
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Freddy Fermin had three hits and an RBI, Kyle
Isbel and Salvador Perez each drove in a run and Michael Lorenzen
pitched six strong innings for his 50th career win as the Kansas City
Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1. Perez’s two-out double drove in
Jonathan India in the first. One inning later, Fermin poked a single
to right that allowed Drew Walters to advance from first to third,
setting up Isbel’s sacrifice fly. Fermin, who nearly left the game
in the seventh after fouling a pitch off his hands, singled home
Maikel Garcia to give Kansas City a two-run cushion in the ninth.
Lorenzen (3-3) halted the Rays’ five-game winning streak, his only
blemish a solo homer to Junior Caminero in the fourth.


CINCINNATI (AP) — The game between the St. Louis Cardinals and
Cincinnati Reds was postponed due to inclement weather on Tuesday.
The teams will play a day-night doubleheader on Wednesday. Tuesday
night’s game was called off about an hour before the scheduled
first pitch of 6:40 p.m. Wednesday’s first game is scheduled for
12:40 p.m., and the second at 6:40 p.m.


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs exercised their
fifth-year options on cornerback Trent McDuffie and pass rusher
George Karlaftis, two of the young pillars of a defense that has
helped them reach three consecutive Super Bowls. The deadline to pick
up the option year is Thursday. The 24-year-old McDuffie, who was the
21st overall pick in 2022, has started all 43 games that he has
played over the past three seasons. He was a first-team All-Pro in
2023 and a second-team pick this past season. Karlaftis, who is also
24, was the 30th overall pick in the same draft, and has developed
into one of the NFL’s top-tier defensive ends.


SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — George Kittle agreed to a four-year
contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers that will make him
the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. Kittle announced the deal
on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, saying the extension
was worth $76.4 million over four years with $35 million guaranteed
at signing. The deal keeps Kittle under contract with San Francisco
through the 2029 season. The 49ers confirmed the deal with the only
remaining member of the original draft class under coach Kyle
Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.


UNDATED (AP) — There are always players poised in the spring for
potential breakouts when the football season kicks off in the fall.
Among those in the Big 12 are some standout transfers, and some
returning players getting their chance. West Virginia added American
Athletic Conference defensive player of the year Jimmori Robinson.
Transfer receiver Chase Sowell is a big boost for an Iowa State
offense that lost 1,000-yard receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin
Noel, both drafted by Houston in in the first three rounds of the NFL
draft.


UNDATED (AP) — Rich Rodriguez and Scott Frost are new to the Big 12
Conference. They aren't to the schools that brought them back.
Rodriguez and Frost are the only new coaches in the 16-team Big 12.
They have now through their first spring since getting back to their
old schools. West Virginia was still in the Big East when Rodriguez
led them to three consecutive 11-win seasons from 2005-07, then left
for Michigan. Frost was the coach for UCF’s undefeated season out
of the American Athletic Conference in 2017 before going to Nebraska.


INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers stole
one from the Milwaukee Bucks. Indiana forced two turnovers in the
final 29 seconds of overtime, and Haliburton blew past Giannis
Antetokounmpo for the go-ahead layup with 1.3 seconds left to give
the Pacers a 119-118 victory and a 4-1 series win. The Pacers closed
the game with an 8-0 run over the final 40 seconds of OT to eliminate
the Bucks in the first round for the second straight season.
Haliburton had 26 points and 10 assists as he improved to 9-0 in home
playoff games. This chippy series ended fittingly with a shoving
match between the teams at midcourt.


NEW YORK (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 24 points, eight rebounds and
eight assists, and the Detroit Pistons stayed alive in their first
postseason appearance since 2019 by beating the New York Knicks
106-103 on Tuesday night in Game 5 of their first-round series. Ausar
Thompson added 22 points and Tobias Harris had 17 for the Pistons,
who will have a chance to even things up Thursday night at home in
Game 6. If they win that, the deciding game would be back at Madison
Square Garden on Saturday. Detroit, though, has lost an NBA
record-tying nine straight home games since 2008.


BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 35 points, 10 assists and eight
rebounds, and the Boston Celtics pulled away after Magic star Paolo
Banchero went to the bench with five fouls, beating Orlando 120-89 in
Game 5 of their first-round playoff series to advance to the Eastern
Conference semifinals. The defending NBA champions will play either
the New York Knicks or Detroit Pistons in the second round. The
Knicks lead their series 3-2 despite falling 106-103 earlier Tuesday
in New York. Franz Wagner scored 25 points, Banchero had 19 and
Wendell Carter Jr. had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Magic


RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Sebastian Aho hammered a one-timer past Jacob
Markstrom at 4:17 of the second overtime to help the Carolina
Hurricanes beat the New Jersey Devils 5-4 on Tuesday night to clinch
their first-round playoff series. The score came with the Hurricanes
on a four-minute power play on a double-minor high-sticking penalty
by Dawson Mercer. Aho's capper marked the only lead for the
Hurricanes in a wild game that pushed them into the second round of
the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Markstrom finished with 48 saves for the
Devils while facing a deluge of shots in the third period and first
OT.


St. Louis	at	Cincinnati	12:40 p.m.	(Postponed)

NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Freddy Fermin had three hits and an RBI, Kyle
Isbel and Salvador Perez each drove in a run and Michael Lorenzen
pitched six strong innings for his 50th career win as the Kansas City
Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1. Perez’s two-out double drove in
Jonathan India in the first. One inning later, Fermin poked a single
to right that allowed Drew Walters to advance from first to third,
setting up Isbel’s sacrifice fly. Fermin, who nearly left the game
in the seventh after fouling a pitch off his hands, singled home
Maikel Garcia to give Kansas City a two-run cushion in the ninth.
Lorenzen (3-3) halted the Rays’ five-game winning streak, his only
blemish a solo homer to Junior Caminero in the fourth.
CINCINNATI (AP) — The game between the St. Louis Cardinals and
Cincinnati Reds was postponed due to inclement weather on Tuesday.
The teams will play a day-night doubleheader on Wednesday. Tuesday
night’s game was called off about an hour before the scheduled
first pitch of 6:40 p.m. Wednesday’s first game is scheduled for
12:40 p.m., and the second at 6:40 p.m.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs exercised their
fifth-year options on cornerback Trent McDuffie and pass rusher
George Karlaftis, two of the young pillars of a defense that has
helped them reach three consecutive Super Bowls. The deadline to pick
up the option year is Thursday. The 24-year-old McDuffie, who was the
21st overall pick in 2022, has started all 43 games that he has
played over the past three seasons. He was a first-team All-Pro in
2023 and a second-team pick this past season. Karlaftis, who is also
24, was the 30th overall pick in the same draft, and has developed
into one of the NFL’s top-tier defensive ends.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — George Kittle agreed to a four-year
contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers that will make him
the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. Kittle announced the deal
on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, saying the extension
was worth $76.4 million over four years with $35 million guaranteed
at signing. The deal keeps Kittle under contract with San Francisco
through the 2029 season. The 49ers confirmed the deal with the only
remaining member of the original draft class under coach Kyle
Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.
UNDATED (AP) — There are always players poised in the spring for
potential breakouts when the football season kicks off in the fall.
Among those in the Big 12 are some standout transfers, and some
returning players getting their chance. West Virginia added American
Athletic Conference defensive player of the year Jimmori Robinson.
Transfer receiver Chase Sowell is a big boost for an Iowa State
offense that lost 1,000-yard receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin
Noel, both drafted by Houston in in the first three rounds of the NFL
draft.
UNDATED (AP) — Rich Rodriguez and Scott Frost are new to the Big 12
Conference. They aren't to the schools that brought them back.
Rodriguez and Frost are the only new coaches in the 16-team Big 12.
They have now through their first spring since getting back to their
old schools. West Virginia was still in the Big East when Rodriguez
led them to three consecutive 11-win seasons from 2005-07, then left
for Michigan. Frost was the coach for UCF’s undefeated season out
of the American Athletic Conference in 2017 before going to Nebraska.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers stole
one from the Milwaukee Bucks. Indiana forced two turnovers in the
final 29 seconds of overtime, and Haliburton blew past Giannis
Antetokounmpo for the go-ahead layup with 1.3 seconds left to give
the Pacers a 119-118 victory and a 4-1 series win. The Pacers closed
the game with an 8-0 run over the final 40 seconds of OT to eliminate
the Bucks in the first round for the second straight season.
Haliburton had 26 points and 10 assists as he improved to 9-0 in home
playoff games. This chippy series ended fittingly with a shoving
match between the teams at midcourt.
NEW YORK (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 24 points, eight rebounds and
eight assists, and the Detroit Pistons stayed alive in their first
postseason appearance since 2019 by beating the New York Knicks
106-103 on Tuesday night in Game 5 of their first-round series. Ausar
Thompson added 22 points and Tobias Harris had 17 for the Pistons,
who will have a chance to even things up Thursday night at home in
Game 6. If they win that, the deciding game would be back at Madison
Square Garden on Saturday. Detroit, though, has lost an NBA
record-tying nine straight home games since 2008.
BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 35 points, 10 assists and eight
rebounds, and the Boston Celtics pulled away after Magic star Paolo
Banchero went to the bench with five fouls, beating Orlando 120-89 in
Game 5 of their first-round playoff series to advance to the Eastern
Conference semifinals. The defending NBA champions will play either
the New York Knicks or Detroit Pistons in the second round. The
Knicks lead their series 3-2 despite falling 106-103 earlier Tuesday
in New York. Franz Wagner scored 25 points, Banchero had 19 and
Wendell Carter Jr. had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Magic
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Sebastian Aho hammered a one-timer past Jacob
Markstrom at 4:17 of the second overtime to help the Carolina
Hurricanes beat the New Jersey Devils 5-4 on Tuesday night to clinch
their first-round playoff series. The score came with the Hurricanes
on a four-minute power play on a double-minor high-sticking penalty
by Dawson Mercer. Aho's capper marked the only lead for the
Hurricanes in a wild game that pushed them into the second round of
the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Markstrom finished with 48 saves for the
Devils while facing a deluge of shots in the third period and first
OT.TUESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUE
Final	Milwaukee	7	Chicago White Sox	2	AMERICAN LEAGUE
Final	Cleveland	2	Minnesota	1	
Final	N.Y. Yankees	15	Baltimore	3	
Final	Boston	10	Toronto	2	
Final	Kansas City	3	Tampa Bay	1	
Final	Texas	15	Athletics	2	
Final	Houston	6	Detroit	4	
Final	Seattle	5	L.A. Angels	3	NATIONAL LEAGUE
St. Louis	at	Cincinnati	12:40 p.m.	(Postponed)
Final	Chicago Cubs	9	Pittsburgh	0	
Final	N.Y. Mets	8	Arizona	3	
Final	Philadelphia	7	Washington	6	
Final	Atlanta	8	Colorado	2	
Final	San Diego	7	San Francisco	4	
Final	L.A. Dodgers	15	Miami	2	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS
Final OT	Indiana	119	Milwaukee	118	
Final	Detroit	106	New York	103	
Final	Boston	120	Orlando	89	
Final	Denver	131	L.A. Clippers	115	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
Final	Ottawa	4	Toronto	0	
Final 2OT	Carolina	5	New Jersey	4	
Final OT	Vegas	3	Minnesota	2	
Final	Edmonton	3	Los Angeles	1

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs exercised their fifth-year options Tuesday on cornerback Trent McDuffie and pass rusher George Karlaftis, two of the young pillars of a defense that has helped them to reach three consecutive Super Bowls.

The deadline to pick up the option year is Thursday.

The 24-year-old McDuffie, who was the 21st overall pick in 2022, has started all 43 games that he has played over the past three seasons. McDuffie was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team All-Pro this past season, when he picked off the first two passes of his career and had a career-best 13 pass deflections while also forcing a fumble.

Karlaftis, who is also 24, was the 30th overall pick in the same draft, and has developed into one of the NFL's top-tier defensive ends. He had six sacks as a rookie, 10 1/2 sacks the following year and eight last season.

The Chiefs' draft three years ago is certain to go down as one of the best in club history.

Second-round pick Bryan Cook started every game at safety last season. Third-round pick Leo Chenal has started 32 games at linebacker over his first three seasons. Fourth-round pick Josh Williams has appeared in 50 games, and seventh-round selections Jaylen Watson, Isiah Pacheco and Nazeeh Johnson have started games or been role players.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745950842750.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) celebrates an interception during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) celebrates an interception during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs exercised their fifth-year options Tuesday on cornerback Trent McDuffie and pass rusher George Karlaftis, two of the young pillars of a defense that has helped them to reach three consecutive Super Bowls.The deadline to pick up the option year is Thursday.The 24-year-old McDuffie, who was the 21st overall pick in 2022, has started all 43 games that he has played over the past three seasons. McDuffie was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team All-Pro this past season, when he picked off the first two passes of his career and had a career-best 13 pass deflections while also forcing a fumble.Karlaftis, who is also 24, was the 30th overall pick in the same draft, and has developed into one of the NFL's top-tier defensive ends. He had six sacks as a rookie, 10 1/2 sacks the following year and eight last season.The Chiefs' draft three years ago is certain to go down as one of the best in club history.Second-round pick Bryan Cook started every game at safety last season. Third-round pick Leo Chenal has started 32 games at linebacker over his first three seasons. Fourth-round pick Josh Williams has appeared in 50 games, and seventh-round selections Jaylen Watson, Isiah Pacheco and Nazeeh Johnson have started games or been role players.

Chiefs exercise 5th-year options on Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis

- Barton softball coach Carson Dubose joins the show to discuss the end of the regular season that ended with a split with conference co-champ Hutchinson Sunday. Carson will also preview the Region 6 Tournament that begins Friday in Dodge City.

- The "Voice of the Cougars and Cardinals" Cole Reif settles in his Tuesday slot to talk all things sports and more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Tuesday show lineup" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday show lineup</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rtwLcOn-RyM?si=fe-IQpeNzDlmoCs7" 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 softball coach Carson Dubose joins the show to discuss the end of the regular season that ended with a split with conference co-champ Hutchinson Sunday. Carson will also preview the Region 6 Tournament that begins Friday in Dodge City.- The "Voice of the Cougars and Cardinals" Cole Reif settles in his Tuesday slot to talk all things sports and more.- Tuesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Tuesday on Sports Day (Watch)

CHARLOTTE, NC – Ahead of the final week of regular season play for Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference baseball teams, league-leading teams once again used last week’s results to move up the latest NJCAA Division 1 Baseball top 25 poll as four conference schools are ranked with two inside the top 10 of the poll released on Monday, April 28th.

Matching their highest ranking of the season, Cowley College is back up two spots to number three in the Week 10 poll after taking a trio of games last week with road wins over Seminole State College and Butler Community College before closing out their week with a home win over Butler. The Tigers enter the final weekend of KJCCC East Division play with a one-game lead over Johnson County Community College who is ranked sixth this week as the Cavaliers made a two-spot move up the rankings after winning five games last week with a sweep of Baker University JV before taking three of four games in a conference series over Coffeyville Community College.

After dropping a road doubleheader at Dodge City to open their final four-game conference series of the season, Barton Community College bounced back with a home sweep to secure their 12th KJCCC West Division title in program history as the Cougars went 3-2 last week and fell three spots down to 20th in the latest rankings while Cloud County moved up one spot to 23rd. The T-Birds picked up three wins last week as part of a 3-1 week after having their second game of a four-game series with Colby suspended due to weather with the resumption set for Monday afternoon. CCCC heads into the final week of the regular season with a 37-13 overall record and is locked into the number two seed in the KJCCC West Division for the upcoming NJCAA Plains District Tournament.

CHARLOTTE, NC – Ahead of the final week of regular season play for Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference baseball teams, league-leading teams once again used last week’s results to move up the latest NJCAA Division 1 Baseball top 25 poll as four conference schools are ranked with two inside the top 10 of the poll released on Monday, April 28th.Matching their highest ranking of the season, Cowley College is back up two spots to number three in the Week 10 poll after taking a trio of games last week with road wins over Seminole State College and Butler Community College before closing out their week with a home win over Butler. The Tigers enter the final weekend of KJCCC East Division play with a one-game lead over Johnson County Community College who is ranked sixth this week as the Cavaliers made a two-spot move up the rankings after winning five games last week with a sweep of Baker University JV before taking three of four games in a conference series over Coffeyville Community College.After dropping a road doubleheader at Dodge City to open their final four-game conference series of the season, Barton Community College bounced back with a home sweep to secure their 12th KJCCC West Division title in program history as the Cougars went 3-2 last week and fell three spots down to 20th in the latest rankings while Cloud County moved up one spot to 23rd. The T-Birds picked up three wins last week as part of a 3-1 week after having their second game of a four-game series with Colby suspended due to weather with the resumption set for Monday afternoon. CCCC heads into the final week of the regular season with a 37-13 overall record and is locked into the number two seed in the KJCCC West Division for the upcoming NJCAA Plains District Tournament.

Barton Cougars No. 20 in latest NJCAA Baseball poll

Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Conf&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; All *Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 27-5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;35-9 *Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;27-5&nbsp; &nbsp; 38-6 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 25-7&nbsp; &nbsp; 32-14 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 18-14&nbsp; &nbsp; 26-26 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;17-14&nbsp; &nbsp; 25-20 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11-21&nbsp; &nbsp;30-25 Seward County&nbsp; 10-21&nbsp; &nbsp; 18-29 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 8-24&nbsp; &nbsp; 12-36 Fort Hays Tech&nbsp; &nbsp;0-32&nbsp; &nbsp;0-44 * Conference Champions Monday, April 28 Pratt 11, Fort Hays Tech 3 Pratt 15, Fort Hays Tech 1 Garden City 11, Colby 5 Colby 11, Garden City 8 End of Regular Season

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683465533658.png" alt="All games are double headers unless noted" />
 <figcaption>All games are double headers unless noted</figcaption>
 </figure>Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Conf&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; All *Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 27-5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;35-9 *Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;27-5&nbsp; &nbsp; 38-6 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 25-7&nbsp; &nbsp; 32-14 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 18-14&nbsp; &nbsp; 26-26 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;17-14&nbsp; &nbsp; 25-20 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11-21&nbsp; &nbsp;30-25 Seward County&nbsp; 10-21&nbsp; &nbsp; 18-29 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 8-24&nbsp; &nbsp; 12-36 Fort Hays Tech&nbsp; &nbsp;0-32&nbsp; &nbsp;0-44 * Conference Champions Monday, April 28 Pratt 11, Fort Hays Tech 3 Pratt 15, Fort Hays Tech 1 Garden City 11, Colby 5 Colby 11, Garden City 8 End of Regular Season

Final Jayhawk Softball D-I Standings

HAYS - Great Bend raced out to an early 8-0 lead then held off a late Hays High comeback bid and beat the Indians softball team 13-7 Monday at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, handing Hays their sixth-straight loss. The game was the conclusion of a doubleheader which started on Thursday but was postponed due to weather.

The Panthers (15-4) scored three in the first and five in the second and built an early 8-0 lead. The Indians (9-7) answered with two in the bottom the second on an Avery Solida home run and Brynlee Rupp groundout, but the Panthers struck for two more in the top of the third then added another run in the fourth to go up 11-2.

Down 13-2, the Indians rallied with five in the bottom of the seventh. 

The Panthers host Garden City Tuesday for one game at the Great Bend Sports Complex.

Post SportsHAYS - Great Bend raced out to an early 8-0 lead then held off a late Hays High comeback bid and beat the Indians softball team 13-7 Monday at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, handing Hays their sixth-straight loss. The game was the conclusion of a doubleheader which started on Thursday but was postponed due to weather.The Panthers (15-4) scored three in the first and five in the second and built an early 8-0 lead. The Indians (9-7) answered with two in the bottom the second on an Avery Solida home run and Brynlee Rupp groundout, but the Panthers struck for two more in the top of the third then added another run in the fourth to go up 11-2.Down 13-2, the Indians rallied with five in the bottom of the seventh. UP NEXTThe Panthers host Garden City Tuesday for one game at the Great Bend Sports Complex.

Great Bend Lady Panthers complete 3-game sweep of Hays

The Tampa Bay Rays
host the Kansas City Royals to start a three-game series.

Kansas City Royals
(14-15, third in the AL Central) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (14-14, third in
the AL East)

PITCHING
PROBABLES: Royals: Michael Lorenzen (2-3, 3.90 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 24
strikeouts); Rays: Taj Bradley (2-1, 5.08 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 27
strikeouts)

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

BOTTOM LINE:
The Tampa Bay Rays host the Kansas City Royals to start a three-game
series.

Tampa Bay has gone
9-10 at home and 14-14 overall. The Rays have the fifth-ranked team
ERA in the AL at 3.46.

Kansas City has a
3-10 record on the road and a 14-15 record overall. The Royals have
the fourth-ranked team ERA in the AL at 3.40.

The matchup Tuesday
is the first meeting this season between the two clubs.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Jonathan Aranda has eight doubles and four home runs for the Rays.
Jake Mangum is 12-for-30 with two doubles over the last 10 games.

Maikel Garcia has
seven doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI while hitting .274 for the
Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. is 13-for-40 with five doubles over the past
10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES:
Rays: 6-4, .230 batting average, 3.48 ERA, even run
differential

Royals: 6-4,
.259 batting average, 3.50 ERA, outscored by two runs

INJURIES:
Rays: Shane McClanahan: 60-Day IL (tricep), Jake Mangum:
10-Day IL (groin), Jonny Deluca: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Richard
Palacios: 10-Day IL (knee), Alex Faedo: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Kevin
Kelly: 15-Day IL (glute), Josh Lowe: 10-Day IL (oblique), Ha-Seong
Kim: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Nathan Lavender: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Royals: Cole
Ragans: day-to-day (groin), Hunter Harvey: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Sam
Long: 15-Day IL (elbow), Dairon Blanco: 10-Day IL (achilles), Kyle
Wright: 15-Day IL (shoulder), James McArthur: 15-Day IL (elbow), Alec
Marsh: 15-Day IL (shoulder)

By The Associated
PressThe Tampa Bay Rays
host the Kansas City Royals to start a three-game series.Kansas City Royals
(14-15, third in the AL Central) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (14-14, third in
the AL East)Tampa, Florida;
Tuesday, 6:05 p.m. CDTPITCHING
PROBABLES: Royals: Michael Lorenzen (2-3, 3.90 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 24
strikeouts); Rays: Taj Bradley (2-1, 5.08 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 27
strikeouts)BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
LINE: Rays -156, Royals +131; over/under is 8 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE:
The Tampa Bay Rays host the Kansas City Royals to start a three-game
series.Tampa Bay has gone
9-10 at home and 14-14 overall. The Rays have the fifth-ranked team
ERA in the AL at 3.46.Kansas City has a
3-10 record on the road and a 14-15 record overall. The Royals have
the fourth-ranked team ERA in the AL at 3.40.The matchup Tuesday
is the first meeting this season between the two clubs.TOP PERFORMERS:
Jonathan Aranda has eight doubles and four home runs for the Rays.
Jake Mangum is 12-for-30 with two doubles over the last 10 games.Maikel Garcia has
seven doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI while hitting .274 for the
Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. is 13-for-40 with five doubles over the past
10 games.LAST 10 GAMES:
Rays: 6-4, .230 batting average, 3.48 ERA, even run
differentialRoyals: 6-4,
.259 batting average, 3.50 ERA, outscored by two runsINJURIES:
Rays: Shane McClanahan: 60-Day IL (tricep), Jake Mangum:
10-Day IL (groin), Jonny Deluca: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Richard
Palacios: 10-Day IL (knee), Alex Faedo: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Kevin
Kelly: 15-Day IL (glute), Josh Lowe: 10-Day IL (oblique), Ha-Seong
Kim: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Nathan Lavender: 60-Day IL (elbow)Royals: Cole
Ragans: day-to-day (groin), Hunter Harvey: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Sam
Long: 15-Day IL (elbow), Dairon Blanco: 10-Day IL (achilles), Kyle
Wright: 15-Day IL (shoulder), James McArthur: 15-Day IL (elbow), Alec
Marsh: 15-Day IL (shoulder)

Rays begin 3-game series at home against the Royals

CINCINNATI (AP) —
Nick Martinez pitched six sparkling innings, and the Cincinnati Reds
beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 for their fifth straight win.
Martinez allowed one run and five hits in the opener of a seven-game
homestand. Graham Ashcraft and Tony Santillan each got three outs
before Emilio Pagán finished the five-hitter for his eighth save.
Jose Trevino homered for Cincinnati, and Noelvi Marte drove in the
go-ahead run with his first career triple. St. Louis right-hander
Andre Pallante allowed three runs and six hits in six innings.

NEW YORK (AP) — A
federal judge has dismissed an antitrust lawsuit brought against the
NCAA by several former college basketball players. They claimed that
the NCAA has enriched itself off their name, image and likeness
during the promotion of March Madness. U.S. District Judge Paul
Engelmayer of New York pointed to a four-year statute of limitations
for federal antitrust violations. He noted that their case was not
demonstrably different from other settled cases involving the
athletes.

MIAMI (AP) —
Cleveland left no doubt on its way to Round 2 — and finished off
the most lopsided series in NBA playoff history. Donovan Mitchell
scored 22 points, De’Andre Hunter added 19 and the Cavaliers rolled
past the Miami Heat 138-83 on Monday night to sweep their Eastern
Conference first-round series in four games. Ty Jerome had 18 points,
Evan Mobley added 17 and Jarrett Allen had 14 points, 12 rebounds and
six steals for the Cavaliers — who led by as many as 60 points.
Cleveland won the four games by a combined 122 points. The previous
record: a 121-point combined win by Denver over New Orleans in 2009.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —
Jimmy Butler converted three free throws with 58.7 seconds left,
grabbed the game-clinching rebound with 4 seconds to go and then made
two more free throws on the way to 27 points in his return from a
pelvic injury, sending the Golden State Warriors past the Houston
Rockets 109-106 in a heated Game 4 to take a 3-1 lead in the
first-round playoff series. Fred VanVleet missed a 3-pointer under
pressure at the buzzer. The teams return to Houston for Game 5 in the
best-of-seven series on Wednesday night as seventh-seeded Golden
State tries to close out the No. 2 seed Rockets on their home floor.

WASHINGTON (AP) —
President Donald Trump hosted the 2025 Super Bowl champion
Philadelphia Eagles at the White House, but several players,
including quarterback Jalen Hurts, skipped the event. Hurts and other
players cited scheduling conflicts as the reasons for their absences.
That's according to a White House official who was not authorized to
comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Trump in 2018
invited the Eagles to the White House after the franchise’s first
Super Bowl title but later canceled it after it became clear most
players weren't going to show up. He instead threw his own brief
“Celebration of America" event.

DALLAS (AP) —
Wyatt Johnston scored 9 seconds in for the quickest goal ever to
start a playoff game for the Dallas Stars. He then added another goal
and an assist as the Stars beat Colorado 6-2 in Game 5 of heir
first-round series Monday night. Mikko Rantanen, who was with the
Avalanche in the playoffs the past seven seasons, scored his first
postseason goal and had two assists for the Stars as they took a 3-2
series lead. Game 6 is Thursday night in Colorado. Artturi Lehkonen
and Nathan MacKinnon scored 2 1/2 minutes apart for the Avalanche in
the second period to get them within 3-2. Johnston then scored on a
power play.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743762837774.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) —
Nick Martinez pitched six sparkling innings, and the Cincinnati Reds
beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 for their fifth straight win.
Martinez allowed one run and five hits in the opener of a seven-game
homestand. Graham Ashcraft and Tony Santillan each got three outs
before Emilio Pagán finished the five-hitter for his eighth save.
Jose Trevino homered for Cincinnati, and Noelvi Marte drove in the
go-ahead run with his first career triple. St. Louis right-hander
Andre Pallante allowed three runs and six hits in six innings.NEW YORK (AP) — A
federal judge has dismissed an antitrust lawsuit brought against the
NCAA by several former college basketball players. They claimed that
the NCAA has enriched itself off their name, image and likeness
during the promotion of March Madness. U.S. District Judge Paul
Engelmayer of New York pointed to a four-year statute of limitations
for federal antitrust violations. He noted that their case was not
demonstrably different from other settled cases involving the
athletes.MIAMI (AP) —
Cleveland left no doubt on its way to Round 2 — and finished off
the most lopsided series in NBA playoff history. Donovan Mitchell
scored 22 points, De’Andre Hunter added 19 and the Cavaliers rolled
past the Miami Heat 138-83 on Monday night to sweep their Eastern
Conference first-round series in four games. Ty Jerome had 18 points,
Evan Mobley added 17 and Jarrett Allen had 14 points, 12 rebounds and
six steals for the Cavaliers — who led by as many as 60 points.
Cleveland won the four games by a combined 122 points. The previous
record: a 121-point combined win by Denver over New Orleans in 2009.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —
Jimmy Butler converted three free throws with 58.7 seconds left,
grabbed the game-clinching rebound with 4 seconds to go and then made
two more free throws on the way to 27 points in his return from a
pelvic injury, sending the Golden State Warriors past the Houston
Rockets 109-106 in a heated Game 4 to take a 3-1 lead in the
first-round playoff series. Fred VanVleet missed a 3-pointer under
pressure at the buzzer. The teams return to Houston for Game 5 in the
best-of-seven series on Wednesday night as seventh-seeded Golden
State tries to close out the No. 2 seed Rockets on their home floor.MIAMI (AP) —
Cleveland left no doubt on its way to Round 2 — and finished off
the most lopsided series in NBA playoff history. Donovan Mitchell
scored 22 points, De’Andre Hunter added 19 and the Cavaliers rolled
past the Miami Heat 138-83 on Monday night to sweep their Eastern
Conference first-round series in four games. Ty Jerome had 18 points,
Evan Mobley added 17 and Jarrett Allen had 14 points, 12 rebounds and
six steals for the Cavaliers — who led by as many as 60 points.
Cleveland won the four games by a combined 122 points. The previous
record: a 121-point combined win by Denver over New Orleans in 2009.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —
Jimmy Butler converted three free throws with 58.7 seconds left,
grabbed the game-clinching rebound with 4 seconds to go and then made
two more free throws on the way to 27 points in his return from a
pelvic injury, sending the Golden State Warriors past the Houston
Rockets 109-106 in a heated Game 4 to take a 3-1 lead in the
first-round playoff series. Fred VanVleet missed a 3-pointer under
pressure at the buzzer. The teams return to Houston for Game 5 in the
best-of-seven series on Wednesday night as seventh-seeded Golden
State tries to close out the No. 2 seed Rockets on their home floor.WASHINGTON (AP) —
President Donald Trump hosted the 2025 Super Bowl champion
Philadelphia Eagles at the White House, but several players,
including quarterback Jalen Hurts, skipped the event. Hurts and other
players cited scheduling conflicts as the reasons for their absences.
That's according to a White House official who was not authorized to
comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Trump in 2018
invited the Eagles to the White House after the franchise’s first
Super Bowl title but later canceled it after it became clear most
players weren't going to show up. He instead threw his own brief
“Celebration of America" event.DALLAS (AP) —
Wyatt Johnston scored 9 seconds in for the quickest goal ever to
start a playoff game for the Dallas Stars. He then added another goal
and an assist as the Stars beat Colorado 6-2 in Game 5 of heir
first-round series Monday night. Mikko Rantanen, who was with the
Avalanche in the playoffs the past seven seasons, scored his first
postseason goal and had two assists for the Stars as they took a 3-2
series lead. Game 6 is Thursday night in Colorado. Artturi Lehkonen
and Nathan MacKinnon scored 2 1/2 minutes apart for the Avalanche in
the second period to get them within 3-2. Johnston then scored on a
power play.MONDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLAMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Minnesota	11	Cleveland	1	Final	Baltimore	4	N.Y.
Yankees	3	Final	Houston	8	Detroit	5	Final	Athletics	2	Texas	1	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	N.Y.
Mets	19	Washington	5	
Final	Cincinnati	3	St. Louis	1	Final	Atlanta	6	Colorado	3	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	7	Miami	6	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Cleveland	138	Miami	83	Final	Golden
State	109	Houston	106	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Florida	4	Tampa
Bay	2	Final	Dallas	6	Colorado	2

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

AMERICAN
LEAGUEEast
DivisionW	L	Pct	GB
New
York	17	11	.607	—
Boston	16	14	.533	2
Tampa
Bay	14	14	.500	3
Toronto	13	15	.464	4
Baltimore	10	17	.370	6½Central
Division
Detroit	18	10	.643	—
Cleveland	15	12	.556	2½Kansas
City	14	15	.483	4½
Minnesota	12	16	.429	6
Chicago	7	21	.250	11West
Division
Seattle	16	12	.571	—
Texas	15	13	.536	1
Houston	14	13	.519	1½
Athletics	14	14	.500	2
Los
Angeles	12	15	.444	3½NATIONAL
LEAGUEEast
DivisionW	L	Pct	GB
New
York	19	9	.679	—
Philadelphia	15	13	.536	4
Washington	13	15	.464	6
Atlanta	12	15	.444	6½
Miami	12	15	.444	6½Central
Division
Chicago	17	12	.586	—
Cincinnati	15	13	.536	1½
Milwaukee	14	15	.483	3St.
Louis	12	16	.429	4½
Pittsburgh	11	18	.379	6West
Division
San
Francisco	19	10	.655	—
Los
Angeles	18	10	.643	½
San
Diego	17	11	.607	1½
Arizona	15	13	.536	3½

MLB Standings

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

In its final tune-up for post-season, the Barton track and field program competed Saturday at the Rock Chalk Classic in Lawrence, Kansas.

For the second week in a row, sophomore Cedricka Williams broke her own national record, last week breaking her achievement from her freshman campaign to better her last meet's achievement at the Michael Johnson Invitational.

Saturday after reaching the finals, Williams exceeded her best by over a foot on her fourth attempt to remark the NJCAA's all-time distance at 59.89m (196-06) in placing 4th overall against a stacked field.

Barton now takes final preparations for the post-season beginning Thursday in Coffeyville for the KJCCC/Region 6 Championships taking place May 1-3, followed by the National Championships held May 15-17 in Hutchinson.

The Cougars also earned a pair of first place finishes on the day, national qualifier Asharria Ulett winning the 100m hurdles (13.98), Jasiah Clapp leading a 1-2 Barton 800m finish in a personal best time (1:54.98) with Keandro Gordon taking the runner-up position (1:55.66). Also earning a second place finish in the 400m, qualifier Joshua Mascall clocked a 47.27, with Natasha Fox earning Barton's next highest 3rd placing in the 400m hurdles on a 1:01.36 time, just missing her national qualifying best time by less than a second.

Rock Chalk Classic - Barton Women's Results:

100m Hurdles: 1st Asharria Ulett (ANQ 13.98)

400m Hurdles: 3rd Natasha Fox (ANQ 1:01.36), 9th Kialia Claiborne (ANQ 1:04.60)

Discus: 4th Cedricka Williams (PB ANQ 59.89m, 196-06 *Resets Program/National Record), 11th Zadie Mackey (ANQ 42.25m, 148-05)

Hammer: 18th Zadie Mackey (ANQ 44.25m, 145-02), 21st Cedricka Williams (ANQ 41.47m, 136-01)

Rock Chalk Classic - Barton Men's Results:

400m: 2nd Joshua Mascall (ANQ 47.27), 14th Wanyae Belle (PB 49.83)

800m: 1st Jasiah Clapp (PB 1:54.86), 2nd Keandro Gordon (1:55.66), 14th Simeon Adams (PB 1:59.82)

Discus: 5th Ricardo Hayles (ANQ 55.80m, 183-01), 12th DeAndre Bristol (ANQ 46.19m, 151-06), 15th Jaylon Calder (ANQ 44.56m, 136-02)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745865474349.png" alt="&nbsp;Cedricka Williams" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Cedricka Williams</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoIn its final tune-up for post-season, the Barton track and field program competed Saturday at the Rock Chalk Classic in Lawrence, Kansas.For the second week in a row, sophomore Cedricka Williams broke her own national record, last week breaking her achievement from her freshman campaign to better her last meet's achievement at the Michael Johnson Invitational.Saturday after reaching the finals, Williams exceeded her best by over a foot on her fourth attempt to remark the NJCAA's all-time distance at 59.89m (196-06) in placing 4th overall against a stacked field.Barton now takes final preparations for the post-season beginning Thursday in Coffeyville for the KJCCC/Region 6 Championships taking place May 1-3, followed by the National Championships held May 15-17 in Hutchinson.The Cougars also earned a pair of first place finishes on the day, national qualifier Asharria Ulett winning the 100m hurdles (13.98), Jasiah Clapp leading a 1-2 Barton 800m finish in a personal best time (1:54.98) with Keandro Gordon taking the runner-up position (1:55.66). Also earning a second place finish in the 400m, qualifier Joshua Mascall clocked a 47.27, with Natasha Fox earning Barton's next highest 3rd placing in the 400m hurdles on a 1:01.36 time, just missing her national qualifying best time by less than a second.Rock Chalk Classic - Barton Women's Results:800m: 4th Shone Walters (ANQ 2:14.01)100m Hurdles: 1st Asharria Ulett (ANQ 13.98)400m Hurdles: 3rd Natasha Fox (ANQ 1:01.36), 9th Kialia Claiborne (ANQ 1:04.60)Discus: 4th Cedricka Williams (PB ANQ 59.89m, 196-06 *Resets Program/National Record), 11th Zadie Mackey (ANQ 42.25m, 148-05)Hammer: 18th Zadie Mackey (ANQ 44.25m, 145-02), 21st Cedricka Williams (ANQ 41.47m, 136-01)Rock Chalk Classic - Barton Men's Results:100m: 5th Brandon Pemberton (10.70)200m: 4th Brandon Pemberton (21.73)400m: 2nd Joshua Mascall (ANQ 47.27), 14th Wanyae Belle (PB 49.83)800m: 1st Jasiah Clapp (PB 1:54.86), 2nd Keandro Gordon (1:55.66), 14th Simeon Adams (PB 1:59.82)Discus: 5th Ricardo Hayles (ANQ 55.80m, 183-01), 12th DeAndre Bristol (ANQ 46.19m, 151-06), 15th Jaylon Calder (ANQ 44.56m, 136-02)

Williams does it again, resets her National Record

- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas

- Great Bend Track and Field coach Lyles Lashley

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" 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/nQ-0BvRCUEY?si=qe6MxyM_SWwyqHoM" 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- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas- Great Bend Track and Field coach Lyles Lashley- Weekend Sports Headlines- Sounds of the weekend

Monday on Sports Day (Watch)

BY
 ROB MAADDI Associated
Press


NFL
draft picks can make an instant impact on a team’s immediate
success.


Jayden
Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick last year, led the Washington
Commanders to the NFC championship game. Cooper DeJean, a
second-round selection, had a pick-6 against Patrick Mahomes in
Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory over Kansas City.


Some
rookies will need more time to develop. Caleb Williams, who was the
No. 1 pick in 2024, had a tough start in Chicago and the Bears went
5-12 and fired their coach.


It
usually takes two or three years to fairly grade a draft, but here
are AP’s early grades on each team’s overall draft:


Defensive
tackle Walter Nolen (16) is a plug-and-play starter who went a few
slots higher than most projections. CB Will Johnson (47) is a
first-round talent who slipped because of injury concerns. DL Jordan
Burch (78) and LB Cody Simon (115) need more development.


Edge
Jalon Walker (15) was a top-10 projection who’ll boost the pass
rush. Trading up to get edge James Pearce Jr. (26) could have the
same impact on Atlanta’s defense as the Eagles got after taking CBs
Quinyon Mitchell and DeJean last season. S Xavier Watts (96) fits
coach Raheem Morris’ scheme. S Billy Bowman Jr. (118) has to be
more consistent at the next level.


CB
Maxwell Hairston (30) brings energy and aggressive coverage skills to
a secondary that needed the help. DL T.J. Sanders (41) will boost run
defense. Edge Landon Jackson (72), DL Deone Walker (109) and CB
Jordan Hancock (170) provide more depth for Buffalo’s defense.


WR
Tetairoa McMillan (8) went earlier than expected for a guy with some
question marks who’s loaded with talent. Edges Nic Scourton (51)
and Princely Umanmielen (77) are excellent value picks and should
make an immediate impact on a defense that needs pass rushers. RB
Trevor Ettiene (114) can make plays. TE Mitchell Evans (163) is a
nice addition. S Lathan Ransom (122) and DL Cam Jackson (140) deepen
the defensive depth.


TE
Colston Loveland (10) is an ideal fit for coach Ben Johnson’s
offense. WR Luther Burden III (39) was a first-round projection who
gives Caleb Williams another playmaker. OT Ozzy Trapilo (77) is
mammoth (6-foot-8, 315) and has high upside. DL Shemar Turner (62),
LB Ruben Hyppolite II (132) and CB Zah Frazier (169) are Day 3 value.


Edge
Shemar Stewart (17) is raw but immensely talented and provides help
for a defense that needs it. LB Demetrius Knight Jr. (49) can play
right away and LB Barrett Carter (119) has potential. Added depth on
the offensive line with G Dylan Fairchild (81) and LG Jalen Rivers
(153). Running back Tahj Brooks (193) could be a steal in the sixth
round.


Traded
No. 2 and passed up Travis Hunter to add more draft capital and got
DT Mason Graham (5). Often mocked to take QB Shedeur Sanders in the
first round and ended up getting him at No. 144 after taking QB
Dillon Gabriel (94). That’s great value for Sanders after a
surprise in the third round.. LB Carson Schwesinger (33) is
versatile. RB Quinshon Judkins (36) has playmaking talent. TE Harold
Fannin Jr. (67) has high upside. RB Dylan Sampson (126) could be a
sleeper.


G
Tyler Booker is an immediate starter but Dallas probably could’ve
traded down and snagged him in the teens. Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku (44)
and CB Shavon Revel Jr. (76) are excellent value picks and will boost
the defense. RB Jaydon Blue (149) is a home-run hitter. LB Shemar
James will benefit from being around Micah Parsons.


CB
Jahdae Barron (20) was ranked in the top 15 on several draft boards.
He’s versatile enough to play inside, outside and even safety. RB
R.J. Harvey (60) could flourish in Sean Payton’s offense.


DT
Tyleik Williams (28) is a massive run defender taken higher than
expected. G Tate Ratledge will upgrade the run game. Traded up to get
WR Isaac TeSlaa (70), who gives Jared Goff a big target in the slot.
G Miles Frazier (171) fits offense nicely. Edge Ahmed Hassanein (196)
has strong sleeper potential in the sixth round.


WR
Matthew Golden (23) is a perfect fit. OT Anthony Belton is a giant
(6-foot-6, 336 pounds) with potential to move around on offensive
line. WR Savion Williams (87) is another option for Jordan Love. Edge
Barryn Sorrell (124) could be a specialist in pass-rush situations.
LB Collin Oliver (159) and DT Warren Brinson (198) are solid choices
in Day 3.


Traded
out of the first round and got big WR Jayden Higgins (34) to pair
with Nico Collins. LT Aireontae Ersery (48) has plenty of upside and
should be an immediate upgrade on a rebuilt line. Got another
playmaker for C.J. Stroud in the third round, taking WR Jaylin Noel
(79). CB Jaylin Smith (97) wasn’t expected to go this high. Neither
was RB Woody Marks (116). S Jaylen Reed (187) is good value. QB
Graham Mertz (197) has backup potential.


TE
Tyler Warren (14) was a top-10 projection on many draft boards. Edge
JT Tuimoloau (45) can play right away. CB Justin Walley (80) doesn’t
stand out. OT Jalen Travis (127) and RB DJ Giddens (151) are
excellent Day 3 picks. QB Riley Leonard (189) could eventually get a
shot in a QB room with Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. DT Tim
Smith is value in the sixth round.


Made
a bold and costly move to get Hunter (2) to upgrade two positions.
Versatile CB Caleb Ransaw (88) upgrades the secondary. OT Wyatt Milum
(89) and RB Bhayshul Tuten (104) are big value picks. Getting LBs
Jack Kiser (107) and Jalen McLeod (194) in Day 3 solidifies a strong
draft class. OT Jonah Monheim (221) is a sleeper in the seventh. So
is RB LeQuint Allen (236).


Got
tremendous value with OT Josh Simmons (32). DL Omarr Norman-Lott (63)
and edge Ashton Gillotte (66) bolster the pass rush instantly. CB
Nohl Williams (85) went higher than expected but can cover. WR Jalen
Royals (133) could be fun go to watch in Andy Reid’s offense. LB
Jeffrey Bassa (156) and RB Brashard Smith (228) are potential
late-round steals.


Got
the top player at his position in RB Ashton Jeanty (6). WR Jack Bech
(58) has a high ceiling. CB Darien Porter (68) has excellent upside.
OTs Caleb Rogers (98) and Charles Grant (99) with consecutive picks
is a Day 2 highlight. WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. (108) is a tall target
for Geno Smith. Added more value with DLs Tonka Hemingway (135) and
JJ Pegues (180).


RB
Omarion Hampton (22) fits Jim Harbaugh’s style. WR Tre Harris (55)
gives Justin Herbert another playmaker. DL Jamaree Caldwell (86) has
upside and edge Kyle Kennard (125) went too early. WR KeAndre
Lambert-Smith (158) is a Day 3 highlight.


Traded
out of the first round, added more draft capital and landed three
excellent picks to start: TE Terrance Ferguson (46), edge Josaiah
Stewart (90) and RB Jarquez Hunter (117). DL Ty Hamilton (148) and LB
Chris Paul Jr. (172) have potential.


DT
Kenneth Grant (13) fills an immediate need. So does G Jonah
Savaiinaea (37). DT Jordan Phillips (143), CB Jason Marshall Jr. and
S Dante Trader Jr. (155) stock up the defensive side. QB Quinn Ewers
(231) is strong value in the seventh round.


G
Donovan Jackson (24) is versatile and determined. WR Tai Felton (102)
could shine with Justin Jefferson drawing most of the attention. LB
Kobe King (201) was their best Day 3 pick. Edge Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
adds depth at a position of strength.


OT
Will Campbell (4) had the quote of the draft when he said he’d
“fight and die” to protect Drake Maye. RB TreVeyon Henderson may
have been available in the third round. WR Kyle Williams (69) could
be a third-round steal. S Craig Woodson (106), DL Joshua Farmer (137)
and edge Bradyn Swinson (146) are the highlights of a solid Day 3
haul.


Versatile
OT Kelvin Banks Jr. (9) fills a need. Passed up Shedeur Sanders and
made Tyler Shough (40) the third QB selected earlier than projected.
DL Vernon Broughton (71) and S Jonas Sanker (93) were solid
additions. RB Devin Neal (184) stands out among the Day 3 picks.


Got
premier edge rusher Abdul Carter (3) and traded back into the first
round to snag QB Jaxson Dart (25) a round early. DL Darius Alexander
(65), RB Cam Skattebo (105) and OT Marcus Mbow (154) were high value
in rounds 3-4-5. TE Thomas Fidone II (219) is a seventh-rounder with
potential to be a playmaker.


OT
Armand Membou (7) fills a big void but may have been able to trade
down, add draft capital and still address the position. TE Mason
Taylor has the genes. CB Azareye’h Thomas (73) will benefit playing
under Aaron Glenn. WR Arian Smith (110) is a burner. CB Malachi Moore
(130) and edge Tyler Baron (176) could be major contributors.


Made
plenty of moves, as usual, and emphasized a defense that ranked No. 1
last season and dominated the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. LB Jihad
Campbell (31) was projected to go in the middle of Round 1. S Andrew
Mukuba (64) helps fill a need. So does DT Ty Robinson (111). CB Mac
McWilliams (145) and LB Smael Mondon Jr. (161) provide more depth.


DT
Derrick Harmon (21) fits the scheme nicely. RB Kaleb Johnson (83) has
playmaker potential. Edge Jack Sawyer (123) is a Day 3 highlight. CB
Yahya Black (164) and LB Carson Bruener are solid value picks.
Finally took a QB and came away with a winner in Will Howard (185).


Edge
Mykel Williams (11) could shine opposite Nick Bosa. DL Alfred Collins
(43) plugs a need in the middle of the defensive line. LB Nick Martin
(75) needs more development. CB Upton Stout is smallish but fast. DL
CJ West (113) and S Marques Sigle (160) are among their Day 3
highlights.


OL
Grey Zabel (18) can play anywhere and the offensive line needs help.
S Nick Emmanwori (35) has first-round talent. TE Elijah Arroyo (50),
QB Jalen Milroe (92), DL Rylie Mills (142) and WR Tory Horton (166)
are strong value picks. So is RB Damien Martinez (223) in the seventh
round.


Passed
up edge rushers to bolster a strength with WR Emeka Egbuka (19). CB
Benjamin Morrison (30) was a first-round projection. CB Jacob Parrish
(84) and edge rushers David Walker (121) and Elijah Roberts (157)
have high upside. WR Tez Johnson (235) adds depth in an excellent
receiver room.


Needed
time to be sure they wanted Cam Ward No. 1 overall after exploring
options. If he doesn’t pan out, it sets the organization back. Edge
Oluwafemi Oladejo (52) and S Kevin Winston Jr. (82) immediately boost
the defense. WR Elic Ayomanor (136) and Chimere Dike (103) give Ward
more options. RB Kalel Mullings (188) is among a strong Day 3 class.


OT
Josh Conerly Jr. (29) upgrades the Jayden Daniels’ protection. CB
Trey Amos (61) could be an immediate starter. WR Jaylin Lane (128)
and LB Kain Medrano (205) are high value picks. RB Jacory
Croskey-Merritt (245) has sleep potential.

BY
 ROB MAADDI Associated
Press
NFL
draft picks can make an instant impact on a team’s immediate
success.
Jayden
Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick last year, led the Washington
Commanders to the NFC championship game. Cooper DeJean, a
second-round selection, had a pick-6 against Patrick Mahomes in
Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory over Kansas City.
Some
rookies will need more time to develop. Caleb Williams, who was the
No. 1 pick in 2024, had a tough start in Chicago and the Bears went
5-12 and fired their coach.
It
usually takes two or three years to fairly grade a draft, but here
are AP’s early grades on each team’s overall draft:ARIZONA
CARDINALS: B
Defensive
tackle Walter Nolen (16) is a plug-and-play starter who went a few
slots higher than most projections. CB Will Johnson (47) is a
first-round talent who slipped because of injury concerns. DL Jordan
Burch (78) and LB Cody Simon (115) need more development.ATLANTA
FALCONS: B+
Edge
Jalon Walker (15) was a top-10 projection who’ll boost the pass
rush. Trading up to get edge James Pearce Jr. (26) could have the
same impact on Atlanta’s defense as the Eagles got after taking CBs
Quinyon Mitchell and DeJean last season. S Xavier Watts (96) fits
coach Raheem Morris’ scheme. S Billy Bowman Jr. (118) has to be
more consistent at the next level.BUFFALO
BILLS: B+
CB
Maxwell Hairston (30) brings energy and aggressive coverage skills to
a secondary that needed the help. DL T.J. Sanders (41) will boost run
defense. Edge Landon Jackson (72), DL Deone Walker (109) and CB
Jordan Hancock (170) provide more depth for Buffalo’s defense.CAROLINA
PANTHERS: B
WR
Tetairoa McMillan (8) went earlier than expected for a guy with some
question marks who’s loaded with talent. Edges Nic Scourton (51)
and Princely Umanmielen (77) are excellent value picks and should
make an immediate impact on a defense that needs pass rushers. RB
Trevor Ettiene (114) can make plays. TE Mitchell Evans (163) is a
nice addition. S Lathan Ransom (122) and DL Cam Jackson (140) deepen
the defensive depth.CHICAGO
BEARS: B+
TE
Colston Loveland (10) is an ideal fit for coach Ben Johnson’s
offense. WR Luther Burden III (39) was a first-round projection who
gives Caleb Williams another playmaker. OT Ozzy Trapilo (77) is
mammoth (6-foot-8, 315) and has high upside. DL Shemar Turner (62),
LB Ruben Hyppolite II (132) and CB Zah Frazier (169) are Day 3 value.CINCINNATI
BENGALS: B-
Edge
Shemar Stewart (17) is raw but immensely talented and provides help
for a defense that needs it. LB Demetrius Knight Jr. (49) can play
right away and LB Barrett Carter (119) has potential. Added depth on
the offensive line with G Dylan Fairchild (81) and LG Jalen Rivers
(153). Running back Tahj Brooks (193) could be a steal in the sixth
round.CLEVELAND
BROWNS: B+
Traded
No. 2 and passed up Travis Hunter to add more draft capital and got
DT Mason Graham (5). Often mocked to take QB Shedeur Sanders in the
first round and ended up getting him at No. 144 after taking QB
Dillon Gabriel (94). That’s great value for Sanders after a
surprise in the third round.. LB Carson Schwesinger (33) is
versatile. RB Quinshon Judkins (36) has playmaking talent. TE Harold
Fannin Jr. (67) has high upside. RB Dylan Sampson (126) could be a
sleeper.DALLAS
COWBOYS: B
G
Tyler Booker is an immediate starter but Dallas probably could’ve
traded down and snagged him in the teens. Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku (44)
and CB Shavon Revel Jr. (76) are excellent value picks and will boost
the defense. RB Jaydon Blue (149) is a home-run hitter. LB Shemar
James will benefit from being around Micah Parsons.DENVER
BRONCOS: B+
CB
Jahdae Barron (20) was ranked in the top 15 on several draft boards.
He’s versatile enough to play inside, outside and even safety. RB
R.J. Harvey (60) could flourish in Sean Payton’s offense.DETROIT
LIONS: B-
DT
Tyleik Williams (28) is a massive run defender taken higher than
expected. G Tate Ratledge will upgrade the run game. Traded up to get
WR Isaac TeSlaa (70), who gives Jared Goff a big target in the slot.
G Miles Frazier (171) fits offense nicely. Edge Ahmed Hassanein (196)
has strong sleeper potential in the sixth round.GREEN
BAY PACKERS: B
WR
Matthew Golden (23) is a perfect fit. OT Anthony Belton is a giant
(6-foot-6, 336 pounds) with potential to move around on offensive
line. WR Savion Williams (87) is another option for Jordan Love. Edge
Barryn Sorrell (124) could be a specialist in pass-rush situations.
LB Collin Oliver (159) and DT Warren Brinson (198) are solid choices
in Day 3.HOUSTON
TEXANS: B
Traded
out of the first round and got big WR Jayden Higgins (34) to pair
with Nico Collins. LT Aireontae Ersery (48) has plenty of upside and
should be an immediate upgrade on a rebuilt line. Got another
playmaker for C.J. Stroud in the third round, taking WR Jaylin Noel
(79). CB Jaylin Smith (97) wasn’t expected to go this high. Neither
was RB Woody Marks (116). S Jaylen Reed (187) is good value. QB
Graham Mertz (197) has backup potential.INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS: B
TE
Tyler Warren (14) was a top-10 projection on many draft boards. Edge
JT Tuimoloau (45) can play right away. CB Justin Walley (80) doesn’t
stand out. OT Jalen Travis (127) and RB DJ Giddens (151) are
excellent Day 3 picks. QB Riley Leonard (189) could eventually get a
shot in a QB room with Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. DT Tim
Smith is value in the sixth round.JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS: A
Made
a bold and costly move to get Hunter (2) to upgrade two positions.
Versatile CB Caleb Ransaw (88) upgrades the secondary. OT Wyatt Milum
(89) and RB Bhayshul Tuten (104) are big value picks. Getting LBs
Jack Kiser (107) and Jalen McLeod (194) in Day 3 solidifies a strong
draft class. OT Jonah Monheim (221) is a sleeper in the seventh. So
is RB LeQuint Allen (236).KANSAS
CITY CHIEFS: A
Got
tremendous value with OT Josh Simmons (32). DL Omarr Norman-Lott (63)
and edge Ashton Gillotte (66) bolster the pass rush instantly. CB
Nohl Williams (85) went higher than expected but can cover. WR Jalen
Royals (133) could be fun go to watch in Andy Reid’s offense. LB
Jeffrey Bassa (156) and RB Brashard Smith (228) are potential
late-round steals.LAS
VEGAS RAIDERS: A
Got
the top player at his position in RB Ashton Jeanty (6). WR Jack Bech
(58) has a high ceiling. CB Darien Porter (68) has excellent upside.
OTs Caleb Rogers (98) and Charles Grant (99) with consecutive picks
is a Day 2 highlight. WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. (108) is a tall target
for Geno Smith. Added more value with DLs Tonka Hemingway (135) and
JJ Pegues (180).LOS
ANGELES CHARGERS: B-
RB
Omarion Hampton (22) fits Jim Harbaugh’s style. WR Tre Harris (55)
gives Justin Herbert another playmaker. DL Jamaree Caldwell (86) has
upside and edge Kyle Kennard (125) went too early. WR KeAndre
Lambert-Smith (158) is a Day 3 highlight.LOS
ANGELES RAMS: A-
Traded
out of the first round, added more draft capital and landed three
excellent picks to start: TE Terrance Ferguson (46), edge Josaiah
Stewart (90) and RB Jarquez Hunter (117). DL Ty Hamilton (148) and LB
Chris Paul Jr. (172) have potential.MIAMI
DOLPHINS: B+
DT
Kenneth Grant (13) fills an immediate need. So does G Jonah
Savaiinaea (37). DT Jordan Phillips (143), CB Jason Marshall Jr. and
S Dante Trader Jr. (155) stock up the defensive side. QB Quinn Ewers
(231) is strong value in the seventh round.MINNESOTA
VIKINGS: B
G
Donovan Jackson (24) is versatile and determined. WR Tai Felton (102)
could shine with Justin Jefferson drawing most of the attention. LB
Kobe King (201) was their best Day 3 pick. Edge Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
adds depth at a position of strength.NEW
ENGLAND PATRIOTS: B-
OT
Will Campbell (4) had the quote of the draft when he said he’d
“fight and die” to protect Drake Maye. RB TreVeyon Henderson may
have been available in the third round. WR Kyle Williams (69) could
be a third-round steal. S Craig Woodson (106), DL Joshua Farmer (137)
and edge Bradyn Swinson (146) are the highlights of a solid Day 3
haul.NEW
ORLEANS SAINTS: C+
Versatile
OT Kelvin Banks Jr. (9) fills a need. Passed up Shedeur Sanders and
made Tyler Shough (40) the third QB selected earlier than projected.
DL Vernon Broughton (71) and S Jonas Sanker (93) were solid
additions. RB Devin Neal (184) stands out among the Day 3 picks.NEW
YORK GIANTS: B+
Got
premier edge rusher Abdul Carter (3) and traded back into the first
round to snag QB Jaxson Dart (25) a round early. DL Darius Alexander
(65), RB Cam Skattebo (105) and OT Marcus Mbow (154) were high value
in rounds 3-4-5. TE Thomas Fidone II (219) is a seventh-rounder with
potential to be a playmaker.NEW
YORK JETS: B-
OT
Armand Membou (7) fills a big void but may have been able to trade
down, add draft capital and still address the position. TE Mason
Taylor has the genes. CB Azareye’h Thomas (73) will benefit playing
under Aaron Glenn. WR Arian Smith (110) is a burner. CB Malachi Moore
(130) and edge Tyler Baron (176) could be major contributors.PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES: B
Made
plenty of moves, as usual, and emphasized a defense that ranked No. 1
last season and dominated the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. LB Jihad
Campbell (31) was projected to go in the middle of Round 1. S Andrew
Mukuba (64) helps fill a need. So does DT Ty Robinson (111). CB Mac
McWilliams (145) and LB Smael Mondon Jr. (161) provide more depth.PITTSBURGH
STEELERS: B
DT
Derrick Harmon (21) fits the scheme nicely. RB Kaleb Johnson (83) has
playmaker potential. Edge Jack Sawyer (123) is a Day 3 highlight. CB
Yahya Black (164) and LB Carson Bruener are solid value picks.
Finally took a QB and came away with a winner in Will Howard (185).SAN
FRANCISCO 49ERS: B-
Edge
Mykel Williams (11) could shine opposite Nick Bosa. DL Alfred Collins
(43) plugs a need in the middle of the defensive line. LB Nick Martin
(75) needs more development. CB Upton Stout is smallish but fast. DL
CJ West (113) and S Marques Sigle (160) are among their Day 3
highlights.SEATTLE
SEAHAWKS: B+
OL
Grey Zabel (18) can play anywhere and the offensive line needs help.
S Nick Emmanwori (35) has first-round talent. TE Elijah Arroyo (50),
QB Jalen Milroe (92), DL Rylie Mills (142) and WR Tory Horton (166)
are strong value picks. So is RB Damien Martinez (223) in the seventh
round.TAMPA
BAY BUCCANEERS: A-
Passed
up edge rushers to bolster a strength with WR Emeka Egbuka (19). CB
Benjamin Morrison (30) was a first-round projection. CB Jacob Parrish
(84) and edge rushers David Walker (121) and Elijah Roberts (157)
have high upside. WR Tez Johnson (235) adds depth in an excellent
receiver room.TENNESSEE
TITANS: B
Needed
time to be sure they wanted Cam Ward No. 1 overall after exploring
options. If he doesn’t pan out, it sets the organization back. Edge
Oluwafemi Oladejo (52) and S Kevin Winston Jr. (82) immediately boost
the defense. WR Elic Ayomanor (136) and Chimere Dike (103) give Ward
more options. RB Kalel Mullings (188) is among a strong Day 3 class.WASHINGTON
COMMANDERS: B+
OT
Josh Conerly Jr. (29) upgrades the Jayden Daniels’ protection. CB
Trey Amos (61) could be an immediate starter. WR Jaylin Lane (128)
and LB Kain Medrano (205) are high value picks. RB Jacory
Croskey-Merritt (245) has sleep potential.

Raiders, Jaguars and Chiefs receive A’s in the AP’s NFL draft grades

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Having title hopes disrupted on Thursday afternoon, the No. 17 Barton Community College baseball team had plenty to celebrate in their return to Lawson-Biggs Field on Sunday afternoon as the Cougars took care of home turf clinching the program's 12th Jayhawk West crown with a 6-5 walk-off and 14-10 victory sweeping the doubleheader over Dodge City Community College.

Hunter Alvord's game tying solo-shot in the sixth followed by the sophomore's walk-off sacrifice fly in the seventh capped off Barton's 6-5 comeback victory in the opener. In the nightcap, Barton overcame a four-run deficit with nine unanswered runs over five innings securing the outright title and twin bill sweep 14-10.

Securing their third conference title over the last four seasons and salvaging the four-game split, the Cougars conclude league play at 26-6 and move to 39-10 on the season while Dodge City drops to 12-16 in conference play and 28-22 overall.

Barton will spend their conference bye week with a home and away four-game non-conference series with Jayhawk East foe Coffeyville Community College. The series will begin on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. from Coffeyville's Walter Johnson Park with the final two legs at Lawson-Biggs Field scheduled for Friday to conclude the regular season.

Kyle Graves led the Cougar offense out of the eight spot slashing .600 on the afternoon going 3-for-5 with an RBI and scoring a trio of times.

Alvord drove in a team high four runs becoming the school's new single season home run holder with his 15th big fly coming on the game tying sixth inning leadoff blast in the opener while finishing 3-for-8 at the dish over the pair of games.

Wyatt Yetter pieced together a second team best average of .571 concluding the afternoon 4-for-7 with a double, two RBIs and three runs scored.

Ayden Hadley's first inning oppositive field blast for his 10th of the season ignited a two-out three-run Cougar frame. Yetter's run producing double ensuing John Connors hit-by-pitch and Tate Blasi's first of two-RBI singles on the afternoon made it a 3-0 Barton advantage.

Much like Thursday, Dodge City answered the call with a pair in the top of the second coming off a leadoff home run and pair of singles adding another.

Scoreless over the next two innings, the Conquistadors broke through with the tying and go-ahead runs with a leadoff double crossing on a wild pitch and trio of two-out singles adding a pair for a 5-3 edge.

The Cougars would draw back within a run at the bottom of the fifth with Yetter's leadoff walk coming in on back-to-back two-out Graves and Cesar Gomez singles.

Down to their final six outs, Alvord supplied Barton's game tying run disposing the 3-1 pitch out to left center field for his single season record breaking 15th fence clearer of the season.

Following the second scoreless inning worked by Cougar reliever Cade Kunz, the Barton offense needed just four batters to deliver the game winning tally as Gomez and Tyler Janssen one-out singles in the seventh arranged Alvord's game winning sacrifice fly to walk it off 6-5.

Kunz (3-0) notched the victory in relief, working out of a two-on spot in the fifth with back-to-back scoreless frames to finish at 2.1-innings yielding just one walk and striking out three.

Starting pitcher Owen Pote earned a no-decision lasting 4.2-innings scattering nine hits, five runs with two walks and two strikeouts.

Looking for the outright title after securing at-least a share in the opener, Barton found themselves in a 6-2 hole coming to bat in the home third following the Conquistadors second grand slam of the series.

Starting to chip away, Yetter's two-out single in the third produced the first of two straight Barton one run innings with Connors fourth frame single closing the gap, 6-5.

Back-to-back one-out Graves and Hayden Oviatt doubles in the fifth pushed across the tying run with the go-ahead run tagging up on Gomez sacrifice fly gifting Barton the lead for good at 7-6.

Hadley's first of two singles in the nightcap originated a trio of one baggers in the sixth and two-run cushion scoring on Blasi's single succeeding Yetter's initial two-out base hit.

Aided by a Conquistador error in the seventh and wild pitch bringing in Graves leadoff walk, Hadley and Connors two-out RBI singles increased the lead to five, 11-6.

A pair of Barton's three miscues in the nightcap kept Dodge City alive in the eighth as double and pair of hit-by-pitches generated a four run Conquistador inning cutting the deficit to 11-10.

The lead climbed back out to four in the home eighth as three straight singles from Yetter, Blasi and Oviatt furnished the first run with Alvord's two-out single through the left side capping the three-run frame for a 14-10 edge.

Ethan Minaker (5-2) grinded through 5.0-innings to earn the victory allowing five hits and six runs with four walks and four strikeouts. Andrew McCarthy handled the sixth and seventh, allowing one hit, four runs all unearned with a walk.

Entering a bases loaded jam with no-outs in the eighth, Kiernan Meredith notched his fourth save of the season limiting the damage with 2.0-innings, scattering a pair of hits with a strikeout.

All nine in Barton's lineup generated a hit while seven of the nine fabricated multiple hit performances as the Cougars outhit the Conquistadors 17-8 with only two going for extra bases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745836667757.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoHaving title hopes disrupted on Thursday afternoon, the No. 17 Barton Community College baseball team had plenty to celebrate in their return to Lawson-Biggs Field on Sunday afternoon as the Cougars took care of home turf clinching the program's 12th Jayhawk West crown with a 6-5 walk-off and 14-10 victory sweeping the doubleheader over Dodge City Community College.Hunter Alvord's game tying solo-shot in the sixth followed by the sophomore's walk-off sacrifice fly in the seventh capped off Barton's 6-5 comeback victory in the opener. In the nightcap, Barton overcame a four-run deficit with nine unanswered runs over five innings securing the outright title and twin bill sweep 14-10.Securing their third conference title over the last four seasons and salvaging the four-game split, the Cougars conclude league play at 26-6 and move to 39-10 on the season while Dodge City drops to 12-16 in conference play and 28-22 overall.Barton will spend their conference bye week with a home and away four-game non-conference series with Jayhawk East foe Coffeyville Community College. The series will begin on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. from Coffeyville's Walter Johnson Park with the final two legs at Lawson-Biggs Field scheduled for Friday to conclude the regular season.Kyle Graves led the Cougar offense out of the eight spot slashing .600 on the afternoon going 3-for-5 with an RBI and scoring a trio of times.Alvord drove in a team high four runs becoming the school's new single season home run holder with his 15th big fly coming on the game tying sixth inning leadoff blast in the opener while finishing 3-for-8 at the dish over the pair of games.Wyatt Yetter pieced together a second team best average of .571 concluding the afternoon 4-for-7 with a double, two RBIs and three runs scored.Game 1 RecapAyden Hadley's first inning oppositive field blast for his 10th of the season ignited a two-out three-run Cougar frame. Yetter's run producing double ensuing John Connors hit-by-pitch and Tate Blasi's first of two-RBI singles on the afternoon made it a 3-0 Barton advantage.Much like Thursday, Dodge City answered the call with a pair in the top of the second coming off a leadoff home run and pair of singles adding another.Scoreless over the next two innings, the Conquistadors broke through with the tying and go-ahead runs with a leadoff double crossing on a wild pitch and trio of two-out singles adding a pair for a 5-3 edge.The Cougars would draw back within a run at the bottom of the fifth with Yetter's leadoff walk coming in on back-to-back two-out Graves and Cesar Gomez singles.Down to their final six outs, Alvord supplied Barton's game tying run disposing the 3-1 pitch out to left center field for his single season record breaking 15th fence clearer of the season.Following the second scoreless inning worked by Cougar reliever Cade Kunz, the Barton offense needed just four batters to deliver the game winning tally as Gomez and Tyler Janssen one-out singles in the seventh arranged Alvord's game winning sacrifice fly to walk it off 6-5.Kunz (3-0) notched the victory in relief, working out of a two-on spot in the fifth with back-to-back scoreless frames to finish at 2.1-innings yielding just one walk and striking out three.Starting pitcher Owen Pote earned a no-decision lasting 4.2-innings scattering nine hits, five runs with two walks and two strikeouts.Game 2 RecapLooking for the outright title after securing at-least a share in the opener, Barton found themselves in a 6-2 hole coming to bat in the home third following the Conquistadors second grand slam of the series.Starting to chip away, Yetter's two-out single in the third produced the first of two straight Barton one run innings with Connors fourth frame single closing the gap, 6-5.Back-to-back one-out Graves and Hayden Oviatt doubles in the fifth pushed across the tying run with the go-ahead run tagging up on Gomez sacrifice fly gifting Barton the lead for good at 7-6.Hadley's first of two singles in the nightcap originated a trio of one baggers in the sixth and two-run cushion scoring on Blasi's single succeeding Yetter's initial two-out base hit.Aided by a Conquistador error in the seventh and wild pitch bringing in Graves leadoff walk, Hadley and Connors two-out RBI singles increased the lead to five, 11-6.A pair of Barton's three miscues in the nightcap kept Dodge City alive in the eighth as double and pair of hit-by-pitches generated a four run Conquistador inning cutting the deficit to 11-10.The lead climbed back out to four in the home eighth as three straight singles from Yetter, Blasi and Oviatt furnished the first run with Alvord's two-out single through the left side capping the three-run frame for a 14-10 edge.Ethan Minaker (5-2) grinded through 5.0-innings to earn the victory allowing five hits and six runs with four walks and four strikeouts. Andrew McCarthy handled the sixth and seventh, allowing one hit, four runs all unearned with a walk.Entering a bases loaded jam with no-outs in the eighth, Kiernan Meredith notched his fourth save of the season limiting the damage with 2.0-innings, scattering a pair of hits with a strikeout.All nine in Barton's lineup generated a hit while seven of the nine fabricated multiple hit performances as the Cougars outhit the Conquistadors 17-8 with only two going for extra bases.

No. 17 Barton Baseball secures program's 12th Jayhawk West Title

For thirteen innings Sunday at Cougar Field, it appeared the Barton Community College softball team might pull off a sweep but the league leading Blue Dragons of Hutchinson Community College wouldn't go down without a battle in salvaging the conference and regular season finale.

In the opener, the Cougars' Meleia Ingram delivered a near lights-out pitching performance while receiving timely home runs from Mia Mascarenas and Chloe Enslinger for a 3-0 victory in snapping a 17-game losing streak to the Blue Dragons.

Through six innings of game two, Barton held a 5-2 advantage only to have Hutchinson plate five runs on six hits in storming back to the 7-5 victory clinching the Blue Dragons a share of the KJCCC title.

The results leave Barton in third place at 25-7 and 32-14 overall while Hutchinson concludes the slate tied atop of the standings with Butler at 27-5 and 35-9 on the season.

Next up for both teams is the Region 6 Tournament taking place May 2-5 at Dodge City's Legend Park.

Ingram improved to 17-5 with the game one victory, surrendering just a 6th inning, 1-out hit and walking three in striking out 10 Blue Dragons in ringing up ten or more punchouts for the 6th time of the Salina freshman's season.

Mascarenas gave Barton all the runs they'd need in leading off the 3rd inning with the first of her two hits in the contest, a left field fence clearer with her parents from Texas in attendance for the sophomore's 4th long ball of the year.

After the Blue Dragons threatened but came up empty in the top of the six, Allyson McDougal's one-out hit in the home half was followed by Enslinger's first yard exiter of the day providing a pair of insurance runs.

Despite Hutchinson getting a pair of hits in their first at-bat, no damage was done to the scoreboard in part to Enslinger throwing out her first of two attempted base thefts in game.

Barton immediately grabbed the lead in their home half on back-to-back jacks from Laney Wood and Aly Lawrence as each connected on her 4th home run of the year to chase starter Aubree Thomas.

The Blue Dragons answered with two in the second on three hits and a sacrifice fly with the Cougars countering with another two tallies in the home half.

Karter Alvord's 1-out triple down the first base line gave the Cougars new life and following Mascarenas wearing the badge of honor, Morgan Thatcher put Barton on top with an RBI hit. Wood's fielder's choice erased Thatcher at second, then the Cougars' leading base stealer picked up her 21st of the season creating an errant throw for Mascarenas to trot home across the dish.

Three frames went scoreless until Enslinger opened up the sixth inning launching her 17th of the season to straightway center. The 28th blast of the Derby sophomore's career moved into a tie with Jayden Gonzales ('16 and '17 seasons) for the second most in program history, trailing only Erica Harper's 35 total from the 2014 and 2015 seasons.

Hutchinson would end up outhitting the Cougars 14-7, six coming in their final at-bat for the five-run deficit eraser.

A leadoff single set the table with two more hits following on one-out to chase starter Brooklyn Angielski from the game. A switch to Alicia Goseland did little to slow down the momentum even though Cougars came out on the wrong side of a fielder's choice play at third base in plating a run. Another single ensued with a two-RBI connection giving Hutchinson the lead as a sacrifice fly pushed the advantage to 7-5.

Down to their final out, McDougal's reach on error extended the inning but Enslinger's fly out to left would be the final nail.

Goseland took the loss dropping to 2-1 with game one loser Morgan Tomlinson working the final two innings of relief picking up the victory moving to 20-5 on the season. Jessica Schmidt, who entered the game following the Cougars' consecutive first inning home runs, hurled five innings in surrendering two runs on four hits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745836496266.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;2025 Barton Softball sophomores with coaches" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;2025 Barton Softball sophomores with coaches</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoFor thirteen innings Sunday at Cougar Field, it appeared the Barton Community College softball team might pull off a sweep but the league leading Blue Dragons of Hutchinson Community College wouldn't go down without a battle in salvaging the conference and regular season finale.In the opener, the Cougars' Meleia Ingram delivered a near lights-out pitching performance while receiving timely home runs from Mia Mascarenas and Chloe Enslinger for a 3-0 victory in snapping a 17-game losing streak to the Blue Dragons.Through six innings of game two, Barton held a 5-2 advantage only to have Hutchinson plate five runs on six hits in storming back to the 7-5 victory clinching the Blue Dragons a share of the KJCCC title.The results leave Barton in third place at 25-7 and 32-14 overall while Hutchinson concludes the slate tied atop of the standings with Butler at 27-5 and 35-9 on the season.Next up for both teams is the Region 6 Tournament taking place May 2-5 at Dodge City's Legend Park.Sophomore Celebration: Photos VideoGame 1 RecapIngram improved to 17-5 with the game one victory, surrendering just a 6th inning, 1-out hit and walking three in striking out 10 Blue Dragons in ringing up ten or more punchouts for the 6th time of the Salina freshman's season.Mascarenas gave Barton all the runs they'd need in leading off the 3rd inning with the first of her two hits in the contest, a left field fence clearer with her parents from Texas in attendance for the sophomore's 4th long ball of the year.After the Blue Dragons threatened but came up empty in the top of the six, Allyson McDougal's one-out hit in the home half was followed by Enslinger's first yard exiter of the day providing a pair of insurance runs.Game 2Despite Hutchinson getting a pair of hits in their first at-bat, no damage was done to the scoreboard in part to Enslinger throwing out her first of two attempted base thefts in game.Barton immediately grabbed the lead in their home half on back-to-back jacks from Laney Wood and Aly Lawrence as each connected on her 4th home run of the year to chase starter Aubree Thomas.The Blue Dragons answered with two in the second on three hits and a sacrifice fly with the Cougars countering with another two tallies in the home half.Karter Alvord's 1-out triple down the first base line gave the Cougars new life and following Mascarenas wearing the badge of honor, Morgan Thatcher put Barton on top with an RBI hit. Wood's fielder's choice erased Thatcher at second, then the Cougars' leading base stealer picked up her 21st of the season creating an errant throw for Mascarenas to trot home across the dish.Three frames went scoreless until Enslinger opened up the sixth inning launching her 17th of the season to straightway center. The 28th blast of the Derby sophomore's career moved into a tie with Jayden Gonzales ('16 and '17 seasons) for the second most in program history, trailing only Erica Harper's 35 total from the 2014 and 2015 seasons.Hutchinson would end up outhitting the Cougars 14-7, six coming in their final at-bat for the five-run deficit eraser.A leadoff single set the table with two more hits following on one-out to chase starter Brooklyn Angielski from the game. A switch to Alicia Goseland did little to slow down the momentum even though Cougars came out on the wrong side of a fielder's choice play at third base in plating a run. Another single ensued with a two-RBI connection giving Hutchinson the lead as a sacrifice fly pushed the advantage to 7-5.Down to their final out, McDougal's reach on error extended the inning but Enslinger's fly out to left would be the final nail.Goseland took the loss dropping to 2-1 with game one loser Morgan Tomlinson working the final two innings of relief picking up the victory moving to 20-5 on the season. Jessica Schmidt, who entered the game following the Cougars' consecutive first inning home runs, hurled five innings in surrendering two runs on four hits.

Barton Softball creates title havoc, Cougars split finale with Hutchinson

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Yordan Alvarez homered and Hunger Brown tossed six strong
innings as the Houston Astros salvaged the series finale against the
Kansas City Royals with a 7-3 win. Alvarez’s 436-foot three-run
homer snapped Houston’s 26-inning scoreless streak. Brown (4-1) saw
his 28-inning shutout streak ended on Bobby Witt Jr.’s two-out RBI
double in the fifth. Jeremy Peña drove in three, while Chas
McCormick had three hits and scored three runs for the Astros and
Yainer Diaz connected for a solo homer. Witt extended his hitting to
19 games. Kris Bubic (2-2) allowed four runs in five innings with
four strikeouts.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Christian Yelich had two hits and two RBIs and the Milwaukee Brewers
beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-1 Sunday to avoid a three-game series
sweep. Jackson Chourio added two hits as the Brewers snapped a
four-game skid. José Quintana (4-0) struck out six over five
innings, allowing one run on five hits and three walks to stay
unbeaten this season. Erick Fedde (1-3) was chased with two outs in
the sixth. The 32-year-old right-hander gave up seven runs on 10 hits
and two walks while striking our four.

CLEVELAND (AP) —
Jarren Duran has received plenty of support from his Boston Red Sox
teammates and others outside baseball since he revealed in a Netflix
documentary that he attempted suicide three years ago. His openness
has also exposed him to hecklers, though. Duran said a fan in the
front row Sunday near the Red Sox dugout in Cleveland said “something
inappropriate” to him after the All-Star left fielder flied out in
the seventh inning of a 13-3 victory over the Guardians. Duran stayed
on the top step of the dugout and glared at the fan as the inning
played out. Moments later, the fan was removed from the stadium by
security. After the game, the Guardians released a statement
apologizing to the Red Sox and Duran.

ATLANTA (AP) — The
Atlanta Falcons say defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s son was
responsible for a prank call made to NFL draft pick Shedeur Sanders.
The Falcons released a statement saying 21-year-old Jax Ulbrich
“unintentionally" found Sanders' phone number on an open iPad
while visiting his parent’s home and later made the prank call. The
Falcons say Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of the data exposure or the
prank call until after the fact. Jax Ulbrich posted a public apology
on social media. Sanders, a standout quarterback from Colorado, was
perhaps the draft’s biggest story as he had to wait until the fifth
round before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns. He received the
prank call while waiting.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Jaden McDaniels converted a three-point play with 39.5 seconds left
for the lead and stole the ensuing inbounds pass from LeBron James in
a rally by the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 116-113 win over the Los
Angeles Lakers that put them up 3-1 in the series. Anthony Edwards
had 43 points to lead Minnesota in scoring for the first time in this
edition of the NBA playoffs. He drew a foul on James during a drive
to the lane with 10 seconds left and hit both free throws. McDaniels
rebounded the tying 3-point attempt by Austin Reaves at the buzzer.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
Jayson Tatum had 37 points and 14 rebounds, Jaylen Brown added 21
points and 11 rebounds and the Boston Celtics took a 3-1 lead in
their NBA playoff series with a 107-98 win over the Orlando Magic.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 31 points. Kristaps Porzingis’ 19
points for the Celtics included a dunk of his own missed layup that
put Boston ahead for good with 3:58 left. Game 5 of the best-of-7
first-round series will be played Tuesday night in Boston.

AVONDALE, La. (AP) —
Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin shot a 1-under 71 in alternate-shot play
Sunday to become first-time PGA Tour winners — by one stroke — at
the Zurich Classic. They finished at 28-under 260 at the Pete
Dye-designed TPC Louisiana and Novak finally broke through after a
pair of top-three finishes this month — the last a playoff loss to
Justin Thomas a week ago at the RBC Heritage. Play was delayed by
weather for just over 90 minutes with Novak on Griffin on the eighth
hole. Masters champion Rory McIlroy and fellow Irishman Shane Lowry,
the defending champions, were in contention through 12 holes, but
fell to 12th — six shots behind — with three late bogeys.

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP)
— Austin Cindric gave Team Penske its first NASCAR victory of the
season by holding off a huge pack of challengers over the closing lap
in a rare drama-free day at Talladega Superspeedway. Well, there was
a tiny bit of drama: Penske teammate Joey Logano was livid following
the end of Sunday’s second stage when Cindric didn’t push him and
it allowed Toyota driver Bubba Wallace to win the stage. Didn’t
matter to Cindric as he celebrated the third win of his Cup Series
career and snapped a 30-race losing streak. The victory makes him the
first Penske driver locked into the playoffs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Yordan Alvarez homered and Hunger Brown tossed six strong
innings as the Houston Astros salvaged the series finale against the
Kansas City Royals with a 7-3 win. Alvarez’s 436-foot three-run
homer snapped Houston’s 26-inning scoreless streak. Brown (4-1) saw
his 28-inning shutout streak ended on Bobby Witt Jr.’s two-out RBI
double in the fifth. Jeremy Peña drove in three, while Chas
McCormick had three hits and scored three runs for the Astros and
Yainer Diaz connected for a solo homer. Witt extended his hitting to
19 games. Kris Bubic (2-2) allowed four runs in five innings with
four strikeouts.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Christian Yelich had two hits and two RBIs and the Milwaukee Brewers
beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-1 Sunday to avoid a three-game series
sweep. Jackson Chourio added two hits as the Brewers snapped a
four-game skid. José Quintana (4-0) struck out six over five
innings, allowing one run on five hits and three walks to stay
unbeaten this season. Erick Fedde (1-3) was chased with two outs in
the sixth. The 32-year-old right-hander gave up seven runs on 10 hits
and two walks while striking our four.CLEVELAND (AP) —
Jarren Duran has received plenty of support from his Boston Red Sox
teammates and others outside baseball since he revealed in a Netflix
documentary that he attempted suicide three years ago. His openness
has also exposed him to hecklers, though. Duran said a fan in the
front row Sunday near the Red Sox dugout in Cleveland said “something
inappropriate” to him after the All-Star left fielder flied out in
the seventh inning of a 13-3 victory over the Guardians. Duran stayed
on the top step of the dugout and glared at the fan as the inning
played out. Moments later, the fan was removed from the stadium by
security. After the game, the Guardians released a statement
apologizing to the Red Sox and Duran.ATLANTA (AP) — The
Atlanta Falcons say defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s son was
responsible for a prank call made to NFL draft pick Shedeur Sanders.
The Falcons released a statement saying 21-year-old Jax Ulbrich
“unintentionally" found Sanders' phone number on an open iPad
while visiting his parent’s home and later made the prank call. The
Falcons say Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of the data exposure or the
prank call until after the fact. Jax Ulbrich posted a public apology
on social media. Sanders, a standout quarterback from Colorado, was
perhaps the draft’s biggest story as he had to wait until the fifth
round before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns. He received the
prank call while waiting.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Jaden McDaniels converted a three-point play with 39.5 seconds left
for the lead and stole the ensuing inbounds pass from LeBron James in
a rally by the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 116-113 win over the Los
Angeles Lakers that put them up 3-1 in the series. Anthony Edwards
had 43 points to lead Minnesota in scoring for the first time in this
edition of the NBA playoffs. He drew a foul on James during a drive
to the lane with 10 seconds left and hit both free throws. McDaniels
rebounded the tying 3-point attempt by Austin Reaves at the buzzer.ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
Jayson Tatum had 37 points and 14 rebounds, Jaylen Brown added 21
points and 11 rebounds and the Boston Celtics took a 3-1 lead in
their NBA playoff series with a 107-98 win over the Orlando Magic.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 31 points. Kristaps Porzingis’ 19
points for the Celtics included a dunk of his own missed layup that
put Boston ahead for good with 3:58 left. Game 5 of the best-of-7
first-round series will be played Tuesday night in Boston.AVONDALE, La. (AP) —
Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin shot a 1-under 71 in alternate-shot play
Sunday to become first-time PGA Tour winners — by one stroke — at
the Zurich Classic. They finished at 28-under 260 at the Pete
Dye-designed TPC Louisiana and Novak finally broke through after a
pair of top-three finishes this month — the last a playoff loss to
Justin Thomas a week ago at the RBC Heritage. Play was delayed by
weather for just over 90 minutes with Novak on Griffin on the eighth
hole. Masters champion Rory McIlroy and fellow Irishman Shane Lowry,
the defending champions, were in contention through 12 holes, but
fell to 12th — six shots behind — with three late bogeys.TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP)
— Austin Cindric gave Team Penske its first NASCAR victory of the
season by holding off a huge pack of challengers over the closing lap
in a rare drama-free day at Talladega Superspeedway. Well, there was
a tiny bit of drama: Penske teammate Joey Logano was livid following
the end of Sunday’s second stage when Cindric didn’t push him and
it allowed Toyota driver Bubba Wallace to win the stage. Didn’t
matter to Cindric as he celebrated the third win of his Cup Series
career and snapped a 30-race losing streak. The victory makes him the
first Penske driver locked into the playoffs.SUNDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Tampa
Bay	4	San Diego	2	Final	San
Francisco	3	Texas	2	Final	Seattle	7	Miami	6	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Minnesota	5	L.A.
Angels	0	Final	Detroit	7	Baltimore	0	Final	Boston	13	Cleveland	3	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	11	Toronto	2	Final	Houston	7	Kansas
City	3	Final	Athletics	3	Chicago
White Sox	2	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	5	Toronto	1	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Washington	8	N.Y.
Mets	7	Final	Milwaukee	7	St.
Louis	1	Final	Cincinnati	8	Colorado	1	Final	Arizona	6	Atlanta	4	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	9	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Philadelphia	3	Chicago
Cubs	1	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	New
York	94	Detroit	93	Final	Minnesota	116	L.A.
Lakers	113	Final	Boston	107	Orlando	98	Final	Indiana	129	Milwaukee	103	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	St.
Louis	5	Winnipeg	1	Final	Carolina	5	New
Jersey	2	Final	Washington	5	Montreal	2	Final
OT	Edmonton	4	Los Angeles	3

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Alvarez’s long home run backed a solid start by Hunter Brown as the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Sunday in the series finale to avoid being swept.

Alvarez snapped Houston’s 26-inning scoreless streak, crushing Kris Bubic’s sinker 436 feet to center for a three-run homer and a 3-0 Astros lead in the third inning.

Brown (4-1), who allowed one run on seven hits and a walk with nine strikeouts over six innings, surrendered a lone hit in each of the first four innings but struck out seven while not allowing a runner past second.

Brown’s 28-inning shutout streak – fifth longest in franchise history – ended in the fifth inning on a two-out single by Jonathan India and an RBI double by Bobby Witt Jr.

Leading off the fifth, Chas McCormick doubled and scored on Jeremy Peña’s single. McCormick had three hits and scored three runs for the Astros.

Peña’s two-out, two-run double in the sixth extended Houston’s lead to 6-1. Peña collected three RBIs in his first game batting leadoff.

Yainer Diaz added a solo home run in the seventh.

Bubic (2-2) allowed four runs on five hits and three walks, striking out four in five innings.

India had a pair of singles and drove in a run while Witt extended his hitting streak to a career-best 19 games.

Isaac Paredes drew a four-pitch walk ahead of Alvarez’s three-run blast.

Alvarez, who led left-handed major leaguers with a .362 average against left-handed pitchers in 2024, hit his first homer of this season against a left-hander.

The Astros open a three-game homestand Monday against Detroit with Tigers RHP Jack Flaherty (1-2, 2.63 ERA) opposing RHP Ronel Blanco (2-2, 5.01).

Tuesday, the Royals begin a three-game series against the Rays in Tampa with Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-3, 3.90) against RHP Taj Bradley (2-1, 5.08).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745797590457.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates after hitting a three-run home run with Chas McCormick (20) and Isaac Paredes (15) during the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates after hitting a three-run home run with Chas McCormick (20) and Isaac Paredes (15) during the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Alvarez’s long home run backed a solid start by Hunter Brown as the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Sunday in the series finale to avoid being swept.Alvarez snapped Houston’s 26-inning scoreless streak, crushing Kris Bubic’s sinker 436 feet to center for a three-run homer and a 3-0 Astros lead in the third inning.Brown (4-1), who allowed one run on seven hits and a walk with nine strikeouts over six innings, surrendered a lone hit in each of the first four innings but struck out seven while not allowing a runner past second.Brown’s 28-inning shutout streak – fifth longest in franchise history – ended in the fifth inning on a two-out single by Jonathan India and an RBI double by Bobby Witt Jr.Leading off the fifth, Chas McCormick doubled and scored on Jeremy Peña’s single. McCormick had three hits and scored three runs for the Astros.Peña’s two-out, two-run double in the sixth extended Houston’s lead to 6-1. Peña collected three RBIs in his first game batting leadoff.Yainer Diaz added a solo home run in the seventh.Bubic (2-2) allowed four runs on five hits and three walks, striking out four in five innings.India had a pair of singles and drove in a run while Witt extended his hitting streak to a career-best 19 games.<h2>Key moment</h2>Isaac Paredes drew a four-pitch walk ahead of Alvarez’s three-run blast.<h2>Key stat</h2>Alvarez, who led left-handed major leaguers with a .362 average against left-handed pitchers in 2024, hit his first homer of this season against a left-hander.<h2>Up next</h2>The Astros open a three-game homestand Monday against Detroit with Tigers RHP Jack Flaherty (1-2, 2.63 ERA) opposing RHP Ronel Blanco (2-2, 5.01).Tuesday, the Royals begin a three-game series against the Rays in Tampa with Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-3, 3.90) against RHP Taj Bradley (2-1, 5.08).

Alvarez’s long home run leads Astros to 7-3 win over Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Two more Kansas State football players received the call of a lifetime from NFL franchises on Saturday as running back DJ Giddens and safety Marques Sigle were selected on the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Giddens was chosen with the 14th pick of the fifth round – No. 151 overall – by the Indianapolis Colts, while Sigle was selected nine picks later with the 23rd pick of the round – No. 160 overall – by the San Francisco 49ers.

With Jacob Parrish's selection in the third round by Tampa Bay on Friday night, the Wildcats have now had 10 players drafted over the last three years, their most over a three-year stretch since 12 players were selected between 2002 and 2004.

A product of Junction City, Kansas, Giddens became the sixth Wildcat all time to be selected by Indianapolis, including the second in the last three years as he joins cornerback Julius Brents, who was taken in the second round of the 2023 draft. Sigle is the seventh Wildcat to be selected by San Francisco and the first since DJ Reed in 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745760842310.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – Two more Kansas State football players received the call of a lifetime from NFL franchises on Saturday as running back DJ Giddens and safety Marques Sigle were selected on the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft.Giddens was chosen with the 14th pick of the fifth round – No. 151 overall – by the Indianapolis Colts, while Sigle was selected nine picks later with the 23rd pick of the round – No. 160 overall – by the San Francisco 49ers.With Jacob Parrish's selection in the third round by Tampa Bay on Friday night, the Wildcats have now had 10 players drafted over the last three years, their most over a three-year stretch since 12 players were selected between 2002 and 2004.A product of Junction City, Kansas, Giddens became the sixth Wildcat all time to be selected by Indianapolis, including the second in the last three years as he joins cornerback Julius Brents, who was taken in the second round of the 2023 draft. Sigle is the seventh Wildcat to be selected by San Francisco and the first since DJ Reed in 2018.Giddens finished his three-year K-State career by ranking in the top 10 in school history in 11 career categories, most notably a No. 2 ranking in rushing yards per attempt (5.97), third in rushing yards (3,087), fourth in total scrimmage yards (3,766) and receiving yards by a running back (679). He became just the fourth player in school history to produce multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, joining fellow NFL Draft picks Darren Sproles, Daniel Thomas, Deuce Vaughn.Giddens was a Doak Walker Award semifinalist and All-Big 12 Second Team selection a year ago after rushing for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns on 205 carries, while he hauled in 21 catches for 258 yards and a touchdown. He set a school record by averaging 6.55 yards per carry in 2024, breaking the previous record of 6.49 yards per carry by Darren Sproles in 2003. It was the sixth-highest average in Big 12 history (minimum 200 carries). Additionally, he finished eighth in the country in scrimmage yards per game (133.42), 10th in all-purpose yards per game (133.42), 13th in rushing yards per game (111.92) and 14th in in total rushing yards.Giddens had 13 career 100-yard rushing games with seven of those coming in 2024, including a 187-yard effort against Oklahoma State and a 182-yard output the next game at Colorado to become the first Wildcat with at least 180 rushing yards in consecutive games in six years.Sigle played in 50 career games – including the final 25 at K-State after transferring in from North Dakota State – as he totaled 174 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, seven interceptions and 26 total passes defended. As a senior, the Omaha, Nebraska, native posted career highs with three interceptions – including one he returned for a touchdown at West Virginia – and 6.5 tackles for loss in addition to 60 tackles and three pass breakups. He tied for eighth in the Big 12 in interceptions and ranked third in interception-return yards (93).During his first season in Manhattan in 2023, Sigle earned All-Big 12 honors after tallying a career-high 63 tackles and 10 total passes defended as he also earned votes for the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year.More Wildcats could join NFL teams as organizations begin to sign rookie free agents in the coming days. Those will be announced as they made public by their respective organizations.