MILWAUKEE (AP) —
Eric Haase and Christian Yelich hit solo home runs to back a strong
start by Chad Patrick and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City
Royals 5-0 for their first win of the season. Patrick gave the
Brewers something they hadn’t had thus far — three scoreless
innings to begin the game. Milwaukee surrendered 24 runs in the first
three innings of its first four games. Haase homered from the ninth
spot in the order to put the Brewers up 1-0 in the third. Brice
Turang and Jackson Chourio followed with singles and Turang scored on
a force-out at second on Yelich’s grounder to make it 2-0. Patrick
gave up three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in 4 2/3
innings.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Kyren Paris hit a tiebreaking single in the 11th inning, Yoan Moncada
followed with a two-run double and the Los Angeles Angels beat the
St. Louis Cardinals 9-7. The game was tied at 3 after nine innings
before each team scored three runs in the 10th — and the Angels
added three in the 11th. Victor Scott II had an RBI single in the
bottom half, but Ryan Zeferjahn got two outs for his first career
save. Zeferjahn struck out Willson Contreras with a runner aboard to
end it as the Angels outlasted St. Louis in extra innings for the
second consecutive night. Ryan Johnson earned his first major league
win.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Dustin May allowed just one hit and an unearned run for the Los
Angeles Dodgers in his first major league start in nearly two years.
The right-hander went five innings, struck out six and walked three
in the team's 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves. May was thrilled to be
back after recovering from a life-threatening tear in his esophagus
that happened when he was eating a salad and a piece of lettuce got
stuck last year. He was nearly ready to come back from Tommy John
revision surgery when the scary incident happened. May struck out the
side in the first inning and was greeted by high-fives from his
teammates in the dugout.

UNDATED (AP) —
World Series champion and two-time All-Star pitcher Lance Lynn is
retiring from Major League Baseball. Lynn announced his decision
Tuesday on the “Dymin in the Rough" podcast. He was 7-4 with a
3.84 ERA in 23 starts last season with St. Louis. The right-hander
was 143-99 in his career with six teams. Lynn was an All-Star with
the Cardinals in 2012, when he finished the season 18-7, and in 2021
with the White Sox. He helped the Cardinals win the World Series as a
rookie in 2011 when he was 2-0 in 10 postseason appearances.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton said he'll continue using a torpedo
bat whenever he returns from pain in both elbows, but also declined
to say whether he thought using the new model might have caused his
injury. Last season Stanton began using the unique bats that feature
more wood lower down the barrel closer to the label, shaped a little
like a bowling pin. During spring training, he seemed to hint that
using the different bats could have caused pain, before later adding
he didn’t know why his injury occurred. “You’re not going to
get the story you’re looking for,” Stanton said Tuesday before
New York opened a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“So if that’s what you guys want, that ain’t going to happen.”

NEW YORK (AP) —
Kansas commit Darryn Peterson scored 18 points as the game’s co-MVP
leading the West over the East 105-92 on Tuesday night in the
McDonald’s All-American boys game at Barclays Center. Alijah Arenas
and son of three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas watching in the
stands finished the third quarter with a free throw for a 74-70 lead.
The West pushed the lead out in the fourth quarter to as much as 15
late in the game. The game featured three commitments to Duke led by
brothers Cayden and Cameron Boozer. They are following their father’s
path to Duke before Carlos went to the NBA for 13 seasons as a
two-time All-Star. Cameron Boozer shared MVP honors with Peterson
scoring 16 for the East.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Johni Broome of Auburn is one of five finalists for the John R.
Wooden Award as the outstanding men’s college basketball player.
The others are Walter Clayton Jr. of Florida, Duke’s Cooper Flagg,
Mark Sears of Alabama and Braden Smith of Purdue. Broome, Clayton and
Flagg will lead their teams at the Final Four in San Antonio this
weekend. The Wooden Award winner will be honored April 11 at the Los
Angeles Athletic Club. The other members of the Wooden All-America
team announced Tuesday are L.J. Cryer of Houston, Kam Jones of
Marquette, Ryan Kalkbrenner of Creighton, Chaz Lanier of Tennessee
and John Tonje of Wisconsin.

PALM BEACH, Fla.
(AP) — The future of the tush push has been pushed until next
month. NFL team owners had been set to vote Tuesday on Green Bay’s
proposal to ban the play that’s helped the Philadelphia Eagles win
one Super Bowl and reach another, but the proposal was tabled until
May. Team owners approved modifying the kickoff rule, expanding
replay assist and revising overtime rules, along with other changes.
The decision to postpone the tush push vote means the debate will
continue as the league seeks more information about the safety of the
play. Proponents of the play and those who oppose it presented strong
arguments while the league’s medical experts expressed safety
concerns.

PALM BEACH, Fla.
(AP) — The one-year trial version of the dynamic kickoff in the NFL
led to an uptick in the return rate that wasn’t quite as much as
the league had hoped. Now the new form of the kickoff that is more
like a scrimmage play is permanent with a change for 2025 that the
league hopes will lead to a significant increase in returns. Owners
voted to move touchbacks on kicks from the 30 to the 35 in hopes that
more teams will kick the ball in play instead of giving up an extra 5
yards of field position. The league also approved changes to the
overtime rule and expanded replay assist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) —
Eric Haase and Christian Yelich hit solo home runs to back a strong
start by Chad Patrick and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City
Royals 5-0 for their first win of the season. Patrick gave the
Brewers something they hadn’t had thus far — three scoreless
innings to begin the game. Milwaukee surrendered 24 runs in the first
three innings of its first four games. Haase homered from the ninth
spot in the order to put the Brewers up 1-0 in the third. Brice
Turang and Jackson Chourio followed with singles and Turang scored on
a force-out at second on Yelich’s grounder to make it 2-0. Patrick
gave up three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in 4 2/3
innings.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Kyren Paris hit a tiebreaking single in the 11th inning, Yoan Moncada
followed with a two-run double and the Los Angeles Angels beat the
St. Louis Cardinals 9-7. The game was tied at 3 after nine innings
before each team scored three runs in the 10th — and the Angels
added three in the 11th. Victor Scott II had an RBI single in the
bottom half, but Ryan Zeferjahn got two outs for his first career
save. Zeferjahn struck out Willson Contreras with a runner aboard to
end it as the Angels outlasted St. Louis in extra innings for the
second consecutive night. Ryan Johnson earned his first major league
win.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Dustin May allowed just one hit and an unearned run for the Los
Angeles Dodgers in his first major league start in nearly two years.
The right-hander went five innings, struck out six and walked three
in the team's 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves. May was thrilled to be
back after recovering from a life-threatening tear in his esophagus
that happened when he was eating a salad and a piece of lettuce got
stuck last year. He was nearly ready to come back from Tommy John
revision surgery when the scary incident happened. May struck out the
side in the first inning and was greeted by high-fives from his
teammates in the dugout.UNDATED (AP) —
World Series champion and two-time All-Star pitcher Lance Lynn is
retiring from Major League Baseball. Lynn announced his decision
Tuesday on the “Dymin in the Rough" podcast. He was 7-4 with a
3.84 ERA in 23 starts last season with St. Louis. The right-hander
was 143-99 in his career with six teams. Lynn was an All-Star with
the Cardinals in 2012, when he finished the season 18-7, and in 2021
with the White Sox. He helped the Cardinals win the World Series as a
rookie in 2011 when he was 2-0 in 10 postseason appearances.NEW YORK (AP) —
Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton said he'll continue using a torpedo
bat whenever he returns from pain in both elbows, but also declined
to say whether he thought using the new model might have caused his
injury. Last season Stanton began using the unique bats that feature
more wood lower down the barrel closer to the label, shaped a little
like a bowling pin. During spring training, he seemed to hint that
using the different bats could have caused pain, before later adding
he didn’t know why his injury occurred. “You’re not going to
get the story you’re looking for,” Stanton said Tuesday before
New York opened a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“So if that’s what you guys want, that ain’t going to happen.”NEW YORK (AP) —
Kansas commit Darryn Peterson scored 18 points as the game’s co-MVP
leading the West over the East 105-92 on Tuesday night in the
McDonald’s All-American boys game at Barclays Center. Alijah Arenas
and son of three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas watching in the
stands finished the third quarter with a free throw for a 74-70 lead.
The West pushed the lead out in the fourth quarter to as much as 15
late in the game. The game featured three commitments to Duke led by
brothers Cayden and Cameron Boozer. They are following their father’s
path to Duke before Carlos went to the NBA for 13 seasons as a
two-time All-Star. Cameron Boozer shared MVP honors with Peterson
scoring 16 for the East.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Johni Broome of Auburn is one of five finalists for the John R.
Wooden Award as the outstanding men’s college basketball player.
The others are Walter Clayton Jr. of Florida, Duke’s Cooper Flagg,
Mark Sears of Alabama and Braden Smith of Purdue. Broome, Clayton and
Flagg will lead their teams at the Final Four in San Antonio this
weekend. The Wooden Award winner will be honored April 11 at the Los
Angeles Athletic Club. The other members of the Wooden All-America
team announced Tuesday are L.J. Cryer of Houston, Kam Jones of
Marquette, Ryan Kalkbrenner of Creighton, Chaz Lanier of Tennessee
and John Tonje of Wisconsin.PALM BEACH, Fla.
(AP) — The future of the tush push has been pushed until next
month. NFL team owners had been set to vote Tuesday on Green Bay’s
proposal to ban the play that’s helped the Philadelphia Eagles win
one Super Bowl and reach another, but the proposal was tabled until
May. Team owners approved modifying the kickoff rule, expanding
replay assist and revising overtime rules, along with other changes.
The decision to postpone the tush push vote means the debate will
continue as the league seeks more information about the safety of the
play. Proponents of the play and those who oppose it presented strong
arguments while the league’s medical experts expressed safety
concerns.PALM BEACH, Fla.
(AP) — The one-year trial version of the dynamic kickoff in the NFL
led to an uptick in the return rate that wasn’t quite as much as
the league had hoped. Now the new form of the kickoff that is more
like a scrimmage play is permanent with a change for 2025 that the
league hopes will lead to a significant increase in returns. Owners
voted to move touchbacks on kicks from the 30 to the 35 in hopes that
more teams will kick the ball in play instead of giving up an extra 5
yards of field position. The league also approved changes to the
overtime rule and expanded replay assist.TUESDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal	Texas	1	Cincinnati	0	Final	Toronto	5	Washington	3	Final	Tampa
Bay	7	Pittsburgh	0	Final	Arizona	7	N.Y.
Yankees	5	Final	Milwaukee	5	Kansas
City	0	Final	San
Francisco	3	Houston	1	Final	L.A.
Angels	9	St. Louis	7	Final	San
Diego	7	Cleveland	0	Final	Chicago
Cubs	7	Athletics	4	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Minnesota	8	Chicago
White Sox	3	Final	Detroit	4	Seattle	1	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Miami	4	N.Y.
Mets	2	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	3	Atlanta	1	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	New
York	105	Philadelphia	91	Final	Portland	127	Atlanta	113	Final	Milwaukee	133	Phoenix	123	Final	Chicago	137	Toronto	118	Final	Orlando	116	San
Antonio	105	Final	Golden
State	134	Memphis	125	Final
2OT	Minnesota	140	Denver	139	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Buffalo	5	Ottawa	2	Final	Washington	4	Boston	3	Final
OT	Montreal	3	Florida	2	Final	Columbus	8	Nashville	4	Final	Tampa
Bay	4	N-Y Islanders	1	Final OT	St.
Louis	2	Detroit	1	Final	Utah	3	Calgary	1	Final	Edmonton	3	Vegas	2	Final
SO	Anaheim	4	San Jose	3

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A decision on the future of the tush push has been pushed until next month.

NFL team owners had been set to vote Tuesday on Green Bay’s proposal to ban the play that’s helped the Philadelphia Eagles win one Super Bowl and reach another, but it was tabled until May.

Team owners approved modifying the kickoff rule, expanding replay assist, revising overtime rules, along with other changes.

Postponing the tush push vote means the debate will continue while teams gather more information. Proponents of the play and those who oppose it presented strong arguments while the league's medical experts expressed safety concerns.

NFL Competition Committee chairman Rich McKay stressed the issues surrounding the play extend beyond safety because there's not enough data to indicate it's dangerous. The league already has said no injuries have been reported on a tush push.

“There are definitely some people that have health and safety concerns, but there’s just as many people that have football concerns,” McKay said. “So I wouldn’t say it was because of one particular health and safety video or discussion. It was much more about the play, the aesthetics of the play, is it part of what football has been traditionally, or is it more of a rugby play? All those types of discussions. Health and safety is still there because of potential but I wouldn’t go beyond that.”

The league prohibited pushing or pulling a player before a rule change in 2004. McKay said the Packers asked to pull the proposal so they could reintroduce the previous language, study it, and bring it up for discussion for a vote at the May meetings.

It takes 24 of 32 votes to approve rule changes.

“It went to many different directions beyond health and safety,” McKay said of the 30 to 40-minute conversation. “Just the traditional-ness of the play, the idea that you could push another player, the idea that we prohibit pushing on the defense but we don’t prohibit it on the offense. It went in all those directions.”

As for changes that did pass, regular-season overtime rules now will match those in the playoffs and both teams will have a chance to get a possession even if the offense scores a touchdown on the opening drive. The proposal was amended to make overtime 10 minutes, not 15 minutes.

Owners also approved a proposal from the NFL Competition Committee to allow replay assist to consult on-field officials to overrule objective calls such as facemask penalties, whether there was forcible contact to the head or neck area, horse-collar tackles or tripping if there was “clear and obvious” evidence that a foul didn’t occur. Replay also would be able to overturn a roughing-the-kicker or running-into-the-kicker penalty if video showed the defender made contact with the ball.

Replay assist could wipe out a foul only if it was incorrectly called, but it will not be used to throw a flag if a penalty wasn't called.

The dynamic kickoff rule becomes permanent, with touchbacks moving to the 35-yard line instead of the 30.

Pittsburgh's proposal to allow teams to have one video or phone call with no more than five prospective unrestricted free agents during the two-day negotiation period was approved. Teams now can make travel arrangements with such players upon agreeing to terms.

Also, owners approved a rule to permit clubs to prepare kicking footballs (“K-Balls”) before game day, similar to the process permitted for game footballs.

Detroit's proposal for playoff seeding to be based on winning percentage was also tabled for May. The proposal to stop automatic first downs from being awarded on defensive holding and illegal contact penalties didn't pass.

Philadelphia’s version of the quarterback sneak sparked the most intense discussions.

Bills coach Sean McDermott was among those leading the push to get rid of it, even though Buffalo used it more than any team other than the Eagles.

“I feel where I’m most concerned is, even though there is not significant data out there to this point, my biggest concern is the health and safety of the players, first and foremost,” McDermott said Monday. “It’s two things. It’s force, added force, No. 1, and then the posture of the players, being asked to execute that type of play, that’s where my concern comes in. ... I’m not a doctor. I’m not going to get too deep into that situation there, in terms of how much data, how much sample. I don’t think that’s really always the best way to go. There is other data out there that suggests when you’re in a posture like we’re talking about, that can lead to serious injury. I think being responsible and proactive in that regard is the right way to go.”

The Eagles began using the play in short-yardage situations in 2022. Two or three players line up behind quarterback Jalen Hurts and push him forward. Several other teams including the Bills began using it, but no team has matched Philadelphia’s success rate.

“Tough play to stop but then you’re listening to that and the medical side and you probably could go either way with it,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose team lost 40-22 to the Eagles in the Super Bowl. “But I would say if it’s putting a player in a bad position, then you probably have to do something about it. But if it’s not, it’s a heck of a play.”

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A decision on the future of the tush push has been pushed until next month.NFL team owners had been set to vote Tuesday on Green Bay’s proposal to ban the play that’s helped the Philadelphia Eagles win one Super Bowl and reach another, but it was tabled until May.Team owners approved modifying the kickoff rule, expanding replay assist, revising overtime rules, along with other changes.Postponing the tush push vote means the debate will continue while teams gather more information. Proponents of the play and those who oppose it presented strong arguments while the league's medical experts expressed safety concerns.NFL Competition Committee chairman Rich McKay stressed the issues surrounding the play extend beyond safety because there's not enough data to indicate it's dangerous. The league already has said no injuries have been reported on a tush push.“There are definitely some people that have health and safety concerns, but there’s just as many people that have football concerns,” McKay said. “So I wouldn’t say it was because of one particular health and safety video or discussion. It was much more about the play, the aesthetics of the play, is it part of what football has been traditionally, or is it more of a rugby play? All those types of discussions. Health and safety is still there because of potential but I wouldn’t go beyond that.”The league prohibited pushing or pulling a player before a rule change in 2004. McKay said the Packers asked to pull the proposal so they could reintroduce the previous language, study it, and bring it up for discussion for a vote at the May meetings.It takes 24 of 32 votes to approve rule changes.“It went to many different directions beyond health and safety,” McKay said of the 30 to 40-minute conversation. “Just the traditional-ness of the play, the idea that you could push another player, the idea that we prohibit pushing on the defense but we don’t prohibit it on the offense. It went in all those directions.”As for changes that did pass, regular-season overtime rules now will match those in the playoffs and both teams will have a chance to get a possession even if the offense scores a touchdown on the opening drive. The proposal was amended to make overtime 10 minutes, not 15 minutes.Owners also approved a proposal from the NFL Competition Committee to allow replay assist to consult on-field officials to overrule objective calls such as facemask penalties, whether there was forcible contact to the head or neck area, horse-collar tackles or tripping if there was “clear and obvious” evidence that a foul didn’t occur. Replay also would be able to overturn a roughing-the-kicker or running-into-the-kicker penalty if video showed the defender made contact with the ball.Replay assist could wipe out a foul only if it was incorrectly called, but it will not be used to throw a flag if a penalty wasn't called.The dynamic kickoff rule becomes permanent, with touchbacks moving to the 35-yard line instead of the 30.Pittsburgh's proposal to allow teams to have one video or phone call with no more than five prospective unrestricted free agents during the two-day negotiation period was approved. Teams now can make travel arrangements with such players upon agreeing to terms.Also, owners approved a rule to permit clubs to prepare kicking footballs (“K-Balls”) before game day, similar to the process permitted for game footballs.Detroit's proposal for playoff seeding to be based on winning percentage was also tabled for May. The proposal to stop automatic first downs from being awarded on defensive holding and illegal contact penalties didn't pass.Philadelphia’s version of the quarterback sneak sparked the most intense discussions.Bills coach Sean McDermott was among those leading the push to get rid of it, even though Buffalo used it more than any team other than the Eagles.“I feel where I’m most concerned is, even though there is not significant data out there to this point, my biggest concern is the health and safety of the players, first and foremost,” McDermott said Monday. “It’s two things. It’s force, added force, No. 1, and then the posture of the players, being asked to execute that type of play, that’s where my concern comes in. ... I’m not a doctor. I’m not going to get too deep into that situation there, in terms of how much data, how much sample. I don’t think that’s really always the best way to go. There is other data out there that suggests when you’re in a posture like we’re talking about, that can lead to serious injury. I think being responsible and proactive in that regard is the right way to go.”The Eagles began using the play in short-yardage situations in 2022. Two or three players line up behind quarterback Jalen Hurts and push him forward. Several other teams including the Bills began using it, but no team has matched Philadelphia’s success rate.“Tough play to stop but then you’re listening to that and the medical side and you probably could go either way with it,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose team lost 40-22 to the Eagles in the Super Bowl. “But I would say if it’s putting a player in a bad position, then you probably have to do something about it. But if it’s not, it’s a heck of a play.”

NFL postpones a decision on the tush push but passes other rule changes

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — When a drone suddenly appeared near the left-field wall at Sutter Health Park on Monday night, veteran Athletics bat boy Stewart Thalblum decided to help thwart it.

The drone tried to lift him off the grass but Thalblum used a bat and brought it down, careful not to cut himself with the spinning blades.

Once the device had been corralled, Thalblum handed it off to a security guard.

The drone appeared with Seth Brown batting for the Athletics in the seventh inning of the Chicago Cubs' 18-3 rout and it delayed the game for a few minutes.

“I think for me I didn't want to cut my fingers off. I always see that on the news, people hurt themselves when it's hovering or whatever and their hand gets caught in it,” said the 22-year-old Thalblum, a sixth-year bat boy. "I tried to catch it by the bottom and it was there for me so I just grabbed it and then I just started whacking the wings of it basically with the bat just to snap them off so it wouldn't fly away from me because I was going to take it behind the wall. We couldn't figure out what to do with it and it was trying to fly away from me."

Thalblum is the son of longtime A’s visiting clubhouse manager Mikey Thalblum.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell was impressed. When the drone was spotted by some Chicago players, Counsell alerted plate umpire Adrian Johnson, who hadn't seen it.

“I guess that's the world we're in right now,” Counsell said. “But it was funny because it looked like the drone was trying to fly away, it was trying to fly Mikey's son away, too. It's life in 2025.”

Stewart Thalblum had noticed the drone the previous at-bat, a first for him, and then saw Johnson stop play — so he went to work.

“Everybody was just looking at it for a little while and I've never had something like that happen,” Thalblum said. “I was asking around, everybody's looking and nobody from security or anything had gone out there so I was like, I don’t know whose responsibility it is, so I was like, OK, maybe it’s mine.”

Dad was plenty proud of his son — again.

“I'm proud of him for a lot of other reasons more so than getting a drone, just for being a good kid,” the father said, chuckling and not surprised at the fast thinking. “He's a good clubbie.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743533943049.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Chicago Cubs players warm up before a baseball game against the Athletics, Monday, March 31, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Chicago Cubs players warm up before a baseball game against the Athletics, Monday, March 31, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — When a drone suddenly appeared near the left-field wall at Sutter Health Park on Monday night, veteran Athletics bat boy Stewart Thalblum decided to help thwart it.The drone tried to lift him off the grass but Thalblum used a bat and brought it down, careful not to cut himself with the spinning blades.Once the device had been corralled, Thalblum handed it off to a security guard.The drone appeared with Seth Brown batting for the Athletics in the seventh inning of the Chicago Cubs' 18-3 rout and it delayed the game for a few minutes.“I think for me I didn't want to cut my fingers off. I always see that on the news, people hurt themselves when it's hovering or whatever and their hand gets caught in it,” said the 22-year-old Thalblum, a sixth-year bat boy. "I tried to catch it by the bottom and it was there for me so I just grabbed it and then I just started whacking the wings of it basically with the bat just to snap them off so it wouldn't fly away from me because I was going to take it behind the wall. We couldn't figure out what to do with it and it was trying to fly away from me."Thalblum is the son of longtime A’s visiting clubhouse manager Mikey Thalblum.Cubs manager Craig Counsell was impressed. When the drone was spotted by some Chicago players, Counsell alerted plate umpire Adrian Johnson, who hadn't seen it.“I guess that's the world we're in right now,” Counsell said. “But it was funny because it looked like the drone was trying to fly away, it was trying to fly Mikey's son away, too. It's life in 2025.”Stewart Thalblum had noticed the drone the previous at-bat, a first for him, and then saw Johnson stop play — so he went to work.“Everybody was just looking at it for a little while and I've never had something like that happen,” Thalblum said. “I was asking around, everybody's looking and nobody from security or anything had gone out there so I was like, I don’t know whose responsibility it is, so I was like, OK, maybe it’s mine.”Dad was plenty proud of his son — again.“I'm proud of him for a lot of other reasons more so than getting a drone, just for being a good kid,” the father said, chuckling and not surprised at the fast thinking. “He's a good clubbie.”

Athletics bat boy Stewart Thalblum takes down drone in left field

Smoky Hills PBS will produce a special production, Remembering Bob Davis, dedicated to honoring the life and career of the legendary broadcaster Bob Davis during the month of April

For decades, Bob Davis was the voice behind some of the most iconic moments in Kansas sports history. He was a sportscaster for the Kansas Jayhawks, Fort Hays State University, and the Kansas City Royals. His passion, storytelling, and deep connection with fans made him a beloved figure in broadcasting. This special program will reflect on the conversation we had with Bob back in 2021, as well as his induction speech into the 2016 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Remembering Bob Davis will air on Monday, April 7 at 8 p.m. exclusively on Smoky Hills PBS. Viewers can also watch this special again on Thursday, April 10 at 2 p.m. and Saturday, April 12 at 8 p.m.

For more information, visit <a href="http://SmokyHillsPBS.org">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.

Post StaffSmoky Hills PBS will produce a special production, Remembering Bob Davis, dedicated to honoring the life and career of the legendary broadcaster Bob Davis during the month of AprilFor decades, Bob Davis was the voice behind some of the most iconic moments in Kansas sports history. He was a sportscaster for the Kansas Jayhawks, Fort Hays State University, and the Kansas City Royals. His passion, storytelling, and deep connection with fans made him a beloved figure in broadcasting. This special program will reflect on the conversation we had with Bob back in 2021, as well as his induction speech into the 2016 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.Remembering Bob Davis will air on Monday, April 7 at 8 p.m. exclusively on Smoky Hills PBS. Viewers can also watch this special again on Thursday, April 10 at 2 p.m. and Saturday, April 12 at 8 p.m.For more information, visit <a href="http://SmokyHillsPBS.org">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.

Smoky Hills PBS to present special show dedicated to Bob Davis

- Barton softball coach Carson Dubose joins the show for an update on the Lady Cougar softball season.

- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas

- The "Voice of the Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock joins us to talk about everything Fort Hays State, Bob Davis and more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Tuesday show lineup with host Steve Webster" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday show lineup with host Steve Webster</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wUumoqI0UNw?si=BXxs_nLU6KHwUstc" 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 for an update on the Lady Cougar softball season.- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas- The "Voice of the Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock joins us to talk about everything Fort Hays State, Bob Davis and more.- Tuesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Tuesday on Sports Day(Watch)

LIBERAL, Kan. – Seward County Community College has named Austin Downing its new Head Men's Basketball&nbsp;Coach.&nbsp;

Downing joins from Barton Community College, where in three years as an assistant coach he has coached in two national tournaments, including a National Championship for the 2023-2024 season. Downing as assistant coach with the Cougars had an overall record of 86-19 and a 59-15 mark in the Jayhawk conference.&nbsp;

Downing, from Atchison, Kan., started his playing career at Neosho Community College, finishing in the Top 20 on the all-time scoring list. From Neosho, he would go on to play at Quincy University and finish his college career back in Kansas with Emporia State University, earning All-MIAA honors.

The Saints are excited to welcome Austin Downing and his family to Liberal and Seward County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743513713072.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>from&nbsp;sewardsaints.comLIBERAL, Kan. – Seward County Community College has named Austin Downing its new Head Men's Basketball&nbsp;Coach.&nbsp;Downing joins from Barton Community College, where in three years as an assistant coach he has coached in two national tournaments, including a National Championship for the 2023-2024 season. Downing as assistant coach with the Cougars had an overall record of 86-19 and a 59-15 mark in the Jayhawk conference.&nbsp;Downing, from Atchison, Kan., started his playing career at Neosho Community College, finishing in the Top 20 on the all-time scoring list. From Neosho, he would go on to play at Quincy University and finish his college career back in Kansas with Emporia State University, earning All-MIAA honors.The Saints are excited to welcome Austin Downing and his family to Liberal and Seward County.

Barton's Austin Downing named head coach for Seward Co.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kansas City’s Jonathan India showed no signs of fear after getting hit by a 98.9-mph pitch.

He requested – demanded, really – to get in the Royals’ starting lineup the next day. He then went 3 for 5 with two runs and a pair of RBIs as Kansas City trounced the Milwaukee Brewers 11-1 on Monday afternoon.

“I’m a gamer,” India said. “I want to play every day. That’s who I am.”

India’s response amazed his teammates, who saw how frightening a scene it was Sunday when a pitch from Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase hit India’s batting helmet on the left side of his face during the ninth inning of the Royals’ 6-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.

After a CT scan showed no lingering damage, India calmly lined a single to left to open Monday’s game. He got a base hit again in the sixth inning and added a two-run single in the seventh.

“Unbelievable,” Royals catcher Salvador Perez said. “It’s something that I’ve never seen in my career. … He’s one of the toughest guys I’ve ever met in my life.”

India acknowledged it was a scary moment when the pitch from Clase hit him, causing him to leave Sunday’s game and hit the locker room. He also felt some anger over what happened.

But once India realized he felt fine and was showing no signs of any head injury, he just wanted to get back on the field as soon as possible.

“I’ve been hit in the head before,” India said. “It’s just part of baseball. Pitchers when they throw high and in like that, I think they should get reprimanded for it, but it’s part of baseball, I guess.”

Perez said Clase reached out to him to express regret over the incident. Perez said Clase explained that the ball just flipped out of his hand in the cold weather. Perez was confident Clase didn’t intend any harm.

“I’ve known Clase for a little bit,” Perez said. “I don’t think he’s that type of guy.”

India left no doubt that he wanted to play Monday, so Royals manager Matt Quatraro had him leading off and playing third base.

“He was adamant,” Quatraro said. “I probably would have leaned the other way, but as tough as he is, and he wanted to be in there, I wasn’t going to stop him from doing that. He had a heck of a game.”

India left the game in the ninth inning with the Royals comfortably ahead, but Quatraro said that move wasn't injury related.

The Royals acquired India and outfielder Joey Wiemer from Cincinnati in an offseason trade that sent right-handed pitcher Brady Singer to the Reds. India, the 2021 NL rookie of the year, batted .248 with a .357 on-base percentage, 15 homers, 58 RBIs and 13 steals in 151 games last season.

India's performance Monday a day after getting hit in the face made quite the impression on his new team.

“I think he's a warrior," infielder/outfielder Maikel Garcia said. ”To receive a fastball in the face yesterday, and come today and play the way he played today, it's unbelievable."

The injury news wasn’t entirely positive for the Royals.

Kansas City placed outfielder/pinch-runner Dairon Blanco on the injured list because of tendinopathy in his right Achilles tendon. Blanco made only one plate appearance in the Royals’ first three games, but he stole two bases and scored two runs.

“It’s a bone spur essentially that’s on his Achilles,” Quatraro said before the game. “When it flares up, it flares up, and it’s painful.”

The Royals filled his spot on the roster by calling up utilityman Tyler Tolbert from Triple-A Omaha.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743501276783.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Jonathan India, holds his jaw after he was hit by a pitch thrown by Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Jonathan India, holds his jaw after he was hit by a pitch thrown by Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kansas City’s Jonathan India showed no signs of fear after getting hit by a 98.9-mph pitch.He requested – demanded, really – to get in the Royals’ starting lineup the next day. He then went 3 for 5 with two runs and a pair of RBIs as Kansas City trounced the Milwaukee Brewers 11-1 on Monday afternoon.“I’m a gamer,” India said. “I want to play every day. That’s who I am.”India’s response amazed his teammates, who saw how frightening a scene it was Sunday when a pitch from Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase hit India’s batting helmet on the left side of his face during the ninth inning of the Royals’ 6-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.After a CT scan showed no lingering damage, India calmly lined a single to left to open Monday’s game. He got a base hit again in the sixth inning and added a two-run single in the seventh.“Unbelievable,” Royals catcher Salvador Perez said. “It’s something that I’ve never seen in my career. … He’s one of the toughest guys I’ve ever met in my life.”India acknowledged it was a scary moment when the pitch from Clase hit him, causing him to leave Sunday’s game and hit the locker room. He also felt some anger over what happened.But once India realized he felt fine and was showing no signs of any head injury, he just wanted to get back on the field as soon as possible.“I’ve been hit in the head before,” India said. “It’s just part of baseball. Pitchers when they throw high and in like that, I think they should get reprimanded for it, but it’s part of baseball, I guess.”Perez said Clase reached out to him to express regret over the incident. Perez said Clase explained that the ball just flipped out of his hand in the cold weather. Perez was confident Clase didn’t intend any harm.“I’ve known Clase for a little bit,” Perez said. “I don’t think he’s that type of guy.”India left no doubt that he wanted to play Monday, so Royals manager Matt Quatraro had him leading off and playing third base.“He was adamant,” Quatraro said. “I probably would have leaned the other way, but as tough as he is, and he wanted to be in there, I wasn’t going to stop him from doing that. He had a heck of a game.”India left the game in the ninth inning with the Royals comfortably ahead, but Quatraro said that move wasn't injury related.The Royals acquired India and outfielder Joey Wiemer from Cincinnati in an offseason trade that sent right-handed pitcher Brady Singer to the Reds. India, the 2021 NL rookie of the year, batted .248 with a .357 on-base percentage, 15 homers, 58 RBIs and 13 steals in 151 games last season.India's performance Monday a day after getting hit in the face made quite the impression on his new team.“I think he's a warrior," infielder/outfielder Maikel Garcia said. ”To receive a fastball in the face yesterday, and come today and play the way he played today, it's unbelievable."The injury news wasn’t entirely positive for the Royals.Kansas City placed outfielder/pinch-runner Dairon Blanco on the injured list because of tendinopathy in his right Achilles tendon. Blanco made only one plate appearance in the Royals’ first three games, but he stole two bases and scored two runs.“It’s a bone spur essentially that’s on his Achilles,” Quatraro said before the game. “When it flares up, it flares up, and it’s painful.”The Royals filled his spot on the roster by calling up utilityman Tyler Tolbert from Triple-A Omaha.

Royals' Jonathan India has big performance one day after a pitch hit him in the face

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Longtime manager Peter Vermes is out at Sporting Kansas City.

The MLS club announced Monday that it “mutually agreed to part ways” with Vermes after nearly two decades and with Sporting KC chasing its first win since mid-September of last season.

Kerry Zavagnin was appointed interim head coach.

Vermes became the club's technical director in 2006 before being elevated to head coach in 2009. The member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame ranks third on the all-time MLS list with 203 regular-season wins.

He is the only person to win the MLS Cup as a player and a coach with the same team — he led Kansas City to the 2000 title as a central defender, then coached the team to the 2013 championship.

“It would be hard to list all of the people I want to thank after 20 seasons in managerial positions at Sporting Kansas City,” Vermes said in a statement. “I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades. I wish the club nothing but the best in the future.”

Vermes led the club to 11 playoff appearances and four first-place finishes in the regular season. The club also won U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Last season, the team reached the U.S. Open Cup Final but finished with an 8-19-7 record for its third straight losing campaign.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Longtime manager Peter Vermes is out at Sporting Kansas City.The MLS club announced Monday that it “mutually agreed to part ways” with Vermes after nearly two decades and with Sporting KC chasing its first win since mid-September of last season.Kerry Zavagnin was appointed interim head coach.Vermes became the club's technical director in 2006 before being elevated to head coach in 2009. The member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame ranks third on the all-time MLS list with 203 regular-season wins.He is the only person to win the MLS Cup as a player and a coach with the same team — he led Kansas City to the 2000 title as a central defender, then coached the team to the 2013 championship.“It would be hard to list all of the people I want to thank after 20 seasons in managerial positions at Sporting Kansas City,” Vermes said in a statement. “I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades. I wish the club nothing but the best in the future.”Vermes led the club to 11 playoff appearances and four first-place finishes in the regular season. The club also won U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Last season, the team reached the U.S. Open Cup Final but finished with an 8-19-7 record for its third straight losing campaign.

Peter Vermes is out as Sporting Kansas City manager after 16 years

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Kyren Paris hit a tying triple in the seventh inning, Nolan Schanuel
gave Los Angeles its first lead with a grounder in the 10th and the
Angels held off the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4. Mike Trout had two RBIs
for the Angels, who scored three runs on sacrifice flies and finally
went ahead in the 10th without a hit. Ryan Johnson earned his first
career save in his second major league appearance. Lars Nootbaar hit
a leadoff homer and Brendan Donovan also went deep for the Cardinals.
Nolan Arenado had an RBI single.

MILWAUKEE (AP) —
Kris Bubic struck out eight in six shutout innings in his first start
in nearly two years, and the Kansas City Royals spoiled Milwaukee’s
home opener with an 11-1 victory over the winless Brewers. Maikel
Garcia and Salvador Perez homered for the Royals. Jonathan India had
three hits and drove in two runs one day after he was struck on the
left side of his face by a 98.9-mph pitch from Cleveland’s Emmanuel
Clase. Bubic allowed three hits and walked two in his first start
since April 15, 2023. The 27-year-old left-hander had Tommy John
surgery later that month, and he pitched as a reliever last season.

MILWAUKEE (AP) —
Kansas City’s Jonathan India showed no signs of fear after getting
hit by a 98.9-mph pitch. First he requested to get in the Royals’
starting lineup the next day. He then went 3 for 5 with two runs and
a pair of RBIs as Kansas City trounced the Milwaukee Brewers 11-1 on
Monday afternoon. India’s response amazed his teammates. They saw
how frightening a scene it was Sunday when a pitch from Cleveland’s
Emmanuel Clase hit India’s batting helmet on the left side of his
face during the ninth inning of the Royals’ 6-2 loss to the
Cleveland Guardians.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80
games without pay for performance-enhancing drug use. Major League
Baseball announced that Profar tested positive for Chorionic
Gonadotrophin (hCG). The suspension of Profar is effective
immediately. Barring postponed games, Profar would be eligible to
return June 29 against Philadelphia and would lose $5,806,440 of his
$12 million salary. He is also ineligible for the postseason. Profar
apologized in a statement and said he would never knowingly take a
banned substance. He calls it “the most difficult day” of his
career. Profar was an All-Star last season with San Diego.

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP)
— Paige Bueckers carried UConn to its record 24th Final Four of the
women’s NCAA Tournament, scoring 31 points Monday night in a 78-64
victory over Southern California, which couldn’t overcome the loss
of injured star JuJu Watkins. UConn heads to Tampa, Florida, to face
overall No. 1 seed UCLA on Friday. Freshman Sarah Strong added 22
points and 17 rebounds for the second-seeded Huskies, who have won a
record 11 NCAA titles, all under coach Geno Auriemma. Their most
recent championship was in 2016, the last of a run of four straight.
Rayah Marshall scored 23 points for top-seeded USC.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
(AP) — Madison Booker scored 18 points and No. 1 seed Texas used
its stifling defense to reach the Final Four of the women’s NCAA
Tournament for the first time since 2003, beating well-traveled point
guard Hailey Van Lith and second-seeded TCU 58-47. The Longhorns will
face defending champion South Carolina on Friday night in Tampa,
Florida, for a spot in the national title game. Texas won a regional
final for the first time under coach Vic Schaefer, who previously
made two Final Four trips with Mississippi State. The Longhorns’ 35
wins are one more than its only national title-winning squad had in
1986 under Jody Conradt, who was in the stands Monday night.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
(AP) — The women’s Final Four is full of star players, top seeds
and historic programs. There will be no Cinderellas in Tampa,
Florida, this week with No. 1 seeds South Carolina, UCLA and Texas in
the national semifinals. They are joined by the betting favorite to
win it all, second-seeded UConn, which has been playing the best of
any team over the past month and knocked off a top-seeded Southern
California team that was missing its best player. Coach Dawn Staley
and the defending champion Gamecocks are making their fifth straight
trip to the Final Four. UConn has been there a record 24 times.

UNDATED (AP) —
Fittingly for an NCAA Tournament in which big schools from big
conferences took record numbers of spots in the first week, then
hogged them all for the second week, the Final Four will bring four
teams seeded No. 1 to the sport’s biggest stage to play for the
title. When Florida meets Auburn in an all-Southeastern Conference
clash and Duke faces Houston in a meeting between the Atlantic Coast
and Big 12 conferences, it will mark only the second time since
seeding began in 1979 that all four No. 1s have made it to the final
weekend.

UNDATED (AP) —
Duke, Houston, Florida and Auburn have posted elite efficiency
numbers in making it a rare Final Four featuring only 1-seeds. Those
four teams head to San Antonio this week. Duke, Houston and Auburn
ranked in the top 5 of KenPom's daily rankings all season. Throw in
Florida, and the four teams have ranked atop those KenPom rankings
since the first half of February. Additionally, all four teams have
KenPom net-efficiency marks of +35 or better going into the week. By
comparison, only six teams have done that in data going back to the
1996-97 season.

KANSAS CITY, Kan.
(AP) — Longtime manager Peter Vermes is out at Sporting Kansas
City. The MLS club announced Monday that it “mutually agreed to
part ways” with Vermes after nearly two decades and with Sporting
KC chasing its first win since mid-September of last season. Vermes
became the club’s technical director in 2006 before being elevated
to head coach in 2009. The member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame
ranks third on the all-time MLS list with 203 regular-season wins. He
is the only person to win the MLS Cup as a player and a coach with
the same team. Sporting KC lost five of its first six games of the
2025 season. Kerry Zavagnin was appointed interim head coach.

PALM BEACH, Fla.
(AP) — The “tush push” is the hottest topic at the NFL’s
annual meetings this week. Team owners, coaches and general managers
have gathered at a posh resort to discuss several potential rule
changes, including the Green Bay Packers’ proposal to eliminate a
play that’s become a short-yardage staple for the Super Bowl
champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers cited player safety and
pace of play as reasons for banning the tush push. NFL executive Troy
Vincent said last month there have been zero injuries reported as a
result of the play. Any rule change must be approved by 24 out of 32
team owners. Tampa Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles made it clear last
month he wouldn’t support a ban.

WEST SACRAMENTO,
Calif. (AP) — When a drone suddenly appeared near the left-field
wall at Sutter Health Park, Athletics bat boy Stewart Thalblum
decided to help thwart it. The drone tried to lift him off the grass
but Thalblum used a bat and brought it down, careful not to cut
himself with the spinning blades. Once the device had been corralled,
Thalblum handed it off to a security guard. The drone appeared with
Seth Brown batting for the Athletics in the seventh inning of the
Chicago Cubs’ 18-3 rout and it delayed the game for a few minutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Kyren Paris hit a tying triple in the seventh inning, Nolan Schanuel
gave Los Angeles its first lead with a grounder in the 10th and the
Angels held off the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4. Mike Trout had two RBIs
for the Angels, who scored three runs on sacrifice flies and finally
went ahead in the 10th without a hit. Ryan Johnson earned his first
career save in his second major league appearance. Lars Nootbaar hit
a leadoff homer and Brendan Donovan also went deep for the Cardinals.
Nolan Arenado had an RBI single.MILWAUKEE (AP) —
Kris Bubic struck out eight in six shutout innings in his first start
in nearly two years, and the Kansas City Royals spoiled Milwaukee’s
home opener with an 11-1 victory over the winless Brewers. Maikel
Garcia and Salvador Perez homered for the Royals. Jonathan India had
three hits and drove in two runs one day after he was struck on the
left side of his face by a 98.9-mph pitch from Cleveland’s Emmanuel
Clase. Bubic allowed three hits and walked two in his first start
since April 15, 2023. The 27-year-old left-hander had Tommy John
surgery later that month, and he pitched as a reliever last season.MILWAUKEE (AP) —
Kansas City’s Jonathan India showed no signs of fear after getting
hit by a 98.9-mph pitch. First he requested to get in the Royals’
starting lineup the next day. He then went 3 for 5 with two runs and
a pair of RBIs as Kansas City trounced the Milwaukee Brewers 11-1 on
Monday afternoon. India’s response amazed his teammates. They saw
how frightening a scene it was Sunday when a pitch from Cleveland’s
Emmanuel Clase hit India’s batting helmet on the left side of his
face during the ninth inning of the Royals’ 6-2 loss to the
Cleveland Guardians.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80
games without pay for performance-enhancing drug use. Major League
Baseball announced that Profar tested positive for Chorionic
Gonadotrophin (hCG). The suspension of Profar is effective
immediately. Barring postponed games, Profar would be eligible to
return June 29 against Philadelphia and would lose $5,806,440 of his
$12 million salary. He is also ineligible for the postseason. Profar
apologized in a statement and said he would never knowingly take a
banned substance. He calls it “the most difficult day” of his
career. Profar was an All-Star last season with San Diego.SPOKANE, Wash. (AP)
— Paige Bueckers carried UConn to its record 24th Final Four of the
women’s NCAA Tournament, scoring 31 points Monday night in a 78-64
victory over Southern California, which couldn’t overcome the loss
of injured star JuJu Watkins. UConn heads to Tampa, Florida, to face
overall No. 1 seed UCLA on Friday. Freshman Sarah Strong added 22
points and 17 rebounds for the second-seeded Huskies, who have won a
record 11 NCAA titles, all under coach Geno Auriemma. Their most
recent championship was in 2016, the last of a run of four straight.
Rayah Marshall scored 23 points for top-seeded USC.BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
(AP) — Madison Booker scored 18 points and No. 1 seed Texas used
its stifling defense to reach the Final Four of the women’s NCAA
Tournament for the first time since 2003, beating well-traveled point
guard Hailey Van Lith and second-seeded TCU 58-47. The Longhorns will
face defending champion South Carolina on Friday night in Tampa,
Florida, for a spot in the national title game. Texas won a regional
final for the first time under coach Vic Schaefer, who previously
made two Final Four trips with Mississippi State. The Longhorns’ 35
wins are one more than its only national title-winning squad had in
1986 under Jody Conradt, who was in the stands Monday night.BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
(AP) — The women’s Final Four is full of star players, top seeds
and historic programs. There will be no Cinderellas in Tampa,
Florida, this week with No. 1 seeds South Carolina, UCLA and Texas in
the national semifinals. They are joined by the betting favorite to
win it all, second-seeded UConn, which has been playing the best of
any team over the past month and knocked off a top-seeded Southern
California team that was missing its best player. Coach Dawn Staley
and the defending champion Gamecocks are making their fifth straight
trip to the Final Four. UConn has been there a record 24 times.UNDATED (AP) —
Fittingly for an NCAA Tournament in which big schools from big
conferences took record numbers of spots in the first week, then
hogged them all for the second week, the Final Four will bring four
teams seeded No. 1 to the sport’s biggest stage to play for the
title. When Florida meets Auburn in an all-Southeastern Conference
clash and Duke faces Houston in a meeting between the Atlantic Coast
and Big 12 conferences, it will mark only the second time since
seeding began in 1979 that all four No. 1s have made it to the final
weekend.UNDATED (AP) —
Duke, Houston, Florida and Auburn have posted elite efficiency
numbers in making it a rare Final Four featuring only 1-seeds. Those
four teams head to San Antonio this week. Duke, Houston and Auburn
ranked in the top 5 of KenPom's daily rankings all season. Throw in
Florida, and the four teams have ranked atop those KenPom rankings
since the first half of February. Additionally, all four teams have
KenPom net-efficiency marks of +35 or better going into the week. By
comparison, only six teams have done that in data going back to the
1996-97 season.KANSAS CITY, Kan.
(AP) — Longtime manager Peter Vermes is out at Sporting Kansas
City. The MLS club announced Monday that it “mutually agreed to
part ways” with Vermes after nearly two decades and with Sporting
KC chasing its first win since mid-September of last season. Vermes
became the club’s technical director in 2006 before being elevated
to head coach in 2009. The member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame
ranks third on the all-time MLS list with 203 regular-season wins. He
is the only person to win the MLS Cup as a player and a coach with
the same team. Sporting KC lost five of its first six games of the
2025 season. Kerry Zavagnin was appointed interim head coach.PALM BEACH, Fla.
(AP) — The “tush push” is the hottest topic at the NFL’s
annual meetings this week. Team owners, coaches and general managers
have gathered at a posh resort to discuss several potential rule
changes, including the Green Bay Packers’ proposal to eliminate a
play that’s become a short-yardage staple for the Super Bowl
champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers cited player safety and
pace of play as reasons for banning the tush push. NFL executive Troy
Vincent said last month there have been zero injuries reported as a
result of the play. Any rule change must be approved by 24 out of 32
team owners. Tampa Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles made it clear last
month he wouldn’t support a ban.WEST SACRAMENTO,
Calif. (AP) — When a drone suddenly appeared near the left-field
wall at Sutter Health Park, Athletics bat boy Stewart Thalblum
decided to help thwart it. The drone tried to lift him off the grass
but Thalblum used a bat and brought it down, careful not to cut
himself with the spinning blades. Once the device had been corralled,
Thalblum handed it off to a security guard. The drone appeared with
Seth Brown batting for the Athletics in the seventh inning of the
Chicago Cubs’ 18-3 rout and it delayed the game for a few minutes.MONDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Kansas
City	11	Milwaukee	1	Final	Cincinnati	14	Texas	3	Final	Tampa
Bay	6	Pittsburgh	1	Final	Toronto	5	Washington	2	Final	L.A.
Angels	5	St. Louis	4	Final	San
Francisco	7	Houston	2	Final	San
Diego	7	Cleveland	2	Final	Chicago
Cubs	18	Athletics	3	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Chicago White
Sox	9	Minnesota	0	Final	Baltimore	8	Boston	5	Final	Detroit	9	Seattle	6	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Philadelphia	6	Colorado	1	Final	N.Y.
Mets	10	Miami	4	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	6	Atlanta	1	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Charlotte	110	Utah	106	Final	Indiana	111	Sacramento	109	Final	Miami	120	Washington	94	Final	L.A.
Clippers	96	Orlando	87	Final	Boston	117	Memphis	103	Final	Oklahoma
City	145	Chicago	117	Final	Brooklyn	113	Dallas	109	Final	L.A.
Lakers	104	Houston	98	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Philadelphia	2	Nashville	1	Final SO	New
Jersey	3	Minnesota	2	Final
SO	Calgary	3	Colorado	2

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kris Bubic struck out eight in six shutout innings in his first start in nearly two years, and the Kansas City Royals spoiled Milwaukee's home opener with an 11-1 victory over the winless Brewers on Monday.

Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez homered for the Royals. Jonathan India had three hits and drove in two runs one day after he was struck on the left side of his face by a 98.9-mph pitch from Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase.

Bubic (1-0) allowed three hits and walked two in his first start since April 15, 2023. The 27-year-old left-hander had Tommy John surgery later that month, and he filled a relief role in all 27 of his appearances last season, going 1-1 with a 2.67 ERA.

The two-time defending NL Central champion Brewers are 0-4 for the first time since 2015, when they finished 68-94.

Garcia connected for a 428-foot drive to center on a 2-1 fastball from Elvin Rodriguez (0-1) in the second. Perez went deep on a 2-2 slider from Elvis Peguero in the seventh, sending a 418-foot drive just inside the left-field foul pole.

Brewers associate manager Rickie Weeks was ejected from the game by home plate umpire Brennan Miller after arguing a ball-strike call from the dugout in the seventh.

After India and Bobby Witt opened the game with back-to-back singles, Rodríguez retired the next two batters and seemed on the verge of getting out of the inning until Michael Massey ripped a 1-1 fastball that bounced over the left-field wall for a ground-rule RBI double. Hunter Renfroe followed with a two-run single.

The Brewers have been outscored 47-15 through their first four games. They opened their season by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/torpedo-bats-yankees-6ac6c797ea935941ed1c0d0e51a7d870">getting swept</a>&nbsp;in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kris Bubic struck out eight in six shutout innings in his first start in nearly two years, and the Kansas City Royals spoiled Milwaukee's home opener with an 11-1 victory over the winless Brewers on Monday.Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez homered for the Royals. Jonathan India had three hits and drove in two runs one day after he was struck on the left side of his face by a 98.9-mph pitch from Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase.Bubic (1-0) allowed three hits and walked two in his first start since April 15, 2023. The 27-year-old left-hander had Tommy John surgery later that month, and he filled a relief role in all 27 of his appearances last season, going 1-1 with a 2.67 ERA.The two-time defending NL Central champion Brewers are 0-4 for the first time since 2015, when they finished 68-94.Garcia connected for a 428-foot drive to center on a 2-1 fastball from Elvin Rodriguez (0-1) in the second. Perez went deep on a 2-2 slider from Elvis Peguero in the seventh, sending a 418-foot drive just inside the left-field foul pole.Brewers associate manager Rickie Weeks was ejected from the game by home plate umpire Brennan Miller after arguing a ball-strike call from the dugout in the seventh.<h2>Key moment</h2>After India and Bobby Witt opened the game with back-to-back singles, Rodríguez retired the next two batters and seemed on the verge of getting out of the inning until Michael Massey ripped a 1-1 fastball that bounced over the left-field wall for a ground-rule RBI double. Hunter Renfroe followed with a two-run single.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Brewers have been outscored 47-15 through their first four games. They opened their season by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/torpedo-bats-yankees-6ac6c797ea935941ed1c0d0e51a7d870">getting swept</a>&nbsp;in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium.<h2>Up next</h2>

Royals trounce Brewers 11-1

At least two No. 1 seeds will be in the Final Four of women's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>.

Two more could book trips to Tampa, Florida, Today.

South Carolina kept its repeat championship hopes alive and reached its fifth straight Final Four with a grinding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-duke-south-carolina-score-224994b55396a13502722bdfcd977cb9">54-50 win over Duke</a>&nbsp;on Sunday. The Gamecocks will face the winner between top-seeded Texas and TCU on Monday in their bid to become the first repeat NCAA champion since UConn's run of four straight from 2013-16.

UCLA followed that up with an impressive performance,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-lsu-ucla-score-052ef5fbf03e5048730ccff6a178de8c">knocking off third-seeded LSU 72-65</a>&nbsp;behind another big game by Lauren Betts. The 6-foot-7 All-American had 17 points, seven rebounds and six blocked shots despite sitting out the second quarter.

UCLA will face the winner of Monday's Elite Eight game between No. 1 seed Southern California and No. 2 seed UConn.

Texas (34-3) vs. TCU (34-3), Birmingham, Alabama. Former Big 12 rivals will play for a spot in the Final Four. The Frogs are in the Elite Eight for the first time. Coach Mark Campbell’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-tournament-elite-eight-tcu-texas-van-lith-934bec3a23307dd8ab66fc6938569a9a">“Under Frogs”</a>&nbsp;went from having to hold open tryouts to find enough healthy players to the cusp of a Final Four behind the trio of Sedona Prince, Haley Van Lith and Madison Conner. Prince has been nearly unstoppable inside, the well-traveled Van Lith scored 26 points in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-notre-dame-tcu-score-12fb545a8603517187967e4c3e44e543">a Sweet 16 win over Notre Dame</a>, and Conner is shooting 45% from 3. The Frogs will need to click on all cylinders if they're going to beat the top-seeded Longhorns. Texas has one of the nation's best defenses and is holding NCAA Tournament opponents to 56 points per game. The Longhorns also have All-American Madison Booker. The 6-foot-1 forward was the Southeastern Conference player of the year and is averaging 16.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. She's part of a dominating front line that includes 6-4 Taylor Jones and 6-6 center Kyla Oldacre, so the Frogs will have their hands full inside.

USC (31-3) vs. UConn (34-3), Spokane, Washington.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-uconn-usc-preview-e629e0474994f87c8c9e222bd738b8d0">UConn All-American Paige Bueckers</a>&nbsp;has been one of college basketball's best players during her time in Storrs, with the only missing part of her resume a national championship. The 6-foot guard has done her best to get that title, dominating throughout her final March Madness. She scored 34 points&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uconn-march-madness-paige-bueckers-3eb0322bcd912423e94ec6c46e30d067">against South Dakota State</a>&nbsp;in the second round and topped that with a career-high 40 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-oklahoma-uconn-score-917699e45b6d7619e93530c3d0415a58">a Sweet 16 win over Oklahoma</a>. USC will be without its best player,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-juju-watkins-hurt-usc-12f286a14edad1e632dd1a4938132a88">All-American JuJu Watkins</a>. She suffered a season-ending knee injury against Mississippi State in the second round, but it didn't slow the Trojans in a Sweet 16 win over Kansas State. Freshman Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by Watkins, scoring 19 points in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-southern-california-score-de25d1356a81b973134e7e91abf4fc9a">the 67-61 victory</a>.

Every game of the women’s tournament will be aired —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/womens-final-four/broadcast-info">here is a schedule</a>&nbsp;— on ESPN's networks and streaming services with select games on ABC.

The top four betting favorites at the start Sweet 16 week were (in order): UConn, South Carolina, UCLA and Texas, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

There were 31 automatic bids that went to conference champions and they were combined with 37 at-large picks by the NCAA selection committee. Selection Sunday unveiled the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket/">bracket matchups</a>.

First- and second-round games concluded Monday on campuses across the country. Sweet 16 weekend (March 28-31) put games at two sites once again: Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane, Washington.

The Final Four is in Tampa on Friday, with the championship game next Sunday. A year ago, the championship game drew a bigger television audience than the men’s title game for the first time, with an average of 18.9 million viewers watching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-score-iowa-clark-south-carolina-80c556d6a9130a301d0f59e6eb997a4d">undefeated South Carolina beat Iowa and superstar Caitlin Clark</a>.

At least two No. 1 seeds will be in the Final Four of women's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>.Two more could book trips to Tampa, Florida, Today.South Carolina kept its repeat championship hopes alive and reached its fifth straight Final Four with a grinding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-duke-south-carolina-score-224994b55396a13502722bdfcd977cb9">54-50 win over Duke</a>&nbsp;on Sunday. The Gamecocks will face the winner between top-seeded Texas and TCU on Monday in their bid to become the first repeat NCAA champion since UConn's run of four straight from 2013-16.UCLA followed that up with an impressive performance,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-lsu-ucla-score-052ef5fbf03e5048730ccff6a178de8c">knocking off third-seeded LSU 72-65</a>&nbsp;behind another big game by Lauren Betts. The 6-foot-7 All-American had 17 points, seven rebounds and six blocked shots despite sitting out the second quarter.UCLA will face the winner of Monday's Elite Eight game between No. 1 seed Southern California and No. 2 seed UConn.<h2>Games to watch</h2>Texas (34-3) vs. TCU (34-3), Birmingham, Alabama. Former Big 12 rivals will play for a spot in the Final Four. The Frogs are in the Elite Eight for the first time. Coach Mark Campbell’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-tournament-elite-eight-tcu-texas-van-lith-934bec3a23307dd8ab66fc6938569a9a">“Under Frogs”</a>&nbsp;went from having to hold open tryouts to find enough healthy players to the cusp of a Final Four behind the trio of Sedona Prince, Haley Van Lith and Madison Conner. Prince has been nearly unstoppable inside, the well-traveled Van Lith scored 26 points in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-notre-dame-tcu-score-12fb545a8603517187967e4c3e44e543">a Sweet 16 win over Notre Dame</a>, and Conner is shooting 45% from 3. The Frogs will need to click on all cylinders if they're going to beat the top-seeded Longhorns. Texas has one of the nation's best defenses and is holding NCAA Tournament opponents to 56 points per game. The Longhorns also have All-American Madison Booker. The 6-foot-1 forward was the Southeastern Conference player of the year and is averaging 16.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. She's part of a dominating front line that includes 6-4 Taylor Jones and 6-6 center Kyla Oldacre, so the Frogs will have their hands full inside.USC (31-3) vs. UConn (34-3), Spokane, Washington.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-uconn-usc-preview-e629e0474994f87c8c9e222bd738b8d0">UConn All-American Paige Bueckers</a>&nbsp;has been one of college basketball's best players during her time in Storrs, with the only missing part of her resume a national championship. The 6-foot guard has done her best to get that title, dominating throughout her final March Madness. She scored 34 points&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uconn-march-madness-paige-bueckers-3eb0322bcd912423e94ec6c46e30d067">against South Dakota State</a>&nbsp;in the second round and topped that with a career-high 40 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-oklahoma-uconn-score-917699e45b6d7619e93530c3d0415a58">a Sweet 16 win over Oklahoma</a>. USC will be without its best player,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-juju-watkins-hurt-usc-12f286a14edad1e632dd1a4938132a88">All-American JuJu Watkins</a>. She suffered a season-ending knee injury against Mississippi State in the second round, but it didn't slow the Trojans in a Sweet 16 win over Kansas State. Freshman Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by Watkins, scoring 19 points in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-southern-california-score-de25d1356a81b973134e7e91abf4fc9a">the 67-61 victory</a>.<h2>How can I watch the tournament?</h2>Every game of the women’s tournament will be aired —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/womens-final-four/broadcast-info">here is a schedule</a>&nbsp;— on ESPN's networks and streaming services with select games on ABC.<h2>Who are the favorites?</h2>The top four betting favorites at the start Sweet 16 week were (in order): UConn, South Carolina, UCLA and Texas, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.<h2>Who is playing?</h2>There were 31 automatic bids that went to conference champions and they were combined with 37 at-large picks by the NCAA selection committee. Selection Sunday unveiled the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket/">bracket matchups</a>.<h2>When are the games?</h2>First- and second-round games concluded Monday on campuses across the country. Sweet 16 weekend (March 28-31) put games at two sites once again: Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane, Washington.The Final Four is in Tampa on Friday, with the championship game next Sunday. A year ago, the championship game drew a bigger television audience than the men’s title game for the first time, with an average of 18.9 million viewers watching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-score-iowa-clark-south-carolina-80c556d6a9130a301d0f59e6eb997a4d">undefeated South Carolina beat Iowa and superstar Caitlin Clark</a>.

March Madness: Top seeds South Carolina, UCLA reach Final Four of women's NCAA Tournament

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Mike Tomlin is staying in touch with Aaron Rodgers and is comfortable with Mason Rudolph as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rudolph was 3-1 for the Steelers in 2023 with the loss coming in a wild-card game against Buffalo. Pittsburgh has a new offensive coordinator since Rudolph last played for the team. The offense had mixed results under Arthur Smith last season. Tomlin, who spoke to Pittsburgh reporters a day earlier, addressed a large group of media members surrounding his table during a 30-minute availability for all AFC coaches.

ATLANTA (AP) — Johni Broome had 25 points and 14 rebounds, and Auburn took command with 17 unanswered points in the first half to beat Michigan State 70-64 and complete a sweep of No. 1 seeds advancing to the Final Four. Auburn earned its second Final Four trip. Michigan State fell short in its bid to send coach Tom Izzo to his ninth national semifinal. Auburn’s only previous Final Four appearance came in 2019, also under coach Bruce Pearl. The South Region champion Tigers are the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. They became the last of the No. 1 seeds to advance to the Final Four — joining Florida, Duke and Houston.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Houston’s relentless defense confused and harassed Tennessee and carried the Cougars into their seventh Final Four and first since 2021, with L.J. Cryer scoring 17 points in a 69-50 victory. Emanuel Sharp scored 14 of his 16 points after halftime for top-seeded Houston, which extended the nation’s longest active winning streak to 17 games. The Cougars had been eliminated as a No. 1 seed in the Sweet 16 in each of the past two years, but this time coach Kelvin Sampson’s team has a shot at the program’s first national title. The Cougars will face Cooper Flagg and five-time national champ Duke Saturday in San Antonio.

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Lauren Betts had 17 points and seven rebounds despite spending the entire second quarter on the bench, and top overall seed UCLA reached its first Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament with a 72-65 victory over LSU. The 6-foot-7 Betts added six blocks for the Bruins, who will face the winner of Monday’s game between Southern California and UConn. The Final four is Friday night in Tampa, Florida. Gabriela Jaquez added 18 points for the Bruins and Timea Gardiner finished with 15, helping to pick up the slack went Betts went to the bench after committing two first-quarter fouls.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Chloe Kitts scored 14 points and defending national champion South Carolina reached the Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament for a fifth straight year, beating Duke 54-50. The top-seeded Gamecocks are two wins away from becoming the first team to repeat as champions since UConn won four straight from 2013-16. South Carolina will play the winner of the Texas-TCU game that takes place Monday night. The Final Four is in Tampa, Florida, on Friday night. Second-seeded Duke was looking to get to its first national semifinals since 2006. The Blue Devils women were also looking to join the men’s program in the Final Four.

NEW YORK (AP) — New torpedo bats drew attention when the New York Yankees hit a team-record nine homers that traveled a combined 3,695 feet. Using a strikingly different model in which wood is moved lower down the barrel after the label and shapes the end a little like a bowling pin, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered in New York’s 20-9 rout of the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. The bats are allowed under Major League Baseball's rules.

PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns All-Star Kevin Durant was helped to the locker room with 6:57 left in the third quarter against Houston on Sunday night after falling to the floor in a collision with the Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. Smith was called for a foul under the Phoenix basket as Durant fell to the floor. The 6-foot-10 forward eventually got to his feet, but could not put any weight on his left leg. He appeared to step on Smith’s foot. After Houston’s 148-109 victory, Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said Durant will have an MRI on his left ankle Monday and will not accompany the team to Milwaukee for a game Tuesday. The Suns also have games at Boston and New York in the next seven days.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Jakub Mensik outdueled Novak Djokovic in two tiebreakers 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) to win the Miami Open for his first ATP title. Ranked 54th entering the tournament, the Czech Republic teenager plowed through Djokovic with poise and a stellar 130 mph serve. He collected 14 aces and got broken only once. Mensik bashed a service winner on match point and fell on his back. Mensik’s victory spoiled the party for Djokovic, who was seeking his 100th career title and a record seventh in the Miami Open.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin is now five goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record after scoring the 890th of his career in the Washington Capitals’ game Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. Ovechkin beat James Reimer on a deflection in front. The 39-year-old is now back on pace to pass Gretzky’s mark of 894 that long seemed unapproachable this spring. He has 37 this season and is on track to reach 40 for a 14th time, also the most in league history, despite missing 16 games because of a broken left fibula.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Five players and two coaches were ejected after a fight broke out in the second quarter in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. Detroit lost head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, center Isaiah Stewart, forward Ron Holland II and guard Marcus Sasser. Minnesota forward Naz Reid and guard Donte DiVincenzo also were tossed, along with assistant coach Pablo Prigioni. Stewart received a technical foul just moments earlier when he bumped DiVincenzo hard after the whistle. Then Holland was called for a foul as he slapped the ball out of Reid’s hands near the baseline. The two exchanged words, DiVincenzo stepped between them and grabbed Holland’s jersey, and soon all 10 players on the court and multiple coaches were part of the scrum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Mike Tomlin is staying in touch with Aaron Rodgers and is comfortable with Mason Rudolph as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rudolph was 3-1 for the Steelers in 2023 with the loss coming in a wild-card game against Buffalo. Pittsburgh has a new offensive coordinator since Rudolph last played for the team. The offense had mixed results under Arthur Smith last season. Tomlin, who spoke to Pittsburgh reporters a day earlier, addressed a large group of media members surrounding his table during a 30-minute availability for all AFC coaches.ATLANTA (AP) — Johni Broome had 25 points and 14 rebounds, and Auburn took command with 17 unanswered points in the first half to beat Michigan State 70-64 and complete a sweep of No. 1 seeds advancing to the Final Four. Auburn earned its second Final Four trip. Michigan State fell short in its bid to send coach Tom Izzo to his ninth national semifinal. Auburn’s only previous Final Four appearance came in 2019, also under coach Bruce Pearl. The South Region champion Tigers are the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. They became the last of the No. 1 seeds to advance to the Final Four — joining Florida, Duke and Houston.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Houston’s relentless defense confused and harassed Tennessee and carried the Cougars into their seventh Final Four and first since 2021, with L.J. Cryer scoring 17 points in a 69-50 victory. Emanuel Sharp scored 14 of his 16 points after halftime for top-seeded Houston, which extended the nation’s longest active winning streak to 17 games. The Cougars had been eliminated as a No. 1 seed in the Sweet 16 in each of the past two years, but this time coach Kelvin Sampson’s team has a shot at the program’s first national title. The Cougars will face Cooper Flagg and five-time national champ Duke Saturday in San Antonio.SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Lauren Betts had 17 points and seven rebounds despite spending the entire second quarter on the bench, and top overall seed UCLA reached its first Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament with a 72-65 victory over LSU. The 6-foot-7 Betts added six blocks for the Bruins, who will face the winner of Monday’s game between Southern California and UConn. The Final four is Friday night in Tampa, Florida. Gabriela Jaquez added 18 points for the Bruins and Timea Gardiner finished with 15, helping to pick up the slack went Betts went to the bench after committing two first-quarter fouls.BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Chloe Kitts scored 14 points and defending national champion South Carolina reached the Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament for a fifth straight year, beating Duke 54-50. The top-seeded Gamecocks are two wins away from becoming the first team to repeat as champions since UConn won four straight from 2013-16. South Carolina will play the winner of the Texas-TCU game that takes place Monday night. The Final Four is in Tampa, Florida, on Friday night. Second-seeded Duke was looking to get to its first national semifinals since 2006. The Blue Devils women were also looking to join the men’s program in the Final Four.NEW YORK (AP) — New torpedo bats drew attention when the New York Yankees hit a team-record nine homers that traveled a combined 3,695 feet. Using a strikingly different model in which wood is moved lower down the barrel after the label and shapes the end a little like a bowling pin, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered in New York’s 20-9 rout of the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. The bats are allowed under Major League Baseball's rules.PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns All-Star Kevin Durant was helped to the locker room with 6:57 left in the third quarter against Houston on Sunday night after falling to the floor in a collision with the Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. Smith was called for a foul under the Phoenix basket as Durant fell to the floor. The 6-foot-10 forward eventually got to his feet, but could not put any weight on his left leg. He appeared to step on Smith’s foot. After Houston’s 148-109 victory, Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said Durant will have an MRI on his left ankle Monday and will not accompany the team to Milwaukee for a game Tuesday. The Suns also have games at Boston and New York in the next seven days.MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Jakub Mensik outdueled Novak Djokovic in two tiebreakers 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) to win the Miami Open for his first ATP title. Ranked 54th entering the tournament, the Czech Republic teenager plowed through Djokovic with poise and a stellar 130 mph serve. He collected 14 aces and got broken only once. Mensik bashed a service winner on match point and fell on his back. Mensik’s victory spoiled the party for Djokovic, who was seeking his 100th career title and a record seventh in the Miami Open.WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin is now five goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record after scoring the 890th of his career in the Washington Capitals’ game Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. Ovechkin beat James Reimer on a deflection in front. The 39-year-old is now back on pace to pass Gretzky’s mark of 894 that long seemed unapproachable this spring. He has 37 this season and is on track to reach 40 for a 14th time, also the most in league history, despite missing 16 games because of a broken left fibula.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Five players and two coaches were ejected after a fight broke out in the second quarter in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. Detroit lost head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, center Isaiah Stewart, forward Ron Holland II and guard Marcus Sasser. Minnesota forward Naz Reid and guard Donte DiVincenzo also were tossed, along with assistant coach Pablo Prigioni. Stewart received a technical foul just moments earlier when he bumped DiVincenzo hard after the whistle. Then Holland was called for a foul as he slapped the ball out of Reid’s hands near the baseline. The two exchanged words, DiVincenzo stepped between them and grabbed Holland’s jersey, and soon all 10 players on the court and multiple coaches were part of the scrum.<h2>WEEKEND SCORES</h2>MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLAMERICAN LEAGUE Saturday's GamesN.Y. Yankees 20, Milwaukee 9L.A. Angels 1, Chicago White Sox 0St. Louis 5, Minnesota 1Baltimore 9, Toronto 5Kansas City 4, Cleveland 3Colorado 2, Tampa Bay 1Houston 2, N.Y. Mets 1Texas 4, Boston 3L.A. Dodgers 7, Detroit 3Athletics 4, Seattle 2Sunday's GamesN.Y. Yankees 12, Milwaukee 3Toronto 3, Baltimore 1Tampa Bay 6, Colorado 4L.A. Angels 3, Chicago White Sox 2St. Louis 9, Minnesota 2Texas 3, Boston 2Cleveland 6, Kansas City 2Seattle 2, Athletics 1COLLEGE BASKETBALLAuburn 70 Michigan St. 64 Houston 69 Tennessee 50NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONSaturday's GamesOrlando 121, Sacramento 91Brooklyn 115, Washington 112Miami 118, Philadelphia 95Oklahoma City 132, Indiana 111Boston 121, San Antonio 111Dallas 120, Chicago 119L.A. Lakers 134, Memphis 127Sunday's GamesCleveland 127, L.A. Clippers 122New York 110, Portland 93Golden State 148, San Antonio 106New Orleans 98, Charlotte 94Atlanta 145, Milwaukee 124Toronto 127, Philadelphia 109Minnesota 123, Detroit 104Houston 148, Phoenix 109NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUESaturday's GamesPhiladelphia 7, Buffalo 4Tampa Bay 5, N.Y. Islanders 3St. Louis 2, Colorado 1New Jersey 5, Minnesota 2Vegas 3, Nashville 1Ottawa 3, Columbus 2Toronto 3, Los Angeles 1Detroit 2, Boston 1Edmonton 3, Calgary 2, OTN.Y. Rangers 6, San Jose 1Dallas 5, Seattle 1Sunday's GamesMontreal 4, Florida 2Buffalo 8, Washington 5Winnipeg 3, Vancouver 1Utah 5, Chicago 2Carolina 6, N.Y. Islanders 4Pittsburgh 1, Ottawa 0, OTToronto 3, Anaheim 2Los Angeles 8, San Jose 1

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

NEW YORK (AP) — New torpedo bats drew attention when the New York Yankees hit a team-record nine homers that traveled a combined 3,695 feet. Using a strikingly different model in which wood is moved lower down the barrel after the label and shapes the end a little like a bowling pin, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered in New York’s 20-9 rout of the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. The bats are allowed under Major League Baseball's rules.

The Yankees Torpedo Milwaukee 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tanner Bibee pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning, Kyle Mazardo hit a two-run homer and Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann added solo shots as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2. Bibee gave up no runs and two hits in 6 2/3 innings with two strikeouts and two walks. Royals starter Michael Wacha threw 87 pitches over four innings and allowed one run and four hits with two strikeouts and four walks. None of Kansas City’s starting pitchers got past the fifth inning in any game in the series.&nbsp;Kansas City travels to Milwaukee on Monday with LHP Kris Bubic on the hill.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tanner Bibee pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning, Kyle Mazardo hit a two-run homer and Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann added solo shots as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2. Bibee gave up no runs and two hits in 6 2/3 innings with two strikeouts and two walks. Royals starter Michael Wacha threw 87 pitches over four innings and allowed one run and four hits with two strikeouts and four walks. None of Kansas City’s starting pitchers got past the fifth inning in any game in the series.&nbsp;Kansas City travels to Milwaukee on Monday with LHP Kris Bubic on the hill.

KC Falls in Series Finale to Cleveland 

Johni Broome had 25 points and 14 rebounds, and Auburn took command with 17 unanswered points in the first half to beat Michigan State 70-64 and complete a sweep of No. 1 seeds advancing to the Final Four. Auburn earned its second Final Four trip. Michigan State fell short in its bid to send coach Tom Izzo to his ninth national semifinal. Auburn’s only previous Final Four appearance came in 2019, also under coach Bruce Pearl. The South Region champion Tigers are the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. They became the last of the No. 1 seeds to advance to the Final Four — joining Florida, Duke and Houston.

Houston’s relentless defense confused and harassed Tennessee and carried the Cougars into their seventh Final Four and first since 2021, with L.J. Cryer scoring 17 points in a 69-50 victory. Emanuel Sharp scored 14 of his 16 points after halftime for top-seeded Houston, which extended the nation’s longest active winning streak to 17 games. The Cougars had been eliminated as a No. 1 seed in the Sweet 16 in each of the past two years, but this time coach Kelvin Sampson’s team has a shot at the program’s first national title. The Cougars will face Cooper Flagg and five-time national champ Duke Saturday in San Antonio.

Johni Broome had 25 points and 14 rebounds, and Auburn took command with 17 unanswered points in the first half to beat Michigan State 70-64 and complete a sweep of No. 1 seeds advancing to the Final Four. Auburn earned its second Final Four trip. Michigan State fell short in its bid to send coach Tom Izzo to his ninth national semifinal. Auburn’s only previous Final Four appearance came in 2019, also under coach Bruce Pearl. The South Region champion Tigers are the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. They became the last of the No. 1 seeds to advance to the Final Four — joining Florida, Duke and Houston.Houston’s relentless defense confused and harassed Tennessee and carried the Cougars into their seventh Final Four and first since 2021, with L.J. Cryer scoring 17 points in a 69-50 victory. Emanuel Sharp scored 14 of his 16 points after halftime for top-seeded Houston, which extended the nation’s longest active winning streak to 17 games. The Cougars had been eliminated as a No. 1 seed in the Sweet 16 in each of the past two years, but this time coach Kelvin Sampson’s team has a shot at the program’s first national title. The Cougars will face Cooper Flagg and five-time national champ Duke Saturday in San Antonio.

Men's NCAA Final Four is Set 

&nbsp; The 24th-ranked Fort Hays State baseball team evened up its series with No. 3 Central Missouri Saturday afternoon (March 29) with a 9-4 road victory. The Tigers (21-7, 16-3 MIAA) never trailed in the contest, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning before piling on six runs over the final three frames. The five-run loss is the largest margin of defeat for the Mules (21-7, 12-4 MIAA) this season.


The Tigers struck early with three runs on three hits in the top of the first.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/cesar-saavedra/8433">Cesar Saavedra</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch on the fourth delivery of the game before Hoisington's&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tony-moore/8456">Tony Moore</a>&nbsp;reached on a single.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/8419">Trey DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;then drove in the pair with a ground-rule double to right center, giving Fort Hays State a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/derek-woolwine/8557">Derek Woolwine</a>&nbsp;kept things rolling with a single to center, plating DeGarmo to push the advantage to 3-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the game tied at 3, the visitors regained the lead in the top of the seventh when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/luis-ayala/8413">Luis Ayala</a>&nbsp;drew a four-pitch walk to lead off the inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/8422">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;followed with a double to put two runners in scoring position, but the next two batters were retired. Down to the last strike of the inning, Moore yanked a triple into left center past a diving Mule, plating a pair and giving the Tigers a 5-3 lead. DeGarmo kept the line moving with a single up the middle, pushing FHSU's lead to 6-3.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; The 24th-ranked Fort Hays State baseball team evened up its series with No. 3 Central Missouri Saturday afternoon (March 29) with a 9-4 road victory. The Tigers (21-7, 16-3 MIAA) never trailed in the contest, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning before piling on six runs over the final three frames. The five-run loss is the largest margin of defeat for the Mules (21-7, 12-4 MIAA) this season.

The Tigers struck early with three runs on three hits in the top of the first.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/cesar-saavedra/8433">Cesar Saavedra</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch on the fourth delivery of the game before Hoisington's&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tony-moore/8456">Tony Moore</a>&nbsp;reached on a single.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/8419">Trey DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;then drove in the pair with a ground-rule double to right center, giving Fort Hays State a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/derek-woolwine/8557">Derek Woolwine</a>&nbsp;kept things rolling with a single to center, plating DeGarmo to push the advantage to 3-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the game tied at 3, the visitors regained the lead in the top of the seventh when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/luis-ayala/8413">Luis Ayala</a>&nbsp;drew a four-pitch walk to lead off the inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/8422">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;followed with a double to put two runners in scoring position, but the next two batters were retired. Down to the last strike of the inning, Moore yanked a triple into left center past a diving Mule, plating a pair and giving the Tigers a 5-3 lead. DeGarmo kept the line moving with a single up the middle, pushing FHSU's lead to 6-3.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moore helps FHSU get past #3 Central Missouri

Walter Clayton Jr. rescued top-seeded Florida with two late 3-pointers, and the Gators rallied from nine points down late to reach the Final Four with an 84-79 victory over Texas Tech in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region final. The Gators trailed 75-66 with less than three minutes to play before staging a furious rally against the third-seeded Red Raiders, who had done the same in the Sweet 16 against Arkansas. Clayton dribbled out of the paint and hit a fadeaway 3 with 59 seconds left to give Florida a 78-77 lead, and the Gators held on from there.

Duke’s stream of NBA-ready standouts used smothering defense and other options on offense to paper over Cooper Flagg’s rough shooting night and lift the Blue Devils to the program’s 18th Final Four with an 85-65 victory over Alabama. Flagg made only six of 16 shots, including a brick that got stuck in the flange of the rim, but still finished with 16 points. Kon Knueppel, another potential lottery pick, led the Blue Devils with 21 points. Alabama failed to crack 70 points for only the second time this season. Duke will play the winner of Sunday's game between Tennessee and Houston next week in the Final Four.

Walter Clayton Jr. rescued top-seeded Florida with two late 3-pointers, and the Gators rallied from nine points down late to reach the Final Four with an 84-79 victory over Texas Tech in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region final. The Gators trailed 75-66 with less than three minutes to play before staging a furious rally against the third-seeded Red Raiders, who had done the same in the Sweet 16 against Arkansas. Clayton dribbled out of the paint and hit a fadeaway 3 with 59 seconds left to give Florida a 78-77 lead, and the Gators held on from there.Duke’s stream of NBA-ready standouts used smothering defense and other options on offense to paper over Cooper Flagg’s rough shooting night and lift the Blue Devils to the program’s 18th Final Four with an 85-65 victory over Alabama. Flagg made only six of 16 shots, including a brick that got stuck in the flange of the rim, but still finished with 16 points. Kon Knueppel, another potential lottery pick, led the Blue Devils with 21 points. Alabama failed to crack 70 points for only the second time this season. Duke will play the winner of Sunday's game between Tennessee and Houston next week in the Final Four.

Gators & Blue Devils headed to the Final Four 

SPOKANE, Ore. (AP) — Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament. The top-seeded Trojans were considered title contenders before Watkins tore her right ACL during a second-round victory over Mississippi State. Now they’ll be underdogs in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday with Paige Bueckers and second-seeded UConn. The Huskies knocked the Trojans out of last year’s March Madness in Watkins’ first season. Avery Howell, another freshman, scored 18 points for USC. Serena Sundell scored 22 points for Kansas State.

SPOKANE, Ore. (AP) — Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament. The top-seeded Trojans were considered title contenders before Watkins tore her right ACL during a second-round victory over Mississippi State. Now they’ll be underdogs in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday with Paige Bueckers and second-seeded UConn. The Huskies knocked the Trojans out of last year’s March Madness in Watkins’ first season. Avery Howell, another freshman, scored 18 points for USC. Serena Sundell scored 22 points for Kansas State.

Lady Wildcats fall to USC in Sweet 16 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead RBI double in the seventh inning four batters after Maikel Garcia tied it with a homer to help lead the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 4-3. Garcia led off the seventh with a 405-foot homer off Paul Sewald. Guardians six-time All-Star José Ramírez left the game with a sprained right wrist in the sixth inning after he was hurt while attempting to steal in the third inning. Daniel Lynch IV threw two perfect innings of relief for the win. Carlos Estevez earned his first save for Kansas City.&nbsp;The Guardians send RHP Tanner Bibee to the mound against RHP Michael Wacha for Kansas City in Sunday’s series finale.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead RBI double in the seventh inning four batters after Maikel Garcia tied it with a homer to help lead the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 4-3. Garcia led off the seventh with a 405-foot homer off Paul Sewald. Guardians six-time All-Star José Ramírez left the game with a sprained right wrist in the sixth inning after he was hurt while attempting to steal in the third inning. Daniel Lynch IV threw two perfect innings of relief for the win. Carlos Estevez earned his first save for Kansas City.&nbsp;The Guardians send RHP Tanner Bibee to the mound against RHP Michael Wacha for Kansas City in Sunday’s series finale.

Royals notch 1st of the season

A day off and a return to Lawson-Biggs Field would be just what the No. 23 Barton Community College baseball team needed as the Cougars pounded out 29 hits and 30 runs in picking up a pair of run rule victories over Butler Community College 14-4 in five and 16-3 in seven innings on Saturday afternoon.

Bouncing back from a pair of road losses on Thursday, Barton salvages a split of the four-game series with the Grizzlies, improving to 12-4 in league play and 20-8 overall to remain two games back of first place Colby. Dropping the final two games of the series, Butler slides to 9-7 in conference and 17-13 overall.

A day off and a return to Lawson-Biggs Field would be just what the No. 23 Barton Community College baseball team needed as the Cougars pounded out 29 hits and 30 runs in picking up a pair of run rule victories over Butler Community College 14-4 in five and 16-3 in seven innings on Saturday afternoon.Bouncing back from a pair of road losses on Thursday, Barton salvages a split of the four-game series with the Grizzlies, improving to 12-4 in league play and 20-8 overall to remain two games back of first place Colby. Dropping the final two games of the series, Butler slides to 9-7 in conference and 17-13 overall.

Barton returns home takes two from Butler 

Baseball -Game 1- Great Bend 15 Hutchinson 1 -Game 2- Great Bend 13 Hutchinson 6

Great Bend Sports on B104 3 The Point sponsored by USD #428, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance Agency, Equity Bank, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, People's Bank and Trust, Comfort Pro, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Great Bend Rec, Edward Jones, Damm Pipe Testing, University of Kansas Health System, The Fieldhouse, Scott's Welding Service, American Plains COOP, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Innovative Livestock Services, Marmie Auto Group, Mpire Realty, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, GB Tarp Company, Freedom Claims Management, Coldwell Banker - Megan Wells, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Nextech, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Sutherlands, Great Bend Redi Mix, Kern Floor Service, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Shelter Insurance - Chris Ramsey, and Mitchell K Haney and Associates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886602159.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Baseball -Game 1- Great Bend 15 Hutchinson 1 -Game 2- Great Bend 13 Hutchinson 6<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/etmbzcsy/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Great Bend Sports on B104 3 The Point sponsored by USD #428, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance Agency, Equity Bank, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, People's Bank and Trust, Comfort Pro, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Great Bend Rec, Edward Jones, Damm Pipe Testing, University of Kansas Health System, The Fieldhouse, Scott's Welding Service, American Plains COOP, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Innovative Livestock Services, Marmie Auto Group, Mpire Realty, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, GB Tarp Company, Freedom Claims Management, Coldwell Banker - Megan Wells, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Nextech, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Sutherlands, Great Bend Redi Mix, Kern Floor Service, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Shelter Insurance - Chris Ramsey, and Mitchell K Haney and Associates.

Juan Soto, Blake Snell and Clay Holmes debut for new teams. Paul Skenes makes his first opening-day start at age 22 and Sandy Alcántara returns from Tommy John surgery. A week after the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers swept an opening two-game series over the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, 26 other teams get underway Thursday on opening day in the U.S. and Canada. One day later the Rays and Rockies become the final clubs to take the field, given extra time while Tampa Bay moved into the New York Yankees’ Steinbrenner Field, its temporary home this season after Hurricane Milton destroyed Tropicana Field’s roof.

&nbsp; Cole Ragans at 27 will be the youngest Kansas City pitcher to start two openers in a row since 27-year-old Jeff Suppan pitched his third straight in 2002. In an AL Central matchup, Tanner Bibee starts for Cleveland after agreeing to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guardians-bibee-643b5af5dc3fbe9bf560113b5d85aa1a">$48 million, five-year contract</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale starts his sixth opener, but first for Atlanta after three for the White Sox and two for Boston. With Yu Darvish sidelined by elbow inflammation, Michael King start for the Padres — he pitched seven scoreless innings against the Braves with 12 strikeouts in last year's Wild Card Series opener.

After winning their second title in a five-year span and eighth overall, the Dodgers lift the World Series flag above Chavez Ravine before their home opener against Detroit.&nbsp;

Blake Snell, a 2018 and ’23 Cy Young Award winner, joined Los Angeles for a $182 million, five-year contract that was part of a spending spree in which the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kike-hernandez-dodgers-contract-5118cf1f1dbf72971f54f25d523b7b71">Dodgers committed $458.5 million to nine players</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cy-young-awards-2024-cffcd73fe6d1c47a3e7f36501a7f1927">AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal</a>&nbsp;starts for the Tigers, who won 15 of their final 20 games last season, then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astros-tigers-score-mlb-playoffs-2917b1f4c644df1a3b41c57c9e015ff1">swept Houston in a Wild Card Series</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cy-young-awards-2024-cffcd73fe6d1c47a3e7f36501a7f1927">lost to Cleveland in a five-game Division Series</a>.

Juan Soto, Blake Snell and Clay Holmes debut for new teams. Paul Skenes makes his first opening-day start at age 22 and Sandy Alcántara returns from Tommy John surgery. A week after the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers swept an opening two-game series over the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, 26 other teams get underway Thursday on opening day in the U.S. and Canada. One day later the Rays and Rockies become the final clubs to take the field, given extra time while Tampa Bay moved into the New York Yankees’ Steinbrenner Field, its temporary home this season after Hurricane Milton destroyed Tropicana Field’s roof.&nbsp; Cole Ragans at 27 will be the youngest Kansas City pitcher to start two openers in a row since 27-year-old Jeff Suppan pitched his third straight in 2002. In an AL Central matchup, Tanner Bibee starts for Cleveland after agreeing to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guardians-bibee-643b5af5dc3fbe9bf560113b5d85aa1a">$48 million, five-year contract</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale starts his sixth opener, but first for Atlanta after three for the White Sox and two for Boston. With Yu Darvish sidelined by elbow inflammation, Michael King start for the Padres — he pitched seven scoreless innings against the Braves with 12 strikeouts in last year's Wild Card Series opener.After winning their second title in a five-year span and eighth overall, the Dodgers lift the World Series flag above Chavez Ravine before their home opener against Detroit.&nbsp;Blake Snell, a 2018 and ’23 Cy Young Award winner, joined Los Angeles for a $182 million, five-year contract that was part of a spending spree in which the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kike-hernandez-dodgers-contract-5118cf1f1dbf72971f54f25d523b7b71">Dodgers committed $458.5 million to nine players</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cy-young-awards-2024-cffcd73fe6d1c47a3e7f36501a7f1927">AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal</a>&nbsp;starts for the Tigers, who won 15 of their final 20 games last season, then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astros-tigers-score-mlb-playoffs-2917b1f4c644df1a3b41c57c9e015ff1">swept Houston in a Wild Card Series</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cy-young-awards-2024-cffcd73fe6d1c47a3e7f36501a7f1927">lost to Cleveland in a five-game Division Series</a>.

MLB Notes 

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Back on the course after five months from its last meet, the Barton Community College men's golf team opened its Spring 2025 portion of the schedule this week with a 15th placing at the Oakwood Intercollegiate held at the Oakwood Country Club in Enid, Oklahoma.

Consisting of ten teams in their respective divisional national rankings, the 33rd ranked Cougars compiled an 85-over team score on rounds of 312-317-308.

Ted Gemzell's 37th placing of the 92-man field led the Cougars at 15-over 228 on a pair of 77 rounds on Monday followed by a 3-over 74 Tuesday final card.

Kaleb Lambert was next at 55th overall with a 19-over 232 following first day cards of 76 and 79 to finish up the three rounds with a 77.

Next on the squad was Martin Chevallier in 65th, carding first and third rounds of 78 with an 81 on Monday afternoon's card for a 24-over 237.

Three strokes back at 27-over 237 in 75th was Matteu Cauvin-Piacentini on consistent 81-80-79 cards with Wintakorn Suwanmuang shaking off a rough 94 opening round with a pair of 81 rounds to place 90th overall at 43-over 256.

The trip south provided a tune-up for conference play beginning April 14-15 at Manhattan's Colbert Hills Golf Course.

65th Martin Chevallier +24, 237 (78-81-78)

75th Matteu Cauvin-Piacentini +27, 240 (81-80-79)

90th Wintakorn Suwanmuang +43, 256 (94-81-81)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742999090708.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Martin Chevallier - Photo Todd Moore" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Martin Chevallier - Photo Todd Moore</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoBack on the course after five months from its last meet, the Barton Community College men's golf team opened its Spring 2025 portion of the schedule this week with a 15th placing at the Oakwood Intercollegiate held at the Oakwood Country Club in Enid, Oklahoma.Consisting of ten teams in their respective divisional national rankings, the 33rd ranked Cougars compiled an 85-over team score on rounds of 312-317-308.Ted Gemzell's 37th placing of the 92-man field led the Cougars at 15-over 228 on a pair of 77 rounds on Monday followed by a 3-over 74 Tuesday final card.Kaleb Lambert was next at 55th overall with a 19-over 232 following first day cards of 76 and 79 to finish up the three rounds with a 77.Next on the squad was Martin Chevallier in 65th, carding first and third rounds of 78 with an 81 on Monday afternoon's card for a 24-over 237.Three strokes back at 27-over 237 in 75th was Matteu Cauvin-Piacentini on consistent 81-80-79 cards with Wintakorn Suwanmuang shaking off a rough 94 opening round with a pair of 81 rounds to place 90th overall at 43-over 256.The trip south provided a tune-up for conference play beginning April 14-15 at Manhattan's Colbert Hills Golf Course.Barton Scores:37th Ted Gemzell +15, 228 (77-77-74)55th Kaleb Lambert +19, 232 (76-79-77)65th Martin Chevallier +24, 237 (78-81-78)75th Matteu Cauvin-Piacentini +27, 240 (81-80-79)90th Wintakorn Suwanmuang +43, 256 (94-81-81)

Cougar golf opens spring season at Oakwood Intercollegiate

By MARK ANDERSON &nbsp;AP Sports Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Dodgers have spent a lot of money hoping to win their second straight World Series and bettors are putting their cash on Los Angeles.

BetMGM Sportsbook has taken 37.8% of its futures money on the Dodgers, which far exceeds its previous high of 21.7% of money that was placed on the 2022 New York Mets. It's also far ahead of this year's Mets, who at 9.4% are receiving the second-highest amount of the handle. The New York Yankees are third at 7.7%.

By MARK ANDERSON &nbsp;AP Sports Writer LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Dodgers have spent a lot of money hoping to win their second straight World Series and bettors are putting their cash on Los Angeles.BetMGM Sportsbook has taken 37.8% of its futures money on the Dodgers, which far exceeds its previous high of 21.7% of money that was placed on the 2022 New York Mets. It's also far ahead of this year's Mets, who at 9.4% are receiving the second-highest amount of the handle. The New York Yankees are third at 7.7%.The Dodgers also lead in betting tickets at 17.5%, with the Mets next at 8.7% and the Philadelphia Phillies at 8.6%.Opening day for most teams is Thursday.“It's all Dodgers money,” BetMGM trading manager Halvor Egeland said. “That's somewhat frequent when it comes to the favorites. Favorites are going to take most of the money, but this is a level we don't typically see. ... It's a little bit of a hole liability wise, which is a little out of the norm for a favorite."That's because sportsbooks typically set a high enough price in anticipation for the rush of money, but not to this level. The Dodgers, who already are 2-0 after a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, are +240 at BetMGM.The next closest are the Yankees and Atlanta Braves at +900 each.DraftKings Sportsbook race and sports operations director Johnny Avello said the Dodgers are popular, but the futures money is fairly well spread out. LA is +290 at DraftKings and the Braves are next at +750 and the Yankees at +850.“They've got a complete team,” Avello said of the Dodgers. “Will they win it all again? I don't know. Sometimes at the end of the year, things just need to go your way. I don't care how good you are.”<h2>Meet the Mets</h2>The Mets are challenging the Dodgers on spending, and the club made a splashy move by&nbsp;signing Juan Soto&nbsp;to a record $765 million, 15-year contract.Bettors are banking on that aggressiveness to help the Mets win their first World Series title since 1986.The Mets are listed at +1200 at BetMGM and DraftKings.“If the Mets start off good, they're going to continue to take money,” Avello said. “If they don't start off good and we raise their odds, they're going to continue to take money. They're going to be bet all year long.”<h2>Hope for the A's?</h2>The Athletics went 32-32 after the All-Star break and then broke their recent practice and&nbsp;invested money in major league payroll.There are believers in the A's, who are about to play their first of at least three seasons at a Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento, California, before an&nbsp;anticipated move to Las Vegas,The A's were bet up from a win total at BetMGM of 70 1/2 to 72 1/2, though the number settled back down to 71 1/2.“We may end up going back there,” Egeland said of 72 1/2. “It seemed like as soon as we went up with the A's, there's some interest. Even in the division, we had some interest there on the A's, which is kind of surprising for the amount of money they spend. But I do think people like the young talent and pitchers like Mason Miller.”<h2>Betting on Francona</h2>Terry Francona was hired for another reclamation project, the Reds hoping he will&nbsp;find similar success in Cincinnati&nbsp;that he had with Boston and Cleveland.“We are seeing some money on them to win it all,” Avello said. “You get a really good price. They’re projected to win around 78, 79 games or so. And this guy’s a winner. He finds ways to make teams that are average much better, so that’s why I think bettors are betting the Reds to win it all.”The Reds, who have a core of young players led by Elly De La Cruz, are +8000 at BetMGM and +9000 at DraftKings.<h2>Trout on comeback tour</h2>Injuries have limited Los Angeles Angels slugger Mike Trout, once the game's most complete player, to 82 or fewer games three of the past four seasons.He is&nbsp;moving from center to right field&nbsp;with the idea that covering less ground in the outfield might help him stay healthy.Trout is the +300 favorite at BetMGM to be selected AL Comeback Player of the Year.“People are loving that one,” Egeland said. “It's not an award that usually gets a ton of handle, but when you have someone like Trout available, that's where most of the money is going to go.”