansas City Republican expected to be the next state House speaker.Kansas legislators see the Chiefs and Royals in play because voters on the Missouri side refused in April to extend a local sales tax for the upkeep of their side-by-side stadiums. Lawmakers also argue that failing to take action risks having one or both teams leave the Kansas City area, although economists are skeptical that the threat is real.While the stadium complex lease runs through January 2031, Kansas officials argue the teams must make decisions soon for new or renovated stadiums to be ready by then. They also are promising the Chiefs a stadium with a dome or retractable roof that can host Super Bowls, college basketball Final Fours and huge indoor concerts.“You’ve got this asset and all the businesses that move there as a result, or are created there,” said Kansas state Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from the edge of his state’s Kansas City suburbs and a leader of the relocation effort. “You’ll get commerce out of that area every day.”Roughly 60% of the area’s population lives in Missouri, but the Kansas side is growing more quickly.Despite the legislative push in Kansas, Missouri lawmakers aren't rushing to propose alternatives. Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson told reporters Thursday that his state is “not just going to roll over,” but also said, “We're just in the first quarter” of the contest.Both states hold primary elections on Aug. 3, with most legislative seats on the ballot this year. The April vote in Missouri on the local stadium tax suggested subsidizing pro sports teams could be a political loser in that state, particularly with the conservative-leaning electorate in GOP primaries.“In Missouri, the Republican Party used to be led by a business wing that might be in favor of this sort of thing, but in the Trump era, that’s not the case,” said David Kimball, a University of Missouri-St. Louis political science professor. “The more conservative, the more Trump-oriented wing, they’re not big supporters of spending taxpayer money on much of anything.”Kansas Republicans face pressure on the right to avoid having the state pick economic winners and losers. For Probst, the Democrat, the concern is using government "to make rich people richer,” meaning team owners.Economists have studied pro sports teams and subsidies for stadiums since at least the 1980s. J.C. Bradbury, an economics and finance professor from Kennesaw State University in Georgia, said studies show subsidizing stadiums is “a terrible channel for economic growth.”While supporters of the Kansas effort have cited a report indicating large, positive economic implications, Bradbury said “phony” reports are a staple of stadium campaigns.“Stadiums are poor public investment, and I would say it’s a near unanimous consensus,” said Bradbury, who has reviewed studies and done them himself.Yet more than 30 lobbyists have registered to push for a stadium-financing plan from Kansas lawmakers, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce's CEO has called this a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to attract the Chiefs.The Chiefs not only have won three Super Bowl titles in five years, but they have an especially strong fanbase that has expanded because of tight end Travis Kelce’s romance with pop star Taylor Swift.Host cities find the National Football League attractive because franchises are valued in the billions and wealthy owners and celebrity players command a media spotlight, said Judith Grant Long, an associate professor of sports management and urban planning at the University of Michigan and a director of its center on sports venues.

Kansas lawmakers poised to lure Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman lined a go-ahead, two-out RBI single into center in the eighth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Friday night.

Mookie Betts singled, took second on an errant pickoff throw by reliever Will Smith (0-3) and scored on Freeman’s hit.

Daniel Hudson (3-1) got the win with a scoreless inning of relief and Alex Vesia pitched the ninth to earn his third save.

The Royals had the tying run at first with two outs in the ninth on a single by pinch hitter Nelson Velazquez, but Nick Loftin flied out to end it.

The Dodgers tied the game 3-3 with two outs in the fifth with offense from the bottom half of the lineup.

Miguel Rojas hit a two-run homer just inside the left-field foul pole and one batter later Chris Taylor went deep to tie it up. It was Taylor's first homer since Sept. 7.

“It was more relief than anything,” said Taylor, who came in hitting .100. "I definitely have my moments of frustration. Just trying to embrace the process and trust that my work's eventually going to come through for me."

The Dodgers are 19-0 when Rojas gets a hit.

“Not playing every day is kind of like a challenge, but at the end of the day the biggest key for me is facing every game like it’s a playoff game,” Rojas said.

Visiting Dodger Stadium for the first time since 2017, the Royals made themselves right at home.

Salvador Perez blasted a 437-foot homer that came off his bat at 113.3 mph, traveling most of the way up the left-field pavilion in the fourth. Maikel Garcia singled, took second on Bobby Witt Jr.’s groundout and moved to third on Gavin Stone’s wild pitch. Vinnie Pasquantino walked to set up Perez, who made it 3-0.

Witt Jr., who came in with a .330 average, went 0 for 4 on his 24th birthday. He made a nifty over-the-shoulder catch of Andy Pages, threw to second and Loftin fired to first to complete the Royals' second double play of the game in the seventh.

Dodgers starter Stone allowed three runs and four hits in seven innings. He struck out three and walked two.

Royals starter Cole Ragans gave up three runs and seven hits in seven innings. He struck out four and walked one.

The Dodgers improved to 16-1 at home against the Royals, who were swept in their last visit.

Royals: INF-OF Adam Frazier was activated from the bereavement list.

Dodgers: RHP Bobby Miller (shoulder) will start Wednesday at Colorado.

Kansas City traded minor league catcher Logan Porter to the San Francisco Giants for cash or a player to be named later.

Royals: RHP Seth Lugo (9-2, 2.36 ERA) starts Saturday coming off his first loss since April 21. He's allowed nine runs in 13 innings over his last two starts.

Dodgers: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (6-2, 3.00) goes Saturday after having his scheduled Thursday start pushed back for extra rest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718467375651.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman, left, hits an RBI single as Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Will Smith, second from left, watches along with catcher Freddy Fermin, right, and home plate umpire Gabe Morales during the eighth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 14, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman, left, hits an RBI single as Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Will Smith, second from left, watches along with catcher Freddy Fermin, right, and home plate umpire Gabe Morales during the eighth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 14, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman lined a go-ahead, two-out RBI single into center in the eighth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Friday night.Mookie Betts singled, took second on an errant pickoff throw by reliever Will Smith (0-3) and scored on Freeman’s hit.Daniel Hudson (3-1) got the win with a scoreless inning of relief and Alex Vesia pitched the ninth to earn his third save.The Royals had the tying run at first with two outs in the ninth on a single by pinch hitter Nelson Velazquez, but Nick Loftin flied out to end it.The Dodgers tied the game 3-3 with two outs in the fifth with offense from the bottom half of the lineup.Miguel Rojas hit a two-run homer just inside the left-field foul pole and one batter later Chris Taylor went deep to tie it up. It was Taylor's first homer since Sept. 7.“It was more relief than anything,” said Taylor, who came in hitting .100. "I definitely have my moments of frustration. Just trying to embrace the process and trust that my work's eventually going to come through for me."The Dodgers are 19-0 when Rojas gets a hit.“Not playing every day is kind of like a challenge, but at the end of the day the biggest key for me is facing every game like it’s a playoff game,” Rojas said.Visiting Dodger Stadium for the first time since 2017, the Royals made themselves right at home.Salvador Perez blasted a 437-foot homer that came off his bat at 113.3 mph, traveling most of the way up the left-field pavilion in the fourth. Maikel Garcia singled, took second on Bobby Witt Jr.’s groundout and moved to third on Gavin Stone’s wild pitch. Vinnie Pasquantino walked to set up Perez, who made it 3-0.Perez left the game in the eighth.Witt Jr., who came in with a .330 average, went 0 for 4 on his 24th birthday. He made a nifty over-the-shoulder catch of Andy Pages, threw to second and Loftin fired to first to complete the Royals' second double play of the game in the seventh.Dodgers starter Stone allowed three runs and four hits in seven innings. He struck out three and walked two.Royals starter Cole Ragans gave up three runs and seven hits in seven innings. He struck out four and walked one.The Dodgers improved to 16-1 at home against the Royals, who were swept in their last visit.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: INF-OF Adam Frazier was activated from the bereavement list.Dodgers: RHP Bobby Miller (shoulder) will start Wednesday at Colorado.ROYALS TRADEKansas City traded minor league catcher Logan Porter to the San Francisco Giants for cash or a player to be named later.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Seth Lugo (9-2, 2.36 ERA) starts Saturday coming off his first loss since April 21. He's allowed nine runs in 13 innings over his last two starts.Dodgers: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (6-2, 3.00) goes Saturday after having his scheduled Thursday start pushed back for extra rest.

Freeman's 2-out RBI single in 8th inning lifts Dodgers past Royals 4-3

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman lined a go-ahead, two-out RBI single into center in the eighth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3. Mookie Betts singled, took second on an errant pickoff throw by reliever Will Smith and scored on Freeman’s hit, giving the Dodgers their first lead, 4-3. Daniel Hudson got the win with one scoreless inning of relief. Alex Vesia earned his third save. Miguel Rojas had a two-run homer and Chris Taylor added a solo shot for LA. Salvador Perez hit a three-run shot for the Royals.

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Gibson pitched two-hit ball over seven innings, Pedro Pagés broke a scoreless tie when he led off the eighth with his first career homer and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 3-0. Pagés, who came into the game with just four hits in 28 major league at-bats, gave the Cardinals the lead with a drive to the left-field basket against reliever Hayden Wesneski. The 25-year-old Venezuelan pointed toward the sky as he crossed the plate. Iván Herrera had an RBI double and Dylan Carlson added a run-scoring single as St. Louis added two runs in the ninth.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Dylan Dreiling’s single into the left-center gap drove in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the ninth inning and Tennessee rallied to beat Florida State 12-11, capping a night when Christian Moore became the first player in 68 years to hit for the cycle at the College World Series. The top-seeded Volunteers overcame sloppy play in the field and poor pitching, ratcheting up their high-powered offense another notch in the ninth inning to win their first CWS opener in five appearances since 2001. Tennessee (56-12) will play North Carolina in a Bracket 1 winner’s game on Sunday night. Florida State (47-16) will meet Virginia in an elimination game in the afternoon.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Vance Honeycutt’s single drove in Jackson Van De Brake from third with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, and North Carolina pulled out yet another win in its last at-bat, a 3-2 walk-off victory over Virginia in the College World Series opener. The Tar Heels advanced to play Sunday against the winner of Friday night’s Bracket 1 game between Florida State and Tennessee. Virginia plays the Florida State-Tennessee loser in an elimination game. Four of North Carolina’s six wins in the NCAA Tournament have come on its final at-bat. Virginia has lost five straight CWS games since 2021.

DALLAS (AP) — Kyrie Irving’s personal 13-game losing streak against the Celtics is over. Now it’s back to the parquet floor in Boston to face his former team again. The Dallas Mavericks are still alive in the NBA Finals after avoiding a sweep with a 122-84 blowout in Game 4. The first two road games in this series weren’t Irving’s best, the two in Dallas quite a bit better. The impact from role players in Game 4 was much bigger for Dallas. Now Irving will again have to try to ignore the constant booing from jilted fans in Game 5 on Monday night.

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Vladimir Tarasenko has brought Stanley Cup-winning experience to the Florida Panthers in their pursuit of the first NHL championship in franchise history. Tarasenko was acquired at the trade deadline from Ottawa. He has scored four goals in their playoff run, including an important one in Game 3 of the final against Edmonton. Tarasenko already helped one team hoist the Cup for the first time when he was a key piece for the St. Louis Blues in 2019. He and Carter Verhaeghe are the only Panthers players who have won it all before.

PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Ludvig Aberg might be playing in his first U.S. Open. But the sensational Swede is certainly no stranger to the big stage. He shot a 69 in the second round at Pinehurst No. 2 and goes into the weekend with a one-shot lead. Aberg already has been runner-up in the Masters and played in the Ryder Cup in the year since leaving college at Texas Tech. He leads by one over Bryson DeChambeau, Thomas Detry and Patrick Cantlay. Scottie Scheffler made the cut on the number after his first birdie-free round in two years. Tiger Woods missed the cut.

MUNICH (AP) — Host Germany has opened the European Championship with a confidence-boosting 5-1 win over 10-man Scotland in Munich. Goals from Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala had Germany firmly in control after less than 20 minutes. The first half ended in the worst possible way for Scotland when defender Ryan Porteous was sent off and Kai Havertz converted the resulting penalty kick. Substitute Niclas Füllkrug came off the bench to score Germany’s fourth in the 68th minute and Emre Can netted in stoppage time as the hosts recorded the largest margin of victory in a European Championship opener. An Antonio Rudiger own goal gave Scotland something late to cheer about after not having a shot on goal all match.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman lined a go-ahead, two-out RBI single into center in the eighth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3. Mookie Betts singled, took second on an errant pickoff throw by reliever Will Smith and scored on Freeman’s hit, giving the Dodgers their first lead, 4-3. Daniel Hudson got the win with one scoreless inning of relief. Alex Vesia earned his third save. Miguel Rojas had a two-run homer and Chris Taylor added a solo shot for LA. Salvador Perez hit a three-run shot for the Royals.CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Gibson pitched two-hit ball over seven innings, Pedro Pagés broke a scoreless tie when he led off the eighth with his first career homer and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 3-0. Pagés, who came into the game with just four hits in 28 major league at-bats, gave the Cardinals the lead with a drive to the left-field basket against reliever Hayden Wesneski. The 25-year-old Venezuelan pointed toward the sky as he crossed the plate. Iván Herrera had an RBI double and Dylan Carlson added a run-scoring single as St. Louis added two runs in the ninth.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Dylan Dreiling’s single into the left-center gap drove in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the ninth inning and Tennessee rallied to beat Florida State 12-11, capping a night when Christian Moore became the first player in 68 years to hit for the cycle at the College World Series. The top-seeded Volunteers overcame sloppy play in the field and poor pitching, ratcheting up their high-powered offense another notch in the ninth inning to win their first CWS opener in five appearances since 2001. Tennessee (56-12) will play North Carolina in a Bracket 1 winner’s game on Sunday night. Florida State (47-16) will meet Virginia in an elimination game in the afternoon.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Vance Honeycutt’s single drove in Jackson Van De Brake from third with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, and North Carolina pulled out yet another win in its last at-bat, a 3-2 walk-off victory over Virginia in the College World Series opener. The Tar Heels advanced to play Sunday against the winner of Friday night’s Bracket 1 game between Florida State and Tennessee. Virginia plays the Florida State-Tennessee loser in an elimination game. Four of North Carolina’s six wins in the NCAA Tournament have come on its final at-bat. Virginia has lost five straight CWS games since 2021.DALLAS (AP) — Kyrie Irving’s personal 13-game losing streak against the Celtics is over. Now it’s back to the parquet floor in Boston to face his former team again. The Dallas Mavericks are still alive in the NBA Finals after avoiding a sweep with a 122-84 blowout in Game 4. The first two road games in this series weren’t Irving’s best, the two in Dallas quite a bit better. The impact from role players in Game 4 was much bigger for Dallas. Now Irving will again have to try to ignore the constant booing from jilted fans in Game 5 on Monday night.EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Vladimir Tarasenko has brought Stanley Cup-winning experience to the Florida Panthers in their pursuit of the first NHL championship in franchise history. Tarasenko was acquired at the trade deadline from Ottawa. He has scored four goals in their playoff run, including an important one in Game 3 of the final against Edmonton. Tarasenko already helped one team hoist the Cup for the first time when he was a key piece for the St. Louis Blues in 2019. He and Carter Verhaeghe are the only Panthers players who have won it all before.PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Ludvig Aberg might be playing in his first U.S. Open. But the sensational Swede is certainly no stranger to the big stage. He shot a 69 in the second round at Pinehurst No. 2 and goes into the weekend with a one-shot lead. Aberg already has been runner-up in the Masters and played in the Ryder Cup in the year since leaving college at Texas Tech. He leads by one over Bryson DeChambeau, Thomas Detry and Patrick Cantlay. Scottie Scheffler made the cut on the number after his first birdie-free round in two years. Tiger Woods missed the cut.MUNICH (AP) — Host Germany has opened the European Championship with a confidence-boosting 5-1 win over 10-man Scotland in Munich. Goals from Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala had Germany firmly in control after less than 20 minutes. The first half ended in the worst possible way for Scotland when defender Ryan Porteous was sent off and Kai Havertz converted the resulting penalty kick. Substitute Niclas Füllkrug came off the bench to score Germany’s fourth in the 68th minute and Emre Can netted in stoppage time as the hosts recorded the largest margin of victory in a European Championship opener. An Antonio Rudiger own goal gave Scotland something late to cheer about after not having a shot on goal all match.FRIDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Atlanta	7	Tampa Bay	3	Final	Philadelphia	5	Baltimore	3	Final	Arizona	7	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	L.A. Dodgers	4	Kansas City	3	Final	L.A. Angels	8	San Francisco	6	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	3	Toronto	1	Final	N.Y. Yankees	8	Boston	1	Final	Houston	4	Detroit	0	Final	Minnesota	6	Oakland	5	Final	Seattle	3	Texas	2	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	St. Louis	3	Chicago Cubs	0	Final	Washington	8	Miami	1	Final	N.Y. Mets	2	San Diego	1	Final	Cincinnati	6	Milwaukee	5	Final	Pittsburgh	5	Colorado	2	NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Dallas	122	Boston	84

Saturday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

At about this time three years ago, leaders in the high school sports world were concerned about the fallout from the NCAA’s decision to allow college athletes to monetize their success and profit from their own Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).

The NFHS expressed concern about high school athletes profiting from their NIL. After all, NFHS member state associations had rules in place that prohibited student-athletes from receiving money in any form that was connected to wearing their school uniform.

Since that historic ruling in college sports, 36 state high school associations have enacted NIL policies, with the Florida High School Athletic Association being the latest last week. The landscape has been considerably different at the high school level as no state association permits a student-athlete to profit from their NIL while wearing the school uniform or connected to the school in any fashion. High school NIL rules afford athletes the same entrepreneurial opportunities as any high school student.

While about two-thirds of the state associations have established NIL policies, the number of student-athletes involved in NIL deals has been minimal, and recent statistics from the Georgia High School Association confirm that belief. In an article in the Connect Savannah publication, the GHSA noted that since updating its NIL policies last October, only 44 (.01 percent) of 429,714 eligible student-athletes have signed and submitted NIL deals.

As the new model of college sports has evolved the past three years, the NFHS and its member state associations have been working to preserve the education-based nature of high school sports, while also providing athletes the same NIL opportunities as other high school students.

Now, a new challenge has appeared on the horizon with the announcement last month that the NCAA and its five power conferences have agreed to allow schools to directly pay players for the first time in the 100-plus-year history of college sports. While details are still pending, by the fall of 2025 schools could be sharing up to $20 million per year with their athletes.        

Opinions on the merits of paying college athletes differ, but there should be no argument at the high school level. High school sports, with almost eight million participants nationwide, are much different than college sports. High school sports are about the team – not an individual’s own personal pursuit of excellence. The primary reason that an overwhelming majority of high school students play sports is to have fun and spend significant and meaningful time with their peers. The focus is not on self but rather the team.

Although it is uncertain about how these changes will develop, this deterioration of the amateur concept at the college level must not affect the team-based concept in education-based high school sports. The age-old plan of colleges relying on high schools for their players will continue; however, high school coaches and administrators must guard against an individual’s pursuit of a college scholarship – or direct payments in college sports – overriding the team’s goals. 

While the route to playing sports in college may change for the three to five percent of high school athletes who have that opportunity, the focus must remain on the overall high school educational experience. Some will play sports at the college level and move on to their chosen careers; others will take those values of teamwork, discipline and self-confidence from the playing field directly into their chosen careers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643235301160.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. Karissa NiehoffAt about this time three years ago, leaders in the high school sports world were concerned about the fallout from the NCAA’s decision to allow college athletes to monetize their success and profit from their own Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).The NFHS expressed concern about high school athletes profiting from their NIL. After all, NFHS member state associations had rules in place that prohibited student-athletes from receiving money in any form that was connected to wearing their school uniform.Since that historic ruling in college sports, 36 state high school associations have enacted NIL policies, with the Florida High School Athletic Association being the latest last week. The landscape has been considerably different at the high school level as no state association permits a student-athlete to profit from their NIL while wearing the school uniform or connected to the school in any fashion. High school NIL rules afford athletes the same entrepreneurial opportunities as any high school student.While about two-thirds of the state associations have established NIL policies, the number of student-athletes involved in NIL deals has been minimal, and recent statistics from the Georgia High School Association confirm that belief. In an article in the Connect Savannah publication, the GHSA noted that since updating its NIL policies last October, only 44 (.01 percent) of 429,714 eligible student-athletes have signed and submitted NIL deals.As the new model of college sports has evolved the past three years, the NFHS and its member state associations have been working to preserve the education-based nature of high school sports, while also providing athletes the same NIL opportunities as other high school students.Now, a new challenge has appeared on the horizon with the announcement last month that the NCAA and its five power conferences have agreed to allow schools to directly pay players for the first time in the 100-plus-year history of college sports. While details are still pending, by the fall of 2025 schools could be sharing up to $20 million per year with their athletes. Opinions on the merits of paying college athletes differ, but there should be no argument at the high school level. High school sports, with almost eight million participants nationwide, are much different than college sports. High school sports are about the team – not an individual’s own personal pursuit of excellence. The primary reason that an overwhelming majority of high school students play sports is to have fun and spend significant and meaningful time with their peers. The focus is not on self but rather the team.Although it is uncertain about how these changes will develop, this deterioration of the amateur concept at the college level must not affect the team-based concept in education-based high school sports. The age-old plan of colleges relying on high schools for their players will continue; however, high school coaches and administrators must guard against an individual’s pursuit of a college scholarship – or direct payments in college sports – overriding the team’s goals. While the route to playing sports in college may change for the three to five percent of high school athletes who have that opportunity, the focus must remain on the overall high school educational experience. Some will play sports at the college level and move on to their chosen careers; others will take those values of teamwork, discipline and self-confidence from the playing field directly into their chosen careers.

Keeping Education at the Forefront of School-Based Sports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs showed off their glitzy new Super Bowl rings that sparkled with diamonds, rubies — and “Tom &amp; Jerry.”

The championship-winning Chiefs gathered inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on Thursday night to receive the flashy jewelry that celebrates their 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas in February.

The ring features 529 diamonds and 38 rubies and totals 14.8 carats. Four marquise diamonds represent the franchise's four Lombardi Trophies, including the last two seasons. The base of the trophies are made from 19 custom-cut baguette diamonds distinguishing the Chiefs as the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls in 19 seasons.

And the top of the ring opens to reveal an inscription of the “Tom &amp; Jerry” play, the nickname given to Mahomes' 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman to win the Super Bowl. The design on the ring depicts head coach Andy Reid’s handwritten sketch of the play.

Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, who also wore the team’s 2019 and 2022 Super Bowl rings before the ceremony, said this year’s version told the story of last season.

“You can think about some of the cool things that happened this year and they’ll be incorporated one way or another," Hunt said. “And like last year’s ring, it’s got some really neat surprises. And I can’t wait to see the expression on the players faces when they open the boxes.”

The inside of the ring also includes a Lombardi Trophy depending on the recipient’s time with the Chiefs. The inside band features the word “United,” which was the team’s motto last season, along with the scores of Kansas City's four playoff wins and each player’s signature.

Other clever touches include 28 diamonds that celebrate the defense for holding every opponent to fewer than 28 points in each game, 17 miniature gold leaf confetti marking the Chiefs' points scored in the AFC championship game to beat Baltimore and 16 custom-cut rubies that recognize the club’s number of division titles.

One of the challenges for the team was keeping the ring design under wraps until its unveiling at the celebration that included 400 players, coaches, team employees and their guests.

“The only thing I heard is that it's bigger than it was last time," said linebacker Nick Bolton, who wore last year's ring for only the third time. "I’ve been trying to sneak a peak for about three or four days.”

The boxes in which the rings were kept included a combination to keep anyone from seeing them too early. The code 777 was revealed in a slot machine video following Hunt’s address to the audience.

“We always try to figure out a way to get the ring in the front of every single individual during dinner,” team president Mark Donovan said. “And then make sure they don’t open it too early, because it’s a real reveal moment.”

The Chiefs completed their mandatory minicamp this week and will resume preparations for the defense of their back-to-back Super Bowl titles next month at training camp.

“Once you get through that parade, you’re kind of off and heading in the direction of the new season,” Reid said. “It’s a night — I don’t want to slight tonight — because there’s a lot that goes into that and there’s a lot of hard work that’s gone into that and this is kind of the reward for it.

“But I think the guys know that it’s going to be nice to get the ring, but they’ve moved on.”

And the Chiefs are already planning to be back for a third straight ring ceremony — which would be a first in NFL history.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs showed off their glitzy new Super Bowl rings that sparkled with diamonds, rubies — and “Tom &amp; Jerry.”The championship-winning Chiefs gathered inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on Thursday night to receive the flashy jewelry that celebrates their 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas in February.The ring features 529 diamonds and 38 rubies and totals 14.8 carats. Four marquise diamonds represent the franchise's four Lombardi Trophies, including the last two seasons. The base of the trophies are made from 19 custom-cut baguette diamonds distinguishing the Chiefs as the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls in 19 seasons.And the top of the ring opens to reveal an inscription of the “Tom &amp; Jerry” play, the nickname given to Mahomes' 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman to win the Super Bowl. The design on the ring depicts head coach Andy Reid’s handwritten sketch of the play.Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, who also wore the team’s 2019 and 2022 Super Bowl rings before the ceremony, said this year’s version told the story of last season.“You can think about some of the cool things that happened this year and they’ll be incorporated one way or another," Hunt said. “And like last year’s ring, it’s got some really neat surprises. And I can’t wait to see the expression on the players faces when they open the boxes.”The inside of the ring also includes a Lombardi Trophy depending on the recipient’s time with the Chiefs. The inside band features the word “United,” which was the team’s motto last season, along with the scores of Kansas City's four playoff wins and each player’s signature.Other clever touches include 28 diamonds that celebrate the defense for holding every opponent to fewer than 28 points in each game, 17 miniature gold leaf confetti marking the Chiefs' points scored in the AFC championship game to beat Baltimore and 16 custom-cut rubies that recognize the club’s number of division titles.One of the challenges for the team was keeping the ring design under wraps until its unveiling at the celebration that included 400 players, coaches, team employees and their guests.“The only thing I heard is that it's bigger than it was last time," said linebacker Nick Bolton, who wore last year's ring for only the third time. "I’ve been trying to sneak a peak for about three or four days.”The boxes in which the rings were kept included a combination to keep anyone from seeing them too early. The code 777 was revealed in a slot machine video following Hunt’s address to the audience.“We always try to figure out a way to get the ring in the front of every single individual during dinner,” team president Mark Donovan said. “And then make sure they don’t open it too early, because it’s a real reveal moment.”The Chiefs completed their mandatory minicamp this week and will resume preparations for the defense of their back-to-back Super Bowl titles next month at training camp.“Once you get through that parade, you’re kind of off and heading in the direction of the new season,” Reid said. “It’s a night — I don’t want to slight tonight — because there’s a lot that goes into that and there’s a lot of hard work that’s gone into that and this is kind of the reward for it.“But I think the guys know that it’s going to be nice to get the ring, but they’ve moved on.”And the Chiefs are already planning to be back for a third straight ring ceremony — which would be a first in NFL history.

Chiefs give nod to winning 'Tom & Jerry' play in jewel-filled Super Bowl ring

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The game's the same. It's what happens away from the field and how players deal with it that can affect how long a team sticks around at the College World Series.

The CWS opens Friday with North Carolina (47-14) playing Virginia (46-15), and Florida State (47-15) facing Tennessee (55-12) in Bracket 1. North Carolina State (38-21) meets Kentucky (45-14), and Florida (34-28) plays Texas A&amp;M (49-13) in Bracket 2 on Saturday. Winners in double-elimination bracket play square off in the best-of-three finals beginning June 22.

Virginia, Tennessee and Florida are here for the second straight year, and each brought back the majority of their lineups.

“I can tell you that last year was the first time any of us had played in front of 25,000 fans,” Virginia's Casey Saucke said. “It was electric and you love hearing the stadium like that, seeing the stadium like that. It's not going to faze us as much this year with the core of our lineup returning. We’ve already played in front of that, so when you’re getting in the box for the first time, you’re not as nervous.”

The Cavaliers lost two one-run games in the shortest of their six CWS appearances, and Saucke and his teammates said they learned a lesson about the importance of being fully dialed in on the field and not getting caught up in the pomp and pageantry of the event.

There are autographs to sign, outings to the city's nationally known zoo and other attractions, team dinners and media responsibilities. Players also try to carve out time to spend with family members who come in from around the country.

Virginia coach Brian O'Connor said he offers advice about time management, and this year for the first time he had returning players address teammates about how to handle the distractions. Griff O'Ferrall said he tried to describe to the CWS newbies what would happen in and around the games so there are no surprises.

“The first couple of innings, you are a little bit in awe and just a little bit in shock just with the atmosphere itself and how many people are in the stands,” O'Ferrall said. “We’ve been trying to talk to the young guys and the guys who haven’t been here, just giving them a heads-up on what it’s like. Our main message has just been to not try and do too much. We’re here for a reason. As long as we do the small things and do what we’re capable of, the moment doesn’t get too big.”

Texas A&amp;M has three key members of its pitching staff and a utility player back from its 2022 CWS team and NC State still has seven players from the 2021 roster that was sent home by the NCAA after three games because of COVID-19 protocols.

North Carolina is here for the first time since 2018, and Florida State for the first time since 2019. Kentucky is making its first appearance.

Tennessee, like Virginia, hopes to have a longer stay this year. The Volunteers lost their opener to LSU and Paul Skenes and beat Stanford before getting knocked out with a 5-0 loss to LSU, the first time they were shut out in 133 games.

The Vols' Hunter Ensley said the atmosphere can knock players off their games.

“I think a good message to relay to the guys is trying to slow everything down," he said. “I know sometimes you get out on the field and get under the lights, you want to go a little too fast or do too much.”

Florida has seven everyday players, including two-way star Jac Caglianone, back from the 2023 team that was national runner-up.

The Gators' young pitchers struggled early in the season, and it took until the final regular-season weekend to lock up a winning record, which made them eligible for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid. They've won a regional at Stillwater, Oklahoma, and a super regional at Clemson, South Carolina, to return to Omaha, where they were national runners-up to LSU a year ago.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The game's the same. It's what happens away from the field and how players deal with it that can affect how long a team sticks around at the College World Series.The CWS opens Friday with North Carolina (47-14) playing Virginia (46-15), and Florida State (47-15) facing Tennessee (55-12) in Bracket 1. North Carolina State (38-21) meets Kentucky (45-14), and Florida (34-28) plays Texas A&amp;M (49-13) in Bracket 2 on Saturday. Winners in double-elimination bracket play square off in the best-of-three finals beginning June 22.Virginia, Tennessee and Florida are here for the second straight year, and each brought back the majority of their lineups.“I can tell you that last year was the first time any of us had played in front of 25,000 fans,” Virginia's Casey Saucke said. “It was electric and you love hearing the stadium like that, seeing the stadium like that. It's not going to faze us as much this year with the core of our lineup returning. We’ve already played in front of that, so when you’re getting in the box for the first time, you’re not as nervous.”The Cavaliers lost two one-run games in the shortest of their six CWS appearances, and Saucke and his teammates said they learned a lesson about the importance of being fully dialed in on the field and not getting caught up in the pomp and pageantry of the event.There are autographs to sign, outings to the city's nationally known zoo and other attractions, team dinners and media responsibilities. Players also try to carve out time to spend with family members who come in from around the country.Virginia coach Brian O'Connor said he offers advice about time management, and this year for the first time he had returning players address teammates about how to handle the distractions. Griff O'Ferrall said he tried to describe to the CWS newbies what would happen in and around the games so there are no surprises.“The first couple of innings, you are a little bit in awe and just a little bit in shock just with the atmosphere itself and how many people are in the stands,” O'Ferrall said. “We’ve been trying to talk to the young guys and the guys who haven’t been here, just giving them a heads-up on what it’s like. Our main message has just been to not try and do too much. We’re here for a reason. As long as we do the small things and do what we’re capable of, the moment doesn’t get too big.”Texas A&amp;M has three key members of its pitching staff and a utility player back from its 2022 CWS team and NC State still has seven players from the 2021 roster that was sent home by the NCAA after three games because of COVID-19 protocols.North Carolina is here for the first time since 2018, and Florida State for the first time since 2019. Kentucky is making its first appearance.Tennessee, like Virginia, hopes to have a longer stay this year. The Volunteers lost their opener to LSU and Paul Skenes and beat Stanford before getting knocked out with a 5-0 loss to LSU, the first time they were shut out in 133 games.The Vols' Hunter Ensley said the atmosphere can knock players off their games.“I think a good message to relay to the guys is trying to slow everything down," he said. “I know sometimes you get out on the field and get under the lights, you want to go a little too fast or do too much.”Florida has seven everyday players, including two-way star Jac Caglianone, back from the 2023 team that was national runner-up.The Gators' young pitchers struggled early in the season, and it took until the final regular-season weekend to lock up a winning record, which made them eligible for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid. They've won a regional at Stillwater, Oklahoma, and a super regional at Clemson, South Carolina, to return to Omaha, where they were national runners-up to LSU a year ago.

Virginia, Tennessee, Florida expect experience from '23 College World Series to provide an edge

The Los Angeles
Dodgers host the Kansas City Royals to open a three-game series.

Kansas City Royals
(40-30, second in the AL Central) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (42-28,
first in the NL West)

PITCHING
PROBABLES: Royals: Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 98
strikeouts); Dodgers: Gavin Stone (7-2, 2.93 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 53
strikeouts)

BETMGM
SPORTSBOOK: LINE Dodgers -156, Royals +131; over/under is 8 1/2
runs

BOTTOM LINE:
The Los Angeles Dodgers begin a three-game series at home against the
Kansas City Royals on Friday.

Los Angeles has gone
22-14 at home and 42-28 overall. The Dodgers have the third-best team
slugging percentage in MLB play at .437.

Kansas City has a
40-30 record overall and a 15-16 record on the road. The Royals have
gone 23-10 in games when they scored five or more runs.

Friday's game is the
first time these teams square off this season.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Mookie Betts leads the Dodgers with a .308 batting average, and has
16 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, 46 walks and 40 RBI. Freddie
Freeman is 12-for-34 with three home runs and eight RBI over the last
10 games.

Vinnie Pasquantino
has 19 doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 46 RBI for the
Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. is 18-for-43 with three doubles, a triple and
two home runs over the last 10 games.

Dodgers: 5-5,
.257 batting average, 3.13 ERA, outscored opponents by 20 runs

Royals: 5-5,
.260 batting average, 5.30 ERA, outscored by 13 runs

Dodgers: Ryan
Brasier: 60-Day IL (calf), Connor Brogdon: 60-Day IL (foot), Max
Muncy: 10-Day IL (oblique), Joe Kelly: 15-Day IL (posterior), Kyle
Hurt: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Bobby Miller: 15-Day IL (shoulder),
Brusdar Graterol: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Emmet Sheehan: 60-Day IL
(forearm), Clayton Kershaw: 60-Day IL (elbow), Tony Gonsolin: 60-Day
IL (elbow), Dustin May: 60-Day IL (elbow)

By The Associated
PressThe Los Angeles
Dodgers host the Kansas City Royals to open a three-game series.Kansas City Royals
(40-30, second in the AL Central) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (42-28,
first in the NL West)Los Angeles; Friday,
10:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING
PROBABLES: Royals: Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 98
strikeouts); Dodgers: Gavin Stone (7-2, 2.93 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 53
strikeouts)BETMGM
SPORTSBOOK: LINE Dodgers -156, Royals +131; over/under is 8 1/2
runsBOTTOM LINE:
The Los Angeles Dodgers begin a three-game series at home against the
Kansas City Royals on Friday.Los Angeles has gone
22-14 at home and 42-28 overall. The Dodgers have the third-best team
slugging percentage in MLB play at .437.Kansas City has a
40-30 record overall and a 15-16 record on the road. The Royals have
gone 23-10 in games when they scored five or more runs.Friday's game is the
first time these teams square off this season.TOP PERFORMERS:
Mookie Betts leads the Dodgers with a .308 batting average, and has
16 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, 46 walks and 40 RBI. Freddie
Freeman is 12-for-34 with three home runs and eight RBI over the last
10 games.Vinnie Pasquantino
has 19 doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 46 RBI for the
Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. is 18-for-43 with three doubles, a triple and
two home runs over the last 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES:
Dodgers: 5-5,
.257 batting average, 3.13 ERA, outscored opponents by 20 runsRoyals: 5-5,
.260 batting average, 5.30 ERA, outscored by 13 runsINJURIES: 
Dodgers: Ryan
Brasier: 60-Day IL (calf), Connor Brogdon: 60-Day IL (foot), Max
Muncy: 10-Day IL (oblique), Joe Kelly: 15-Day IL (posterior), Kyle
Hurt: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Bobby Miller: 15-Day IL (shoulder),
Brusdar Graterol: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Emmet Sheehan: 60-Day IL
(forearm), Clayton Kershaw: 60-Day IL (elbow), Tony Gonsolin: 60-Day
IL (elbow), Dustin May: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Dodgers host the Royals to begin 3-game series

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two run double off Yankees
closer Clay Holmes, and the Kansas City Royals recovered after
squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 and
avoid a four-game sweep. Marsh took a no-hit bid into the seventh
inning against the major league-best Yankees, who had outscored the
Royals 25-8 in the first three games of the series. He allowed Juan
Soto’s leadoff single in that frame and then retired the next three
batters to conclude his 96-pitch outing. The Yankees pushed ahead 3-2
in the eighth against the Royals' bullpen before Garcia game through
against Holmes for the walk-off.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Paul Goldschmidt and Brendan Donovan homered, and the St. Louis
Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3. Lance Lynn went 4 1/3
innings, snapping a string of four straight quality starts by
Cardinals pitchers. Lynn allowed three runs on four hits, walked
three and struck out five. Chris Roycroft (1-0) earned his first
major league decision as five different Cardinals relievers combined
for 4 2/3 scoreless innings. Andrew Kittredge earned his first save.
Mitch Keller (8-4) allowed four runs on eight hits in six innings.
Keller struck out four and walked none as the Pirates lost for the
third time in their last four games.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —
The College World Series opens Friday at Charles Schwab Field and,
for the first time since the event expanded to eight teams in 1950,
only two conferences will be represented on the college game’s
biggest stage. The Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast
Conference have combined to send the most teams to the CWS over the
last decade, including this year. Their exclusivity in the 2024 field
hints at an even greater concentration of power in the sport as
college athletics move into an era where players, already able to
move around freely, can make more money than ever.

PINEHURST, N.C. (AP)
— Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay are tied for the lead after one
round of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. McIlroy had tremendous
control on a course that demands precision. He was bogey-free for a
65 in the afternoon. Cantlay had six birdies in his round of 65 in
the morning. McIlroy hasn't had a bogey-free start to a major since
last winning one 10 years ago at the British Open. They led by one
shot over Ludvig Aberg. Bryson DeChambeau powered his way to a 67 and
was tied for third with Matthieu Pavon on France.

EDMONTON, Alberta
(AP) — Aleksander Barkov and Sergei Bobrovsky led the way as the
Florida Panthers moved within a victory of their first Stanley Cup
title, holding on to beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in Game 3 of the
final. Game 4 is Saturday night in Edmonton. Barkov set up a goal and
scored another while Bobrovsky made 32 saves to continue his run of
dominance in the series. The Panthers pounced on turnovers and
silenced a fired up Edmonton crowd witnessing the first Cup final
game with fans in the city in 18 years.

DALLAS (AP) — It’s
over. That’s what the numbers say. There will be a record-setting
18th championship for the Boston Celtics to celebrate soon, maybe
very soon. They have a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals, a lead that has
never been wasted in any NBA series, ever. The stats are absolute.
The Celtics, to their credit, are taking nothing for granted. On
perhaps the next-to-last day of the NBA’s 78th season, the Celtics
— who could finish off the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 on Friday
night — were desperately trying to keep things as close to business
as usual as could be expected.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs showed off their
glitzy new Super Bowl rings that sparkled with diamonds, rubies and
“Tom &amp; Jerry.” The championship-winning team gathered inside
the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to receive the flashy jewelry that
celebrates the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory over the San
Francisco 49ers in February. The ring features 529 diamonds and 38
rubies and totals 14.8 carats. The top of the ring opens up to reveal
an inscription of “Tom &amp; Jerry,” the nickname given to the
winning play when Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole
Hardman.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
(AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says Trevor Lawrence
and the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a five-year, $275 million
contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid
quarterbacks in NFL history. The person spoke to The Associated Press
on condition of anonymity because neither side had announced the
contract publicly. The person says Lawrence’s deal averages $55
million and ties him with Cincinnati's Joe Burrow for the most ever.
Lawrence's extension includes $142 million fully guaranteed and a
$37.5 million signing bonus. Lawrence is now the sixth QB making more
than $50 million a year.

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
An injury caused Conor McGregor to pull out of the upcoming
pay-per-view event June 29 in Las Vegas that he was scheduled to
headline. Organization President Dana White announced the change
Thursday night on X. White saying light heavyweight champion Alex
Pereira will face top-ranked challenger Jiri Prochazka in UFC 303.
McGregor was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler. The first
indication that bout was in trouble when his news conference June 3
in Dublin was abruptly canceled. No immediate explanation was
provided.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two run double off Yankees
closer Clay Holmes, and the Kansas City Royals recovered after
squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 and
avoid a four-game sweep. Marsh took a no-hit bid into the seventh
inning against the major league-best Yankees, who had outscored the
Royals 25-8 in the first three games of the series. He allowed Juan
Soto’s leadoff single in that frame and then retired the next three
batters to conclude his 96-pitch outing. The Yankees pushed ahead 3-2
in the eighth against the Royals' bullpen before Garcia game through
against Holmes for the walk-off.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Paul Goldschmidt and Brendan Donovan homered, and the St. Louis
Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3. Lance Lynn went 4 1/3
innings, snapping a string of four straight quality starts by
Cardinals pitchers. Lynn allowed three runs on four hits, walked
three and struck out five. Chris Roycroft (1-0) earned his first
major league decision as five different Cardinals relievers combined
for 4 2/3 scoreless innings. Andrew Kittredge earned his first save.
Mitch Keller (8-4) allowed four runs on eight hits in six innings.
Keller struck out four and walked none as the Pirates lost for the
third time in their last four games.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —
The College World Series opens Friday at Charles Schwab Field and,
for the first time since the event expanded to eight teams in 1950,
only two conferences will be represented on the college game’s
biggest stage. The Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast
Conference have combined to send the most teams to the CWS over the
last decade, including this year. Their exclusivity in the 2024 field
hints at an even greater concentration of power in the sport as
college athletics move into an era where players, already able to
move around freely, can make more money than ever.PINEHURST, N.C. (AP)
— Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay are tied for the lead after one
round of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. McIlroy had tremendous
control on a course that demands precision. He was bogey-free for a
65 in the afternoon. Cantlay had six birdies in his round of 65 in
the morning. McIlroy hasn't had a bogey-free start to a major since
last winning one 10 years ago at the British Open. They led by one
shot over Ludvig Aberg. Bryson DeChambeau powered his way to a 67 and
was tied for third with Matthieu Pavon on France.EDMONTON, Alberta
(AP) — Aleksander Barkov and Sergei Bobrovsky led the way as the
Florida Panthers moved within a victory of their first Stanley Cup
title, holding on to beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in Game 3 of the
final. Game 4 is Saturday night in Edmonton. Barkov set up a goal and
scored another while Bobrovsky made 32 saves to continue his run of
dominance in the series. The Panthers pounced on turnovers and
silenced a fired up Edmonton crowd witnessing the first Cup final
game with fans in the city in 18 years.DALLAS (AP) — It’s
over. That’s what the numbers say. There will be a record-setting
18th championship for the Boston Celtics to celebrate soon, maybe
very soon. They have a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals, a lead that has
never been wasted in any NBA series, ever. The stats are absolute.
The Celtics, to their credit, are taking nothing for granted. On
perhaps the next-to-last day of the NBA’s 78th season, the Celtics
— who could finish off the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 on Friday
night — were desperately trying to keep things as close to business
as usual as could be expected.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs showed off their
glitzy new Super Bowl rings that sparkled with diamonds, rubies and
“Tom &amp; Jerry.” The championship-winning team gathered inside
the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to receive the flashy jewelry that
celebrates the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory over the San
Francisco 49ers in February. The ring features 529 diamonds and 38
rubies and totals 14.8 carats. The top of the ring opens up to reveal
an inscription of “Tom &amp; Jerry,” the nickname given to the
winning play when Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole
Hardman.JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
(AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says Trevor Lawrence
and the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a five-year, $275 million
contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid
quarterbacks in NFL history. The person spoke to The Associated Press
on condition of anonymity because neither side had announced the
contract publicly. The person says Lawrence’s deal averages $55
million and ties him with Cincinnati's Joe Burrow for the most ever.
Lawrence's extension includes $142 million fully guaranteed and a
$37.5 million signing bonus. Lawrence is now the sixth QB making more
than $50 million a year.LAS VEGAS (AP) —
An injury caused Conor McGregor to pull out of the upcoming
pay-per-view event June 29 in Las Vegas that he was scheduled to
headline. Organization President Dana White announced the change
Thursday night on X. White saying light heavyweight champion Alex
Pereira will face top-ranked challenger Jiri Prochazka in UFC 303.
McGregor was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler. The first
indication that bout was in trouble when his news conference June 3
in Dublin was abruptly canceled. No immediate explanation was
provided.THURSDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Detroit	7	Washington	2	Final	Atlanta	6	Baltimore	3	Final	Tampa
Bay	3	Chicago Cubs	2	Final	Boston	9	Philadelphia	3	Final	Arizona	11	L.A.
Angels	1	Final	Texas	3	L.A.
Dodgers	1	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Kansas
City	4	N.Y. Yankees	3	Final	Minnesota	6	Oakland	2	Final	Chicago White
Sox	3	Seattle	2	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	St.
Louis	4	Pittsburgh	3	Final	N.Y.
Mets	3	Miami	2	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two run double off Yankees closer Clay Holmes, and the Kansas City Royals recovered after squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 on Thursday and avoid a four-game sweep.

Marsh took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning against the major league-best Yankees (49-22), who had outscored the Royals 25-8 in the first three games of the series. He allowed Juan Soto's leadoff single in that frame and then retired the next three batters to conclude his 96-pitch outing.

“I thought we had a good game plan going in,” Marsh said. “Me and (catcher) Freddy (Fermin) were on the same page all day. I just felt comfortable out there.

"Just watching what they did the last couple of days, I was sick and tired of it.”

Marsh struck out Aaron Judge three times.

“Mixing it up,” he said. “I tried to keep him off-balance. He's such a good hitter. He's looking for things in certain counts. I was trying to throw him things I don't normally throw in those counts.”

After Marsh's exit, New York went to work in the eighth against reliever John Schreiber. Anthony Rizzo homered to get the Yankees within 2-1. An error by second baseman Garrett Hampson set up Anthony Volpe's RBI grounder. Angel Zerpa came in and gave up Soto's go-ahead RBI single.

With one out in the ninth against Holmes (1-2), Drew Waters hit a grounder that went for an infield hit after Holmes and first baseman Rizzo were confused about who would field the ball. After a fielder's choice, Kyle Isbel singled to bring up Garcia, who hit a liner down the left-field line to score MJ Melendez from third and Isbel from first.

It was the fourth blown save in 23 chances for Holmes.

“I couldn't be more proud of those guys,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “You're down. That's a really good club with an elite closer coming in. We've talked so much about it, but I never get tired of bragging about it. The way they hustle, the way they never quit, it's inspiring for me to come to work every day to be around these guys.”

Quatraro missed the rally after being ejected in the sixth inning. After the game, Marsh said Quatraro told him he didn't even know he had a no-hitter going, and Marsh responded, “Don't get tossed next time.”

James McArthur (3-3) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City, which snapped a four-game skid and is second in the AL Central. The Royals finished 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

Nestor Cortes gave up two runs in seven innings for New York to lower his road ERA to 5.57 from 6.17. The left-hander's ERA at Yankee Stadium is 1.77.

“I thought Nestor was good,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “It was a good pitchers' duel. His fastball was playing up. He was at 90, 91, 92, but it was, it had something on it. He had a presence on both sides. I thought he did a good job, like Marsh, of mixing to give us seven strong there.”

Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games with a fourth-inning single and came in to score on Vinnie Pasquantino's two-run double off the wall in left-center. That gave the Royals their first lead in the series.

The Royals threatened again in the sixth. Witt led off with a single, but was caught stealing on a pickoff throw by Cortes. Quatraro was ejected after arguing that Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres blocked Witt's path to the bag.

The Royals recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha and optioned LHP Daniel Lynch to Omaha.

The Yankees travel to Boston Friday to begin a three-game series against the Red Sox. RHP Luis Gil (8-1, 2.04 ERA) will face RHP Brayan Bello (6-3, 4.78 ERA).

The Royals head to Los Angeles for a three-game series against the Dodgers. LHP Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.08 ERA) will get the start for Kansas City against RHP Gavin Stone (7-2, 2.93 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718357413645.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia, center, celebrates with Salvador Perez, third from left, and other teammates after hitting a game-winning two-run double against the New York Yankees in a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, June 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia, center, celebrates with Salvador Perez, third from left, and other teammates after hitting a game-winning two-run double against the New York Yankees in a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, June 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two run double off Yankees closer Clay Holmes, and the Kansas City Royals recovered after squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 on Thursday and avoid a four-game sweep.Marsh took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning against the major league-best Yankees (49-22), who had outscored the Royals 25-8 in the first three games of the series. He allowed Juan Soto's leadoff single in that frame and then retired the next three batters to conclude his 96-pitch outing.“I thought we had a good game plan going in,” Marsh said. “Me and (catcher) Freddy (Fermin) were on the same page all day. I just felt comfortable out there."Just watching what they did the last couple of days, I was sick and tired of it.”Marsh struck out Aaron Judge three times.“Mixing it up,” he said. “I tried to keep him off-balance. He's such a good hitter. He's looking for things in certain counts. I was trying to throw him things I don't normally throw in those counts.”After Marsh's exit, New York went to work in the eighth against reliever John Schreiber. Anthony Rizzo homered to get the Yankees within 2-1. An error by second baseman Garrett Hampson set up Anthony Volpe's RBI grounder. Angel Zerpa came in and gave up Soto's go-ahead RBI single.With one out in the ninth against Holmes (1-2), Drew Waters hit a grounder that went for an infield hit after Holmes and first baseman Rizzo were confused about who would field the ball. After a fielder's choice, Kyle Isbel singled to bring up Garcia, who hit a liner down the left-field line to score MJ Melendez from third and Isbel from first.It was the fourth blown save in 23 chances for Holmes.“I couldn't be more proud of those guys,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “You're down. That's a really good club with an elite closer coming in. We've talked so much about it, but I never get tired of bragging about it. The way they hustle, the way they never quit, it's inspiring for me to come to work every day to be around these guys.”Quatraro missed the rally after being ejected in the sixth inning. After the game, Marsh said Quatraro told him he didn't even know he had a no-hitter going, and Marsh responded, “Don't get tossed next time.”James McArthur (3-3) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City, which snapped a four-game skid and is second in the AL Central. The Royals finished 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.Nestor Cortes gave up two runs in seven innings for New York to lower his road ERA to 5.57 from 6.17. The left-hander's ERA at Yankee Stadium is 1.77.“I thought Nestor was good,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “It was a good pitchers' duel. His fastball was playing up. He was at 90, 91, 92, but it was, it had something on it. He had a presence on both sides. I thought he did a good job, like Marsh, of mixing to give us seven strong there.”Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games with a fourth-inning single and came in to score on Vinnie Pasquantino's two-run double off the wall in left-center. That gave the Royals their first lead in the series.The Royals threatened again in the sixth. Witt led off with a single, but was caught stealing on a pickoff throw by Cortes. Quatraro was ejected after arguing that Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres blocked Witt's path to the bag.TRANSACTIONSThe Royals recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha and optioned LHP Daniel Lynch to Omaha.UP NEXTThe Yankees travel to Boston Friday to begin a three-game series against the Red Sox. RHP Luis Gil (8-1, 2.04 ERA) will face RHP Brayan Bello (6-3, 4.78 ERA).The Royals head to Los Angeles for a three-game series against the Dodgers. LHP Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.08 ERA) will get the start for Kansas City against RHP Gavin Stone (7-2, 2.93 ERA).

Garcia's game-ending hit off Holmes gives Royals 4-3 win over Yankees

Changes to postseason formats and championship sites for basketball, football, wrestling and track and field highlight actions approved at the June 12-13 KSHSAA Executive Board Meeting. The postseason formats are set by the KSHSAA Executive Board each year.

Basketball -&nbsp;Beginning in March of 2026, the state basketball tournaments will be moving to four total sites. Four facilities will play host to the seven classifications, 14 championships. By honoring the KSHSAA membership voted in the fall of 2023 to qualify eight boys teams and eight girls teams involved at the final site, modifications to the daily schedule will be developed. The schedule and other event details, including classification designations for each site and venue selection will be determined and announced following the 2024-25 basketball season.

Another basketball postseason change effective with the 2024-25 season will come at the 3A, 2A, 1A DI and 1A DII classifications. Each class will be divided into four regions and then seeded into two sub-states within the region: Substate A: 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16; Substate B: 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15. The winner of each substate will advance to the state basketball tournament. Further format details and dates will be sent to member schools.

Football&nbsp;- As announced in January, the state football championships will be moving to three sites with three games being played at each site. The executive board approved the following sites and schedule for 2024:

Class 4A = Saturday, November 30 at 1:00pm

Class 5A = Saturday, November 30 at 7:00pm

Class 3A = Saturday, November 30 at 12:00pm

Class 1A = Saturday, November 30 at 5:00pm

Class 8-player DII = Saturday, November 30 at 11:00am

Class 6-Player = Saturday, November 30 at 3:00pm

Class 8-Player DI = Saturday, November 30 at 7:00pm

Wrestling&nbsp;– Girl’s wrestling will now include four classes to mirror the boy’s classification designations. The addition of another class for girl’s wrestling necessitates the addition of another championship site. 6A, 5A, 4A and 3-1A will each have their own site to determine a champion. 3-1A state wrestling will be in Hays and 4A will be in Salina. Park City Arena and one other facility to be named later will house either 6A or 5A. State sites and regional dates will be determined at the September KSHSAA Executive Board meeting. The state wrestling tournament will take place February 28 - March 1, 2025.

Track and Field&nbsp;– Qualification for the state meet was adjusted to now be the top 3 plus the next four best regional performance in each event.

Two committees will be formed to gather input from membership school leaders. One to discuss the details behind the implementation of Esports prior to the possible adoption as a KSHSAA sanctioned activity. The second committee will review the KSHSAA calendar to consider possible alternatives to dates of postseason activities.

Changes to postseason formats and championship sites for basketball, football, wrestling and track and field highlight actions approved at the June 12-13 KSHSAA Executive Board Meeting. The postseason formats are set by the KSHSAA Executive Board each year.Basketball -&nbsp;Beginning in March of 2026, the state basketball tournaments will be moving to four total sites. Four facilities will play host to the seven classifications, 14 championships. By honoring the KSHSAA membership voted in the fall of 2023 to qualify eight boys teams and eight girls teams involved at the final site, modifications to the daily schedule will be developed. The schedule and other event details, including classification designations for each site and venue selection will be determined and announced following the 2024-25 basketball season.Another basketball postseason change effective with the 2024-25 season will come at the 3A, 2A, 1A DI and 1A DII classifications. Each class will be divided into four regions and then seeded into two sub-states within the region: Substate A: 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16; Substate B: 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15. The winner of each substate will advance to the state basketball tournament. Further format details and dates will be sent to member schools.Football&nbsp;- As announced in January, the state football championships will be moving to three sites with three games being played at each site. The executive board approved the following sites and schedule for 2024:Emporia State University:Class 6A = Friday, November 29 at 2:00pmClass 4A = Saturday, November 30 at 1:00pmClass 5A = Saturday, November 30 at 7:00pmHutchinson Community College:Class 2A = Friday, November 29 at 6:00pmClass 3A = Saturday, November 30 at 12:00pmClass 1A = Saturday, November 30 at 5:00pmKiowa County High School, Greensburg:Class 8-player DII = Saturday, November 30 at 11:00amClass 6-Player = Saturday, November 30 at 3:00pmClass 8-Player DI = Saturday, November 30 at 7:00pmWrestling&nbsp;– Girl’s wrestling will now include four classes to mirror the boy’s classification designations. The addition of another class for girl’s wrestling necessitates the addition of another championship site. 6A, 5A, 4A and 3-1A will each have their own site to determine a champion. 3-1A state wrestling will be in Hays and 4A will be in Salina. Park City Arena and one other facility to be named later will house either 6A or 5A. State sites and regional dates will be determined at the September KSHSAA Executive Board meeting. The state wrestling tournament will take place February 28 - March 1, 2025.Track and Field&nbsp;– Qualification for the state meet was adjusted to now be the top 3 plus the next four best regional performance in each event.Two committees will be formed to gather input from membership school leaders. One to discuss the details behind the implementation of Esports prior to the possible adoption as a KSHSAA sanctioned activity. The second committee will review the KSHSAA calendar to consider possible alternatives to dates of postseason activities.

KSHSAA Board approves several postseason changes

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

The Atlanta Falcons were stripped of a fifth-round pick in next year's draft on Thursday for violating the NFL’s anti-tampering rules prior to signing quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner in free agency in March.

The NFL also fined the team $250,000, while general manager Terry Fontenot has been fined $50,000.

The Falcons and Cousins agreed on a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed shortly after the league’s 52-hour legal tampering window opened on March 11. Woerner agreed on a $12 million, three-year deal later that day and Mooney agreed on a $39 million, three-year deal a day later.

The league didn’t penalize the Philadelphia Eagles for having impermissible contact with running back Saquon Barkley, saying its investigation “did not discover sufficient evidence to support a finding that the anti-tampering policy was violated."

It’s normal for teams and players to reach agreements quickly and there were other players who agreed to deals even before Cousins. But Cousins’ comments at his introductory news conference raised questions that led to the NFL’s investigation.

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterThe Atlanta Falcons were stripped of a fifth-round pick in next year's draft on Thursday for violating the NFL’s anti-tampering rules prior to signing quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner in free agency in March.The NFL also fined the team $250,000, while general manager Terry Fontenot has been fined $50,000.The Falcons and Cousins agreed on a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed shortly after the league’s 52-hour legal tampering window opened on March 11. Woerner agreed on a $12 million, three-year deal later that day and Mooney agreed on a $39 million, three-year deal a day later.The league didn’t penalize the Philadelphia Eagles for having impermissible contact with running back Saquon Barkley, saying its investigation “did not discover sufficient evidence to support a finding that the anti-tampering policy was violated."It’s normal for teams and players to reach agreements quickly and there were other players who agreed to deals even before Cousins. But Cousins’ comments at his introductory news conference raised questions that led to the NFL’s investigation.Cousins, who is returning from a torn right Achilles tendon that ended his 2023 season after eight games, indicated he spoke to the team’s medical staff before they were permitted to have contact.“There’s great people here,” Cousins said. “And it’s not just the football team. I mean, I’m looking at the support staff. Meeting — calling, yesterday, calling our head athletic trainer, talking to our head of PR. I’m thinking, we got good people here. And that’s exciting to be a part of.”Teams are allowed to talk directly with agents — but not the players — during that two-day negotiation period unless the player represents himself.“While the policy permits clubs to engage with and negotiate all aspects of an NFL player contract with the certified agent of any prospective unrestricted free agent during the two-day negotiating period, any direct contact between the player and an employee or representative of the club is prohibited,” the league said in a statement. “This includes discussion of travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges took place with regard to these three players.”Barkley bolted the New York Giants for division rival Philadelphia, agreeing on a three-year, $37.75 million deal with $26 million guaranteed, a couple hours into the legal tampering period. Comments by Penn State coach James Franklin sparked the league’s investigation.Franklin, who coached Barkley for three seasons, indicated that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and Barkley had a phone conversation.“For him now to come back and be able to play within the state in Philadelphia, (Barkley) said that was one of the first things Howie (Roseman) said to him on the phone as part of his sales pitch to him,” Franklin said. “Not only the Philadelphia Eagles but obviously the connection with Penn State and the fan bases as well.”The league says it reviewed phone logs, text messages and other documents related to Philadelphia’s free agency strategy and decision to sign Barkley. The NFL also interviewed several members of the organization, including Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni, along with Barkley and Franklin.“As with every review, should new evidence be uncovered, the league may reopen the investigation,” the NFL's statement said.The league has cracked down on tampering in the past with the Miami Dolphins receiving the most severe penalty in 2022.The Dolphins forfeited a first-round pick and a third-round selection for tampering with Tom Brady and coach Sean Payton. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross also received a suspension and was fined $1.5 million and executive Bruce Beal was fined $500,000.In 2016, the Kansas City Chiefs forfeited third and sixth-round picks for tampering with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. The team was also fined $250,000 while coach Andy Reid was fined $75,000, and then-general manager John Dorsey was fined $25,000.