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:

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;

<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;

Kaiser ready to represent Great Bend in Kansas Shrine Bowl

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Panthers repeated as Stanley Cup champions by beating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6 of the final. They are the NHL’s first back-to-back winners since Tampa Bay in 2020 and ’21 and the third team to do it this century. Sam Reinhart scored four of the five goals, including the Cup clincher again. The Panthers have won 11 of 12 playoff series since Matthew Tkachuk arrived by trade and Paul Maurice took over as coach in the summer of 2022. Connor McDavid was again denied the first title of his career in his second consecutive final. Canada's Stanley Cup drought reached 32 years.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Sam Bennett has won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after leading the Florida Panthers to a second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. Bennett scored 15 times to lead all playoff scorers this season. He also was a factor physically by making some big hits, crowding the crease and knocking Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner and other opponents off their game. Bennett could parlay his massive postseason success into a lucrative contract as a free agent whether he re-signs with Florida or goes elsewhere.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton’s status for Game 6 of the NBA Finals is understandably in at least some doubt, after the Olympic gold-medal-winning guard was undergoing evaluation Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury to his lower right leg. Part of that evaluation was an MRI exam, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because neither Haliburton nor the team revealed that publicly. ESPN first reported that an MRI was scheduled. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle made clear after Game 5 that the Eastern Conference champions would be taking a close look at the injury.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Rafael Devers has been formally introduced by the Giants, days after being traded to San Francisco by the Boston Red Sox. Devers is set to be designated hitter batting third in the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians. He is determined to leave his own lasting mark on the franchise in what is a much-needed fresh start for him and a monumental mid-season acquisition for Buster Posey and San Francisco’s front office. Devers says he's done discussing any issues he had with the Red Sox and eager to move forward with the Giants, insisting he will play anywhere and do whatever manager Bob Melvin and his staff ask.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark had 20 points, six assists and four 3-pointers and the Indiana Fever beat the Connecticut Sun 88-71 in a physical game that included three late ejections. With 46.1 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Connecticut guard Jacy Sheldon made a steal and raced the other way before being wrapped up by Sophie Cunningham under the basket for a hard foul. Sheldon got up quicky and got into a shoving match with Cunningham, leading to Cunningham, Sheldon and Lindsay Allen all getting ejected. Sheldon was also the center of another official review in the third quarter after she poked Clark in the eye and then Marina Mabrey came in late to shove Clark to the floor. Indiana secured a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees’ offense is drifting toward uncharted territory — and not in a good way. The team tied a franchise record by getting shut out for the third straight game Tuesday night, when the Yankees went 0 for 10 with runners on base in a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. The Yankees have been blanked in three consecutive games seven times in their 123-year history — but only three times in the last 50 years, most recently from Sept. 22-24, 2016. The last major league team to get shut out in four straight games was the Kansas City Royals in September 2017.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani came out of his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers in good order, even if he was his own worst critic. Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani is “a little fatigued” but otherwise feeling good a day after returning from elbow surgery and pitching in a major league game for the first time since August 2023. Ohtani, who threw one inning, says he wasn't quite happy with the results overall. He gave up a pair of hits and a run in the Dodgers' 6-3 win over San Diego. He could pitch again this weekend when the Washington Nationals visit Dodger Stadium.

Former Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs has apologized to the family of a woman he killed in a car crash nearly four years ago. Ruggs was on special release Tuesday night to speak at a Hope for Prisoners event in Las Vegas. Ruggs drove his sports car at speeds up to 156 mph on Nov. 2, 2021, slamming into a vehicle that killed driver Tina Tintor and her dog, Max. Tintor was 23. Ruggs apologized after he was asked at the event what he would say to Tintor’s family.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A federal judge is urging NASCAR and two of its teams to settle their increasingly acrimonious legal fight that spilled over into tense arguments during a hearing this week. 23XI Racing, which is owned by Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, is fighting with NASCAR along with Front Row Motorsports. The two say the series is a monopoly, but NASCAR has struck back with a countersuit of its own.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — In the end, not even Saudi Arabia or Gianni Infantino could engineer a way to get Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup. FIFA president Infantino certainly tried - last month making a public appeal ahead of the tournament. Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr was due to expire and FIFA’s decision to create a specially-made mini transfer window for its newest competition meant the path was clear for the Real Madrid great to sign a short-term deal with a new team just in time to take part. Given his connection to Saudi Arabia, where he was the face of the oil-rich kingdom’s spectacular drive to sign some of soccer’s biggest stars in recent years, rumors began to circulate about a move to Al Hilal.

INTERLEAGUE Final Detroit 7 Pittsburgh 3 Final Toronto 5 Arizona 4 Final St. Louis 12 Chicago White Sox 2 Final Cincinnati 6 Minnesota 5 Final Cleveland 3 San Francisco 2

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final L.A. Angels 4 N.Y. Yankees 0 Final Baltimore 5 Tampa Bay 1 Final Kansas City 6 Texas 1 Final Seattle 8 Boston 0 Final Houston 13 Athletics 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Miami 8 Philadelphia 3 Final Colorado 10 Washington 6 Final Atlanta 5 N.Y. Mets 4 Final Chicago Cubs 5 Milwaukee 3 Final L.A. Dodgers 8 San Diego 6

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS Final Florida 5 Edmonton 1

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Panthers repeated as Stanley Cup champions by beating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6 of the final. They are the NHL’s first back-to-back winners since Tampa Bay in 2020 and ’21 and the third team to do it this century. Sam Reinhart scored four of the five goals, including the Cup clincher again. The Panthers have won 11 of 12 playoff series since Matthew Tkachuk arrived by trade and Paul Maurice took over as coach in the summer of 2022. Connor McDavid was again denied the first title of his career in his second consecutive final. Canada's Stanley Cup drought reached 32 years.SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Sam Bennett has won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after leading the Florida Panthers to a second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. Bennett scored 15 times to lead all playoff scorers this season. He also was a factor physically by making some big hits, crowding the crease and knocking Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner and other opponents off their game. Bennett could parlay his massive postseason success into a lucrative contract as a free agent whether he re-signs with Florida or goes elsewhere.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton’s status for Game 6 of the NBA Finals is understandably in at least some doubt, after the Olympic gold-medal-winning guard was undergoing evaluation Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury to his lower right leg. Part of that evaluation was an MRI exam, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because neither Haliburton nor the team revealed that publicly. ESPN first reported that an MRI was scheduled. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle made clear after Game 5 that the Eastern Conference champions would be taking a close look at the injury.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Rafael Devers has been formally introduced by the Giants, days after being traded to San Francisco by the Boston Red Sox. Devers is set to be designated hitter batting third in the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians. He is determined to leave his own lasting mark on the franchise in what is a much-needed fresh start for him and a monumental mid-season acquisition for Buster Posey and San Francisco’s front office. Devers says he's done discussing any issues he had with the Red Sox and eager to move forward with the Giants, insisting he will play anywhere and do whatever manager Bob Melvin and his staff ask.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark had 20 points, six assists and four 3-pointers and the Indiana Fever beat the Connecticut Sun 88-71 in a physical game that included three late ejections. With 46.1 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Connecticut guard Jacy Sheldon made a steal and raced the other way before being wrapped up by Sophie Cunningham under the basket for a hard foul. Sheldon got up quicky and got into a shoving match with Cunningham, leading to Cunningham, Sheldon and Lindsay Allen all getting ejected. Sheldon was also the center of another official review in the third quarter after she poked Clark in the eye and then Marina Mabrey came in late to shove Clark to the floor. Indiana secured a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup.NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees’ offense is drifting toward uncharted territory — and not in a good way. The team tied a franchise record by getting shut out for the third straight game Tuesday night, when the Yankees went 0 for 10 with runners on base in a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. The Yankees have been blanked in three consecutive games seven times in their 123-year history — but only three times in the last 50 years, most recently from Sept. 22-24, 2016. The last major league team to get shut out in four straight games was the Kansas City Royals in September 2017.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani came out of his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers in good order, even if he was his own worst critic. Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani is “a little fatigued” but otherwise feeling good a day after returning from elbow surgery and pitching in a major league game for the first time since August 2023. Ohtani, who threw one inning, says he wasn't quite happy with the results overall. He gave up a pair of hits and a run in the Dodgers' 6-3 win over San Diego. He could pitch again this weekend when the Washington Nationals visit Dodger Stadium.Former Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs has apologized to the family of a woman he killed in a car crash nearly four years ago. Ruggs was on special release Tuesday night to speak at a Hope for Prisoners event in Las Vegas. Ruggs drove his sports car at speeds up to 156 mph on Nov. 2, 2021, slamming into a vehicle that killed driver Tina Tintor and her dog, Max. Tintor was 23. Ruggs apologized after he was asked at the event what he would say to Tintor’s family.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A federal judge is urging NASCAR and two of its teams to settle their increasingly acrimonious legal fight that spilled over into tense arguments during a hearing this week. 23XI Racing, which is owned by Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, is fighting with NASCAR along with Front Row Motorsports. The two say the series is a monopoly, but NASCAR has struck back with a countersuit of its own.MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — In the end, not even Saudi Arabia or Gianni Infantino could engineer a way to get Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup. FIFA president Infantino certainly tried - last month making a public appeal ahead of the tournament. Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr was due to expire and FIFA’s decision to create a specially-made mini transfer window for its newest competition meant the path was clear for the Real Madrid great to sign a short-term deal with a new team just in time to take part. Given his connection to Saudi Arabia, where he was the face of the oil-rich kingdom’s spectacular drive to sign some of soccer’s biggest stars in recent years, rumors began to circulate about a move to Al Hilal.

INTERLEAGUE Final Detroit 7 Pittsburgh 3 Final Toronto 5 Arizona 4 Final St. Louis 12 Chicago White Sox 2 Final Cincinnati 6 Minnesota 5 Final Cleveland 3 San Francisco 2AMERICAN LEAGUE Final L.A. Angels 4 N.Y. Yankees 0 Final Baltimore 5 Tampa Bay 1 Final Kansas City 6 Texas 1 Final Seattle 8 Boston 0 Final Houston 13 Athletics 3NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Miami 8 Philadelphia 3 Final Colorado 10 Washington 6 Final Atlanta 5 N.Y. Mets 4 Final Chicago Cubs 5 Milwaukee 3 Final L.A. Dodgers 8 San Diego 6NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS Final Florida 5 Edmonton 1

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Matt McMullen Cheifs.com The folks at Pro Football Focus have been gradually publishing&nbsp;their positional rankings ahead of the 2025 campaign, and now that they're complete, no team featured more players with a No. 1 ranking than the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kansas City landed three players atop PFF's various positional rankings, which sought to identify the top players at every position heading into next season: quarterback Patrick Mahomes, center Creed Humphrey and defensive tackle Chris Jones.

The Chiefs were one of four teams to feature multiple players with a No. 1 ranking, joining the Philadelphia Eagles (2), San Francisco 49ers (2) and Baltimore Ravens (2).

Offensive Tackle: Jordan Mailata (Eagles)

Offensive Guard: Chris Lindstrom (Falcons)

The Chiefs nearly had a fourth player with a No. 1 ranking, too, as cornerback Trent McDuffie landed at No. 3 in PFF's positional rankings behind only Gardner and the Denver Broncos' Pat Surtain II.

Matt McMullen Cheifs.com The folks at Pro Football Focus have been gradually publishing&nbsp;their positional rankings ahead of the 2025 campaign, and now that they're complete, no team featured more players with a No. 1 ranking than the Kansas City Chiefs.Kansas City landed three players atop PFF's various positional rankings, which sought to identify the top players at every position heading into next season: quarterback Patrick Mahomes, center Creed Humphrey and defensive tackle Chris Jones.The Chiefs were one of four teams to feature multiple players with a No. 1 ranking, joining the Philadelphia Eagles (2), San Francisco 49ers (2) and Baltimore Ravens (2).Here's how the rankings shook out:Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)Running Back: Derrick Henry (Ravens)Wide Receiver: A.J. Brown (Eagles)Tight End: George Kittle (49ers)Offensive Tackle: Jordan Mailata (Eagles)Offensive Guard: Chris Lindstrom (Falcons)Center: Creed Humphrey (Chiefs)Defensive Tackle: Chris Jones (Chiefs)EDGE: Myles Garrett (Browns)Linebacker: Fred Warner (49ers)Cornerback: Sauce Gardner (Jets)Safety: Kyle Hamilton (Ravens)The Chiefs nearly had a fourth player with a No. 1 ranking, too, as cornerback Trent McDuffie landed at No. 3 in PFF's positional rankings behind only Gardner and the Denver Broncos' Pat Surtain II.

Chiefs Lead the NFL with Three Top-Ranked Players in PFF's Positional Rankings

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Game 5 was starting to look like Game 1 all over again. Oklahoma City, at home, takes a huge lead. Indiana comes roaring back in the fourth quarter.

This time, the Thunder crafted a different ending — and a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals was their reward.

Jalen Williams scored a career playoff-high 40 points, MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 and the Thunder moved one win from a title by beating the Pacers 120-109 on Monday night.

“We're learning,” said Williams, whose previous playoff best was 34.

It was the 10th — and by far, the biggest — time the Thunder stars combined for more than 70 points in a game. Williams was 14 of 24 from the field, and Gilgeous-Alexander added 10 assists.

“It wasn't a perfect game at all and there's a lot of room for growth,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “But our improvement from Game 4 to Game 5 was critical.”

Pascal Siakam had 28 points for Indiana, which will host Game 6 on Thursday night. TJ McConnell added 18 for the Pacers, who whittled an 18-point deficit down to two in the fourth — then watched the Thunder pull away again, and for good.

“It kind of went away from us,” Siakam said. “But the fight was there.”

It was, but now everything favors the Thunder.

Teams that win Game 5 of an NBA Finals that was tied at 2-2 have gone on to win the series 23 times in 31 previous opportunities, or 74%. And teams with a 3-2 lead in the finals have won 40 times in 49 previous opportunities, or 82%.

Down by 18 late in the second quarter, the Pacers — the comeback kings of these playoffs, with as many wins in this postseason from 15 points down or more (five) than the rest of the league has combined, including in Game 1 of this series — did what they do, chipping away. And they did it with&nbsp;Tyrese Haliburton reduced to basically playing decoy&nbsp;on offense because of a leg issue that he aggravated in the first quarter.

“He's not 100%,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “It's pretty clear.”

Led by McConnell, who scored 13 points in just under seven minutes of the third, the Pacers got within five late in that quarter.

Then, Siakam went to work — a pair of free throws with 9:19 left got Indiana within four, then a 3-pointer about a minute later made it 95-93. In the play-by-play era of the NBA, starting with the 1997 playoffs, teams with leads of 15 points or more in the finals were 80-9.

Make that 81-9 now, and the Thunder are one win away from giving Oklahoma City its first NBA title.

“That was honestly the same exact game as Game 1,” Williams said. “Learning through these finals, that's what makes a team good.”

One more win, and his team will be certified as great.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750163175626.jpeg" alt="Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) celebrates during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Indiana Pacers, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)" />
 <figcaption>Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) celebrates during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Indiana Pacers, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Game 5 was starting to look like Game 1 all over again. Oklahoma City, at home, takes a huge lead. Indiana comes roaring back in the fourth quarter.Indiana won that one.This time, the Thunder crafted a different ending — and a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals was their reward.Jalen Williams scored a career playoff-high 40 points, MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 and the Thunder moved one win from a title by beating the Pacers 120-109 on Monday night.“We're learning,” said Williams, whose previous playoff best was 34.It was the 10th — and by far, the biggest — time the Thunder stars combined for more than 70 points in a game. Williams was 14 of 24 from the field, and Gilgeous-Alexander added 10 assists.“It wasn't a perfect game at all and there's a lot of room for growth,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “But our improvement from Game 4 to Game 5 was critical.”Pascal Siakam had 28 points for Indiana, which will host Game 6 on Thursday night. TJ McConnell added 18 for the Pacers, who whittled an 18-point deficit down to two in the fourth — then watched the Thunder pull away again, and for good.“It kind of went away from us,” Siakam said. “But the fight was there.”It was, but now everything favors the Thunder.Teams that win Game 5 of an NBA Finals that was tied at 2-2 have gone on to win the series 23 times in 31 previous opportunities, or 74%. And teams with a 3-2 lead in the finals have won 40 times in 49 previous opportunities, or 82%.But Game 5 was not easy. Far from it.Down by 18 late in the second quarter, the Pacers — the comeback kings of these playoffs, with as many wins in this postseason from 15 points down or more (five) than the rest of the league has combined, including in Game 1 of this series — did what they do, chipping away. And they did it with&nbsp;Tyrese Haliburton reduced to basically playing decoy&nbsp;on offense because of a leg issue that he aggravated in the first quarter.“He's not 100%,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “It's pretty clear.”Led by McConnell, who scored 13 points in just under seven minutes of the third, the Pacers got within five late in that quarter.Then, Siakam went to work — a pair of free throws with 9:19 left got Indiana within four, then a 3-pointer about a minute later made it 95-93. In the play-by-play era of the NBA, starting with the 1997 playoffs, teams with leads of 15 points or more in the finals were 80-9.Make that 81-9 now, and the Thunder are one win away from giving Oklahoma City its first NBA title.“That was honestly the same exact game as Game 1,” Williams said. “Learning through these finals, that's what makes a team good.”One more win, and his team will be certified as great.

Game 5: Williams scores 40 points and Thunder win 120-109 for a 3-2 NBA Finals lead over Pacers

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Panthers can win the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row by beating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the final. Their first chance to clinch the franchise's second championship comes at home after a dominant performance in Game 5 at Edmonton. Players say they learned important lessons from failing to close out the Oilers three times in the final a year ago. Still, the Stanley Cup being in the building is enough to rile up the nerves in what could be the final game of the NHL season.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jalen Williams had a career playoff-high 40 points, MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 and the Oklahoma City Thunder moved one win from a title by beating the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night.It was the 10th — and by far, the biggest — time the Thunder stars combined for more than 70 points in a game. Williams was 14 of 24 from the field, and Gilgeous-Alexander added 10 assists for the Thunder.Pascal Siakam had 28 points for Indiana, which now trails the series 3-2 and will play host to Game 6 on Thursday night.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jerry West and Elgin Baylor did it often. Kyrie Irving and LeBron James did it a couple of times. Magic Johnson and Jamaal Wilkes were among those who did it once. And now, Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have entered NBA lore. Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night marked just the 14th time in league history that a game saw somebody score at least 40 points in a title-round game while one of his teammates scored at least 30. Williams had 40 and Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 31 in Oklahoma City’s 120-109 win over Indiana, a victory that gave the Thunder a 3-2 lead in the series.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani gave up a pair of two-strike hits and a run in his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut against the San Diego Padres, which came 21 months after the two-way superstar had elbow surgery. Ohtani threw 28 pitches — 16 for strikes — in the first inning as Dodger Stadium fans hung on every one. They oohed when a fastball was clocked at 100.2 mph — the second-hardest pitch thrown by a Dodgers hurler this season. After getting through the top of the first on the mound, Ohtani struck out swinging at the plate leading off the bottom of the inning against Dylan Cease. Los Angeles reliever Anthony Banda replaced Ohtani in the second. Ohtani finished 2 for 4 with two RBIs as the Dodgers won 6-3.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Rebecca Lobo and Jen Rizzotti have spent the last few years coaching the AAU team that their sons play for. It’s hard to miss a lot of the unselfish play and style that the two UConn greats learned in their time under Geno Auriemma and Chris Dailey, who just finished off their 40th year at the school. They’ve instilled that in their boys' team.

NEW YORK (AP) — Imagine Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu competing together for a Grand Slam trophy. How about Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe as a duo? Iga Swiatek alongside Casper Ruud? Or Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios? Those are among the high-wattage pairs on Tuesday’s preliminary entry list for the reimagined U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament on Aug. 19-20. Ten of the top 11 women in the WTA singles rankings and 10 of the top 11 men on the ATP tour have registered to compete for the $1 million top prize that will be split by the winners. That is an $800,000 increase over 2024.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Arkansas’ Gage Wood pitched the third no-hitter in College World Series history and first in 65 years, striking out a record 19 and never letting Murray State come close to getting a hit in the Razorbacks’ 3-0 victory. Wood joined Jim Ehrler of Texas in 1950 and Jim Wixson of Oklahoma State in 1960 as the only pitchers to throw CWS no-hitters. His defense was never really challenged as he dominated a Racers team that was making its first Omaha appearance. The junior right-hander set the CWS record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game.

Louisiana soon could raise taxes on sports betting to help finance the athletic departments at many of its public universities. Legislation pending before Gov. Jeff Landry would make Louisiana the first state to raise taxes for college sports since a judge approved a landmark settlement allowing schools to directly pay athletes for use of their name, image and likeness. Earlier this year, Arkansas became the first state to exempt school NIL payments to athletes from state income taxes. Some sports business analysts expect more states to follow with laws aimed at giving an edge to their college athletes.

SEATTLE (AP) — Prized rookie Roman Anthony has hit his first major league home run for the Boston Red Sox in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners. The 21-year-old Anthony turned on a slider from Mariners starter Logan Gilbert — who was making his first appearance since coming off the injured list — and cranked it to right-center for a solo shot. The right fielder was rated the top prospect in baseball when he got called up from Triple-A Worcester last week. Anthony began the night hitting .059 through six major league games. His home run was just his second hit since he made his debut on June 9.

BERLIN (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka says she has written to Coco Gauff to apologize for the “unprofessional” comments she made following her loss to her American rival in the final of the French Open. Speaking to Eurosport Germany, the top-ranked Sabalenka said her remarks after her loss to Gauff at Roland-Garros were a mistake. In her post-match press conference in Paris, Sabalenka had suggested that the result was more due to her own errors than to Gauff’s performance. Sabalenka says “that was just completely unprofessional of me,” adding that she let her emotions get the better of her.

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Tampa Bay 7 Baltimore 1 Final L.A. Angels&nbsp; 1N.Y. Yankees 0 Final Boston 2 Seattle 0 Final Athletics 3 Houston 1

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Colorado 6 Washington 4 Final Philadelphia 5 Miami 2 Final L.A. Dodgers 6 San Diego 3

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS Final Oklahoma City 120 Indiana 109

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Panthers can win the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row by beating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the final. Their first chance to clinch the franchise's second championship comes at home after a dominant performance in Game 5 at Edmonton. Players say they learned important lessons from failing to close out the Oilers three times in the final a year ago. Still, the Stanley Cup being in the building is enough to rile up the nerves in what could be the final game of the NHL season.OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jalen Williams had a career playoff-high 40 points, MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 and the Oklahoma City Thunder moved one win from a title by beating the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night.It was the 10th — and by far, the biggest — time the Thunder stars combined for more than 70 points in a game. Williams was 14 of 24 from the field, and Gilgeous-Alexander added 10 assists for the Thunder.Pascal Siakam had 28 points for Indiana, which now trails the series 3-2 and will play host to Game 6 on Thursday night.OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jerry West and Elgin Baylor did it often. Kyrie Irving and LeBron James did it a couple of times. Magic Johnson and Jamaal Wilkes were among those who did it once. And now, Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have entered NBA lore. Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night marked just the 14th time in league history that a game saw somebody score at least 40 points in a title-round game while one of his teammates scored at least 30. Williams had 40 and Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 31 in Oklahoma City’s 120-109 win over Indiana, a victory that gave the Thunder a 3-2 lead in the series.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani gave up a pair of two-strike hits and a run in his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut against the San Diego Padres, which came 21 months after the two-way superstar had elbow surgery. Ohtani threw 28 pitches — 16 for strikes — in the first inning as Dodger Stadium fans hung on every one. They oohed when a fastball was clocked at 100.2 mph — the second-hardest pitch thrown by a Dodgers hurler this season. After getting through the top of the first on the mound, Ohtani struck out swinging at the plate leading off the bottom of the inning against Dylan Cease. Los Angeles reliever Anthony Banda replaced Ohtani in the second. Ohtani finished 2 for 4 with two RBIs as the Dodgers won 6-3.SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Rebecca Lobo and Jen Rizzotti have spent the last few years coaching the AAU team that their sons play for. It’s hard to miss a lot of the unselfish play and style that the two UConn greats learned in their time under Geno Auriemma and Chris Dailey, who just finished off their 40th year at the school. They’ve instilled that in their boys' team.NEW YORK (AP) — Imagine Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu competing together for a Grand Slam trophy. How about Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe as a duo? Iga Swiatek alongside Casper Ruud? Or Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios? Those are among the high-wattage pairs on Tuesday’s preliminary entry list for the reimagined U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament on Aug. 19-20. Ten of the top 11 women in the WTA singles rankings and 10 of the top 11 men on the ATP tour have registered to compete for the $1 million top prize that will be split by the winners. That is an $800,000 increase over 2024.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Arkansas’ Gage Wood pitched the third no-hitter in College World Series history and first in 65 years, striking out a record 19 and never letting Murray State come close to getting a hit in the Razorbacks’ 3-0 victory. Wood joined Jim Ehrler of Texas in 1950 and Jim Wixson of Oklahoma State in 1960 as the only pitchers to throw CWS no-hitters. His defense was never really challenged as he dominated a Racers team that was making its first Omaha appearance. The junior right-hander set the CWS record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game.Louisiana soon could raise taxes on sports betting to help finance the athletic departments at many of its public universities. Legislation pending before Gov. Jeff Landry would make Louisiana the first state to raise taxes for college sports since a judge approved a landmark settlement allowing schools to directly pay athletes for use of their name, image and likeness. Earlier this year, Arkansas became the first state to exempt school NIL payments to athletes from state income taxes. Some sports business analysts expect more states to follow with laws aimed at giving an edge to their college athletes.SEATTLE (AP) — Prized rookie Roman Anthony has hit his first major league home run for the Boston Red Sox in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners. The 21-year-old Anthony turned on a slider from Mariners starter Logan Gilbert — who was making his first appearance since coming off the injured list — and cranked it to right-center for a solo shot. The right fielder was rated the top prospect in baseball when he got called up from Triple-A Worcester last week. Anthony began the night hitting .059 through six major league games. His home run was just his second hit since he made his debut on June 9.BERLIN (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka says she has written to Coco Gauff to apologize for the “unprofessional” comments she made following her loss to her American rival in the final of the French Open. Speaking to Eurosport Germany, the top-ranked Sabalenka said her remarks after her loss to Gauff at Roland-Garros were a mistake. In her post-match press conference in Paris, Sabalenka had suggested that the result was more due to her own errors than to Gauff’s performance. Sabalenka says “that was just completely unprofessional of me,” adding that she let her emotions get the better of her.

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Tampa Bay 7 Baltimore 1 Final L.A. Angels&nbsp; 1N.Y. Yankees 0 Final Boston 2 Seattle 0 Final Athletics 3 Houston 1NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Colorado 6 Washington 4 Final Philadelphia 5 Miami 2 Final L.A. Dodgers 6 San Diego 3NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS Final Oklahoma City 120 Indiana 109

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

The Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The back-and-forth of these NBA Finals has been constant.

Game 1&nbsp;went to Indiana, so Oklahoma City had to bounce back in&nbsp;Game 2.&nbsp;Indiana reclaimed the series lead in&nbsp;Game 3, only to see Oklahoma City answer yet again in&nbsp;Game 4,&nbsp;knotting the series 2-2.

And now, Game 5. The swing game, as some call it. The winner on Monday night — Pacers vs. Thunder in Oklahoma City — will take a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals, moving one win away from hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Odds are, the Game 5 winner will go on to win the series. It's happened that way 23 times in the previous 31 instances of the NBA Finals being tied at two games apiece.

“It’s the ultimate effort, endeavor, whatever you want to call it,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said after his team lost Game 4. “I mean, it’s long. It’s arduous. But it’s the greatest opportunity going. It’s the greatest opportunity going. It’s really hard, and it’s supposed to be hard. It’s supposed to be hard. This is where we’re going to have to dig in and circle the wagons and come back stronger on Monday.”

Oklahoma City is a league-best 44-8 at home this season, including the playoffs. Indiana is seeking its eighth road win of these playoffs, which would tie the Pacers for the second-most in a single postseason. Houston has the record for road wins in one playoff year with nine in its run to the 1995 title.

Game 6 will be in Indianapolis on Thursday night. If a Game 7 is necessary, it will be back in Oklahoma City on Sunday night.

The Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The back-and-forth of these NBA Finals has been constant.Game 1&nbsp;went to Indiana, so Oklahoma City had to bounce back in&nbsp;Game 2.&nbsp;Indiana reclaimed the series lead in&nbsp;Game 3, only to see Oklahoma City answer yet again in&nbsp;Game 4,&nbsp;knotting the series 2-2.And now, Game 5. The swing game, as some call it. The winner on Monday night — Pacers vs. Thunder in Oklahoma City — will take a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals, moving one win away from hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.Odds are, the Game 5 winner will go on to win the series. It's happened that way 23 times in the previous 31 instances of the NBA Finals being tied at two games apiece.“It’s the ultimate effort, endeavor, whatever you want to call it,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said after his team lost Game 4. “I mean, it’s long. It’s arduous. But it’s the greatest opportunity going. It’s the greatest opportunity going. It’s really hard, and it’s supposed to be hard. It’s supposed to be hard. This is where we’re going to have to dig in and circle the wagons and come back stronger on Monday.”Oklahoma City is a league-best 44-8 at home this season, including the playoffs. Indiana is seeking its eighth road win of these playoffs, which would tie the Pacers for the second-most in a single postseason. Houston has the record for road wins in one playoff year with nine in its run to the 1995 title.Game 6 will be in Indianapolis on Thursday night. If a Game 7 is necessary, it will be back in Oklahoma City on Sunday night.

Game 5: Pacers, Thunder set to play swing game, with winner grabbing 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Kurtz hit a solo ninth-inning homer to rally the Athletics to a 3-2 win and three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Kurtz hit Carlos Estévez’s (2-2) fastball 411 feet to right-center for his sixth home run. It gave the Athletics their first sweep at Kauffman Stadium since September 2016.

T.J. Ferguson (2-2) retired all four batters he faced, striking out two to earn the win and Mason Miller struck out two for his 14th save.

The Royals matched their longest losing streak of the season while dropping all six games of their homestand. Kansas City has lost six straight home series.

Austin Wynns hit a two-run homer to left-center off reliever John Schreiber, tying the game 2-2 in the sixth. It was Wynns’ fifth home run and second in five games since his acquisition from the Cincinnati Reds.

Royals starter Noah Cameron struck out seven in five scoreless innings.

After Kyle Isbel doubled off first baseman Kurtz’s glove to open the third, Bobby Witt Jr. snapped an 0-for-16 slump with an RBI double and moved to third on Jeffrey Springs’ balk before scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino’s single for a 2-0 lead.

With the Athletics trailing 2-0 in the fifth, Lawrence Butler hit a two-out double, and then was caught stealing third to end the inning. Butler was initially ruled safe by third base umpire Adrian Johnson, who quickly changed his call, prompting an unsuccessful argument from A’s manager Mark Kotsay.

The Royals have been outscored 44-15 in the sixth inning.

The Athletics host the Houston Astros on Monday to open a four-game series.

RHP Seth Lugo (3-5, 3.18) opens the Royals road series in Texas on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750076447112.jpeg" alt="Athletics' Nick Kurtz watches his go-ahead home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Athletics' Nick Kurtz watches his go-ahead home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Kurtz hit a solo ninth-inning homer to rally the Athletics to a 3-2 win and three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.Kurtz hit Carlos Estévez’s (2-2) fastball 411 feet to right-center for his sixth home run. It gave the Athletics their first sweep at Kauffman Stadium since September 2016.T.J. Ferguson (2-2) retired all four batters he faced, striking out two to earn the win and Mason Miller struck out two for his 14th save.The Royals matched their longest losing streak of the season while dropping all six games of their homestand. Kansas City has lost six straight home series.Austin Wynns hit a two-run homer to left-center off reliever John Schreiber, tying the game 2-2 in the sixth. It was Wynns’ fifth home run and second in five games since his acquisition from the Cincinnati Reds.Royals starter Noah Cameron struck out seven in five scoreless innings.After Kyle Isbel doubled off first baseman Kurtz’s glove to open the third, Bobby Witt Jr. snapped an 0-for-16 slump with an RBI double and moved to third on Jeffrey Springs’ balk before scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino’s single for a 2-0 lead.<h2>Key moment</h2>With the Athletics trailing 2-0 in the fifth, Lawrence Butler hit a two-out double, and then was caught stealing third to end the inning. Butler was initially ruled safe by third base umpire Adrian Johnson, who quickly changed his call, prompting an unsuccessful argument from A’s manager Mark Kotsay.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals have been outscored 44-15 in the sixth inning.<h2>Up next</h2>The Athletics host the Houston Astros on Monday to open a four-game series.RHP Seth Lugo (3-5, 3.18) opens the Royals road series in Texas on Tuesday.

Nick Kurtz' solo home run in the 9th lifts Athletics to sweep of Royals

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is going to be the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night against San Diego, 21 months after the two-way star had elbow surgery. The Dodgers made the announcement after their 5-4 win over San Francisco. Ohtani likely will be used as an opener as the NL West leaders kick off a four-game set against the visiting Padres. Ohtani has not pitched in a game since Aug. 23, 2023, when he got hurt during a start for the Los Angeles Angels against Cincinnati. He had Tommy John surgery on Oct. 1, 2018, and is recovering from right elbow surgery on Sept. 19, 2023.

OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — J.J. Spaun turned a miserable day into an unforgettable finish in the U.S. Open. It was wet and nasty at Oakmont. Five players were tied for the lead with an hour to go. Spaun delivered two shots now part of U.S Open lore. He hit driver onto the green at the par-4 17th to set up birdie and the lead. Needing two putts from 65 feet for the win, Spaun made the longest putt all week at Oakmont for a birdie-birdie finish and a 72. He won by two shots over Robert MacIntyre. He was the only player under par.

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in a blockbuster deal. The Giants sent right-hander Jordan Hicks, lefty Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III and minor league righty Jose Bello to the Red Sox for the 28-year-old designated hitter, who had bristled at his demotion from third base this year. Devers is one of baseball’s most feared sluggers. He is batting .272 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs in 73 games after he connected for a solo drive in Boston’s 2-0 victory over the New York Yankees.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Indiana coach Rick Carlisle offered an impassioned and somewhat unprompted defense of referee Scott Foster on Sunday, evidently aware of the mountains of online criticism that came after Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Foster was one of the three on-court referees assigned to Game 4, which had more fouls called and more free throws awarded than any of the three previous games in the series. Foster — who has long been a lightning rod for critics — did not work any of those first three games.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The ratings are down for these NBA Finals, as was expected. Oklahoma City vs. Indiana is a small-market series and the numbers reflect exactly that, with viewership down about 20% from last season and on pace for the poorest TV turnout since the bubble finals in 2020. Don’t blame the Thunder and Pacers for that. It’s been a back-and-forth over the first four games — and now, a best-of-three will decide the NBA title. Game 5 is in Oklahoma City on Monday night, with the Thunder trying to take their first lead of the series and the Pacers trying to head back home one win from a championship.

Coach Kris Knoblauch is not sure whether Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard will start in goal for the Edmonton Oilers when they face elimination in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. The defending champion Panthers have no such uncertainty at the most important position in hockey. Sergei Bobrovsky has been in net for 63 playoff games in a row going back to the first round in 2023, and Tuesday night is expected to be his 64th. That consistency is a big reason Florida is on the cusp of a second consecutive title, while Edmonton stares down another summer of questions.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Shane Van Gisbergen once again mastered a new track. This time the iconic Mexico City road course, where he won NASCAR’s first Cup Series points-paying race outside the United States of the modern era. The New Zealander led 60 laps at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez to earn his first Cup victory since he won in his NASCAR debut at the inaugural 2023 street course race in Chicago That victory changed his career trajectory and Van Gisbergen left Australia V8 Supercars, where he was a multiple champion, for a full-time move to NASCAR. The win earned Van Gisbergen an automatic spot in NASCAR's playoffs.

OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — Sam Burns and Adam Scott started the last round of the U.S. Open in the final group, one shot separating them in first and second place. They wrapped up the waterlogged action at Oakmont as pure also-rans. They were victimized by bad breaks, bad shots and an inability to handle the rain the way J.J. Spaun did in the group ahead of them to win the title. Burns shot 8-over 78 to tie for seventh. Scott had a 79 to tie for 12th.

OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — Robert MacIntyre shot a 2-under 68 in the final round to finish the U.S. Open at 1 over — two strokes behind winner J.J. Spaun. MacIntyre was seven strokes back of leader Sam Burns at the beginning of the day. He actually made up 10 shots on Burns but couldn’t outlast Spaun. Arnold Palmer is still the only U.S. Open winner to come from seven strokes behind in the final round. He did it in 1960 at Cherry Hills. MacIntyre settled for sole possession of second place.

OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — Famed Oakmont bared its teeth on the back nine at the U.S. Open. Tyrrell Hatton, Carlos Ortiz and Viktor Hovland were part of a large group of players who found themselves in the mix during the final round. All three had their issues with the brawny course. Hatton's chances ended when his drive on the 17th hole got caught up in the rough above a bunker. A wayward drive on the 15th cost Ortiz. Hovland hovered all day but couldn't make the putts necessary to keep up with winner J.J. Spaun.

INTERLEAGUE Final Cincinnati 8 Detroit 4 Final Philadelphia 11 Toronto 4 Final Tampa Bay 9 N.Y. Mets 0

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Boston 2 N.Y. Yankees 0 Final Baltimore 11 L.A.&nbsp; Angels 2 Final Houston 2 Minnesota 1 Final Athletics 3 Kansas City 2 Final Texas 2 Chicago White Sox 1 Final Seattle 6 Cleveland 0

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Miami 3 Washington 1 Final Colorado 10 Atlanta 1 Final Milwaukee 3 St. Louis 2 Final Chicago Cubs 3 Pittsburgh 2 Final San Diego 8Arizona 2 Final L.A. Dodgers 5 San Francisco 4

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is going to be the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night against San Diego, 21 months after the two-way star had elbow surgery. The Dodgers made the announcement after their 5-4 win over San Francisco. Ohtani likely will be used as an opener as the NL West leaders kick off a four-game set against the visiting Padres. Ohtani has not pitched in a game since Aug. 23, 2023, when he got hurt during a start for the Los Angeles Angels against Cincinnati. He had Tommy John surgery on Oct. 1, 2018, and is recovering from right elbow surgery on Sept. 19, 2023.OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — J.J. Spaun turned a miserable day into an unforgettable finish in the U.S. Open. It was wet and nasty at Oakmont. Five players were tied for the lead with an hour to go. Spaun delivered two shots now part of U.S Open lore. He hit driver onto the green at the par-4 17th to set up birdie and the lead. Needing two putts from 65 feet for the win, Spaun made the longest putt all week at Oakmont for a birdie-birdie finish and a 72. He won by two shots over Robert MacIntyre. He was the only player under par.BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in a blockbuster deal. The Giants sent right-hander Jordan Hicks, lefty Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III and minor league righty Jose Bello to the Red Sox for the 28-year-old designated hitter, who had bristled at his demotion from third base this year. Devers is one of baseball’s most feared sluggers. He is batting .272 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs in 73 games after he connected for a solo drive in Boston’s 2-0 victory over the New York Yankees.OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Indiana coach Rick Carlisle offered an impassioned and somewhat unprompted defense of referee Scott Foster on Sunday, evidently aware of the mountains of online criticism that came after Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Foster was one of the three on-court referees assigned to Game 4, which had more fouls called and more free throws awarded than any of the three previous games in the series. Foster — who has long been a lightning rod for critics — did not work any of those first three games.OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The ratings are down for these NBA Finals, as was expected. Oklahoma City vs. Indiana is a small-market series and the numbers reflect exactly that, with viewership down about 20% from last season and on pace for the poorest TV turnout since the bubble finals in 2020. Don’t blame the Thunder and Pacers for that. It’s been a back-and-forth over the first four games — and now, a best-of-three will decide the NBA title. Game 5 is in Oklahoma City on Monday night, with the Thunder trying to take their first lead of the series and the Pacers trying to head back home one win from a championship.Coach Kris Knoblauch is not sure whether Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard will start in goal for the Edmonton Oilers when they face elimination in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. The defending champion Panthers have no such uncertainty at the most important position in hockey. Sergei Bobrovsky has been in net for 63 playoff games in a row going back to the first round in 2023, and Tuesday night is expected to be his 64th. That consistency is a big reason Florida is on the cusp of a second consecutive title, while Edmonton stares down another summer of questions.MEXICO CITY (AP) — Shane Van Gisbergen once again mastered a new track. This time the iconic Mexico City road course, where he won NASCAR’s first Cup Series points-paying race outside the United States of the modern era. The New Zealander led 60 laps at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez to earn his first Cup victory since he won in his NASCAR debut at the inaugural 2023 street course race in Chicago That victory changed his career trajectory and Van Gisbergen left Australia V8 Supercars, where he was a multiple champion, for a full-time move to NASCAR. The win earned Van Gisbergen an automatic spot in NASCAR's playoffs.OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — Sam Burns and Adam Scott started the last round of the U.S. Open in the final group, one shot separating them in first and second place. They wrapped up the waterlogged action at Oakmont as pure also-rans. They were victimized by bad breaks, bad shots and an inability to handle the rain the way J.J. Spaun did in the group ahead of them to win the title. Burns shot 8-over 78 to tie for seventh. Scott had a 79 to tie for 12th.OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — Robert MacIntyre shot a 2-under 68 in the final round to finish the U.S. Open at 1 over — two strokes behind winner J.J. Spaun. MacIntyre was seven strokes back of leader Sam Burns at the beginning of the day. He actually made up 10 shots on Burns but couldn’t outlast Spaun. Arnold Palmer is still the only U.S. Open winner to come from seven strokes behind in the final round. He did it in 1960 at Cherry Hills. MacIntyre settled for sole possession of second place.OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — Famed Oakmont bared its teeth on the back nine at the U.S. Open. Tyrrell Hatton, Carlos Ortiz and Viktor Hovland were part of a large group of players who found themselves in the mix during the final round. All three had their issues with the brawny course. Hatton's chances ended when his drive on the 17th hole got caught up in the rough above a bunker. A wayward drive on the 15th cost Ortiz. Hovland hovered all day but couldn't make the putts necessary to keep up with winner J.J. Spaun.

INTERLEAGUE Final Cincinnati 8 Detroit 4 Final Philadelphia 11 Toronto 4 Final Tampa Bay 9 N.Y. Mets 0AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Boston 2 N.Y. Yankees 0 Final Baltimore 11 L.A.&nbsp; Angels 2 Final Houston 2 Minnesota 1 Final Athletics 3 Kansas City 2 Final Texas 2 Chicago White Sox 1 Final Seattle 6 Cleveland 0NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Miami 3 Washington 1 Final Colorado 10 Atlanta 1 Final Milwaukee 3 St. Louis 2 Final Chicago Cubs 3 Pittsburgh 2 Final San Diego 8Arizona 2 Final L.A. Dodgers 5 San Francisco 4

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

For the last few years, Hoisington USD 431 has partnered with Central
Plains High School to allow students from the high school in Claflin to
participate on Hoisington’s baseball and softball teams. 


USD 431 Board of Education member Sara Tarlton said the plan started when the
Hoisington baseball team needed numbers to field a team.


"It came up that if baseball is being offered to Central Plains then softball has to as well," said Tarlton. "I've always been against it because softball has never needed numbers. Baseball has. We always had to go with both or none."

Finding out the cooperatives (co-ops) are separate agreements, the USD 431
school is discussing if they want to continue the agreement with Central
Plains. Having to combine enrollment numbers from both schools, Hoisington jumped
up a classification to 4A this year for both baseball and softball.


"You go to school in Hoisington," said Tarlton. "We have the numbers for softball. Why are these students going to be taking positions from Hoisington students?"

A decision on co-ops has to be submitted to the Kansas State High School
Activities Association by Jan. 1. The Hoisington school board
will hear from coaches at a future meeting before making their decision on the
co-op.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653511713553.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostFor the last few years, Hoisington USD 431 has partnered with Central
Plains High School to allow students from the high school in Claflin to
participate on Hoisington’s baseball and softball teams. 
USD 431 Board of Education member Sara Tarlton said the plan started when the
Hoisington baseball team needed numbers to field a team.
"It came up that if baseball is being offered to Central Plains then softball has to as well," said Tarlton. "I've always been against it because softball has never needed numbers. Baseball has. We always had to go with both or none."Finding out the cooperatives (co-ops) are separate agreements, the USD 431
school is discussing if they want to continue the agreement with Central
Plains. Having to combine enrollment numbers from both schools, Hoisington jumped
up a classification to 4A this year for both baseball and softball.
"You go to school in Hoisington," said Tarlton. "We have the numbers for softball. Why are these students going to be taking positions from Hoisington students?"A decision on co-ops has to be submitted to the Kansas State High School
Activities Association by Jan. 1. The Hoisington school board
will hear from coaches at a future meeting before making their decision on the
co-op.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoisington school board debating future of Central Plains co-op for softball

USD 495 Larned announced Brian Deterding as Larned High School’s new Assistant Principal and Athletic Director.

Brian comes to us from Kiowa County, where he’s spent the past 12 years in a variety of roles including District Athletic Director, Junior High Principal, and Virtual School Principal. He’s done a little bit of everything and is looking forward to getting started in Larned.

He grew up in Belleville, Kansas, and earned his degree in History Education from Fort Hays State University. He later completed a master’s degree in Educational Administration through Wichita State University.

When we asked Brian what people might be surprised to learn about him, he shared that he’s a lifelong Nebraska fan. (Growing up just 13 miles from the state line will do that to you!) He shouldn’t have any trouble finding good company at LHS though. Scott Upson’s classroom is covered in Husker red, and we’re pretty sure he’ll have a welcome sign ready.

Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife of 26 years, Melanie, and their two sons, Brady and Brock. This fall, Brady will be a junior at Kansas State, and Brock will begin his freshman year at Fort Hays State. He also enjoys golf, disc golf, and taking care of his lawn, which he describes as “somehow therapeutic.”

When asked what he couldn’t live without, he listed two favorites: Diet Pepsi and popcorn.

As he looks ahead to the new school year, Brian shared, “I am most excited about getting to know the staff and students at Larned and working with them to create opportunities for the students to excel.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749844557460.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>From USD 495 Fort Larned...USD 495 Larned announced Brian Deterding as Larned High School’s new Assistant Principal and Athletic Director.Brian comes to us from Kiowa County, where he’s spent the past 12 years in a variety of roles including District Athletic Director, Junior High Principal, and Virtual School Principal. He’s done a little bit of everything and is looking forward to getting started in Larned.He grew up in Belleville, Kansas, and earned his degree in History Education from Fort Hays State University. He later completed a master’s degree in Educational Administration through Wichita State University.When we asked Brian what people might be surprised to learn about him, he shared that he’s a lifelong Nebraska fan. (Growing up just 13 miles from the state line will do that to you!) He shouldn’t have any trouble finding good company at LHS though. Scott Upson’s classroom is covered in Husker red, and we’re pretty sure he’ll have a welcome sign ready.Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife of 26 years, Melanie, and their two sons, Brady and Brock. This fall, Brady will be a junior at Kansas State, and Brock will begin his freshman year at Fort Hays State. He also enjoys golf, disc golf, and taking care of his lawn, which he describes as “somehow therapeutic.”When asked what he couldn’t live without, he listed two favorites: Diet Pepsi and popcorn.As he looks ahead to the new school year, Brian shared, “I am most excited about getting to know the staff and students at Larned and working with them to create opportunities for the students to excel.”

Brian Deterding named Athletic Director at Larned High School

Athletics (26-44, fifth in the AL West) vs. Kansas City Royals (34-35, fourth in the AL Central)

Kansas City, Missouri; Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Athletics: Luis Severino (1-6, 4.77 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 60 strikeouts); Royals: Michael Wacha (3-5, 3.01 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 55 strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE:&nbsp;Royals -156, Athletics +129; over/under is 8 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Athletics play the Kansas City Royals after Brent Rooker’s four-hit game on Wednesday.

Kansas City has gone 19-16 in home games and 34-35 overall. The Royals have a 12-28 record in games when they have allowed at least one home run.

The Athletics are 26-44 overall and 14-21 on the road. The Athletics have a 23-8 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.

The matchup Friday is the first meeting of the season between the two clubs.

TOP PERFORMERS: Bobby Witt Jr. has eight home runs, 23 walks and 37 RBIs while hitting .283 for the Royals. Vinnie Pasquantino is 17 for 40 with a double, two home runs and seven RBIs over the past 10 games.

Rooker leads the Athletics with 15 home runs while slugging .498. Max Muncy is 8 for 29 with three home runs and seven RBIs over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Royals: 3-7, .279 batting average, 4.80 ERA, outscored by 15 runs

Athletics: 3-7, .244 batting average, 5.20 ERA, outscored by 10 runs

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

Athletics (26-44, fifth in the AL West) vs. Kansas City Royals (34-35, fourth in the AL Central)Kansas City, Missouri; Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Athletics: Luis Severino (1-6, 4.77 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 60 strikeouts); Royals: Michael Wacha (3-5, 3.01 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 55 strikeouts)BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE:&nbsp;Royals -156, Athletics +129; over/under is 8 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Athletics play the Kansas City Royals after Brent Rooker’s four-hit game on Wednesday.Kansas City has gone 19-16 in home games and 34-35 overall. The Royals have a 12-28 record in games when they have allowed at least one home run.The Athletics are 26-44 overall and 14-21 on the road. The Athletics have a 23-8 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.The matchup Friday is the first meeting of the season between the two clubs.TOP PERFORMERS: Bobby Witt Jr. has eight home runs, 23 walks and 37 RBIs while hitting .283 for the Royals. Vinnie Pasquantino is 17 for 40 with a double, two home runs and seven RBIs over the past 10 games.Rooker leads the Athletics with 15 home runs while slugging .498. Max Muncy is 8 for 29 with three home runs and seven RBIs over the past 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES: Royals: 3-7, .279 batting average, 4.80 ERA, outscored by 15 runsAthletics: 3-7, .244 batting average, 5.20 ERA, outscored by 10 runsINJURIES: Royals: Cole Ragans: 15-Day IL (rotator cuff), Michael Massey: 10-Day IL (ankle), Hunter Harvey: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Alec Marsh: 60-Day IL (shoulder), James McArthur: 60-Day IL (elbow), Sam Long: 15-Day IL (elbow), Kyle Wright: 15-Day IL (shoulder)

Rooker leads Athletics against the Royals following 4-hit game

The folks at Pro Football Focus have been gradually publishing&nbsp;their positional rankings ahead of the 2025 campaign, and now that they're complete, no team featured more players with a No. 1 ranking than the Kansas City Chiefs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734529819307.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)</figcaption>
 </figure>Matt McMullen Chiefs.comThe folks at Pro Football Focus have been gradually publishing&nbsp;their positional rankings ahead of the 2025 campaign, and now that they're complete, no team featured more players with a No. 1 ranking than the Kansas City Chiefs.Kansas City landed three players atop PFF's various positional rankings, which sought to identify the top players at every position heading into next season: quarterback Patrick Mahomes, center Creed Humphrey and defensive tackle Chris Jones.The Chiefs were one of four teams to feature multiple players with a No. 1 ranking, joining the Philadelphia Eagles (2), San Francisco 49ers (2) and Baltimore Ravens (2).Here's how the rankings shook out:Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)Running Back: Derrick Henry (Ravens)Wide Receiver: A.J. Brown (Eagles)Tight End: George Kittle (49ers)Offensive Tackle: Jordan Mailata (Eagles)Offensive Guard: Chris Lindstrom (Falcons)Center: Creed Humphrey (Chiefs)Defensive Tackle: Chris Jones (Chiefs)EDGE: Myles Garrett (Browns)Linebacker: Fred Warner (49ers)Cornerback: Sauce Gardner (Jets)Safety: Kyle Hamilton (Ravens)The Chiefs nearly had a fourth player with a No. 1 ranking, too, as cornerback Trent McDuffie landed at No. 3 in PFF's positional rankings behind only Gardner and the Denver Broncos' Pat Surtain II.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Falling behind three goals after 20 minutes, the Edmonton Oilers scored three of their own over the next 20 to erase their deficit. They took the lead, only to give up the tying goal to the Florida Panthers in the final seconds of regulation to send another game between the hockey heavyweights to overtime.

Riding the waves of emotion through what’s turning into an&nbsp;epic showdown in the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers beat the Panthers 5-4 in Game 4 on Thursday night to tie the series on Leon Draisaitl’s NHL playoff-record fourth OT goal.

“Games like that, it’s exhausting — it’s a roller coaster,” Edmonton coach&nbsp;Kris Knoblauch&nbsp;said. “Two good teams playing as hard as they are, playing the right way. Obviously with what’s on the line, it’s stressful. There’s a lot on the line, but it is fun and I think our guys are having fun, enjoying this moment.”

They’re enjoying it much more tied at two games apiece than they would have down 3-1 and on the brink of losing to Florida in the final for a second consecutive year. They go home to Western Canada for Game 5 on Saturday night all even.

“Better than it could have been, but obviously a long way to go,” said Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who scored the Oilers’ first goal in Game 4. “We’re just excited to get back home and play in front of our fans, and Saturday night is going to be pretty fun.”

Draisaitl’s goal 11:18 into OT — the fourth session of extra hockey between these teams — came after Jake Walman put Edmonton ahead with six minutes left in the third period and Sam Reinhart tied it for Florida with 19.5 seconds left.

“That’s what we do: We’re a resilient group,” said Draisaitl,&nbsp;who also scored to win Game 1&nbsp;in OT. “We’re never going to quit no matter what. We’ll take it and go home.”

The Oilers became the first road team to rally from down three to win a game in the final since the Montreal Canadiens against the Seattle Metropolitans in 1919. Only six teams have come back from down three in the final, the last time in 2006.

Edmonton fell behind 3-0 in the first period on a pair of goals by Matthew Tkachuk and another with 41.7 seconds left from Anton Lundell, which could have been a backbreaker.

Knoblauch pulled Stuart Skinner after his starter allowed those three goals on 17 shots in the first, when the ice was tilted against him and his teammates did not have much of a pushback. In went Calvin Pickard, the journeyman backup who won all six of his starts this playoffs before getting injured, and he stopped the first 18 shots he faced with some more big saves coming in overtime before Draisaitl scored.

Pickard’s play paved the way for the once-in-a-century comeback, with Nugent-Hopkins, Darnell Nurse and Vasily Podkolzin all scoring in the second. The Oilers held on, went ahead on Walman’s goal and dealt with more adversity when Reinhart sent it to overtime — the first final since 2013 with three of the first four games needing extra hockey and the fifth all time.

“There were chances everywhere,” Tkachuk said. “Both teams had good looks. I mean, one of their players it hits off a skate and hits the post. We got lucky there. It’s a game of inches.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749822960955.jpeg" alt="Edmonton Oilers’ Vasily Podkolzin (92) celebrates after his goal with Corey Perry (90) and Leon Draisaitl (29) as Florida Panthers’ Niko Mikkola (77) looks on during the second period in Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Fla., Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Edmonton Oilers’ Vasily Podkolzin (92) celebrates after his goal with Corey Perry (90) and Leon Draisaitl (29) as Florida Panthers’ Niko Mikkola (77) looks on during the second period in Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Fla., Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>Stephen Whyno Associated PressSUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Falling behind three goals after 20 minutes, the Edmonton Oilers scored three of their own over the next 20 to erase their deficit. They took the lead, only to give up the tying goal to the Florida Panthers in the final seconds of regulation to send another game between the hockey heavyweights to overtime.Riding the waves of emotion through what’s turning into an&nbsp;epic showdown in the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers beat the Panthers 5-4 in Game 4 on Thursday night to tie the series on Leon Draisaitl’s NHL playoff-record fourth OT goal.“Games like that, it’s exhausting — it’s a roller coaster,” Edmonton coach&nbsp;Kris Knoblauch&nbsp;said. “Two good teams playing as hard as they are, playing the right way. Obviously with what’s on the line, it’s stressful. There’s a lot on the line, but it is fun and I think our guys are having fun, enjoying this moment.”They’re enjoying it much more tied at two games apiece than they would have down 3-1 and on the brink of losing to Florida in the final for a second consecutive year. They go home to Western Canada for Game 5 on Saturday night all even.“Better than it could have been, but obviously a long way to go,” said Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who scored the Oilers’ first goal in Game 4. “We’re just excited to get back home and play in front of our fans, and Saturday night is going to be pretty fun.”Draisaitl’s goal 11:18 into OT — the fourth session of extra hockey between these teams — came after Jake Walman put Edmonton ahead with six minutes left in the third period and Sam Reinhart tied it for Florida with 19.5 seconds left.“That’s what we do: We’re a resilient group,” said Draisaitl,&nbsp;who also scored to win Game 1&nbsp;in OT. “We’re never going to quit no matter what. We’ll take it and go home.”The Oilers became the first road team to rally from down three to win a game in the final since the Montreal Canadiens against the Seattle Metropolitans in 1919. Only six teams have come back from down three in the final, the last time in 2006.Edmonton fell behind 3-0 in the first period on a pair of goals by Matthew Tkachuk and another with 41.7 seconds left from Anton Lundell, which could have been a backbreaker.Knoblauch pulled Stuart Skinner after his starter allowed those three goals on 17 shots in the first, when the ice was tilted against him and his teammates did not have much of a pushback. In went Calvin Pickard, the journeyman backup who won all six of his starts this playoffs before getting injured, and he stopped the first 18 shots he faced with some more big saves coming in overtime before Draisaitl scored.Pickard’s play paved the way for the once-in-a-century comeback, with Nugent-Hopkins, Darnell Nurse and Vasily Podkolzin all scoring in the second. The Oilers held on, went ahead on Walman’s goal and dealt with more adversity when Reinhart sent it to overtime — the first final since 2013 with three of the first four games needing extra hockey and the fifth all time.“There were chances everywhere,” Tkachuk said. “Both teams had good looks. I mean, one of their players it hits off a skate and hits the post. We got lucky there. It’s a game of inches.”

Leon Draisaitl scores in OT again, Oilers beat Panthers 5-4 in Game 4 to tie Stanley Cup Final

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pablo Reyes stumbled, stopped and still&nbsp;scrambled home safely on a wild play&nbsp;in the eighth inning Thursday night, taking advantage of a throwing error by reliever Lucas Erceg to give the New York Yankees a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

New York completed a three-game sweep to finish 6-0 against the Royals this season after eliminating them 3-1 in their best-of-five playoff series last October.

Backed by some&nbsp;brilliant defense,&nbsp;Will Warren and four relievers combined on a five-hitter as the AL East-leading Yankees (42-25) moved a season-high 17 games over .500. They have the best road record in the majors at 21-13.

Mark Leiter Jr. (4-3) got one out for the win, and Devin Williams earned his ninth save with a perfect ninth. He threw a called third strike past Jac Caglianone to end it, freezing the touted rookie with a full-count fastball.

The game was interrupted by rain for 28 minutes in the top of the sixth.

With two on and two outs in the eighth, Paul Goldschmidt lined a single off the glove of leaping first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. He tracked down the ball behind him and threw to Erceg (1-2) covering first, but Goldschmidt beat the play.

Reyes lost his balance coming around third, changed direction twice and then slid home safely when Erceg bounced his throw to the plate.

Both starters pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Seth Lugo allowed just two hits, while Warren permitted four.

Pasquantino extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games and his on-base streak to a career-best 27 games.

New York rested Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Austin Wells, who were a combined 7 for 23 with three homers and 10 RBIs in the first two games of the series.

The Royals squandered two excellent chances to take their first lead of the series. In the second inning, they had runners on first and second with nobody out. In the fifth, they had a runner at third with one out.

New York swept a season series from the Royals for the third time in their 57-year history. ... The Yankees have won 19 of the past 20 series between the teams.

Yankees LHP Ryan Yarbrough (3-1, 4.17 ERA) faces Boston LHP Garrett Crochet (6-4, 2.35) in the opener of a three-game series Friday night at Fenway Park.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (3-5, 3.01 ERA) starts Friday at home against Athletics RHP Luis Severino (1-6, 4.77).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749819584569.jpeg" alt="New York Yankees' Pablo Reyes, left, scores against Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin, right, in the eighth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>New York Yankees' Pablo Reyes, left, scores against Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin, right, in the eighth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pablo Reyes stumbled, stopped and still&nbsp;scrambled home safely on a wild play&nbsp;in the eighth inning Thursday night, taking advantage of a throwing error by reliever Lucas Erceg to give the New York Yankees a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.New York completed a three-game sweep to finish 6-0 against the Royals this season after eliminating them 3-1 in their best-of-five playoff series last October.Backed by some&nbsp;brilliant defense,&nbsp;Will Warren and four relievers combined on a five-hitter as the AL East-leading Yankees (42-25) moved a season-high 17 games over .500. They have the best road record in the majors at 21-13.Mark Leiter Jr. (4-3) got one out for the win, and Devin Williams earned his ninth save with a perfect ninth. He threw a called third strike past Jac Caglianone to end it, freezing the touted rookie with a full-count fastball.The game was interrupted by rain for 28 minutes in the top of the sixth.With two on and two outs in the eighth, Paul Goldschmidt lined a single off the glove of leaping first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. He tracked down the ball behind him and threw to Erceg (1-2) covering first, but Goldschmidt beat the play.Reyes lost his balance coming around third, changed direction twice and then slid home safely when Erceg bounced his throw to the plate.Both starters pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Seth Lugo allowed just two hits, while Warren permitted four.Pasquantino extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games and his on-base streak to a career-best 27 games.New York rested Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Austin Wells, who were a combined 7 for 23 with three homers and 10 RBIs in the first two games of the series.<h2>Key moments</h2>The Royals squandered two excellent chances to take their first lead of the series. In the second inning, they had runners on first and second with nobody out. In the fifth, they had a runner at third with one out.<h2>Key stat</h2>New York swept a season series from the Royals for the third time in their 57-year history. ... The Yankees have won 19 of the past 20 series between the teams.<h2>Up next</h2>Yankees LHP Ryan Yarbrough (3-1, 4.17 ERA) faces Boston LHP Garrett Crochet (6-4, 2.35) in the opener of a three-game series Friday night at Fenway Park.Royals RHP Michael Wacha (3-5, 3.01 ERA) starts Friday at home against Athletics RHP Luis Severino (1-6, 4.77).

Yankees scratch across late run to edge Royals 1-0 and complete season sweep

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Leon Draisaitl scored in overtime for the fourth time this playoffs, and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Florida Panthers 5-4 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final and tie the series, erasing a three-goal deficit and bouncing back from allowing the tying goal in waning seconds of regulation. Jake Walman had initially given the Oilers their first lead with 6:24 left in the third period, before Sam Reinhart scored with 19.5 seconds left to send it to overtime. Three of the first four games of this final have needed extra time to be settled, the first time that has happened since 2013 and fifth time in NHL history.

OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — J.J. Spaun is the U.S. Open leader at Oakmont after a relatively calm day compared with everyone else. Spaun played bogey-free for a 66 that matches the lowest opening round for a U.S. Open at Oakmont. He leads by one over Thriston Lawrence. Brooks Koepka is back in the major mix with a 68. So is Jon Rahm at 69. They were among 10 players to break par, so Oakmont was plenty tough. Scottie Scheffler made five bogeys in his round of 73. Rory McIlroy shot a 41 on his second nine and shot 74. Oakmont was as tough as advertised.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Panthers were up 3-0 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. But, they lost. Matthew Tkachuk and the stars of the defending champion Panthers smothered the Oilers in the first period. Edmonton’s veterans responded fiercely — scoring four straight to take a 4-3 lead. After the Panthers forced overtime, Oilers star Leon Draisaitl scored the winner. What initially looked like an easy victory that would put Florida one win away from clinching a second straight Stanley Cup Final turned into a huge collapse that has the series tied 2-2 heading back to Edmonton.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers aren’t celebrating. The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t panicking. The NBA Finals scoreboard is what it is — Pacers 2, Thunder 1 — going into Game 4 of the best-of-seven title series on Friday night. Everybody can count to four, and everybody can see that Indiana is in a better position right now than Oklahoma City, But the Pacers know if they were to partake in such thinking, that would be dangerous.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cincinnati Reds left-hander Wade Miley is accused in court documents of providing drugs to the late Tyler Skaggs, a Los Angeles Angels pitcher who died of an accidental overdose in Texas during a 2019 road trip. Skaggs’ former agent, Ryan Hamill, said in a deposition that Skaggs told him he was using pain pills containing oxycodone, which were provided by Miley. The deposition is part of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Skaggs’ family against the Angels in California. A former publicist for the Angels, Eric Kay, was convicted in Texas of providing the fentanyl-laced pills that an autopsy said contributed to Skaggs’ death.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The latest effort by Congress to regulate college sports is generating predictable partisan outrage. Democrats say Republican-led draft legislation would claw back freedoms won by athletes through years of litigation against the NCAA. Three House committees are considering legislation that would create a national standard for name, image and likeness payments to athletes and protect the NCAA against future lawsuits. NCAA President Charlie Baker has said he supports the draft legislation. But there was little indication that any bill advanced by the House would generate enough Democratic support to surpass the 60-vote threshold in the Senate.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck has won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP and the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender. He is the first goalie to take home the awards in the same year since Carey Price in 2015 and just the sixth all time. Dominik Hasek did it twice in the 1990s. Hellebuyck finished ahead of Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl and Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov in Hart voting by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. He was a landslide winner of the Vezina as chosen by general managers. Los Angeles captain Anze Kopitar won the Lady Byng for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct for a third time.

OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — Another round like this, and Brooks Koepka should be back for the weekend in a major. After missing the cut at the Masters and PGA Championship, Koepka shot a 2-under 68 in the first round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont. That left him in a tie for third, two strokes behind leader J.J. Spaun. Koepka made a 42-foot putt for eagle on the par-5 fourth. After falling back to even par, he finished with birdies on Nos. 17 and 18.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski insisted he didn’t realize he had a no-hitter going when the 23-year-old flamethrower took the mound for the sixth inning of his dazzling major league debut. The Brewers couldn’t quite complete the no-no — but they might have gotten even better news. It appears the injury that knocked the 6-foot-7 right-hander out of the game wasn’t serious. Misiorowski said he felt fine after leaving Milwaukee's 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals due to cramping in his right calf and quadriceps.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Mets ace Kodai Senga left Thursday’s start against the Washington Nationals with a right hamstring strain. Senga allowed just two baserunners through the first 5 1/3 innings before racing to cover first on CJ Abrams’ grounder to Pete Alonso. Senga made a leaping grab of Alonso’s high throw and touched the bag with his right foot on his way down. But the 32-year-old right-hander stumbled upon landing and reached for the back of his right leg before hopping and eventually tumbling to the ground. Senga was visited by his interpreter, an athletic trainer and manager Carlos Mendoza before being surrounded by teammates. The major league ERA leader got up and walked off the field on his own, albeit with a slight limp.

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Texas 16 Minnesota 3 Final Detroit 4 Baltimore 1 Final N.Y. Yankees 1 Kansas City 0 Final Houston 4 Chicago White Sox 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final N.Y. Mets 4 Washington 3 Final Colorado 8 San Francisco 7 Final Milwaukee 6 St. Louis 0 Final Chicago Cubs 3 Pittsburgh 2

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS Final OT Edmonton 5 Florida 4

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Leon Draisaitl scored in overtime for the fourth time this playoffs, and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Florida Panthers 5-4 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final and tie the series, erasing a three-goal deficit and bouncing back from allowing the tying goal in waning seconds of regulation. Jake Walman had initially given the Oilers their first lead with 6:24 left in the third period, before Sam Reinhart scored with 19.5 seconds left to send it to overtime. Three of the first four games of this final have needed extra time to be settled, the first time that has happened since 2013 and fifth time in NHL history.OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — J.J. Spaun is the U.S. Open leader at Oakmont after a relatively calm day compared with everyone else. Spaun played bogey-free for a 66 that matches the lowest opening round for a U.S. Open at Oakmont. He leads by one over Thriston Lawrence. Brooks Koepka is back in the major mix with a 68. So is Jon Rahm at 69. They were among 10 players to break par, so Oakmont was plenty tough. Scottie Scheffler made five bogeys in his round of 73. Rory McIlroy shot a 41 on his second nine and shot 74. Oakmont was as tough as advertised.SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Panthers were up 3-0 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. But, they lost. Matthew Tkachuk and the stars of the defending champion Panthers smothered the Oilers in the first period. Edmonton’s veterans responded fiercely — scoring four straight to take a 4-3 lead. After the Panthers forced overtime, Oilers star Leon Draisaitl scored the winner. What initially looked like an easy victory that would put Florida one win away from clinching a second straight Stanley Cup Final turned into a huge collapse that has the series tied 2-2 heading back to Edmonton.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers aren’t celebrating. The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t panicking. The NBA Finals scoreboard is what it is — Pacers 2, Thunder 1 — going into Game 4 of the best-of-seven title series on Friday night. Everybody can count to four, and everybody can see that Indiana is in a better position right now than Oklahoma City, But the Pacers know if they were to partake in such thinking, that would be dangerous.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cincinnati Reds left-hander Wade Miley is accused in court documents of providing drugs to the late Tyler Skaggs, a Los Angeles Angels pitcher who died of an accidental overdose in Texas during a 2019 road trip. Skaggs’ former agent, Ryan Hamill, said in a deposition that Skaggs told him he was using pain pills containing oxycodone, which were provided by Miley. The deposition is part of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Skaggs’ family against the Angels in California. A former publicist for the Angels, Eric Kay, was convicted in Texas of providing the fentanyl-laced pills that an autopsy said contributed to Skaggs’ death.WASHINGTON (AP) — The latest effort by Congress to regulate college sports is generating predictable partisan outrage. Democrats say Republican-led draft legislation would claw back freedoms won by athletes through years of litigation against the NCAA. Three House committees are considering legislation that would create a national standard for name, image and likeness payments to athletes and protect the NCAA against future lawsuits. NCAA President Charlie Baker has said he supports the draft legislation. But there was little indication that any bill advanced by the House would generate enough Democratic support to surpass the 60-vote threshold in the Senate.SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck has won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP and the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender. He is the first goalie to take home the awards in the same year since Carey Price in 2015 and just the sixth all time. Dominik Hasek did it twice in the 1990s. Hellebuyck finished ahead of Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl and Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov in Hart voting by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. He was a landslide winner of the Vezina as chosen by general managers. Los Angeles captain Anze Kopitar won the Lady Byng for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct for a third time.OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — Another round like this, and Brooks Koepka should be back for the weekend in a major. After missing the cut at the Masters and PGA Championship, Koepka shot a 2-under 68 in the first round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont. That left him in a tie for third, two strokes behind leader J.J. Spaun. Koepka made a 42-foot putt for eagle on the par-5 fourth. After falling back to even par, he finished with birdies on Nos. 17 and 18.MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski insisted he didn’t realize he had a no-hitter going when the 23-year-old flamethrower took the mound for the sixth inning of his dazzling major league debut. The Brewers couldn’t quite complete the no-no — but they might have gotten even better news. It appears the injury that knocked the 6-foot-7 right-hander out of the game wasn’t serious. Misiorowski said he felt fine after leaving Milwaukee's 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals due to cramping in his right calf and quadriceps.NEW YORK (AP) — New York Mets ace Kodai Senga left Thursday’s start against the Washington Nationals with a right hamstring strain. Senga allowed just two baserunners through the first 5 1/3 innings before racing to cover first on CJ Abrams’ grounder to Pete Alonso. Senga made a leaping grab of Alonso’s high throw and touched the bag with his right foot on his way down. But the 32-year-old right-hander stumbled upon landing and reached for the back of his right leg before hopping and eventually tumbling to the ground. Senga was visited by his interpreter, an athletic trainer and manager Carlos Mendoza before being surrounded by teammates. The major league ERA leader got up and walked off the field on his own, albeit with a slight limp.

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Texas 16 Minnesota 3 Final Detroit 4 Baltimore 1 Final N.Y. Yankees 1 Kansas City 0 Final Houston 4 Chicago White Sox 3NATIONAL LEAGUE Final N.Y. Mets 4 Washington 3 Final Colorado 8 San Francisco 7 Final Milwaukee 6 St. Louis 0 Final Chicago Cubs 3 Pittsburgh 2NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS Final OT Edmonton 5 Florida 4

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Every time Indiana has lost a game in the last three months, it simply has come back to win the next one.

Even in the NBA Finals — against a huge favorite who the Pacers now have in some trouble.

Bennedict Mathurin scored 27 points off the bench, Tyrese Haliburton finished with 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, and the Pacers retook the lead in the NBA Finals by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 on Wednesday night.

“This is the kind of team that we are,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “We need everybody to be ready. It’s not always going to be exactly the same guys that are stepping up with scoring and stuff like that. But this is how we’ve got to do it.”

Pascal Siakam scored 21 for Indiana, which enjoyed a whopping 49-18 edge in bench points. The Pacers, who lost Game 2 in Oklahoma City, improved to 10-0 since mid-March in the game immediately following a loss.

“So many different guys chipped in,” Haliburton said.

Jalen Williams scored 26 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 24 and Chet Holmgren had 20 for the Thunder, who led by five going into the fourth.

Game 4 is back in Indiana on Friday night.

“We had a lot of good stretches of the game,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “But they had more good stretches than we did — and outplayed us over the course of 48 minutes.”

History says the Pacers are in control now; in the 41 previous NBA Finals that were tied at a game apiece, the Game 3 winner went on to hoist the trophy 33 times — an 80.5% clip.

It was back-and-forth much of the way. There were 15 ties; to put that in perspective, there were 13 ties in the five-game entirety of last year’s finals between Boston and Dallas. The last time there was a finals game with more ties: Game 1 between Cleveland in Golden State in 2018, which was knotted 17 times.

TJ McConnell finished with 10 points, five assists and five steals for Indiana; since all those stats started being charted, nobody had ever come off the bench and done all that in an NBA Finals game.

“We just had guys make plays after plays,” Haliburton said. “Our bench was amazing.”

The Thunder were 61-2 when leading going into the fourth quarter in the regular season. They’re 1-2 when leading going into the fourth quarter in this series. Indiana — at home in an NBA Finals game for the first time in 25 years,&nbsp;with Caitlin Clark, Reggie Miller, Oscar Robertson&nbsp;and many other stars in the crowd — simply owned the final 12 minutes.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749739175482.jpeg" alt="(Michael Conroy/AP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>(Michael Conroy/AP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Every time Indiana has lost a game in the last three months, it simply has come back to win the next one.Even in the NBA Finals — against a huge favorite who the Pacers now have in some trouble.Bennedict Mathurin scored 27 points off the bench, Tyrese Haliburton finished with 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, and the Pacers retook the lead in the NBA Finals by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 on Wednesday night.“This is the kind of team that we are,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “We need everybody to be ready. It’s not always going to be exactly the same guys that are stepping up with scoring and stuff like that. But this is how we’ve got to do it.”Pascal Siakam scored 21 for Indiana, which enjoyed a whopping 49-18 edge in bench points. The Pacers, who lost Game 2 in Oklahoma City, improved to 10-0 since mid-March in the game immediately following a loss.“So many different guys chipped in,” Haliburton said.Jalen Williams scored 26 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 24 and Chet Holmgren had 20 for the Thunder, who led by five going into the fourth.Game 4 is back in Indiana on Friday night.“We had a lot of good stretches of the game,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “But they had more good stretches than we did — and outplayed us over the course of 48 minutes.”History says the Pacers are in control now; in the 41 previous NBA Finals that were tied at a game apiece, the Game 3 winner went on to hoist the trophy 33 times — an 80.5% clip.Advantage, Pacers.It was back-and-forth much of the way. There were 15 ties; to put that in perspective, there were 13 ties in the five-game entirety of last year’s finals between Boston and Dallas. The last time there was a finals game with more ties: Game 1 between Cleveland in Golden State in 2018, which was knotted 17 times.TJ McConnell finished with 10 points, five assists and five steals for Indiana; since all those stats started being charted, nobody had ever come off the bench and done all that in an NBA Finals game.“We just had guys make plays after plays,” Haliburton said. “Our bench was amazing.”The Thunder were 61-2 when leading going into the fourth quarter in the regular season. They’re 1-2 when leading going into the fourth quarter in this series. Indiana — at home in an NBA Finals game for the first time in 25 years,&nbsp;with Caitlin Clark, Reggie Miller, Oscar Robertson&nbsp;and many other stars in the crowd — simply owned the final 12 minutes.Indiana outscored OKC 32-18 in the fourth, holding the Thunder to 35% shooting with the game and control of the series on the line.“There’s a lot of areas we can clean up,” Holmgren said. “Everybody who stepped out there can be better.”