AUSTIN, Texas - Fort Hays State junior golfer&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/morgan-brasser/6948">Morgan Brasser</a>&nbsp;was named to the 2022-23 College Sports Communicators At-Large Academic All-America Team as a second team selection, announced Thursday by the organization. Sports Information and Athletic Communication professionals nationwide vote on the Academic All-America Team, which reflects both academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected. Brasser was a steady force on the course all season long, earning the MIAA Women's Golfer of the Year award, unanimous first team All-MIAA honors and WGCA All-Central Region status after completing the year with a program-record stroke average of 75.8. She won three tournaments and finished inside the top 10 at eight out of 12 events, including six in the top five. A native of Andale, Kan., Brasser made her third-consecutive trip to the NCAA Central Regional as an individual in 2023. She earned a trio of MIAA Women's Golfer of the Week honors this season. Brasser recorded nine rounds at-or-under par, including six under-par trips around the course. She turned in a score of 2-over or better in more than half of her rounds on the year (15 of 28). Brasser tied the program record with a single-round score of 69 twice and set the program record for lowest tournament score in relation to par at 4-under at the Newman Invitational. Brasser completed her junior year with a GPA of 3.91 as a health and human performance major emphasizing in sport and exercise therapy. She was previously a CSC Academic All-District selection and was a WGCA All-America Scholar in 2021-22. She has earned a trio of MIAA Scholar-Athlete Awards, three spots on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and three listings on the Deans Honor Roll at FHSU. She also received the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award last year. She was the lone at-large MIAA student-athlete to earn All-America honors this season, male or female, and was one of 15 golfers nationwide listed on the Academic All-America list out of the 50 at-large honorees across the first, second and third teams. Brasser is the first golfer in school history to achieve CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-American honors. She is the fourth FHSU student-athlete to earn such an honor this year, joining Alex Schremmer from the Tiger football team, Isabel Robben from the women's soccer squad and Ed Scott from the baseball team.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687514685786.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsAUSTIN, Texas - Fort Hays State junior golfer&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/morgan-brasser/6948">Morgan Brasser</a>&nbsp;was named to the 2022-23 College Sports Communicators At-Large Academic All-America Team as a second team selection, announced Thursday by the organization. Sports Information and Athletic Communication professionals nationwide vote on the Academic All-America Team, which reflects both academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected. Brasser was a steady force on the course all season long, earning the MIAA Women's Golfer of the Year award, unanimous first team All-MIAA honors and WGCA All-Central Region status after completing the year with a program-record stroke average of 75.8. She won three tournaments and finished inside the top 10 at eight out of 12 events, including six in the top five. A native of Andale, Kan., Brasser made her third-consecutive trip to the NCAA Central Regional as an individual in 2023. She earned a trio of MIAA Women's Golfer of the Week honors this season. Brasser recorded nine rounds at-or-under par, including six under-par trips around the course. She turned in a score of 2-over or better in more than half of her rounds on the year (15 of 28). Brasser tied the program record with a single-round score of 69 twice and set the program record for lowest tournament score in relation to par at 4-under at the Newman Invitational. Brasser completed her junior year with a GPA of 3.91 as a health and human performance major emphasizing in sport and exercise therapy. She was previously a CSC Academic All-District selection and was a WGCA All-America Scholar in 2021-22. She has earned a trio of MIAA Scholar-Athlete Awards, three spots on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and three listings on the Deans Honor Roll at FHSU. She also received the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award last year. She was the lone at-large MIAA student-athlete to earn All-America honors this season, male or female, and was one of 15 golfers nationwide listed on the Academic All-America list out of the 50 at-large honorees across the first, second and third teams. Brasser is the first golfer in school history to achieve CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-American honors. She is the fourth FHSU student-athlete to earn such an honor this year, joining Alex Schremmer from the Tiger football team, Isabel Robben from the women's soccer squad and Ed Scott from the baseball team.

⛳ FHSU's Brasser named Academic All-American

PARKER, Colo. – The Hays
Larks rallied for two runs in the seventh inning to take the lead then added an
insurance run in the ninth for a 9-7 come-from-behind win over the Gameday
Angels Wednesday at Double Angel Field. The Larks (12-2, 5-0 RMBL) have now won
eight straight and 11 of their last 12.

Bryson Evans’ two-out
double scored Tyler LaRue and Garrett Gruell to give the Larks the lead in the
top of the seventh. Both LaRue and Greull reached with one-out singles. Evans drive
in the larks final run with a sacrifice bunt which scored Gruell with one-out
in the ninth. 

The Larks built a 5-0
lead but had to rally after the Angels (1-5, 1-3 RMBL) scored five in the fifth
and two in the sixth.

Will Pendergrass got the
Larks on the board in the first with a single to left which scored Damian Ruiz.
They scored four in the fifth. B Evans started the inning with a walk. Trent
Baker followed with an RBI triple to make the score 2-0. Ruiz had an RBI single
followed by an RBI double from Pendergrass. John Ceccoli finished off the
scoring with a sacrifice fly which scored Pendergrass.

Seven of the Larks 14
hits went for extra bases including a home run and triple from Baker who drove
in two runs and ran his hitting-streak to 10-games. Pendergrass had three hits, two of them doubles.

Preston Tabor (2-0) pitched
2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief and picked up the win. The senior from Dallas
Baptist struck out four with no walks. Jeff Lodes works a 1-2-3 ninth with two
strikeouts for the save. 

Oklahoma junior Aaron
Calhoun made the start and allowed four unearned runs on two hits with six
strikeouts and one walk in 4 1/3 innings.

Wednesday’s game marked
only the second time this season the Larks have trailed after six innings. They
have not trailed after seven innings all season, moving to 10-0 when leading
after seven innings.

The Larks and Angels
close out the two-game series Thursday night at 7:35 p.m. CDT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574180952050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostPARKER, Colo. – The Hays
Larks rallied for two runs in the seventh inning to take the lead then added an
insurance run in the ninth for a 9-7 come-from-behind win over the Gameday
Angels Wednesday at Double Angel Field. The Larks (12-2, 5-0 RMBL) have now won
eight straight and 11 of their last 12.Bryson Evans’ two-out
double scored Tyler LaRue and Garrett Gruell to give the Larks the lead in the
top of the seventh. Both LaRue and Greull reached with one-out singles. Evans drive
in the larks final run with a sacrifice bunt which scored Gruell with one-out
in the ninth. The Larks built a 5-0
lead but had to rally after the Angels (1-5, 1-3 RMBL) scored five in the fifth
and two in the sixth.Will Pendergrass got the
Larks on the board in the first with a single to left which scored Damian Ruiz.
They scored four in the fifth. B Evans started the inning with a walk. Trent
Baker followed with an RBI triple to make the score 2-0. Ruiz had an RBI single
followed by an RBI double from Pendergrass. John Ceccoli finished off the
scoring with a sacrifice fly which scored Pendergrass.Seven of the Larks 14
hits went for extra bases including a home run and triple from Baker who drove
in two runs and ran his hitting-streak to 10-games. Pendergrass had three hits, two of them doubles.Preston Tabor (2-0) pitched
2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief and picked up the win. The senior from Dallas
Baptist struck out four with no walks. Jeff Lodes works a 1-2-3 ninth with two
strikeouts for the save. Oklahoma junior Aaron
Calhoun made the start and allowed four unearned runs on two hits with six
strikeouts and one walk in 4 1/3 innings.LATE INNINGSWednesday’s game marked
only the second time this season the Larks have trailed after six innings. They
have not trailed after seven innings all season, moving to 10-0 when leading
after seven innings.UP NEXTThe Larks and Angels
close out the two-game series Thursday night at 7:35 p.m. CDT.

⚾ Larks rally past Angels for eighth-straight win

DETROIT (AP) — Zack Short homered and drove in three runs, Javier Báez got his 1,000th career hit and the Detroit Tigers beat the slumping Kansas City Royals 9-4 on Wednesday.

Matthew Boyd (5-5) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings for Detroit. He struck out seven without a walk.

“He had a really good changeup and a pretty good slider today,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “He can fall in love with them a little. You want him to maintain his fastball command at the top of the zone. But he did a very nice job for us.”

Brady Singer (4-7) lost his third straight decision, giving up five runs, seven hits and a walk in seven innings. He entered the game with a 6-0 record in 11 starts against Detroit but allowed five runs in 3 2/3 innings in a no-decision on May 22.

“I thought he threw the ball well, but he couldn't get them to miss his slider,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He had good movement, but they kept making good contact.”

The Royals took a 2-0 lead in the second. Maikel Garcia and Samad Taylor singled before Freddy Fermin hit a line drive to left-center field. Left fielder Andy Ibañez and center fielder Matt Vierling both went for the ball, which evaded Ibañez's reach then bounced off the wall and past Vierling for a two-run double.

Eric Haase tied it with a two-run double in the bottom of the inning, and Short made it 3-2 with an RBI single.

“We got shut out last night, and then they come out and get the two quick runs on us today,” Hinch said. “To be able to answer back was really nice and then we kept tacking on and built some separation as the game went on.”

Báez put the Tigers ahead 4-2 in the third, driving in Kerry Carpenter with his 1,000th hit.

“I congratulated and reminded him he's still 2,118 behind (teammate Miguel Cabrera), so he better keep it up,” Hinch said.

Short led off the fifth with his fourth homer, giving the Tigers a three-run lead.

Kansas City second baseman Taylor and right fielder Matt Beaty collided going after Spencer Torkelson's shallow fly ball to lead off the eighth. Both players stayed down for several minutes, but Taylor stayed in the game and Beaty walked off under his own power.

“That was scary, because Matt went down really hard and Samad also went down hard,” Quatraro said. “Luckily, it isn't a serious injury. He's got a non-concussive whiplash injury, which is a lot better than it could have been.”

Torkelson ended up on third and scored on Báez's single over a drawn-in infield. The Tigers added three more runs in the inning for a 9-3 lead.

The 1:10 pm start was Detroit's 38th day game of the season, the most in the majors. The Tigers are 14-24 in afternoon games as opposed to 18-17 at night.

Moments after Taylor was shaken up by the collision with Beaty, he was taken out on a hard slide by Jake Marisnick while trying to turn a double play. In the ninth, he was hit on the left hand by a 94.4 mph fastball but stayed in the game after another visit with the trainer. Adding insult to injury, after a review, it was ruled a foul ball.

The Tigers have Thursday off before opening a weekend home series with the Minnesota Twins. LHP Joey Wentz (1-7, 6.82) is scheduled to start the opener.

Kansas City will travel to Florida for a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Royals will use RHP Jose Cuas (3-0, 4.15) as an opener on Thursday while Tampa Bay has not announced a pitcher.

DETROIT (AP) — Zack Short homered and drove in three runs, Javier Báez got his 1,000th career hit and the Detroit Tigers beat the slumping Kansas City Royals 9-4 on Wednesday.The Royals have lost 15 of 18 games.Matthew Boyd (5-5) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings for Detroit. He struck out seven without a walk.“He had a really good changeup and a pretty good slider today,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “He can fall in love with them a little. You want him to maintain his fastball command at the top of the zone. But he did a very nice job for us.”Brady Singer (4-7) lost his third straight decision, giving up five runs, seven hits and a walk in seven innings. He entered the game with a 6-0 record in 11 starts against Detroit but allowed five runs in 3 2/3 innings in a no-decision on May 22.“I thought he threw the ball well, but he couldn't get them to miss his slider,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He had good movement, but they kept making good contact.”The Royals took a 2-0 lead in the second. Maikel Garcia and Samad Taylor singled before Freddy Fermin hit a line drive to left-center field. Left fielder Andy Ibañez and center fielder Matt Vierling both went for the ball, which evaded Ibañez's reach then bounced off the wall and past Vierling for a two-run double.Eric Haase tied it with a two-run double in the bottom of the inning, and Short made it 3-2 with an RBI single.“We got shut out last night, and then they come out and get the two quick runs on us today,” Hinch said. “To be able to answer back was really nice and then we kept tacking on and built some separation as the game went on.”Báez put the Tigers ahead 4-2 in the third, driving in Kerry Carpenter with his 1,000th hit.“I congratulated and reminded him he's still 2,118 behind (teammate Miguel Cabrera), so he better keep it up,” Hinch said.Short led off the fifth with his fourth homer, giving the Tigers a three-run lead.Kansas City second baseman Taylor and right fielder Matt Beaty collided going after Spencer Torkelson's shallow fly ball to lead off the eighth. Both players stayed down for several minutes, but Taylor stayed in the game and Beaty walked off under his own power.“That was scary, because Matt went down really hard and Samad also went down hard,” Quatraro said. “Luckily, it isn't a serious injury. He's got a non-concussive whiplash injury, which is a lot better than it could have been.”Torkelson ended up on third and scored on Báez's single over a drawn-in infield. The Tigers added three more runs in the inning for a 9-3 lead.BRIGHT AND EARLYThe 1:10 pm start was Detroit's 38th day game of the season, the most in the majors. The Tigers are 14-24 in afternoon games as opposed to 18-17 at night.ROUGH FINISHMoments after Taylor was shaken up by the collision with Beaty, he was taken out on a hard slide by Jake Marisnick while trying to turn a double play. In the ninth, he was hit on the left hand by a 94.4 mph fastball but stayed in the game after another visit with the trainer. Adding insult to injury, after a review, it was ruled a foul ball.UP NEXTThe Tigers have Thursday off before opening a weekend home series with the Minnesota Twins. LHP Joey Wentz (1-7, 6.82) is scheduled to start the opener.Kansas City will travel to Florida for a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Royals will use RHP Jose Cuas (3-0, 4.15) as an opener on Thursday while Tampa Bay has not announced a pitcher.

⚾ Zack Short homers, Javier Báez gets 1,000th hit to lead Tigers over Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang&nbsp;continued to build his 2023-24 roster with the signing of 2022 BIG EAST All-Freshman and All-Tournament Team member&nbsp;Arthur Kaluma&nbsp;(Glendale, Ariz./Dream City Christian/Creighton)&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement on Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward, Kaluma arrives at K-State after an impressive 2-year stint (2021-23) at Creighton, where he helped the Bluejays to 47 wins, including 26 in BIG EAST play, a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances (2022, 2023) and the school's first trip to the Elite Eight in 2022-23. In addition to being selected to the BIG EAST All-Freshman and All-Tournament teams in 2021-22, Kaluma was named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Second Team and to the watch list for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award in 2022-23. As a one-time transfer, Kaluma is immediately eligible and will have two years remaining starting in 2023-24. He had applied for early entry into the NBA Draft before withdrawing in late May. Kaluma is the second impactful transfer signed by Tang, joining 2023 Conference USA Player of the Year and NIT Most Outstanding Player&nbsp;Tylor Perry&nbsp;(Fort Coffee, Okla./Spiro/Coffeyville CC/North Texas), who inked with the Wildcats on May 5. Both appear in the top-20 in several transfer rankings, including ESPN and CBS Sports. Kaluma averaged double-figure scoring both seasons at Creighton, totaling 758 points (11.1 ppg.) on 43.3 percent shooting (270-of-624), including 29.1 percent (68-of-234) from 3-point range, and 71.4 percent (150-of-210) from the free throw line in 68 games with 67 starts. He scored in double figures in 40 of his 68 games played, including all 6 NCAA Tournament games highlighted by a 24-point, 12-rebound effort against eventual NCAA champion Kansas in the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament. In 6 career NCAA Tournament games, Kaluma is averaging 13.2 points on 43.6 percent (24-of-55) shooting to go with 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 35.2 minutes per game. In addition to his 40 career double-digit scoring games, Kaluma has posted 4 games of 20 or more points, including a career-high 27 points against future Big 12 foe BYU on Dec. 10, 2022. He also totaled 3 double-doubles, including in back-to-back games against Seton Hall and reigning NCAA champion UCONN this past season. For his Creighton career, Kaluma averaged 11.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.6 blocks in 28.2 minutes per game. This past season, Kaluma started all 37 games for a Bluejay team that won 24 games and advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history, losing to eventual NCAA runner-up San Diego State, 57-56. He was one of 5 players to average double figures, averaging 11.8 points on 42.3 percent (146-of-345) shooting, including 31.1 percent (41-of-132) from 3-point range, to go with 6.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 29.4 minutes per game. He scored double figures in 26 games, including a pair of 20-point games, to go with 2 double-doubles. In addition to BYU, he collected 20 points to go with 9 rebounds in a home win over No. 13 Xavier on Jan. 28. Kaluma ended his sophomore season playing his best basketball, averaging 10.8 points on 50 percent (13-of-26) shooting with 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in Creighton's 4 NCAA Tournament games. He had a near double-double in the opening win over N.C. State on March 17 with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists before an 11-point, 7-rebound effort in the win over No. 11 Baylor in round two. He had 10 points and 6 rebounds in the Sweet 16 win over Princeton on March 24 before posting 12 points and 5 rebounds vs. San Diego State on March 26. As a freshman, Kaluma made an immediate impact for a Bluejay squad that won 23 games, reached the finals of the BIG EAST Tournament and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2021-22. He was one of five players to post double figures, averaging 10.4 points on 44.4 percent (124-of-279), including 26.5 percent (27-of-102) from 3-point range, to go with 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 26.8 minutes per game. He had 14 double-digit scoring games, including 2 20-point games, and a double-double. He was twice named BIG EAST Freshman of the Year (Feb. 14 and March 6) as well as to the league's All-Freshman Team. Kaluma once again played well at the right time, scoring BIG EAST All-Tournament honors after averaging 13.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in the Bluejays' 3-game run to the tournament championship game. He had 17 points in the win over No. 11 Providence in the semifinals before a 9-point, 12-rebound effort against No. 8 Villanova in the title game. He averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament, including the 24-point, 12-rebound performance against Kansas in the second round. In addition to Creighton, Kaluma has international experience having played for Uganda in the 2021 AfroBasket and 2023 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers. He averaged 13.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 blocks in helping Uganda to its first quarterfinal appearance at the 2021 AfroBasket, while he averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in a pair of first-round games with Cape Verde and Nigeria in July 2022. Kaluma prepped at Dream City Christian in Glendale, Ariz., where he was a consensus top-50 prospect in 2021. He averaged a near double-double with team-highs in both scoring (24.7 ppg.) and rebounding (9.7 rpg.) in 2020-21, while connecting on 52.5 percent shooting and 72.1 percent from the free throw line. He scored 20 or more points in 13 games, including a season-high 40-point effort against Tennessee Prep. He selected Creighton over offers from Kansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Syracuse, UNLV and USC among others. His older brother,&nbsp;Adam Seiko, just finished his career at San Diego State, where he led the Aztecs to a program-record 120 wins during his 6-year stint (2017-23) capped by trip the NCAA Championship game in 2022-23. Kaluma is the fifth addition to the team for the 2023-24 season, joining Perry and a highly touted 3-man freshman class of&nbsp;Darrin "Dai Dai" Ames&nbsp;(Chicago, Ill.),&nbsp;Robert "R.J." Jones&nbsp;(Denton, Texas)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich&nbsp;(East St. Louis, Ill.), who all signed in November 2022. The newcomers join 6 returners for the Wildcats, which include a pair of 36-game starters in senior Nae'Quan Tomlin&nbsp;(10.4 ppg., 5.9 rpg.) and junior Cam Carter&nbsp;(6.5 ppg., 3.0 rpg.) as well as senior David N'Guessan&nbsp;(6.4 ppg., 3.5 rpg.), who saw action in 29 games with 18 starts in 2022-23. K-State posted a 26-10 overall record, including a tie for third place with an 11-7 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to its 13th&nbsp;Elite Eight in 2022-23 under Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year Jerome Tang.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687373483357.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang&nbsp;continued to build his 2023-24 roster with the signing of 2022 BIG EAST All-Freshman and All-Tournament Team member&nbsp;Arthur Kaluma&nbsp;(Glendale, Ariz./Dream City Christian/Creighton)&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement on Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward, Kaluma arrives at K-State after an impressive 2-year stint (2021-23) at Creighton, where he helped the Bluejays to 47 wins, including 26 in BIG EAST play, a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances (2022, 2023) and the school's first trip to the Elite Eight in 2022-23. In addition to being selected to the BIG EAST All-Freshman and All-Tournament teams in 2021-22, Kaluma was named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Second Team and to the watch list for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award in 2022-23. As a one-time transfer, Kaluma is immediately eligible and will have two years remaining starting in 2023-24. He had applied for early entry into the NBA Draft before withdrawing in late May. Kaluma is the second impactful transfer signed by Tang, joining 2023 Conference USA Player of the Year and NIT Most Outstanding Player&nbsp;Tylor Perry&nbsp;(Fort Coffee, Okla./Spiro/Coffeyville CC/North Texas), who inked with the Wildcats on May 5. Both appear in the top-20 in several transfer rankings, including ESPN and CBS Sports. Kaluma averaged double-figure scoring both seasons at Creighton, totaling 758 points (11.1 ppg.) on 43.3 percent shooting (270-of-624), including 29.1 percent (68-of-234) from 3-point range, and 71.4 percent (150-of-210) from the free throw line in 68 games with 67 starts. He scored in double figures in 40 of his 68 games played, including all 6 NCAA Tournament games highlighted by a 24-point, 12-rebound effort against eventual NCAA champion Kansas in the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament. In 6 career NCAA Tournament games, Kaluma is averaging 13.2 points on 43.6 percent (24-of-55) shooting to go with 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 35.2 minutes per game. In addition to his 40 career double-digit scoring games, Kaluma has posted 4 games of 20 or more points, including a career-high 27 points against future Big 12 foe BYU on Dec. 10, 2022. He also totaled 3 double-doubles, including in back-to-back games against Seton Hall and reigning NCAA champion UCONN this past season. For his Creighton career, Kaluma averaged 11.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.6 blocks in 28.2 minutes per game. This past season, Kaluma started all 37 games for a Bluejay team that won 24 games and advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history, losing to eventual NCAA runner-up San Diego State, 57-56. He was one of 5 players to average double figures, averaging 11.8 points on 42.3 percent (146-of-345) shooting, including 31.1 percent (41-of-132) from 3-point range, to go with 6.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 29.4 minutes per game. He scored double figures in 26 games, including a pair of 20-point games, to go with 2 double-doubles. In addition to BYU, he collected 20 points to go with 9 rebounds in a home win over No. 13 Xavier on Jan. 28. Kaluma ended his sophomore season playing his best basketball, averaging 10.8 points on 50 percent (13-of-26) shooting with 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in Creighton's 4 NCAA Tournament games. He had a near double-double in the opening win over N.C. State on March 17 with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists before an 11-point, 7-rebound effort in the win over No. 11 Baylor in round two. He had 10 points and 6 rebounds in the Sweet 16 win over Princeton on March 24 before posting 12 points and 5 rebounds vs. San Diego State on March 26. As a freshman, Kaluma made an immediate impact for a Bluejay squad that won 23 games, reached the finals of the BIG EAST Tournament and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2021-22. He was one of five players to post double figures, averaging 10.4 points on 44.4 percent (124-of-279), including 26.5 percent (27-of-102) from 3-point range, to go with 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 26.8 minutes per game. He had 14 double-digit scoring games, including 2 20-point games, and a double-double. He was twice named BIG EAST Freshman of the Year (Feb. 14 and March 6) as well as to the league's All-Freshman Team. Kaluma once again played well at the right time, scoring BIG EAST All-Tournament honors after averaging 13.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in the Bluejays' 3-game run to the tournament championship game. He had 17 points in the win over No. 11 Providence in the semifinals before a 9-point, 12-rebound effort against No. 8 Villanova in the title game. He averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament, including the 24-point, 12-rebound performance against Kansas in the second round. In addition to Creighton, Kaluma has international experience having played for Uganda in the 2021 AfroBasket and 2023 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers. He averaged 13.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 blocks in helping Uganda to its first quarterfinal appearance at the 2021 AfroBasket, while he averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in a pair of first-round games with Cape Verde and Nigeria in July 2022. Kaluma prepped at Dream City Christian in Glendale, Ariz., where he was a consensus top-50 prospect in 2021. He averaged a near double-double with team-highs in both scoring (24.7 ppg.) and rebounding (9.7 rpg.) in 2020-21, while connecting on 52.5 percent shooting and 72.1 percent from the free throw line. He scored 20 or more points in 13 games, including a season-high 40-point effort against Tennessee Prep. He selected Creighton over offers from Kansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Syracuse, UNLV and USC among others. His older brother,&nbsp;Adam Seiko, just finished his career at San Diego State, where he led the Aztecs to a program-record 120 wins during his 6-year stint (2017-23) capped by trip the NCAA Championship game in 2022-23. Kaluma is the fifth addition to the team for the 2023-24 season, joining Perry and a highly touted 3-man freshman class of&nbsp;Darrin "Dai Dai" Ames&nbsp;(Chicago, Ill.),&nbsp;Robert "R.J." Jones&nbsp;(Denton, Texas)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich&nbsp;(East St. Louis, Ill.), who all signed in November 2022. The newcomers join 6 returners for the Wildcats, which include a pair of 36-game starters in senior Nae'Quan Tomlin&nbsp;(10.4 ppg., 5.9 rpg.) and junior Cam Carter&nbsp;(6.5 ppg., 3.0 rpg.) as well as senior David N'Guessan&nbsp;(6.4 ppg., 3.5 rpg.), who saw action in 29 games with 18 starts in 2022-23. K-State posted a 26-10 overall record, including a tie for third place with an 11-7 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to its 13th&nbsp;Elite Eight in 2022-23 under Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year Jerome Tang.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tang signs Creighton transfer Arthur Kaluma

Several area players were named to the Sports in Kansas all-state softball teams announced Tuesday.

Hays High junior Aubrey Thomas is named 5A first team All-State by Sports in Kansas. Riley Dreher and Dezerea Schmidt are honorable mention picks… Kaydawn Haag of Ellis and TMP-Marian’s Brooke Koeningsman are first team in 2-1A. The Monarchs Jaci VonLintel and the Railers Myah McCoy and Hannah Schiel are on the second team.

Sports in Kansas has released its annual list (since 2012) of all-state softball player honors along with coach of the year honors. Every KSHSAA team in Kansas is eligible for our honors (this is a media selection list – not to be confused with the coaches association list which is limited to only member coaches teams &amp; their voting). 

Our lists represent every league in the state and nearly every school with some type of representation. Input from media members across the state determine picks, other factors include competition, team success, stats, and all-league. 

The lists are voted on after the completion of the season with final input/capsules from Chet Kuplen and Bethany Bowman. Conor Nicholl provides Sports in Kansas with regular season softball notes and postseason capsules. This is not a recruiting list nor is it based on summer softball, showcases, based only on the 2023 KSHSAA season.

2023 SPORTS IN KANSAS SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR &amp; COACH OF THE YEAR CAPSULES BY CLASS

Sports in Kansas All-Classes &amp; 6A Softball Player of the Year: Madison Walker, Olathe West, Sr.&nbsp;

Walker led Olathe West to the 6A state title with her dominance at the plate. She hit .659 with a .688 on base percentage and 1.545 slugging percentage. Of her 58 hits on the year, 39 were extra base – 18 doubles, 3 triples, and 18 HR. She drove in 71 runs for the Owls and scored 50 herself while striking out just once all season. Walker was successful in all four of her stolen base attempts and posted a fielding percentage of .987 with just one error. Walker now sets her sights on SEC play as she joins the Mizzou Tigers to play collegiately.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 6A Softball Pitcher of the Year: Emmerson Cope, Washburn Rural, Sr.&nbsp;

Cope, who repeats as 6A Pitcher of the Year, put in some serious work in the circle in her senior season, pitching 110 innings. She went 14-3 with a 1.5 ERA, only allowing opponents to hit .177 against her. Cope was just as productive at the plate, hitting .577 with 15 HR on the year. She drove in 43 runs for the Junior Blues, drew 24 walks, and struckout just twice all season long as Washburn Rural finished 6A state runner-up. Next up for Cope is Big 10 softball with the Nebraska Cornhuskers.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 6A Softball Coach of the Year: Cynthia Adams, Olathe West&nbsp;

Adams and the Owls made the most of their first trip to state in just the fifth year of the program’s existence by taking home the state title. Adams, a former Gatorade Player of the Year herself out of Bishop Miege and Wichita State softball standout, led Olathe West to a 24-1 record. The Owls defeated Olathe North, Derby, and Washburn Rural for the 6A state championship.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 5A Softball Player of the Year: Lucy Hooper, Valley Center, Sr.&nbsp;

Hooper repeats as 5A Player of the Year as she helped the Hornets capture back-to-back 5A state titles with her .615 average this season. She tallied 11 doubles with 22 RBI and scored 53 runs in her final season with VC. She also recorded 20 stolen bases and drew 20 walks. Defensively, the senior infielder posted a .935 fielding percentage. Hooper heads to the Big 10 next to play collegiately for the Golden Gophers of Minnesota.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 5A Pitcher of the Year: Taylor Cruse, Basehor Linwood, Sr. &amp; Araceli Rivas, Salina South, Sr.

Cruse was part of a group of seniors that went 67-8 over the last three seasons. The Ohio State signee was 10-1 in the circle this season along with hitting over .500 with six homers and 29 RBI. Cruse was also a first team all-state selection last season from Sports in Kansas. Rivas led 5A in strikeouts this season with 258 along with picking up a first-round win at the state tournament. She was the AVTCL-I pitcher of the year.She had 30 striekouts in the two regional wins, which included a win over then ranked #3 Kapaun Mt. Carmel. She also upset Basehor Linwood (2-1) in the state quarterfinals as her team finished fourth in 5A this season.

Sports in Kansas 5A Softball Coach of the Year: Corey Jones, Valley Center

Longtime head coach Corey Jones, in his 18th season, led the Hornets to a second straight 5A state crown this season. Valley Center finished the season 23-2 and took down Pittsburg, Salina South, and Goddard-Eisenhower to become back-to-back 5A state champions.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 4A Player of the Year: Ashten Pierson, Wamego, Sr.&nbsp;

The senior shortstop led the Lady Raiders to the 4A state title with her .551 batting average at the plate and .957 fielding percentage on defense. Pierson drove in 27 runs and scored 32 herself while blasting four home runs on the year. She struck out just twice in her senior season and swiped 15 bags for Wamego. Pierson now heads to D1 Creighton University to continue her career in the Big East.

Sports in Kansas All-Classes &amp; 4A Pitcher of the Year: Peyton Hardenburger, Soph.

Hardenburger, a sophomore, was a perfect 11-0 in the circle this season for the 4A state champion Lady Raiders with a phenomenal .184 ERA. She struckout 182 in 76 innings and threw five no-hitters on the season. Opponents hit just .075 against her. Hardenburger was a big part of the Lady Raiders’ offense too, hitting .500 with eight doubles, two triples, two home- runs, and 22 RBI.&nbsp; Hardenburger was also the all-classes pitcher of the year after her two no hitters on championship Friday in the semifinals and finals. It’s hard to top the postseason that Hardenburger had in the history of high school pitching in the state of Kansas.

Sports in Kansas 4A Softball Coach of the Year: Luke Meyer, Wamego

Meyer led the Lady Raiders to a 20-1 record and the second state title in three seasons. He is in his 5th season at the helm. Since the 2020 Covid canceled season, Meyer has posted an impressive 63-8 record with Wamego. The Red Raiders defeated Rock Creek, Eudora, and McPherson for this year’s state title.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 3A Player of the Year: Kaelee Washington, Santa Fe Trail, Jr.&nbsp;

Washington, who was last seasons pitcher of the year in 3A was every bit as impressive on offense this year as her pitching so she isn’t being just honored as a pitcher this year, shes taking home top honors as the best overall two-way player in 3A this season for 3A state runner-up Sante Fe Trail. A two-way star for the Chargers, she went 14-2 in the circle, pitching 112 innings this season and striking out 254. Washington posted a .812 ERA and opponents hit just .113 against her. Offensively, she hit .530 with 12 doubles, six triples, and four home runs. 30 runs batted in were attributed to Washington as well as 37 runs scored. Washington is staying in state to play softball for the University of Kansas next season.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 3A Pitcher of the Year: Brinley Dyche, Rossville &nbsp;

Dyche had a huge senior season in leading Rossville to a state championship in 3A. She had five shutouts on the year along with 105 strikeouts with a 11-3 record in what many say is the most competitive top to bottom division of softball in the state. Dyche also played against against one of, if not, the best schedule in 3A. Rossville split with 4A champion Wamego, beat SFT twice this season and knocked out Silver Lake in the regionals. They also had St. Marys and Rock Creek on their schedule in the regular season. Dyche picked up all three wins at the 2023 state tournament.

Sports in Kansas 3A Softball Coach of the Year: John Nitsch, Rossville

A Bulldawg alum, Nitsch led Rossville to the program’s first state title since 2000. He has coached softball at some level for 25+ years. Rossville took 4th at state in 2022. Finishing 20-4 overall this season, Rossville defeated Columbus, Southeast of Saline, and Santa Fe Trail for the 3A state championship.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 2-1A Player of the Year: Dani Lee, McLouth Soph.&nbsp;

Lee, just a sophomore, helped McLouth softball claim its first ever state title. She excelled at both the plate and in the circle, hitting .620 with 27 extra base hits. She logged 11 home runs and drove in 62 runs. In the circle, Lee struckout 118 and walked only six in 51 innings pitched. She gave up just one earned run on the year, making her ERA an incredible .137.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 2-1A Pitcher of the Year: Corissa Bandel, McLouth Sr.&nbsp;

Bandel, a senior, pitched 74 innings and led 26-0 McLouth to wins in all 14 of her starts in the circle. She struck out 169 on the year while giving up 15 hits, six earned runs, and three walks. Bandel was also a big part of the offense, hitting .447 with 14 RBI, scoring 44 runs, and stealing 26 bases. She will continue her softball career collegiately at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas All-Classes 2-1A Softball Coach of the Year: Ballard Patterson, McLouth

Patterson, who has been at McLouth since 1992, including 15-plus as head softball coach, led the Bulldogs to a perfect 26-0 record. In 2019, McLouth renamed the softball complex “Patterson Field,” a tribute to Patterson’s tremendous impact on the program.&nbsp; McLouth defeated Hillsboro, Ell Saline, and St. Marys in the 2-1A state tournament for the crown.

2023 Sports in Kansas 5A All-State Softball First Team P- Taylor Cruse, Basehor Linwood, Sr. P- Tori Turner, Valley Center, Sr. P- Aracelli Rivas, Salina South, Sr. P- Audrey Rumsey, Eisenhower Sr. IF- Maci George, Valley Center, Sr. IF- Aspen Burgardt, Seaman, Sr. IF- Lucy Hooper, Valley Center, Sr. IF- Kory Schoenfeld, Bishop Carroll, Sr. &nbsp; IF- Mila Seaton, Basehor Linwood, Sr. IF- Maci George, Valley Center, Sr. OF- Isabella Rollo, Basehor Linwood, Sr. OF- Gabby Salazar, Piper, Jr. OF- Aubree Thomas, Hays, Jr OF- Aubrey Perry, Valley Center, Fr. C- Karlee Ford, Eisenhower, Jr. C- Kylie Brockman, Piper, Sr. Util/DP- Cambpell Riordan, Bishop Carroll Jr. Util/DP- Megan Johnston, Pittsburg, Soph. Util/DP- Sykora Smith, Valley Center, Sr.

Second Team P-Allyson Orth, Bishop Carroll, Fr. P- Addison Hassett, Bonner Springs, Jr. P- Brielle Dee, Spring Hill, Sr. P- Grace Proctor, Shawnee Heights, Soph. P- Kaelyn O’Rourke, Seaman, Soph. P- Karli George, Eisenhower, Soph. IF- Kennedy Topping, Maize, Sr. IF- Sage Grann, Piper, Jr. IF- Lainie Burkhart, Eisenhower, Sr. IF- Ayanna Jennings, Ark City, Sr. IF- Taylor Brees, Shawnee Heights, Soph.| IF- Mya January, Spring Hill, Jr. IF- Kali Terry, Pittsburg, Jr. OF- Maci Kratzer, Maize South, Sr.|OF- Paige Glasgow, Seaman, Jr. OF- Ainslea Cross, Valley Center, Sr. OF- Brodie Christenson, Andover, Soph. OF- Lauren McNaught, Eisenhwoer, SR. OF- Lily Martin, Bishop Carrell, Soph. C- Kiersten Jones, Bishop Carroll, Fr. C- Maddie Burdick, Pittsburg, Jr. C- Lizzy Lassley, Maize South, Soph. Util/DP- Grace Rose, Basehor Linwood, Sr. Util/DP- Madi Jennings, Ark City, Jr.| Util/DP- Wren VanCleave, Bonner Springs, Sr.

Sports in Kansas Class 5A All-State Honorable Mention Marisa Johnston – De Soto, Teelie Super – Bonner Springs, Roary Hunziker – Pittsburg, Karli George – Eisenhower, Sophie Stockham – Maize South, Brynley Smith – Maize, Maia Djourvic – Maize, Camdyn Stucky – Maize South, Jenna Sokoll – Maize South, Grace Swart – Maize, Lauren Davis – Hutchinson, Abby Koontz – Newton, Addison Copeland – Salina South, Sadie Marciano – Hutchinson, Reese Mczcord – Newton, Maliyah Koster – Salina South, Madlilynn Crough – Salina Central, Khloe Perkins – Goddard, Kaylee Facis – Andover Central, Natalie Klenda – Goddard, Haley Ziser – Andover, Kennedy Johnson – Valley Center, Taverli Tennant – Ark City, Sadie Bowyer – Goddard, Ally Hamblin – Goddard, Tyler Vidricksen – Salina Central, Riley Baber – BV Southwest, Kelsie Schenk – Aquinas, Gianna Lickel – St. James, Bailey Webber-&nbsp; BV Southwest, Charlotte Teddy – Aquinas, Annika Jaworski – Aquinas, Riley Kerwin – St. James, Karter Skillman – BV Southwest, Sophie Lipp – Aquinas, Myah Price – St. James, Megan White – Kapaun, Kylie Cartwright – Kapaun, Charlie Hoffman – Kapaun, Isabella Pfannenstiel – Bishop Carroll, Koralee Jones – Highland Park, Mya Russell – Pittsburg, Marisa Johnson – DE Soto, Adamda Knutson – Basehor Linwood, Ally Millard – Shawnee Heights, Jayden Hanna – Turner, Jersey Jellison – Seaman, Emma Moppin – Piper, Maddie Reynolds – De Soto, Ashlynn Jaccard – Lansing, Addison Callaway – Lansing, Ainsley Yoakam – Lansing, Paradise Wright – Leavewworth, Abbie Richards – Basehor Linwood, Rosalie Schnieer – Seaman, Karlyn Bowman – Shawnee Heights, DeShawna Bryant – Great Bend, Riley Dreher – Hays, Dezarae Schmidt – Hays, Paige Thexton – Great Bend, Kaleigh Small – Basehor Linwood, Mallory Pabst – Eisenhower, Brookelyn Webb- Salina South, Baylee Brin – Salina South, Emily Anderson – Salina South, Madison Yost – Salina South, Lily Bartley – Salina South, Delaney Hill – Spring Hill, Nora Burrell – Spring Hill, Olivia Farley – Spring Hill, Emma Taylor – Valley Center.

2023 Sports in Kansas 2-1A All-State Softball First Team P- Corissa Bandel, Mclouth, Sr. P- Paityn Engemann, Troy, Sr. P- Lily SInghdillon, St. Marys, Sr. P- Pilar Cox, Bluestem, Soph. P- Shelby Underwood, NE-Arma, Jr. P- Gracee Willard, Jayhawk Linn, Sr. IF- Kaydawn Haag, Ellis, Jr. IF- Aydin Deeter, Lyndon Jr. IF- Brooke Koenigsman, TMP, Soph. IF- Jillian Holwick, McLouth, Sr. IF- Emerson Weber, Troy, Soph. OF- Keyauna Worrell, Bluestem, Jr. OF- Harper Whetstine, Troy, Fr. OF- Cresinda Bandel, McLouth, Soph. C- Sophia Reyes, Bluestem, Jr. C- Anna Patz, McLouth, Jr. C- Kyplee Jacobson, Mission Valley, Soph. C- Halie Feikert, Bucklin, Sr. Util/DP- Dani Lee, McLouth, Soph. Util/DP- Avery Stindt, Republic County, Sr. Util/DP- Akyra Traver, MDCV, Fr.

Second Team P-Jhayla Alogjacin, Medicine Lodge, Jr. P- Shay Toon, West Elk, Sr. P- Emily Durst, Moundridge, Sr. P- Sydney Sorum, Flinthills, Jr. IF- Jaci VonLinten, TMP, Sr. IF- Madison Holt, Sedan, Sr. IF- Allie Wesley, Bluestem, Sr.| IF- Melany Chrisjohn, Central Heights, Sr. IF- Erykah Hayes, Central Heights, Sr. IF- Adi Alcala, Canton-Galva, Fr. IF- Callie Holt, Jayhawk Linn, Soph. IF- Myah McCoy, Ellis, Sr. IF- Taelor Hardesty, Ell Saline, Soph. OF- Lani Richards, Ell Saline, Sr. OF- Bailey Brockus, Central Heights, Sr. OF- Paige Martin, Mission Valley, Sr. C- Lexi Yarnell, NE-Arma, Soph. C- Renay Myers, Valley Falls, Jr. C- Hannah Schiel, Ellis, Jr. C- Brenna Smith, St. Marys, Jr. Util/DP- Kim Garcia, Spearville, Sr. Util/DP- Mieka Crump, Central Heights, Sr. Util/DP- Catherine Moylan, St. Marys, Sr.

Sports in Kansas 2-1A All-State Honorable Mention Bridget Mohr – Bluestem, Halle Studer – Riverside, Kori Arnold – Hillsboro, Josie Walker – Belle Plaine, Ava Wilson – Colgan, Olivia Brill – Colgan, Madyson Kraus – Mission Valley, Aracely Crump – Central Heights, Gabby Norris – Ell Saline, Maya Werner – Sedgwick, Kindall Elmore – Moundridge, Carley Willhelm – Marion, Ella Bowling – Remington, Brin Hecker – Ell Saline, Tessa Mendoza – Marion, Morgan Williams – Sedgwick, Aubree Durst- Moundridge, Joee Hurley – Inman, Breane Williams -Marion, Bella Brillhart – Elkhart, Hallie Waldron – Stanton County, Alexandra Crook – Burlingame, Abi Jones – Lebo/Waverly, Grace Simmons – Burlingame, Saige Hadley – Lebo/Waverly, Olivia Lacey – MDCV, Joselyn Simmons – Burlingame, Kate Wagner – Lebo/Waverly, Brooklyn Jones – Lebo/Waverly, Isabelle Masters – Burlingame, Jenna Moon – Burlingame, Drew Haag – Southern Lyon Co., Ava Meinhardt – Wabaunsee, Haidyn Fink – St. Marys, Annie Wright – Wabaunsee, Maegan Torrey – Sacred Heart, Elizabeth Subelka – Jeff County North, Maddie Forant – Jeff County North, Baylee Kern – Pleasant Ridge, Korie Kirkwood – Valley Falls, Lydia Turner – Oskaloosa, Mya King – Oskaloosa, Somer Wyatt – Oskaloosa, Anna Westhoff – Colgan, Kelsi Ko – Pleasant Ridge, Elizabeth Holloway – McLouth, Jordan Piche – Pleasant Ridge, Meryn Came – Ell Saline, Cassidy Bernhardt – Hillsboro, Keeley Brewer – Hillsboro, Keitra Edwards – Hillsboro, Kirsten Kluver – Hillsboro, Sophia Bain – Oxford, Fayth Catlin – Oxford, Paige Corter – Flinthills, Jacie Cummings – Sedan, Addison Heater – South Sumner, Kayla Knapp – Udall, Ashley Kunath – Sedan, Emily Long – Central Burden, Eva Navrat – Oxford, Laura Scribner – Flinthills, Harlee Town – West Elk, Gracie Webb CV/Dexter, Treva Williams – Oxford, &nbsp;Makaila Gillispie – West Elk, Melody Holt – Sedan, Riley Coulter – Uniontown, J. Harris – St. Paul, Lexi Yarnell – NE Arma, Kenzie Nation – Jayhawk Linn, Callyn Miller – Yates Center, Kylee Johnston – Oswego, Destiny Hagan – NE Arma, Sophia Albertini – St. Paul, Molly Proper – Yates Center, Callie Holt – Jayhawk Linn, Emily Greenway – Uniontown, Kayla Hermreck – Colony-Crest, Skyler Hopper – Erie, Jordan Friesen – Canton-Galva/EC, Jailyn Miller – Little River, Kinsley Wholetz – Little River, Jayden Ortth – Canton Galva/EC, Karsyn Jacobson – Medicine Lodge, Avalon theis – Medicine Lodge, Teresas Collins – Medicine Lodge, Kaycee Singhdhillon – St. Marys, Tawney Krominga – Spearville, Emmerson Kirk – Bucklin.

Several area players were named to the Sports in Kansas all-state softball teams announced Tuesday.Hays High junior Aubrey Thomas is named 5A first team All-State by Sports in Kansas. Riley Dreher and Dezerea Schmidt are honorable mention picks… Kaydawn Haag of Ellis and TMP-Marian’s Brooke Koeningsman are first team in 2-1A. The Monarchs Jaci VonLintel and the Railers Myah McCoy and Hannah Schiel are on the second team.Sports in Kansas ReleaseSports in Kansas has released its annual list (since 2012) of all-state softball player honors along with coach of the year honors. Every KSHSAA team in Kansas is eligible for our honors (this is a media selection list – not to be confused with the coaches association list which is limited to only member coaches teams &amp; their voting). Our lists represent every league in the state and nearly every school with some type of representation. Input from media members across the state determine picks, other factors include competition, team success, stats, and all-league. The lists are voted on after the completion of the season with final input/capsules from Chet Kuplen and Bethany Bowman. Conor Nicholl provides Sports in Kansas with regular season softball notes and postseason capsules. This is not a recruiting list nor is it based on summer softball, showcases, based only on the 2023 KSHSAA season.2023 SPORTS IN KANSAS SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR &amp; COACH OF THE YEAR CAPSULES BY CLASSSports in Kansas All-Classes &amp; 6A Softball Player of the Year: Madison Walker, Olathe West, Sr.&nbsp;Walker led Olathe West to the 6A state title with her dominance at the plate. She hit .659 with a .688 on base percentage and 1.545 slugging percentage. Of her 58 hits on the year, 39 were extra base – 18 doubles, 3 triples, and 18 HR. She drove in 71 runs for the Owls and scored 50 herself while striking out just once all season. Walker was successful in all four of her stolen base attempts and posted a fielding percentage of .987 with just one error. Walker now sets her sights on SEC play as she joins the Mizzou Tigers to play collegiately.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 6A Softball Pitcher of the Year: Emmerson Cope, Washburn Rural, Sr.&nbsp;Cope, who repeats as 6A Pitcher of the Year, put in some serious work in the circle in her senior season, pitching 110 innings. She went 14-3 with a 1.5 ERA, only allowing opponents to hit .177 against her. Cope was just as productive at the plate, hitting .577 with 15 HR on the year. She drove in 43 runs for the Junior Blues, drew 24 walks, and struckout just twice all season long as Washburn Rural finished 6A state runner-up. Next up for Cope is Big 10 softball with the Nebraska Cornhuskers.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 6A Softball Coach of the Year: Cynthia Adams, Olathe West&nbsp;Adams and the Owls made the most of their first trip to state in just the fifth year of the program’s existence by taking home the state title. Adams, a former Gatorade Player of the Year herself out of Bishop Miege and Wichita State softball standout, led Olathe West to a 24-1 record. The Owls defeated Olathe North, Derby, and Washburn Rural for the 6A state championship.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 5A Softball Player of the Year: Lucy Hooper, Valley Center, Sr.&nbsp;Hooper repeats as 5A Player of the Year as she helped the Hornets capture back-to-back 5A state titles with her .615 average this season. She tallied 11 doubles with 22 RBI and scored 53 runs in her final season with VC. She also recorded 20 stolen bases and drew 20 walks. Defensively, the senior infielder posted a .935 fielding percentage. Hooper heads to the Big 10 next to play collegiately for the Golden Gophers of Minnesota.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 5A Pitcher of the Year: Taylor Cruse, Basehor Linwood, Sr. &amp; Araceli Rivas, Salina South, Sr.Cruse was part of a group of seniors that went 67-8 over the last three seasons. The Ohio State signee was 10-1 in the circle this season along with hitting over .500 with six homers and 29 RBI. Cruse was also a first team all-state selection last season from Sports in Kansas. Rivas led 5A in strikeouts this season with 258 along with picking up a first-round win at the state tournament. She was the AVTCL-I pitcher of the year.She had 30 striekouts in the two regional wins, which included a win over then ranked #3 Kapaun Mt. Carmel. She also upset Basehor Linwood (2-1) in the state quarterfinals as her team finished fourth in 5A this season.Sports in Kansas 5A Softball Coach of the Year: Corey Jones, Valley CenterLongtime head coach Corey Jones, in his 18th season, led the Hornets to a second straight 5A state crown this season. Valley Center finished the season 23-2 and took down Pittsburg, Salina South, and Goddard-Eisenhower to become back-to-back 5A state champions.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 4A Player of the Year: Ashten Pierson, Wamego, Sr.&nbsp;The senior shortstop led the Lady Raiders to the 4A state title with her .551 batting average at the plate and .957 fielding percentage on defense. Pierson drove in 27 runs and scored 32 herself while blasting four home runs on the year. She struck out just twice in her senior season and swiped 15 bags for Wamego. Pierson now heads to D1 Creighton University to continue her career in the Big East.Sports in Kansas All-Classes &amp; 4A Pitcher of the Year: Peyton Hardenburger, Soph.Hardenburger, a sophomore, was a perfect 11-0 in the circle this season for the 4A state champion Lady Raiders with a phenomenal .184 ERA. She struckout 182 in 76 innings and threw five no-hitters on the season. Opponents hit just .075 against her. Hardenburger was a big part of the Lady Raiders’ offense too, hitting .500 with eight doubles, two triples, two home- runs, and 22 RBI.&nbsp; Hardenburger was also the all-classes pitcher of the year after her two no hitters on championship Friday in the semifinals and finals. It’s hard to top the postseason that Hardenburger had in the history of high school pitching in the state of Kansas.Sports in Kansas 4A Softball Coach of the Year: Luke Meyer, WamegoMeyer led the Lady Raiders to a 20-1 record and the second state title in three seasons. He is in his 5th season at the helm. Since the 2020 Covid canceled season, Meyer has posted an impressive 63-8 record with Wamego. The Red Raiders defeated Rock Creek, Eudora, and McPherson for this year’s state title.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 3A Player of the Year: Kaelee Washington, Santa Fe Trail, Jr.&nbsp;Washington, who was last seasons pitcher of the year in 3A was every bit as impressive on offense this year as her pitching so she isn’t being just honored as a pitcher this year, shes taking home top honors as the best overall two-way player in 3A this season for 3A state runner-up Sante Fe Trail. A two-way star for the Chargers, she went 14-2 in the circle, pitching 112 innings this season and striking out 254. Washington posted a .812 ERA and opponents hit just .113 against her. Offensively, she hit .530 with 12 doubles, six triples, and four home runs. 30 runs batted in were attributed to Washington as well as 37 runs scored. Washington is staying in state to play softball for the University of Kansas next season.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 3A Pitcher of the Year: Brinley Dyche, Rossville &nbsp;Dyche had a huge senior season in leading Rossville to a state championship in 3A. She had five shutouts on the year along with 105 strikeouts with a 11-3 record in what many say is the most competitive top to bottom division of softball in the state. Dyche also played against against one of, if not, the best schedule in 3A. Rossville split with 4A champion Wamego, beat SFT twice this season and knocked out Silver Lake in the regionals. They also had St. Marys and Rock Creek on their schedule in the regular season. Dyche picked up all three wins at the 2023 state tournament.Sports in Kansas 3A Softball Coach of the Year: John Nitsch, RossvilleA Bulldawg alum, Nitsch led Rossville to the program’s first state title since 2000. He has coached softball at some level for 25+ years. Rossville took 4th at state in 2022. Finishing 20-4 overall this season, Rossville defeated Columbus, Southeast of Saline, and Santa Fe Trail for the 3A state championship.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 2-1A Player of the Year: Dani Lee, McLouth Soph.&nbsp;Lee, just a sophomore, helped McLouth softball claim its first ever state title. She excelled at both the plate and in the circle, hitting .620 with 27 extra base hits. She logged 11 home runs and drove in 62 runs. In the circle, Lee struckout 118 and walked only six in 51 innings pitched. She gave up just one earned run on the year, making her ERA an incredible .137.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 2-1A Pitcher of the Year: Corissa Bandel, McLouth Sr.&nbsp;Bandel, a senior, pitched 74 innings and led 26-0 McLouth to wins in all 14 of her starts in the circle. She struck out 169 on the year while giving up 15 hits, six earned runs, and three walks. Bandel was also a big part of the offense, hitting .447 with 14 RBI, scoring 44 runs, and stealing 26 bases. She will continue her softball career collegiately at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas All-Classes 2-1A Softball Coach of the Year: Ballard Patterson, McLouthPatterson, who has been at McLouth since 1992, including 15-plus as head softball coach, led the Bulldogs to a perfect 26-0 record. In 2019, McLouth renamed the softball complex “Patterson Field,” a tribute to Patterson’s tremendous impact on the program.&nbsp; McLouth defeated Hillsboro, Ell Saline, and St. Marys in the 2-1A state tournament for the crown.2023 Sports in Kansas 5A All-State Softball First Team P- Taylor Cruse, Basehor Linwood, Sr. P- Tori Turner, Valley Center, Sr. P- Aracelli Rivas, Salina South, Sr. P- Audrey Rumsey, Eisenhower Sr. IF- Maci George, Valley Center, Sr. IF- Aspen Burgardt, Seaman, Sr. IF- Lucy Hooper, Valley Center, Sr. IF- Kory Schoenfeld, Bishop Carroll, Sr. &nbsp; IF- Mila Seaton, Basehor Linwood, Sr. IF- Maci George, Valley Center, Sr. OF- Isabella Rollo, Basehor Linwood, Sr. OF- Gabby Salazar, Piper, Jr. OF- Aubree Thomas, Hays, Jr OF- Aubrey Perry, Valley Center, Fr. C- Karlee Ford, Eisenhower, Jr. C- Kylie Brockman, Piper, Sr. Util/DP- Cambpell Riordan, Bishop Carroll Jr. Util/DP- Megan Johnston, Pittsburg, Soph. Util/DP- Sykora Smith, Valley Center, Sr.Second Team P-Allyson Orth, Bishop Carroll, Fr. P- Addison Hassett, Bonner Springs, Jr. P- Brielle Dee, Spring Hill, Sr. P- Grace Proctor, Shawnee Heights, Soph. P- Kaelyn O’Rourke, Seaman, Soph. P- Karli George, Eisenhower, Soph. IF- Kennedy Topping, Maize, Sr. IF- Sage Grann, Piper, Jr. IF- Lainie Burkhart, Eisenhower, Sr. IF- Ayanna Jennings, Ark City, Sr. IF- Taylor Brees, Shawnee Heights, Soph.| IF- Mya January, Spring Hill, Jr. IF- Kali Terry, Pittsburg, Jr. OF- Maci Kratzer, Maize South, Sr.|OF- Paige Glasgow, Seaman, Jr. OF- Ainslea Cross, Valley Center, Sr. OF- Brodie Christenson, Andover, Soph. OF- Lauren McNaught, Eisenhwoer, SR. OF- Lily Martin, Bishop Carrell, Soph. C- Kiersten Jones, Bishop Carroll, Fr. C- Maddie Burdick, Pittsburg, Jr. C- Lizzy Lassley, Maize South, Soph. Util/DP- Grace Rose, Basehor Linwood, Sr. Util/DP- Madi Jennings, Ark City, Jr.| Util/DP- Wren VanCleave, Bonner Springs, Sr.Sports in Kansas Class 5A All-State Honorable Mention Marisa Johnston – De Soto, Teelie Super – Bonner Springs, Roary Hunziker – Pittsburg, Karli George – Eisenhower, Sophie Stockham – Maize South, Brynley Smith – Maize, Maia Djourvic – Maize, Camdyn Stucky – Maize South, Jenna Sokoll – Maize South, Grace Swart – Maize, Lauren Davis – Hutchinson, Abby Koontz – Newton, Addison Copeland – Salina South, Sadie Marciano – Hutchinson, Reese Mczcord – Newton, Maliyah Koster – Salina South, Madlilynn Crough – Salina Central, Khloe Perkins – Goddard, Kaylee Facis – Andover Central, Natalie Klenda – Goddard, Haley Ziser – Andover, Kennedy Johnson – Valley Center, Taverli Tennant – Ark City, Sadie Bowyer – Goddard, Ally Hamblin – Goddard, Tyler Vidricksen – Salina Central, Riley Baber – BV Southwest, Kelsie Schenk – Aquinas, Gianna Lickel – St. James, Bailey Webber-&nbsp; BV Southwest, Charlotte Teddy – Aquinas, Annika Jaworski – Aquinas, Riley Kerwin – St. James, Karter Skillman – BV Southwest, Sophie Lipp – Aquinas, Myah Price – St. James, Megan White – Kapaun, Kylie Cartwright – Kapaun, Charlie Hoffman – Kapaun, Isabella Pfannenstiel – Bishop Carroll, Koralee Jones – Highland Park, Mya Russell – Pittsburg, Marisa Johnson – DE Soto, Adamda Knutson – Basehor Linwood, Ally Millard – Shawnee Heights, Jayden Hanna – Turner, Jersey Jellison – Seaman, Emma Moppin – Piper, Maddie Reynolds – De Soto, Ashlynn Jaccard – Lansing, Addison Callaway – Lansing, Ainsley Yoakam – Lansing, Paradise Wright – Leavewworth, Abbie Richards – Basehor Linwood, Rosalie Schnieer – Seaman, Karlyn Bowman – Shawnee Heights, DeShawna Bryant – Great Bend, Riley Dreher – Hays, Dezarae Schmidt – Hays, Paige Thexton – Great Bend, Kaleigh Small – Basehor Linwood, Mallory Pabst – Eisenhower, Brookelyn Webb- Salina South, Baylee Brin – Salina South, Emily Anderson – Salina South, Madison Yost – Salina South, Lily Bartley – Salina South, Delaney Hill – Spring Hill, Nora Burrell – Spring Hill, Olivia Farley – Spring Hill, Emma Taylor – Valley Center.2023 Sports in Kansas 2-1A All-State Softball First Team P- Corissa Bandel, Mclouth, Sr. P- Paityn Engemann, Troy, Sr. P- Lily SInghdillon, St. Marys, Sr. P- Pilar Cox, Bluestem, Soph. P- Shelby Underwood, NE-Arma, Jr. P- Gracee Willard, Jayhawk Linn, Sr. IF- Kaydawn Haag, Ellis, Jr. IF- Aydin Deeter, Lyndon Jr. IF- Brooke Koenigsman, TMP, Soph. IF- Jillian Holwick, McLouth, Sr. IF- Emerson Weber, Troy, Soph. OF- Keyauna Worrell, Bluestem, Jr. OF- Harper Whetstine, Troy, Fr. OF- Cresinda Bandel, McLouth, Soph. C- Sophia Reyes, Bluestem, Jr. C- Anna Patz, McLouth, Jr. C- Kyplee Jacobson, Mission Valley, Soph. C- Halie Feikert, Bucklin, Sr. Util/DP- Dani Lee, McLouth, Soph. Util/DP- Avery Stindt, Republic County, Sr. Util/DP- Akyra Traver, MDCV, Fr.Second Team P-Jhayla Alogjacin, Medicine Lodge, Jr. P- Shay Toon, West Elk, Sr. P- Emily Durst, Moundridge, Sr. P- Sydney Sorum, Flinthills, Jr. IF- Jaci VonLinten, TMP, Sr. IF- Madison Holt, Sedan, Sr. IF- Allie Wesley, Bluestem, Sr.| IF- Melany Chrisjohn, Central Heights, Sr. IF- Erykah Hayes, Central Heights, Sr. IF- Adi Alcala, Canton-Galva, Fr. IF- Callie Holt, Jayhawk Linn, Soph. IF- Myah McCoy, Ellis, Sr. IF- Taelor Hardesty, Ell Saline, Soph. OF- Lani Richards, Ell Saline, Sr. OF- Bailey Brockus, Central Heights, Sr. OF- Paige Martin, Mission Valley, Sr. C- Lexi Yarnell, NE-Arma, Soph. C- Renay Myers, Valley Falls, Jr. C- Hannah Schiel, Ellis, Jr. C- Brenna Smith, St. Marys, Jr. Util/DP- Kim Garcia, Spearville, Sr. Util/DP- Mieka Crump, Central Heights, Sr. Util/DP- Catherine Moylan, St. Marys, Sr.Sports in Kansas 2-1A All-State Honorable Mention Bridget Mohr – Bluestem, Halle Studer – Riverside, Kori Arnold – Hillsboro, Josie Walker – Belle Plaine, Ava Wilson – Colgan, Olivia Brill – Colgan, Madyson Kraus – Mission Valley, Aracely Crump – Central Heights, Gabby Norris – Ell Saline, Maya Werner – Sedgwick, Kindall Elmore – Moundridge, Carley Willhelm – Marion, Ella Bowling – Remington, Brin Hecker – Ell Saline, Tessa Mendoza – Marion, Morgan Williams – Sedgwick, Aubree Durst- Moundridge, Joee Hurley – Inman, Breane Williams -Marion, Bella Brillhart – Elkhart, Hallie Waldron – Stanton County, Alexandra Crook – Burlingame, Abi Jones – Lebo/Waverly, Grace Simmons – Burlingame, Saige Hadley – Lebo/Waverly, Olivia Lacey – MDCV, Joselyn Simmons – Burlingame, Kate Wagner – Lebo/Waverly, Brooklyn Jones – Lebo/Waverly, Isabelle Masters – Burlingame, Jenna Moon – Burlingame, Drew Haag – Southern Lyon Co., Ava Meinhardt – Wabaunsee, Haidyn Fink – St. Marys, Annie Wright – Wabaunsee, Maegan Torrey – Sacred Heart, Elizabeth Subelka – Jeff County North, Maddie Forant – Jeff County North, Baylee Kern – Pleasant Ridge, Korie Kirkwood – Valley Falls, Lydia Turner – Oskaloosa, Mya King – Oskaloosa, Somer Wyatt – Oskaloosa, Anna Westhoff – Colgan, Kelsi Ko – Pleasant Ridge, Elizabeth Holloway – McLouth, Jordan Piche – Pleasant Ridge, Meryn Came – Ell Saline, Cassidy Bernhardt – Hillsboro, Keeley Brewer – Hillsboro, Keitra Edwards – Hillsboro, Kirsten Kluver – Hillsboro, Sophia Bain – Oxford, Fayth Catlin – Oxford, Paige Corter – Flinthills, Jacie Cummings – Sedan, Addison Heater – South Sumner, Kayla Knapp – Udall, Ashley Kunath – Sedan, Emily Long – Central Burden, Eva Navrat – Oxford, Laura Scribner – Flinthills, Harlee Town – West Elk, Gracie Webb CV/Dexter, Treva Williams – Oxford, &nbsp;Makaila Gillispie – West Elk, Melody Holt – Sedan, Riley Coulter – Uniontown, J. Harris – St. Paul, Lexi Yarnell – NE Arma, Kenzie Nation – Jayhawk Linn, Callyn Miller – Yates Center, Kylee Johnston – Oswego, Destiny Hagan – NE Arma, Sophia Albertini – St. Paul, Molly Proper – Yates Center, Callie Holt – Jayhawk Linn, Emily Greenway – Uniontown, Kayla Hermreck – Colony-Crest, Skyler Hopper – Erie, Jordan Friesen – Canton-Galva/EC, Jailyn Miller – Little River, Kinsley Wholetz – Little River, Jayden Ortth – Canton Galva/EC, Karsyn Jacobson – Medicine Lodge, Avalon theis – Medicine Lodge, Teresas Collins – Medicine Lodge, Kaycee Singhdhillon – St. Marys, Tawney Krominga – Spearville, Emmerson Kirk – Bucklin.

🥎 Area players named to Sports in Kansas All-State team

By DAVE HOGG Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Daniel Lynch allowed one hit over seven innings for his first major league win in almost 11 months, and the struggling Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 on Tuesday night.

Kansas City had lost 12 of 13. Matt Beaty, making his first start for the Royals, drove in the only run with a sixth-inning double.

Beaty was drafted by the Royals in 2011, but chose to attend Belmont University. He joined them on a minor league contract this spring, but was traded to the Giants before opening day. He was designated for assignment by San Francisco and signed another minor league deal with the Royals last week before getting called up Sunday.

“This is certainly a full-circle moment for me,” Beaty said. “This is the team that drafted me out of high school and these are the guys I was playing with in spring training. It means a lot to be here and get the opportunity to help them win a game.”

Aroldis Chapman walked the bases loaded in the eighth, but Spencer Torkelson grounded into an inning-ending force at second.

Javier Báez doubled with one out in the ninth for Detroit, but Scott Barlow retired the next two hitters for his eighth save, completing the two-hitter.

The Tigers were shut out for the 10th time this season and the sixth time in their last 20 games.

“We obviously didn't get anything going at all against Lynch,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He gave the ball to two very good relievers, and we fought for some chances against them, but we never got anything done.”

Lynch (1-3) had gone 0-9 in 15 starts since beating the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 1 last year. He struck out two and walked two. The only hit off him was Andy Ibañez's one-out single in the fourth.

Lynch threw 78 pitches — the second-fewest for a pitcher throwing seven shutout innings this season. Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen threw 76 against the Yankees on May 11.

“The defense was great and (Salvador Perez) was calling an outstanding game,” Lynch said. “I was just being aggressive in the zone and it got us some quick outs.”

Tigers starter Michael Lorenzen (2-5) permitted one run on six hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out seven and stranded eight runners.

“I was trying to keep my mind quiet and not do too much,” said Lorenzen, who allowed four infield singles, including three that were misplayed by teammates. “I'm just trying to pick up our guys and get outs.”

The Royals had a chance in the first, but second baseman Zack Short threw out Nick Pratto at the plate when he tried to score from second on an infield single.

Kansas City left six runners on base in the first four innings. In the sixth, Maikel Garcia singled and went to second on a wild pitch before scoring on Beaty's double.

Tigers LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (finger) threw a bullpen and is scheduled to face hitters on Saturday. Two more of Detroit's injured starters, LHP Tarik Skubal (elbow) and RHP Matt Manning (foot), are set to make rehab starts this week for Triple-A Toledo.

With a game-time temperature of 84 degrees and an air quality in the high-moderate range, Lynch and Lorenzen were both working as quickly as possible. The first seven innings were played in just more than 90 minutes and the game ended in 2:11 — 21 minutes before sunset in Detroit.

“That was definitely a hot one, especially since I pitch in (long) sleeves,” Lorenzen said. “It was easy to get into a rhythm, because we were going so fast.”

The teams finish their three-game series Wednesday afternoon, with Detroit LHP Matthew Boyd (4-5, 5.60 ERA) facing RHP Brady Singer (4-6, 6.33).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687311498446.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Daniel Lynch throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Tuesday, June 20, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Daniel Lynch throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Tuesday, June 20, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE HOGG Associated PressDETROIT (AP) — Daniel Lynch allowed one hit over seven innings for his first major league win in almost 11 months, and the struggling Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 on Tuesday night.Kansas City had lost 12 of 13. Matt Beaty, making his first start for the Royals, drove in the only run with a sixth-inning double.Beaty was drafted by the Royals in 2011, but chose to attend Belmont University. He joined them on a minor league contract this spring, but was traded to the Giants before opening day. He was designated for assignment by San Francisco and signed another minor league deal with the Royals last week before getting called up Sunday.“This is certainly a full-circle moment for me,” Beaty said. “This is the team that drafted me out of high school and these are the guys I was playing with in spring training. It means a lot to be here and get the opportunity to help them win a game.”Aroldis Chapman walked the bases loaded in the eighth, but Spencer Torkelson grounded into an inning-ending force at second.Javier Báez doubled with one out in the ninth for Detroit, but Scott Barlow retired the next two hitters for his eighth save, completing the two-hitter.The Tigers were shut out for the 10th time this season and the sixth time in their last 20 games.“We obviously didn't get anything going at all against Lynch,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He gave the ball to two very good relievers, and we fought for some chances against them, but we never got anything done.”Lynch (1-3) had gone 0-9 in 15 starts since beating the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 1 last year. He struck out two and walked two. The only hit off him was Andy Ibañez's one-out single in the fourth.Lynch threw 78 pitches — the second-fewest for a pitcher throwing seven shutout innings this season. Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen threw 76 against the Yankees on May 11.“The defense was great and (Salvador Perez) was calling an outstanding game,” Lynch said. “I was just being aggressive in the zone and it got us some quick outs.”Tigers starter Michael Lorenzen (2-5) permitted one run on six hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out seven and stranded eight runners.“I was trying to keep my mind quiet and not do too much,” said Lorenzen, who allowed four infield singles, including three that were misplayed by teammates. “I'm just trying to pick up our guys and get outs.”The Royals had a chance in the first, but second baseman Zack Short threw out Nick Pratto at the plate when he tried to score from second on an infield single.Kansas City left six runners on base in the first four innings. In the sixth, Maikel Garcia singled and went to second on a wild pitch before scoring on Beaty's double.TRAINER'S ROOMTigers LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (finger) threw a bullpen and is scheduled to face hitters on Saturday. Two more of Detroit's injured starters, LHP Tarik Skubal (elbow) and RHP Matt Manning (foot), are set to make rehab starts this week for Triple-A Toledo.GETTING OUT OF THE HEATWith a game-time temperature of 84 degrees and an air quality in the high-moderate range, Lynch and Lorenzen were both working as quickly as possible. The first seven innings were played in just more than 90 minutes and the game ended in 2:11 — 21 minutes before sunset in Detroit.“That was definitely a hot one, especially since I pitch in (long) sleeves,” Lorenzen said. “It was easy to get into a rhythm, because we were going so fast.”UP NEXTThe teams finish their three-game series Wednesday afternoon, with Detroit LHP Matthew Boyd (4-5, 5.60 ERA) facing RHP Brady Singer (4-6, 6.33).

⚾ Lynch throws seven scoreless in Royals win in Detroit

HAYS – The Hays Larks scored
three runs in the second inning then added three more runs late to beat the Junction City Brigade
7-2 in a non-league game Monday night at Larks Park. 

The Larks have now won
seven-straight and improve to 11-2 on the season.

Baylor’s John Ceccoli
and Tennessee’s Peyton Ebbing both drove in two runs. Ebbing got the Larks on the
board with two-run single to center which scored Garrett Gruell and Kam Walton in the second.
Gruell led of the inning with a single and Walton reached on an error. Damian
Ruiz doubled which scored Ebbing with the third run in the inning.

Luis Garcia singled with
two outs in the fourth which scored Ruiz and pushed the lead to 4-0.

After the Brigade tallied single runs in the fifth and sixth, the Larks answered with two in the seventh
and one in the eighth. 

With one out in the seventh, Will Pendergrass singled, Tyler
LaRue followed with a double then Ceccoli drove them home with a double to left. Ruiz scored on an error
an inning later.

Angelo State’s Michael
Cruz (1-0) pitched an inning of relief and picked up the win in his debut.
Fresh off the Division II national championship, Cruz allowed two runs on one
hit with two strikeouts and two walks. He followed starter Luuk ter Beek who
pitched four scoreless innings with three hits, four strikeouts and one walk.

Carson Jacobs also pitched
two scoreless innings of relief with Caden Hare and Dayne Pengelly each adding
one scoreless inning in relief.

The Larks are off until Thursday
when they begin a six-game Rocky Mountain Baseball League road trip at the
Gameday Angels.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574180952050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostHAYS – The Hays Larks scored
three runs in the second inning then added three more runs late to beat the Junction City Brigade
7-2 in a non-league game Monday night at Larks Park. The Larks have now won
seven-straight and improve to 11-2 on the season.Baylor’s John Ceccoli
and Tennessee’s Peyton Ebbing both drove in two runs. Ebbing got the Larks on the
board with two-run single to center which scored Garrett Gruell and Kam Walton in the second.
Gruell led of the inning with a single and Walton reached on an error. Damian
Ruiz doubled which scored Ebbing with the third run in the inning.Luis Garcia singled with
two outs in the fourth which scored Ruiz and pushed the lead to 4-0.After the Brigade tallied single runs in the fifth and sixth, the Larks answered with two in the seventh
and one in the eighth. With one out in the seventh, Will Pendergrass singled, Tyler
LaRue followed with a double then Ceccoli drove them home with a double to left. Ruiz scored on an error
an inning later.Angelo State’s Michael
Cruz (1-0) pitched an inning of relief and picked up the win in his debut.
Fresh off the Division II national championship, Cruz allowed two runs on one
hit with two strikeouts and two walks. He followed starter Luuk ter Beek who
pitched four scoreless innings with three hits, four strikeouts and one walk.Carson Jacobs also pitched
two scoreless innings of relief with Caden Hare and Dayne Pengelly each adding
one scoreless inning in relief.UP NEXTThe Larks are off until Thursday
when they begin a six-game Rocky Mountain Baseball League road trip at the
Gameday Angels.

⚾ Larks run win-streak to seven with win over Brigade

DETROIT (AP) — Kerry Carpenter hit a three-run homer in a five-run, seventh inning that lifted Detroit Tigers over Kansas 6-4 on Monday night and sent the Royals to their 12th loss in 13 games.

“We needed to start this homestand well, and coming back in that fashion was awesome,” Carpenter said.

Kansas City wasted a 4-0 lead and dropped to 0-15 in games started by Jordan Lyles, who allowed three runs and six hits in six-plus innings. He is 0-11, the most losses in the major leagues, and his 6.72 ERA is highest among 64 qualified pitches. Lyles broke the team record for winless starts at the start of a season, which had been set by Vida Blue in 1983.

“I thought I threw the ball pretty well, but we didn't get the results at the end of the day,” Lyles said. “There were some ups and downs, which I feel like I've been saying after every start this year.”

Zach McKinstry started the comeback with a fifth-inning RBI double that went through left fielder Edward Olivares’s legs, allowing Jake Rogers to score from first.

Miguel Cabrera singled and Jonathan Schoop doubled, chasing Lyles in the seventh.

“There was no question in my mind that I wanted the seventh inning,” Lyles said. “At that point, I was thinking about eight. I made some good pitches to Miggy and he hit a soft liner to right and then Schoop worked me to 3-2. I had to come to him and he barreled it up."

Rogers hit a two-run single off Taylor Clarke (1-1) that cut the deficit to 4-3, and Carpenter hit a two-out line drive down the right-field line for his sixth homer this season.

“That was Jordan's inning, and we knew if he got a couple guys on, we had ready,” Royals manager Matt Quataro said of Clarke. “He has bailed us out of those situations before, and I was confident he could do it there too.”

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch thought the key moment of the inning might have been McKinstry's one-out walk.

Tyler Alexander (2-1) allowed one hit in two scoreless innings with four strikeouts.

“Their bullpen did a good job of shutting us down,” Quataro said. “We had a good chance with first and third and one out in the seven, but we couldn't get anything.”

Alex Lange pitched the ninth for his 11th save in 13 chances, one day after allowing three runs without getting an out against Minnesota.

“He was great and he's going to be great,” Hinch said. “Players in general, but back-end relievers in particular - you have to have a short memory, because the next day, you are going to need everything you've got.”

Bobby Witt Jr. led off the fourth with a 442-foot homer to left-center, Maikel Garcia added a two-run homer later and shortstop Zack Short's throwing error allowed Nick Pratto to score from second on Witt's infield single in the fifth.

The game, which started at 6:40 p.m., ended at 9 p.m., 12 minutes before sunset in Detroit.

Cabrera went 2-for-4 and is hitting .395 with five RBIs and five runs scored in his last 12 games. He was hitting .169 before the hot stretch started with a 3-for-3 game on May 30 against the Texas Rangers. He is now 23 hits behind Tony Gwynn (3,141) for 21st place on the career list.

Detroit RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-4, 4.23) starts Tuesday against Kansas City LHP Daniel Lynch (0-3, 5.79).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687256167908.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jordan Lyles hands the ball to manager Matt Quatraro (33) during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Monday, June 19, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jordan Lyles hands the ball to manager Matt Quatraro (33) during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Monday, June 19, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE HOGG Associated PressDETROIT (AP) — Kerry Carpenter hit a three-run homer in a five-run, seventh inning that lifted Detroit Tigers over Kansas 6-4 on Monday night and sent the Royals to their 12th loss in 13 games.“We needed to start this homestand well, and coming back in that fashion was awesome,” Carpenter said.Kansas City wasted a 4-0 lead and dropped to 0-15 in games started by Jordan Lyles, who allowed three runs and six hits in six-plus innings. He is 0-11, the most losses in the major leagues, and his 6.72 ERA is highest among 64 qualified pitches. Lyles broke the team record for winless starts at the start of a season, which had been set by Vida Blue in 1983.“I thought I threw the ball pretty well, but we didn't get the results at the end of the day,” Lyles said. “There were some ups and downs, which I feel like I've been saying after every start this year.”Zach McKinstry started the comeback with a fifth-inning RBI double that went through left fielder Edward Olivares’s legs, allowing Jake Rogers to score from first.Miguel Cabrera singled and Jonathan Schoop doubled, chasing Lyles in the seventh.“There was no question in my mind that I wanted the seventh inning,” Lyles said. “At that point, I was thinking about eight. I made some good pitches to Miggy and he hit a soft liner to right and then Schoop worked me to 3-2. I had to come to him and he barreled it up."Rogers hit a two-run single off Taylor Clarke (1-1) that cut the deficit to 4-3, and Carpenter hit a two-out line drive down the right-field line for his sixth homer this season.“That was Jordan's inning, and we knew if he got a couple guys on, we had ready,” Royals manager Matt Quataro said of Clarke. “He has bailed us out of those situations before, and I was confident he could do it there too.”Tigers manager A.J. Hinch thought the key moment of the inning might have been McKinstry's one-out walk.“That was huge,” he said.Tyler Alexander (2-1) allowed one hit in two scoreless innings with four strikeouts.“Their bullpen did a good job of shutting us down,” Quataro said. “We had a good chance with first and third and one out in the seven, but we couldn't get anything.”Alex Lange pitched the ninth for his 11th save in 13 chances, one day after allowing three runs without getting an out against Minnesota.“He was great and he's going to be great,” Hinch said. “Players in general, but back-end relievers in particular - you have to have a short memory, because the next day, you are going to need everything you've got.”Bobby Witt Jr. led off the fourth with a 442-foot homer to left-center, Maikel Garcia added a two-run homer later and shortstop Zack Short's throwing error allowed Nick Pratto to score from second on Witt's infield single in the fifth.EARLY FINISHThe game, which started at 6:40 p.m., ended at 9 p.m., 12 minutes before sunset in Detroit.ONE MORE HOT STREAKCabrera went 2-for-4 and is hitting .395 with five RBIs and five runs scored in his last 12 games. He was hitting .169 before the hot stretch started with a 3-for-3 game on May 30 against the Texas Rangers. He is now 23 hits behind Tony Gwynn (3,141) for 21st place on the career list.UP NEXTDetroit RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-4, 4.23) starts Tuesday against Kansas City LHP Daniel Lynch (0-3, 5.79).

⚾ Royals blow four-run lead, drop opener in Detroit

The Hays Larks host the Junction City Brigade in a non-league game Monday at Larks Park.

You can find tonight's Larks game on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube page</a>.&nbsp;

Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays Larks.

The Hays Larks host the Junction City Brigade in a non-league game Monday at Larks Park.First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.You can find tonight's Larks game on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube page</a>.&nbsp;Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays Larks.

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks vs Junction City

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball announced the addition of two more players for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Transfer Conner Landell joins the Tigers after playing last season at Lamar Community College in Colorado, and local product Dylan Werth has committed to the Tigers after a standout career at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. Landell is a 6-foot, 9-inch native of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, while Werth is a 6-foot, 8-inch native of Hays. In 2022-23 at Lamar, Landell averaged 9.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.&nbsp; He shot 65.5 percent from the field and scored in double figures 13 times. His season high in scoring was 22 points. He reached double figures for rebounds in 10 games with a season high of 16 and produced five double doubles for the season. Landell played his freshman season of 2021-22 at Clarendon College in Texas, competing in 24 games while averaging 2.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Landell played prep basketball at Bill Crothers Secondary School in Markham, Ontario where he was the team's leading rebounder and helped the team to the finals of the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association. Werth capped a strong high school career in 2022-23 by helping Thomas More Prep to a fourth-place finish in the Kansas Class 2A state championship tournament. As a senior, Werth was an All-State First Team selection by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, KSHSAA Covered, and Sports in Kansas. He averaged 17 points and nine rebounds per game, producing 12 double-doubles. Werth scored in double figures in all but one game in 2022-23 and finished his prep career with over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. Werth was also an All-State Honorable Mention pick by the KBCA as a junior in 2021-22. With the addition of Landell and Werth, FHSU now has six individuals committed for next season. They join R.J. Crawford, Kobe Green, Shaun Riley, and Petar Asceric. 2023-24 FHSU Men's Basketball Newcomers Petar Asceric, F, 6-10, Fr., Belgrade, Serbia, Concord Academy (N.C.) R.J. Crawford, G, 6-4, Jr., Houston, Texas, Southwest Baptist Kobe Green, G, 6-2, Jr., Windsor, Colo., Northeastern (Colo.) JC Conner Landell, F, 6-9, Jr., Niagara Falls, Ontario, Lamar (Colo.) CC Shaun Riley, F, 6-7, Jr., O'Fallon, Ill., Northeastern (Colo.) JC Dylan Werth, F, 6-8, Fr., Hays, Kan., Thomas More Prep-Marian HS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687209427157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball announced the addition of two more players for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Transfer Conner Landell joins the Tigers after playing last season at Lamar Community College in Colorado, and local product Dylan Werth has committed to the Tigers after a standout career at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. Landell is a 6-foot, 9-inch native of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, while Werth is a 6-foot, 8-inch native of Hays. In 2022-23 at Lamar, Landell averaged 9.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.&nbsp; He shot 65.5 percent from the field and scored in double figures 13 times. His season high in scoring was 22 points. He reached double figures for rebounds in 10 games with a season high of 16 and produced five double doubles for the season. Landell played his freshman season of 2021-22 at Clarendon College in Texas, competing in 24 games while averaging 2.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Landell played prep basketball at Bill Crothers Secondary School in Markham, Ontario where he was the team's leading rebounder and helped the team to the finals of the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association. Werth capped a strong high school career in 2022-23 by helping Thomas More Prep to a fourth-place finish in the Kansas Class 2A state championship tournament. As a senior, Werth was an All-State First Team selection by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, KSHSAA Covered, and Sports in Kansas. He averaged 17 points and nine rebounds per game, producing 12 double-doubles. Werth scored in double figures in all but one game in 2022-23 and finished his prep career with over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. Werth was also an All-State Honorable Mention pick by the KBCA as a junior in 2021-22. With the addition of Landell and Werth, FHSU now has six individuals committed for next season. They join R.J. Crawford, Kobe Green, Shaun Riley, and Petar Asceric. 2023-24 FHSU Men's Basketball Newcomers Petar Asceric, F, 6-10, Fr., Belgrade, Serbia, Concord Academy (N.C.) R.J. Crawford, G, 6-4, Jr., Houston, Texas, Southwest Baptist Kobe Green, G, 6-2, Jr., Windsor, Colo., Northeastern (Colo.) JC Conner Landell, F, 6-9, Jr., Niagara Falls, Ontario, Lamar (Colo.) CC Shaun Riley, F, 6-7, Jr., O'Fallon, Ill., Northeastern (Colo.) JC Dylan Werth, F, 6-8, Fr., Hays, Kan., Thomas More Prep-Marian HS

🏀 FHSU men land two more commitments for 2023-24

DODGE
CITY – John Ceccoli and Will Pendergrass both homered and the Hays Larks
rallied from an early deficit to beat the Dodge City A’s 10-6 Sunday night at
Cavalier Field. The Larks (10-2, 4-0 RMBL) have won six-straight and nine of their
last 10. Dodge City (6-6, 5-5 RMBL) has lost two-straight following a four-game
win streak.

Dodge
City took the early lead with three runs in the bottom of the first. The Larks scored
six runs in the top of the third highlighted by Cecoli’s three-run blast which
gave them the lead for good.

The
A’s scored a run in the seventh to cut the margin to 7-5 but the Larks scored
three in the eighth on an RBI double from Bryson Evans and sacrifice fly from Damian
Ruiz and Pendergrass home run.

Dodge
City scored their final run in the ninth on a double play in the bottom of the
eighth.

Jett
Lodes pitched a perfect ninth with two strikeouts to close out the game.

Tyler
Schott (2-0) allowed one run on three this with four strikeouts and one walk
over three innings of relief &nbsp;and picked
up his second win in three games.

Starting
pitcher Kam Walton allowed three runs on two hits with five strikeouts and two
walks.

Pendergrass
and Ceccoli both had two hits. Cecolli drove in three runs.

The
Larks host the Junction City Brigade in a non-league game Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Admission is free courtesy of Hermann Physical Therapy and Wellness and Keithley
Funeral Homes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594638185916.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostDODGE
CITY – John Ceccoli and Will Pendergrass both homered and the Hays Larks
rallied from an early deficit to beat the Dodge City A’s 10-6 Sunday night at
Cavalier Field. The Larks (10-2, 4-0 RMBL) have won six-straight and nine of their
last 10. Dodge City (6-6, 5-5 RMBL) has lost two-straight following a four-game
win streak.Dodge
City took the early lead with three runs in the bottom of the first. The Larks scored
six runs in the top of the third highlighted by Cecoli’s three-run blast which
gave them the lead for good.The
A’s scored a run in the seventh to cut the margin to 7-5 but the Larks scored
three in the eighth on an RBI double from Bryson Evans and sacrifice fly from Damian
Ruiz and Pendergrass home run.Dodge
City scored their final run in the ninth on a double play in the bottom of the
eighth.Jett
Lodes pitched a perfect ninth with two strikeouts to close out the game.Tyler
Schott (2-0) allowed one run on three this with four strikeouts and one walk
over three innings of relief &nbsp;and picked
up his second win in three games.Starting
pitcher Kam Walton allowed three runs on two hits with five strikeouts and two
walks.Pendergrass
and Ceccoli both had two hits. Cecolli drove in three runs.UP
NEXTThe
Larks host the Junction City Brigade in a non-league game Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Admission is free courtesy of Hermann Physical Therapy and Wellness and Keithley
Funeral Homes.

⚾ Larks run defeat Dodge City to push win-streak to six

HAYS
– The Hays Hammer High School teams had a good weekend at the Midwest Slamfest over
the weekend. Both the 17U and 16U teams went 3-0 and the 15U finished 2-1.

All
three Hammer teams will play in a tournament in Garden City this upcoming
weekend.

17U 
Scored in every inning but one and outscored their opponents 36-3. On Friday,
they defeated the Salina Millers 12-3 in five innings. Saturday, they knocked
off the Salina A’s 18U 15-0 in three innings then beat the Gove County American
Legion 18O 9-0 in five innings. They are now 4-2-1 on the season.

Cooper
Sanders, Lex Lummus, Corbin Werth, Arex Mendoza and Brett Schumacher all had two
hits in their opener vs. the Salina Millers Friday. Mendoza drove in three runs,
Sanders and Lummus both drove in two runs. Medoza picked up the complete game victory
allowing two earned runs on four hits with seven walks and six strikeouts.

In
Saturday’s win over the Salina A’s, Lex Lummis hit two doubles and drove in
four runs. Tanner Boxberger struck out four and walked one without allowing a
hit and picked up the win.

In
Sunday’s win over Gove County Legion Lummus tripled and drove in three. Brendan
Stults gave up two hits with eight strikeouts and four walks.

16U 
Opened the tournament with a 6-5 walkoff win over the Salina A’s 18U in eight
innings on Friday then defeated the Salina Millers 18U 9-6 Saturday before
blanking the Finney County 16U Titans 10-0 Sunday and are now 6-1 on the season.

They
scored single runs in each of the first four innings of their opener with the A’s
Friday. The game was tied 4-4 until Salina took the lead with a run in the top
of the eighth. &nbsp;The Hammer tied the game
on Ian McGuire’s bases-loaded walk with two outs. Adler Brown was hit by a
pitch one batter later to win it. Trace Jacobs picked up the win with two
scoreless innings of relief.

The
Hammer scored seven in the first inning in Saturday's win over the Millers.
Carter Graham and Brock Homeier bith drove in two runs. Graham also picked up
the win on the mound.

The
Hammer scored four in the first then five in the fourth in Sunday’s win over
Finney County. Jalen Smith, Trace Jacobs and Ian McGuire all had two RBIs. McGuire
allowed two hits with five strikeouts and no walks and picked up the win.

15U 
Defeated Finney County 4-2 on Friday then lost 11-0 to the Great Bend Bandits
Saturday but rebounded with a 12-4 win over the Salina A’s 15U Sunday. The 15U Hammer
are now 3-4 on the season.

All
of the scoring in Friday’s game with Finney County came in the first two
innings with the Hammer scoring three in the first and one in the second. Jake
Hoopingarmer allowed two runs on six hits with eight strikeouts and one walk
for the six-inning complete game victory.

&nbsp;Great Bend struck for five runs in the top of
the first then put the game away with four in the sixth Saturday. Hays was held
to four singles and committed three errors. Chase Drennon didn’t get out of the
first inning and suffered the loss on the mound.

The
Hammer scored five runs in the bottom of the fourth then added three in the
fifth to break open a 4-4 game in their finale vs. the A’s Sunday. Sam Thielen had
two hits and drove in three runs. Ian Nehls added a double and drove in two. Nehls
pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief with five strikeouts and no walks and
picked up the win.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655396084597.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostHAYS
– The Hays Hammer High School teams had a good weekend at the Midwest Slamfest over
the weekend. Both the 17U and 16U teams went 3-0 and the 15U finished 2-1.All
three Hammer teams will play in a tournament in Garden City this upcoming
weekend.17U 
Scored in every inning but one and outscored their opponents 36-3. On Friday,
they defeated the Salina Millers 12-3 in five innings. Saturday, they knocked
off the Salina A’s 18U 15-0 in three innings then beat the Gove County American
Legion 18O 9-0 in five innings. They are now 4-2-1 on the season.Cooper
Sanders, Lex Lummus, Corbin Werth, Arex Mendoza and Brett Schumacher all had two
hits in their opener vs. the Salina Millers Friday. Mendoza drove in three runs,
Sanders and Lummus both drove in two runs. Medoza picked up the complete game victory
allowing two earned runs on four hits with seven walks and six strikeouts.In
Saturday’s win over the Salina A’s, Lex Lummis hit two doubles and drove in
four runs. Tanner Boxberger struck out four and walked one without allowing a
hit and picked up the win.In
Sunday’s win over Gove County Legion Lummus tripled and drove in three. Brendan
Stults gave up two hits with eight strikeouts and four walks. 
16U 
Opened the tournament with a 6-5 walkoff win over the Salina A’s 18U in eight
innings on Friday then defeated the Salina Millers 18U 9-6 Saturday before
blanking the Finney County 16U Titans 10-0 Sunday and are now 6-1 on the season.They
scored single runs in each of the first four innings of their opener with the A’s
Friday. The game was tied 4-4 until Salina took the lead with a run in the top
of the eighth. &nbsp;The Hammer tied the game
on Ian McGuire’s bases-loaded walk with two outs. Adler Brown was hit by a
pitch one batter later to win it. Trace Jacobs picked up the win with two
scoreless innings of relief.The
Hammer scored seven in the first inning in Saturday's win over the Millers.
Carter Graham and Brock Homeier bith drove in two runs. Graham also picked up
the win on the mound.The
Hammer scored four in the first then five in the fourth in Sunday’s win over
Finney County. Jalen Smith, Trace Jacobs and Ian McGuire all had two RBIs. McGuire
allowed two hits with five strikeouts and no walks and picked up the win.15U 
Defeated Finney County 4-2 on Friday then lost 11-0 to the Great Bend Bandits
Saturday but rebounded with a 12-4 win over the Salina A’s 15U Sunday. The 15U Hammer
are now 3-4 on the season.All
of the scoring in Friday’s game with Finney County came in the first two
innings with the Hammer scoring three in the first and one in the second. Jake
Hoopingarmer allowed two runs on six hits with eight strikeouts and one walk
for the six-inning complete game victory.&nbsp;Great Bend struck for five runs in the top of
the first then put the game away with four in the sixth Saturday. Hays was held
to four singles and committed three errors. Chase Drennon didn’t get out of the
first inning and suffered the loss on the mound.The
Hammer scored five runs in the bottom of the fourth then added three in the
fifth to break open a 4-4 game in their finale vs. the A’s Sunday. Sam Thielen had
two hits and drove in three runs. Ian Nehls added a double and drove in two. Nehls
pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief with five strikeouts and no walks and
picked up the win.

⚾ Hammer high school teams fare well at Midwest Slamfest

The Hays Larks travel to Dodge City Sunday night to wrap up a two-game series with the A's.

The Hays Larks travel to Dodge City Sunday night to wrap up a two-game series with the A's.First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.You can find tonight's Larks game on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube page</a>.&nbsp;Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays Larks.

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks at Dodge City

By DAVID SMALE Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout hit back-to-back home runs to help the Los Angeles Angels defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Sunday in the finale of a three-game series.

It's the sixth time this season, and 28th overall, that Ohtani and Trout have homered in the same game. The Angels are 6-0 this season and 20-8 overall when both players go deep.

“When I write Mike Trout in the lineup I feel pretty good about it, as any other manager in the league would,” Los Angeles manager Phil Nevin said. “You can't win games with just two guys, but if there are any guys back-to-back you can do it, it's those two. They can carry a team for quite a while.”

"They’ve certainly done that to a lot of pitchers over the years,” he said of LA's dynamic duo.

Ohtani saw the end of a six-game streak in which he recorded an extra-base hit, a walk and a run. The only other players in MLB history to accomplish that were Babe Ruth (seven times) and Barry Bonds (six).

The Royals fell to 3-19-1 in series in 2023. They have not won a series since May 15-17 in San Diego.

Tyler Anderson (4-1) surrendered two runs on six hits in five innings to earn the win. Carlos Estevez notched his 19th save in 19 tries.

“I felt like I threw mostly good pitches,” Anderson said. “Overall, I felt like I gave us a chance.”

Zack Greinke (1-7) allowed four runs on eight hits in five innings.

A day after blowing an 8-2 lead in the seventh inning, the Angels were thankful to walk out with a series victory.

“To come in here off that big series in Texas and losing a tough one last night, then come in here and turn the page was big,” Trout said.

The Royals got on the board in the second. Maikel Garcia legged out a double leading off. Samad Taylor sacrificed him to third and he scored on a single by Freddy Fermin.

The Angels tied it in the fourth but could have had more than one run. Trout led off with a double and scored on a single by Brandon Drury. Hunter Renfroe followed with a single and Los Angeles had runners on first and second with no outs. Greinke struck out Chad Wallach, then got Michael Stefanic to fly to deep right, advancing both runners. Luis Rengifo was hit by a pitch. Andrew Velazquez hit a sharp ground ball that struck Rengifo to end the inning.

The Royals regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Garcia led off with a single and stole second. Taylor lined a single up the middle to score Garcia.

That lead didn't last long, as Ohtani unloaded a 422-foot, two-run home run in the fifth, followed by Trout's 408-footer on the next pitch.

“It's cool walking into the dugout and Shohei handing me the (home run) hat,” Trout said. “What Shohei has been doing the last couple of weeks is unbelievable, but we've got guys stepping up and it's fun to be a part of.”

Jared Walsh led off the ninth with a solo home run.

Royals RHP Brad Keller threw a bullpen session on Sunday. Keller has been on the injured list since May 19 with right shoulder impingement. He is expected to go to Arizona for rehabilitation before an official rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha.

The Royals selected the contract of RHP Brooks Kriske from Triple-A Omaha. Kriske had five saves in 25 appearances, recording 47 strikeouts in 27 innings in Omaha. In a corresponding move, the Royals designated RHP Mike Mayers for assignment. ... IF Michael Massey was placed on the 10-day IL (retroactive to June 15) with a left-hand laceration. ... IF Vinnie Pasquantino was transferred from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL. He is out for the season. ... IF/OF Matt Beaty was selected from Triple-A Omaha.

The Angels have an off day on Monday before starting a two-game series in Anaheim against the crosstown rival Dodgers Tuesday. The Royals travel to Detroit, where they will start a three-game series against the Tigers. RHP Jordan Lyles (0-11, 6.89 ERA) will start for Kansas City against RHP Reese Olson (0-2, 6.08 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687144640561.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani hits a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, June, 18, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani hits a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, June, 18, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout hit back-to-back home runs to help the Los Angeles Angels defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Sunday in the finale of a three-game series.It's the sixth time this season, and 28th overall, that Ohtani and Trout have homered in the same game. The Angels are 6-0 this season and 20-8 overall when both players go deep.“When I write Mike Trout in the lineup I feel pretty good about it, as any other manager in the league would,” Los Angeles manager Phil Nevin said. “You can't win games with just two guys, but if there are any guys back-to-back you can do it, it's those two. They can carry a team for quite a while.”Royals manager Matt Quatraro agreed."They’ve certainly done that to a lot of pitchers over the years,” he said of LA's dynamic duo.Ohtani saw the end of a six-game streak in which he recorded an extra-base hit, a walk and a run. The only other players in MLB history to accomplish that were Babe Ruth (seven times) and Barry Bonds (six).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687143169772.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Samad Taylor bunts during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Sunday, June, 18, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Samad Taylor bunts during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Sunday, June, 18, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Royals fell to 3-19-1 in series in 2023. They have not won a series since May 15-17 in San Diego.Tyler Anderson (4-1) surrendered two runs on six hits in five innings to earn the win. Carlos Estevez notched his 19th save in 19 tries.“I felt like I threw mostly good pitches,” Anderson said. “Overall, I felt like I gave us a chance.”Zack Greinke (1-7) allowed four runs on eight hits in five innings.A day after blowing an 8-2 lead in the seventh inning, the Angels were thankful to walk out with a series victory.“To come in here off that big series in Texas and losing a tough one last night, then come in here and turn the page was big,” Trout said.The Royals got on the board in the second. Maikel Garcia legged out a double leading off. Samad Taylor sacrificed him to third and he scored on a single by Freddy Fermin.The Angels tied it in the fourth but could have had more than one run. Trout led off with a double and scored on a single by Brandon Drury. Hunter Renfroe followed with a single and Los Angeles had runners on first and second with no outs. Greinke struck out Chad Wallach, then got Michael Stefanic to fly to deep right, advancing both runners. Luis Rengifo was hit by a pitch. Andrew Velazquez hit a sharp ground ball that struck Rengifo to end the inning.The Royals regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Garcia led off with a single and stole second. Taylor lined a single up the middle to score Garcia.That lead didn't last long, as Ohtani unloaded a 422-foot, two-run home run in the fifth, followed by Trout's 408-footer on the next pitch.“It's cool walking into the dugout and Shohei handing me the (home run) hat,” Trout said. “What Shohei has been doing the last couple of weeks is unbelievable, but we've got guys stepping up and it's fun to be a part of.”Jared Walsh led off the ninth with a solo home run.TRAINING ROOMRoyals RHP Brad Keller threw a bullpen session on Sunday. Keller has been on the injured list since May 19 with right shoulder impingement. He is expected to go to Arizona for rehabilitation before an official rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha.TRANSACTIONSThe Royals selected the contract of RHP Brooks Kriske from Triple-A Omaha. Kriske had five saves in 25 appearances, recording 47 strikeouts in 27 innings in Omaha. In a corresponding move, the Royals designated RHP Mike Mayers for assignment. ... IF Michael Massey was placed on the 10-day IL (retroactive to June 15) with a left-hand laceration. ... IF Vinnie Pasquantino was transferred from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL. He is out for the season. ... IF/OF Matt Beaty was selected from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTThe Angels have an off day on Monday before starting a two-game series in Anaheim against the crosstown rival Dodgers Tuesday. The Royals travel to Detroit, where they will start a three-game series against the Tigers. RHP Jordan Lyles (0-11, 6.89 ERA) will start for Kansas City against RHP Reese Olson (0-2, 6.08 ERA).

⚾ Ohtani, Trout homer to lead Angels past Royals

MORGANTOWN (AP) —West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins has resigned a day after his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving in the latest incident in a Hall of Fame career that imploded quickly.

The university announced the resignation Saturday night. It came a month after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huggins-homophobic-slur-west-virginia-xavier-77ce70b41112a0062421ad9405558473">university suspended him for three games</a>&nbsp;for using an anti-gay slur while also denigrating Catholics during a radio interview.

The 69-year-old Huggins leaves as the third-winningest coach all-time in Division I with 935 career victories, behind only Mike Krzyzewski of Duke (1,202) and Jim Boeheim of Syracuse (1,015), both of whom are retired. Unlike the others, Huggins had no national titles, taking Cincinnati to the Final Four in 1992 and West Virginia in 2010.

Huggins had 16-year stints each with the Bearcats and Mountaineers. Both ended in the aftermath of arrests for drinking and driving.

Huggins was charged with driving under the influence on Friday night after his SUV had stopped in the middle of traffic in Pittsburgh with a shredded tire and the driver’s side door was open at about 8:30 p.m. According to a criminal complaint, a breath test determined Huggins’ blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit.

MORGANTOWN (AP) —West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins has resigned a day after his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving in the latest incident in a Hall of Fame career that imploded quickly.The university announced the resignation Saturday night. It came a month after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huggins-homophobic-slur-west-virginia-xavier-77ce70b41112a0062421ad9405558473">university suspended him for three games</a>&nbsp;for using an anti-gay slur while also denigrating Catholics during a radio interview.The 69-year-old Huggins leaves as the third-winningest coach all-time in Division I with 935 career victories, behind only Mike Krzyzewski of Duke (1,202) and Jim Boeheim of Syracuse (1,015), both of whom are retired. Unlike the others, Huggins had no national titles, taking Cincinnati to the Final Four in 1992 and West Virginia in 2010.Huggins had 16-year stints each with the Bearcats and Mountaineers. Both ended in the aftermath of arrests for drinking and driving.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687028787636.png" alt="Pittsburg police report on the DUI arrest" />
 <figcaption>Pittsburg police report on the DUI arrest</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687028832105.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Huggins was charged with driving under the influence on Friday night after his SUV had stopped in the middle of traffic in Pittsburgh with a shredded tire and the driver’s side door was open at about 8:30 p.m. According to a criminal complaint, a breath test determined Huggins’ blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit.Huggins was charged with driving under the influence, released from custody and will appear at a later date for a preliminary hearing, according to a police report.In a statement to the West Virginia community on Saturday night, Huggins said: “Today, I have submitted a letter to President Gordon Gee and Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker informing them of my resignation and intention to retire as head men’s basketball coach at West Virginia University effective immediately.”In a separate statement Saturday night, West Virginia’s athletic department said it accepted the resignation “in light of recent events.“We support his decision so that he can focus on his health and family. On behalf of West Virginia University, we share our appreciation for his service to our University, our community and our state."No replacement was immediately named for Huggins. The athletic department statement said that “in the days ahead, we will focus on supporting the student-athletes in our men’s basketball program and solidifying leadership for our program.”Huggins said his recent actions do not represent the university's values or the leadership expected in his role as coach.“While I have always tried to represent our University with honor, I have let all of you — and myself — down,” he said. “I am solely responsible for my conduct and sincerely apologize to the University community — particularly to the student-athletes, coaches and staff in our program. I must do better, and I plan to spend the next few months focused on my health and my family so that I can be the person they deserve.”Huggins added that it was “the honor of my professional career” to lead the team at his alma mater. Born in Morgantown, he said it “will always be my home, and I will always be a Mountaineer. Thank you to everyone who has supported our program over the years. It has meant more to me and my family than you could ever know.”Friday night, officers directed Huggins to move off the road so they could help with the tire, then activated their lights when they observed Huggins having trouble maneuvering the SUV to allow vehicles to pass. Upon questioning, officers suspected he was intoxicated and asked him to exit the vehicle. The report said he failed standard field sobriety tests, was taken into custody without incident and transported for further testing.It was Huggins’ second such arrest. The other occurred in 2004, when he was the head coach at Cincinnati.In June 2004, Huggins pleaded no contest to driving under the influence in a suburb of Cincinnati and was ordered to attend a three-day intervention program. The University of Cincinnati suspended him indefinitely with pay and told Huggins to rehabilitate himself.Huggins was allowed to return to work two months later, saying that “I made a terrible mistake, and what bothers me most is I hurt other people. All I can do is work like crazy to be a better person, a better coach, be better at everything I do and make those people proud of me.”By 2005, Huggins' Cincinnati career was over; he was fired amid a power struggle with the school’s president as well as the aftermath of the 2004 arrest.After spending one season at Kansas State, Huggins took his dream job at West Virginia, his alma mater, in 2007.Last month, Huggins agreed to a three-game suspension, a $1 million salary reduction and sensitivity training for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huggins-homophobic-slur-west-virginia-665dd3d31760b1c6f66d7d706e825727">using the slur</a>&nbsp;during an interview with Cincinnati radio station WLW. Huggins was asked about the transfer portal and whether he had a chance of landing a player at West Virginia from Xavier, a Jesuit school.“Catholics don’t do that,” Huggins said. “I tell you what, any school that can throw rubber penises on the floor and then say they didn’t do it, by God they can get away with anything.“It was the Crosstown Shootout. What it was, was all those (expletive), those Catholic (expletive), I think.”In a joint statement later that week, Gee and Baker said the university “made it explicitly clear to Coach Huggins that any incidents of similar derogatory and offensive language will result in immediate termination.”Huggins’ salary of $4.15 million had been reduced by $1 million after the slur. That reduction was to be used to directly support WVU’s LGBTQ+ Center, as well as a mental health center at the university and other groups that support marginalized communities. At the time, he was suspended for the first three games of the 2023-24 season. In addition, his contract was amended from a multiyear agreement to a year-by-year agreement that began on May 10.Huggins entered the Basketball Hall of Fame last September. In 41 seasons, his teams have gone to 25 NCAA Tournaments, finished ranked in the top 10 of The Associated Press poll seven times and finished under .500 five times. The Mountaineers have 11 NCAA Tournament appearances under Huggins.Huggins had assembled a solid group from the transfer portal for next season, including Syracuse center Jesse Edwards, Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa, Manhattan guards Jose Perez and Omar Silverio, and Montana State guard RaeQuan Battle.“Man.. I knew the dude 3 months but felt like forever,” Kriisa said Saturday night on Twitter. “So thankful for really believing in me and taking me as part of your family forever. Love u coach.”___