AMERICAN LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GBNew
York	43	31	.581	—Tampa
Bay	41	34	.547	2½Toronto	40	34	.541	3Boston	39	37	.513	5Baltimore	32	42	.432	11Central DivisionDetroit	48	28	.632	—Cleveland	37	36	.507	9½Minnesota	37	37	.500	10Kansas
City	37	38	.493	10½Chicago	23	52	.307	24½West DivisionHouston	43	32	.573	—Seattle	37	36	.507	5Los
Angeles	36	38	.486	6½Texas	36	39	.480	7Athletics	31	46	.403	13NATIONAL LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GBNew
York	45	30	.600	—Philadelphia	45	30	.600	—Atlanta	34	39	.466	10Washington	31	44	.413	14Miami	29	44	.397	15Central DivisionChicago	45	29	.608	—Milwaukee	40	35	.533	5½St.
Louis	40	35	.533	5½Cincinnati	39	36	.520	6½Pittsburgh	30	46	.395	16West DivisionLos
Angeles	46	30	.605	—San
Francisco	42	33	.560	3½San
Diego	40	34	.541	5Arizona	37	37	.500	8Colorado	17	58	.227	28½

MLB Standings

The San Diego Padres
take on the Kansas City Royals after Xander Bogaerts' four-hit game
on Thursday.

Kansas City Royals
(37-38, fourth in the AL Central) vs. San Diego Padres (40-34, third
in the NL West)

PITCHING
PROBABLES: Royals: Michael Lorenzen (4-7, 4.91 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 65
strikeouts); Padres: Nick Pivetta (7-2, 3.40 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 88
strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
LINE: Padres -186, Royals +154; over/under is 7 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE:
The San Diego Padres take on the Kansas City Royals after Xander
Bogaerts' four-hit game on Thursday.

San Diego has a
21-12 record in home games and a 40-34 record overall. The Padres
have gone 27-13 in games when they record at least eight hits.

Kansas City is 37-38
overall and 18-19 in road games. The Royals are 30-15 in games when
they record eight or more hits.

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

TOP PERFORMERS:
Luis Arraez has 16 doubles, four triples, three home runs and 27 RBIs
for the Padres. Trenton Brooks is 1 for 5 with a home run over the
past 10 games.

Bobby Witt Jr. has
25 doubles, three triples and nine home runs for the Royals. Maikel
Garcia is 13 for 39 with three doubles, a triple, a home run and six
RBIs over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES:
Padres: 3-7, .264 batting average, 4.80 ERA, outscored
opponents by three runs

Royals: 4-6,
.234 batting average, 3.90 ERA, outscored by six runs

INJURIES:
Padres: Yu Darvish: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jackson Merrill: 7-Day
IL (concussion), Michael King: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Jason Heyward:
10-Day IL (oblique), Bryan Hoeing: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Logan
Gillaspie: 15-Day IL (oblique ), Jhony Brito: 60-Day IL (forearm),
Joe Musgrove: 60-Day IL (elbow)

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), Sam Long: 15-Day IL
(elbow), Kyle Wright: 15-Day IL (shoulder)

The San Diego Padres
take on the Kansas City Royals after Xander Bogaerts' four-hit game
on Thursday.Kansas City Royals
(37-38, fourth in the AL Central) vs. San Diego Padres (40-34, third
in the NL West)San Diego; Friday,
9:40 p.m. EDTPITCHING
PROBABLES: Royals: Michael Lorenzen (4-7, 4.91 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 65
strikeouts); Padres: Nick Pivetta (7-2, 3.40 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 88
strikeouts)BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
LINE: Padres -186, Royals +154; over/under is 7 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE:
The San Diego Padres take on the Kansas City Royals after Xander
Bogaerts' four-hit game on Thursday.San Diego has a
21-12 record in home games and a 40-34 record overall. The Padres
have gone 27-13 in games when they record at least eight hits.Kansas City is 37-38
overall and 18-19 in road games. The Royals are 30-15 in games when
they record eight or more hits.Friday's game is the
first time these teams square off this season.TOP PERFORMERS:
Luis Arraez has 16 doubles, four triples, three home runs and 27 RBIs
for the Padres. Trenton Brooks is 1 for 5 with a home run over the
past 10 games.Bobby Witt Jr. has
25 doubles, three triples and nine home runs for the Royals. Maikel
Garcia is 13 for 39 with three doubles, a triple, a home run and six
RBIs over the past 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES:
Padres: 3-7, .264 batting average, 4.80 ERA, outscored
opponents by three runsRoyals: 4-6,
.234 batting average, 3.90 ERA, outscored by six runsINJURIES:
Padres: Yu Darvish: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jackson Merrill: 7-Day
IL (concussion), Michael King: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Jason Heyward:
10-Day IL (oblique), Bryan Hoeing: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Logan
Gillaspie: 15-Day IL (oblique ), Jhony Brito: 60-Day IL (forearm),
Joe Musgrove: 60-Day IL (elbow)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), Sam Long: 15-Day IL
(elbow), Kyle Wright: 15-Day IL (shoulder)

Royals head west to take on Padres after three game Texas sweep

ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — Top prospect Jac Caglianone went deep twice for his first
two homers in the majors, and the Kansas City Royals finished their
first three-game sweep at Texas since 2003 with a 4-1 win over the
Rangers. Vinnie Pasquantino added a two-run shot. Michael Wacha held
the Rangers hitless until Wyatt Langford’s one-out single in the
sixth. Wacha was the third Kansas City starter to win for the first
time in June as part of the sweep. The Royals were coming off a 0-6
homestand that matched their longest losing streak of the season.

CHICAGO (AP) —
Nolan Arenado hit his 350th homer in the third inning and drove in
the go-ahead run in the 10th to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat
Chicago 8-6 on Thursday night to sweep a doubleheader and hand the
White Sox their eighth straight loss. Rookie Andre Granillo, who got
the final out in the seventh for his first career victory in the
first game, pitched a scoreless 10th for his first save in his fourth
appearance. JoJo Romero (3-3) worked a scoreless ninth for the
victory. Arenado hit the milestone homer following a three-run shot
by Alec Burleson in the third and finished 3 for 5. He’s the
seventh player with 350 homers and 10-plus Gold Gloves.

DETROIT (AP) —
Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana was involved in an
altercation with a fan who ‘crossed the line’ during the second
game of Thursday’s doubleheader with the Detroit Tigers and at one
point was seen leaping and swiping at the person. Santana declined to
disclose what the fan said. In videos posted to social media, Santana
can be seen pointing out the fan to a police officer before jumping
and swinging at the person who is in the front row above the
Pittsburgh bullpen at Comerica Park. Santana was escorted away by
Pirates bullpen personnel and held back by a teammate.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —
Coastal Carolina has won 26 straight games and is in the finals of
the College World Series. Gary Gilmore said he has had no second
thoughts about retiring after last season even though the
Chanticleers are on this sensational run. The 67-year-old Gilmore
attended no Coastal Carolina games this season until the
Chanticleers’ first two in the CWS last weekend. He sat in the
stands at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha. He and his family will be
back when the best-of-three finals against LSU start Saturday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Andy Reid expects to have wide receiver Rashee Rice and
first-round draft pick Josh Simmons fully available when the Kansas
City Chiefs report to training camp at Missouri Western State
University the last full week of July. Rice is coming off a torn ACL
that limited him to four games last season, while Simmons tore his
patellar tendon last season at Ohio State. That likely caused the
left tackle's draft stock to fall to where the Chiefs could pick him
No. 32 overall. The Chiefs hope that a healthy Rice and Simmons,
combined with the return of Travis Kelce, can help their offense take
a big step forward after a subpar last season.

UNDATED (AP) —
College sports was once rooted in tradition, school pride and
loyalty, but those expectations are changing in a landscape where
athletes have won the ability to transfer season to season, year to
year. Some are painted as disloyal or selfish. Athletes like Hailey
Van Lith and Ray Davis don’t see it that way. Both played at three
schools on their way to the pros, Van Lith in the WNBA and Davis in
the NFL. They said decisions are not always about money and noted
that coaches and other team staff can also leave for new
opportunities.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) —
Obi Toppin scored 20 points, Andrew Nembhard added 17 and the
resilient Indiana Pacers sent the NBA Finals to a winner-take-all
Game 7 by rolling past the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 on Thursday
night. Pascal Siakam had 16 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, while
Tyrese Haliburton — playing through a strained calf — scored 14
points for the Pacers, who started slowly and then turned things into
a blowout. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points for the Thunder,
who pulled their starters after getting down by 30 going into the
fourth. Jalen Williams added 16. Game 7, the first one in the NBA
Finals since 2016, will be Sunday night in Oklahoma City.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) —
Rays pitcher Hunter Bigge was carted off the field in a frightening
scene and taken to a hospital after getting struck in the face by a
foul ball lined into the Tampa Bay dugout Thursday night. Bigge was
placed on a backboard and gave a thumbs up before being driven by
ambulance to a nearby hospital for tests. He never lost consciousness
and was able to converse with first responders, Rays manager Kevin
Cash said. In the top of the seventh inning, Baltimore catcher Adley
Rutschman sharply pulled a pitch into the Tampa Bay dugout on the
first base side and the ball hit Bigge, a 27-year-old right-hander
currently on the injured list. Emergency medical personnel quickly
arrived to attend to Bigge.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
Defender Chris Richards scored with a flick of the ball off a
second-half free kick to lift the United States to a 1-0 win over
Saudi Arabia, sending the Americans on to the CONCACAF Gold Cup
quarterfinals. Richards tracked the ball as it flew into the box on a
curving free kick from Sebastian Berhalter in the 62nd minute to tap
the ball with his left foot past Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al
Aquidi. The win and the 1-1 draw between Trinidad and Tobago and
Haiti in Group D’s other match Thursday in Houston, clinched a
knockout berth for the Americans.

CROMWELL, Conn. (AP)
— Scottie Scheffler hits a lot of great shots. Rarely does he hit
one he considers close to perfect. Such was the case in the opening
round of the Travelers Championship. It was a 3-iron to 10 feet for
eagle on his way to a 62. That's his lowest round at the TPC River
Highlands. And he shares the lead with Austin Eckroat. They were two
shots ahead of a group that includes Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup
captain Keegan Bradley. It was a nice break from the brutal week at
Oakmont for most. U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun shot 73.

UNDATED (AP) —
Varsity Spirit is starting a professional cheerleading league
promising to pay athletes. The Pro Cheer League joins a crowded niche
sports market that already includes softball, volleyball, 3-x-3
basketball, lacrosse, indoor football and more clamoring for both
fans’ attention and their dollars. This new league is billed as the
first professional cheerleading league for athletes 18 and older to
give cheerleaders the chance to keep competing after college. Bill
Seely is the president of Varsity Spirit in Memphis, Tennessee. He
sees plenty of opportunity for all these sports to succeed. This
cheer league’s advantage comes from the sport’s growth since the
1970s.

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio
(AP) — Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been ticketed
for speeding twice this month in Ohio. Sanders was accused of driving
a Dodge TRX pickup truck 101 mph (163 kilometers per hour) on a
suburban Cleveland interstate earlier this week. The Strongsville
Police Department stopped Sanders at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in a 60
mph (97 kilometers per hour) zone on Interstate 71 near the Ohio
Turnpike, according to a report provided to local media. That ticket
came after he was stopped by the Ohio State Patrol on June 5 in
Brunswick Hills, Ohio. Sanders was pulled over for going 91 mph (147
kilometers per hour) in a 65 mph (105 kilometer) zone, Ohio State
Patrol told WKBN-TV.

NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — Top prospect Jac Caglianone went deep twice for his first
two homers in the majors, and the Kansas City Royals finished their
first three-game sweep at Texas since 2003 with a 4-1 win over the
Rangers. Vinnie Pasquantino added a two-run shot. Michael Wacha held
the Rangers hitless until Wyatt Langford’s one-out single in the
sixth. Wacha was the third Kansas City starter to win for the first
time in June as part of the sweep. The Royals were coming off a 0-6
homestand that matched their longest losing streak of the season.CHICAGO (AP) —
Nolan Arenado hit his 350th homer in the third inning and drove in
the go-ahead run in the 10th to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat
Chicago 8-6 on Thursday night to sweep a doubleheader and hand the
White Sox their eighth straight loss. Rookie Andre Granillo, who got
the final out in the seventh for his first career victory in the
first game, pitched a scoreless 10th for his first save in his fourth
appearance. JoJo Romero (3-3) worked a scoreless ninth for the
victory. Arenado hit the milestone homer following a three-run shot
by Alec Burleson in the third and finished 3 for 5. He’s the
seventh player with 350 homers and 10-plus Gold Gloves.DETROIT (AP) —
Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana was involved in an
altercation with a fan who ‘crossed the line’ during the second
game of Thursday’s doubleheader with the Detroit Tigers and at one
point was seen leaping and swiping at the person. Santana declined to
disclose what the fan said. In videos posted to social media, Santana
can be seen pointing out the fan to a police officer before jumping
and swinging at the person who is in the front row above the
Pittsburgh bullpen at Comerica Park. Santana was escorted away by
Pirates bullpen personnel and held back by a teammate.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —
Coastal Carolina has won 26 straight games and is in the finals of
the College World Series. Gary Gilmore said he has had no second
thoughts about retiring after last season even though the
Chanticleers are on this sensational run. The 67-year-old Gilmore
attended no Coastal Carolina games this season until the
Chanticleers’ first two in the CWS last weekend. He sat in the
stands at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha. He and his family will be
back when the best-of-three finals against LSU start Saturday.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Andy Reid expects to have wide receiver Rashee Rice and
first-round draft pick Josh Simmons fully available when the Kansas
City Chiefs report to training camp at Missouri Western State
University the last full week of July. Rice is coming off a torn ACL
that limited him to four games last season, while Simmons tore his
patellar tendon last season at Ohio State. That likely caused the
left tackle's draft stock to fall to where the Chiefs could pick him
No. 32 overall. The Chiefs hope that a healthy Rice and Simmons,
combined with the return of Travis Kelce, can help their offense take
a big step forward after a subpar last season.UNDATED (AP) —
College sports was once rooted in tradition, school pride and
loyalty, but those expectations are changing in a landscape where
athletes have won the ability to transfer season to season, year to
year. Some are painted as disloyal or selfish. Athletes like Hailey
Van Lith and Ray Davis don’t see it that way. Both played at three
schools on their way to the pros, Van Lith in the WNBA and Davis in
the NFL. They said decisions are not always about money and noted
that coaches and other team staff can also leave for new
opportunities.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) —
Obi Toppin scored 20 points, Andrew Nembhard added 17 and the
resilient Indiana Pacers sent the NBA Finals to a winner-take-all
Game 7 by rolling past the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 on Thursday
night. Pascal Siakam had 16 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, while
Tyrese Haliburton — playing through a strained calf — scored 14
points for the Pacers, who started slowly and then turned things into
a blowout. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points for the Thunder,
who pulled their starters after getting down by 30 going into the
fourth. Jalen Williams added 16. Game 7, the first one in the NBA
Finals since 2016, will be Sunday night in Oklahoma City.TAMPA, Fla. (AP) —
Rays pitcher Hunter Bigge was carted off the field in a frightening
scene and taken to a hospital after getting struck in the face by a
foul ball lined into the Tampa Bay dugout Thursday night. Bigge was
placed on a backboard and gave a thumbs up before being driven by
ambulance to a nearby hospital for tests. He never lost consciousness
and was able to converse with first responders, Rays manager Kevin
Cash said. In the top of the seventh inning, Baltimore catcher Adley
Rutschman sharply pulled a pitch into the Tampa Bay dugout on the
first base side and the ball hit Bigge, a 27-year-old right-hander
currently on the injured list. Emergency medical personnel quickly
arrived to attend to Bigge.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
Defender Chris Richards scored with a flick of the ball off a
second-half free kick to lift the United States to a 1-0 win over
Saudi Arabia, sending the Americans on to the CONCACAF Gold Cup
quarterfinals. Richards tracked the ball as it flew into the box on a
curving free kick from Sebastian Berhalter in the 62nd minute to tap
the ball with his left foot past Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al
Aquidi. The win and the 1-1 draw between Trinidad and Tobago and
Haiti in Group D’s other match Thursday in Houston, clinched a
knockout berth for the Americans.CROMWELL, Conn. (AP)
— Scottie Scheffler hits a lot of great shots. Rarely does he hit
one he considers close to perfect. Such was the case in the opening
round of the Travelers Championship. It was a 3-iron to 10 feet for
eagle on his way to a 62. That's his lowest round at the TPC River
Highlands. And he shares the lead with Austin Eckroat. They were two
shots ahead of a group that includes Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup
captain Keegan Bradley. It was a nice break from the brutal week at
Oakmont for most. U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun shot 73.UNDATED (AP) —
Varsity Spirit is starting a professional cheerleading league
promising to pay athletes. The Pro Cheer League joins a crowded niche
sports market that already includes softball, volleyball, 3-x-3
basketball, lacrosse, indoor football and more clamoring for both
fans’ attention and their dollars. This new league is billed as the
first professional cheerleading league for athletes 18 and older to
give cheerleaders the chance to keep competing after college. Bill
Seely is the president of Varsity Spirit in Memphis, Tennessee. He
sees plenty of opportunity for all these sports to succeed. This
cheer league’s advantage comes from the sport’s growth since the
1970s.STRONGSVILLE, Ohio
(AP) — Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been ticketed
for speeding twice this month in Ohio. Sanders was accused of driving
a Dodge TRX pickup truck 101 mph (163 kilometers per hour) on a
suburban Cleveland interstate earlier this week. The Strongsville
Police Department stopped Sanders at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in a 60
mph (97 kilometers per hour) zone on Interstate 71 near the Ohio
Turnpike, according to a report provided to local media. That ticket
came after he was stopped by the Ohio State Patrol on June 5 in
Brunswick Hills, Ohio. Sanders was pulled over for going 91 mph (147
kilometers per hour) in a 65 mph (105 kilometer) zone, Ohio State
Patrol told WKBN-TV.THURSDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Detroit	9	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Minnesota	12	Cincinnati	5	Final	St.
Louis	5	Chicago White Sox	4	Final	Arizona	9	Toronto	5	Final	San
Francisco	2	Cleveland	1	Final	St.
Louis	8	Chicago White Sox	6	Final	Pittsburgh	8	Detroit	4	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	N.Y.
Yankees	7	L.A. Angels	3	Final	Kansas
City	4	Texas	1	Final	Baltimore	4	Tampa
Bay	1	Final	Athletics	6	Houston	4	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Washington	4	Colorado	3	Final	Milwaukee	8	Chicago
Cubs	7	Final	Philadelphia	2	Miami	1	Final	Atlanta	7	N.Y.
Mets	1	Final	San
Diego	5	L.A. Dodgers	3	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Indiana	108	Oklahoma
City	91

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andy Reid expects to have wide receiver Rashee Rice and first-round draft pick Josh Simmons fully available when the Kansas City Chiefs report to training camp at Missouri Western State University the last full week of July.

Rice is coming off a torn ACL that limited him to four games last season, while Simmons tore a patellar tendon last season with Ohio State, which likely caused the left tackle's draft stock to slide far enough for the Chiefs to pick him No. 32 overall.

“I think they're both ready to go,” Reid said after putting his players through a final conditioning test Thursday, which wrapped up three days of mandatory minicamp. “They actually got great work in these camps here.”

The Chiefs had hoped that Rice would become the centerpiece of a revamped offense last season, and he was trending that way with 24 catches for 288 yards and two TDs through three games. But early in the fourth, after Patrick Mahomes had thrown an interception, the QB collided with Rice as they were trying to make a tackle in a game against the Chargers.

The injury wound up being devastating for Kansas City, which had already lost No. 2 wide receiver Marquise Brown to a shoulder injury on the first play of the preseason, which ultimately kept him out until the stretch run.

The Chiefs wound up relying more heavily than they would have liked on then-first-round pick Xavier Worthy, who emerged as a breakout star. He led Chiefs wide receivers with 59 catches for 638 yards and all players with six TD receptions.

Now, Rice and Brown are healthy again, and a more experienced Worthy suddenly gives Kansas City three top wide receivers. And with the return of a trimmed-down tight end Travis Kelce for his 13th season in the NFL, the Chiefs believe the pieces are in place to push their formerly high-flying offense back among the best in the NFL.

“That's the goal. You want to be the top offense in the league when you step in the building every day. But at the end of the day, you want to win the Super Bowl,” Mahomes said. “Our goal is to do whatever we can to win the football game, and hopefully for us, that's being the top offense to go with the defense we have.”

Simmons could play a big part in that, and not just because he is 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds.

The Chiefs struggled mightily at left tackle last season, where second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia was benched and second-year pro Wanya Morris fared little better. The Chiefs eventually resorted to pushing standout left guard Joe Thuney to tackle and using Mike Caliendo in his place at guard, but they likewise struggled in their Super Bowl loss to the Eagles.

The Chiefs traded Thuney to the Bears earlier in the offseason, a move made largely for financial reasons. That opened up a spot at guard, and Caliendo and Suamataia are expected to compete for that starting role once training camp begins.

As for left tackle, Reid seemed to indicate that Simmons would be his preferred choice to lock down the job.

“Listen, you can see his athletic ability. You can see his want-to,” Reid said. "He approached everything the right way, plus a little extra. You can look at his rehab and he had a mindset of, ‘I’m going to get in there. It's not going to be training camp. It's going to be now.' He worked his tail off to get in there, and you respect that part. He's done a nice job in there.

“We'll see,” Reid added. “We'll see what training camp does to him. It's different when things are flying up there.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andy Reid expects to have wide receiver Rashee Rice and first-round draft pick Josh Simmons fully available when the Kansas City Chiefs report to training camp at Missouri Western State University the last full week of July.Rice is coming off a torn ACL that limited him to four games last season, while Simmons tore a patellar tendon last season with Ohio State, which likely caused the left tackle's draft stock to slide far enough for the Chiefs to pick him No. 32 overall.“I think they're both ready to go,” Reid said after putting his players through a final conditioning test Thursday, which wrapped up three days of mandatory minicamp. “They actually got great work in these camps here.”The Chiefs had hoped that Rice would become the centerpiece of a revamped offense last season, and he was trending that way with 24 catches for 288 yards and two TDs through three games. But early in the fourth, after Patrick Mahomes had thrown an interception, the QB collided with Rice as they were trying to make a tackle in a game against the Chargers.The injury wound up being devastating for Kansas City, which had already lost No. 2 wide receiver Marquise Brown to a shoulder injury on the first play of the preseason, which ultimately kept him out until the stretch run.The Chiefs wound up relying more heavily than they would have liked on then-first-round pick Xavier Worthy, who emerged as a breakout star. He led Chiefs wide receivers with 59 catches for 638 yards and all players with six TD receptions.Now, Rice and Brown are healthy again, and a more experienced Worthy suddenly gives Kansas City three top wide receivers. And with the return of a trimmed-down tight end Travis Kelce for his 13th season in the NFL, the Chiefs believe the pieces are in place to push their formerly high-flying offense back among the best in the NFL.“That's the goal. You want to be the top offense in the league when you step in the building every day. But at the end of the day, you want to win the Super Bowl,” Mahomes said. “Our goal is to do whatever we can to win the football game, and hopefully for us, that's being the top offense to go with the defense we have.”Simmons could play a big part in that, and not just because he is 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds.The Chiefs struggled mightily at left tackle last season, where second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia was benched and second-year pro Wanya Morris fared little better. The Chiefs eventually resorted to pushing standout left guard Joe Thuney to tackle and using Mike Caliendo in his place at guard, but they likewise struggled in their Super Bowl loss to the Eagles.The Chiefs traded Thuney to the Bears earlier in the offseason, a move made largely for financial reasons. That opened up a spot at guard, and Caliendo and Suamataia are expected to compete for that starting role once training camp begins.As for left tackle, Reid seemed to indicate that Simmons would be his preferred choice to lock down the job.“Listen, you can see his athletic ability. You can see his want-to,” Reid said. "He approached everything the right way, plus a little extra. You can look at his rehab and he had a mindset of, ‘I’m going to get in there. It's not going to be training camp. It's going to be now.' He worked his tail off to get in there, and you respect that part. He's done a nice job in there.“We'll see,” Reid added. “We'll see what training camp does to him. It's different when things are flying up there.”

Andy Reid says WR Rashee Rice and LT Josh Simmons are ready for training camp

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jac Caglianone went deep twice for his first two homers in the big leagues as the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 4-1 on Thursday.

The 22-year-old prospect won lefty-lefty matchups both times a day after sitting out in the majors for the first time in part because of a left-handed starter for Texas.

Both of Caglianone's homers led off innings. He pulled a 95.5 mph fastball from Jacob Latz into the Texas Rangers bullpen in right-center field, the 387-foot shot giving the Royals a 3-0 lead in the second. The second was on the first pitch from Robert Garcia in the ninth, a 439-footer over that same bullpen.

The sixth overall pick in last year's amateur draft out of Florida, Caglianone went 0 for 5 in his big league debut at St. Louis on June 3. His average was at .196 after going 0 for 4 in the opener of a series at Texas and sitting out the second game.

Caglianone, who played his first six games on the road before making his home debut against the New York Yankees, swung at Latz's 2-2 pitch above the strike zone, and pointed toward center field. He made the same gesture after crushing a slider from Garcia.

The 6-foot-5 Caglianone hit 15 homers in 50 games combined with Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha before getting called up.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750372128993.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone celebrates in the dugout after hitting his first career home run during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, June 19, 2025, Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone celebrates in the dugout after hitting his first career home run during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, June 19, 2025, Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jac Caglianone went deep twice for his first two homers in the big leagues as the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 4-1 on Thursday.The 22-year-old prospect won lefty-lefty matchups both times a day after sitting out in the majors for the first time in part because of a left-handed starter for Texas.Both of Caglianone's homers led off innings. He pulled a 95.5 mph fastball from Jacob Latz into the Texas Rangers bullpen in right-center field, the 387-foot shot giving the Royals a 3-0 lead in the second. The second was on the first pitch from Robert Garcia in the ninth, a 439-footer over that same bullpen.The sixth overall pick in last year's amateur draft out of Florida, Caglianone went 0 for 5 in his big league debut at St. Louis on June 3. His average was at .196 after going 0 for 4 in the opener of a series at Texas and sitting out the second game.Caglianone, who played his first six games on the road before making his home debut against the New York Yankees, swung at Latz's 2-2 pitch above the strike zone, and pointed toward center field. He made the same gesture after crushing a slider from Garcia.The 6-foot-5 Caglianone hit 15 homers in 50 games combined with Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha before getting called up.

Royals top prospect Jac Caglianone gets his 1st big league homers

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Top prospect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-caglianone-b777242d68ce78c9f85b19d1e4464317">Jac Caglianone went deep twice</a>&nbsp;for his first two homers in the majors, and the Kansas City Royals finished their first three-game sweep at Texas since 2003 with a 4-1 win over the Rangers on Thursday.

Vinnie Pasquantino added a two-run shot, and Michael Wacha held the Rangers hitless until Wyatt Langford's one-out single in the sixth. The right-hander allowed two hits and a run with five strikeouts in six innings.

Wacha (4-6) was the third Kansas City starter to win for the first time in June as part of the sweep, with the Royals coming off a 0-6 homestand that matched their longest losing streak of the season. Kansas City already had clinched its first series win in Arlington in 11 years.

Carlos Estévez pitched a perfect ninth for his AL-leading 21st save and second of the series.

Pasquantino's team-leading 11th homer opened the scoring in the first off right-hander Shawn Armstrong, the starter in a bullpen game for Texas. A run of 11 consecutive scoreless appearances ended for Armstrong (2-2).

Caglianone greeted Jacob Latz with his first big league homer leading off the second. The 22-year-old won a lefty-lefty matchup with a 387-foot drive into the Texas bullpen in right-center field.

The 6-foot-5 Caglianone mastered the lefty-lefty thing again to start the ninth, sending Robert Garcia's first pitch 439 feet over the Texas bullpen.

Latz went a career-high 5 2/3 innings, giving up three hits and a run.

Adolis García was the potential tying run when Wacha got him on a popout to finish his outing in the sixth.

Marcus Semien extended the longest hitting streak for the Rangers this season to 11 games with an RBI double in the sixth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750371959909.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha pitches in the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, June 19, 2025, Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha pitches in the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, June 19, 2025, Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Top prospect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-caglianone-b777242d68ce78c9f85b19d1e4464317">Jac Caglianone went deep twice</a>&nbsp;for his first two homers in the majors, and the Kansas City Royals finished their first three-game sweep at Texas since 2003 with a 4-1 win over the Rangers on Thursday.Vinnie Pasquantino added a two-run shot, and Michael Wacha held the Rangers hitless until Wyatt Langford's one-out single in the sixth. The right-hander allowed two hits and a run with five strikeouts in six innings.Wacha (4-6) was the third Kansas City starter to win for the first time in June as part of the sweep, with the Royals coming off a 0-6 homestand that matched their longest losing streak of the season. Kansas City already had clinched its first series win in Arlington in 11 years.Carlos Estévez pitched a perfect ninth for his AL-leading 21st save and second of the series.Pasquantino's team-leading 11th homer opened the scoring in the first off right-hander Shawn Armstrong, the starter in a bullpen game for Texas. A run of 11 consecutive scoreless appearances ended for Armstrong (2-2).Caglianone greeted Jacob Latz with his first big league homer leading off the second. The 22-year-old won a lefty-lefty matchup with a 387-foot drive into the Texas bullpen in right-center field.The 6-foot-5 Caglianone mastered the lefty-lefty thing again to start the ninth, sending Robert Garcia's first pitch 439 feet over the Texas bullpen.Latz went a career-high 5 2/3 innings, giving up three hits and a run.<h2>Key moment</h2>Adolis García was the potential tying run when Wacha got him on a popout to finish his outing in the sixth.<h2>Key stat</h2>Marcus Semien extended the longest hitting streak for the Rangers this season to 11 games with an RBI double in the sixth.<h2>Up next</h2>

Caglianone goes deep twice as Royals beat Rangers 4-1

Former Barton Community College Head Coaches Ray Bechard and Mike Warren were recognized Tuesday as recipients of the Coaches Legacy Award presented by Nufabrx announced by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

This is the first time in the near 90-year history of the NJCAA that coaches have been recognized in such a fashion by the Association as nearly 200 coaches across 28 different sports were nominated by the member colleges at which they coached.

"Being able to recognize our coaches, past and present, is a wonderful thing for the NJCAA, our member institutions, the coaches, and their families," said Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President and CEO.

All honorees were recognized at a special luncheon on Tuesday, June 17, in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel which proceeded with the 2025 NJCAA Hall of Fame and Awards events later in the day.

The inaugural Legacy Award recognizes the all-time winningest coaches in NJCAA history, Bechard's 13-year volleyball career eclipsing 700-wins while Warren's career eclipsed the 1000-win qualification standard.

Both were previously inducted into the Barton Sports Hall of Fame, Bechard in 2002 while Warren was inducted in the 2020 class.

Ray BechardBechard didn't start Barton's volleyball program, nor did he have the first very successful teams at the school, but what Coach Bechard did do was create an NJCAA volleyball giant coming out of Great Bend.

A former Cougar basketball player from 1976 to 1978, Bechard returned to Barton in 1985 taking the reigns of the volleyball program for 13 years (1985 to 1997) compiling a 716-60 record for a staggering .923 winning percentage with nearly half of those losses coming to some of the best teams in the nation at the NJCAA Tournament.

Bechard's teams won the Jayhawk West title every year and were crowned Region 6 Champions all but once. In the team's twelve NJCAA Tournament appearances, the Cougars never finished lower than 5th. A 1989 NJCAA runner-up featuring fellow 2002 Barton Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Michelle Hall Hulsmeyer, Bechard's Cougars additionally placed 3rd a trio of times, in 4th place six times, and in the 5th spot twice.

Bechard's recruitment and individual performances included 14 First Team NJCAA All-America recipients, 13 Academic All-America achievers, and 15 Distinguished Academic All-America earners.

Consisting of eight seasons with 55 or more wins, Bechard's squads owned winning streaks of 59, 58, and 57 matches, along with, three additional unbeaten stretches of 30-plus in a row.

After leaving Barton, Bechard became the Head Volleyball Coach at the University of Kansas, where he retired this past December following a 27-year career as the Jayhawks' winningest coach in its volleyball history.

Bechard took the Kansas program to new heights, becoming a five-time Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year leading the Jayhawks to thirteen NCAA National Tournament appearances and a .613 winning percentage (496-313).

A Grinnell, Kansas native, Bechard is also a member of the Kansas Volleyball Association Hall of Fame, the NJCAA Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and is a three-time AVCA Region Coach of the Year.

Mike WarrenWarren concluded his 30-year Cougar career in 2014 with a final mark of 903-628-1.

Averaging 30 wins per season including a then-school record 44 victories in 2002, Warren's Cougars won five Jayhawk Conference Western Division championships, two Western Sub-Regional championships, and earned four Western Division Coach of the Year honors.

Following a successful Kansas high school and collegiate playing career, Warren began his coaching career at Pratt Community College then Dodge City Community College capping a 35-year collegiate coaching record at 1001-740-1.

The Winfield, Kansas, native's reach extended beyond Barton baseball far and wide throughout the lives of over 900 student-athletes, coaches, and the industry at all levels including the KJCCC.

In 1986, Warren became the first President of the Jayhawk Conference Baseball Coaches Association with his first initiative being to unify the coaches and colleges in restructuring the conference schedule to keep student-athletes in class more often instead of missing due to game schedules.

Next was the development of a two-day annual all-star game to provide additional exposure for all Kansas community college sophomores in front of four-year schools and professional scouts. The Region 6 East/West All-Star Game was born and has taken place each fall since 1994 providing national exposure for sophomores in the Kansas junior college ranks.

In 1990, Warren helped and was instrumental in Barton getting a playing field on campus in the establishment of Lawson-Biggs Field.

Additionally, inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, Warren continued around the game after Barton including as the head coach at Eisenhower High School in Goddard before retiring his 46-year career earlier this month.

Former Barton Community College Head Coaches Ray Bechard and Mike Warren were recognized Tuesday as recipients of the Coaches Legacy Award presented by Nufabrx announced by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).This is the first time in the near 90-year history of the NJCAA that coaches have been recognized in such a fashion by the Association as nearly 200 coaches across 28 different sports were nominated by the member colleges at which they coached."Being able to recognize our coaches, past and present, is a wonderful thing for the NJCAA, our member institutions, the coaches, and their families," said Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President and CEO.All honorees were recognized at a special luncheon on Tuesday, June 17, in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel which proceeded with the 2025 NJCAA Hall of Fame and Awards events later in the day.The inaugural Legacy Award recognizes the all-time winningest coaches in NJCAA history, Bechard's 13-year volleyball career eclipsing 700-wins while Warren's career eclipsed the 1000-win qualification standard.Both were previously inducted into the Barton Sports Hall of Fame, Bechard in 2002 while Warren was inducted in the 2020 class.Ray BechardBechard didn't start Barton's volleyball program, nor did he have the first very successful teams at the school, but what Coach Bechard did do was create an NJCAA volleyball giant coming out of Great Bend.A former Cougar basketball player from 1976 to 1978, Bechard returned to Barton in 1985 taking the reigns of the volleyball program for 13 years (1985 to 1997) compiling a 716-60 record for a staggering .923 winning percentage with nearly half of those losses coming to some of the best teams in the nation at the NJCAA Tournament.Bechard's teams won the Jayhawk West title every year and were crowned Region 6 Champions all but once. In the team's twelve NJCAA Tournament appearances, the Cougars never finished lower than 5th. A 1989 NJCAA runner-up featuring fellow 2002 Barton Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Michelle Hall Hulsmeyer, Bechard's Cougars additionally placed 3rd a trio of times, in 4th place six times, and in the 5th spot twice.Bechard's recruitment and individual performances included 14 First Team NJCAA All-America recipients, 13 Academic All-America achievers, and 15 Distinguished Academic All-America earners.Consisting of eight seasons with 55 or more wins, Bechard's squads owned winning streaks of 59, 58, and 57 matches, along with, three additional unbeaten stretches of 30-plus in a row.After leaving Barton, Bechard became the Head Volleyball Coach at the University of Kansas, where he retired this past December following a 27-year career as the Jayhawks' winningest coach in its volleyball history.Bechard took the Kansas program to new heights, becoming a five-time Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year leading the Jayhawks to thirteen NCAA National Tournament appearances and a .613 winning percentage (496-313).A Grinnell, Kansas native, Bechard is also a member of the Kansas Volleyball Association Hall of Fame, the NJCAA Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and is a three-time AVCA Region Coach of the Year.Mike WarrenWarren concluded his 30-year Cougar career in 2014 with a final mark of 903-628-1.Averaging 30 wins per season including a then-school record 44 victories in 2002, Warren's Cougars won five Jayhawk Conference Western Division championships, two Western Sub-Regional championships, and earned four Western Division Coach of the Year honors.Following a successful Kansas high school and collegiate playing career, Warren began his coaching career at Pratt Community College then Dodge City Community College capping a 35-year collegiate coaching record at 1001-740-1.The Winfield, Kansas, native's reach extended beyond Barton baseball far and wide throughout the lives of over 900 student-athletes, coaches, and the industry at all levels including the KJCCC.In 1986, Warren became the first President of the Jayhawk Conference Baseball Coaches Association with his first initiative being to unify the coaches and colleges in restructuring the conference schedule to keep student-athletes in class more often instead of missing due to game schedules.Next was the development of a two-day annual all-star game to provide additional exposure for all Kansas community college sophomores in front of four-year schools and professional scouts. The Region 6 East/West All-Star Game was born and has taken place each fall since 1994 providing national exposure for sophomores in the Kansas junior college ranks.In 1990, Warren helped and was instrumental in Barton getting a playing field on campus in the establishment of Lawson-Biggs Field.Additionally, inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, Warren continued around the game after Barton including as the head coach at Eisenhower High School in Goddard before retiring his 46-year career earlier this month.

Kansas natives and former Cougars Ray Bechard and Mike Warren honored as NJCAA Coaches Legacy Award recipients

KUAthletics.com&nbsp; Kansas baseball's&nbsp;Brady Counsell&nbsp;became the first player in school history to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award on Wednesday. Counsell earned a spot on the 2025 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Div. I Gold Glove team for his work at third base this past season.

Counsell is one of nine Division I players to receive a Rawlings Gold Glove. There is only one player per position that is honored annually. Counsell is the first Big 12 position player to earn a Gold Glove since 2018.Counsell, who was named a finalist for the award on Monday, was selected as an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recipient following the regular season. Defensively, Counsell posted a .992 fielding percentage with only one error in 121 chances this year.

The Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, native came to Kansas for his final year of eligibility in 2025. Counsell was a massive piece of the success for Kansas this season with his versatility to play third base, left field and second base. He helped turn eight double plays, while having 69 putouts and 51 assists.

At the plate, Counsell had 12 home runs, 54 runs scored and 57 RBIs. The 57 RBIs were tied for the seventh most in the conference and second on the team. His 54 runs were also second on the team. Counsell drew as many walks as times he struck out in 2025.

The ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove teams are selected by ABCA coaches committees and were first recognized in 2007. The award is presented annually to the top defensive players from each division of collegiate and high school baseball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750344244937.jpeg" alt="KUAthletics.com" />
 <figcaption>KUAthletics.com</figcaption>
 </figure>KUAthletics.com&nbsp; Kansas baseball's&nbsp;Brady Counsell&nbsp;became the first player in school history to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award on Wednesday. Counsell earned a spot on the 2025 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Div. I Gold Glove team for his work at third base this past season.Counsell is one of nine Division I players to receive a Rawlings Gold Glove. There is only one player per position that is honored annually. Counsell is the first Big 12 position player to earn a Gold Glove since 2018.Counsell, who was named a finalist for the award on Monday, was selected as an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recipient following the regular season. Defensively, Counsell posted a .992 fielding percentage with only one error in 121 chances this year.The Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, native came to Kansas for his final year of eligibility in 2025. Counsell was a massive piece of the success for Kansas this season with his versatility to play third base, left field and second base. He helped turn eight double plays, while having 69 putouts and 51 assists.At the plate, Counsell had 12 home runs, 54 runs scored and 57 RBIs. The 57 RBIs were tied for the seventh most in the conference and second on the team. His 54 runs were also second on the team. Counsell drew as many walks as times he struck out in 2025.The ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove teams are selected by ABCA coaches committees and were first recognized in 2007. The award is presented annually to the top defensive players from each division of collegiate and high school baseball.

Counsell Becomes First Kansas Player to Ever Win Rawlings Gold Glove Award

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Maikel Garcia homered and drove in four runs, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 6-3 on Wednesday night.

Garcia capped Kansas City's four-run third inning with a three-run drive for his career-best eighth homer. He also tripled in Bobby Witt Jr. in the eighth.

Garcia's three hits matched a season high, and his four RBIs equaled a career best.

The Royals have taken the first two in their three-game set at Texas following an 0-6 homestand that matched their longest losing streak of the season.

Kris Bubic (6-4) earned his first win since May 19. He allowed nine hits and three runs in 5 1/3 innings, throwing a season-high 101 pitches.

Carlos Estévez pitched a perfect ninth inning for his AL-best 20th save.

Patrick Corbin (4-6) allowed four runs over five innings for the Rangers, who have dropped two straight following a four-game win streak.

Texas opened a 2-0 lead in the first on Wyatt Langford’s RBI double and Adolis García’s run-scoring single. It closed 4-3 in the fifth on back-to-back doubles by Josh Jung and Jake Burger.

Sam Haggerty had three hits for the Rangers, matching a career high.

Texas played its second consecutive game without infielder Josh Smith, who is sidelined with a minor hamstring issue.

Lucas Erceg, the second of four Kansas City relievers, got Adolis García to ground into a double play with runners on the corners to end the seventh inning.

Texas was 5 for 13 with runners in scoring position, leaving nine on base.

Kansas City goes for the sweep Thursday with RHP Michael Wacha (3-6, 3.38 ERA). Texas will go with a bullpen game, starting with RHP Shawn Armstrong (2-1, 2.90).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750338876368.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia celebrates his home run that scored teammates Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia celebrates his home run that scored teammates Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Maikel Garcia homered and drove in four runs, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 6-3 on Wednesday night.Garcia capped Kansas City's four-run third inning with a three-run drive for his career-best eighth homer. He also tripled in Bobby Witt Jr. in the eighth.Garcia's three hits matched a season high, and his four RBIs equaled a career best.The Royals have taken the first two in their three-game set at Texas following an 0-6 homestand that matched their longest losing streak of the season.Kris Bubic (6-4) earned his first win since May 19. He allowed nine hits and three runs in 5 1/3 innings, throwing a season-high 101 pitches.Carlos Estévez pitched a perfect ninth inning for his AL-best 20th save.Patrick Corbin (4-6) allowed four runs over five innings for the Rangers, who have dropped two straight following a four-game win streak.Texas opened a 2-0 lead in the first on Wyatt Langford’s RBI double and Adolis García’s run-scoring single. It closed 4-3 in the fifth on back-to-back doubles by Josh Jung and Jake Burger.Sam Haggerty had three hits for the Rangers, matching a career high.Texas played its second consecutive game without infielder Josh Smith, who is sidelined with a minor hamstring issue.<h2>Key moment</h2>Lucas Erceg, the second of four Kansas City relievers, got Adolis García to ground into a double play with runners on the corners to end the seventh inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>Texas was 5 for 13 with runners in scoring position, leaving nine on base.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City goes for the sweep Thursday with RHP Michael Wacha (3-6, 3.38 ERA). Texas will go with a bullpen game, starting with RHP Shawn Armstrong (2-1, 2.90).

Maikel Garcia homers to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 6-3

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Difficult as it may seem, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is desperately trying to not think about what may await the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder star doesn’t want to think about the end of the NBA Finals. Or how the Larry O’Brien Trophy will feel in his hands if he gets to finally hoist it as a champion. Or what the celebration will look like, sound like, be like. The Thunder are one win from a title, and it could come when they visit the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday. It is not just another game. Gilgeous-Alexander is trying to make it seem that way.

The Buss family has agreed to sell the controlling stake of the Los Angeles Lakers to TWG Global CEO Mark Walter, doing so with a franchise valuation of $10 billion — the most ever for a professional sports franchise, a person with knowledge of the agreement said Wednesday. As part of the deal, Jeanie Buss — whose family has had control of the Lakers since her father bought the team in 1979 — intends to remain as governor, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side immediately announced details.

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio (AP) — Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is accused of driving a pickup truck 101 mph (163 kilometers per hour) on a suburban Cleveland interstate earlier this week. The Strongsville Police Department says its officers stopped Sanders at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in a 60 mph (97 kilometers per hour) zone on Interstate 71. Local media reported the 23-year-old from the University of Colorado could pay a $250 fine to waive the fourth-degree misdemeanor case. He's the son of Hall of Fame player Deion Sanders and was drafted in the fifth round of the NFL draft this spring.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The Stanley Cup is a little banged up, thanks to the Florida Panthers’ celebration of back-to-back titles. The bowl of the famous trophy is cracked and the bottom is dented. The Panthers won their second consecutive championship on home ice Tuesday night, beating Edmonton in six games. The team, following decades of tradition, partied with the Cup well into Wednesday. The 131-year-old Cup has been damaged many times over the past century and is considered fairly easy to repair. That's the plan ahead of Sunday's celebration parade.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays overcame an eight-run deficit to beat the Baltimore Orioles 12-8 on Wednesday night in the largest comeback in the majors this season. Tampa Bay matched the biggest comeback in franchise history. The Rays also rallied from eight down in a 10-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 18, 2012, and in a 10-9 win over Toronto on July 25, 2009. The Orioles last gave away an eight-run lead on April 28, 2017, in a 14-11 loss to the New York Yankees. The largest blown lead in franchise history came in a 14-13 loss to Detroit on April 25, 1901, when the team was based in Milwaukee. Baltimore had an eight-run second inning.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees ended their 30-inning scoreless streak Wednesday night when Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels. Trailing 1-0, the Yankees ended their run-scoring drought when Chisholm sent a 2-0 pitch from Los Angeles starter Jack Konchanowicz into the seats in right field. The ball stayed just inside the foul pole and Chisholm, and his 10th homer of the season, was celebrated in the dugout with his teammates. The run was New York’s first since Anthony Volpe hit an RBI groundout in the ninth inning of its 4-3 loss at Boston on Saturday.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — After Latin pop and R&amp;B singer Nezza's viral controversial performance at Dodger Stadium, Dodgers fans have grown frustrated over the team’s lack of vocal support for local immigrant communities impacted by the rise of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests and raids. The baseball team has a long history with immigrant communities in Los Angeles, boasting a huge Latino fan base and hosting multiple heritage nights honoring various communities. Some fans have since called for a boycott online. Some are pushing for a more permanent boycott, while others say they’d be willing to return if the team spoke out in support.

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders say they are getting a serious increase in pay. One of the cheerleaders has said during the second season of the Netflix series “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders” that the members are getting a 400% boost in pay. The cheerleaders have been pushing for pay increases for years. In 2019, the Cowboys settled a lawsuit with a former cheerleader that led to the squad doubling the per-game pay, from $200 to $400. The latest raise is four times that.

The WNBA has upgraded the technical foul on Connecticut’s Marina Mabrey for shoving Caitlin Clark to the floor during Tuesday’s night game against Indiana to a Flagrant-2. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made. Any flagrant foul comes with an automatic fine. The person also said the league has fined the Fever’s Sophie Cunningham for her role in the on-court melee that occurred after she fouled Jacy Sheldon with 46.1 seconds left. Cunningham received a Flagrant-2 Tuesday night.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays say they are in “exclusive discussions” with a Florida investment group for a potential sale of the team. The Rays are valued at $1.25 billion, according to Forbes magazine. Stuart Sternberg bought the Major League Baseball club for $200 million in 2004. The potential sale comes at a precarious time for the Rays and their home ballpark. They are playing this season at the spring training home of the New York Yankees in Tampa after the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg was heavily damaged during Hurricane Milton last October.

INTERLEAGUE Pittsburgh at Detroit 5:40 p.m. (Postponed) St. Louisat Chi White Sox 5:40 p.m.(Postponed) Final Cincinnati 4 Minnesota 2 Final Toronto 8 Arizona 1 Final Cleveland 4 San Francisco 2

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Boston 3 Seattle 1 Final L.A. Angels 3 N.Y. Yankees 2 Final Tampa Bay 12 Baltimore 8 Final Kansas City 6 Texas 3 Final Houston 11 Athletics 4

NATIONAL LEAGUE Milwaukee at Chi Cubs 2:20 p.m.(Postponed) Final Colorado 3 Washington 1 Final Philadelphia 4 Miami 2 Final Atlanta 5 N.Y. Mets 0 Final L.A. Dodgers 4 San Diego 3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Difficult as it may seem, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is desperately trying to not think about what may await the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder star doesn’t want to think about the end of the NBA Finals. Or how the Larry O’Brien Trophy will feel in his hands if he gets to finally hoist it as a champion. Or what the celebration will look like, sound like, be like. The Thunder are one win from a title, and it could come when they visit the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday. It is not just another game. Gilgeous-Alexander is trying to make it seem that way.The Buss family has agreed to sell the controlling stake of the Los Angeles Lakers to TWG Global CEO Mark Walter, doing so with a franchise valuation of $10 billion — the most ever for a professional sports franchise, a person with knowledge of the agreement said Wednesday. As part of the deal, Jeanie Buss — whose family has had control of the Lakers since her father bought the team in 1979 — intends to remain as governor, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side immediately announced details.STRONGSVILLE, Ohio (AP) — Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is accused of driving a pickup truck 101 mph (163 kilometers per hour) on a suburban Cleveland interstate earlier this week. The Strongsville Police Department says its officers stopped Sanders at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in a 60 mph (97 kilometers per hour) zone on Interstate 71. Local media reported the 23-year-old from the University of Colorado could pay a $250 fine to waive the fourth-degree misdemeanor case. He's the son of Hall of Fame player Deion Sanders and was drafted in the fifth round of the NFL draft this spring.FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The Stanley Cup is a little banged up, thanks to the Florida Panthers’ celebration of back-to-back titles. The bowl of the famous trophy is cracked and the bottom is dented. The Panthers won their second consecutive championship on home ice Tuesday night, beating Edmonton in six games. The team, following decades of tradition, partied with the Cup well into Wednesday. The 131-year-old Cup has been damaged many times over the past century and is considered fairly easy to repair. That's the plan ahead of Sunday's celebration parade.TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays overcame an eight-run deficit to beat the Baltimore Orioles 12-8 on Wednesday night in the largest comeback in the majors this season. Tampa Bay matched the biggest comeback in franchise history. The Rays also rallied from eight down in a 10-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 18, 2012, and in a 10-9 win over Toronto on July 25, 2009. The Orioles last gave away an eight-run lead on April 28, 2017, in a 14-11 loss to the New York Yankees. The largest blown lead in franchise history came in a 14-13 loss to Detroit on April 25, 1901, when the team was based in Milwaukee. Baltimore had an eight-run second inning.NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees ended their 30-inning scoreless streak Wednesday night when Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels. Trailing 1-0, the Yankees ended their run-scoring drought when Chisholm sent a 2-0 pitch from Los Angeles starter Jack Konchanowicz into the seats in right field. The ball stayed just inside the foul pole and Chisholm, and his 10th homer of the season, was celebrated in the dugout with his teammates. The run was New York’s first since Anthony Volpe hit an RBI groundout in the ninth inning of its 4-3 loss at Boston on Saturday.LOS ANGELES (AP) — After Latin pop and R&amp;B singer Nezza's viral controversial performance at Dodger Stadium, Dodgers fans have grown frustrated over the team’s lack of vocal support for local immigrant communities impacted by the rise of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests and raids. The baseball team has a long history with immigrant communities in Los Angeles, boasting a huge Latino fan base and hosting multiple heritage nights honoring various communities. Some fans have since called for a boycott online. Some are pushing for a more permanent boycott, while others say they’d be willing to return if the team spoke out in support.FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders say they are getting a serious increase in pay. One of the cheerleaders has said during the second season of the Netflix series “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders” that the members are getting a 400% boost in pay. The cheerleaders have been pushing for pay increases for years. In 2019, the Cowboys settled a lawsuit with a former cheerleader that led to the squad doubling the per-game pay, from $200 to $400. The latest raise is four times that.The WNBA has upgraded the technical foul on Connecticut’s Marina Mabrey for shoving Caitlin Clark to the floor during Tuesday’s night game against Indiana to a Flagrant-2. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made. Any flagrant foul comes with an automatic fine. The person also said the league has fined the Fever’s Sophie Cunningham for her role in the on-court melee that occurred after she fouled Jacy Sheldon with 46.1 seconds left. Cunningham received a Flagrant-2 Tuesday night.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays say they are in “exclusive discussions” with a Florida investment group for a potential sale of the team. The Rays are valued at $1.25 billion, according to Forbes magazine. Stuart Sternberg bought the Major League Baseball club for $200 million in 2004. The potential sale comes at a precarious time for the Rays and their home ballpark. They are playing this season at the spring training home of the New York Yankees in Tampa after the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg was heavily damaged during Hurricane Milton last October.

INTERLEAGUE Pittsburgh at Detroit 5:40 p.m. (Postponed) St. Louisat Chi White Sox 5:40 p.m.(Postponed) Final Cincinnati 4 Minnesota 2 Final Toronto 8 Arizona 1 Final Cleveland 4 San Francisco 2AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Boston 3 Seattle 1 Final L.A. Angels 3 N.Y. Yankees 2 Final Tampa Bay 12 Baltimore 8 Final Kansas City 6 Texas 3 Final Houston 11 Athletics 4NATIONAL LEAGUE Milwaukee at Chi Cubs 2:20 p.m.(Postponed) Final Colorado 3 Washington 1 Final Philadelphia 4 Miami 2 Final Atlanta 5 N.Y. Mets 0 Final L.A. Dodgers 4 San Diego 3

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Former Kansas City Chiefs employee and ex-NFL player Ramzee Robinson has sued the Chiefs, alleging racial discrimination.

Robinson, who is Black,&nbsp;filed the lawsuit&nbsp;in the Western District of Missouri on Tuesday.&nbsp;Front Office Sports first reported&nbsp;the lawsuit. Per the lawsuit, the "Chiefs paid African-American business employees less than their white counterparts."

The lawsuit claims that the Chiefs "unlawfully discriminated and retaliated against Plaintiff based on his race" and "unlawfully terminated" Robinson.

“We can’t comment because it’s an active legal matter,” Chiefs vice president of football communications Brad Gee&nbsp;told Pro Football Talk&nbsp;on Wednesday. “But to be clear, the Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We look forward to the facts of this case coming to light.”

Per the lawsuit, Robinson worked as Kansas City's Director of Player Engagement from 2016 to 2025. The lawsuit states that he started in his position with a salary of $35,000 before earning a final salary of $125,000. The lawsuit claims that the average salary for Robinson's position was $171,932.

Per the lawsuit, Robinson sought a salary review with team president Mark Donovan. According to the lawsuit, Donovan rejected the request while declaring that the "Chiefs had previously given him raises."

The lawsuit states that Donovan pressured Robinson into renewing his contract and that once he signed it, the Chiefs refused a request from the Houston Texans to interview him for a job, stating that an interview would be in violation of his contract.

The lawsuit states that Robinson's supervisor, executive vice president of administration Kirsten Krug, called him into her office on Feb. 15, 2025 and told Robinson that he had engaged in "conduct detrimental to the league.”

Per the lawsuit, Krug "suggested" that Robinson "attacked" a white female coworker and that there was security video evidence of the alleged incident. Krug "refused to show Plaintiff the video," according to the lawsuit. Krug then fired Robinson, according to the lawsuit.

Per the lawsuit, Robinson "maintained a good working relationship with his direct reports and a great rapport with the players."

The lawsuit also claims that an "African-American female" resigned from a management position with the Chiefs after the team refused to give her a promotion or raise from her $50,000 salary. The lawsuit claims that the Chiefs then hired a white woman for the same position with a salary of $80,000.

The lawsuit states that Robinson's "race was a motivating factor in Defendant’s actions against Plaintiff." It seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages to address "emotional distress, lost wages, including front and back pay and other benefits, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs necessary for litigation."

Robinson, 41, played three seasons in the NFL as a cornerback. The Detroit Lions selected him as the last player taken in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played in 19 games across two seasons with the Lions and finished his playing career splitting the 2009 season with the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles. He did not play for the Chiefs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750262929740.jpeg" alt="Ramzee Robinson, seen here during his playing days with the Lions, has sued the Chiefs for alleged racial discrimination during his time with the team as an employee. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)" />
 <figcaption>Ramzee Robinson, seen here during his playing days with the Lions, has sued the Chiefs for alleged racial discrimination during his time with the team as an employee. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jason Owens Yahoo! SportsFormer Kansas City Chiefs employee and ex-NFL player Ramzee Robinson has sued the Chiefs, alleging racial discrimination.Robinson, who is Black,&nbsp;filed the lawsuit&nbsp;in the Western District of Missouri on Tuesday.&nbsp;Front Office Sports first reported&nbsp;the lawsuit. Per the lawsuit, the "Chiefs paid African-American business employees less than their white counterparts."The lawsuit claims that the Chiefs "unlawfully discriminated and retaliated against Plaintiff based on his race" and "unlawfully terminated" Robinson.“We can’t comment because it’s an active legal matter,” Chiefs vice president of football communications Brad Gee&nbsp;told Pro Football Talk&nbsp;on Wednesday. “But to be clear, the Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We look forward to the facts of this case coming to light.”<h2>What the lawsuit claims</h2>Per the lawsuit, Robinson worked as Kansas City's Director of Player Engagement from 2016 to 2025. The lawsuit states that he started in his position with a salary of $35,000 before earning a final salary of $125,000. The lawsuit claims that the average salary for Robinson's position was $171,932.Per the lawsuit, Robinson sought a salary review with team president Mark Donovan. According to the lawsuit, Donovan rejected the request while declaring that the "Chiefs had previously given him raises."The lawsuit states that Donovan pressured Robinson into renewing his contract and that once he signed it, the Chiefs refused a request from the Houston Texans to interview him for a job, stating that an interview would be in violation of his contract.<h2>Lawsuit addresses Robinson's termination</h2>The lawsuit states that Robinson's supervisor, executive vice president of administration Kirsten Krug, called him into her office on Feb. 15, 2025 and told Robinson that he had engaged in "conduct detrimental to the league.”Per the lawsuit, Krug "suggested" that Robinson "attacked" a white female coworker and that there was security video evidence of the alleged incident. Krug "refused to show Plaintiff the video," according to the lawsuit. Krug then fired Robinson, according to the lawsuit.Per the lawsuit, Robinson "maintained a good working relationship with his direct reports and a great rapport with the players."The lawsuit also claims that an "African-American female" resigned from a management position with the Chiefs after the team refused to give her a promotion or raise from her $50,000 salary. The lawsuit claims that the Chiefs then hired a white woman for the same position with a salary of $80,000.The lawsuit states that Robinson's "race was a motivating factor in Defendant’s actions against Plaintiff." It seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages to address "emotional distress, lost wages, including front and back pay and other benefits, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs necessary for litigation."Robinson, 41, played three seasons in the NFL as a cornerback. The Detroit Lions selected him as the last player taken in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played in 19 games across two seasons with the Lions and finished his playing career splitting the 2009 season with the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles. He did not play for the Chiefs.

Former Chiefs employee sues team, claims wrongful firing & race discrimination

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Eagle Media will serve as the official radio broadcast partner of the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl, set for Saturday, June 21, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.

The broadcast team features Gerard Wellbrock as play-by-play, Dustin Armbruster as analyst, and Sean Boston and Anthony Gorges reporting from the West and East sidelines, respectively. Glen Grunwald will serve as the producer.

The game will air live across five Eagle Media markets:

Additional coverage will be available on affiliate stations in Beloit (1190 AM, 102.9 FM, 105.5 FM) and Coffeyville (690 AM/104.1 FM).

Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. with a 30-minute show featuring interviews and more.

The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to producing annual events that benefit Shriners Children’s. Since its inception in 1974, the organization has raised nearly $4 million for the healthcare network, which provides pediatric specialty care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

In addition to the East vs. West all-star football game, Kansas Shrine All-Star Events include the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp, the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp, the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals, and a variety of other game week activities. Shriners Children’s, formerly known as Shriners Hospitals for Children, operates facilities and outreach programs worldwide, offering innovative research, teaching programs, and family-centered care to children up to age 18.

<a href="https://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/uploads/1/0/2/8/10280235/2025_kansas_shrine_bowl_rosters_-_updated_6-16-25.pdf">Click here</a> for complete rosters for the Kansas Shrine Bowl game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725282945901.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>DODGE CITY, Kan. — Eagle Media will serve as the official radio broadcast partner of the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl, set for Saturday, June 21, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.The broadcast team features Gerard Wellbrock as play-by-play, Dustin Armbruster as analyst, and Sean Boston and Anthony Gorges reporting from the West and East sidelines, respectively. Glen Grunwald will serve as the producer.The game will air live across five Eagle Media markets:<ul>
 <li>Hutchinson (102.9 FM – flagship station)
</li><li>Great Bend (100.7 FM)
</li><li>Hays (101.9 FM)
</li><li>Salina (910 AM/107.5 FM)</li><li>Manhattan (103.5 FM)
</li>
 </ul>Additional coverage will be available on affiliate stations in Beloit (1190 AM, 102.9 FM, 105.5 FM) and Coffeyville (690 AM/104.1 FM).Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. with a 30-minute show featuring interviews and more.The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to producing annual events that benefit Shriners Children’s. Since its inception in 1974, the organization has raised nearly $4 million for the healthcare network, which provides pediatric specialty care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.In addition to the East vs. West all-star football game, Kansas Shrine All-Star Events include the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp, the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp, the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals, and a variety of other game week activities. Shriners Children’s, formerly known as Shriners Hospitals for Children, operates facilities and outreach programs worldwide, offering innovative research, teaching programs, and family-centered care to children up to age 18.<a href="https://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/uploads/1/0/2/8/10280235/2025_kansas_shrine_bowl_rosters_-_updated_6-16-25.pdf">Click here</a> for complete rosters for the Kansas Shrine Bowl game.

Eagle Media to serve as official radio home of Kansas Shrine Bowl

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice,&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr. went deep&nbsp;in his hometown team's ballpark for the first time and the Kansas City Royals stopped a six-game losing streak with a 6-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

Seth Lugo struck out a season-high nine for his first win since May 1 as all three active Kansas City All-Stars from last year's Midsummer Classic at Globe Life Field returned to Texas and had a hand in ending the team's five-game skid against the Rangers.

Lugo (4-5), who threw a scoreless inning in the American League's 5-3 victory last July, gave up three hits and a run over six innings in his return to Arlington.

With the Royals coming off an 0-6 homestand that matched their longest losing streak of the season, Perez hit a two-run shot for a 3-0 lead in the first inning. After adding an RBI double in the fourth, Perez connected for his eighth homer of the year, a solo shot that made it 6-1 in the sixth.

Witt also homered off Jack Leiter in a matchup between sons of former major league pitchers. Witt grew up in the Dallas area, where Bobby Witt settled after spending 11 of his 16 big league seasons with the Rangers.

Leiter (4-4) is the son of Al Leiter, who had a 19-year major league career. The rookie right-hander gave up eight hits and six runs — both matching season highs — in 5 2/3 innings.

The Rangers equaled their season high by striking out 14 times.

Texas rookie Alejandro Osuna had his first career RBI in the fourth.

Perez had his 18th multihomer game, breaking George Brett's franchise record.

Kansas City's Kris Bubic (5-4, 1.92 ERA) faces Patrick Corbin (4-5, 3.66) in a matchup of lefties Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750257202386.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez reacts after hitting a solo home run off Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jack Leiter during the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez reacts after hitting a solo home run off Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jack Leiter during the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice,&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr. went deep&nbsp;in his hometown team's ballpark for the first time and the Kansas City Royals stopped a six-game losing streak with a 6-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.Seth Lugo struck out a season-high nine for his first win since May 1 as all three active Kansas City All-Stars from last year's Midsummer Classic at Globe Life Field returned to Texas and had a hand in ending the team's five-game skid against the Rangers.Lugo (4-5), who threw a scoreless inning in the American League's 5-3 victory last July, gave up three hits and a run over six innings in his return to Arlington.With the Royals coming off an 0-6 homestand that matched their longest losing streak of the season, Perez hit a two-run shot for a 3-0 lead in the first inning. After adding an RBI double in the fourth, Perez connected for his eighth homer of the year, a solo shot that made it 6-1 in the sixth.Witt also homered off Jack Leiter in a matchup between sons of former major league pitchers. Witt grew up in the Dallas area, where Bobby Witt settled after spending 11 of his 16 big league seasons with the Rangers.Leiter (4-4) is the son of Al Leiter, who had a 19-year major league career. The rookie right-hander gave up eight hits and six runs — both matching season highs — in 5 2/3 innings.The Rangers equaled their season high by striking out 14 times.<h2>Key moment</h2>Texas rookie Alejandro Osuna had his first career RBI in the fourth.<h2>Key stat</h2>Perez had his 18th multihomer game, breaking George Brett's franchise record.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City's Kris Bubic (5-4, 1.92 ERA) faces Patrick Corbin (4-5, 3.66) in a matchup of lefties Wednesday.

Perez homers twice, Witt goes deep in hometown for 1st time as Royals beat Rangers 6-1

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Stanley's stay in South Florida is getting extended.

The Florida Panthers&nbsp;repeated as Stanley Cup champions&nbsp;by beating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in&nbsp;Game 6 of the final&nbsp;on Tuesday night, becoming the NHL’s first back-to-back winners since&nbsp;Tampa Bay in 2020 and ’21&nbsp;and the third team to do it this century.

Sam Reinhart scored four goals, becoming just the sixth player in league history and first since Maurice Richard in 1957 to get that many in a game in the final. His third to complete the hat trick sent rats, along with hats, flying onto the ice. Matthew Tkachuk, one of the faces of the franchise, fittingly scored the Cup clincher.

More rats were part of the victory celebration when the clock hit zeroes. Panthers players mobbed in the corner, while the Oilers watched in dismay.

“Good evening, South Florida,” Commissioner Gary Bettman said before presenting the trophy to captain Aleksander Barkov. “It feels like we just did this.”

Sergei Bobrovsky&nbsp;stopped 28 of the 29 shots he faced, closing the door on a rematch with the same end result. The only goal came from fellow Russian Vasily Podkolzin in garbage time, long after the outcome was decided and the NHL put a bow on a remarkable season that included Alex Ovechkin’s milestone as the&nbsp;all-time leading goal scorer&nbsp;and Olympics-like buzz around&nbsp;the 4 Nations tournament&nbsp;in February.

There were chants of “We want the Cup!” as the final moments ticked away. The Panthers already had it.

“This is as good as the first one," Reinhart said. “We learned some lessons. We stayed on the gas, foot on the pedal, and obviously the result speaks for itself.”

Not long after the Lightning made three trips to the final in a row, Florida has done the same and now has the makings of a dynasty. The Panthers have won 11 of 12 playoff series since T&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nhl-sports-hockey-relationships-florida-15cfbe5f1682d785c585251f8298ad8c">kachuk arrived</a>&nbsp;by trade and Paul Maurice took over as coach in the summer of 2022.

“We’ve got to be a dynasty now," Tkachuk said. “Three years in a row finals, two championships. This is a special group.”

The only time they have been on the wrong side of a handshake line was the final in Vegas in 2023, only after several key players were banged up and gutting through significant injuries.

From the core of Tkachuk, Reinhart, Barkov and Sam Bennett on down the roster,&nbsp;they were much healthier&nbsp;this time around and were boosted by key trade deadline additions Brad Marchand and Seth Jones. Bennett led all goal-scorers this postseason with 15, and Marchand had six in the final alone.

Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Barkov handed the Cup to first-time champion Nate Schmidt, and all the others winning it for the first time got it soon after.

“It’s amazing to be able to be here," Schmidt said. "I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.”

Getting depth contributions from throughout the lineup allowed them to overpower Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the Oilers, who struggled with Florida’s ferocious forecheck and&nbsp;switched goaltenders multiple times&nbsp;in the final. Stuart Skinner got the nod in Game 6 and was again done in by mistakes in front of him that ended with the puck in the net behind him and had his own blunder on Reinhart’s second goal.

McDavid tried to take over but was again stymied by Barkov, Jones and Bobrovsky. He finished with seven points in his second career trip to the final, again denied his first title.

The Panthers spent more time leading during this Stanley Cup Final than any previous team in history, 255:49 minutes in all.

“We lost to a really good team,” McDavid said. “Nobody quit, nobody threw the towel in, but they’re a heck of a team. They’re back-to-back Stanley Cup champions for a reason.”

Canada’s Stanley Cup drought reached 31 seasons and 32 years dating to Montreal in 1993. Teams in the U.S. Sun Belt have won it five of the past six times, four of them in Florida.

This run through Tampa Bay in five games, Toronto in seven, Carolina in five and Edmonton in six showed how clinical the Panthers have become under Maurice, who has coached more NHL games than everyone except Scotty Bowman and is now a two-time champion.

So is Marchand, who last hoisted the Cup in 2011 with the Boston Bruins. The 14-year gap is the third-longest in league history, just shy of 16 for Chris Chelios from 1986 to 2002 and 15 for Mark Recchi from ’91 to ’06.

“It’s incredible," Marchand said. “It’s a feeling you can’t really describe. Seeing the family and everyone up there and everyone that supported me and helped me get to this point, words can’t put this into reality how great it feels. Such an incredible group.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750251799557.jpeg" alt="The Florida Panthers raise the Stanley Cup after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Fla., Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)" />
 <figcaption>The Florida Panthers raise the Stanley Cup after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Fla., Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Stanley's stay in South Florida is getting extended.The Florida Panthers&nbsp;repeated as Stanley Cup champions&nbsp;by beating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in&nbsp;Game 6 of the final&nbsp;on Tuesday night, becoming the NHL’s first back-to-back winners since&nbsp;Tampa Bay in 2020 and ’21&nbsp;and the third team to do it this century.Sam Reinhart scored four goals, becoming just the sixth player in league history and first since Maurice Richard in 1957 to get that many in a game in the final. His third to complete the hat trick sent rats, along with hats, flying onto the ice. Matthew Tkachuk, one of the faces of the franchise, fittingly scored the Cup clincher.More rats were part of the victory celebration when the clock hit zeroes. Panthers players mobbed in the corner, while the Oilers watched in dismay.“Good evening, South Florida,” Commissioner Gary Bettman said before presenting the trophy to captain Aleksander Barkov. “It feels like we just did this.”Sergei Bobrovsky&nbsp;stopped 28 of the 29 shots he faced, closing the door on a rematch with the same end result. The only goal came from fellow Russian Vasily Podkolzin in garbage time, long after the outcome was decided and the NHL put a bow on a remarkable season that included Alex Ovechkin’s milestone as the&nbsp;all-time leading goal scorer&nbsp;and Olympics-like buzz around&nbsp;the 4 Nations tournament&nbsp;in February.There were chants of “We want the Cup!” as the final moments ticked away. The Panthers already had it.Now they get to keep it.“This is as good as the first one," Reinhart said. “We learned some lessons. We stayed on the gas, foot on the pedal, and obviously the result speaks for itself.”Not long after the Lightning made three trips to the final in a row, Florida has done the same and now has the makings of a dynasty. The Panthers have won 11 of 12 playoff series since T&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nhl-sports-hockey-relationships-florida-15cfbe5f1682d785c585251f8298ad8c">kachuk arrived</a>&nbsp;by trade and Paul Maurice took over as coach in the summer of 2022.“We’ve got to be a dynasty now," Tkachuk said. “Three years in a row finals, two championships. This is a special group.”The only time they have been on the wrong side of a handshake line was the final in Vegas in 2023, only after several key players were banged up and gutting through significant injuries.From the core of Tkachuk, Reinhart, Barkov and Sam Bennett on down the roster,&nbsp;they were much healthier&nbsp;this time around and were boosted by key trade deadline additions Brad Marchand and Seth Jones. Bennett led all goal-scorers this postseason with 15, and Marchand had six in the final alone.Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Barkov handed the Cup to first-time champion Nate Schmidt, and all the others winning it for the first time got it soon after.“It’s amazing to be able to be here," Schmidt said. "I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.”Getting depth contributions from throughout the lineup allowed them to overpower Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the Oilers, who struggled with Florida’s ferocious forecheck and&nbsp;switched goaltenders multiple times&nbsp;in the final. Stuart Skinner got the nod in Game 6 and was again done in by mistakes in front of him that ended with the puck in the net behind him and had his own blunder on Reinhart’s second goal.McDavid tried to take over but was again stymied by Barkov, Jones and Bobrovsky. He finished with seven points in his second career trip to the final, again denied his first title.The Panthers spent more time leading during this Stanley Cup Final than any previous team in history, 255:49 minutes in all.“We lost to a really good team,” McDavid said. “Nobody quit, nobody threw the towel in, but they’re a heck of a team. They’re back-to-back Stanley Cup champions for a reason.”Canada’s Stanley Cup drought reached 31 seasons and 32 years dating to Montreal in 1993. Teams in the U.S. Sun Belt have won it five of the past six times, four of them in Florida.This run through Tampa Bay in five games, Toronto in seven, Carolina in five and Edmonton in six showed how clinical the Panthers have become under Maurice, who has coached more NHL games than everyone except Scotty Bowman and is now a two-time champion.So is Marchand, who last hoisted the Cup in 2011 with the Boston Bruins. The 14-year gap is the third-longest in league history, just shy of 16 for Chris Chelios from 1986 to 2002 and 15 for Mark Recchi from ’91 to ’06.“It’s incredible," Marchand said. “It’s a feeling you can’t really describe. Seeing the family and everyone up there and everyone that supported me and helped me get to this point, words can’t put this into reality how great it feels. Such an incredible group.”

Back-to-back Cats: Panthers repeat as Stanley Cup champions by beating the Oilers in 6 games

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

From Monty Hobbs in 1974, Jeremy Rusco in 2002 and Jeremy Reed in 2007…Great
Bend has a long history of sending players to compete in the Kansas Shrine
Bowl. The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star game for graduating high school
seniors played each summer. 

This year, Owen Kaiser will represent Great Bend
High School in the game to be played in Dodge City on Saturday. In between his junior and senior year, Kaiser knew one of his goals was to play in the Shrine Bowl.

"It's a very special thing to me," said Kaiser. "I'm proud to put on the Great Bend helmet one last time and go show what Great Bend High School football was last year."

Kaiser becomes the first Panther to participate in the Shrine Bowl since 2020
and the 26th overall player from Great Bend.


Kaiser will be on the Barton Community College baseball team this upcoming
school year and is currently playing summer ball for the Great Bend Bat Cats.


"It's definitely a grind now that I'm picking up from doing a lot of baseball stuff," said Kaiser. "I'm just getting back into the groove of conditioning."

Kaiser was a Western Athletic Conference first-team selection as an offensive
lineman for the Panthers his senior year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kickoff from Memorial Stadium in Dodge City is at 7 p.m. on Saturday. You can listen to the radio broadcast on 100.7 Eagle Country or online by clicking <a href="https://khokfm.com/">HERE</a>.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl broadcast in Great Bend is sponsored by:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750173682411.jpeg" alt="Great Bend High School graduate Owen Kaiser will play in the 52nd annual Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in Dodge City." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School graduate Owen Kaiser will play in the 52nd annual Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in Dodge City.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostFrom Monty Hobbs in 1974, Jeremy Rusco in 2002 and Jeremy Reed in 2007…Great
Bend has a long history of sending players to compete in the Kansas Shrine
Bowl. The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star game for graduating high school
seniors played each summer. This year, Owen Kaiser will represent Great Bend
High School in the game to be played in Dodge City on Saturday. In between his junior and senior year, Kaiser knew one of his goals was to play in the Shrine Bowl."It's a very special thing to me," said Kaiser. "I'm proud to put on the Great Bend helmet one last time and go show what Great Bend High School football was last year."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750174352803.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kaiser becomes the first Panther to participate in the Shrine Bowl since 2020
and the 26th overall player from Great Bend.
Kaiser will be on the Barton Community College baseball team this upcoming
school year and is currently playing summer ball for the Great Bend Bat Cats.
"It's definitely a grind now that I'm picking up from doing a lot of baseball stuff," said Kaiser. "I'm just getting back into the groove of conditioning."Kaiser was a Western Athletic Conference first-team selection as an offensive
lineman for the Panthers his senior year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Kickoff from Memorial Stadium in Dodge City is at 7 p.m. on Saturday. You can listen to the radio broadcast on 100.7 Eagle Country or online by clicking <a href="https://khokfm.com/">HERE</a>.The Kansas Shrine Bowl broadcast in Great Bend is sponsored by:Cody Crook Red Cedar Land Company Freedom Claims Management Kern Floor Service Chris Ramsey - Shelter Insurance The Fieldhouse Jimlo Glass Center Equity Bank Advanced Truck and Diesel Charlie's Place Great Bend Rec Advanced Therapy and Sports Medicine Fastenal&nbsp; Murphy Mini Storage&nbsp; &nbsp;