By MARC BOWMAN&nbsp; Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kris Bubic took a shutout into the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals won their first series of the season with a 4-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.

Bubic (2-0) allowed five hits, walked one and struck out eight in 6 2/3 innings. His streak of 12 shutout innings was snapped when Ryan Mountcastle tripled to lead off the seventh and scored on Bubic's wild pitch one out later.

Bobby Witt Jr. had three of the Royals' 13 hits, falling a home run shy of the cycle. Salvador Perez, Mark Canha and Maikel Garcia each had two hits and scored a run.

Carlos Estévez earned his second save with a hitless ninth for the Royals. Kansas City, which swept Baltimore in the wild-card round last year, won its first regular-season series against the Orioles since Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 2019, after having lost six of the last eight series with two ties.

Jorge Mateo – starting in center field for the first time since April 20, 2024 – misplayed Witt's slicing liner into a triple, keying Kansas City's three-run first inning.

Freddy Fermin's second-inning RBI single snapped an 0-for-12 skid as eight of the Royals' first 11 batters hit safely and Kansas City took a 4-0 lead.

Orioles starter Cade Povich (0-1) allowed four runs and a career-high 13 hits in six innings with four strikeouts.

Mountcastle had three of the Orioles' five hits.

Witt's diving stop robbed Jordan Westburg of a first-inning hit – nearly starting an inning-ending double play – then tripled and scored after Mateo's misplay as the Royals took a 3-0 lead in the bottom half.

Witt is hitting .377 at Kauffman Stadium since the start of last season, MLB's best home batting average in that span.

Orioles: Travel to Arizona to begin a three-game series Monday with RHP Zach Eflin (1-1, 3.75 ERA) opposing Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (1-1, 3.38).

Royals: Begin a four-game homestand with Minnesota as Twins RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (0-0, 4.50) faces RHP Michael Lorenzen (0-1, 5.06).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743972202037.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARC BOWMAN&nbsp; Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kris Bubic took a shutout into the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals won their first series of the season with a 4-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.Bubic (2-0) allowed five hits, walked one and struck out eight in 6 2/3 innings. His streak of 12 shutout innings was snapped when Ryan Mountcastle tripled to lead off the seventh and scored on Bubic's wild pitch one out later.Bobby Witt Jr. had three of the Royals' 13 hits, falling a home run shy of the cycle. Salvador Perez, Mark Canha and Maikel Garcia each had two hits and scored a run.Carlos Estévez earned his second save with a hitless ninth for the Royals. Kansas City, which swept Baltimore in the wild-card round last year, won its first regular-season series against the Orioles since Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 2019, after having lost six of the last eight series with two ties.Jorge Mateo – starting in center field for the first time since April 20, 2024 – misplayed Witt's slicing liner into a triple, keying Kansas City's three-run first inning.Freddy Fermin's second-inning RBI single snapped an 0-for-12 skid as eight of the Royals' first 11 batters hit safely and Kansas City took a 4-0 lead.Orioles starter Cade Povich (0-1) allowed four runs and a career-high 13 hits in six innings with four strikeouts.Mountcastle had three of the Orioles' five hits.Key momentWitt's diving stop robbed Jordan Westburg of a first-inning hit – nearly starting an inning-ending double play – then tripled and scored after Mateo's misplay as the Royals took a 3-0 lead in the bottom half.Key statWitt is hitting .377 at Kauffman Stadium since the start of last season, MLB's best home batting average in that span.Up nextOrioles: Travel to Arizona to begin a three-game series Monday with RHP Zach Eflin (1-1, 3.75 ERA) opposing Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (1-1, 3.38).Royals: Begin a four-game homestand with Minnesota as Twins RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (0-0, 4.50) faces RHP Michael Lorenzen (0-1, 5.06).—AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

⚾ Bubic takes a shutout into the seventh to pitch Royals past Orioles 

Sunday, April 6
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 12:30pm

Sunday, April 6
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jackson Holliday highlighted Baltimore's four-run sixth inning with a two-run single, Tomoyuki Sugano was solid through five-plus innings and the Orioles defeated the Kansas City Royals 8-1 on Saturday to snap a three-game skid.

Heston Kjerstad and Ramón Urías also had RBI singles in Baltimore's big inning. Gary Sánchez hit a two-run single in the second and Tyler O'Neill had a two-run triple in the seventh for the Orioles, whose five through nine batters went 8 for 19 with all eight RBIs.

Leadoff man Gunnar Henderson was 0 for 5 with four strikeouts, dropping to 1 for 9 since returning from a a right intercostal strain.

Sugano (1-1) got the first eight Royals hitters out and allowed one run and five hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out four, walked one and hit one batter.

Royals starter Michael Wacha (0-2) tossed 5 2/3 innings and gave up four runs and six hits with five strikeouts and one walk.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit his first homer of the season for Kansas City, a 399-foot shot to left field in the sixth.

After giving up back-to-back singles to start the fifth and pitching with a 2-0 lead, Sugano kept the Royals off the board, stranding the runners at first and second. The Orioles then responded with their four-run sixth.

Baltimore had 12 hits after entering the game tied for first in the American League in that category.

The teams will play the rubber game of the series Sunday. The Royals had seven series last season during which they won the first game and dropped the next two of the series. LHP Cade Povich (0-0, 6.23 ERA) will start for Baltimore and LHP Kris Bubic (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will take the mound for Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743902376380.jpeg" alt="Baltimore Orioles' Jackson Holliday hits a two-run single during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Baltimore Orioles' Jackson Holliday hits a two-run single during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jackson Holliday highlighted Baltimore's four-run sixth inning with a two-run single, Tomoyuki Sugano was solid through five-plus innings and the Orioles defeated the Kansas City Royals 8-1 on Saturday to snap a three-game skid.Heston Kjerstad and Ramón Urías also had RBI singles in Baltimore's big inning. Gary Sánchez hit a two-run single in the second and Tyler O'Neill had a two-run triple in the seventh for the Orioles, whose five through nine batters went 8 for 19 with all eight RBIs.Leadoff man Gunnar Henderson was 0 for 5 with four strikeouts, dropping to 1 for 9 since returning from a a right intercostal strain.Sugano (1-1) got the first eight Royals hitters out and allowed one run and five hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out four, walked one and hit one batter.Royals starter Michael Wacha (0-2) tossed 5 2/3 innings and gave up four runs and six hits with five strikeouts and one walk.Bobby Witt Jr. hit his first homer of the season for Kansas City, a 399-foot shot to left field in the sixth.<h2>Key moment</h2>After giving up back-to-back singles to start the fifth and pitching with a 2-0 lead, Sugano kept the Royals off the board, stranding the runners at first and second. The Orioles then responded with their four-run sixth.<h2>Key stats</h2>Baltimore had 12 hits after entering the game tied for first in the American League in that category.<h2>Up next</h2>The teams will play the rubber game of the series Sunday. The Royals had seven series last season during which they won the first game and dropped the next two of the series. LHP Cade Povich (0-0, 6.23 ERA) will start for Baltimore and LHP Kris Bubic (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will take the mound for Kansas City.

⚾ Holliday and Sugano help Orioles to victory over Royals

Saturday, April 5
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 2:30pm

Saturday, April 5
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 2:30pmSunday, April 6
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 12:30pm

EMPORIA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams delivered several standout performances this Friday at the Midwest Classic in Emporia, Kan.&nbsp;The Tigers were highlighted by multiple event wins, personal bests, and a national-level mark from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>.

The women's team turned in a dominant showing on the track and in the field, earning five event victories.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/reba-mader/8402">Reba Mader</a>&nbsp;was a highlight of the meet, sprinting her way to a first-place finish in the 400m with a time of 56.10, a personal best that now ranks third all-time in the FHSU NCAA Division II record book. She also took sixth in the 200m with a time of 25.58.In the mid-distance events,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/eden-bathurst/8441">Eden Bathurst</a>&nbsp;captured a title in the 800m with a time of 2:20.26, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emily-diercks/8393">Emily Diercks</a>&nbsp;ran to a third-place finish in the 1500m, clocking in at 4:41.53.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emma-weiner/8448">Emma Weiner</a>&nbsp;earned a 1st-place finish in the 5000m and added a top-10 time in the 1500m as well.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/makenzie-premer/8447">Makenzie Premer</a>&nbsp;continued her strong season, winning the 3000m in 11:43.13, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/abbye-hudson/8399">Abbye Hudson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/arely-maldonado/8445">Arely Maldonado</a>&nbsp;followed Weiner in the 5000m with second and fourth place finishes.

In the field,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>&nbsp;posted a huge performance in the pole vault, winning with a height of 13-2.50, a provisional mark that adds her name to the national qualifying list. In throws,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/liberty-booker/8390">Liberty Booker</a>&nbsp;launched a new personal best in the hammer throw at 170-06, placing 7th overall and moving to fourth in the DII program record book.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jessica-saunders/8407">Jessica Saunders</a>&nbsp;was able to earn a top-five finish in the discus at 138-01.

On the men's side,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/drew-tolar/8535">Drew Tolar</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/toby-wahlmeier/8507">Toby Wahlmeier</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/8477">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;packed the podium in the 100m dash, finishing second, third and fourth. Wahlmeier returned to the track for the 200m, grabbing second, just ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nakari-morrical-palmer/8496">Nakari Morrical-Palmer</a>&nbsp;in third. In the 400m,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/avrey-albright/8476">Avrey Albright</a>&nbsp;and Morrical-Palmer each earned top-five finishes, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/mayan-paz/8498">Mayan Paz</a>&nbsp;crossed sixth in the 400m hurdles with a time of 56.91.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/christian-darrah/8512">Christian Darrah</a>&nbsp;had a strong meet as well, finishing third in the 1500m. The Tigers also placed four runners in the top six of the 5000m, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/carsyn-turpin/8505">Carsyn Turpin</a>&nbsp;in third place.

The pole vault crew stole the show, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/josiah-ball/8526">Josiah Ball</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brady-deges/8485">Brady Deges</a>&nbsp;each clearing 15-8.25 to tie the first&nbsp;place mark, showcasing the Tigers' elite talent in the pole vault.

The Tigers will now split their squad between two meets this next week. Some athletes will compete at the Jo Meaker Classic &amp; Multis in Canyon, Texas, while others will head to the K.T. Woodman Classic in Wichita, Kan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743875340753.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEMPORIA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams delivered several standout performances this Friday at the Midwest Classic in Emporia, Kan.&nbsp;The Tigers were highlighted by multiple event wins, personal bests, and a national-level mark from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>.The women's team turned in a dominant showing on the track and in the field, earning five event victories.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/reba-mader/8402">Reba Mader</a>&nbsp;was a highlight of the meet, sprinting her way to a first-place finish in the 400m with a time of 56.10, a personal best that now ranks third all-time in the FHSU NCAA Division II record book. She also took sixth in the 200m with a time of 25.58.In the mid-distance events,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/eden-bathurst/8441">Eden Bathurst</a>&nbsp;captured a title in the 800m with a time of 2:20.26, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emily-diercks/8393">Emily Diercks</a>&nbsp;ran to a third-place finish in the 1500m, clocking in at 4:41.53.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emma-weiner/8448">Emma Weiner</a>&nbsp;earned a 1st-place finish in the 5000m and added a top-10 time in the 1500m as well.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/makenzie-premer/8447">Makenzie Premer</a>&nbsp;continued her strong season, winning the 3000m in 11:43.13, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/abbye-hudson/8399">Abbye Hudson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/arely-maldonado/8445">Arely Maldonado</a>&nbsp;followed Weiner in the 5000m with second and fourth place finishes.In the field,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>&nbsp;posted a huge performance in the pole vault, winning with a height of 13-2.50, a provisional mark that adds her name to the national qualifying list. In throws,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/liberty-booker/8390">Liberty Booker</a>&nbsp;launched a new personal best in the hammer throw at 170-06, placing 7th overall and moving to fourth in the DII program record book.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jessica-saunders/8407">Jessica Saunders</a>&nbsp;was able to earn a top-five finish in the discus at 138-01.On the men's side,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/drew-tolar/8535">Drew Tolar</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/toby-wahlmeier/8507">Toby Wahlmeier</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/8477">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;packed the podium in the 100m dash, finishing second, third and fourth. Wahlmeier returned to the track for the 200m, grabbing second, just ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nakari-morrical-palmer/8496">Nakari Morrical-Palmer</a>&nbsp;in third. In the 400m,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/avrey-albright/8476">Avrey Albright</a>&nbsp;and Morrical-Palmer each earned top-five finishes, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/mayan-paz/8498">Mayan Paz</a>&nbsp;crossed sixth in the 400m hurdles with a time of 56.91.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/christian-darrah/8512">Christian Darrah</a>&nbsp;had a strong meet as well, finishing third in the 1500m. The Tigers also placed four runners in the top six of the 5000m, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/carsyn-turpin/8505">Carsyn Turpin</a>&nbsp;in third place.The pole vault crew stole the show, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/josiah-ball/8526">Josiah Ball</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brady-deges/8485">Brady Deges</a>&nbsp;each clearing 15-8.25 to tie the first&nbsp;place mark, showcasing the Tigers' elite talent in the pole vault.The Tigers will now split their squad between two meets this next week. Some athletes will compete at the Jo Meaker Classic &amp; Multis in Canyon, Texas, while others will head to the K.T. Woodman Classic in Wichita, Kan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏃‍♀️ Tigers have good showing at Midwest Classic in Emporia

On Friday, the Kansas State High School Activities
Association released the postseason host sites for the upcoming baseball season,
and TMP-Marian is a host site for 2-1A.

The Monarchs will be joined by area teams Ellis and
Plainville.

Here is a complete list of the eight-team regional: Belleville-Republic County HS Bennington HS Brookville-Ell-Saline HS Ellinwood HS Ellis HS Hays-Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Oberlin-Decatur Community HS Plainville HS Salina-Sacred Heart HS

In class 3A, Russell/Victoria is part of the Colby regional.

Seeding for 3A and 2-1A is May 10. The quarterfinal round
will take place from May 14 to 16. The semifinals and finals will be held
between May 19 and 22.

Hays Post SportsOn Friday, the Kansas State High School Activities
Association released the postseason host sites for the upcoming baseball season,
and TMP-Marian is a host site for 2-1A.The Monarchs will be joined by area teams Ellis and
Plainville.Here is a complete list of the eight-team regional: Belleville-Republic County HS Bennington HS Brookville-Ell-Saline HS Ellinwood HS Ellis HS Hays-Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Oberlin-Decatur Community HS Plainville HS Salina-Sacred Heart HSIn class 3A, Russell/Victoria is part of the Colby regional.Seeding for 3A and 2-1A is May 10. The quarterfinal round
will take place from May 14 to 16. The semifinals and finals will be held
between May 19 and 22.

⚾ TMP set to host 2-1A regional

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia and Vinnie Pasquantino each had three RBIs to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Baltimore Orioles 8-2 on a rainy Friday night.

The Royals broke it open in eighth inning, sending nine batters to the plate and scoring five times.

Garcia ripped a double down the left-field line to score Mark Canha and give Kansas City a 4-2 lead. Kyle Isbel followed with a bunt to first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who underhanded it to the plate, but Garcia beat the throw to make it 5-2.

Pasquantino gave the Royals a six-run lead on a bloop single that cleared the bases.

Kansas City starter Seth Lugo (1-0) went six innings, allowing two runs (one earned).

Dean Kremer (1-1) went 4 1/3 innings in the start for Baltimore, allowing eight hits and three runs (two earned).

Baltimore ended its string of five straight series-opening wins dating to last September.

Star shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who started the season on the injured list,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/orioles-henderson-7bd05b6688776e59bba26d836e2229d5">made his 2025 debut</a>&nbsp;for Baltimore and went 1 for 4.

Kansas City opened the scoring in the first when Salvador Perez sent a high fly ball to left with two outs that Heston Kjerstad misplayed, allowing Bobby Witt Jr. to score.

The Royals took advantage of an error and a wild pitch in the fourth to take a 3-2 lead. Garcia singled up the middle to score Perez and Cavan Biggio.

The Royals have scored 18 of their 31 runs this season in the seventh inning or later.

The Orioles have not recorded a save through the first eight games of a season for the first time since 2003.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743821455033.png" alt="Photo KC Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia and Vinnie Pasquantino each had three RBIs to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Baltimore Orioles 8-2 on a rainy Friday night.The Royals broke it open in eighth inning, sending nine batters to the plate and scoring five times.Garcia ripped a double down the left-field line to score Mark Canha and give Kansas City a 4-2 lead. Kyle Isbel followed with a bunt to first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who underhanded it to the plate, but Garcia beat the throw to make it 5-2.Pasquantino gave the Royals a six-run lead on a bloop single that cleared the bases.Kansas City starter Seth Lugo (1-0) went six innings, allowing two runs (one earned).Dean Kremer (1-1) went 4 1/3 innings in the start for Baltimore, allowing eight hits and three runs (two earned).Baltimore ended its string of five straight series-opening wins dating to last September.Star shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who started the season on the injured list,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/orioles-henderson-7bd05b6688776e59bba26d836e2229d5">made his 2025 debut</a>&nbsp;for Baltimore and went 1 for 4.Kansas City opened the scoring in the first when Salvador Perez sent a high fly ball to left with two outs that Heston Kjerstad misplayed, allowing Bobby Witt Jr. to score.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals took advantage of an error and a wild pitch in the fourth to take a 3-2 lead. Garcia singled up the middle to score Perez and Cavan Biggio.<h2>Key stats</h2>The Royals have scored 18 of their 31 runs this season in the seventh inning or later.The Orioles have not recorded a save through the first eight games of a season for the first time since 2003.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Royals beat Orioles behind 3 RBIs apiece from Garcia and  Pasquantino

DODGE CITY – The Hays High baseball team raced out to an
early lead and beat Dodge City 10-0 Saturday. The Indians are now 3-1 overall
and 2-0 in Western Athletic Conference play.

The Indians wasted no time getting on the board. Cooper Johnson
singled with one out and scored on a Carter Graham sacrifice fly in the top of
the first. They would add three more runs in the second. Ian McGuire walked,
stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch then stole home to push the lead
to 2-0. Graham tripled which scored Jonathan Cano. Brett Rhoades added a double
which scored Graham. Trace Jacobs followed with a single which scored Rhoades
which pushed the lead to 5-0.

Johnson added an RBI single in the fourth and Jalen Smith an
RBI double in the fifth to push the lead to 7-0.

HHS added three insurance runs in the top of the seventh.
Landon Hardman drove in the first run on a fielder’s choice. The last two runs
scored on bases loaded walks to Graham and Rhoades.

Hays Post SportsDODGE CITY – The Hays High baseball team raced out to an
early lead and beat Dodge City 10-0 Saturday. The Indians are now 3-1 overall
and 2-0 in Western Athletic Conference play.The Indians wasted no time getting on the board. Cooper Johnson
singled with one out and scored on a Carter Graham sacrifice fly in the top of
the first. They would add three more runs in the second. Ian McGuire walked,
stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch then stole home to push the lead
to 2-0. Graham tripled which scored Jonathan Cano. Brett Rhoades added a double
which scored Graham. Trace Jacobs followed with a single which scored Rhoades
which pushed the lead to 5-0.Johnson added an RBI single in the fourth and Jalen Smith an
RBI double in the fifth to push the lead to 7-0.HHS added three insurance runs in the top of the seventh.
Landon Hardman drove in the first run on a fielder’s choice. The last two runs
scored on bases loaded walks to Graham and Rhoades.

⚾ Indians cruise past Dodge City

The Kansas State High School Activities Association released
the postseason host sites for the upcoming softball season this week. 

In class 2- 1A, the TMP-Marian Monarchs will take part in
the Spearville Regional, May 19-22, in Spearville.

The Monarchs will join Ellis and Ness City/Hodgeman County
from the area in Spearville.

Here is a complete list of the teams: Elkhart HS Ellis HS Hays-Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Johnson-Stanton County HS Medicine Lodge HS Ness City/Hodgeman County Pratt-Skyline HS Spearville HS

Russell/Victoria and Plainville/Stockton will take part in
the 3A Minneapolis Regional.

Seedings for both classifications will take place on May 14.

Hays Post SportsThe Kansas State High School Activities Association released
the postseason host sites for the upcoming softball season this week. In class 2- 1A, the TMP-Marian Monarchs will take part in
the Spearville Regional, May 19-22, in Spearville.The Monarchs will join Ellis and Ness City/Hodgeman County
from the area in Spearville.Here is a complete list of the teams: Elkhart HS Ellis HS Hays-Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Johnson-Stanton County HS Medicine Lodge HS Ness City/Hodgeman County Pratt-Skyline HS Spearville HSRussell/Victoria and Plainville/Stockton will take part in
the 3A Minneapolis Regional.Seedings for both classifications will take place on May 14.

🥎 KSHSAA announces postseason sites

McPHERSON – The Hays high girls’ soccer team lost 2-1 to
Newton in the fifth-place match of the 19th McPherson Soccer Invitational
Friday.

Kinslee Newell scored the lone goal for the Indians who went
1-2 and finished sixth in the tournament. They are now 3-2 on the season.

Annie Humphrey was named to the all-tournament team. &nbsp;

Hays Post SportsMcPHERSON – The Hays high girls’ soccer team lost 2-1 to
Newton in the fifth-place match of the 19th McPherson Soccer Invitational
Friday.Kinslee Newell scored the lone goal for the Indians who went
1-2 and finished sixth in the tournament. They are now 3-2 on the season.Annie Humphrey was named to the all-tournament team. &nbsp;

⚽ HHS girls fall in final game in McPherson Invitational

Friday, April 4
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 6:00pm

Friday, April 4
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 6:00pmSaturday, April 5
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 2:30pmSunday, April 6
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 12:30pm

#26 Fort Hays State hosts Washburn in the middle game of a 3-game mid-week series on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan.

#26 Fort Hays State hosts Washburn in the middle game of a 3-game mid-week series on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-BSB vs. Washburn (April 1, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=eyxnr-186f737-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-BSB vs. Washburn

RUSSELL
– The TMP-Marian track and field team opened their 2025 season on a chilly
afternoon at the Russell Invitational. The girls finished fourth and the
boys ninth. 

Hoxie won the girls meet with Russell second, Ellis third and
Plainville sixth. Hutchinson Trinity Catholic won the boys meet with Hoxie
second, Plainville fourth and Ellis eighth.

The
Monarchs had three first place finishes. Piper Simpson won the girls pole vault
(9-0), they won the girls 4x100 relay (54.72) and Jackson Gillespie won the boys
200 (23.53). Gillespie finished second in the 100. 

The
Ellis girls won five events. Evelyn Merriman the 200 (26.86), Avery Boydston the
1600 (5:35.98) and 3200 (12:18.90) and Natalie North the discus (130-6) and the
shot put (38-11.5).

Plainville’s
Tucker Rudman finished first in the boys shot put (46-9).

<a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/669481-russell-invitational-2025/teams/21889">TMP-Marian
Results
</a> <a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/669481-russell-invitational-2025/teams/21990">Ellis Resu</a>lts
 <a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/669481-russell-invitational-2025/teams/22020">Plainville Results</a>

Hays Post SportsRUSSELL
– The TMP-Marian track and field team opened their 2025 season on a chilly
afternoon at the Russell Invitational. The girls finished fourth and the
boys ninth. Hoxie won the girls meet with Russell second, Ellis third and
Plainville sixth. Hutchinson Trinity Catholic won the boys meet with Hoxie
second, Plainville fourth and Ellis eighth.The
Monarchs had three first place finishes. Piper Simpson won the girls pole vault
(9-0), they won the girls 4x100 relay (54.72) and Jackson Gillespie won the boys
200 (23.53). Gillespie finished second in the 100. The
Ellis girls won five events. Evelyn Merriman the 200 (26.86), Avery Boydston the
1600 (5:35.98) and 3200 (12:18.90) and Natalie North the discus (130-6) and the
shot put (38-11.5).Plainville’s
Tucker Rudman finished first in the boys shot put (46-9).<a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/669481-russell-invitational-2025/teams/21889">TMP-Marian
Results
</a> <a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/669481-russell-invitational-2025/teams/21990">Ellis Resu</a>lts
 <a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/669481-russell-invitational-2025/teams/22020">Plainville Results</a>

🏃‍♀️ Monarch girls 4th, boys 9th at Russell Invite

SYLVAN
GROVE – The TMP-Marian softball team moved to 6-0 Thursday with a pair of
run-rule wins over Sylvan Lucas. The Monarchs scored seven in the sixth and won
the opener 14-0. They used a 10-run third for a 16-3, five inning win in game two.


The
Monarchs are in Hoisington Friday for a doubleheader with the Cardinals.

Game 1: TMP-Marian 14, Sylvan Lucas 0 (6 inn.)
 Brynn Rebel allowed only one hit with eight strikeouts and two walks. She allowed
only three base runners in the game with walks in the third and sixth and a
single in the fourth.

The
Monarchs scored two with two outs in the first on a Teagan Gottschalk single to
center. They would add three in the third an a Gottschalk single to left which
plated one and two more on an error. Rebel tripled in the fourth and scored on
a passed ball. They would tack on another run on an error to push the lead to 7-0.
TMP blew the game open with seven in the sixth. Bria Windholz had an RBI triple
and Rebel a three-run double to highlight the big inning.

Brynn
Rebel and Teagan Gottschalk both drove in three runs. Rebel had three of the
Monarchs 12 hits.



Game 2: TMP-Marian 16, Sylvan Lucas 3 (5 inn.)
 The Monarchs trailed 2-1 after the first inning but took the lead in the second
in a two-out, two run single from Brooke Koeningsman. They blew the game open
with 10 in the third. The Monarchs sent 14 to plate in the big frame which was
capped by a Teagan Gottschalk two-run homer.

Gottschalk
and Brooke Koeningsman both drove in four runs. Koeningsman, Brynn Rebel and
Nicole Schumacher all had three of TMP’s 17 hits.

Bria
Windholz allowed three runs on five hits with two strikeouts and four walks and
picked up the complete game win.

Hays Post SportsSYLVAN
GROVE – The TMP-Marian softball team moved to 6-0 Thursday with a pair of
run-rule wins over Sylvan Lucas. The Monarchs scored seven in the sixth and won
the opener 14-0. They used a 10-run third for a 16-3, five inning win in game two.
The
Monarchs are in Hoisington Friday for a doubleheader with the Cardinals.Game 1: TMP-Marian 14, Sylvan Lucas 0 (6 inn.)
 Brynn Rebel allowed only one hit with eight strikeouts and two walks. She allowed
only three base runners in the game with walks in the third and sixth and a
single in the fourth.The
Monarchs scored two with two outs in the first on a Teagan Gottschalk single to
center. They would add three in the third an a Gottschalk single to left which
plated one and two more on an error. Rebel tripled in the fourth and scored on
a passed ball. They would tack on another run on an error to push the lead to 7-0.
TMP blew the game open with seven in the sixth. Bria Windholz had an RBI triple
and Rebel a three-run double to highlight the big inning.Brynn
Rebel and Teagan Gottschalk both drove in three runs. Rebel had three of the
Monarchs 12 hits.

Game 2: TMP-Marian 16, Sylvan Lucas 3 (5 inn.)
 The Monarchs trailed 2-1 after the first inning but took the lead in the second
in a two-out, two run single from Brooke Koeningsman. They blew the game open
with 10 in the third. The Monarchs sent 14 to plate in the big frame which was
capped by a Teagan Gottschalk two-run homer.Gottschalk
and Brooke Koeningsman both drove in four runs. Koeningsman, Brynn Rebel and
Nicole Schumacher all had three of TMP’s 17 hits.Bria
Windholz allowed three runs on five hits with two strikeouts and four walks and
picked up the complete game win.

🥎 TMP-Marian cruises to sweep of Mustangs

WINGATE, N.C. - The Fort Hays State baseball team moved into the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division II Poll for the first time this season on Wednesday, with the Tigers sitting in 22nd this week.

The Tigers were receiving votes in the poll last week. Fort Hays State picked up 87 points in the balloting process, seven points behind 20th-ranked East Stroudsburg.

The MIAA has one other team in the poll and one team that is receiving votes, with Central Missouri ranked No. 2 in the country and Central Oklahoma receiving votes.

The Tigers will take a break from conference play on Sunday when FHSU hosts Colorado-Colorado Springs in a doubleheader starting at noon.

2025 NCBWA National Poll - Week Eight (4/2/25) Rank - School (1st Place) - Record - Pts. - Prev. 1 - Tampa (13) - 25-6 - 489 - 1 2 - Central Missouri (4) - 22-7 - 475 - 2 3&nbsp;- Angelo State (3) - 26-6 - 457 - 7 4 - Westmont &nbsp;- 25-8 - 413 - 4 5 - UT Tyler - 28-9 - 388 - 3 6 - Florida Southern - 24-7 - 378 - 13 7 - Carson-Newman - 26-8 - 367 - 16 8 - Minnesota State - 21-2 - 366 - 10 9 - Davenport &nbsp;- 22-6 - 344 - 14 10 - West Chester - 22-5 - 308 - 19 11 - North Greenville - 29-8 - 301 - 20 12 - Delta State - 25-8 - 281 - 8 13 - Point Loma - 22-10 - 254 - 11 14 - Millersville - 21-4 - 222 - 17 15 - Grand Valley State - 20-8 - 218 - 5 16 - Lenoir-Rhyne - 26-6 - 208 - 9 17 - Thomas Jefferson - 18-8 - 184 - 18 18 - Colorado Mesa - 22-8 - 151 - 22 19 - Young Harris - 24-9 - 130 - RV 20 - East Stroudsburg - 20-3 - 94 - RV 21 - Rollins - 21-9 - 92 - 21 22 - Fort Hays State - 21-8 - 87 - RV 23 - Catawba - 23-9 - 65 - 6 24 - Northwest Nazarene - 23-10 - 62 - 23 25 - Goldey-Beacom - 22-6 - 39 - NR

Dropped Out:&nbsp;Seton Hill (12th); Harding (15th); Bentley (24th); West Texas A&amp;M (25th)

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Saginaw Valley State (18-6) 31 points; Seton Hill (20-5) 27 points; St. Edward's (26-11) 26 points; Central Oklahoma (24-8) 13 points; North Georgia (24-9) 12 points; Southern New Hampshire (26-7) 5 points; West Texas A&amp;M (24-10) 3 points; Spring Hill (24-9) 3 points; Cal State Monterey Bay (19-10) 2 points; Harding (25-8) 1 point&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743763464443.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWINGATE, N.C. - The Fort Hays State baseball team moved into the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division II Poll for the first time this season on Wednesday, with the Tigers sitting in 22nd this week.The Tigers were receiving votes in the poll last week. Fort Hays State picked up 87 points in the balloting process, seven points behind 20th-ranked East Stroudsburg.The MIAA has one other team in the poll and one team that is receiving votes, with Central Missouri ranked No. 2 in the country and Central Oklahoma receiving votes.The Tigers will take a break from conference play on Sunday when FHSU hosts Colorado-Colorado Springs in a doubleheader starting at noon.2025 NCBWA National Poll - Week Eight (4/2/25) Rank - School (1st Place) - Record - Pts. - Prev. 1 - Tampa (13) - 25-6 - 489 - 1 2 - Central Missouri (4) - 22-7 - 475 - 2 3&nbsp;- Angelo State (3) - 26-6 - 457 - 7 4 - Westmont &nbsp;- 25-8 - 413 - 4 5 - UT Tyler - 28-9 - 388 - 3 6 - Florida Southern - 24-7 - 378 - 13 7 - Carson-Newman - 26-8 - 367 - 16 8 - Minnesota State - 21-2 - 366 - 10 9 - Davenport &nbsp;- 22-6 - 344 - 14 10 - West Chester - 22-5 - 308 - 19 11 - North Greenville - 29-8 - 301 - 20 12 - Delta State - 25-8 - 281 - 8 13 - Point Loma - 22-10 - 254 - 11 14 - Millersville - 21-4 - 222 - 17 15 - Grand Valley State - 20-8 - 218 - 5 16 - Lenoir-Rhyne - 26-6 - 208 - 9 17 - Thomas Jefferson - 18-8 - 184 - 18 18 - Colorado Mesa - 22-8 - 151 - 22 19 - Young Harris - 24-9 - 130 - RV 20 - East Stroudsburg - 20-3 - 94 - RV 21 - Rollins - 21-9 - 92 - 21 22 - Fort Hays State - 21-8 - 87 - RV 23 - Catawba - 23-9 - 65 - 6 24 - Northwest Nazarene - 23-10 - 62 - 23 25 - Goldey-Beacom - 22-6 - 39 - NRDropped Out:&nbsp;Seton Hill (12th); Harding (15th); Bentley (24th); West Texas A&amp;M (25th)Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Saginaw Valley State (18-6) 31 points; Seton Hill (20-5) 27 points; St. Edward's (26-11) 26 points; Central Oklahoma (24-8) 13 points; North Georgia (24-9) 12 points; Southern New Hampshire (26-7) 5 points; West Texas A&amp;M (24-10) 3 points; Spring Hill (24-9) 3 points; Cal State Monterey Bay (19-10) 2 points; Harding (25-8) 1 point&nbsp; &nbsp;

⚾ Tiger ranked 22nd in NCBWA poll

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

Thursday, April 3 noneFriday, April 4
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 6:00pmSaturday, April 5
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 2:30pmSunday, April 6
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 12:30pm

We're joined by Fort Hays State track and field coach Jason McCullough, baseball coach Justin Wichert and softball coach Adrian Pilkington.

We're joined by Fort Hays State track and field coach Jason McCullough, baseball coach Justin Wichert and softball coach Adrian Pilkington.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (April 2, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j45rv-186dc31-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (April 2, 2025)

HAYS, Kan. – Due to weather forecasted for the Hays area on Friday and Saturday, Fort Hays State Softball is pushing its MIAA doubleheaders with Northeastern State and Rogers State to Sunday and Monday. Original start times against both opponents remain the same as FHSU will face NSU on Sunday at 1 p.m. and then RSU on Monday at 12 p.m.

The Tigers enter the week at 21-9 overall and 6-4 in the MIAA. Northeastern State enters the weekend 12-16 overall and 5-11 in the MIAA, while Rogers State enters the weekend 27-10 overall and 9-7 in the MIAA. Rogers State will play at Nebraska-Kearney on Sunday before traveling down to Hays.

With the schedule adjustment, the games on Monday will be available on radio (94.3 FM, 1400 AM KAYS). All games will still be streamed on The MIAA Network and live stats will be available for all contests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743675316274.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Due to weather forecasted for the Hays area on Friday and Saturday, Fort Hays State Softball is pushing its MIAA doubleheaders with Northeastern State and Rogers State to Sunday and Monday. Original start times against both opponents remain the same as FHSU will face NSU on Sunday at 1 p.m. and then RSU on Monday at 12 p.m.The Tigers enter the week at 21-9 overall and 6-4 in the MIAA. Northeastern State enters the weekend 12-16 overall and 5-11 in the MIAA, while Rogers State enters the weekend 27-10 overall and 9-7 in the MIAA. Rogers State will play at Nebraska-Kearney on Sunday before traveling down to Hays.With the schedule adjustment, the games on Monday will be available on radio (94.3 FM, 1400 AM KAYS). All games will still be streamed on The MIAA Network and live stats will be available for all contests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 FHSU pushes conference home doubleheaders to Sunday and Monday

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Women's Tennis fell to No. 11 ranked Washburn in MIAA play on Wednesday by a score of 7-0. The Ichabods moved to 11-1 overall on the season and 2-0 in the MIAA, while the Tigers went to 11-4 overall and 1-2 in the MIAA.

Washburn won all of the matches contested for the day. However, reigning MIAA Women's Tennis Athlete of the Week&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/8115">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;forced a tiebreaker against Leo Floeth at the No. 2 singles position. Alfonso was on the short end of the tiebreaker 10-4. The Ichabods won all over singles matches in straight sets.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/shreethika-vangala/8122">Shreethika Vangala</a>&nbsp;did take four points off of No. 36 nationally ranked Renske Ubachs at the No. 1 singles position, falling 6-2, 6-2.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/suzana-faucz/8130">Suzana Faucz</a>&nbsp;(No. 3) generated the most points among the players falling in straight sets in a 6-4, 6-2 loss.

In doubles play, Washburn has two nationally ranked pairs. The Ichabod No. 1 team of Ubachs and Daniella Tijaro &nbsp;are ranked No. 2 in the nation, while the No. 2 team of Floeth and Peyton Koper are ranked No. 19 in the nation. Alfonso and Faucz fell 6-3 in the No. 2 match, while Vangala and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/janae-montoya/8123">Janae Montoya</a>&nbsp;fell 6-1 in the No. 1 match.

The Tigers look to brush off the setback when they host Emporia State in another conference match on Monday at 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743675566178.png" alt="FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Women's Tennis fell to No. 11 ranked Washburn in MIAA play on Wednesday by a score of 7-0. The Ichabods moved to 11-1 overall on the season and 2-0 in the MIAA, while the Tigers went to 11-4 overall and 1-2 in the MIAA.Washburn won all of the matches contested for the day. However, reigning MIAA Women's Tennis Athlete of the Week&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/8115">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;forced a tiebreaker against Leo Floeth at the No. 2 singles position. Alfonso was on the short end of the tiebreaker 10-4. The Ichabods won all over singles matches in straight sets.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/shreethika-vangala/8122">Shreethika Vangala</a>&nbsp;did take four points off of No. 36 nationally ranked Renske Ubachs at the No. 1 singles position, falling 6-2, 6-2.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/suzana-faucz/8130">Suzana Faucz</a>&nbsp;(No. 3) generated the most points among the players falling in straight sets in a 6-4, 6-2 loss.In doubles play, Washburn has two nationally ranked pairs. The Ichabod No. 1 team of Ubachs and Daniella Tijaro &nbsp;are ranked No. 2 in the nation, while the No. 2 team of Floeth and Peyton Koper are ranked No. 19 in the nation. Alfonso and Faucz fell 6-3 in the No. 2 match, while Vangala and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/janae-montoya/8123">Janae Montoya</a>&nbsp;fell 6-1 in the No. 1 match.The Tigers look to brush off the setback when they host Emporia State in another conference match on Monday at 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 Tigers fall to No. 11 Washburn

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brice Turang dropped a perfect bunt to score Oliver Dunn in the 11th inning and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday.

Pinch-runner Dunn advanced from second base on Garett Mitchell’s groundout off Sam Long (0-2). Joey Ortiz walked. Turang, who was 0 for 5 for the game, laid down a bunt in front of the plate and raced to first as Dunn scored.

Jared Koenig (1-0) picked up the win with a scoreless 11th.

Jackson Chourio doubled off Royals reliever Carlos Estévez in the bottom of the 10th and drove in Turang to tie the game at 2.

Chourio crushed a 85-mph changeup from starter Cole Ragan in the first inning for his first home run of the season. Cavan Biggio tied the game with an RBI single in the second off Milwaukee starter Freddy Peralta. After that, it was a pitcher’s duel.

Peralta allowed just two hits, struck out eight and tied his career high with eight innings.

Ragan allowed one run over five innings, struck out 10 and walked two. It was his sixth career start with 10 strikeouts.

With Royals pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert on second in the 10th, Michael Massey lined a hit off the glove of first baseman Jake Bauers that scored Tolbert. Kansas City’s 2-1 lead was brief.

The Brewers were 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position. The Royals were 2 for 8.

Royals: After a day off Thursday, RHP Seth Lugo (0-0, 5.40 ERA) takes on the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743676004970.jpeg" alt="Milwaukee Brewers' Brice Turang celebrates with teammates after driving in the game-winning run with a bunt in the 11th inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)" />
 <figcaption>Milwaukee Brewers' Brice Turang celebrates with teammates after driving in the game-winning run with a bunt in the 11th inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)</figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brice Turang dropped a perfect bunt to score Oliver Dunn in the 11th inning and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday.Pinch-runner Dunn advanced from second base on Garett Mitchell’s groundout off Sam Long (0-2). Joey Ortiz walked. Turang, who was 0 for 5 for the game, laid down a bunt in front of the plate and raced to first as Dunn scored.Jared Koenig (1-0) picked up the win with a scoreless 11th.Jackson Chourio doubled off Royals reliever Carlos Estévez in the bottom of the 10th and drove in Turang to tie the game at 2.Chourio crushed a 85-mph changeup from starter Cole Ragan in the first inning for his first home run of the season. Cavan Biggio tied the game with an RBI single in the second off Milwaukee starter Freddy Peralta. After that, it was a pitcher’s duel.Peralta allowed just two hits, struck out eight and tied his career high with eight innings.Ragan allowed one run over five innings, struck out 10 and walked two. It was his sixth career start with 10 strikeouts.<h2>Key moment</h2>With Royals pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert on second in the 10th, Michael Massey lined a hit off the glove of first baseman Jake Bauers that scored Tolbert. Kansas City’s 2-1 lead was brief.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Brewers were 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position. The Royals were 2 for 8.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals: After a day off Thursday, RHP Seth Lugo (0-0, 5.40 ERA) takes on the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

⚾ Turang's bunt drives in winning run in the 11th, Brewers beat the Royals 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Women's Tennis claimed the MIAA Women's Tennis Athlete of the Week honor for the second-straight week on Wednesday. Irina Alfonso&nbsp;is this week's honoree after teammate Suzana Faucz&nbsp;received the honor last week. Alfonso had a huge week for the Tigers, knocking off a nationally ranked player in MIAA action and then provided the clinching point in FHSU's 4-3 win over Missouri Western for the team's first MIAA win since 2018.

Alfonso&nbsp;went 6-0 for the week in singles and doubles combined. In the win over Missouri Western, she outlasted Johanna Priedite in a match that took nearly three hours to complete. With the score knotted at 3-3 between the teams, Alfonso forced a third set and won the match by scores of 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, ending a 47-match losing string for the Tigers in conference play.

Just a day before, despite FHSU losing to Northwest Missouri 5-2, Alfonso won both her singles and doubles matches against the Bearcats, upsetting No. 57 nationally ranked Alva Norberg in straight sets 6-3, 6-2. In the Tigers 5-1 non-conference win over William Jewell, Alfonso blanked her opponent 6-0, 6-0 to cap off a perfect week, helping the Fort Hays move to 11-3 overall and 1-1 in the MIAA.

Alfonso partnered with Faucz at No. 2 doubles to win all three matches for the week. The duo won a tiebreaker against the Bearcats 7-6 (8-6), won 6-4 against the Griffons, and then 6-1 against William Jewell. Alfonso is now 15-4 in singles play and 17-2 in doubles play this season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743676485171.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Women's Tennis claimed the MIAA Women's Tennis Athlete of the Week honor for the second-straight week on Wednesday. Irina Alfonso&nbsp;is this week's honoree after teammate Suzana Faucz&nbsp;received the honor last week. Alfonso had a huge week for the Tigers, knocking off a nationally ranked player in MIAA action and then provided the clinching point in FHSU's 4-3 win over Missouri Western for the team's first MIAA win since 2018.Alfonso&nbsp;went 6-0 for the week in singles and doubles combined. In the win over Missouri Western, she outlasted Johanna Priedite in a match that took nearly three hours to complete. With the score knotted at 3-3 between the teams, Alfonso forced a third set and won the match by scores of 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, ending a 47-match losing string for the Tigers in conference play.Just a day before, despite FHSU losing to Northwest Missouri 5-2, Alfonso won both her singles and doubles matches against the Bearcats, upsetting No. 57 nationally ranked Alva Norberg in straight sets 6-3, 6-2. In the Tigers 5-1 non-conference win over William Jewell, Alfonso blanked her opponent 6-0, 6-0 to cap off a perfect week, helping the Fort Hays move to 11-3 overall and 1-1 in the MIAA.Alfonso partnered with Faucz at No. 2 doubles to win all three matches for the week. The duo won a tiebreaker against the Bearcats 7-6 (8-6), won 6-4 against the Griffons, and then 6-1 against William Jewell. Alfonso is now 15-4 in singles play and 17-2 in doubles play this season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 FHSU's Alfonso named MIAA Women’s Tennis Athlete of the Week

HAYS, Kan. - Due to this weekend's weather forecast, the 26th-ranked Fort Hays State baseball team has announced a change to its non-conference schedule against Colorado-Colorado Springs.

Originally scheduled for a doubleheader on Saturday and one game on Sunday, the Tigers and Mountain Lions will now only play two games on Sunday beginning at noon at Larks Park.

A week after going 1-2 on the road against third-ranked Central Missouri, the Tigers head into the weekend ranked 26th in the latest ABCA Coaches Poll, 22nd in the most recent&nbsp;NCBWA&nbsp;National Poll and 25th in the updated D2Baseball Poll.

Fort Hays State improved to 22-8 overall and 17-4 in MIAA play with a thrilling 4-1 win over Washburn on Tuesday (April 1), while the Mountain Lions head to Hays with an overall record of 18-13 and a mark of 8-8 in RMAC contests.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Fort Hays State and UCCS in baseball. Former RMAC rivals in other sports, the Mountain Lions did not add baseball as an intercollegiate sport until 2017.

#26 Fort Hays State vs. Colorado-Colorado Springs Hays, Kan. • Larks Park Game 1 - Sunday, April 6 - 12:00 p.m. - 7 innings Game 2 - Sunday, April 6 - approx. 2:30 p.m. - 9 innings&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743675035802.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - Due to this weekend's weather forecast, the 26th-ranked Fort Hays State baseball team has announced a change to its non-conference schedule against Colorado-Colorado Springs.Originally scheduled for a doubleheader on Saturday and one game on Sunday, the Tigers and Mountain Lions will now only play two games on Sunday beginning at noon at Larks Park.A week after going 1-2 on the road against third-ranked Central Missouri, the Tigers head into the weekend ranked 26th in the latest ABCA Coaches Poll, 22nd in the most recent&nbsp;NCBWA&nbsp;National Poll and 25th in the updated D2Baseball Poll.Fort Hays State improved to 22-8 overall and 17-4 in MIAA play with a thrilling 4-1 win over Washburn on Tuesday (April 1), while the Mountain Lions head to Hays with an overall record of 18-13 and a mark of 8-8 in RMAC contests.This will be the first-ever meeting between Fort Hays State and UCCS in baseball. Former RMAC rivals in other sports, the Mountain Lions did not add baseball as an intercollegiate sport until 2017.#26 Fort Hays State vs. Colorado-Colorado Springs Hays, Kan. • Larks Park Game 1 - Sunday, April 6 - 12:00 p.m. - 7 innings Game 2 - Sunday, April 6 - approx. 2:30 p.m. - 9 innings&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers Alter weekend schedule

🎥 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week TMP vs Ellinwood Softball

WASHINGTON (AP) — Seven years ago, when a joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico was awarded the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup">2026 World Cup</a>, rifts created by tariffs — yes, back then, too! — and a proposed border wall were glossed over because of the neighbors’ longstanding political and economic alliances.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/71e70169ac9343839436613b7d8dbb31">“The unity of the three nations″</a>&nbsp;was the overriding theme articulated by Carlos Cordeiro, then-president of the U.S. Soccer Federation. “A powerful message,” he called it.

Well, here we are now, with the soccer showcase arriving in North America in about 15 months, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;back in office — inciting trade wars between the neighbors, not to mention across the globe, by levying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-timeline-trade-war-trump-canada-mexico-china-97819f94e424c0e7bba2812e09a721a7">tariffs</a>&nbsp;that come, then go, then return,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-eu-whiskey-cb259623a25ca1bfdb4673262ceef85b">with more promised</a>, including what the Republican calls “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-reciprocal-tariff-trade-deficit-4329a37b5a41ac944dcc74093410a126">reciprocal tariffs</a>&nbsp;” starting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-tariffs-liberation-day-import-taxes-118d73f50e5133ef3d9598aed6661a6c">Wednesday</a>.

It’s hard to know how, exactly, the current geopolitical fissures, made all the more stark every time Trump or those in his administration talk provocatively about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-canada-could-become-us-state-42360e10ded96c0046fd11eaaf55ab88">making Canada the 51st state</a>, might affect the World Cup, its organization and coordination, fans’ travel plans and more.

“Oh, I think it’s going to make it more exciting,” was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fifa-world-cup-task-force-dba6def9a56cd1c48be592e1725d4a6a">Trump’s take</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/INDwnNAkTLI?si=fHBRHnggEextYnIZ" target="_blank">an Oval Office appearance with FIFA President Gianni Infantino</a>&nbsp;last month. “Tension’s a good thing.”

Will the world come to the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics?

Given that the U.S. also is preparing to welcome the world for FIFA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fifa-club-world-cup-prize-money-real-madrid-0cdee232b9a3670c77b62cd7dc3b53cb">Club World Cup</a>&nbsp;in June, golf’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ryder-cup-pay-pga-tour-europe-e287158b848e8d447302df31da36a79a">Ryder Cup</a>&nbsp;in September and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/43833244a74643b3a1fd0b2787c2e38d">Los Angeles Olympics</a>&nbsp;in 2028, the question becomes: Will the world want to come?

And, taking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-tourists-german-canadian-detention-immigration-408cd27338e8065268fabc835f8b0c34">Trump’s border and visa policies</a>&nbsp;into account, will the world be able to?

Alan Rothenberg, who ran the 1994 World Cup and successfully oversaw the bid to host the 1999 Women’s World Cup as then-president of U.S. Soccer, thinks the answers to those questions are “Yes.” Pointing to concerns about the last two World Cups, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-260baf7eaa624cf4b39e9ec988ba9114">Russia in 2018</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-soccer-sports-business-discrimination-ee9a8b506525341927b02c97cb19993d">Qatar in 2022</a>, he noted those still attracted attendance totals above 3 million apiece.

“People love the United States around the world — frankly, we wouldn’t have the immigration issue that we’re dealing with if that weren’t the case — so a lot of this is government-to-government,” Rothenberg said. “A passionate soccer fan is not going to be held up by that.”

He doesn’t think one of the host nations would drop out of the World Cup, say, or that other countries might&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-olympics-boycott-9ba0aad38e01013bd0f40ce554317caf">boycott</a>, as happened at the 1976, 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics.

“More than anything, they’ll see it as an opportunity for, perhaps, rapprochement, rather than escalating the tensions,” Rothenberg said.

“Besides, from an organizing standpoint, if either Canada or Mexico withdrew” from the World Cup, he said, “the U.S. would pick up the games in a heartbeat.”

Spectators booing the U.S. national anthem

Still, as the White House stance on tariffs and Russia’s war in Ukraine have put&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-russia-war-putin-zelenskyy-europe-7940f9c5828fc46431928bc073170bc2">Europe on edge</a>, and relations with other countries have become fraught, it might not be a surprise if soccer stadiums for the U.S. games at the World Cup offer the same sort of anti-American sentiment heard when spectators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-anthem-booed-montreal-hockey-9265bda34c95a1ed0ca2e1f90e7da1b1">in Canada booed “The Star-Spangled Banner”</a>&nbsp;during hockey’s 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

FIFA, soccer’s governing body, did not respond to Associated Press requests for comment, but Infantino has never hidden his admiration for Trump, which he often demonstrates via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFCCe0sIRF8/?igsh=MXN1OGZ0ZDhkbGU3OQ%3D%3D&amp;img_index=1" target="_blank">social media</a>. They have met at least five times since the U.S. election in November.

Last week, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ioc-olympics-president-election-coventry-coe-samaranch-762f3442ff2a01be9e822cd017b89a59">Kirsty Coventry</a>&nbsp;was elected president of the International Olympic Committee — becoming the first woman in that position — she was asked how she would work with Trump and what she would tell athletes about traveling to the U.S. for the next Games.

“I have been dealing with, let’s say, difficult men, in high positions since I was 20 years old,” Coventry said with a chuckle, “and first and foremost, what I have learned is that communication will be key. That is something that will happen early on. And my firm belief is that President Trump is a huge lover of sports. He will want these Games to be significant. He will want them to be a success.”

Referring to concerns about whether the administration might deny some athletes visas, she added: “We will not waver from our values … of solidarity in ensuring that every athlete that qualifies for the Olympic Games has the possibility to attend the Olympic Games and be safe during the Olympic Games.”

The overriding assumption among those involved in the Olympics is that Trump will assure the 2028 Games are a success.

As U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee chairman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-sports-8a89eac6ffd68f3e809cda0ec01ce4ac">Gene Sykes</a>&nbsp;put it: “I can’t speak for him, but I think he’s the kind of person who probably believes that having these go very, very well is a reflection of his leadership.”

Will Trump’s tariffs and other policies affect soccer’s World Cup?

“The most likely outcome is that Trump’s nonsense won’t have an impact,” said Smith College professor Andrew Zimbalist, an expert on the economics of sports.

“My guess is that if relations between Canada and the U.S. deteriorate to the point that there are travel restrictions and spending restrictions,” Zimbalist said, “Trump would — just like he’s making exceptions all the time on his tariffs policies — make an exception for a month or six weeks.”

The U.S. and Canadian soccer federations declined AP requests for comment on how White House policies might affect the 2026 World Cup.

Gabriela Cuevas, who represents Mexico’s government in meetings with FIFA, said she considers the tariffs and the soccer event “separate issues,” adding that she believes “the World Cup could be a route to engage in a conversation.”

Observers tend to agree, saying logistics such as security cooperation or team transportation from city to city — or country to country — should not be hampered when it comes to the World Cup, scheduled to take place in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The borders might become an issue, though.

“The main thing FIFA needs to move for this event is not car parts, and it’s not wheat, and it’s not electricity. It’s people. That’s your real concern,” said Victor Matheson, an economics professor at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“What were previously pretty reasonable border crossings could become much more challenging, simply because both sides amp up their level of inspections and the United States, in particular, cuts down government services that allow people to move effectively between countries.”

As for the fans, 29-year-old Mexican businessman German Camacho Pacheco said “soccer is religion” in his country, so when it comes to the World Cup, “I don’t think they care about tariffs.”

Camacho, wearing the Monterrey club jersey of defender Sergio Ramos while on the way to watch a game at a sports bar in Mexico City, said he doesn’t expect there to be any effect at all on the World Cup “unless this goes from a trade war to an actual war.”

AP writers Greg Beacham in Inglewood, California; Nancy Benac in Washington; Ronald Blum in New York; Graham Dunbar in Costa Navarino, Greece; Eddie Pells in Denver; Anne M. Peterson in Portland, Oregon, and Carlos Rodriguez in Mexico City contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741521131212.png" alt="-President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveil the official trophy of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup" />
 <figcaption>-President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveil the official trophy of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Seven years ago, when a joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico was awarded the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup">2026 World Cup</a>, rifts created by tariffs — yes, back then, too! — and a proposed border wall were glossed over because of the neighbors’ longstanding political and economic alliances.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/71e70169ac9343839436613b7d8dbb31">“The unity of the three nations″</a>&nbsp;was the overriding theme articulated by Carlos Cordeiro, then-president of the U.S. Soccer Federation. “A powerful message,” he called it.Well, here we are now, with the soccer showcase arriving in North America in about 15 months, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;back in office — inciting trade wars between the neighbors, not to mention across the globe, by levying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-timeline-trade-war-trump-canada-mexico-china-97819f94e424c0e7bba2812e09a721a7">tariffs</a>&nbsp;that come, then go, then return,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-eu-whiskey-cb259623a25ca1bfdb4673262ceef85b">with more promised</a>, including what the Republican calls “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-reciprocal-tariff-trade-deficit-4329a37b5a41ac944dcc74093410a126">reciprocal tariffs</a>&nbsp;” starting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-tariffs-liberation-day-import-taxes-118d73f50e5133ef3d9598aed6661a6c">Wednesday</a>.It’s hard to know how, exactly, the current geopolitical fissures, made all the more stark every time Trump or those in his administration talk provocatively about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-canada-could-become-us-state-42360e10ded96c0046fd11eaaf55ab88">making Canada the 51st state</a>, might affect the World Cup, its organization and coordination, fans’ travel plans and more.“Oh, I think it’s going to make it more exciting,” was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fifa-world-cup-task-force-dba6def9a56cd1c48be592e1725d4a6a">Trump’s take</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/INDwnNAkTLI?si=fHBRHnggEextYnIZ" target="_blank">an Oval Office appearance with FIFA President Gianni Infantino</a>&nbsp;last month. “Tension’s a good thing.”<h2>Will the world come to the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics?</h2>Given that the U.S. also is preparing to welcome the world for FIFA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fifa-club-world-cup-prize-money-real-madrid-0cdee232b9a3670c77b62cd7dc3b53cb">Club World Cup</a>&nbsp;in June, golf’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ryder-cup-pay-pga-tour-europe-e287158b848e8d447302df31da36a79a">Ryder Cup</a>&nbsp;in September and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/43833244a74643b3a1fd0b2787c2e38d">Los Angeles Olympics</a>&nbsp;in 2028, the question becomes: Will the world want to come?And, taking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-tourists-german-canadian-detention-immigration-408cd27338e8065268fabc835f8b0c34">Trump’s border and visa policies</a>&nbsp;into account, will the world be able to?Alan Rothenberg, who ran the 1994 World Cup and successfully oversaw the bid to host the 1999 Women’s World Cup as then-president of U.S. Soccer, thinks the answers to those questions are “Yes.” Pointing to concerns about the last two World Cups, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-260baf7eaa624cf4b39e9ec988ba9114">Russia in 2018</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-soccer-sports-business-discrimination-ee9a8b506525341927b02c97cb19993d">Qatar in 2022</a>, he noted those still attracted attendance totals above 3 million apiece.“People love the United States around the world — frankly, we wouldn’t have the immigration issue that we’re dealing with if that weren’t the case — so a lot of this is government-to-government,” Rothenberg said. “A passionate soccer fan is not going to be held up by that.”He doesn’t think one of the host nations would drop out of the World Cup, say, or that other countries might&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-olympics-boycott-9ba0aad38e01013bd0f40ce554317caf">boycott</a>, as happened at the 1976, 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics.“More than anything, they’ll see it as an opportunity for, perhaps, rapprochement, rather than escalating the tensions,” Rothenberg said.“Besides, from an organizing standpoint, if either Canada or Mexico withdrew” from the World Cup, he said, “the U.S. would pick up the games in a heartbeat.”<h2>Spectators booing the U.S. national anthem</h2>Still, as the White House stance on tariffs and Russia’s war in Ukraine have put&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-russia-war-putin-zelenskyy-europe-7940f9c5828fc46431928bc073170bc2">Europe on edge</a>, and relations with other countries have become fraught, it might not be a surprise if soccer stadiums for the U.S. games at the World Cup offer the same sort of anti-American sentiment heard when spectators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-anthem-booed-montreal-hockey-9265bda34c95a1ed0ca2e1f90e7da1b1">in Canada booed “The Star-Spangled Banner”</a>&nbsp;during hockey’s 4 Nations Face-Off in February.FIFA, soccer’s governing body, did not respond to Associated Press requests for comment, but Infantino has never hidden his admiration for Trump, which he often demonstrates via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFCCe0sIRF8/?igsh=MXN1OGZ0ZDhkbGU3OQ%3D%3D&amp;img_index=1" target="_blank">social media</a>. They have met at least five times since the U.S. election in November.Last week, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ioc-olympics-president-election-coventry-coe-samaranch-762f3442ff2a01be9e822cd017b89a59">Kirsty Coventry</a>&nbsp;was elected president of the International Olympic Committee — becoming the first woman in that position — she was asked how she would work with Trump and what she would tell athletes about traveling to the U.S. for the next Games.“I have been dealing with, let’s say, difficult men, in high positions since I was 20 years old,” Coventry said with a chuckle, “and first and foremost, what I have learned is that communication will be key. That is something that will happen early on. And my firm belief is that President Trump is a huge lover of sports. He will want these Games to be significant. He will want them to be a success.”Referring to concerns about whether the administration might deny some athletes visas, she added: “We will not waver from our values … of solidarity in ensuring that every athlete that qualifies for the Olympic Games has the possibility to attend the Olympic Games and be safe during the Olympic Games.”The overriding assumption among those involved in the Olympics is that Trump will assure the 2028 Games are a success.As U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee chairman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-sports-8a89eac6ffd68f3e809cda0ec01ce4ac">Gene Sykes</a>&nbsp;put it: “I can’t speak for him, but I think he’s the kind of person who probably believes that having these go very, very well is a reflection of his leadership.”<h2>Will Trump’s tariffs and other policies affect soccer’s World Cup?</h2>“The most likely outcome is that Trump’s nonsense won’t have an impact,” said Smith College professor Andrew Zimbalist, an expert on the economics of sports.“My guess is that if relations between Canada and the U.S. deteriorate to the point that there are travel restrictions and spending restrictions,” Zimbalist said, “Trump would — just like he’s making exceptions all the time on his tariffs policies — make an exception for a month or six weeks.”The U.S. and Canadian soccer federations declined AP requests for comment on how White House policies might affect the 2026 World Cup.Gabriela Cuevas, who represents Mexico’s government in meetings with FIFA, said she considers the tariffs and the soccer event “separate issues,” adding that she believes “the World Cup could be a route to engage in a conversation.”Observers tend to agree, saying logistics such as security cooperation or team transportation from city to city — or country to country — should not be hampered when it comes to the World Cup, scheduled to take place in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.The borders might become an issue, though.“The main thing FIFA needs to move for this event is not car parts, and it’s not wheat, and it’s not electricity. It’s people. That’s your real concern,” said Victor Matheson, an economics professor at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.“What were previously pretty reasonable border crossings could become much more challenging, simply because both sides amp up their level of inspections and the United States, in particular, cuts down government services that allow people to move effectively between countries.”As for the fans, 29-year-old Mexican businessman German Camacho Pacheco said “soccer is religion” in his country, so when it comes to the World Cup, “I don’t think they care about tariffs.”Camacho, wearing the Monterrey club jersey of defender Sergio Ramos while on the way to watch a game at a sports bar in Mexico City, said he doesn’t expect there to be any effect at all on the World Cup “unless this goes from a trade war to an actual war.”<h2>___</h2>AP writers Greg Beacham in Inglewood, California; Nancy Benac in Washington; Ronald Blum in New York; Graham Dunbar in Costa Navarino, Greece; Eddie Pells in Denver; Anne M. Peterson in Portland, Oregon, and Carlos Rodriguez in Mexico City contributed.