By Rick Peterson Jr. KSHSAA Covered

Roger Barta, who built a football powerhouse at Smith Center and brought national attention to the town with a historic 79-game winning streak, passed away last week at 79.

Barta coached the Redmen to eight state championships, including five consecutive undefeated seasons from 2004 to 2008. He retired in 2012 with a record of 323-68. 

“He paid very close attention to people. He recognized when people either needed something or wanted to do more,” said Brooks Barta, who followed in his father's coaching footsteps to form a highly successful program at Holton.

“He knew how to say it and when to say it. He was a master motivator because he led with his heart."

A member of the  KSHSAA, National High School Athletic Coaches Association and Kansas Sports hall of fames, Barta is fifth on the state’s all-time wins list. 

He grew up in Plainville and graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1967 before earning his masters degree from the University of Georgia in 1971. Barta took over the Smith Center program in 1978 and the Redmen reached the state title game the following season. 

The 79-game win streak, which ended in 2009, is the fifth-longest streak in the nation’s history. It created a national buzz, culminating in a New York Times bestselling book, “Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen.”

The author, Joe Drape of the New York Times, spent a year in Smith Center to chronicle the Redmen during the 2008 season.  

“None of this is really about football … What I hope we’re doing is sending kids into life who know that every day means something,” Barta said in Drape's book. 

Outside of the five-peat, Smith Center’s other titles under Barta came in 1982, 1986 and 1999. 

Brooks Barta still utilizes his father's patented wishbone attack at Holton. Entering his 29th season, he's guided the Wildcats to 269 wins and three state titles. 

The street leading up to Smith Center’s football stadium is named Roger Barta Way.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750772527227.jpeg" alt="Legendary Smith Center coach Roger Barta, seen here before his 2018 induction into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame, passed last week at 79" />
 <figcaption>Legendary Smith Center coach Roger Barta, seen here before his 2018 induction into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame, passed last week at 79</figcaption>
 </figure>By Rick Peterson Jr. KSHSAA CoveredRoger Barta, who built a football powerhouse at Smith Center and brought national attention to the town with a historic 79-game winning streak, passed away last week at 79.Barta coached the Redmen to eight state championships, including five consecutive undefeated seasons from 2004 to 2008. He retired in 2012 with a record of 323-68. “He paid very close attention to people. He recognized when people either needed something or wanted to do more,” said Brooks Barta, who followed in his father's coaching footsteps to form a highly successful program at Holton.“He knew how to say it and when to say it. He was a master motivator because he led with his heart."A member of the KSHSAA, National High School Athletic Coaches Association and Kansas Sports hall of fames, Barta is fifth on the state’s all-time wins list. He grew up in Plainville and graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1967 before earning his masters degree from the University of Georgia in 1971. Barta took over the Smith Center program in 1978 and the Redmen reached the state title game the following season. The 79-game win streak, which ended in 2009, is the fifth-longest streak in the nation’s history. It created a national buzz, culminating in a New York Times bestselling book, “Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen.”The author, Joe Drape of the New York Times, spent a year in Smith Center to chronicle the Redmen during the 2008 season. “None of this is really about football … What I hope we’re doing is sending kids into life who know that every day means something,” Barta said in Drape's book. Outside of the five-peat, Smith Center’s other titles under Barta came in 1982, 1986 and 1999. Brooks Barta still utilizes his father's patented wishbone attack at Holton. Entering his 29th season, he's guided the Wildcats to 269 wins and three state titles. The street leading up to Smith Center’s football stadium is named Roger Barta Way.

Legendary Smith Center coach Roger Barta passes away at 79

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma City’s unwavering fans finally get to celebrate a championship after suffering through several close calls and heartbreaking moments the past two decades.

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers on Sunday to clinch the NBA title, and the city was holding a parade on Tuesday to honor its first major professional championship. Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star Jalen Williams and their teammates will pass through downtown for an event that is scheduled to last 90 minutes.

Oklahoma City first hosted an NBA team during the 2005-06 season, when the New Orleans Hornets temporarily relocated after Hurricane Katrina. Oklahoma City’s fans fell in love with the team and a young point guard named Chris Paul who would be named rookie of the year.

The Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in time for the 2008-09 season, and fans feverishly supported the team, despite its early struggles. The Thunder became contenders with young stars Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

Even with all that talent, they couldn’t break through. They lost to the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in 2012, and Harden left for Houston. A possible run in 2013 was derailed when Westbrook was injured during the playoffs. The 2015-16 team led the Golden State Warriors 3-1 in the Western Conference finals before losing the series in seven games.

But with its new set of superstars, finally, Oklahoma City has its moment.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma City’s unwavering fans finally get to celebrate a championship after suffering through several close calls and heartbreaking moments the past two decades.The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers on Sunday to clinch the NBA title, and the city was holding a parade on Tuesday to honor its first major professional championship. Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star Jalen Williams and their teammates will pass through downtown for an event that is scheduled to last 90 minutes.Oklahoma City first hosted an NBA team during the 2005-06 season, when the New Orleans Hornets temporarily relocated after Hurricane Katrina. Oklahoma City’s fans fell in love with the team and a young point guard named Chris Paul who would be named rookie of the year.The Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in time for the 2008-09 season, and fans feverishly supported the team, despite its early struggles. The Thunder became contenders with young stars Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.Even with all that talent, they couldn’t break through. They lost to the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in 2012, and Harden left for Houston. A possible run in 2013 was derailed when Westbrook was injured during the playoffs. The 2015-16 team led the Golden State Warriors 3-1 in the Western Conference finals before losing the series in seven games.But with its new set of superstars, finally, Oklahoma City has its moment.

Oklahoma City Thunder fans celebrate NBA title with a parade

Quicksilver 14u finished the weekend with a 2nd&nbsp;place finish. They Lost the first game 9-13 on Saturday morning. Girls battled all the way through the back side of the bracket playing five back-to-back games on Sunday with no breaks to come home as the Western Kansas USSSA State Runner-ups.

Here are your 12U Western Kansas State Runner ups. These girls battled hard winning 4 and losing 2 to the state champions.&nbsp;

Congratulations to Quicksilver 10u (Meyer) on going 4-0 in Hays this weekend. The team went 28-4 overall.&nbsp;

Your 8U Western Kansas USSSA State Champions!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750778937578.jpeg" alt="14U" />
 <figcaption>14U</figcaption>
 </figure>14U State Runner UpQuicksilver 14u finished the weekend with a 2nd&nbsp;place finish. They Lost the first game 9-13 on Saturday morning. Girls battled all the way through the back side of the bracket playing five back-to-back games on Sunday with no breaks to come home as the Western Kansas USSSA State Runner-ups.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750778982465.jpeg" alt="12U" />
 <figcaption>12U</figcaption>
 </figure>12U-BlueState Runner UpHere are your 12U Western Kansas State Runner ups. These girls battled hard winning 4 and losing 2 to the state champions.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750779012105.jpeg" alt="10U" />
 <figcaption>10U</figcaption>
 </figure>10U – Meyers10U Western KS USSSA State ChampionsCongratulations to Quicksilver 10u (Meyer) on going 4-0 in Hays this weekend. The team went 28-4 overall.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750778924779.jpeg" alt="8U" />
 <figcaption>8U</figcaption>
 </figure>8 UYour 8U Western Kansas USSSA State Champions!&nbsp;

Great Bend Quicksilver softball programs compete in State Tournament

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Steve Miller, a Hall of Fame track coach who led Kansas State through a transformative period as athletics director, including the hiring of legendary football coach Bill Snyder, passed away on June 15 at the age of 81 at his home in Portland, Ore.

A Celebration of Life has been planned for 3 p.m., PT on July 7 at the Ritz Carlton in Portland.

Miller spent nine years at K-State, including five seasons as the Wildcats' head cross country and track and field coach (1981-86), one year as Associate Athletics Director and Director of the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund (1986-87) and three years as the Director of Athletics (1988-91).

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Miller, a true K-Stater who led our department during some of the most critical times in our history," Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. "Obviously his hiring of Coach Snyder is well documented, but he also was a long-time figure in the track and field world and was a leader in that space for decades. From the first time I met Steve he became a trusted friend and over the last few years provided me great guidance and advice from his vast experience in the sports industry. He will truly be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

A 2005 inductee into the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Coaches Hall of Fame, Miller coached track and field teams for 23 years, including 21 as a head coach at Bloom Township High School (1965-76), Cal Poly (1976-81) and K-State. Following his time in Manhattan, he served in administrative positions with Nike, the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and Agassi Graf Holdings and as a faculty member at the University of Oregon.

Miller coached 37 All-Americans and national champions Rita Graves, Kenny Harrison and Doug Lytle in his K-State tenure, while leading the Wildcat women to a Big Eight Cross Country Championship in 1982 and a District V Cross Country title in 1984. A three-time district Coach of the Year, he became the school's first head coach of both its men's and women's cross country and track and field programs on August 7, 1981, by then director of athletics DeLoss Dodds.

Miller left his position as track coach following the 1986 outdoor season to become Associate Athletics Director and Director of the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund, which he stayed in until becoming the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Special Olympics in 1987. He was named K-State's Director of Athletics on June 27, 1988, succeeding Larry Travis. He served in the position for three years before stepping down to take a position at Nike on June 13, 1991.

Miller made the transformational hiring of Snyder on Nov. 30, 1988, setting off the "greatest turnaround in college football history," in which the football coach led K-State to 215 wins over two stints (1989-2005; 2009-18) with 2 Big 12 Championships (2003, 2012) and 19 bowl games.

In addition to Snyder, he also hired Dana Altman's as men's basketball coach on April 3, 1990. Altman has gone onto a Hall of Fame career at Creighton and Oregon.

Born in Chicago on Sept. 9, 1943, Miller was both a football and track standout at Bradley University and briefly played for the Detroit Lions.

Miller earned a bachelor's degree from Bradley in English literature and physical education in 1965 before receiving a Master's in Contemporary English Literature in 1970 from Governors State University and Master's in physical education and Biomechanical Analysis from Cal Poly in 1978.

Miller is survived by his wife Suzanne, daughter Claudine and son Christopher.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750763847845.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – Steve Miller, a Hall of Fame track coach who led Kansas State through a transformative period as athletics director, including the hiring of legendary football coach Bill Snyder, passed away on June 15 at the age of 81 at his home in Portland, Ore.A Celebration of Life has been planned for 3 p.m., PT on July 7 at the Ritz Carlton in Portland.Miller spent nine years at K-State, including five seasons as the Wildcats' head cross country and track and field coach (1981-86), one year as Associate Athletics Director and Director of the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund (1986-87) and three years as the Director of Athletics (1988-91)."We are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Miller, a true K-Stater who led our department during some of the most critical times in our history," Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. "Obviously his hiring of Coach Snyder is well documented, but he also was a long-time figure in the track and field world and was a leader in that space for decades. From the first time I met Steve he became a trusted friend and over the last few years provided me great guidance and advice from his vast experience in the sports industry. He will truly be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."A 2005 inductee into the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Coaches Hall of Fame, Miller coached track and field teams for 23 years, including 21 as a head coach at Bloom Township High School (1965-76), Cal Poly (1976-81) and K-State. Following his time in Manhattan, he served in administrative positions with Nike, the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and Agassi Graf Holdings and as a faculty member at the University of Oregon.Miller coached 37 All-Americans and national champions Rita Graves, Kenny Harrison and Doug Lytle in his K-State tenure, while leading the Wildcat women to a Big Eight Cross Country Championship in 1982 and a District V Cross Country title in 1984. A three-time district Coach of the Year, he became the school's first head coach of both its men's and women's cross country and track and field programs on August 7, 1981, by then director of athletics DeLoss Dodds.Miller left his position as track coach following the 1986 outdoor season to become Associate Athletics Director and Director of the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund, which he stayed in until becoming the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Special Olympics in 1987. He was named K-State's Director of Athletics on June 27, 1988, succeeding Larry Travis. He served in the position for three years before stepping down to take a position at Nike on June 13, 1991.Miller made the transformational hiring of Snyder on Nov. 30, 1988, setting off the "greatest turnaround in college football history," in which the football coach led K-State to 215 wins over two stints (1989-2005; 2009-18) with 2 Big 12 Championships (2003, 2012) and 19 bowl games.In addition to Snyder, he also hired Dana Altman's as men's basketball coach on April 3, 1990. Altman has gone onto a Hall of Fame career at Creighton and Oregon.Born in Chicago on Sept. 9, 1943, Miller was both a football and track standout at Bradley University and briefly played for the Detroit Lions.Miller earned a bachelor's degree from Bradley in English literature and physical education in 1965 before receiving a Master's in Contemporary English Literature in 1970 from Governors State University and Master's in physical education and Biomechanical Analysis from Cal Poly in 1978.Miller is survived by his wife Suzanne, daughter Claudine and son Christopher.

K-State Mourns the Passing of Former AD, Track Coach Steve Miller

KANSAS CITY (AP) —
The Kansas City Royals take on the Tampa Bay Rays looking to stop
their seven-game home skid. Kansas City has gone 19-19 at home and
38-40 overall. The Royals are 15-2 in games when they scored five or
more runs. Tampa Bay has a 43-35 record overall and a 16-12 record on
the road. The Rays have an 18-5 record in games when they did not
allow a home run. The teams meet Tuesday for the fourth time this
season.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Alec Burleson and Brendan Donovan each hit two-run homers in the
fifth inning, Matthew Liberatore pitched seven strong innings, and
the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 8-2 on Monday night.
Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Gorman also homered as the Cardinals hit a
season-best four home runs for the first time since April 30 at
Cincinnati. Liberatore allowed two runs on six hits and struck out
five for the Cardinals, who have won six of their last seven games.
Ben Brown allowed eight runs on nine hits in five innings for the
Cubs, who have lost four of their last five.

CINCINNATI (AP) —
Growing up, Chase Burns dreamed of playing for the New York Yankees.
He's about to make his major league debut against them. The
22-year-old Burns will take the mound for the Cincinnati Reds on
Tuesday night, less than a year after being the second overall pick
in the 2024 amateur draft. Burns will be the fifth first-round
selection from last year’s draft to reach the majors, joining
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone,
Angels second baseman Christian Moore and Astros outfielder Cam
Smith.

PUERTO PLATA,
Dominican Republic (AP) — Dominican prosecutors have requested that
suspended Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco be sentenced to five
years in prison for his alleged crimes. Franco faces charges of
sexual abuse involving a girl who was 14 years old at the time. The
prosecutors said in court there is sufficient evidence to prove
Franco had a relationship with the minor for four months and that he
transferred large sums of money to the minor’s mother to consent to
the illegal relationship. The prosecutors also requested the minor’s
mother be sentenced to 10 years in prison, arguing she sexually
trafficked her daughter.

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
With mounds of dirt, construction vehicles and the exact location
where home plate will be at the new Athletics ballpark serving as the
backdrop, team owner John Fisher stood in front of a large gathering
with one message: “We are Vegas’ team.” MLB commissioner Rob
Manfred, state and local government dignitaries, former Athletics
greats such as Rollie Fingers and Dave Stewart, Little Leaguers and
many others looked on Monday as the team celebrated the
groundbreaking of a $1.75 billion, 33,000-person capacity ballpark
that is expected to be finished in time for the 2028 season.

SAN DIEGO (AP) —
San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. is suing Big League Advance
in an attempt to void the future earnings contract he signed as a
17-year-old minor leaguer that could cost him about $34 million. The
lawsuit, filed in San Diego County Superior Court, accuses BLA of
using predatory tactics to lure him into an “investment deal”
that was actually an illegal loan. The suit alleges BLA
misrepresented itself to Tatis, hiding its unlicensed status and
pushing him into loan terms banned by California’s consumer
protection laws. Attorney Robert Hertzberg said the suit also seeks
public injunctive relief to protect young athletes from such deals.

UNDATED (AP) —
There’s no Victor Wembanyama in the class headed to the NBA draft
this week. There’s no Zaccharie Risacher, either. For the first
time since 2022, the first pick in the draft won't be someone from
France. Wembanyama had that title in 2023. Risacher had it last year.
This year, Duke’s Cooper Flagg is almost certain to go No. 1. That
doesn’t mean there isn’t going to be a ton of international
representation in these 59 picks. Far from it.

UNDATED (AP) —
Duke's Khaman Maluach and Maryland's Derik Queen are freshman
headliners among big men in the NBA draft. Maluach was a
rim-protecting presence for an elite defensive team that reached the
Final Four. Queen was the focal point offensively as the Terrapins
reached the NCAA Tournament's second weekend. Georgia's Asa Newell
and Georgetown's Thomas Sorber are also freshmen bigs positioned to
be first-round picks. The list of candidates to watch include St.
Joseph's Rasheer Fleming, Michigan's Danny Wolf, Stanford's Maxime
Raynaud and a developing center from China in Hansen Yang. The first
round of the draft is Wednesday.

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) —
Arizona has extended baseball coach Chip Hale’s contract four years
through 2030 after he led the Wildcats back to the College World
Series. Hale has led Arizona to the NCAA Tournament four straight
times since returning to Tucson to coach his alma mater in 2021. The
Wildcats returned to the College World Series this year for the first
time since 2021. Hale, a former manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks,
has led Arizona to consecutive conference tournament championships.

UNDATED (AP) —
Duke's Cooper Flagg and Rutgers' Ace Bailey are the one-and-done
headliners among the forwards in the upcoming draft. Flagg is the
heavy favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick when the first round
begins Wednesday. He led the Blue Devils to the Final Four and became
only the fourth freshman named Associated Press men's national player
of the year. Bailey was widely ranked as the No. 2 forward in that
recruiting class before spending a losing season at Rutgers. Flagg's
teammate Kon Knueppel at Duke and South Carolina's Collin
Murray-Boyles are also lottery prospects at the position.

UNDATED (AP) —
Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper is the headliner among the guards in
the upcoming NBA draft. The son of former NBA guard Ron Harper is
positioned to be the No. 2 overall pick behind Duke's Cooper Flagg.
Harper is one of several one-and-done talents at the position in this
draft. That include Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, Texas' Tre Johnson,
Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears and Illinois' Kasparas Jakucionis. They're
all potential top-10 picks in the draft. Other notable players at the
position include Michigan State's Jase Richardson, BYU's Egor Demin
and international prospect Nolan Traore. The first round of the draft
is Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —
The Kansas City Royals take on the Tampa Bay Rays looking to stop
their seven-game home skid. Kansas City has gone 19-19 at home and
38-40 overall. The Royals are 15-2 in games when they scored five or
more runs. Tampa Bay has a 43-35 record overall and a 16-12 record on
the road. The Rays have an 18-5 record in games when they did not
allow a home run. The teams meet Tuesday for the fourth time this
season.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Alec Burleson and Brendan Donovan each hit two-run homers in the
fifth inning, Matthew Liberatore pitched seven strong innings, and
the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 8-2 on Monday night.
Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Gorman also homered as the Cardinals hit a
season-best four home runs for the first time since April 30 at
Cincinnati. Liberatore allowed two runs on six hits and struck out
five for the Cardinals, who have won six of their last seven games.
Ben Brown allowed eight runs on nine hits in five innings for the
Cubs, who have lost four of their last five.CINCINNATI (AP) —
Growing up, Chase Burns dreamed of playing for the New York Yankees.
He's about to make his major league debut against them. The
22-year-old Burns will take the mound for the Cincinnati Reds on
Tuesday night, less than a year after being the second overall pick
in the 2024 amateur draft. Burns will be the fifth first-round
selection from last year’s draft to reach the majors, joining
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone,
Angels second baseman Christian Moore and Astros outfielder Cam
Smith.PUERTO PLATA,
Dominican Republic (AP) — Dominican prosecutors have requested that
suspended Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco be sentenced to five
years in prison for his alleged crimes. Franco faces charges of
sexual abuse involving a girl who was 14 years old at the time. The
prosecutors said in court there is sufficient evidence to prove
Franco had a relationship with the minor for four months and that he
transferred large sums of money to the minor’s mother to consent to
the illegal relationship. The prosecutors also requested the minor’s
mother be sentenced to 10 years in prison, arguing she sexually
trafficked her daughter.LAS VEGAS (AP) —
With mounds of dirt, construction vehicles and the exact location
where home plate will be at the new Athletics ballpark serving as the
backdrop, team owner John Fisher stood in front of a large gathering
with one message: “We are Vegas’ team.” MLB commissioner Rob
Manfred, state and local government dignitaries, former Athletics
greats such as Rollie Fingers and Dave Stewart, Little Leaguers and
many others looked on Monday as the team celebrated the
groundbreaking of a $1.75 billion, 33,000-person capacity ballpark
that is expected to be finished in time for the 2028 season.SAN DIEGO (AP) —
San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. is suing Big League Advance
in an attempt to void the future earnings contract he signed as a
17-year-old minor leaguer that could cost him about $34 million. The
lawsuit, filed in San Diego County Superior Court, accuses BLA of
using predatory tactics to lure him into an “investment deal”
that was actually an illegal loan. The suit alleges BLA
misrepresented itself to Tatis, hiding its unlicensed status and
pushing him into loan terms banned by California’s consumer
protection laws. Attorney Robert Hertzberg said the suit also seeks
public injunctive relief to protect young athletes from such deals.UNDATED (AP) —
There’s no Victor Wembanyama in the class headed to the NBA draft
this week. There’s no Zaccharie Risacher, either. For the first
time since 2022, the first pick in the draft won't be someone from
France. Wembanyama had that title in 2023. Risacher had it last year.
This year, Duke’s Cooper Flagg is almost certain to go No. 1. That
doesn’t mean there isn’t going to be a ton of international
representation in these 59 picks. Far from it.UNDATED (AP) —
Duke's Khaman Maluach and Maryland's Derik Queen are freshman
headliners among big men in the NBA draft. Maluach was a
rim-protecting presence for an elite defensive team that reached the
Final Four. Queen was the focal point offensively as the Terrapins
reached the NCAA Tournament's second weekend. Georgia's Asa Newell
and Georgetown's Thomas Sorber are also freshmen bigs positioned to
be first-round picks. The list of candidates to watch include St.
Joseph's Rasheer Fleming, Michigan's Danny Wolf, Stanford's Maxime
Raynaud and a developing center from China in Hansen Yang. The first
round of the draft is Wednesday.TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) —
Arizona has extended baseball coach Chip Hale’s contract four years
through 2030 after he led the Wildcats back to the College World
Series. Hale has led Arizona to the NCAA Tournament four straight
times since returning to Tucson to coach his alma mater in 2021. The
Wildcats returned to the College World Series this year for the first
time since 2021. Hale, a former manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks,
has led Arizona to consecutive conference tournament championships.UNDATED (AP) —
Duke's Cooper Flagg and Rutgers' Ace Bailey are the one-and-done
headliners among the forwards in the upcoming draft. Flagg is the
heavy favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick when the first round
begins Wednesday. He led the Blue Devils to the Final Four and became
only the fourth freshman named Associated Press men's national player
of the year. Bailey was widely ranked as the No. 2 forward in that
recruiting class before spending a losing season at Rutgers. Flagg's
teammate Kon Knueppel at Duke and South Carolina's Collin
Murray-Boyles are also lottery prospects at the position.UNDATED (AP) —
Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper is the headliner among the guards in
the upcoming NBA draft. The son of former NBA guard Ron Harper is
positioned to be the No. 2 overall pick behind Duke's Cooper Flagg.
Harper is one of several one-and-done talents at the position in this
draft. That include Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, Texas' Tre Johnson,
Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears and Illinois' Kasparas Jakucionis. They're
all potential top-10 picks in the draft. Other notable players at the
position include Michigan State's Jase Richardson, BYU's Egor Demin
and international prospect Nolan Traore. The first round of the draft
is Wednesday.MONDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUE
Final	Cincinnati	6	N.Y. Yankees	1	
Final	Arizona	10	Chicago White Sox	0	AMERICAN LEAGUE
Final	Baltimore	6	Texas	0	
Final	Seattle	11	Minnesota	2	
Final	L.A. Angels	9	Boston	5	NATIONAL LEAGUE
Final	Atlanta	3	N.Y. Mets	2	
Final	St. Louis	8	Chicago Cubs	2	
Final	Pittsburgh	5	Milwaukee	4	
Final	Washington	10	San Diego	6

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The teams meet
Tuesday for the fourth time this season.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royals host the Rays on home losing streak

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By MIKE COURSON Special to Great Bend Post

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

By: Rick Peterson Jr. &nbsp;KSHSAA Covered

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

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

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

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

“I took advantage of the opportunity I had.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lansing defensive lineman Ayden Ellington was MVP for the East. 

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

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

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

East … 0 … 8 … 0 … 0 … – … 8

West ... 7 … 0 … 19 … 0 … – … 26

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

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

West – McDonald 28 interception return (run failed) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coastal Carolina coach says CWS ejection was unwarranted

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

MLB Standings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

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

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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