KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Danny Mendick hit a two-run homer during an eight-run first inning for Chicago, and the White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-1. Yoan Moncada drove in three runs on two hits in the first, and Andrew Vaughn, Leury Garcia and Yasmani Grandal each had an RBI. The White Sox hit for the cycle in the inning and scored their most runs in the opening frame on the road in 21 years. Lance Lynn allowed one hit in five scoreless innings to get the win. The Royals have lost seven straight to fall 2 1/2 games behind the White Sox in the AL Central.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Danny Mendick hit a two-run homer during an eight-run first inning for Chicago, and the White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-1. Yoan Moncada drove in three runs on two hits in the first, and Andrew Vaughn, Leury Garcia and Yasmani Grandal each had an RBI. The White Sox hit for the cycle in the inning and scored their most runs in the opening frame on the road in 21 years. Lance Lynn allowed one hit in five scoreless innings to get the win. The Royals have lost seven straight to fall 2 1/2 games behind the White Sox in the AL Central.

White Sox roll by sagging Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Carlos Rodón struck out eight in six innings, Zack Collins homered and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Friday night. The Royals were blanked for the second straight game in part of a six-game losing streak, all to division opponents. Rodón (5-0) limited the Royals to five hits. Kansas City threatened with two on and one out in the fourth, but the righty worked out of the jam with back-to-back strikeouts. Relievers Codi Heuer, Aaron Bummer and Liam Hendriks worked the final three innings to complete the shutout. Hendriks earned with sixth save.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Carlos Rodón struck out eight in six innings, Zack Collins homered and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Friday night. The Royals were blanked for the second straight game in part of a six-game losing streak, all to division opponents. Rodón (5-0) limited the Royals to five hits. Kansas City threatened with two on and one out in the fourth, but the righty worked out of the jam with back-to-back strikeouts. Relievers Codi Heuer, Aaron Bummer and Liam Hendriks worked the final three innings to complete the shutout. Hendriks earned with sixth save.

White Sox shut out the Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A pair of Kansas State defensive backs that concluded their collegiate careers in 2020 have earned their shot with NFL teams as the Detroit Lions announced the signing of&nbsp;AJ Parker&nbsp;and the Cleveland Browns have inked&nbsp;Kiondre Thomas. The duo joins&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert, a seventh-round draft pick by Cincinnati, as players on last year’s team to be added to NFL rosters.

Parker was a 33-game starter for the Wildcats who played both nickelback and cornerback throughout his career. He was an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 pick in 2019 despite only playing in eight games as an injury cut his season short. That year, he totaled three interceptions and was tied for second in the Big 12 and 17th&nbsp;nationally in picks prior to his injury. A native of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Parker started nine contests last season, including the TCU game in which his interception-return touchdown in the second half was the difference in a 21-14 victory. Parker earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week and Jim Thorpe Award Player of the Week honors following the game against the Horned Frogs.

A graduate transfer from Minnesota prior to the season, Thomas played in eight games with starts in each of the final four contests of 2020. He had five tackles in the final two games of the year, while he batted away a pass in four different contests. Prior to K-State, Thomas played in 32 games with 16 starts in three years at Minnesota.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A pair of Kansas State defensive backs that concluded their collegiate careers in 2020 have earned their shot with NFL teams as the Detroit Lions announced the signing of&nbsp;AJ Parker&nbsp;and the Cleveland Browns have inked&nbsp;Kiondre Thomas. The duo joins&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert, a seventh-round draft pick by Cincinnati, as players on last year’s team to be added to NFL rosters.Parker was a 33-game starter for the Wildcats who played both nickelback and cornerback throughout his career. He was an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 pick in 2019 despite only playing in eight games as an injury cut his season short. That year, he totaled three interceptions and was tied for second in the Big 12 and 17th&nbsp;nationally in picks prior to his injury. A native of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Parker started nine contests last season, including the TCU game in which his interception-return touchdown in the second half was the difference in a 21-14 victory. Parker earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week and Jim Thorpe Award Player of the Week honors following the game against the Horned Frogs.A graduate transfer from Minnesota prior to the season, Thomas played in eight games with starts in each of the final four contests of 2020. He had five tackles in the final two games of the year, while he batted away a pass in four different contests. Prior to K-State, Thomas played in 32 games with 16 starts in three years at Minnesota.

Two Wildcats sign free agent contracts

By Karissa&nbsp;Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Bill&nbsp;Faflick, Executive Director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After months of working with state government, education and health leaders, schools in all 50 states have been given the go-ahead to resume high school sports at some level of competition. Schools in the District of Columbia were the last to receive the green light on April 1. This is great news and signals that a return to normalcy may be on the horizon by the time schools begin sports and activities this fall.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unfortunately, there is an ever-increasing issue that could put a kink in the return-to-play plans in Kansas and across the country – a shortage of officials, as in referees and umpires, that borders on catastrophic in some sports and in some parts of the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The shortage of officials in high school – and middle school – sports has been a growing concern for several years; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has moved the issue to heightened levels.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In some cases, schools that have waited months and months to “play ball” have had to cancel games or reschedule games. There are so many contests occurring, with some states currently playing football and other sports they were unable to offer last fall, coupled with regular spring sports now underway, there simply are not enough people to officiate all scheduled games.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; According to the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), registration of officials across the country is down about 30 percent this year. In Kansas from 2019-20 to 2020-2021 we saw a 14% reduction of officials registering.&nbsp; Five hundred-twenty fewer officials registered in 2020-2021. In the past 10 years – since 2010-2011 we are down 26% - 1092 few officials registered in 2020-2021. Sports with the largest percent decrease were basketball and wrestling at approximately 17% reduction.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tennessee and Georgia have reported declines in baseball umpires. In one county in Georgia, one middle school had to cancel its baseball season due to a lack of umpires.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In some cases, the number of available officials has declined due to health-related reasons – people opting out this year because of the pandemic. As vaccinations increase and the optics improve, many of these individuals hopefully will return.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For other officials, however, the pandemic was a secondary concern compared to the verbal abuse they receive from fans – mostly parents. It is particularly hard for rookie officials to overcome the verbal shots they hear from parents. In an article in the Salt Lake City Deseret News, Jeff Cluff, assistant director in charge of officials for the UHSAA, had the following to say about unruly fans in his state:&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Parents are out of control . . . Because of the club and super-league culture, they think these games mean everything; we don’t look at it that way in high school. Kids are learning, the officials are learning, the coaches are learning. We have lots of people who are interested in officiating. If we could keep these officials, we’d be fine.”

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Schools in Kansas need two things: 1) more individuals to consider officiating high school sports and 2) an improvement in fan behavior so that officials don’t have to deal with verbal abuse and can feel good about continuing to officiate. Despite the fun and rewards that come with officiating high school sports, no one wants to continue if they are continually berated by fans.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The NFHS has been actively recruiting officials for four years through its #BecomeAnOfficial campaign. More than 50,000 individuals have expressed interest in officiating during this time. However, more individuals are desperately needed to keep the games going for the millions of students in middle school and high school sports. Anyone can sign up today at www.highschoolofficials.com.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; More importantly, let’s do all we can to keep the men and women who are currently giving of their time to officiate middle school and high school sports. The next time you think about yelling at the referee during a high school contest, DON’T!

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is hope on the horizon that the pandemic will not keep kids off the playing fields and courts much longer. Let’s make sure boorish behavior doesn’t keep officials off the same fields and courts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Karissa&nbsp;Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Bill&nbsp;Faflick, Executive Director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After months of working with state government, education and health leaders, schools in all 50 states have been given the go-ahead to resume high school sports at some level of competition. Schools in the District of Columbia were the last to receive the green light on April 1. This is great news and signals that a return to normalcy may be on the horizon by the time schools begin sports and activities this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unfortunately, there is an ever-increasing issue that could put a kink in the return-to-play plans in Kansas and across the country – a shortage of officials, as in referees and umpires, that borders on catastrophic in some sports and in some parts of the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The shortage of officials in high school – and middle school – sports has been a growing concern for several years; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has moved the issue to heightened levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In some cases, schools that have waited months and months to “play ball” have had to cancel games or reschedule games. There are so many contests occurring, with some states currently playing football and other sports they were unable to offer last fall, coupled with regular spring sports now underway, there simply are not enough people to officiate all scheduled games.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; According to the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), registration of officials across the country is down about 30 percent this year. In Kansas from 2019-20 to 2020-2021 we saw a 14% reduction of officials registering.&nbsp; Five hundred-twenty fewer officials registered in 2020-2021. In the past 10 years – since 2010-2011 we are down 26% - 1092 few officials registered in 2020-2021. Sports with the largest percent decrease were basketball and wrestling at approximately 17% reduction.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tennessee and Georgia have reported declines in baseball umpires. In one county in Georgia, one middle school had to cancel its baseball season due to a lack of umpires.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In some cases, the number of available officials has declined due to health-related reasons – people opting out this year because of the pandemic. As vaccinations increase and the optics improve, many of these individuals hopefully will return.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For other officials, however, the pandemic was a secondary concern compared to the verbal abuse they receive from fans – mostly parents. It is particularly hard for rookie officials to overcome the verbal shots they hear from parents. In an article in the Salt Lake City Deseret News, Jeff Cluff, assistant director in charge of officials for the UHSAA, had the following to say about unruly fans in his state:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Parents are out of control . . . Because of the club and super-league culture, they think these games mean everything; we don’t look at it that way in high school. Kids are learning, the officials are learning, the coaches are learning. We have lots of people who are interested in officiating. If we could keep these officials, we’d be fine.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Schools in Kansas need two things: 1) more individuals to consider officiating high school sports and 2) an improvement in fan behavior so that officials don’t have to deal with verbal abuse and can feel good about continuing to officiate. Despite the fun and rewards that come with officiating high school sports, no one wants to continue if they are continually berated by fans.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The NFHS has been actively recruiting officials for four years through its #BecomeAnOfficial campaign. More than 50,000 individuals have expressed interest in officiating during this time. However, more individuals are desperately needed to keep the games going for the millions of students in middle school and high school sports. Anyone can sign up today at www.highschoolofficials.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; More importantly, let’s do all we can to keep the men and women who are currently giving of their time to officiate middle school and high school sports. The next time you think about yelling at the referee during a high school contest, DON’T!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is hope on the horizon that the pandemic will not keep kids off the playing fields and courts much longer. Let’s make sure boorish behavior doesn’t keep officials off the same fields and courts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Headline: More Officials, Better Fan Behavior Needed in High School Sports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Josh Naylor homered in the ninth inning, sending the Cleveland Indians to a 5-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Naylor greeted Wade Davis with a leadoff drive to right for his second homer. Nick Wittgren struck out the side in the eighth for the win, and James Karinchak worked the ninth for his third save. Cleveland trailed 4-0 after five innings. It has rallied to win in the first three games of the four-game set.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Josh Naylor homered in the ninth inning, sending the Cleveland Indians to a 5-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Naylor greeted Wade Davis with a leadoff drive to right for his second homer. Nick Wittgren struck out the side in the eighth for the win, and James Karinchak worked the ninth for his third save. Cleveland trailed 4-0 after five innings. It has rallied to win in the first three games of the four-game set.

Royals lose again to the Indians

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Senior&nbsp;Mike McGuirl&nbsp;was named the winner of the Rolando Blackman Most Valuable Player Award, along with the Bob Boozer Courage Award, as the Kansas State men’s basketball team honored their team award winners for the 2020-21 season at the conclusion of spring workouts.

Due to injuries and COVID-19 protocols, McGuirl was the only Wildcat to start all 29 games, while he played a key role in mentoring one of the youngest teams in the country. Three true freshmen (Davion Bradford,&nbsp;Selton Miguel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nijel Pack) started together in 17 of 29 games, including 12 in Big 12 play.

McGuirl, along with sophomore&nbsp;Kaosi Ezeagu&nbsp;and freshmen&nbsp;Davion Bradford&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nijel Pack, each captured two awards. Bradford was named the winner of the Porky Morgan Most Inspirational Player and Ed Nealy Most Improved Player awards, Ezeagu earned the Dean Harris Sixth Man and Keith Amerson Academic awards, while Pack was selected as winner of the Tex Winter Top Offensive Player and Mitch Richmond Mr. Basketball awards.

TOM GILBERT Director for Men’s Basketball Communications | K-State Athletics&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Senior&nbsp;Mike McGuirl&nbsp;was named the winner of the Rolando Blackman Most Valuable Player Award, along with the Bob Boozer Courage Award, as the Kansas State men’s basketball team honored their team award winners for the 2020-21 season at the conclusion of spring workouts.Due to injuries and COVID-19 protocols, McGuirl was the only Wildcat to start all 29 games, while he played a key role in mentoring one of the youngest teams in the country. Three true freshmen (Davion Bradford,&nbsp;Selton Miguel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nijel Pack) started together in 17 of 29 games, including 12 in Big 12 play.McGuirl, along with sophomore&nbsp;Kaosi Ezeagu&nbsp;and freshmen&nbsp;Davion Bradford&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nijel Pack, each captured two awards. Bradford was named the winner of the Porky Morgan Most Inspirational Player and Ed Nealy Most Improved Player awards, Ezeagu earned the Dean Harris Sixth Man and Keith Amerson Academic awards, while Pack was selected as winner of the Tex Winter Top Offensive Player and Mitch Richmond Mr. Basketball awards.TOM GILBERT Director for Men’s Basketball Communications | K-State Athletics&nbsp;&nbsp;

McGuirl named MVP of 2020-21 campaign

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Harold Ramirez hit a go-ahead double in the eighth, pinch-hitter Jake Bauers added a two-run homer later in the inning and the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3. 

Strong bullpen work by Nick Sandlin, Nick Wittgren and Cal Quantrill shut out the Royals over the final four innings as Cleveland rallied from a three-run deficit. Wittgren earned the win, while reliever Josh Staumont took the loss for Kansas City. 

Salvador Perez had the big highlight for the Royals with a homer that splashed into the fountains an estimated 460 feet from home plate.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Harold Ramirez hit a go-ahead double in the eighth, pinch-hitter Jake Bauers added a two-run homer later in the inning and the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3. Strong bullpen work by Nick Sandlin, Nick Wittgren and Cal Quantrill shut out the Royals over the final four innings as Cleveland rallied from a three-run deficit. Wittgren earned the win, while reliever Josh Staumont took the loss for Kansas City. Salvador Perez had the big highlight for the Royals with a homer that splashed into the fountains an estimated 460 feet from home plate.

Ramirez, Bauers help Indians rally for 7-3 win over Royals

MANHATTAN –&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has signed international talent Malene Lind Pedersen to a National Letter of Intent. Pedersen will join the Wildcat roster for the 2021-22 season.

Pedersen joins previous K-State signees: Rebekah Dallinger (Sydney, Australia), Brylee Glenn (Raymore, Missouri), Jaelyn Glenn (Raymore, Missouri) and Serena Sundell (Maryville, Missouri). Pedersen is the first women’s basketball player in program history from Denmark.

“Malene is a player that fills the stat sheet in every way,” said Mittie. “She can play multiple positions and possesses a good knack for scoring. She is a possible redshirt, as she sustained a late season injury. We will assess this when she arrives on campus.”

Pedersen, a 5-11 guard, joins the Wildcats from Aabyhoj, Denmark, and is the first Wildcat women’s basketball player from Denmark. Pedersen played her club career with Aabyhoj IF in the Danish Women’s League. She was a two-time Danish Women’s League All-Star team selection in 2019 and 2021.

In the 2019 season, Pedersen was awarded the Danish Women’s League Talent of the Year by leading Aabyhoj IF to the Danish Women’s League title and was named the player of the game in the final. She averaged 14.9 points on a .556 field goal percentage in 17 games, including a .380 effort from 3-point range. She also pulled in 5.1 rebounds and pocketed 1.6 steals.

In 2021, Pedersen played in 13 games and led the squad with 19.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.6 steals. She also handed out 3.1 assists. She tallied seven games with 20 or more points and also carded four double-doubles.

In her international career, Pedersen has played for Denmark Senior and Youth National Teams. In her most recent international experience, Pedersen played in the 2019-20 FIBA Women's Eurobasket Qualifiers with the Denmark Women’s National Team and recorded 1.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.7 assists in three games played.

In 2018, Pedersen took part in the 2018 Basketball Without Borders Camp in Belgrade, Serbia, and was named the camp’s MVP and was selected to the All-Star team.

In 2017, Pedersen helped Denmark’s U16 National Team capture the 2017 U16 Women’s European Championship in division B and named to the All-Tournament Team.

K-State concluded the 53rd&nbsp;season in program history in 2020-21. The Wildcats will return 2021 All-Big 12 recipient Ayoka Lee and preseason 2020-21 All-Big 12 honorable mention selection Rachel Ranke for the 2021-22 season.

Name, Height, Position, Hometown, School

Rebekah Dallinger, Guard, Sydney, Australia, Miles (Montana) Community College

Brylee Glenn, Guard, Raymore, Missouri, The Barstow School

Jaelyn Glenn, Guard, Raymore, Missouri, The Barstow School

Malene Lind Pedersen, Guard, Aabyhoj, Denmark

Serena Sundell, Guard, Maryville, Missouri, Maryville High School

– <a href="http://kstatesports.com">kstatesports.com</a> –

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620180292125.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/">kstatesports.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/">kstatesports.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN –&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has signed international talent Malene Lind Pedersen to a National Letter of Intent. Pedersen will join the Wildcat roster for the 2021-22 season.Pedersen joins previous K-State signees: Rebekah Dallinger (Sydney, Australia), Brylee Glenn (Raymore, Missouri), Jaelyn Glenn (Raymore, Missouri) and Serena Sundell (Maryville, Missouri). Pedersen is the first women’s basketball player in program history from Denmark.“Malene is a player that fills the stat sheet in every way,” said Mittie. “She can play multiple positions and possesses a good knack for scoring. She is a possible redshirt, as she sustained a late season injury. We will assess this when she arrives on campus.”Pedersen, a 5-11 guard, joins the Wildcats from Aabyhoj, Denmark, and is the first Wildcat women’s basketball player from Denmark. Pedersen played her club career with Aabyhoj IF in the Danish Women’s League. She was a two-time Danish Women’s League All-Star team selection in 2019 and 2021.In the 2019 season, Pedersen was awarded the Danish Women’s League Talent of the Year by leading Aabyhoj IF to the Danish Women’s League title and was named the player of the game in the final. She averaged 14.9 points on a .556 field goal percentage in 17 games, including a .380 effort from 3-point range. She also pulled in 5.1 rebounds and pocketed 1.6 steals.In 2021, Pedersen played in 13 games and led the squad with 19.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.6 steals. She also handed out 3.1 assists. She tallied seven games with 20 or more points and also carded four double-doubles.In her international career, Pedersen has played for Denmark Senior and Youth National Teams. In her most recent international experience, Pedersen played in the 2019-20 FIBA Women's Eurobasket Qualifiers with the Denmark Women’s National Team and recorded 1.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.7 assists in three games played.In 2018, Pedersen took part in the 2018 Basketball Without Borders Camp in Belgrade, Serbia, and was named the camp’s MVP and was selected to the All-Star team.In 2017, Pedersen helped Denmark’s U16 National Team capture the 2017 U16 Women’s European Championship in division B and named to the All-Tournament Team.K-State concluded the 53rd&nbsp;season in program history in 2020-21. The Wildcats will return 2021 All-Big 12 recipient Ayoka Lee and preseason 2020-21 All-Big 12 honorable mention selection Rachel Ranke for the 2021-22 season.<h2>K-State 2020-21 signees</h2>Name, Height, Position, Hometown, SchoolRebekah Dallinger, Guard, Sydney, Australia, Miles (Montana) Community CollegeBrylee Glenn, Guard, Raymore, Missouri, The Barstow SchoolJaelyn Glenn, Guard, Raymore, Missouri, The Barstow SchoolMalene Lind Pedersen, Guard, Aabyhoj, DenmarkSerena Sundell, Guard, Maryville, Missouri, Maryville High School– <a href="http://kstatesports.com">kstatesports.com</a> –

K-State women's basketball adds Pedersen to 2021-22 roster

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Eddie Rosario hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the seventh inning that sent the Cleveland Indians to an 8-6 win over the Kansas City Royals.

Josh Naylor added a two-run shot off Royals reliever Jakob Junis two batters after Rosario during what became a five-run inning. Bryan Shaw got the win in relief of Indians starter Aaron Civale. Emmanuel Clase handled the ninth for his sixth save and has yet to allow an earned run in 13 1/3 innings this season.

Whit Merrifield and Hunter Dozier had two-run homers for Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Eddie Rosario hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the seventh inning that sent the Cleveland Indians to an 8-6 win over the Kansas City Royals.Josh Naylor added a two-run shot off Royals reliever Jakob Junis two batters after Rosario during what became a five-run inning. Bryan Shaw got the win in relief of Indians starter Aaron Civale. Emmanuel Clase handled the ninth for his sixth save and has yet to allow an earned run in 13 1/3 innings this season.Whit Merrifield and Hunter Dozier had two-run homers for Kansas City.

 Rosario's 3-run homer sends Indians to 8-6 win over Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - WBCA National Two-Year Player of the Year Rebekah Dallinger will join Jeff Mittie’s squad at K-State for the upcoming season.

The Sydney, Australia-native comes to Manhattan following one season at Miles (Montana) Community College where she earned the 2021 WBCA National Two-Year Player of the Year and 2021 WBCA All-America First Team honors.

While in Montana, Dallinger led the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I in points per game (25.8) and total points (644) en route a 24-2 season ending in the Pioneers’ first-ever national championship.

Dallinger scored 20 or more points in 19 games, including nine games of 30 or more and two games with 40 or more.

By WIBWMANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - WBCA National Two-Year Player of the Year Rebekah Dallinger will join Jeff Mittie’s squad at K-State for the upcoming season.The Sydney, Australia-native comes to Manhattan following one season at Miles (Montana) Community College where she earned the 2021 WBCA National Two-Year Player of the Year and 2021 WBCA All-America First Team honors.While in Montana, Dallinger led the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I in points per game (25.8) and total points (644) en route a 24-2 season ending in the Pioneers’ first-ever national championship.Dallinger scored 20 or more points in 19 games, including nine games of 30 or more and two games with 40 or more.

K-State signs Player of the Year

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– With a home run in four straight games and 15 RBI last week, K-State senior&nbsp;Chris Ceballos&nbsp;was selected as Big 12 Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

Ceballos put together a slash line of .538/.600/1.615 in the Wildcats’ 4-0 week that was capped by a weekend sweep of Texas Southern. In a 13-8 win over Missouri last Tuesday, Ceballos went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a home run and a career-high five RBI.

The Chino Hills, California, launched his first career grand slam in the series opener against the Tigers Friday before connecting on three-run homers Saturday and Sunday. Ceballos’ home run and RBI totals along with his slugging percentage were all the top marks in the Big 12 last week, as the second-highest RBI total was eight.

Ceballos’ efforts helped push the Cats’ winning streak to a season-best six games. In four games last week, K-State totaled 60 runs and a dozen home runs. K-State plated 47 runs in its three-game sweep of Texas Southern, finishing a 12-game homestand with a 10-2 record.

The weekly honor is the second in the career of Ceballos, as he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week on May 13, 2019. He joins&nbsp;Connor McCullough&nbsp;(April 26) and&nbsp;Jordan Wicks&nbsp;(February 22), who were each named Pitcher of the Week, as Wildcats to collect a weekly conference award this year.

The Cats begin a six-game Big 12 road swing with a trip to Baylor Friday. The three-game series will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio coverage is available on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM) with free audio streaming at K-StateSports.com/watch.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– With a home run in four straight games and 15 RBI last week, K-State senior&nbsp;Chris Ceballos&nbsp;was selected as Big 12 Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.Ceballos put together a slash line of .538/.600/1.615 in the Wildcats’ 4-0 week that was capped by a weekend sweep of Texas Southern. In a 13-8 win over Missouri last Tuesday, Ceballos went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a home run and a career-high five RBI.The Chino Hills, California, launched his first career grand slam in the series opener against the Tigers Friday before connecting on three-run homers Saturday and Sunday. Ceballos’ home run and RBI totals along with his slugging percentage were all the top marks in the Big 12 last week, as the second-highest RBI total was eight.Ceballos’ efforts helped push the Cats’ winning streak to a season-best six games. In four games last week, K-State totaled 60 runs and a dozen home runs. K-State plated 47 runs in its three-game sweep of Texas Southern, finishing a 12-game homestand with a 10-2 record.The weekly honor is the second in the career of Ceballos, as he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week on May 13, 2019. He joins&nbsp;Connor McCullough&nbsp;(April 26) and&nbsp;Jordan Wicks&nbsp;(February 22), who were each named Pitcher of the Week, as Wildcats to collect a weekly conference award this year.The Cats begin a six-game Big 12 road swing with a trip to Baylor Friday. The three-game series will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio coverage is available on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM) with free audio streaming at K-StateSports.com/watch.

Ceballos Earns Big 12 Player of the Week

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Andrelton Simmons and Mitch Garver homered in a seven-run third inning, and rookie Alex Kirilloff went deep for the fourth time in three games as the Minnesota Twins routed the Kansas City Royals 13-4. 

José Berríos took advantage of Minnesota’s recent tear at the plate to win for the first time in four starts. Berríos gave up four runs and struck out nine in six innings. The Twins have won three of four and scored 35 runs during that stretch. Royals starter Brad Keller was undone by the long ball and his own defense. Keller gave up all seven runs in the third, but only two were earned after a pair of errors by third baseman Hunter Dozier.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Andrelton Simmons and Mitch Garver homered in a seven-run third inning, and rookie Alex Kirilloff went deep for the fourth time in three games as the Minnesota Twins routed the Kansas City Royals 13-4. José Berríos took advantage of Minnesota’s recent tear at the plate to win for the first time in four starts. Berríos gave up four runs and struck out nine in six innings. The Twins have won three of four and scored 35 runs during that stretch. Royals starter Brad Keller was undone by the long ball and his own defense. Keller gave up all seven runs in the third, but only two were earned after a pair of errors by third baseman Hunter Dozier.

Twins roll by the Royals on Sunday

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - More than 250 people participated in the Spring Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills 5K on Saturday morning.

It’s been more than a year since they have been able to complete their season with an in-person celebration.

“It feels amazing because last year was virtual so we couldn’t run with anybody.” Amanda Arnold Elementary School Paraeducator and GOTR Coach, Vicki King says.

The girls participating in Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills are students in both Manhattan and Wamego school districts, coming together to celebrate the end of their season.

To complete the 5K each girl had a running buddy, and community members were invited to participate in the 5K and help celebrate the end of the season.

Results from the 5K can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.athlinks.com/event/351726/results/Event/964477/Results?fbclid=IwAR3y9gBGo-uA5rQgBSmIvxObTLEDeDyhqtLT3mjrP6vfi_tUwa5stIvC12s" target="_blank">here</a>.

By WIBWMANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - More than 250 people participated in the Spring Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills 5K on Saturday morning.It’s been more than a year since they have been able to complete their season with an in-person celebration.“It feels amazing because last year was virtual so we couldn’t run with anybody.” Amanda Arnold Elementary School Paraeducator and GOTR Coach, Vicki King says.The girls participating in Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills are students in both Manhattan and Wamego school districts, coming together to celebrate the end of their season.To complete the 5K each girl had a running buddy, and community members were invited to participate in the 5K and help celebrate the end of the season.Results from the 5K can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.athlinks.com/event/351726/results/Event/964477/Results?fbclid=IwAR3y9gBGo-uA5rQgBSmIvxObTLEDeDyhqtLT3mjrP6vfi_tUwa5stIvC12s" target="_blank">here</a>.

Runners celebrated the end of their season on Saturday

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State defensive end&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert&nbsp;saw his NFL dream come true on Saturday afternoon as he was selected in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hubert, who was chosen with the seventh pick of the seventh round (No. 235 overall), is the fifth Wildcat all-time to be selected by Cincinnati. The last was another defensive end when&nbsp;Jordan Willis, who is currently with the San Francisco 49ers, was taken by the Bengals in the 2017 draft.

A two-time First Team All-Big 12 defender, Hubert started 29 career games for the Wildcats and tied for eighth in school history with 20.0 career sacks. Hubert, who earned votes for the Big 12 Defensive Player and Defensive Lineman of the Year awards each of the last two seasons, was ranked seventh in the nation among active players in career sacks per game (0.59) and 10th in tackles for loss per game (1.00) following the 2020 season.

Hubert, a native of Topeka, Kansas, started every in 2020, totaling 27 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, the latter two being career highs despite K-State playing in a COVID-shortened 10 games. He was the only Big 12 defender to be a unanimous selection to the first team.

With the conclusion of the draft on Saturday, former Wildcat football players can begin to sign undrafted free agent contracts with NFL teams. Those will be announced after being made official by those respective franchises.

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1619919564437.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State defensive end&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert&nbsp;saw his NFL dream come true on Saturday afternoon as he was selected in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.Hubert, who was chosen with the seventh pick of the seventh round (No. 235 overall), is the fifth Wildcat all-time to be selected by Cincinnati. The last was another defensive end when&nbsp;Jordan Willis, who is currently with the San Francisco 49ers, was taken by the Bengals in the 2017 draft.A two-time First Team All-Big 12 defender, Hubert started 29 career games for the Wildcats and tied for eighth in school history with 20.0 career sacks. Hubert, who earned votes for the Big 12 Defensive Player and Defensive Lineman of the Year awards each of the last two seasons, was ranked seventh in the nation among active players in career sacks per game (0.59) and 10th in tackles for loss per game (1.00) following the 2020 season.Hubert, a native of Topeka, Kansas, started every in 2020, totaling 27 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, the latter two being career highs despite K-State playing in a COVID-shortened 10 games. He was the only Big 12 defender to be a unanimous selection to the first team.With the conclusion of the draft on Saturday, former Wildcat football players can begin to sign undrafted free agent contracts with NFL teams. Those will be announced after being made official by those respective franchises.– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

K-State's Hubert selected by Bengals in 2021 NFL Draft

<a>KANSAS CITY, Kan.</a>&nbsp;– The win streak by the Kansas State women’s rowing team in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown came to an end on Saturday morning, as Kansas collected wins in both Varsity Eight races at Wyandotte County Lake to earn the rivalry trophy back for the first time since 2017.

Due to how the races are weighed, the Jayhawks won the Sunflower Showdown, 15-5, on the strength of its victories in the First Varsity Eight (9 points) and Second Varsity Eight (6 points), as the First Varsity Four (3 points) and Second Varsity Four (2 points) counted for the remaining 5 points.

In the first head-to-head meeting in the Sunflower Showdown since 2019, Kansas jumped out to wins in the first two races of the day – the First Varsity Eight and Second Varsity Eight – before the Wildcats earned points in each of the Varsity Four races, including a dominant performance in the First Varsity Four by nearly 17 seconds.

Despite the loss, K-State has still won the Sunflower Showdown six times in the last 10 years, including a 22-0 sweep in 2019 – a first in the rivalry since 2012.

<a>“Today, I think was really a mixed bag,” said head coach&nbsp;Pat Sweeney. “We’ve had strong training with our young team, but our weakness today was that we had too many technical errors. The 1v8 didn’t hear the start and got dropped by a half a length and it stayed that way until the finish.</a>

“We were physically really doing well, but they got to learn better technique so to not make mistakes when they're racing. They really beat themselves by just making mistakes and we can't afford to do that.”

Putting the Wildcats’ youth in perspective, 23 of 28 athletes competing in the Sunflower Showdown were underclassmen, including 14 who are either redshirt or true freshmen.

<a>KANSAS CITY, Kan.</a>&nbsp;– The win streak by the Kansas State women’s rowing team in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown came to an end on Saturday morning, as Kansas collected wins in both Varsity Eight races at Wyandotte County Lake to earn the rivalry trophy back for the first time since 2017.Due to how the races are weighed, the Jayhawks won the Sunflower Showdown, 15-5, on the strength of its victories in the First Varsity Eight (9 points) and Second Varsity Eight (6 points), as the First Varsity Four (3 points) and Second Varsity Four (2 points) counted for the remaining 5 points.In the first head-to-head meeting in the Sunflower Showdown since 2019, Kansas jumped out to wins in the first two races of the day – the First Varsity Eight and Second Varsity Eight – before the Wildcats earned points in each of the Varsity Four races, including a dominant performance in the First Varsity Four by nearly 17 seconds.Despite the loss, K-State has still won the Sunflower Showdown six times in the last 10 years, including a 22-0 sweep in 2019 – a first in the rivalry since 2012.<a>“Today, I think was really a mixed bag,” said head coach&nbsp;Pat Sweeney. “We’ve had strong training with our young team, but our weakness today was that we had too many technical errors. The 1v8 didn’t hear the start and got dropped by a half a length and it stayed that way until the finish.</a>“We were physically really doing well, but they got to learn better technique so to not make mistakes when they're racing. They really beat themselves by just making mistakes and we can't afford to do that.”Putting the Wildcats’ youth in perspective, 23 of 28 athletes competing in the Sunflower Showdown were underclassmen, including 14 who are either redshirt or true freshmen.Tom Gilbert - K-State Athletics

K-State falls to Kansas in Sunflower Showdown Saturday

The Manhattan Indians swept the Junction City Blue Jays in baseball 9-2 and 13-2 in five innings Friday evening.

The games were played at Rathert Field in Junction City.

The Manhattan Indians swept the Junction City Blue Jays in baseball 9-2 and 13-2 in five innings Friday evening.The games were played at Rathert Field in Junction City.

Manhattan sweeps in baseball

Manhattan took two softball games from Junction City Friday night by the scores of 13-1 and 7-2. The games were played in Manhattan.

Manhattan took two softball games from Junction City Friday night by the scores of 13-1 and 7-2. The games were played in Manhattan.

Junction City - Manhattan softball results

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has hired Buffalo's Lance Leipold as its next football coach. The Jayhawks are turning over one of college football’s worst programs to a longtime Division III coach with Midwestern roots. Leipold signed a six-year contract and takes over for Les Miles. 

Miles, a former title-winning coach at LSU, parted with the Jayhawks after two losing seasons amid allegations of sexual harassment dating to his time with the Tigers. 

Leipold won six Division III national titles in eight seasons before going to the Bulls, where he was 37-33 the past six years.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has hired Buffalo's Lance Leipold as its next football coach. The Jayhawks are turning over one of college football’s worst programs to a longtime Division III coach with Midwestern roots. Leipold signed a six-year contract and takes over for Les Miles. Miles, a former title-winning coach at LSU, parted with the Jayhawks after two losing seasons amid allegations of sexual harassment dating to his time with the Tigers. Leipold won six Division III national titles in eight seasons before going to the Bulls, where he was 37-33 the past six years.

KU hires Lance Leipold as head football coach

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The pivotal stretch for the Kansas State women’s rowing team begins on Saturday (May 1), as the Wildcats renew their rivalry with Kansas in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown at Wyandotte County Lake in Kansas City, Kansas. The first of the four races in the rivalry matchup will begin at 8:30 a.m., CT.

The meet is free and open to the public with fans viewing the races from the Wyandotte County Lake Shelter 8 location. Due to COVID-19 protocols, fans will need to wear face masks covering their nose and mouth and maintain six-feet of social distancing. There is a $5 charge for parking.

The First Varsity Eight will kick things off at 8:30 a.m., CT on Saturday morning. It will be followed by the Second Varsity Eight at 8:45 a.m., CT, the First Varsity Four at 9 a.m., CT and the Second Varsity Four at 9:15 a.m., CT. The trophy presentation will be immediately following at 9:30 a.m., CT.

Fans can follow live updates on @KStateROW throughout the day.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The pivotal stretch for the Kansas State women’s rowing team begins on Saturday (May 1), as the Wildcats renew their rivalry with Kansas in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown at Wyandotte County Lake in Kansas City, Kansas. The first of the four races in the rivalry matchup will begin at 8:30 a.m., CT.The meet is free and open to the public with fans viewing the races from the Wyandotte County Lake Shelter 8 location. Due to COVID-19 protocols, fans will need to wear face masks covering their nose and mouth and maintain six-feet of social distancing. There is a $5 charge for parking.The First Varsity Eight will kick things off at 8:30 a.m., CT on Saturday morning. It will be followed by the Second Varsity Eight at 8:45 a.m., CT, the First Varsity Four at 9 a.m., CT and the Second Varsity Four at 9:15 a.m., CT. The trophy presentation will be immediately following at 9:30 a.m., CT.Fans can follow live updates on @KStateROW throughout the day.

Sunflower Showdown is set for Saturday in rowing

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jorge Soler had two doubles among his three hits and drove in three runs to lead Kansas City over the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-6 and improve the Royals’ record to a major league-best 15-8. Soler’s doubles sparked three-run rallies in the first and sixth innings, the latter stretching the lead to 9-5. Kansas City won for the sixth time in seven games. Salvador Pérez also had three of Kansas City’s 12 hits. Hunter Dozier hit a two-run triple and Andrew Benintendi added a two-run double.&nbsp;

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jorge Soler had two doubles among his three hits and drove in three runs to lead Kansas City over the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-6 and improve the Royals’ record to a major league-best 15-8. Soler’s doubles sparked three-run rallies in the first and sixth innings, the latter stretching the lead to 9-5. Kansas City won for the sixth time in seven games. Salvador Pérez also had three of Kansas City’s 12 hits. Hunter Dozier hit a two-run triple and Andrew Benintendi added a two-run double.&nbsp;

Royals edge the Pirates

DETROIT, Mich. - The Kansas City Royals defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-2 on Monday afternoon, claiming KC's fifth-straight win.&nbsp;

In the effort, Royals' starter Brad Keller contributed six innings, allowing just two runs and eight hits.&nbsp;

Carlos Santana broke open the scoring with a two-run homer to right field in the third inning, but Detroit would battle back scoring one run in both the third and fourth innings.&nbsp;

In the fifth, hit Merrifield would bring in Jarrod Dyson with a sacrifice fly that would ultimately win the game.

The victory marked Kansas city's first ever four-game sweep of the Tigers in Detroit and improved their record to 14-7, two games ahead of second place Chicago in the AL Central standings, and the best record in the American League.&nbsp;

KC will be on the road for five more, beginning with a two-game stint in Pittsburgh Tuesday and Wednesday night. Both games will begin at 5:35p.m..&nbsp;

DETROIT, Mich. - The Kansas City Royals defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-2 on Monday afternoon, claiming KC's fifth-straight win.&nbsp;In the effort, Royals' starter Brad Keller contributed six innings, allowing just two runs and eight hits.&nbsp;Carlos Santana broke open the scoring with a two-run homer to right field in the third inning, but Detroit would battle back scoring one run in both the third and fourth innings.&nbsp;In the fifth, hit Merrifield would bring in Jarrod Dyson with a sacrifice fly that would ultimately win the game.The victory marked Kansas city's first ever four-game sweep of the Tigers in Detroit and improved their record to 14-7, two games ahead of second place Chicago in the AL Central standings, and the best record in the American League.&nbsp;KC will be on the road for five more, beginning with a two-game stint in Pittsburgh Tuesday and Wednesday night. Both games will begin at 5:35p.m..&nbsp;

Royals sweep Tigers, Win fifth-straight

DETROIT (AP) — Mike Minor held Detroit hitless until the fifth inning, and Andrew Benintendi and Ryan O’Hearn homered off Casey Mize to lift the Kansas City Royals to a 6-2 victory over the Tigers. Robbie Grossman went deep for Detroit in the fifth, but by then the Tigers were trailing 6-0 after another rough start for Mize. The top pick in the 2018 draft earned his first big league win earlier this month when he held Houston scoreless for seven innings. Since then, Mize has allowed 11 runs in two outings against Oakland and Kansas City. Minor allowed two runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings.

DETROIT (AP) — Mike Minor held Detroit hitless until the fifth inning, and Andrew Benintendi and Ryan O’Hearn homered off Casey Mize to lift the Kansas City Royals to a 6-2 victory over the Tigers. Robbie Grossman went deep for Detroit in the fifth, but by then the Tigers were trailing 6-0 after another rough start for Mize. The top pick in the 2018 draft earned his first big league win earlier this month when he held Houston scoreless for seven innings. Since then, Mize has allowed 11 runs in two outings against Oakland and Kansas City. Minor allowed two runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Mike Minor sharp in Royals win over Detroit

There are three categories in&nbsp; the Bass Nation Central Regional which wraps up Friday at Milford Lake. On Thursday championship awards and prizes were awarded in one of the divisions, the State Team competition.

Teams from eight states entered the tournament. The group from Texas finished third and received $2,000. New Mexico was second and will get $3,000, and Colorado finished first and receives $5,000. The Kansas team finished sixth.

The other divisions include boaters and co-anglers. The fishing has been tough the last two days to the cold weather. John Stewart, Tournament Director, observed that it was tougher on the fish. "Two weeks ago all the fisherman were saying that the fishing was really good and then this cold front came through. " Stewart added that the anglers are used to the weather and they come prepared. "The fishing could be a little better,"

Stewart, who is from nearby Solomon, KS. called Milford Reservoir a great fishing lake. "We came here hoping we would hit it just right and get some really good catches." Stewart also credited Acorn's Resort and the Geary County Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau with being good hosts, and were also a reason the tournament was brought to Milford Lake.&nbsp;

Top winners in the boater and non-angler divisions move on to the TNT Bass Nation championship. A total of $34,500 in prize money will be given away in the tournament at Milford Lake.

Stewart would like to return to the lake with the tournament again in the future. "Maybe we'll come a month later or something like that."

There are three categories in&nbsp; the Bass Nation Central Regional which wraps up Friday at Milford Lake. On Thursday championship awards and prizes were awarded in one of the divisions, the State Team competition.Teams from eight states entered the tournament. The group from Texas finished third and received $2,000. New Mexico was second and will get $3,000, and Colorado finished first and receives $5,000. The Kansas team finished sixth.The other divisions include boaters and co-anglers. The fishing has been tough the last two days to the cold weather. John Stewart, Tournament Director, observed that it was tougher on the fish. "Two weeks ago all the fisherman were saying that the fishing was really good and then this cold front came through. " Stewart added that the anglers are used to the weather and they come prepared. "The fishing could be a little better,"Stewart, who is from nearby Solomon, KS. called Milford Reservoir a great fishing lake. "We came here hoping we would hit it just right and get some really good catches." Stewart also credited Acorn's Resort and the Geary County Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau with being good hosts, and were also a reason the tournament was brought to Milford Lake.&nbsp;Top winners in the boater and non-angler divisions move on to the TNT Bass Nation championship. A total of $34,500 in prize money will be given away in the tournament at Milford Lake.Stewart would like to return to the lake with the tournament again in the future. "Maybe we'll come a month later or something like that."

Colorado wins state team division in Bass Nation Central Regional

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — College football teams will have to go for 2 after touchdowns starting with the second overtime possession, and beginning in the third round each team will get one play to score from the 3-yard line. 

The NCAA playing rules oversight panel approved a proposal made last month by the playing rules committee to tweak the overtime format. The new rule will have teams run alternating 2-point plays in the third overtime instead of starting another drive at the opponent’s 25-yard line. The 2-point shootout currently starts in the fifth overtime.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — College football teams will have to go for 2 after touchdowns starting with the second overtime possession, and beginning in the third round each team will get one play to score from the 3-yard line. The NCAA playing rules oversight panel approved a proposal made last month by the playing rules committee to tweak the overtime format. The new rule will have teams run alternating 2-point plays in the third overtime instead of starting another drive at the opponent’s 25-yard line. The 2-point shootout currently starts in the fifth overtime.

Overtime rules will see changes in college football

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a game-ending RBI single, and the Kansas City Royals avoided a sweep by topping the Tampa Bay Rays 9-8. 

Jorge Soler, Hunter Dozier and Carlos Santana homered for Kansas City, which trailed 6-3 heading to the bottom of the seventh inning. Scott Barlow allowed Joey Wendle’s tiebreaking RBI double in the ninth, but got the win when the Royals rallied. 

Wendle had two hits and three RBIs for Tampa Bay, which had won five in a row. Brandon Lowe hit a two-run homer during the Rays’ four-run first inning against Jacob Junis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618832070186.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a game-ending RBI single, and the Kansas City Royals avoided a sweep by topping the Tampa Bay Rays 9-8. Jorge Soler, Hunter Dozier and Carlos Santana homered for Kansas City, which trailed 6-3 heading to the bottom of the seventh inning. Scott Barlow allowed Joey Wendle’s tiebreaking RBI double in the ninth, but got the win when the Royals rallied. Wendle had two hits and three RBIs for Tampa Bay, which had won five in a row. Brandon Lowe hit a two-run homer during the Rays’ four-run first inning against Jacob Junis.