NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson were reinstated by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday, making both eligible for the sport’s Hall of Fame after their careers were tarnished by sports gambling scandals.

Rose’s permanent ban was lifted eight months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-obituary-reds-e0f3dfa057fc46629447e04b6540e4c8">after his death</a>&nbsp;and came a day before the Cincinnati Reds will honor baseball’s career hits leader with Pete Rose Night.

Manfred announced Tuesday that he was changing the league's policy on permanent ineligibility, saying bans would expire at death. Several others will also have their status changed by the ruling, including all members of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox, former Philadelphia Phillies president Williams D. Cox and former New York Giants outfielder Benny Kauff.

Under the Hall of Fame’s current rules, the earliest Rose or Jackson could be inducted would be in 2028.

Rose agreed to a permanent ban on Aug. 23, 1989, following an investigation commissioned by Major League Baseball concluded Rose repeatedly bet on the Reds as a player and manager of the team from 1985-87, a violation of a long-standing MLB rule.

Rose first applied for reinstatement in September 1997, but Commissioner Bud Selig never ruled on the request.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b8d15e433f68468eab7030a08ed47c09">Manfred in 2015 rejected a petition for reinstatement</a>, saying “Rose has not presented credible evidence of a reconfigured life.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-obituary-reds-e0f3dfa057fc46629447e04b6540e4c8">Rose died Sept. 30 at age 83</a>, and a new petition was filed Jan. 8 by Jeffrey Lenkov, a lawyer who represented Rose. Lenkov and Rose’s daughter Fawn had met with Manfred on Dec. 17.

Rose’s supporters have included U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said he intends to pardon Rose posthumously.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-reinstatement-00a2532eeb4f1aa3dd81530260de44b8">Manfred discussed Rose with Trump</a>&nbsp;when the pair met in April, but he hasn’t disclosed specifics of their conversation.

In a letter to Lenkov, Manfred wrote, “In my view, a determination must be made regarding how the phrase ‘permanently ineligible’ should be interpreted in light of the purposes and policies behind Rule 21, which are to: (1) protect the game from individuals who pose a risk to the integrity of the sport by prohibiting the participation of such individuals; and (2) create a deterrent effect that reduces the likelihood of future violations by others.

"In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.”

A 17-time All-Star during a playing career from 1963-86, Rose holds record for hits (4,256), games (3,562), at-bats (14,053), plate appearances (15,890) and singles (3,215). He was the 1963 NL Rookie of the Year, 1973 MVP and 1975 World Series MVP. A three-time NL batting champion, he broke the prior hits record of 4,191 set by Ty Cobb from 1905-28.

“Pete is one of the greatest players in baseball history, and Reds Country will continue to celebrate him as we always have," Reds owner Bob Castellini said. “We are especially happy for the Rose family to receive this news and what this decision could mean for them and all of Pete’s fans.”

Jackson was a .356 career hitter who was among the eight Black Sox banned for throwing the 1919 World Series. He died in 1951, but he remains one of baseball's most recognizable names in part for his depiction by Ray Liotta in the 1989 movie Field of Dreams.

What else needs to happen for Rose or Jackson to reach the Hall of Fame?

Under a rule adopted by the Hall’s board of directors in 1991, anyone on the permanently ineligible list can’t be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rose-hall-of-fame-d3da8832097f2717590096d68600fee4">considered for election</a>&nbsp;to the Hall. Jackson was twice considered on ballots by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, but received just 0.9% in 1936 and 1% of a nominating vote in 1940.

Rose’s reinstatement occurred too late for him to be considered for the BBWAA ballot. If not on the permanently banned list, Rose would have been eligible on the ballots each from 1992 through 2006. He was written in on 41 votes in 1992 and on 243 of 7,232 ballots (3.4%) over the 15 years, votes that were not counted.

Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark said in a statement that players affected by Manfred's ruling Tuesday would be considered.

“The National Baseball Hall of Fame has always maintained that anyone removed from Baseball’s permanently ineligible list will become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration,” she said. “Major League Baseball’s decision to remove deceased individuals from the permanently ineligible list will allow for the Hall of Fame candidacy of such individuals to now be considered."

Without the ban, both players are eligible for the Hall’s Classic Baseball Era, which next meets to consider players in December 2027 and considers those whose greatest contributions to the sport were before 1980.

A 10-person historical overview committee selects the eight ballot candidates with the approval of the Hall’s board and the ballot is considered by 16 members at the winter meetings, with a 75% or higher vote needed. The committee members include Hall of Fame members, team executives and media/historians.

Among the players in the 2028 class eligible for the BBWAA ballot are Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina.

Trump has said he would pardon Rose, but it’s not clear what a presidential pardon for Rose would entail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727739054688.jpeg" alt="FILE - In this July 31, 1978 file photo, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Pete Rose tips his cap to the crowd after hitting in his 44th straight game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - In this July 31, 1978 file photo, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Pete Rose tips his cap to the crowd after hitting in his 44th straight game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson were reinstated by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday, making both eligible for the sport’s Hall of Fame after their careers were tarnished by sports gambling scandals.Rose’s permanent ban was lifted eight months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-obituary-reds-e0f3dfa057fc46629447e04b6540e4c8">after his death</a>&nbsp;and came a day before the Cincinnati Reds will honor baseball’s career hits leader with Pete Rose Night.Manfred announced Tuesday that he was changing the league's policy on permanent ineligibility, saying bans would expire at death. Several others will also have their status changed by the ruling, including all members of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox, former Philadelphia Phillies president Williams D. Cox and former New York Giants outfielder Benny Kauff.Under the Hall of Fame’s current rules, the earliest Rose or Jackson could be inducted would be in 2028.Rose agreed to a permanent ban on Aug. 23, 1989, following an investigation commissioned by Major League Baseball concluded Rose repeatedly bet on the Reds as a player and manager of the team from 1985-87, a violation of a long-standing MLB rule.Rose first applied for reinstatement in September 1997, but Commissioner Bud Selig never ruled on the request.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b8d15e433f68468eab7030a08ed47c09">Manfred in 2015 rejected a petition for reinstatement</a>, saying “Rose has not presented credible evidence of a reconfigured life.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-obituary-reds-e0f3dfa057fc46629447e04b6540e4c8">Rose died Sept. 30 at age 83</a>, and a new petition was filed Jan. 8 by Jeffrey Lenkov, a lawyer who represented Rose. Lenkov and Rose’s daughter Fawn had met with Manfred on Dec. 17.Rose’s supporters have included U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said he intends to pardon Rose posthumously.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-reinstatement-00a2532eeb4f1aa3dd81530260de44b8">Manfred discussed Rose with Trump</a>&nbsp;when the pair met in April, but he hasn’t disclosed specifics of their conversation.In a letter to Lenkov, Manfred wrote, “In my view, a determination must be made regarding how the phrase ‘permanently ineligible’ should be interpreted in light of the purposes and policies behind Rule 21, which are to: (1) protect the game from individuals who pose a risk to the integrity of the sport by prohibiting the participation of such individuals; and (2) create a deterrent effect that reduces the likelihood of future violations by others."In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.”A 17-time All-Star during a playing career from 1963-86, Rose holds record for hits (4,256), games (3,562), at-bats (14,053), plate appearances (15,890) and singles (3,215). He was the 1963 NL Rookie of the Year, 1973 MVP and 1975 World Series MVP. A three-time NL batting champion, he broke the prior hits record of 4,191 set by Ty Cobb from 1905-28.“Pete is one of the greatest players in baseball history, and Reds Country will continue to celebrate him as we always have," Reds owner Bob Castellini said. “We are especially happy for the Rose family to receive this news and what this decision could mean for them and all of Pete’s fans.”Jackson was a .356 career hitter who was among the eight Black Sox banned for throwing the 1919 World Series. He died in 1951, but he remains one of baseball's most recognizable names in part for his depiction by Ray Liotta in the 1989 movie Field of Dreams.<h2>What else needs to happen for Rose or Jackson to reach the Hall of Fame?</h2>Under a rule adopted by the Hall’s board of directors in 1991, anyone on the permanently ineligible list can’t be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rose-hall-of-fame-d3da8832097f2717590096d68600fee4">considered for election</a>&nbsp;to the Hall. Jackson was twice considered on ballots by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, but received just 0.9% in 1936 and 1% of a nominating vote in 1940.Rose’s reinstatement occurred too late for him to be considered for the BBWAA ballot. If not on the permanently banned list, Rose would have been eligible on the ballots each from 1992 through 2006. He was written in on 41 votes in 1992 and on 243 of 7,232 ballots (3.4%) over the 15 years, votes that were not counted.Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark said in a statement that players affected by Manfred's ruling Tuesday would be considered.“The National Baseball Hall of Fame has always maintained that anyone removed from Baseball’s permanently ineligible list will become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration,” she said. “Major League Baseball’s decision to remove deceased individuals from the permanently ineligible list will allow for the Hall of Fame candidacy of such individuals to now be considered."Without the ban, both players are eligible for the Hall’s Classic Baseball Era, which next meets to consider players in December 2027 and considers those whose greatest contributions to the sport were before 1980.A 10-person historical overview committee selects the eight ballot candidates with the approval of the Hall’s board and the ballot is considered by 16 members at the winter meetings, with a 75% or higher vote needed. The committee members include Hall of Fame members, team executives and media/historians.Among the players in the 2028 class eligible for the BBWAA ballot are Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina.<h2>Did Trump help get Rose reinstated?</h2>Trump has said he would pardon Rose, but it’s not clear what a presidential pardon for Rose would entail.

MLB reinstates Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson, making them Hall of Fame eligible

- We'll preview Thursday's Western Athletic Conference swim meet with Great Bend coach Jade Winter who will bring along some of the Lady Panthers who will be tasked with bringing another WAC title back to Great Bend.

- Four games remain in the Great Bend Panther baseball team. We'll talk about the stretch with head coach Randy Beck and selected players who face Manhattan at home on Wednesday and Friday's double header at Garden City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Tuesday show lineup with host Steve Webster" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday show lineup with host Steve Webster</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/enkFl54A_EA?si=Aid9OMy2o8aXWSe6" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- We'll preview Thursday's Western Athletic Conference swim meet with Great Bend coach Jade Winter who will bring along some of the Lady Panthers who will be tasked with bringing another WAC title back to Great Bend.- Four games remain in the Great Bend Panther baseball team. We'll talk about the stretch with head coach Randy Beck and selected players who face Manhattan at home on Wednesday and Friday's double header at Garden City.- "Voice of the Cougars" Cole Reif- Tuesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Tuesday on Sports Day (Watch)

BY MAURA CAREY Associated Press


As the amateur model of
college athletics disintegrates, a handful of unusual ideas have been
floated as ways to reign in some of the chaos surrounding the
explosion in name, image and likeness compensation and a transfer
portal that sees thousands of athletes changing schools every season.


Whether any of the ideas end
up being implemented is unknown and every school is awaiting a
decision from a federal judge on whether a $2.8 billion antitrust
settlement against the NCAA and the five largest conferences will
take effect as early as July 1. If it does, that opens the floodgates
for schools to share millions in revenue directly with their athletes
amid a host of other changes.


A formal agreement between an
athlete and a school is not a new concept, but with the uptick of NIL
deals the thought of pro-style contracts is becoming increasingly
more common.


There are plenty of ways to
get creative with contracts. Rich Stankewicz, operations director for
Penn State’s NIL collective Happy Valley United, said he favors an
incentive-based approach — essentially adding money for athletes
who not only perform but stick around.


“I personally really like
the idea of incentivizing performance in school, those kinds of
things that would only be occurring in the season while they’re
playing,” Stankewicz said. “If more money is paid out in those
time frames, then that gives the incentive for the player to stay and
see those dollars from their contract, rather than potentially
collect up front and then decide the grass is greener somewhere else
three months later, barely doing any school, you know, without
playing at all.”


This topic is red hot at the
moment. Entering the transfer portal comes with the risk of not
landing in a better spot — or any spot — but athletes have shown
every single season over the past few years that they are comfortable
going anyway. Athletic departments are beginning to fight back.


Arkansas athletic director
Hunter Yurachek recently encouraged the school’s NIL collective to
pursue legal action after quarterback Madden Iamaleava departed for
UCLA after just five months in Fayetteville. Iamaleava allegedly
collected significant money upfront and cited homesickness as his
reason for following his brother to California.


This is a scenario Penn State
hopes to avoid. And the importance of contract details is clear.


“Commonly, there’s nothing
binding students in certain instances to the institution they’re
with for the entirety of the contract,” Stankewicz said. “We’ve
definitely looked into having measures in place to discourage
transfers during the time of the contract. There are a bunch of
different ways to do that, from buyouts to how you load the
contract.”


Groundbreaking shifts in the
landscape have sparked conversations about athletes becoming official
employees of their universities.


It’s a controversial subject
to say the least. Universities would become responsible for paying
wages, benefits, and workers’ compensation and schools and
conferences have insisted they will fight any such move in court
(some already have).


Complexities go beyond the
concept. While private institutions fall under the National Labor
Relations Board, public universities must follow labor laws that vary
from state to state and it’s worth noting that virtually every
state in the South has “right to work” laws that present
challenges for unions.


There is also a new
administration in power now, said Michael LeRoy, a labor and
employment professor at Illinois who has studied the NCAA and athlete
rights.


“With the election of Donald
Trump, and what that would mean for a new National Labor Relations
Board, what that would mean for repopulating the courts with judges
who are likely not congenial to that view, I no longer have much hope
that we’ll get a ruling in the next 5-10 years that these are
employees,” LeRoy said.


Despite the lack of employment
status, LeRoy said, athletes should advocate for themselves and use
the entertainment industry as a model. He said athletes currently are
offered “take-it-or-leave-it” NIL contracts when a broader
approach might have benefits.


“I think athletes should
start to look at Hollywood and Broadway contracting arrangements that
deal with publicity rights,” he said. “I think there’s a way to
frame this collectively. The framework of collective bargaining and
employment, I would say, the entertainment industry generally offers
a blueprint for success.”


Things are so chaotic right
now that the very lines of who an athlete is playing for could get
blurred.


Saying he was inspired by the
NBA’s G League, University of Albany basketball coach Dwayne
Killings is proposing a two-way contract for college players. Albany
would welcome transfers from top-tier programs who need more
seasoning and help them develop — with plenty of game time vs.
sitting on the bench — before sending them back to their original
program, where they’d be ready to compete.


“The best development
happens on the floor, not necessarily on the scout team, given the
new 15-man scholarship limits,” Killings told CBS Sports.


And then there is Division
III, which recently approved an unusual pilot program: Athletes would
play for one school but do their coursework at another school that
does not sponsor varsity athletics.


The NCAA said the program,
which would run during the next academic year, “will offer expanded
pathways for student-athletes to pursue their academic objectives and
complete their participation opportunity.”


“This program intends to
address the changing, dynamic higher education environment we find
ourselves in right now,” said Jim Troha, president of Juniata and
chairman of the DIII President’s Council. “It recognizes existing
academic programs and provides flexibility to expand participation
opportunities for student-athletes.”


The program will be assessed
before any decisions on whether to make it permanent or expand it.

BY MAURA CAREY Associated Press
As the amateur model of
college athletics disintegrates, a handful of unusual ideas have been
floated as ways to reign in some of the chaos surrounding the
explosion in name, image and likeness compensation and a transfer
portal that sees thousands of athletes changing schools every season.
Whether any of the ideas end
up being implemented is unknown and every school is awaiting a
decision from a federal judge on whether a $2.8 billion antitrust
settlement against the NCAA and the five largest conferences will
take effect as early as July 1. If it does, that opens the floodgates
for schools to share millions in revenue directly with their athletes
amid a host of other changes.Athlete
contracts
A formal agreement between an
athlete and a school is not a new concept, but with the uptick of NIL
deals the thought of pro-style contracts is becoming increasingly
more common.
There are plenty of ways to
get creative with contracts. Rich Stankewicz, operations director for
Penn State’s NIL collective Happy Valley United, said he favors an
incentive-based approach — essentially adding money for athletes
who not only perform but stick around.
“I personally really like
the idea of incentivizing performance in school, those kinds of
things that would only be occurring in the season while they’re
playing,” Stankewicz said. “If more money is paid out in those
time frames, then that gives the incentive for the player to stay and
see those dollars from their contract, rather than potentially
collect up front and then decide the grass is greener somewhere else
three months later, barely doing any school, you know, without
playing at all.”Transfers
and buyouts
This topic is red hot at the
moment. Entering the transfer portal comes with the risk of not
landing in a better spot — or any spot — but athletes have shown
every single season over the past few years that they are comfortable
going anyway. Athletic departments are beginning to fight back.
Arkansas athletic director
Hunter Yurachek recently encouraged the school’s NIL collective to
pursue legal action after quarterback Madden Iamaleava departed for
UCLA after just five months in Fayetteville. Iamaleava allegedly
collected significant money upfront and cited homesickness as his
reason for following his brother to California.
This is a scenario Penn State
hopes to avoid. And the importance of contract details is clear.
“Commonly, there’s nothing
binding students in certain instances to the institution they’re
with for the entirety of the contract,” Stankewicz said. “We’ve
definitely looked into having measures in place to discourage
transfers during the time of the contract. There are a bunch of
different ways to do that, from buyouts to how you load the
contract.”Athletes
as employees
Groundbreaking shifts in the
landscape have sparked conversations about athletes becoming official
employees of their universities.
It’s a controversial subject
to say the least. Universities would become responsible for paying
wages, benefits, and workers’ compensation and schools and
conferences have insisted they will fight any such move in court
(some already have).
Complexities go beyond the
concept. While private institutions fall under the National Labor
Relations Board, public universities must follow labor laws that vary
from state to state and it’s worth noting that virtually every
state in the South has “right to work” laws that present
challenges for unions.
There is also a new
administration in power now, said Michael LeRoy, a labor and
employment professor at Illinois who has studied the NCAA and athlete
rights.
“With the election of Donald
Trump, and what that would mean for a new National Labor Relations
Board, what that would mean for repopulating the courts with judges
who are likely not congenial to that view, I no longer have much hope
that we’ll get a ruling in the next 5-10 years that these are
employees,” LeRoy said.
Despite the lack of employment
status, LeRoy said, athletes should advocate for themselves and use
the entertainment industry as a model. He said athletes currently are
offered “take-it-or-leave-it” NIL contracts when a broader
approach might have benefits.
“I think athletes should
start to look at Hollywood and Broadway contracting arrangements that
deal with publicity rights,” he said. “I think there’s a way to
frame this collectively. The framework of collective bargaining and
employment, I would say, the entertainment industry generally offers
a blueprint for success.”Playing
for another school
Things are so chaotic right
now that the very lines of who an athlete is playing for could get
blurred.
Saying he was inspired by the
NBA’s G League, University of Albany basketball coach Dwayne
Killings is proposing a two-way contract for college players. Albany
would welcome transfers from top-tier programs who need more
seasoning and help them develop — with plenty of game time vs.
sitting on the bench — before sending them back to their original
program, where they’d be ready to compete.
“The best development
happens on the floor, not necessarily on the scout team, given the
new 15-man scholarship limits,” Killings told CBS Sports.
And then there is Division
III, which recently approved an unusual pilot program: Athletes would
play for one school but do their coursework at another school that
does not sponsor varsity athletics.
The NCAA said the program,
which would run during the next academic year, “will offer expanded
pathways for student-athletes to pursue their academic objectives and
complete their participation opportunity.”
“This program intends to
address the changing, dynamic higher education environment we find
ourselves in right now,” said Jim Troha, president of Juniata and
chairman of the DIII President’s Council. “It recognizes existing
academic programs and provides flexibility to expand participation
opportunities for student-athletes.”
The program will be assessed
before any decisions on whether to make it permanent or expand it.

Ambitious pitches to revamp college sports

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Information

The Barton Community College Athletic Department celebrated the 2024-25 seasons on Wednesday, April 30, at the Great Bend Convention Center with its end-of-the-year celebration.

Held annually in conjunction with its partnership with the Cougar Booster Club, the Department recognized and celebrated the accomplishments of its teams and individual student-athletes.

Following a brief welcome, Master of Ceremony and Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs was joined on-stage by Ken Henderson, representing and introducing the Cougar Booster Club Board members.

Henderson then presented the 2025 recipient of the Booster of the Year award to Sandy Smith for all her contributions to Barton Athletics, the Booster Club, and support of student-athletes throughout the year.

Following brief recaps and highlighted student-athlete achievements from each of the College's athletic programs, the Department also recognized four special awards as nominated and voted on by coaches and staff.

The first grouping of awards were given to the Most Inspirational Student-Athletes, on the women's side Nineth Zuany of the dance program and Celine Riddle of the track and field team were nominated.

A story of obstacles and various challenges, Zuany was selected for her drive and passion for dance, her perseverance, leadership with enthusiasm, and overall inspiring testament.

On the men's side, Ethan Boles of the eSports program and Ayden Hadley of the baseball team were nominated, Hadley given the nod battling back from injury in leading the team in several offensive categories and carrying a near perfect GPA.

Earning the student-athlete of the year awards were Vivian Onugha of the women's basketball team for her record setting season and career achievements, along with Trevon Hamer of the men's track and field team continuing his dominance of junior college jump events, along with, program and national record book implications.

Other female nominees included: Mio Tanaka (soccer), Keliza Smith (track), Phoebe Reyes (volleyball), Meleia Ingram (softball), and Hope Resendiz (bowling).

Other male nominees included: Maxence Voinier (soccer) and Campbell Peterson (bowling).

Additionally, a pair of Athletic team members were recognized for their selection as Barton Outstanding Graduates, Paige Mink of the swim team and Tierra Yohon of the cheer program, as both were officially honored at the College's 55th Annual Commencement held May 9, at the Barton Gymnasium.

Also recognized throughout the event were the many "behind the scenes" personnel of staff, faculty, facilities, team managers, and the athletic training staff aiding in the care of student-athletes.

Six individuals were recognized from the Athletic Training department. Named the top freshman last year, this year Kya O'Banion earned top Most Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer honors for her work with the softball team and leadership within the program. Additional awards distributed were: Angel Ibarra, top sophomore student; Taylor Sheehy, top freshman student; Thomas Burns, most improved sophomore; Peyton Ryan, most improved freshman; and Bethany Sears, the "Crutch" Award for her dependability and overall value to the department.

Student-Athletes of the Year: Vivian Onugha (Women's Basketball), Trevon Hamer (Men's Track and Field)

Inspirational Athletes of the Year: Nineth Zuany (Dance), Ayden Hadley (Baseball)

Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer: Kya O'Banion

Top Sophomore Student Athletic Trainer: Angel Ibarra

Top Freshman Student Athletic Trainer: Taylor Sheehy

Most Improved Sophomore Student Athletic Trainer: Thomas Burns

Most Improved Freshman Student Athletic Trainer: Peyton Ryan

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747146842451.jpeg" alt="Barton Women's basketball coach Alan Clark with Women's&nbsp;Student-Athletes of the Year Vivian Onugha" />
 <figcaption>Barton Women's basketball coach Alan Clark with Women's&nbsp;Student-Athletes of the Year Vivian Onugha</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InformationThe Barton Community College Athletic Department celebrated the 2024-25 seasons on Wednesday, April 30, at the Great Bend Convention Center with its end-of-the-year celebration.Held annually in conjunction with its partnership with the Cougar Booster Club, the Department recognized and celebrated the accomplishments of its teams and individual student-athletes.Following a brief welcome, Master of Ceremony and Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs was joined on-stage by Ken Henderson, representing and introducing the Cougar Booster Club Board members.Henderson then presented the 2025 recipient of the Booster of the Year award to Sandy Smith for all her contributions to Barton Athletics, the Booster Club, and support of student-athletes throughout the year.Following brief recaps and highlighted student-athlete achievements from each of the College's athletic programs, the Department also recognized four special awards as nominated and voted on by coaches and staff.The first grouping of awards were given to the Most Inspirational Student-Athletes, on the women's side Nineth Zuany of the dance program and Celine Riddle of the track and field team were nominated.A story of obstacles and various challenges, Zuany was selected for her drive and passion for dance, her perseverance, leadership with enthusiasm, and overall inspiring testament.On the men's side, Ethan Boles of the eSports program and Ayden Hadley of the baseball team were nominated, Hadley given the nod battling back from injury in leading the team in several offensive categories and carrying a near perfect GPA.Earning the student-athlete of the year awards were Vivian Onugha of the women's basketball team for her record setting season and career achievements, along with Trevon Hamer of the men's track and field team continuing his dominance of junior college jump events, along with, program and national record book implications.Other female nominees included: Mio Tanaka (soccer), Keliza Smith (track), Phoebe Reyes (volleyball), Meleia Ingram (softball), and Hope Resendiz (bowling).Other male nominees included: Maxence Voinier (soccer) and Campbell Peterson (bowling).Additionally, a pair of Athletic team members were recognized for their selection as Barton Outstanding Graduates, Paige Mink of the swim team and Tierra Yohon of the cheer program, as both were officially honored at the College's 55th Annual Commencement held May 9, at the Barton Gymnasium.Also recognized throughout the event were the many "behind the scenes" personnel of staff, faculty, facilities, team managers, and the athletic training staff aiding in the care of student-athletes.Six individuals were recognized from the Athletic Training department. Named the top freshman last year, this year Kya O'Banion earned top Most Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer honors for her work with the softball team and leadership within the program. Additional awards distributed were: Angel Ibarra, top sophomore student; Taylor Sheehy, top freshman student; Thomas Burns, most improved sophomore; Peyton Ryan, most improved freshman; and Bethany Sears, the "Crutch" Award for her dependability and overall value to the department.Complete list of AwardsBooster of the Year: Sandy SmithStudent-Athletes of the Year: Vivian Onugha (Women's Basketball), Trevon Hamer (Men's Track and Field)Inspirational Athletes of the Year: Nineth Zuany (Dance), Ayden Hadley (Baseball)Student Athletic Trainer Awards:Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer: Kya O'BanionTop Sophomore Student Athletic Trainer: Angel IbarraTop Freshman Student Athletic Trainer: Taylor SheehyMost Improved Sophomore Student Athletic Trainer: Thomas BurnsMost Improved Freshman Student Athletic Trainer: Peyton RyanThe "Crutch" Award: Bethany Sears

Barton Athletics recognizes season achievements at annual celebration

Football fans can plan on wrapping up Christmas with an AFC West rivalry that could come with plenty of playoff implications.

The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Denver Broncos on Christmas at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video, the NFL announced on Monday.

Kansas City has dominated the AFC West over the last decade, winning nine straight division titles from 2016-2024, but Denver's rise to prominence under Sean Payton in 2024 suggests the going may not be as easy for the Chiefs in 2025. With Bo Nix and a collection of talent at his disposal, Payton's Broncos are aiming to take the next step by challenging for a throne that the Chiefs have claimed annually for the entirety of Patrick Mahomes' career.

Post SportsFootball fans can plan on wrapping up Christmas with an AFC West rivalry that could come with plenty of playoff implications.The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Denver Broncos on Christmas at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video, the NFL announced on Monday.Kansas City has dominated the AFC West over the last decade, winning nine straight division titles from 2016-2024, but Denver's rise to prominence under Sean Payton in 2024 suggests the going may not be as easy for the Chiefs in 2025. With Bo Nix and a collection of talent at his disposal, Payton's Broncos are aiming to take the next step by challenging for a throne that the Chiefs have claimed annually for the entirety of Patrick Mahomes' career.

Chiefs to host Broncos on Christmas night

HOUSTON (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Jonathan India each drove in two runs to help Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 7-5 on Monday night.

Michael Massey homered as Kansas City improved to 8-2 in its last 10 games. India finished with three hits, and Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Kyle Isbel each had two.

Wacha (3-4) allowed two runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. Carlos Estévez got three outs for his 12th save.

Massey sparked Kansas City's four-run second with a leadoff drive against rookie Ryan Gusto (3-2) for his second homer. India hit a two-out RBI single and scored on Witt's first triple of the season. Pasquantino added a run-scoring single.

The Royals added three more in the third. Drew Waters and India each hit an RBI single, and Witt drove in Waters with a sacrifice fly.

Jake Meyers had two hits and scored two runs for Houston, which had won three of four.

Zach Dezenzo hit an RBI double in the seventh for the Astros, and Jeremy Peña added a sacrifice fly. Meyers' RBI single helped his team close to 7-5 in the eighth.

Gusto allowed seven hits and walked three in 2 1/3 innings.

Jose Altuve hit a leadoff single in the ninth for Houston. But Isaac Paredes flied out, Christian Walker struck out and Yainer Diaz flied out.

Wacha entered with the least run support among starters at 1.79 runs per game. The Royals had not scored more than two runs with him on the mound in any of his eight starts.

LHP Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.69 ERA) starts on Tuesday for the Royals against LHP Framber Valdez (2-4, 3.94 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747133356971.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, and relief pitcher Carlos Estevez celebrate after winning a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, and relief pitcher Carlos Estevez celebrate after winning a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Jonathan India each drove in two runs to help Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 7-5 on Monday night.Michael Massey homered as Kansas City improved to 8-2 in its last 10 games. India finished with three hits, and Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Kyle Isbel each had two.Wacha (3-4) allowed two runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. Carlos Estévez got three outs for his 12th save.Massey sparked Kansas City's four-run second with a leadoff drive against rookie Ryan Gusto (3-2) for his second homer. India hit a two-out RBI single and scored on Witt's first triple of the season. Pasquantino added a run-scoring single.The Royals added three more in the third. Drew Waters and India each hit an RBI single, and Witt drove in Waters with a sacrifice fly.Jake Meyers had two hits and scored two runs for Houston, which had won three of four.Zach Dezenzo hit an RBI double in the seventh for the Astros, and Jeremy Peña added a sacrifice fly. Meyers' RBI single helped his team close to 7-5 in the eighth.Gusto allowed seven hits and walked three in 2 1/3 innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>Jose Altuve hit a leadoff single in the ninth for Houston. But Isaac Paredes flied out, Christian Walker struck out and Yainer Diaz flied out.<h2>Key stat</h2>Wacha entered with the least run support among starters at 1.79 runs per game. The Royals had not scored more than two runs with him on the mound in any of his eight starts.<h2>Up next</h2>LHP Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.69 ERA) starts on Tuesday for the Royals against LHP Framber Valdez (2-4, 3.94 ERA).

Witt and India each drive in 2 runs as the Royals beat the Astros 7-5

HOUSTON (AP) —
Bobby Witt Jr. and Jonathan India each drove in two runs to help
Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 7-5.
Michael Massey homered as Kansas City improved to 8-2 in its last 10
games. India finished with three hits, and Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino
and Kyle Isbel each had two. Wacha allowed two runs and eight hits in
6 1/3 innings. Carlos Estévez got three outs for his 12th save.
Massey sparked Kansas City’s four-run second with a leadoff drive
against rookie Ryan Gusto for his second homer.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) —
Masyn Winn homered in the seventh inning to help the St. Louis
Cardinals beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 for their ninth
consecutive win. Ivan Herrera also went deep for St. Louis, and Lars
Nootbaar had two of the Cardinals’ five hits. The game was tied at
2 when Winn hit a two-out drive to left-center off Matt Strahm. Kyle
Leahy pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings for the win. JoJo Romero
escaped a jam in the eighth, and Ryan Helsley recorded his eighth
save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Cristopher Sánchez struck out eight
in six innings for Philadelphia. He allowed two runs and four hits.

SEATTLE (AP) —
Yankees third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera was taken off the field in an
ambulance after he injured his left ankle in the ninth inning of New
York’s 11-5 victory over Seattle. Cabrera was hurt on an awkward
slide when he reached back for the plate and scored the Yankees’
final run on Aaron Judge’s sacrifice fly. Manager Aaron Boone said
Cabrera had a brace put on his left ankle before entering the
ambulance on a stretcher. Cabrera was taked to a hospital with team
athletic trainer Tim Lentych. Cabrera is hitting .243 this season
with one home run and 12 RBIs.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) —
A Kansas City Chiefs superfan known as “ChiefsAholic” has been
sentenced to 32 years in state prison for robbing a Tulsa-area bank.
The sentence handed down Monday will be carried out after he finishes
serving time in federal prison. Xaviar Babudar apologized to the
court and to the victims of the December 2022 robbery of the Tulsa
Teachers Credit Union in Bixby, Oklahoma. Babudar already was serving
time in federal prison for 11 bank robberies across seven states
where he stole nearly $850,000 to finance his social media stardom.
He developed an online following after attending games dressed as a
wolf in Chiefs gear.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Jalen Brunson had 39 points and 12 assists, and the New York Knicks
moved a win away from their first Eastern Conference finals
appearance in 25 years and pushed the defending champion Boston
Celtics to the brink of elimination with a 121-113 victory Monday
night in Game 4. The Celtics will have to make the NBA’s 14th
comeback from a 3-1 deficit to extend their title reign and may have
to do it without All-Star Jayson Tatum, who was carried off the court
with a leg injury with 2:58 left. Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony
Towns each added 23 points for the Knicks.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —
Anthony Edwards scored 30 points for his second straight 30-point
performance, Julius Randle had 31 points and the Minnesota
Timberwolves beat the Golden State Warriors 117-110 for a 3-1 lead in
their Western Conference playoff series. Now, it’s back home to
Minneapolis for the Wolves with a chance to clinch the best-of-seven
Western Conference semifinal series in Game 5 on Wednesday. The
Warriors will still be without Stephen Curry, who sat out his third
game in a row and is scheduled to have his strained left hamstring
re-evaluated that day.

CHICAGO (AP) — The
ping-pong balls have spoken: Cooper Flagg might be headed to Dallas
to start his NBA career. And a fan base that lost Luka Doncic this
season might have a new star to cheer for. The Mavericks won the NBA
draft lottery on Monday night, giving them the No. 1 pick in next
month’s draft — and the first chance to take Flagg, the freshman
who led Duke to the Final Four in his lone college season and the
consensus player of the year.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Michael Jordan is joining NBC Sports as a special contributor to its
NBA coverage when the 2025-26 season begins. NBC made the
announcement on Monday morning during its upfront presentation at
Radio City Music Hall previewing the networks offerings during the
upcoming television season. NBC returns to carrying the NBA after a
23-year absence. It had NBA rights from 1990 through 2002 and carried
all six of Jordan’s championships as a member of the Chicago Bulls.
This is the first time Jordan has joined a network. His appearances
and comments during the 2020 “The Last Dance” documentary about
his career and the end of the Bulls dynasty in 1998 created plenty of
headlines.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) —
Sean Walker scored late and Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-net
clincher to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Washington Capitals
5-2 on Monday night for a 3-1 lead in their second-round playoff
series. Walker's score came at the 16:45 mark of the third period
after the Capitals had pulled to within 3-2 on Alex Ovechkin's
one-timer on a 5-on-3 power play. Taylor Hall had a goal and an
assist, while Shayne Gostisbehere and Seth Jarvis also scored. Jakob
Chychrun also scored for Washington. The series shifts back to
Washington for Game 5 on Thursday with the Capitals facing
elimination.

EDMONTON, Alberta
(AP) — Adam Henrique had two goals, Stuart Skinner made 23 saves
and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 to take a
3-1 lead in their second-round NHL playoff series. Evander Kane had a
goal and an assist for Edmonton. Connor McDavid picked up an assist.
The Oilers need one more win to advance. Game 5 is on Wednesday in
Las Vegas. Adin Hill made 29 stops for the Golden Knights, who posted
a dramatic 4-3 victory in Game 3 on Saturday night.

NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) —
Bobby Witt Jr. and Jonathan India each drove in two runs to help
Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 7-5.
Michael Massey homered as Kansas City improved to 8-2 in its last 10
games. India finished with three hits, and Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino
and Kyle Isbel each had two. Wacha allowed two runs and eight hits in
6 1/3 innings. Carlos Estévez got three outs for his 12th save.
Massey sparked Kansas City’s four-run second with a leadoff drive
against rookie Ryan Gusto for his second homer.PHILADELPHIA (AP) —
Masyn Winn homered in the seventh inning to help the St. Louis
Cardinals beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 for their ninth
consecutive win. Ivan Herrera also went deep for St. Louis, and Lars
Nootbaar had two of the Cardinals’ five hits. The game was tied at
2 when Winn hit a two-out drive to left-center off Matt Strahm. Kyle
Leahy pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings for the win. JoJo Romero
escaped a jam in the eighth, and Ryan Helsley recorded his eighth
save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Cristopher Sánchez struck out eight
in six innings for Philadelphia. He allowed two runs and four hits.SEATTLE (AP) —
Yankees third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera was taken off the field in an
ambulance after he injured his left ankle in the ninth inning of New
York’s 11-5 victory over Seattle. Cabrera was hurt on an awkward
slide when he reached back for the plate and scored the Yankees’
final run on Aaron Judge’s sacrifice fly. Manager Aaron Boone said
Cabrera had a brace put on his left ankle before entering the
ambulance on a stretcher. Cabrera was taked to a hospital with team
athletic trainer Tim Lentych. Cabrera is hitting .243 this season
with one home run and 12 RBIs.TULSA, Okla. (AP) —
A Kansas City Chiefs superfan known as “ChiefsAholic” has been
sentenced to 32 years in state prison for robbing a Tulsa-area bank.
The sentence handed down Monday will be carried out after he finishes
serving time in federal prison. Xaviar Babudar apologized to the
court and to the victims of the December 2022 robbery of the Tulsa
Teachers Credit Union in Bixby, Oklahoma. Babudar already was serving
time in federal prison for 11 bank robberies across seven states
where he stole nearly $850,000 to finance his social media stardom.
He developed an online following after attending games dressed as a
wolf in Chiefs gear.NEW YORK (AP) —
Jalen Brunson had 39 points and 12 assists, and the New York Knicks
moved a win away from their first Eastern Conference finals
appearance in 25 years and pushed the defending champion Boston
Celtics to the brink of elimination with a 121-113 victory Monday
night in Game 4. The Celtics will have to make the NBA’s 14th
comeback from a 3-1 deficit to extend their title reign and may have
to do it without All-Star Jayson Tatum, who was carried off the court
with a leg injury with 2:58 left. Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony
Towns each added 23 points for the Knicks.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —
Anthony Edwards scored 30 points for his second straight 30-point
performance, Julius Randle had 31 points and the Minnesota
Timberwolves beat the Golden State Warriors 117-110 for a 3-1 lead in
their Western Conference playoff series. Now, it’s back home to
Minneapolis for the Wolves with a chance to clinch the best-of-seven
Western Conference semifinal series in Game 5 on Wednesday. The
Warriors will still be without Stephen Curry, who sat out his third
game in a row and is scheduled to have his strained left hamstring
re-evaluated that day.CHICAGO (AP) — The
ping-pong balls have spoken: Cooper Flagg might be headed to Dallas
to start his NBA career. And a fan base that lost Luka Doncic this
season might have a new star to cheer for. The Mavericks won the NBA
draft lottery on Monday night, giving them the No. 1 pick in next
month’s draft — and the first chance to take Flagg, the freshman
who led Duke to the Final Four in his lone college season and the
consensus player of the year.NEW YORK (AP) —
Michael Jordan is joining NBC Sports as a special contributor to its
NBA coverage when the 2025-26 season begins. NBC made the
announcement on Monday morning during its upfront presentation at
Radio City Music Hall previewing the networks offerings during the
upcoming television season. NBC returns to carrying the NBA after a
23-year absence. It had NBA rights from 1990 through 2002 and carried
all six of Jordan’s championships as a member of the Chicago Bulls.
This is the first time Jordan has joined a network. His appearances
and comments during the 2020 “The Last Dance” documentary about
his career and the end of the Bulls dynasty in 1998 created plenty of
headlines.RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) —
Sean Walker scored late and Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-net
clincher to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Washington Capitals
5-2 on Monday night for a 3-1 lead in their second-round playoff
series. Walker's score came at the 16:45 mark of the third period
after the Capitals had pulled to within 3-2 on Alex Ovechkin's
one-timer on a 5-on-3 power play. Taylor Hall had a goal and an
assist, while Shayne Gostisbehere and Seth Jarvis also scored. Jakob
Chychrun also scored for Washington. The series shifts back to
Washington for Game 5 on Thursday with the Capitals facing
elimination.EDMONTON, Alberta
(AP) — Adam Henrique had two goals, Stuart Skinner made 23 saves
and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 to take a
3-1 lead in their second-round NHL playoff series. Evander Kane had a
goal and an assist for Edmonton. Connor McDavid picked up an assist.
The Oilers need one more win to advance. Game 5 is on Wednesday in
Las Vegas. Adin Hill made 29 stops for the Golden Knights, who posted
a dramatic 4-3 victory in Game 3 on Saturday night.MONDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	5	Milwaukee	0	Final	Texas	2	Colorado	1	Final	L.A.
Angels	9	San Diego	5	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	14	Boston	2	Final	Kansas
City	7	Houston	5	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	11	Seattle	5	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	St.
Louis	3	Philadelphia	2	Final	Atlanta	4	Washington	3	Final	N.Y.
Mets	4	Pittsburgh	3	Final	Chicago
Cubs	5	Miami	2	Final	Arizona	2	San
Francisco	1	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	New
York	121	Boston	113	Final	Minnesota	117	Golden
State	110	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Carolina	5	Washington	2	Final	Edmonton	3	Vegas	0

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

- Barton baseball coach Brent Biggs previews the Region 6 Tournament in Salina this week where 8 teams will battle for the right to advance on to the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.

- With a week to go in the high school softball and baseball seasons, Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas will join the show to talk about Regional destinations for area teams.

- Great Bend panther track and field coach Lyles Lashley

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Monday show lineup with host Steve Webster" />
 <figcaption>Monday show lineup with host Steve Webster</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mOC-vmLuSoc?si=rG7q_ssEqOf4yRl4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Barton baseball coach Brent Biggs previews the Region 6 Tournament in Salina this week where 8 teams will battle for the right to advance on to the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.- With a week to go in the high school softball and baseball seasons, Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas will join the show to talk about Regional destinations for area teams.- Great Bend panther track and field coach Lyles Lashley- Weekend Sports Headlines- Sounds of the weekend

Monday on Sports Day (Watch)

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

Get ready to make those viewing plans. The NFL schedule is coming out.

The league’s broadcast partners will begin to announce select games Monday and the full slate of games will be revealed Wednesday night.

The thirst for football is so great the schedule release is a three-hour, prime-time broadcast on the NFL Network.

Teams have known their 2025 opponents since last season ended but everyone is waiting on dates and times.

There will be seven international games in five countries, including three in England, one in Germany, one in Brazil and the first-ever games in Spain and Ireland.

The Jaguars, Jets and Browns are the designated home teams for the three games in London. The Colts are playing in Berlin, the Chargers in São Paulo, the Dolphins in Madrid and the Steelers in Dublin.

A triple-header on Christmas Day is among the highlights.

Here are 10 of the most anticipated matchups:

For the second time in three years, these two teams will play a Super Bowl rematch at Arrowhead Stadium.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-eagles-chiefs-score-e2ff209c074a00a6faff39750ff048f8">Philadelphia dominated Kansas City</a>&nbsp;in the Super Bowl in February with Jalen Hurts earning the MVP award. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl after the 2022 season but Philly won the rematch on the road the following November.

Mahomes and Josh Allen face off again in a rematch of the AFC championship game. Allen and the Bills have defeated Mahomes and the Chiefs four straight times in the regular season, but Kansas City has won all four playoff matchups between the two rivals over the past five years. The game will be played in Buffalo.

Ben Johnson leads the Bears against his former team after guiding one of the league’s most prolific offenses in Detroit. Johnson was the Lions’ offensive coordinator for three seasons. The team led the NFL in scoring in 2024, setting a franchise record with an average of 33.2 points per game.

Assuming Aaron Rodgers joins Pittsburgh, he’ll get a chance to face his former team after a contentious departure from New York. Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP in Green Bay, said he felt disrespected by Jets coach Aaron Glenn after flying from California for a face-to-face meeting only to be told minutes into the conversation that the team didn't want him.

New Patriots&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-vrabel-new-england-patriots-6ccb261ca025911432bfe19226544401">coach Mike Vrabel</a>&nbsp;faces his former team in Tennessee. Vrabel was Coach of the Year with the Titans in 2021 and was fired after the 2023 season.

The matchup many fans wanted to see in the NFC championship game last season but it didn’t pan out because the Commanders knocked off the No. 1 seed on the road at Detroit. The Eagles beat the Lions 38-35 the most recent time the teams met in Week 1 of the 2022 season.

Lamar Jackson is 1-4 against Mahomes, including a home loss in the AFC championship game in January 2024. The Chiefs kicked off last season with a 27-20 victory over the Ravens after a potential game-tying TD catch by Isaiah Likely was overturned and his toe was ruled out of bounds.

Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels go head-to-head for the second straight season. The quarterbacks were drafted 1-2 in 2024. Daniels led the Commanders to a comeback win against the Bears last season on a desperation last-second TD pass. Chicago spiraled after the disappointing loss, dropping nine in a row.

Sam Darnold takes on his former team after helping the Vikings win 14 games last season. Minnesota let Darnold walk away after a career season and the Seahawks gave him a three-year, $100.5 million deal. The Vikings are counting on 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.

The Rams were Philadelphia’s toughest playoff opponent last season. Down 28-22 with just over one minute left, Los Angeles had the ball at the Eagles 13 on third down. But Jalen Carter sacked Matthew Stafford for a 9-yard loss and then pressured him into an incomplete pass on fourth down to secure the win. The Eagles went on to rout Washington in the NFC title game and Kansas City in the Super Bowl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747062044372.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass the ball during the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. The Eagles won 40-22. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass the ball during the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. The Eagles won 40-22. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterGet ready to make those viewing plans. The NFL schedule is coming out.The league’s broadcast partners will begin to announce select games Monday and the full slate of games will be revealed Wednesday night.The thirst for football is so great the schedule release is a three-hour, prime-time broadcast on the NFL Network.Teams have known their 2025 opponents since last season ended but everyone is waiting on dates and times.There will be seven international games in five countries, including three in England, one in Germany, one in Brazil and the first-ever games in Spain and Ireland.The Jaguars, Jets and Browns are the designated home teams for the three games in London. The Colts are playing in Berlin, the Chargers in São Paulo, the Dolphins in Madrid and the Steelers in Dublin.A triple-header on Christmas Day is among the highlights.Here are 10 of the most anticipated matchups:<h2>Eagles at Chiefs</h2>For the second time in three years, these two teams will play a Super Bowl rematch at Arrowhead Stadium.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-eagles-chiefs-score-e2ff209c074a00a6faff39750ff048f8">Philadelphia dominated Kansas City</a>&nbsp;in the Super Bowl in February with Jalen Hurts earning the MVP award. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl after the 2022 season but Philly won the rematch on the road the following November.<h2>Chiefs at Bills</h2>Mahomes and Josh Allen face off again in a rematch of the AFC championship game. Allen and the Bills have defeated Mahomes and the Chiefs four straight times in the regular season, but Kansas City has won all four playoff matchups between the two rivals over the past five years. The game will be played in Buffalo.<h2>Bears vs Lions</h2>Ben Johnson leads the Bears against his former team after guiding one of the league’s most prolific offenses in Detroit. Johnson was the Lions’ offensive coordinator for three seasons. The team led the NFL in scoring in 2024, setting a franchise record with an average of 33.2 points per game.<h2>Steelers at Jets</h2>Assuming Aaron Rodgers joins Pittsburgh, he’ll get a chance to face his former team after a contentious departure from New York. Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP in Green Bay, said he felt disrespected by Jets coach Aaron Glenn after flying from California for a face-to-face meeting only to be told minutes into the conversation that the team didn't want him.<h2>Patriots at Titans</h2>New Patriots&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-vrabel-new-england-patriots-6ccb261ca025911432bfe19226544401">coach Mike Vrabel</a>&nbsp;faces his former team in Tennessee. Vrabel was Coach of the Year with the Titans in 2021 and was fired after the 2023 season.<h2>Eagles at Lions</h2>The matchup many fans wanted to see in the NFC championship game last season but it didn’t pan out because the Commanders knocked off the No. 1 seed on the road at Detroit. The Eagles beat the Lions 38-35 the most recent time the teams met in Week 1 of the 2022 season.<h2>Ravens at Chiefs</h2>Lamar Jackson is 1-4 against Mahomes, including a home loss in the AFC championship game in January 2024. The Chiefs kicked off last season with a 27-20 victory over the Ravens after a potential game-tying TD catch by Isaiah Likely was overturned and his toe was ruled out of bounds.<h2>Bears at Commanders</h2>Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels go head-to-head for the second straight season. The quarterbacks were drafted 1-2 in 2024. Daniels led the Commanders to a comeback win against the Bears last season on a desperation last-second TD pass. Chicago spiraled after the disappointing loss, dropping nine in a row.<h2>Vikings at Seahawks</h2>Sam Darnold takes on his former team after helping the Vikings win 14 games last season. Minnesota let Darnold walk away after a career season and the Seahawks gave him a three-year, $100.5 million deal. The Vikings are counting on 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.<h2>Rams at Eagles</h2>The Rams were Philadelphia’s toughest playoff opponent last season. Down 28-22 with just over one minute left, Los Angeles had the ball at the Eagles 13 on third down. But Jalen Carter sacked Matthew Stafford for a 9-yard loss and then pressured him into an incomplete pass on fourth down to secure the win. The Eagles went on to rout Washington in the NFC title game and Kansas City in the Super Bowl.

Eagles-Chiefs rematch and another Allen-Mahomes matchup among biggest 2025 NFL games

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kyle Larson took most of the drama out of his second straight spring victory at Kansas Speedway on Sunday.

After putting his No. 5 car on the pole for Hendrick Motorsports, Larson led 221 of 267 laps, winning both stages and cruising to his third NASCAR Cup Series win of the season. He was never challenged down the stretch by second-finishing Christopher Bell — and he most certainly didn't need another last-lap pass to win at the wire like he did a year ago.

The margin over Chris Buescher then was 0.001 seconds, the closest in Cup Series history. It was 0.712 seconds on Sunday.

“Glad to not win by an inch this time,” Larson said with a smile. “A little safer gap.”

Larson, who also has wins at Homestead and Bristol, has finished in the top four in each of his past four Cup Series races, and now he will take that momentum to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Larson will be on track Tuesday as he begins another shot at “the Double” — running every lap of the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day Memorial Day weekend.

Last year, he contended in the rain-delayed Indy 500 before a speeding penalty on pit road resulted in an 18th-place finish. He then hopped a flight to Charlotte for the NASCAR race, but rain there kept him from ever completing a lap.

“It's a cool win here at Kansas,” Larson said in victory lane, “and now we'll try to execute two good weeks at Indy.”

Even though Larson spent most of a hot, sunny day at Kansas in the lead, he found himself trailing Chase Elliott early in the final stage. But when Elliott's team dropped the jack too soon before his right rear tire was on during a pit stop, Larson was able to get back to the front on the restart, and he spent the last 50 laps cruising to the checkered flag.

Bell, a three-time winner already, finished in the top three for the sixth time this season. Ryan Blaney came in third, giving Team Penske another good run after Austin Cindric won two weeks ago at Talladega and Joey Logano won last week at Texas.

“I was just trying to get to the end. I know Ryan was coming on really strong there,” Bell said. “I feel like our day was kind of a product of qualifying well and having good pit stops and restarts.”

Blaney knew he was coming on strong, too, but he was left to lament what might have been.

“We were kind of running those guys down quick,” Blaney said. “A few more laps, I would have scared the 5 a bit at least.”

Chase Briscoe finished fourth and Larson's teammate Alex Bowman rounded out the top five.

Brad Keselowski looked as if he might finally have his first top-10 finish this season. He started from the rear but steadily made his way forward, and the 2012 series champion had moved into second behind Elliott when his right rear went down with 72 laps to go. Keselowski wound up in the wall, ending his hopes of contending.

“I mean, it was going to be a great day," Keselowski said. "I heard a big boom and around it went. It's unfortunate.”

Denny Hamlin also had a fast car all afternoon, but he wound up fighting a clutch problem that made pitting a nightmare. He was still running with the leaders before Keselowski's caution, when yet more clutch trouble finally ruined his day.

“Really fast again,” Hamlin said. “Just can't keep it together right now.”

There had been only one non-stage caution before Keselowski hit the wall. Cody Ware, Daniel Suarez and Ty Dillon brought out another in a wreck on the restart; Kyle Busch was bumped and spun to bring out another yellow on the next restart; and Justin Haley, Erik Jones and Bubba Wallace were involved in another wreck on a third consecutive restart.

Larson won for the 32nd time, and joined Hamlin and Busch as the only active Cup Series drivers to have led more than 10,000 laps. ... Briscoe was fourth for the fourth time this season. He has yet to finish better. ... Larson made it three straight wins for Chevrolet at Kansas Speedway. Ross Chastain won the fall race last season. ... Hamlin's streak of seven straight top-10s at Kansas ended. He finished 36th. ... Logano challenged for second late in the race before finishing ninth.

The All-Star Race is up next Sunday at North Wilkesboro, where Logano is the defending champ. There are changes to the format this year, including an optional promoter's caution flag, which could dramatically reshape the 250-lap race.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747049377021.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Drivers head through Turn 1 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Drivers head through Turn 1 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kyle Larson took most of the drama out of his second straight spring victory at Kansas Speedway on Sunday.After putting his No. 5 car on the pole for Hendrick Motorsports, Larson led 221 of 267 laps, winning both stages and cruising to his third NASCAR Cup Series win of the season. He was never challenged down the stretch by second-finishing Christopher Bell — and he most certainly didn't need another last-lap pass to win at the wire like he did a year ago.The margin over Chris Buescher then was 0.001 seconds, the closest in Cup Series history. It was 0.712 seconds on Sunday.“Glad to not win by an inch this time,” Larson said with a smile. “A little safer gap.”Larson, who also has wins at Homestead and Bristol, has finished in the top four in each of his past four Cup Series races, and now he will take that momentum to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Larson will be on track Tuesday as he begins another shot at “the Double” — running every lap of the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day Memorial Day weekend.Last year, he contended in the rain-delayed Indy 500 before a speeding penalty on pit road resulted in an 18th-place finish. He then hopped a flight to Charlotte for the NASCAR race, but rain there kept him from ever completing a lap.“It's a cool win here at Kansas,” Larson said in victory lane, “and now we'll try to execute two good weeks at Indy.”Even though Larson spent most of a hot, sunny day at Kansas in the lead, he found himself trailing Chase Elliott early in the final stage. But when Elliott's team dropped the jack too soon before his right rear tire was on during a pit stop, Larson was able to get back to the front on the restart, and he spent the last 50 laps cruising to the checkered flag.Bell, a three-time winner already, finished in the top three for the sixth time this season. Ryan Blaney came in third, giving Team Penske another good run after Austin Cindric won two weeks ago at Talladega and Joey Logano won last week at Texas.“I was just trying to get to the end. I know Ryan was coming on really strong there,” Bell said. “I feel like our day was kind of a product of qualifying well and having good pit stops and restarts.”Blaney knew he was coming on strong, too, but he was left to lament what might have been.“We were kind of running those guys down quick,” Blaney said. “A few more laps, I would have scared the 5 a bit at least.”Chase Briscoe finished fourth and Larson's teammate Alex Bowman rounded out the top five.Brad Keselowski looked as if he might finally have his first top-10 finish this season. He started from the rear but steadily made his way forward, and the 2012 series champion had moved into second behind Elliott when his right rear went down with 72 laps to go. Keselowski wound up in the wall, ending his hopes of contending.“I mean, it was going to be a great day," Keselowski said. "I heard a big boom and around it went. It's unfortunate.”Denny Hamlin also had a fast car all afternoon, but he wound up fighting a clutch problem that made pitting a nightmare. He was still running with the leaders before Keselowski's caution, when yet more clutch trouble finally ruined his day.“Really fast again,” Hamlin said. “Just can't keep it together right now.”<h2>Green and yellow</h2>There had been only one non-stage caution before Keselowski hit the wall. Cody Ware, Daniel Suarez and Ty Dillon brought out another in a wreck on the restart; Kyle Busch was bumped and spun to bring out another yellow on the next restart; and Justin Haley, Erik Jones and Bubba Wallace were involved in another wreck on a third consecutive restart.<h2>Odds and ends</h2>Larson won for the 32nd time, and joined Hamlin and Busch as the only active Cup Series drivers to have led more than 10,000 laps. ... Briscoe was fourth for the fourth time this season. He has yet to finish better. ... Larson made it three straight wins for Chevrolet at Kansas Speedway. Ross Chastain won the fall race last season. ... Hamlin's streak of seven straight top-10s at Kansas ended. He finished 36th. ... Logano challenged for second late in the race before finishing ninth.<h2>Up next</h2>The All-Star Race is up next Sunday at North Wilkesboro, where Logano is the defending champ. There are changes to the format this year, including an optional promoter's caution flag, which could dramatically reshape the 250-lap race.

Kyle Larson wins again at Kansas, dominating for his 3rd NASCAR Cup Series win this season

AMERICAN
LEAGUEEast
DivisionW	L	Pct	GB
New York	23	17	.575	—
Boston	22	20	.524	2
Toronto	20	20	.500	3
Tampa Bay	18	22	.450	5
Baltimore	15	24	.385	7½Central
Division
Detroit	26	15	.634	—
Cleveland	23	17	.575	2½Kansas
City	24	18	.571	2½
Minnesota	21	20	.512	5
Chicago	12	29	.293	14West
Division
Seattle	22	17	.564	—
Houston	20	19	.513	2
Athletics	21	20	.512	2
Texas	20	21	.488	3
Los Angeles	16	23	.410	6NATIONAL
LEAGUEEast
DivisionW	L	Pct	GB
New York	26	15	.634	—
Philadelphia	24	16	.600	1½
Atlanta	19	21	.475	6½
Washington	17	24	.415	9
Miami	15	24	.385	10Central
Division
Chicago	23	18	.561	—St.
Louis	22	19	.537	1
Milwaukee	20	21	.488	3
Cincinnati	20	22	.476	3½
Pittsburgh	14	27	.341	9West
Division
Los Angeles	27	14	.659	—
San Diego	25	14	.641	1
San Francisco	24	17	.585	3
Arizona	21	20	.512	6Colorado	7	33	.175	19½

MLB Standings


The Houston Astros begin a three-game series at
home against the Kansas City Royals on Monday.


Kansas City Royals (24-18, third in the AL
Central) vs. Houston Astros (20-19, second in the AL West)

PITCHING PROBABLES: Royals: Michael
Wacha (2-4, 2.98 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 34 strikeouts); Astros: Ryan Gusto
(3-1, 2.93 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 29 strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -118,
Royals -102; over/under is 8 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Astros host the
Kansas City Royals on Monday to open a three-game series.


Houston has a 20-19 record overall and a 13-8
record in home games. Astros hitters are batting a collective .248,
which ranks sixth in the AL.


Kansas City is 24-18 overall and 8-11 on the
road. The Royals have the eighth-ranked team batting average in the
AL at .242.


The matchup Monday is the fourth time these
teams meet this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Isaac Paredes has six
doubles, a triple, four home runs and 17 RBIs while hitting .264 for
the Astros. Jeremy Pena is 15 for 45 with two doubles and two home
runs over the last 10 games.


Bobby Witt Jr. has 17 doubles and five home
runs while hitting .315 for the Royals. Vinnie Pasquantino is 13 for
42 with a double and two home runs over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Astros: 4-6, .282
batting average, 3.96 ERA, outscored opponents by five runs

Royals: 7-3, .265 batting average, 2.45
ERA, outscored opponents by 11 runs

INJURIES: Astros: Jose Altuve:
day-to-day (hamstring), Hayden Wesneski: 15-Day IL (elbow), Yordan
Alvarez: 10-Day IL (hand), Forrest Whitley: 15-Day IL (knee), Spencer
Arrighetti: 15-Day IL (thumb), Luis Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow),
Cristian Javier: 60-Day IL (elbow), J.P. France: 60-Day IL
(shoulder), Taylor Trammell: 10-Day IL (calf), Pedro Leon: 10-Day IL
(knee)

By
The Associated Press
The Houston Astros begin a three-game series at
home against the Kansas City Royals on Monday.
Kansas City Royals (24-18, third in the AL
Central) vs. Houston Astros (20-19, second in the AL West)
Houston; Monday, 8:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Royals: Michael
Wacha (2-4, 2.98 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 34 strikeouts); Astros: Ryan Gusto
(3-1, 2.93 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 29 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -118,
Royals -102; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Astros host the
Kansas City Royals on Monday to open a three-game series.
Houston has a 20-19 record overall and a 13-8
record in home games. Astros hitters are batting a collective .248,
which ranks sixth in the AL.
Kansas City is 24-18 overall and 8-11 on the
road. The Royals have the eighth-ranked team batting average in the
AL at .242.
The matchup Monday is the fourth time these
teams meet this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Isaac Paredes has six
doubles, a triple, four home runs and 17 RBIs while hitting .264 for
the Astros. Jeremy Pena is 15 for 45 with two doubles and two home
runs over the last 10 games.
Bobby Witt Jr. has 17 doubles and five home
runs while hitting .315 for the Royals. Vinnie Pasquantino is 13 for
42 with a double and two home runs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Astros: 4-6, .282
batting average, 3.96 ERA, outscored opponents by five runs
Royals: 7-3, .265 batting average, 2.45
ERA, outscored opponents by 11 runs
INJURIES: Astros: Jose Altuve:
day-to-day (hamstring), Hayden Wesneski: 15-Day IL (elbow), Yordan
Alvarez: 10-Day IL (hand), Forrest Whitley: 15-Day IL (knee), Spencer
Arrighetti: 15-Day IL (thumb), Luis Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow),
Cristian Javier: 60-Day IL (elbow), J.P. France: 60-Day IL
(shoulder), Taylor Trammell: 10-Day IL (calf), Pedro Leon: 10-Day IL
(knee)

Astros host the Royals to start 3-game series

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Rafael Devers’ 440-foot homer snapped a 1-1 tie and Lucas Giolito pitched into the seventh inning for his first win since 2023 as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Sunday.

Giolito (1-1) allowed two singles and one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings to get his first win for Boston. He missed last season with a partially torn elbow ligament, and his last victory was for Cleveland on Sept. 15, 2023.

Devers — again starting at designated hitter two days after Red Sox homer John Henry flew to Kansas City to meet with the disgruntled slugger over his refusal to play first base — followed up his 4-for-4 performance on Saturday with a monster homer. With one out and a runner on first in the sixth, Devers blasted Seth Lugo's first pitch to dead center, his seventh longball of the year.

In the third inning, Giolito threw wildly past third on Kyle Isbel’s bunt, allowing Drew Waters to score. He faced the minimum after that.

Wilyer Abreu tied it in the fourth with his 10th homer, a 430-foot shot to right. Abreu had three hits, snapping an 0-for-13 slide.

Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.

Lugo (3-4) allowed three runs in six innings for his fifth straight quality start.

Kansas City had four hits, all singles, and lost consecutive games for the first time since a six-game skid from April 14-19.

With two on and nobody out in the third, Giolito escaped the jam by getting two groundouts sandwiched around a strikeout of Bobby Witt Jr.

Devers has reached safely in eight of his last nine plate appearances.

Red Sox RHP Tanner Houck (0-2, 6.10 ERA) opposes Tigers RHP Jackson Jobe (2-0, 4.88) at Detroit on Monday.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (2-4, 2.98) faces the Astros at Houston on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747046657738.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers, right, runs home to score after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers, right, runs home to score after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Rafael Devers’ 440-foot homer snapped a 1-1 tie and Lucas Giolito pitched into the seventh inning for his first win since 2023 as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Sunday.Giolito (1-1) allowed two singles and one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings to get his first win for Boston. He missed last season with a partially torn elbow ligament, and his last victory was for Cleveland on Sept. 15, 2023.Devers — again starting at designated hitter two days after Red Sox homer John Henry flew to Kansas City to meet with the disgruntled slugger over his refusal to play first base — followed up his 4-for-4 performance on Saturday with a monster homer. With one out and a runner on first in the sixth, Devers blasted Seth Lugo's first pitch to dead center, his seventh longball of the year.In the third inning, Giolito threw wildly past third on Kyle Isbel’s bunt, allowing Drew Waters to score. He faced the minimum after that.Wilyer Abreu tied it in the fourth with his 10th homer, a 430-foot shot to right. Abreu had three hits, snapping an 0-for-13 slide.Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.Lugo (3-4) allowed three runs in six innings for his fifth straight quality start.Kansas City had four hits, all singles, and lost consecutive games for the first time since a six-game skid from April 14-19.<h2>Key moment</h2>With two on and nobody out in the third, Giolito escaped the jam by getting two groundouts sandwiched around a strikeout of Bobby Witt Jr.<h2>Key stat</h2>Devers has reached safely in eight of his last nine plate appearances.<h2>Up next</h2>Red Sox RHP Tanner Houck (0-2, 6.10 ERA) opposes Tigers RHP Jackson Jobe (2-0, 4.88) at Detroit on Monday.Royals RHP Michael Wacha (2-4, 2.98) faces the Astros at Houston on Monday.

Devers’ homer boosts Red Sox to 3-1 victory over Royals


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Rafael Devers’
440-foot homer snapped a 1-1 tie and Lucas Giolito pitched into the
seventh inning for his first win since 2023 as the Boston Red Sox
beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Sunday. Giolito allowed two
singles and one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings while striking out five
to get his first win for Boston. He missed last season with a
partially torn elbow ligament, and his last victory was for Cleveland
on Sept. 15, 2023. Devers followed up his 4-for-4 performance on
Saturday with a monster homer.


WASHINGTON (AP) — Lars Nootbaar, Willson
Contreras and Nolan Arenado homered, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat
the Washington Nationals 6-1 to complete a three-game sweep. The
Cardinals have swept back-to-back series during an eight-game winning
streak, their longest since August of 2022. Miles Mikolas allowed one
run over 5 1/3 innings with five strikeouts and one walk. All five of
his career wins against Washington have come at Nationals Park.
Nootbaar cranked his sixth homer of the season and seventh leadoff
homer of his career well into the second deck in right field on the
fifth pitch from MacKenzie Gore.


DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies have fired
manager Bud Black. He was the winningest manager in franchise
history, but the Rockies are off to a 7-33 start that’s one of the
worst in Major League Baseball history. Colorado promoted third base
coach Warren Schaeffer to be the interim manager Sunday after a 9-3
win over San Diego. That victory wasn’t enough to save Black’s
job after the Rockies lost 21-0 to the Padres on Saturday. They also
fired bench coach Mike Redmond. Hitting coach Clint Hurdle takes over
as interim bench coach. The Rockies have the worst 40-game start
since the 1988 Baltimore Orioles.


WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Aaron Judge
had four hits to get his average back above .400 and Ben Rice hit a
grand slam to lead the New York Yankees to a 12-2 victory over the
Athletics. Judge hit a two-run single in a five-run second inning
against former teammate Luis Severino and added hits in his final
three at-bats to raise his average on the season to .409. The Yankees
broke the game open in the fifth inning when Rice hit his first
career grand slam after Mitch Spence had relieved an ineffective
Severino.


UNDATED (AP) — The thirst for football is so
great the schedule release is a three-hour, prime-time broadcast on
the NFL Network. Teams have known their 2025 opponents since last
season ended but everyone is waiting on dates and times. There will
be seven international games in five countries, including three in
England, one in Germany, one in Brazil and the first-ever games in
Spain and Ireland. The Jaguars, Jets and Browns are the designated
home teams for the three games in London. The Colts are playing in
Berlin, the Chargers in São Paulo, the Dolphins in Madrid and the
Steelers in Dublin. A triple-header on Christmas Day is among the
highlights.


KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kyle Larson made it
back-to-back spring race wins at Kansas Speedway. He dominated the
NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday from the pole to win for the third
time this season. Larson swept both of the stages and led 221 of 267
laps. Christopher Bell was second and Ryan Blaney came on hard down
the stretch to finish third. Larson now will take his momentum to
Indianapolis Motor Speedway this coming week. He will be on track
Tuesday as he begins another shot at “the Double,” running every
lap of the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day
Memorial Day weekend.


INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Pascal Siakam scored 21
points and the Indiana Pacers tied an NBA playoff record by taking a
41-point halftime lead before routing the top-seeded Cleveland
Cavaliers 129-109 on Sunday night for a 3-1 lead in the Eastern
Conference semifinals. The Pacers can earn a second straight trip to
the East finals with a victory Tuesday in Cleveland, where they won
the first two games. Indiana jumped to an 80-39 lead at halftime and
led by as much as 44 points. Donovan Mitchell had 12 points despite
not playing in the second half because of a left ankle injury. Coach
Kenny Atkinson said his All-Star guard would have an MRI exam Monday.


DENVER (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored
25 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder finally outplayed Denver in
crunch time, beating the Nuggets 92-87 Sunday to knot their
second-round series at two games each. The Thunder overcame an
eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter after the Nuggets had
outlasted the youngest team in the NBA with wins in Games 1 and 3.


SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Sergei Bobrovsky stopped
23 shots for his fifth career playoff shutout, Carter Verhaeghe and
Sam Bennett scored and the Florida Panthers beat the Toronto Maple
Leafs 2-0 on Sunday night in Game 4 to even the Eastern Conference
semifinal series. Verhaeghe scored on a power play in the first
period, Bennett added the insurance score with 7:50 left and
Bobrovsky did the rest. He’s the first goalie with two shutouts in
this year’s playoffs. Joseph Woll stopped 35 shots for the Maple
Leafs, who took a 2-0 series lead with a pair of home wins and now
return there for Game 5 on Wednesday with the series knotted 2-2.


DALLAS (AP) — Mikko Rantanen had a goal and
two assists, including on the tiebreaking goal off Alexander
Petrovic's skate as the Dallas Stars beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 on
Sunday to take 2-1 lead in the second-round Western Conference
series. Officials reviewed Petrovic’s goal with 16:09 left for more
than five minutes before confirming the 3-2 lead that came off the
rebound of a shot by Rantanen. Soon after play resumed, Rantanen
scored his ninth goal of the playoffs. Game 4 is Tuesday night in
Dallas. Roope Hintz had a goal and an assist for the Stars, and Wyatt
Johnston added a late goal. Kyle Connor and Nino Niederreiter scored
for the Jets.


FLOURTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Sepp Straka seized the
lead with a par at the 16th hole and shot a 2-under 68, outdueling
Shane Lowry in the final round of the Truist Championship at
Philadelphia Cricket Club for his second victory of the season.
Justin Thomas and Lowry tied for second place, two strokes back.
Patrick Cantlay, Jacob Bridgeman and Tommy Fleetwood finished tied
for fourth at 12 under. Defending champion and four-time event winner
Rory McIlroy never really got going, closing with a 2-under 68 and
was in a group in seventh place.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Rafael Devers’
440-foot homer snapped a 1-1 tie and Lucas Giolito pitched into the
seventh inning for his first win since 2023 as the Boston Red Sox
beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Sunday. Giolito allowed two
singles and one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings while striking out five
to get his first win for Boston. He missed last season with a
partially torn elbow ligament, and his last victory was for Cleveland
on Sept. 15, 2023. Devers followed up his 4-for-4 performance on
Saturday with a monster homer.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lars Nootbaar, Willson
Contreras and Nolan Arenado homered, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat
the Washington Nationals 6-1 to complete a three-game sweep. The
Cardinals have swept back-to-back series during an eight-game winning
streak, their longest since August of 2022. Miles Mikolas allowed one
run over 5 1/3 innings with five strikeouts and one walk. All five of
his career wins against Washington have come at Nationals Park.
Nootbaar cranked his sixth homer of the season and seventh leadoff
homer of his career well into the second deck in right field on the
fifth pitch from MacKenzie Gore.
DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies have fired
manager Bud Black. He was the winningest manager in franchise
history, but the Rockies are off to a 7-33 start that’s one of the
worst in Major League Baseball history. Colorado promoted third base
coach Warren Schaeffer to be the interim manager Sunday after a 9-3
win over San Diego. That victory wasn’t enough to save Black’s
job after the Rockies lost 21-0 to the Padres on Saturday. They also
fired bench coach Mike Redmond. Hitting coach Clint Hurdle takes over
as interim bench coach. The Rockies have the worst 40-game start
since the 1988 Baltimore Orioles.
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Aaron Judge
had four hits to get his average back above .400 and Ben Rice hit a
grand slam to lead the New York Yankees to a 12-2 victory over the
Athletics. Judge hit a two-run single in a five-run second inning
against former teammate Luis Severino and added hits in his final
three at-bats to raise his average on the season to .409. The Yankees
broke the game open in the fifth inning when Rice hit his first
career grand slam after Mitch Spence had relieved an ineffective
Severino.
UNDATED (AP) — The thirst for football is so
great the schedule release is a three-hour, prime-time broadcast on
the NFL Network. Teams have known their 2025 opponents since last
season ended but everyone is waiting on dates and times. There will
be seven international games in five countries, including three in
England, one in Germany, one in Brazil and the first-ever games in
Spain and Ireland. The Jaguars, Jets and Browns are the designated
home teams for the three games in London. The Colts are playing in
Berlin, the Chargers in São Paulo, the Dolphins in Madrid and the
Steelers in Dublin. A triple-header on Christmas Day is among the
highlights.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kyle Larson made it
back-to-back spring race wins at Kansas Speedway. He dominated the
NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday from the pole to win for the third
time this season. Larson swept both of the stages and led 221 of 267
laps. Christopher Bell was second and Ryan Blaney came on hard down
the stretch to finish third. Larson now will take his momentum to
Indianapolis Motor Speedway this coming week. He will be on track
Tuesday as he begins another shot at “the Double,” running every
lap of the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day
Memorial Day weekend.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Pascal Siakam scored 21
points and the Indiana Pacers tied an NBA playoff record by taking a
41-point halftime lead before routing the top-seeded Cleveland
Cavaliers 129-109 on Sunday night for a 3-1 lead in the Eastern
Conference semifinals. The Pacers can earn a second straight trip to
the East finals with a victory Tuesday in Cleveland, where they won
the first two games. Indiana jumped to an 80-39 lead at halftime and
led by as much as 44 points. Donovan Mitchell had 12 points despite
not playing in the second half because of a left ankle injury. Coach
Kenny Atkinson said his All-Star guard would have an MRI exam Monday.
DENVER (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored
25 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder finally outplayed Denver in
crunch time, beating the Nuggets 92-87 Sunday to knot their
second-round series at two games each. The Thunder overcame an
eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter after the Nuggets had
outlasted the youngest team in the NBA with wins in Games 1 and 3.
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Sergei Bobrovsky stopped
23 shots for his fifth career playoff shutout, Carter Verhaeghe and
Sam Bennett scored and the Florida Panthers beat the Toronto Maple
Leafs 2-0 on Sunday night in Game 4 to even the Eastern Conference
semifinal series. Verhaeghe scored on a power play in the first
period, Bennett added the insurance score with 7:50 left and
Bobrovsky did the rest. He’s the first goalie with two shutouts in
this year’s playoffs. Joseph Woll stopped 35 shots for the Maple
Leafs, who took a 2-0 series lead with a pair of home wins and now
return there for Game 5 on Wednesday with the series knotted 2-2.
DALLAS (AP) — Mikko Rantanen had a goal and
two assists, including on the tiebreaking goal off Alexander
Petrovic's skate as the Dallas Stars beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 on
Sunday to take 2-1 lead in the second-round Western Conference
series. Officials reviewed Petrovic’s goal with 16:09 left for more
than five minutes before confirming the 3-2 lead that came off the
rebound of a shot by Rantanen. Soon after play resumed, Rantanen
scored his ninth goal of the playoffs. Game 4 is Tuesday night in
Dallas. Roope Hintz had a goal and an assist for the Stars, and Wyatt
Johnston added a late goal. Kyle Connor and Nino Niederreiter scored
for the Jets.
FLOURTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Sepp Straka seized the
lead with a par at the 16th hole and shot a 2-under 68, outdueling
Shane Lowry in the final round of the Truist Championship at
Philadelphia Cricket Club for his second victory of the season.
Justin Thomas and Lowry tied for second place, two strokes back.
Patrick Cantlay, Jacob Bridgeman and Tommy Fleetwood finished tied
for fourth at 12 under. Defending champion and four-time event winner
Rory McIlroy never really got going, closing with a 2-under 68 and
was in a group in seventh place.SUNDAY
SCORESMAJOR
LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUE
Final	Milwaukee	4	Tampa Bay	2	
Final	Chicago White Sox	4	Miami	2	
Final	Houston	6	Cincinnati	0	
Final	Minnesota	7	San Francisco	6	
Final	Philadelphia	3	Cleveland	0	AMERICAN
LEAGUE
Final	Texas	6	Detroit	1	
Final	Boston	3	Kansas City	1	
Final	Toronto	9	Seattle	1	
Final	Baltimore	7	L.A. Angels	3	
Final	N.Y. Yankees	12	Athletics	2	NATIONAL
LEAGUE
Final	N.Y. Mets	6	Chicago Cubs	2	
Final	St. Louis	6	Washington	1	
Final	Pittsburgh	4	Atlanta	3	
Final	Colorado	9	San Diego	3	
Final	L.A. Dodgers	8	Arizona	1	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS
Final	Oklahoma City	92	Denver	87	
Final	Indiana	129	Cleveland	109	NATIONAL
HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
Final	Dallas	5	Winnipeg	2	
Final	Florida	2	Toronto	0