By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

With just one week remaining in the regular season, the Salina Liberty will take to the gridiron on Saturday night for a colossal matchup with the Mustangs in Gillette.

The playoff field is already set, but the two teams will enter this contest in a tie for second at 7-2, with the winner claiming the two-seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage for a semifinal.

Meanwhile, the loser will take the three-seed and host a quarterfinal game before likely hitting the road for a second-round matchup the following week.

At 9-0, the Omaha Beef have secured the 1-seed and home field throughout this year’s postseason, and along with the Liberty and Mustangs, will fill out a field that will feature 6-4 Billings, 5-4 Sioux City, and 3-7 SW Kansas.

“All of these games have been big with that hole that we dug ourselves in the middle of the year but this is definitely a big one for us,” Salina head coach Heron O’Neal said. “It’s always tough when you go on the road, especially against a team that’s ranked second in the league and we’ve gotta be ready to put that trip behind us and put our best foot forward on Saturday.”

Fresh off a 48-39 win over the Bandits last week, the Liberty will have to make the long trek to Gillette to get to this one, and to face a Mustang team that looks leaps and bounds better than they did a season ago.

“Looking at what Coach Walker has brought in they’ve really restocked and they’ve got good coaching up there with some Arena I legends on that staff,” O’Neal said. “You can see the coaching in the way that they play and their recruiting has been big time this year.”

In their most recent contest, a 41-38 loss at the hands of the Billings Outlaws, the Mustangs got to try out newly signed QB Aaron Aiken, who delivered three touchdown passes against his former team.

One of Aiken's biggest targets this week will be Karonce Higgins, who leads the league in almost all receiving categories, topping the charts in yards (618), and touchdowns (14).

“Aiken has only played one game in this league so it’s tough to say what he can and can’t do just yet,” he said. “He runs the gameplan the way they want and they can make big plays when they go for the home run but he can also make things happen with his legs.”

In addition to contending with the league-best offense in the CIF, the Liberty will have to find a way through a defense that allows a second-ranked 148 yards, and 38 points per game.

“All you can do is come in with a good plan and make the adjustments on both sides accordingly as the game goes on,” O’Neal said. “We have to make sure we don’t turn the ball over, that’s the main thing. We’re focusing on our side of this matchup and we know we can’t turn the ball over and expect to win against a team like this.”

Kickoff between the Liberty and Mustangs is set for 6:30 PM at the CamPlex in Gillette and as always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM).

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617409785202.png" alt="Salina Liberty coverage is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Salina Liberty coverage is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>With just one week remaining in the regular season, the Salina Liberty will take to the gridiron on Saturday night for a colossal matchup with the Mustangs in Gillette.The playoff field is already set, but the two teams will enter this contest in a tie for second at 7-2, with the winner claiming the two-seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage for a semifinal.Meanwhile, the loser will take the three-seed and host a quarterfinal game before likely hitting the road for a second-round matchup the following week.At 9-0, the Omaha Beef have secured the 1-seed and home field throughout this year’s postseason, and along with the Liberty and Mustangs, will fill out a field that will feature 6-4 Billings, 5-4 Sioux City, and 3-7 SW Kansas.“All of these games have been big with that hole that we dug ourselves in the middle of the year but this is definitely a big one for us,” Salina head coach Heron O’Neal said. “It’s always tough when you go on the road, especially against a team that’s ranked second in the league and we’ve gotta be ready to put that trip behind us and put our best foot forward on Saturday.”Fresh off a 48-39 win over the Bandits last week, the Liberty will have to make the long trek to Gillette to get to this one, and to face a Mustang team that looks leaps and bounds better than they did a season ago.“Looking at what Coach Walker has brought in they’ve really restocked and they’ve got good coaching up there with some Arena I legends on that staff,” O’Neal said. “You can see the coaching in the way that they play and their recruiting has been big time this year.”In their most recent contest, a 41-38 loss at the hands of the Billings Outlaws, the Mustangs got to try out newly signed QB Aaron Aiken, who delivered three touchdown passes against his former team.One of Aiken's biggest targets this week will be Karonce Higgins, who leads the league in almost all receiving categories, topping the charts in yards (618), and touchdowns (14).“Aiken has only played one game in this league so it’s tough to say what he can and can’t do just yet,” he said. “He runs the gameplan the way they want and they can make big plays when they go for the home run but he can also make things happen with his legs.”In addition to contending with the league-best offense in the CIF, the Liberty will have to find a way through a defense that allows a second-ranked 148 yards, and 38 points per game.“All you can do is come in with a good plan and make the adjustments on both sides accordingly as the game goes on,” O’Neal said. “We have to make sure we don’t turn the ball over, that’s the main thing. We’re focusing on our side of this matchup and we know we can’t turn the ball over and expect to win against a team like this.”Kickoff between the Liberty and Mustangs is set for 6:30 PM at the CamPlex in Gillette and as always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM).

Liberty make trek to Gillette to battle Mutangs for 2-seed

By AVERY OSEN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lane Thomas opened the game with a home run, Corey Dickerson's three-run shot highlighted an eight-run sixth inning and Luis Garcia had six hits as the Washington Nationals outslugged the Kansas City Royals 12-10 on Friday night.

The eight-run inning was the largest scoring inning in Nationals' history and came against Kansas City's Jordan Lyles and Josh Staumont. Lyles (0-9) allowed five earned runs in five innings, giving up six hits and three walks with two strikeouts.

The 34-year-old Dickerson, in his 11th big league season, has eight hits and has two homers and seven RBIs since being called up on May 17.

Washington (22-29) led 9-2 when its half of the sixth was over, helped by RBIs from Garcia (two RBIs) and Joey Meneses off of Staumont, who gave up four earned runs in one-third of an inning.

The Royals (15-37) scored the next six runs, highlighted by a Bobby Witt Jr.'s three-run homer off Erasmo Ramirez in the seventh, cutting the lead to 9-8. Witt also homered in the sixth inning for his second career multi-homer game and a career-high with five RBIs.

Jeimer Candelario added a two-RBI triple and later scored in the eighth to extend the Nationals lead to 12-8.

Patrick Corbin (4-5) worked 6 1/3 inning, allowing six runs, seven hits, four walks with six strikeouts.

Garcia hit two doubles in the sixth inning, marking the first time a Nationals' batter has had two hits in an inning. That was part of his career-high six hit performance. He is just the third Washington player to have that many hits in a game.

The Royals called up OF Drew Waters and optioned INF/OF Nate Eaton to Triple-A Omaha.

Washington sends RHP Josiah Gray (4-5) to the mound against Royals RHP Brady Singer (3-4) on Saturday afternoon.

By AVERY OSEN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lane Thomas opened the game with a home run, Corey Dickerson's three-run shot highlighted an eight-run sixth inning and Luis Garcia had six hits as the Washington Nationals outslugged the Kansas City Royals 12-10 on Friday night.The eight-run inning was the largest scoring inning in Nationals' history and came against Kansas City's Jordan Lyles and Josh Staumont. Lyles (0-9) allowed five earned runs in five innings, giving up six hits and three walks with two strikeouts.The 34-year-old Dickerson, in his 11th big league season, has eight hits and has two homers and seven RBIs since being called up on May 17.Washington (22-29) led 9-2 when its half of the sixth was over, helped by RBIs from Garcia (two RBIs) and Joey Meneses off of Staumont, who gave up four earned runs in one-third of an inning.The Royals (15-37) scored the next six runs, highlighted by a Bobby Witt Jr.'s three-run homer off Erasmo Ramirez in the seventh, cutting the lead to 9-8. Witt also homered in the sixth inning for his second career multi-homer game and a career-high with five RBIs.Jeimer Candelario added a two-RBI triple and later scored in the eighth to extend the Nationals lead to 12-8.Patrick Corbin (4-5) worked 6 1/3 inning, allowing six runs, seven hits, four walks with six strikeouts.SEEING DOUBLEGarcia hit two doubles in the sixth inning, marking the first time a Nationals' batter has had two hits in an inning. That was part of his career-high six hit performance. He is just the third Washington player to have that many hits in a game.ROSTER MOVESThe Royals called up OF Drew Waters and optioned INF/OF Nate Eaton to Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTWashington sends RHP Josiah Gray (4-5) to the mound against Royals RHP Brady Singer (3-4) on Saturday afternoon.

Royals slug it out with Nationals, but come up short

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Kaelen Culpepper went 4 for 5 with five RBIs — including a three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning — and German Fajardo allowed five hits over 7 1/3 innings to help Kansas State beat Kansas 7-1 Friday in an elimination game at the Big 12 Tournament.

No. 5 seed Kansas State (35-23) plays fourth-seeded TCU — which beat the Wildcats 16-3 in the tournament's opening game — in the semifinals Saturday.

Nick Goodwin led off the bottom of the second inning with a walk and Brady Day followed with a single before Culpepper hit a shot to left that made it 3-0.

Goodwin drew a two-out walk in the seventh before Day hit a 0-2 pitch down the line in left for a double. Culpepper drove in both runners with a single to make it 7-1.

Fajardo (4-4) had a season-high nine strikeouts.

Jake English went 2 for 3 with a solo homer in the third for No. 8 seed Kansas (25-32).

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Kaelen Culpepper went 4 for 5 with five RBIs — including a three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning — and German Fajardo allowed five hits over 7 1/3 innings to help Kansas State beat Kansas 7-1 Friday in an elimination game at the Big 12 Tournament.No. 5 seed Kansas State (35-23) plays fourth-seeded TCU — which beat the Wildcats 16-3 in the tournament's opening game — in the semifinals Saturday.Nick Goodwin led off the bottom of the second inning with a walk and Brady Day followed with a single before Culpepper hit a shot to left that made it 3-0.Goodwin drew a two-out walk in the seventh before Day hit a 0-2 pitch down the line in left for a double. Culpepper drove in both runners with a single to make it 7-1.Fajardo (4-4) had a season-high nine strikeouts.Jake English went 2 for 3 with a solo homer in the third for No. 8 seed Kansas (25-32).

K-State baseball beats KU, advances to Big 12 semifinals

State baseball and softball tournaments are officially underway across the state of Kansas, and three of our area teams will be competing for a state title in their respective classes.

Below you can find game times and results for Salina South softball, Abilene baseball, Southeast of Saline softball, and Ell-Saline softball.

Thursday, May 25th (quarterfinals) - Paola BSB 5, Rock Creek 3 (8 innings) - Wamego SB 4, Rock Creek 0

Friday, May 26th - Wamego SB 1, Eudora 0 (semifinals) - Wamego SB 1, McPherson 0 (4A title game) - WAMEGO SOFTBALL 4A STATE CHAMPS

State baseball and softball tournaments are officially underway across the state of Kansas, and three of our area teams will be competing for a state title in their respective classes.Below you can find game times and results for Salina South softball, Abilene baseball, Southeast of Saline softball, and Ell-Saline softball.Thursday, May 25th (quarterfinals) - Paola BSB 5, Rock Creek 3 (8 innings) - Wamego SB 4, Rock Creek 0Friday, May 26th - Wamego SB 1, Eudora 0 (semifinals) - Wamego SB 1, McPherson 0 (4A title game) - WAMEGO SOFTBALL 4A STATE CHAMPS

State baseball and softball schedule and results

On the heels of a triumphant 48-39 victory over the Sioux City Bandits last week, the Champions Indoor Football League officially announced that two members of the Salina Liberty had been named CIF Players of the Week.

For their roles in the victory, Dontra Matthews was named Defensive Player of the Week, while Tracy Brooks was named Special Teams Player of the Week.

Matthews has haunted enemy airspace all season long, and was back at it again in a battle with the Bandits, rising up to intercept two passes, including one that he returned the length of the field for a huge pick-six at the half.

As for Brooks, on the same day that the former MVP collected his 100th CIF touchdown, the do-everything back also returned five kickoffs for nearly 100 yards, aiding the Liberty in short-distance drives.

Salina will be back in action this Saturday when they travel to Gillette for a matchup with the Mustangs.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617409785202.png" alt="Liberty football coverage is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Liberty football coverage is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>On the heels of a triumphant 48-39 victory over the Sioux City Bandits last week, the Champions Indoor Football League officially announced that two members of the Salina Liberty had been named CIF Players of the Week.For their roles in the victory, Dontra Matthews was named Defensive Player of the Week, while Tracy Brooks was named Special Teams Player of the Week.Matthews has haunted enemy airspace all season long, and was back at it again in a battle with the Bandits, rising up to intercept two passes, including one that he returned the length of the field for a huge pick-six at the half.As for Brooks, on the same day that the former MVP collected his 100th CIF touchdown, the do-everything back also returned five kickoffs for nearly 100 yards, aiding the Liberty in short-distance drives.Salina will be back in action this Saturday when they travel to Gillette for a matchup with the Mustangs.

Matthews and Brooks named CIF Players of the Week

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brayden Taylor drove in three runs and scored four times and TCU blew open a close game with a five-run sixth inning to defeat Kansas 14-4 in eight innings on Thursday in a winners bracket game of the Big 12 Tournament.

Taylor, who had four hits, ripped his 21st home run in the sixth inning and reached 60 RBIs for the season with the two-run shot.

No. 4 seed TCU (35-22) advances to the final round of the upper bracket of the double-elimination tournament and will face either No. 8 Kansas or No. 5 Kansas State on Saturday.

Cole Fontenelle tripled to drive in a first-inning run and scored on a throwing error on the play as the Horned Frogs moved out to a 3-1 lead. Kansas kept it close and was within 5-4 heading to the bottom of the sixth inning before TCU broke loose. After an RBI-single by Nunez and a run-scoring groundout by Bowen, Taylor homered to right field. Fontenelle capped the inning by scoring on a fielder's choice. Fontenelle finished with three runs scored and an RBI.

TCU added a run in the seventh and three in the eighth to invoke the run rule.

Luke Savage (3-3) got the win after allowing three hits and one run in 3 1/3 innings of middle relief. Hunter Cranton (3-4) took the loss.

Michael Brooks, Luke Leto, Cole Elvis and Jake English drove in one run each for Kansas (25-31), which will play Kansas State in a loser-out game on Friday. The Wildcats eliminated top-seeded Texas on Thursday.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brayden Taylor drove in three runs and scored four times and TCU blew open a close game with a five-run sixth inning to defeat Kansas 14-4 in eight innings on Thursday in a winners bracket game of the Big 12 Tournament.Taylor, who had four hits, ripped his 21st home run in the sixth inning and reached 60 RBIs for the season with the two-run shot.No. 4 seed TCU (35-22) advances to the final round of the upper bracket of the double-elimination tournament and will face either No. 8 Kansas or No. 5 Kansas State on Saturday.Cole Fontenelle tripled to drive in a first-inning run and scored on a throwing error on the play as the Horned Frogs moved out to a 3-1 lead. Kansas kept it close and was within 5-4 heading to the bottom of the sixth inning before TCU broke loose. After an RBI-single by Nunez and a run-scoring groundout by Bowen, Taylor homered to right field. Fontenelle capped the inning by scoring on a fielder's choice. Fontenelle finished with three runs scored and an RBI.TCU added a run in the seventh and three in the eighth to invoke the run rule.Luke Savage (3-3) got the win after allowing three hits and one run in 3 1/3 innings of middle relief. Hunter Cranton (3-4) took the loss.Michael Brooks, Luke Leto, Cole Elvis and Jake English drove in one run each for Kansas (25-31), which will play Kansas State in a loser-out game on Friday. The Wildcats eliminated top-seeded Texas on Thursday.

Taylor leads way as TCU routs Kansas in Big 12 Tournament

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ty Ruhl and Tyson Neighbors combined for a two-hitter and Kansas State eliminated top-seeded Texas 6-0 on Thursday in the Big 12 Tournament.

Kansas State (34-23) plays in another elimination game on Friday. Texas (38-20) was the first team eliminated from the tournament.

Dom Hughes went 3 for 4, including an RBI single in the first inning to give Kansas State a 1-0 lead that would hold until a five-run seventh.

Kansas State chased starter Lebarron Johnson after leading off the seventh with a single. The Wildcats scored five runs with the bases loaded — two on walks. Nick Goodwin hit his two-run double off the third Texas pitcher of the inning.

Ruhl (4-4) threw five innings in his start, allowing just one hit. Neighbors picked up his 11th save of the season after striking out eight in four innings.

Texas went 0 for 13 with runners in scoring position. Dylan Campbell extended his hitting streak to 35 games, tying the Big 12 record.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ty Ruhl and Tyson Neighbors combined for a two-hitter and Kansas State eliminated top-seeded Texas 6-0 on Thursday in the Big 12 Tournament.Kansas State (34-23) plays in another elimination game on Friday. Texas (38-20) was the first team eliminated from the tournament.Dom Hughes went 3 for 4, including an RBI single in the first inning to give Kansas State a 1-0 lead that would hold until a five-run seventh.Kansas State chased starter Lebarron Johnson after leading off the seventh with a single. The Wildcats scored five runs with the bases loaded — two on walks. Nick Goodwin hit his two-run double off the third Texas pitcher of the inning.Ruhl (4-4) threw five innings in his start, allowing just one hit. Neighbors picked up his 11th save of the season after striking out eight in four innings.Texas went 0 for 13 with runners in scoring position. Dylan Campbell extended his hitting streak to 35 games, tying the Big 12 record.

Kansas State pitchers combine for 2-hitter, eliminate Texas

By DAVID SMALE Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Pinch-hitter Zack Short hit a three-run homer to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.

Riley Greene also homered, doubled and scored twice for the Tigers in the game that was delayed 29 minutes by rain.

Greene led off the sixth with a double and went to third on an infield single by Matt Vierling. Short drove them both home with the first pinch-hit home run of his career, a 416-foot shot to left field off Josh Taylor (1-2).

Will Vest (1-0) retired all four hitters he faced, striking out two. Alex Lange picked up his ninth save in 10 tries.

Both starting pitchers were effective, even though they didn't stick around very long. Matthew Boyd allowed one run on three hits in 4 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out six. Zach Greinke allowed one run on four hits in five innings, walking one and striking out five.

They were sharp early. Greinke didn't allow his first hit until the fourth inning, while Boyd allowed only one hit in his first three innings.

When Greinke finally gave up a hit, Greene made sure it counted. He launched a 440-foot blast into the fountains in right-center field, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead. The Royals tied it in the bottom of the inning on an RBI fielder's choice by MJ Melendez.

The Royals stranded runners at third base in the fourth and fifth innings.

The Royals got a run in the seventh on Vinnie Pasquantino's two-out RBI single, but the Tigers answered that with a pair in the eighth. Jonathan Schoop's two-out, two-run double drove home Spencer Torkelson and Short. The Royals added a run in the eighth on a single by Melendez and a run in the ninth on a sacrifice fly by Bobby Witt Jr.

Tigers: Return to Detroit, where they will open a four-game series with the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. The White Sox will send RHP Lucas Giolito (3-3, 3.63 ERA) to the mound to face Alex Faedo (0-2, 4.60 ERA).

Royals: Have Thursday off before opening a three-game home series against the Washington Nationals.

By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Pinch-hitter Zack Short hit a three-run homer to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.Riley Greene also homered, doubled and scored twice for the Tigers in the game that was delayed 29 minutes by rain.Greene led off the sixth with a double and went to third on an infield single by Matt Vierling. Short drove them both home with the first pinch-hit home run of his career, a 416-foot shot to left field off Josh Taylor (1-2).Will Vest (1-0) retired all four hitters he faced, striking out two. Alex Lange picked up his ninth save in 10 tries.Both starting pitchers were effective, even though they didn't stick around very long. Matthew Boyd allowed one run on three hits in 4 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out six. Zach Greinke allowed one run on four hits in five innings, walking one and striking out five.They were sharp early. Greinke didn't allow his first hit until the fourth inning, while Boyd allowed only one hit in his first three innings.When Greinke finally gave up a hit, Greene made sure it counted. He launched a 440-foot blast into the fountains in right-center field, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead. The Royals tied it in the bottom of the inning on an RBI fielder's choice by MJ Melendez.The Royals stranded runners at third base in the fourth and fifth innings.The Royals got a run in the seventh on Vinnie Pasquantino's two-out RBI single, but the Tigers answered that with a pair in the eighth. Jonathan Schoop's two-out, two-run double drove home Spencer Torkelson and Short. The Royals added a run in the eighth on a single by Melendez and a run in the ninth on a sacrifice fly by Bobby Witt Jr.UP NEXT:Tigers: Return to Detroit, where they will open a four-game series with the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. The White Sox will send RHP Lucas Giolito (3-3, 3.63 ERA) to the mound to face Alex Faedo (0-2, 4.60 ERA).Royals: Have Thursday off before opening a three-game home series against the Washington Nationals.

Short hits pinch-hit, three-run homer; Tigers beat Royals 6-4

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

Patrick Mahomes would rather win Super Bowls than a contest to make the most money.

That doesn't mean the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback hasn't seen what's been happening across the NFL.

Mahomes signed a 10-year, $450 million extension in 2020 that set the bar for quarterbacks, but it already has been surpassed several times over. The Eagles' Jalen Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million deal April 17 that briefly made him the NFL's highest-paid player, until Lamar Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million deal with the Ravens a mere 10 days later.

That immediately raised the question about whether Mahomes would want to redo his contract.

"Me, my agent and the team always keep open communication, and we always try to do whatever is best for the team, and obviously I want to do what is best for me as well," Mahomes said after a voluntary workout Wednesday at the team's facility. "But I've always said I'm about legacy and winning rings more than making money at this moment.

"I know we keep communication. We see what's going on around the league," he continued, "but at the same time, I'll never do anything that will hurt us from keeping the great players around me. It's about teetering on that line."

Still, the deal Mahomes signed just three years ago already has slipped to seventh in terms of annual value, behind far less accomplished QBs such as the Broncos' Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray of the Cardinals and the Browns' Deshaun Watson.

"Everybody wants to get paid a lot of money when they think they're the best at their craft," Mahomes said. "But when you look at the greats, they find that sweet spot where they make a lot of money but they keep great players around them."

Mahomes is coming off perhaps the best year of his career, throwing for a league-leading 5,250 yards and 41 touchdowns with only 12 interceptions. He was chosen for his fifth straight Pro Bowl, voted the AP's player of the year for the second time and, in February, helped Kansas City rally in the second half for a Super Bowl victory over Hurts and the Eagles.

Given those accomplishments, it's hardly surprising that many are curious whether another contract is in the works, especially with Joe Burrow of the Bengals expected to reset the market with a new contract before the start of the season.

"You just want to not hurt other quarterbacks when their contracts come up," Mahomes said. "You want to keep pushing but it's not about being the highest-paid guy. It's not about making a ton of money. I've made enough money where I'll be set for life. But at the same time, you have to find that line where you're making good money and keeping great players around you."

Mahomes spent the first part of the offseason program working out with wide receivers and tight ends at his home in Texas, but he was back at the Chiefs training facility this week for the start of more structured voluntary workouts.

In between, Mahomes jetted his way to the Met Gala, the Kentucky Derby andt the Formula One race in Miami.

"I always wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby but I wanted to go after we won the Super Bowl, and in 2019, we had COVID happening," Mahomes said. "It's just picking and choosing what you can do, but now we're back in football and locking down and getting your body in the right spot. I have a few more trips but I've kind of settled down this offseason."

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he had no reason to believe Mahomes wouldn't be there.

"He's all in and going after it," Reid said Wednesday, "and he challenges himself and he challenges those around him to be great, on both sides of the ball. Everything is alive out there and moving fast and as a head coach, I appreciate that."

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterPatrick Mahomes would rather win Super Bowls than a contest to make the most money.That doesn't mean the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback hasn't seen what's been happening across the NFL.Mahomes signed a 10-year, $450 million extension in 2020 that set the bar for quarterbacks, but it already has been surpassed several times over. The Eagles' Jalen Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million deal April 17 that briefly made him the NFL's highest-paid player, until Lamar Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million deal with the Ravens a mere 10 days later.That immediately raised the question about whether Mahomes would want to redo his contract."Me, my agent and the team always keep open communication, and we always try to do whatever is best for the team, and obviously I want to do what is best for me as well," Mahomes said after a voluntary workout Wednesday at the team's facility. "But I've always said I'm about legacy and winning rings more than making money at this moment."I know we keep communication. We see what's going on around the league," he continued, "but at the same time, I'll never do anything that will hurt us from keeping the great players around me. It's about teetering on that line."Still, the deal Mahomes signed just three years ago already has slipped to seventh in terms of annual value, behind far less accomplished QBs such as the Broncos' Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray of the Cardinals and the Browns' Deshaun Watson."Everybody wants to get paid a lot of money when they think they're the best at their craft," Mahomes said. "But when you look at the greats, they find that sweet spot where they make a lot of money but they keep great players around them."Mahomes is coming off perhaps the best year of his career, throwing for a league-leading 5,250 yards and 41 touchdowns with only 12 interceptions. He was chosen for his fifth straight Pro Bowl, voted the AP's player of the year for the second time and, in February, helped Kansas City rally in the second half for a Super Bowl victory over Hurts and the Eagles.Given those accomplishments, it's hardly surprising that many are curious whether another contract is in the works, especially with Joe Burrow of the Bengals expected to reset the market with a new contract before the start of the season."You just want to not hurt other quarterbacks when their contracts come up," Mahomes said. "You want to keep pushing but it's not about being the highest-paid guy. It's not about making a ton of money. I've made enough money where I'll be set for life. But at the same time, you have to find that line where you're making good money and keeping great players around you."Mahomes spent the first part of the offseason program working out with wide receivers and tight ends at his home in Texas, but he was back at the Chiefs training facility this week for the start of more structured voluntary workouts.In between, Mahomes jetted his way to the Met Gala, the Kentucky Derby andt the Formula One race in Miami."I always wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby but I wanted to go after we won the Super Bowl, and in 2019, we had COVID happening," Mahomes said. "It's just picking and choosing what you can do, but now we're back in football and locking down and getting your body in the right spot. I have a few more trips but I've kind of settled down this offseason."Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he had no reason to believe Mahomes wouldn't be there."He's all in and going after it," Reid said Wednesday, "and he challenges himself and he challenges those around him to be great, on both sides of the ball. Everything is alive out there and moving fast and as a head coach, I appreciate that."

Mahomes: 'I'm about legacy and winning rings more than making money'

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Janson Reeder hit a go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning and No. 8 seed Kansas knocked off top-seeded Texas 6-3 on Wednesday in the Big 12 Tournament.

Kansas (25-30) advances to the winners' bracket to play No. 4 seed TCU on Thursday, while Texas (38-19) faces elimination against No. 5 Kansas State. The Longhorns received the No. 1 seed after sharing the regular-season title with West Virginia and Oklahoma State.

Chase Jans got his 50th RBI of the season in the third inning to open the scoring and Kodey Shojinaga, the Big 12 freshman of the year, gave Kansas a 2-0 lead with an RBI single to left field. Shojinaga finished 3 for 4.

Starter Collin Baumgartner (6-1), who also beat Texas earlier this season, helped Kansas win its first game in the conference tournament since 2019. He only allowed one earned run across six innings, with five strikeouts. Thaniel Trumper picked up his second save of the season.

Jack O'Dowd went 4 for 4 with two solo homers, but he was the only Longhorn with multiple hits.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Janson Reeder hit a go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning and No. 8 seed Kansas knocked off top-seeded Texas 6-3 on Wednesday in the Big 12 Tournament.Kansas (25-30) advances to the winners' bracket to play No. 4 seed TCU on Thursday, while Texas (38-19) faces elimination against No. 5 Kansas State. The Longhorns received the No. 1 seed after sharing the regular-season title with West Virginia and Oklahoma State.Chase Jans got his 50th RBI of the season in the third inning to open the scoring and Kodey Shojinaga, the Big 12 freshman of the year, gave Kansas a 2-0 lead with an RBI single to left field. Shojinaga finished 3 for 4.Starter Collin Baumgartner (6-1), who also beat Texas earlier this season, helped Kansas win its first game in the conference tournament since 2019. He only allowed one earned run across six innings, with five strikeouts. Thaniel Trumper picked up his second save of the season.Jack O'Dowd went 4 for 4 with two solo homers, but he was the only Longhorn with multiple hits.

Reeder hits grand slam, Kansas knocks off top-seeded Texas 6-3

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brayden Taylor hit his 44th career home run to tie the program record, Karson Bowen went 4 for 4 with two RBIs and TCU routed Kansas State 16-3 in seven innings on Wednesday to begin the Big 12 Tournament.

Taylor opened the scoring with a three-run homer as TCU batted around in a five-run first inning. Taylor added an RBI double in the second and a two-run double in the fourth to make it 16-2.

Fourth-seeded TCU (34-22), which closed out the regular season with a 2-1 series win at Kansas State, advances to the winners' bracket on Thursday while Kansas State (33-23), the No. 5 seed, plays in a consolation game.

TCU starter Cam Brown (4-2) struck out four in 3 1/3 innings of work before three walks and a hit batter gifted Kansas State its first run of the game. Jax Traeger took over and worked out of a jam, leaving the bases loaded.

TCU answered in the bottom of the fourth with six runs and Traeger struck out three in the sixth.

Owen Boerema (7-2) allowed eight earned runs in an inning of work for Kansas State.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brayden Taylor hit his 44th career home run to tie the program record, Karson Bowen went 4 for 4 with two RBIs and TCU routed Kansas State 16-3 in seven innings on Wednesday to begin the Big 12 Tournament.Taylor opened the scoring with a three-run homer as TCU batted around in a five-run first inning. Taylor added an RBI double in the second and a two-run double in the fourth to make it 16-2.Fourth-seeded TCU (34-22), which closed out the regular season with a 2-1 series win at Kansas State, advances to the winners' bracket on Thursday while Kansas State (33-23), the No. 5 seed, plays in a consolation game.TCU starter Cam Brown (4-2) struck out four in 3 1/3 innings of work before three walks and a hit batter gifted Kansas State its first run of the game. Jax Traeger took over and worked out of a jam, leaving the bases loaded.TCU answered in the bottom of the fourth with six runs and Traeger struck out three in the sixth.Owen Boerema (7-2) allowed eight earned runs in an inning of work for Kansas State.

Taylor hits 44th career homer; TCU routs Kansas State 16-3

LAWRENCE –&nbsp;Kevin McCullar Jr. has announced he will return to Kansas for the 2023-24 season. Following the 2022-23 season, McCullar declared for the NBA Draft and participated in the recent NBA Combine, however he has elected to return to Kansas for his final year of eligibility. “How about one more year Jayhawk nation,” McCullar said. “To be able to play in front of the best fans in the country; to play for the best coach in the nation, I truly believe we have the pieces to hang another banner in the Phog. Rock Chalk! Let’s do it!” McCullar (6-foot-6, 210 pounds) was a redshirt senior at Kansas in 2022-23 after transferring from Texas Tech. A three-time All-Big 12 selection, the San Antonio guard is a two-time Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist in 2021-22 and 2022-23. “Kevin went through the pre-draft process, which is designed to do exactly what it did,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “Even though he has improved his status as an NBA prospect, there is still work to be done and he has informed us that he is going to return to Kansas for his last year of college.” This past season at Kansas, McCullar started 33 of 34 games played, averaged 10.7 points per game and was fourth in the Big 12 with a 7.0 rebound average. McCullar finished fourth in the Big 12 and 33rd nationally with 2.0 steals per game, while often guarding the opponents’ best scorer. He was the only player in the league to rank in the top five of the Big 12 in rebound and steal average. Additionally, McCullar’s seven double-doubles were third in the Big 12. “This is a big day for Kansas basketball,” Self said. “We’ve had a lot of good things happen through recruiting this offseason, but nothing that has transpired this offseason was bigger for KU basketball than having a seasoned veteran like Kevin McCullar return to our program.” A three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection, McCullar has played in 112 career games with 82 all-time starts. He has amassed 1,040 points, 589 rebounds, 231 assists and 178 steals for his career. Additionally, McCullar earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from Kansas in May 2023. “Kevin is not only a terrific player, but a terrific teammate,” Self said. “He fit in so well in year one and we’re excited about what he’ll do with our program from a leadership standpoint.” KEVIN MCCULLAR JR. CAREER HONORS (2023 at Kansas) All Big 12 Third Team [2023] Big 12 All-Defensive Team [2023] Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist [2023] All-Big 12 Honorable Mention [2022] Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist [2022] Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2022] All-Big 12 Honorable Mention [2021] Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2021] Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2020]&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684939774797.jpeg" alt="Kevin McCullar Jr. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Kevin McCullar Jr. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsLAWRENCE –&nbsp;Kevin McCullar Jr. has announced he will return to Kansas for the 2023-24 season. Following the 2022-23 season, McCullar declared for the NBA Draft and participated in the recent NBA Combine, however he has elected to return to Kansas for his final year of eligibility. “How about one more year Jayhawk nation,” McCullar said. “To be able to play in front of the best fans in the country; to play for the best coach in the nation, I truly believe we have the pieces to hang another banner in the Phog. Rock Chalk! Let’s do it!” McCullar (6-foot-6, 210 pounds) was a redshirt senior at Kansas in 2022-23 after transferring from Texas Tech. A three-time All-Big 12 selection, the San Antonio guard is a two-time Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist in 2021-22 and 2022-23. “Kevin went through the pre-draft process, which is designed to do exactly what it did,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “Even though he has improved his status as an NBA prospect, there is still work to be done and he has informed us that he is going to return to Kansas for his last year of college.” This past season at Kansas, McCullar started 33 of 34 games played, averaged 10.7 points per game and was fourth in the Big 12 with a 7.0 rebound average. McCullar finished fourth in the Big 12 and 33rd nationally with 2.0 steals per game, while often guarding the opponents’ best scorer. He was the only player in the league to rank in the top five of the Big 12 in rebound and steal average. Additionally, McCullar’s seven double-doubles were third in the Big 12. “This is a big day for Kansas basketball,” Self said. “We’ve had a lot of good things happen through recruiting this offseason, but nothing that has transpired this offseason was bigger for KU basketball than having a seasoned veteran like Kevin McCullar return to our program.” A three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection, McCullar has played in 112 career games with 82 all-time starts. He has amassed 1,040 points, 589 rebounds, 231 assists and 178 steals for his career. Additionally, McCullar earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from Kansas in May 2023. “Kevin is not only a terrific player, but a terrific teammate,” Self said. “He fit in so well in year one and we’re excited about what he’ll do with our program from a leadership standpoint.” KEVIN MCCULLAR JR. CAREER HONORS (2023 at Kansas) All Big 12 Third Team [2023] Big 12 All-Defensive Team [2023] Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist [2023] All-Big 12 Honorable Mention [2022] Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist [2022] Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2022] All-Big 12 Honorable Mention [2021] Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2021] Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2020]&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kevin McCullar Jr. to return to KU for the 2023-24 season

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;— The Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team received big news on Wednesday morning, as it was announced Kevin McCullar will be returning to the hardwood next season in the crimson and blue.

McCullar entered the NBA Draft process following the 2022-23 season, but will return to Kansas for a fifth year.&nbsp;

McCullar was named to the Big 12 All Defensive Team and All-Big 12 Third Team after his performance this past winter. He finished third on the team in scoring at 10.7 points per game and was second on the team and fourth in the Big 12 in rebounds per game at 7.0.&nbsp;

“How about one more year Jayhawk nation,” McCullar said in a release. “To be able to play in front of the best fans in the country; to play for the best coach in the nation, I truly believe we have the pieces to hang another banner in the Phog. Rock Chalk! Let’s do it!”

Possibly the happiest about the news is head coach Bill Self.

“This is a big day for Kansas basketball,” Bill Self added in the release. “We’ve had a lot of good things happen through recruiting this offseason, but nothing that has transpired this offseason was bigger for KU basketball than having a seasoned veteran like Kevin McCullar return to our program.”

With McCullar back, KU will now have 11 scholarship players on the roster. The Jayhawks will have three returners, three incoming transfers and four incoming freshman on the 2023-24 roster.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678410958158.png" alt="Kansas guard Kevin McCullar Jr. celebrates after making a basket in an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Conference tournament Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard Kevin McCullar Jr. celebrates after making a basket in an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Conference tournament Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;— The Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team received big news on Wednesday morning, as it was announced Kevin McCullar will be returning to the hardwood next season in the crimson and blue.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1️⃣5️⃣ is BACK baby 🔴🔵 <a href="https://twitter.com/Kevin_McCullar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kevin_McCullar</a> <a href="https://t.co/d5kihcNl7r">pic.twitter.com/d5kihcNl7r</a>&mdash; Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUHoops/status/1661371696836669442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>McCullar entered the NBA Draft process following the 2022-23 season, but will return to Kansas for a fifth year.&nbsp;McCullar was named to the Big 12 All Defensive Team and All-Big 12 Third Team after his performance this past winter. He finished third on the team in scoring at 10.7 points per game and was second on the team and fourth in the Big 12 in rebounds per game at 7.0.&nbsp;“How about one more year Jayhawk nation,” McCullar said in a release. “To be able to play in front of the best fans in the country; to play for the best coach in the nation, I truly believe we have the pieces to hang another banner in the Phog. Rock Chalk! Let’s do it!”Possibly the happiest about the news is head coach Bill Self.“This is a big day for Kansas basketball,” Bill Self added in the release. “We’ve had a lot of good things happen through recruiting this offseason, but nothing that has transpired this offseason was bigger for KU basketball than having a seasoned veteran like Kevin McCullar return to our program.”With McCullar back, KU will now have 11 scholarship players on the roster. The Jayhawks will have three returners, three incoming transfers and four incoming freshman on the 2023-24 roster.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: McCullar opts out of NBA Draft process, returns to KU

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Maikel Garcia had three hits, an RBI and a run and the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 4-1 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak.

Mike Mayers allowed one run on six hits in 4 2/3 innings in his first start for the Royals. He struck out a career-high eight and walked one.

Jose Cuas (3-0) was the winner, and Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth for his second save.

Eduardo Rodriguez (4-4) took the loss. He allowed four runs — two earned — on eight hits in five innings. He struck out nine and walked two.

The Tigers threatened in the fourth, loading the bases with two outs on two infield singles and a walk, but Mayers induced a groundball from Miguel Cabrera.

The Royals got to Rodriguez in the fourth. Edward Olivares reached on shortstop Javier Baez's error and scored on a double by Michael Massey. Massey then came in on a single by Garcia. Garcia scored the third run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by Salvador Perez. Only one of the runs was earned.

Mayers labored in the fifth and left with the bases loaded and two outs. One of those runners scored on a single by Baez. Olivares singled with one out in the bottom of the fifth, scoring Bobby Witt Jr. with Kansas City's fourth run.

Royals RHP Nick Wittgren was selected from Triple-A Omaha. Wittgren, who pitched for Royals' pitching coach Brian Sweeney with Cleveland from 2019-21, had a 1.25 ERA with five saves in 17 appearances with Omaha. In a corresponding move, RHP Max Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.

The Tigers and Royals will complete the three-game series Wenesday. Detroit LHP Matthew Boyd (3-3, 6.21 ERA) will face RHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.82 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684896080810.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. slides home to score on a single by Edward Olivares during the fifth inning of the game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. slides home to score on a single by Edward Olivares during the fifth inning of the game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Maikel Garcia had three hits, an RBI and a run and the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 4-1 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak.Mike Mayers allowed one run on six hits in 4 2/3 innings in his first start for the Royals. He struck out a career-high eight and walked one.Jose Cuas (3-0) was the winner, and Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth for his second save.Eduardo Rodriguez (4-4) took the loss. He allowed four runs — two earned — on eight hits in five innings. He struck out nine and walked two.The Tigers threatened in the fourth, loading the bases with two outs on two infield singles and a walk, but Mayers induced a groundball from Miguel Cabrera.The Royals got to Rodriguez in the fourth. Edward Olivares reached on shortstop Javier Baez's error and scored on a double by Michael Massey. Massey then came in on a single by Garcia. Garcia scored the third run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by Salvador Perez. Only one of the runs was earned.Mayers labored in the fifth and left with the bases loaded and two outs. One of those runners scored on a single by Baez. Olivares singled with one out in the bottom of the fifth, scoring Bobby Witt Jr. with Kansas City's fourth run.TRANSACTIONSRoyals RHP Nick Wittgren was selected from Triple-A Omaha. Wittgren, who pitched for Royals' pitching coach Brian Sweeney with Cleveland from 2019-21, had a 1.25 ERA with five saves in 17 appearances with Omaha. In a corresponding move, RHP Max Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTThe Tigers and Royals will complete the three-game series Wenesday. Detroit LHP Matthew Boyd (3-3, 6.21 ERA) will face RHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.82 ERA).

Royals snap 4-game skid with 4-1 win over Tigers

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

After a brief absence from the 4A state tournament, the Rock Creek baseball dynasty is back, and will enter this year’s bracket in Salina as the 2-seed.

The Mustangs, who won the state title in 2021 and who prior to last season hadn’t missed the tournament since 2013, decimated Coffeyville 10-0, before coming back to knock off Wamego 5-1 in the regional final.

“In that first regional game we felt like we took care of business,” Mustang head coach Shane Sieben said. “It’s hard to beat a team three times in one year especially a team that knows you as well as Wamego but we competed and we were able to battle back.”

At 21-1, Rock Creek boasts the best overall record in all of Class 4A, outscoring their opponents by an unheard of 220 runs on the year, including seven shutouts.

The only team to defeat the Mustangs this season is the 1-seed in Clay Center, who split their season series in Tiger country to finish 21-1 themselves.

“Our pitching and defense have been our biggest strengths this season but I also don’t feel like we have an easy out anywhere in our lineup,” Sieben said. “Everybody fights at the plate, we’ve been really good on the hill and we’ve been really good in the field.”

Those stats and accolades have been all the more impressive in the absence of the kind of singular elite talent that some other teams in this field have leaned heavily on in 2023.

“Just seeing how everybody has played together this year has been the best thing with this team,” he said. We don’t have a superstar or a player of the year type of guy but we have a bunch of kids who work their tails off, compete hard, and love each other.”

In Rock Creek, teams across the board have found success not by focusing on what they might be up against, but on what they need to do to look within and get the job done.

On Thursday against a strong Paola team, that internal mindset will not change.

“They’ve got a really good left-handed arm and they’re tough at the plate but we’ve talked all year about nameless, faceless opponents,” Sieben said. “All we can do is throw strikes, play defense, and battle at the plate, it doesn’t matter who’s in the other dugout.”

Many remnants of that 2021 state championship team still loom within the Mustang's lineup, and those veterans know better than anyone that anything can happen come gameday in Salina.

“For us, it was about finding a way to get to the big tournament, we know that once you get here crazy stuff can happen,” he said. “There are a lot of things you can’t control and seeding means nothing this time of year, everybody here is good and now it’s about finding a way to go 1-0 against a good Paola team.”

First pitch between the Mustangs and Panthers is scheduled for 11 am at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina.

For continuing coverage of Rock Creek baseball all postseason long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorAfter a brief absence from the 4A state tournament, the Rock Creek baseball dynasty is back, and will enter this year’s bracket in Salina as the 2-seed.The Mustangs, who won the state title in 2021 and who prior to last season hadn’t missed the tournament since 2013, decimated Coffeyville 10-0, before coming back to knock off Wamego 5-1 in the regional final.“In that first regional game we felt like we took care of business,” Mustang head coach Shane Sieben said. “It’s hard to beat a team three times in one year especially a team that knows you as well as Wamego but we competed and we were able to battle back.”At 21-1, Rock Creek boasts the best overall record in all of Class 4A, outscoring their opponents by an unheard of 220 runs on the year, including seven shutouts.The only team to defeat the Mustangs this season is the 1-seed in Clay Center, who split their season series in Tiger country to finish 21-1 themselves.“Our pitching and defense have been our biggest strengths this season but I also don’t feel like we have an easy out anywhere in our lineup,” Sieben said. “Everybody fights at the plate, we’ve been really good on the hill and we’ve been really good in the field.”Those stats and accolades have been all the more impressive in the absence of the kind of singular elite talent that some other teams in this field have leaned heavily on in 2023.“Just seeing how everybody has played together this year has been the best thing with this team,” he said. We don’t have a superstar or a player of the year type of guy but we have a bunch of kids who work their tails off, compete hard, and love each other.”In Rock Creek, teams across the board have found success not by focusing on what they might be up against, but on what they need to do to look within and get the job done.On Thursday against a strong Paola team, that internal mindset will not change.“They’ve got a really good left-handed arm and they’re tough at the plate but we’ve talked all year about nameless, faceless opponents,” Sieben said. “All we can do is throw strikes, play defense, and battle at the plate, it doesn’t matter who’s in the other dugout.”Many remnants of that 2021 state championship team still loom within the Mustang's lineup, and those veterans know better than anyone that anything can happen come gameday in Salina.“For us, it was about finding a way to get to the big tournament, we know that once you get here crazy stuff can happen,” he said. “There are a lot of things you can’t control and seeding means nothing this time of year, everybody here is good and now it’s about finding a way to go 1-0 against a good Paola team.”First pitch between the Mustangs and Panthers is scheduled for 11 am at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina.For continuing coverage of Rock Creek baseball all postseason long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

2-Seeded Mustangs make triumphant return to 4A state tournament

IRVING, Texas –&nbsp;Seven K-State baseball players received All-Big 12 Conference recognition Tuesday as the conference unveiled the 2023 All-Big 12 Baseball Awards. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;was voted First Team All-Big 12 while senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;earned Second Team honors. Additionally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/10960">Raphael Pelletier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;received honorable mention accolades. Neighbors, a sophomore from Royse City, Texas, receives All-Big 12 accolades for the first time in his career as he leads the Big 12 in saves (10) while ranking sixth in strikeouts (78). The right-hander was ranked as the nation's No. 1 reliever by D1Baseball.com and boasts a team-low 2.01 ERA, picking up a decision in 16 of his 24 appearances with a 5-1 record. Neighbors is the first Wildcat to earn First Team honors since Jordan Wicks, who became the program's first-ever first-round draft pick in 2021 after he was selected 21st&nbsp;overall by the Chicago Cubs. Neighbors was invited to the 2023 USA Baseball National Collegiate Team Training Camp and will compete for an opportunity to represent the United States in a series against Chinese Taipei and Japan this July. In his first season as a Wildcat, Boerema collected Big 12 accolades as the senior is the fourth player to earn Second Team honors under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>. Boerema, a senior from Litchfield, Minn., ranks third in the league with 90 total strikeouts which ties sixth in the program's single-season records. The left-handed starter is 7-1 on the hill and is one of six pitchers to strikeout out 12-plus batters in a single appearance after he fanned 12 in the series opener against Texas. Goodwin, a Brooks Wallace Award Semifinalist, earns honorable mention honors for the second consecutive season as the junior leads the league and ranks fourth in Division I in sacrifice flies. The Overland Park., Kan., product has put together a slash line of .285/.393/.517 to go with a career-high 53 runs batted in. Goodwin has sent out 12 home runs this season, bringing his career total to 33 to rank fourth all-time. A year after hitting .284., Day has had an explosive season slashing .354/.489/.459 with eight doubles, one triple and three home runs. Day leads the Wildcats during Big 12 action with his .391 average that ranks ninth in the league. A native of Hampstead, N.H., he has generated a team-high 18 multi-hit games and has reached base in 35 consecutive contests. Day is also the third toughest player in the league to strikeout, striking out just 20 times in 181 at-bats (9.0 at-bats per strikeout). Pelletier, a member of the Buster Posey Catcher of the Year Watch List, received honorable mention honors as Quebec, Canada product has gunned down a league-high 16 runners this season for a .590 stolen bases allowed percentage. Pelletier has caught 49 games this season while producing five doubles and five home runs to go with 26 RBI and 28 runs. Culpepper, an all-freshman team selection a season ago, enters the Big 12 Championship with a slash line of .311/.418/.570 that includes eight doubles and career-high nine home runs with 36 RBI. A product of Memphis, Tenn., Culpepper has produced 13 multi-hit games since returning to the field from his pre-conference injury. Jones, a product of Greenbrier, Tenn., is one of just five players in the league to field a perfect 1.000 as the sophomore has started in all 55 games in centerfield with 113 putouts and two assists. He is hitting .239 with 11 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 30 RBI. He's scored a team-high 50 runs and ranks second in the Big 12 with 26 stolen bases on the year which ranks seventh in the Cats' single-season records. The 2023 All-Big 12 Baseball Teams were selected by a vote of the league's nine head coaches. Coaches were not permitted to vote for themselves of their own players. K-State enters the 2023 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship as the No. 5 seed and will face fourth-seeded TCU on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Wednesday's contest between the Wildcats and Horned Frogs will be broadcast on ESPNU and the ESPN app. Radio coverage for the tournament will be available on the K-State Sports Radio Network with free audio streaming at <a href="http://kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a>.

K-State SportsIRVING, Texas –&nbsp;Seven K-State baseball players received All-Big 12 Conference recognition Tuesday as the conference unveiled the 2023 All-Big 12 Baseball Awards. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;was voted First Team All-Big 12 while senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;earned Second Team honors. Additionally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/10960">Raphael Pelletier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;received honorable mention accolades. Neighbors, a sophomore from Royse City, Texas, receives All-Big 12 accolades for the first time in his career as he leads the Big 12 in saves (10) while ranking sixth in strikeouts (78). The right-hander was ranked as the nation's No. 1 reliever by D1Baseball.com and boasts a team-low 2.01 ERA, picking up a decision in 16 of his 24 appearances with a 5-1 record. Neighbors is the first Wildcat to earn First Team honors since Jordan Wicks, who became the program's first-ever first-round draft pick in 2021 after he was selected 21st&nbsp;overall by the Chicago Cubs. Neighbors was invited to the 2023 USA Baseball National Collegiate Team Training Camp and will compete for an opportunity to represent the United States in a series against Chinese Taipei and Japan this July. In his first season as a Wildcat, Boerema collected Big 12 accolades as the senior is the fourth player to earn Second Team honors under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>. Boerema, a senior from Litchfield, Minn., ranks third in the league with 90 total strikeouts which ties sixth in the program's single-season records. The left-handed starter is 7-1 on the hill and is one of six pitchers to strikeout out 12-plus batters in a single appearance after he fanned 12 in the series opener against Texas. Goodwin, a Brooks Wallace Award Semifinalist, earns honorable mention honors for the second consecutive season as the junior leads the league and ranks fourth in Division I in sacrifice flies. The Overland Park., Kan., product has put together a slash line of .285/.393/.517 to go with a career-high 53 runs batted in. Goodwin has sent out 12 home runs this season, bringing his career total to 33 to rank fourth all-time. A year after hitting .284., Day has had an explosive season slashing .354/.489/.459 with eight doubles, one triple and three home runs. Day leads the Wildcats during Big 12 action with his .391 average that ranks ninth in the league. A native of Hampstead, N.H., he has generated a team-high 18 multi-hit games and has reached base in 35 consecutive contests. Day is also the third toughest player in the league to strikeout, striking out just 20 times in 181 at-bats (9.0 at-bats per strikeout). Pelletier, a member of the Buster Posey Catcher of the Year Watch List, received honorable mention honors as Quebec, Canada product has gunned down a league-high 16 runners this season for a .590 stolen bases allowed percentage. Pelletier has caught 49 games this season while producing five doubles and five home runs to go with 26 RBI and 28 runs. Culpepper, an all-freshman team selection a season ago, enters the Big 12 Championship with a slash line of .311/.418/.570 that includes eight doubles and career-high nine home runs with 36 RBI. A product of Memphis, Tenn., Culpepper has produced 13 multi-hit games since returning to the field from his pre-conference injury. Jones, a product of Greenbrier, Tenn., is one of just five players in the league to field a perfect 1.000 as the sophomore has started in all 55 games in centerfield with 113 putouts and two assists. He is hitting .239 with 11 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 30 RBI. He's scored a team-high 50 runs and ranks second in the Big 12 with 26 stolen bases on the year which ranks seventh in the Cats' single-season records. The 2023 All-Big 12 Baseball Teams were selected by a vote of the league's nine head coaches. Coaches were not permitted to vote for themselves of their own players. K-State enters the 2023 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship as the No. 5 seed and will face fourth-seeded TCU on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Wednesday's contest between the Wildcats and Horned Frogs will be broadcast on ESPNU and the ESPN app. Radio coverage for the tournament will be available on the K-State Sports Radio Network with free audio streaming at <a href="http://kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a>.

Seven Wildcats receive All-Big 12 baseball recognition

IRVING, Texas –&nbsp;True freshman Kodey Shojinaga was named Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year, the first in program history to receive the accolade, while five Jayhawks received conference honors Wednesday as announced by the league. Janson Reeder was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team, while Collin Baumgartner, Cole Elvis, Chase Jans and Shojinaga were voted to the All-Big 12 Second Team. Shojinaga also was an unanimous selection for the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. &nbsp; “I’m super proud of all the guys,” Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. They have been bought in since our first team meeting last August. They all trusted the process and stayed focused on the important things. They are a special group of Jayhawks.” &nbsp; Shojinaga highlighted the conference awards for the Jayhawks by being recognized as the Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year, a member of the All-Big 12 Second Team and getting selected unanimously to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. He shared Freshman of the Year honors with Oklahoma State’s Nolan Schubart. &nbsp; Shojinaga, originally recruited as a catcher and converted to an infielder, has been the most consistent hitter for Kansas in 2023. He is currently seventh in the nation amongst true freshman with a team-best .380 batting average this season, which ranks second in the conference. The Honolulu, Hawaii, native also posted a .418 average and 41 hits in conference games, which were both a league best. He led the team in hits (70), multi-hit games (19), on-base percentage (.424) and OPS (.962) as well. &nbsp; “Kodey has worked hard and played at a very high level since day one on campus,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s a winner in every way – a 4.0 student, a great teammate, and an elite worker. His success is not surprising, and I could not be more proud of Kodey.” &nbsp; Reeder earned a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team as a designated hitter. The junior transfer from Cowley Community College made his transition to Division I this season and led the Jayhawks in doubles and slugging percentage. He also was tied for the most extra-base hits on the roster and hit 11 home runs, the second most on the team. He recorded 15 multi-hit games and had 11 multi-RBI contests. Reeder posted a .614 slugging percentage in Big 12 play this season. &nbsp; Baumgartner, a sixth-year graduate transfer from SIU-Edwardsville, seized his opportunity to move up to the Power Five level and was rewarded with a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team. Baumgartner spent his first five years alongside current Kansas pitching coach Brandon Scott. The Brighton, Illinois, native was the Friday starter for Kansas all season and went 5-1 with a 3.79 ERA. He allowed three runs or less in 10 of his 14 starts and led the team in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched and strikeout to walk ratio. His 73.2 innings pitched ranked fifth in the conference. &nbsp; Elvis, a senior transfer from Cal, was awarded a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team as an infielder. Elvis was the only Kansas player to start every game this season and played two-thirds of those games at first base. He led the team with 14 home runs, 51 RBIs and 118 total bases. Ten of his 14 home runs this season have come in the sixth inning or later. Elvis hit a home run in four consecutive games from April 19-23, which made him the first Jayhawk to do so since at least 1993. The Vacaville, California, native hit 10 home runs in conference play, which was tied for the most in the Big 12. His 32 RBIs and 67 total bases in Big 12 play were both the most in conference games this season. Defensively, Elvis committed only four errors in 447 chances for a .991 fielding percentage. &nbsp; Jans, one of 10 returners from the 2022 roster, made a huge jump that landed him on the All-Big 12 Second Team. Jans was second on the team in slugging percentage, hits and RBIs. This season, Jans has hit 10 home runs compared to three in 2022. On April 16, he tied the program record of nine RBIs set in 1993 after going 5-for-7 with a double, grand slam, and four runs scored. The sophomore from Overland Park, Kansas, made some highlight-reel catches on defense this season, two of which ended up on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays. &nbsp; All five players who received conference honors were developed over the last year under Fitzgerald, who is in his first year as head coach at Kansas, along with his assembled coaching staff of Scott, Tyler Hancock and Jon Coyne. &nbsp; “My staff did a great job with these guys,” Fitzgerald said. “We built a good foundation and map for them to follow - but ultimately - all the credit goes to the players. They are the ones who actually have to do it, and those guys have really done it at a high level all year.” &nbsp; Kansas (24-30, 8-16 Big 12) begins the Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship against No. 13 Texas on Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. CT at Globe Life Field. The Jayhawks are making their first appearance in the tournament since 2021 and are seeking their first victory in the double-elimination tournament since 2019. &nbsp; AWARDS + STATISTICS INF&nbsp;Kodey Shojinaga, Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year, All-Big 12 Second Team, Big 12 All-Freshman Team Overall: .380/.424/.538, 11 2B, 6 HR, 31 RBI, 40 R, 15 BB, 99 TB in 50 games (43 starts) Big 12: .418/.462/.500, 8 2B, 10 RBI, 20 R, 8 BB, 49 TB in 24 games (23 starts) &nbsp; DH&nbsp;Janson Reeder, All-Big 12 First Team Overall: .278/.374/.561, 16 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR, 41 RBI, 34 R, 21 BB, 105 TB in 51 games (49 starts) Conference: .295/.366/.614, 8 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 10 R, 6 BB, 54 TB in 23 games (22 starts) &nbsp; RHP&nbsp;Collin Baumgartner, All-Big 12 Second Team Overall: 5-1, 3.79 ERA, 14 G, 14 GS, 73.2 IP, 21 BB, 69 SO in 14 starts Big 12: 3-1, 4.69 ERA, 8 G, 8 GS, 40.1 IP, 13 BB, 39 SO in eight starts &nbsp; INF&nbsp;Cole Elvis, All-Big 12 Second Team Overall: .275/.324/.532, 15 2B, 14 HR, 51 RBI, 36 R, 16 BB, 118 TB in 54 games Conference: .313/.387/.698, 7 2B, 10 HR, 32 RBI, 21 R, 11 BB, 67 TB in 24 starts &nbsp; OF&nbsp;Chase Jans, All-Big 12 Second Team Overall: .320/.390/.548, 13 2B, 1 3B, 10 HR, 49 RBI, 36 R, 22 BB, 108 TB in 50 games (47 starts) Conference: .304/.359/.511, 4 3B, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 18 R, 9 BB, 47 TB in 22 games (21 starts)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684883893307.jpeg" alt="Kodey Shojinaga. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Kodey Shojinaga. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsIRVING, Texas –&nbsp;True freshman Kodey Shojinaga was named Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year, the first in program history to receive the accolade, while five Jayhawks received conference honors Wednesday as announced by the league. Janson Reeder was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team, while Collin Baumgartner, Cole Elvis, Chase Jans and Shojinaga were voted to the All-Big 12 Second Team. Shojinaga also was an unanimous selection for the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. &nbsp; “I’m super proud of all the guys,” Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. They have been bought in since our first team meeting last August. They all trusted the process and stayed focused on the important things. They are a special group of Jayhawks.” &nbsp; Shojinaga highlighted the conference awards for the Jayhawks by being recognized as the Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year, a member of the All-Big 12 Second Team and getting selected unanimously to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. He shared Freshman of the Year honors with Oklahoma State’s Nolan Schubart. &nbsp; Shojinaga, originally recruited as a catcher and converted to an infielder, has been the most consistent hitter for Kansas in 2023. He is currently seventh in the nation amongst true freshman with a team-best .380 batting average this season, which ranks second in the conference. The Honolulu, Hawaii, native also posted a .418 average and 41 hits in conference games, which were both a league best. He led the team in hits (70), multi-hit games (19), on-base percentage (.424) and OPS (.962) as well. &nbsp; “Kodey has worked hard and played at a very high level since day one on campus,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s a winner in every way – a 4.0 student, a great teammate, and an elite worker. His success is not surprising, and I could not be more proud of Kodey.” &nbsp; Reeder earned a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team as a designated hitter. The junior transfer from Cowley Community College made his transition to Division I this season and led the Jayhawks in doubles and slugging percentage. He also was tied for the most extra-base hits on the roster and hit 11 home runs, the second most on the team. He recorded 15 multi-hit games and had 11 multi-RBI contests. Reeder posted a .614 slugging percentage in Big 12 play this season. &nbsp; Baumgartner, a sixth-year graduate transfer from SIU-Edwardsville, seized his opportunity to move up to the Power Five level and was rewarded with a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team. Baumgartner spent his first five years alongside current Kansas pitching coach Brandon Scott. The Brighton, Illinois, native was the Friday starter for Kansas all season and went 5-1 with a 3.79 ERA. He allowed three runs or less in 10 of his 14 starts and led the team in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched and strikeout to walk ratio. His 73.2 innings pitched ranked fifth in the conference. &nbsp; Elvis, a senior transfer from Cal, was awarded a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team as an infielder. Elvis was the only Kansas player to start every game this season and played two-thirds of those games at first base. He led the team with 14 home runs, 51 RBIs and 118 total bases. Ten of his 14 home runs this season have come in the sixth inning or later. Elvis hit a home run in four consecutive games from April 19-23, which made him the first Jayhawk to do so since at least 1993. The Vacaville, California, native hit 10 home runs in conference play, which was tied for the most in the Big 12. His 32 RBIs and 67 total bases in Big 12 play were both the most in conference games this season. Defensively, Elvis committed only four errors in 447 chances for a .991 fielding percentage. &nbsp; Jans, one of 10 returners from the 2022 roster, made a huge jump that landed him on the All-Big 12 Second Team. Jans was second on the team in slugging percentage, hits and RBIs. This season, Jans has hit 10 home runs compared to three in 2022. On April 16, he tied the program record of nine RBIs set in 1993 after going 5-for-7 with a double, grand slam, and four runs scored. The sophomore from Overland Park, Kansas, made some highlight-reel catches on defense this season, two of which ended up on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays. &nbsp; All five players who received conference honors were developed over the last year under Fitzgerald, who is in his first year as head coach at Kansas, along with his assembled coaching staff of Scott, Tyler Hancock and Jon Coyne. &nbsp; “My staff did a great job with these guys,” Fitzgerald said. “We built a good foundation and map for them to follow - but ultimately - all the credit goes to the players. They are the ones who actually have to do it, and those guys have really done it at a high level all year.” &nbsp; Kansas (24-30, 8-16 Big 12) begins the Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship against No. 13 Texas on Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. CT at Globe Life Field. The Jayhawks are making their first appearance in the tournament since 2021 and are seeking their first victory in the double-elimination tournament since 2019. &nbsp; AWARDS + STATISTICS INF&nbsp;Kodey Shojinaga, Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year, All-Big 12 Second Team, Big 12 All-Freshman Team Overall: .380/.424/.538, 11 2B, 6 HR, 31 RBI, 40 R, 15 BB, 99 TB in 50 games (43 starts) Big 12: .418/.462/.500, 8 2B, 10 RBI, 20 R, 8 BB, 49 TB in 24 games (23 starts) &nbsp; DH&nbsp;Janson Reeder, All-Big 12 First Team Overall: .278/.374/.561, 16 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR, 41 RBI, 34 R, 21 BB, 105 TB in 51 games (49 starts) Conference: .295/.366/.614, 8 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 10 R, 6 BB, 54 TB in 23 games (22 starts) &nbsp; RHP&nbsp;Collin Baumgartner, All-Big 12 Second Team Overall: 5-1, 3.79 ERA, 14 G, 14 GS, 73.2 IP, 21 BB, 69 SO in 14 starts Big 12: 3-1, 4.69 ERA, 8 G, 8 GS, 40.1 IP, 13 BB, 39 SO in eight starts &nbsp; INF&nbsp;Cole Elvis, All-Big 12 Second Team Overall: .275/.324/.532, 15 2B, 14 HR, 51 RBI, 36 R, 16 BB, 118 TB in 54 games Conference: .313/.387/.698, 7 2B, 10 HR, 32 RBI, 21 R, 11 BB, 67 TB in 24 starts &nbsp; OF&nbsp;Chase Jans, All-Big 12 Second Team Overall: .320/.390/.548, 13 2B, 1 3B, 10 HR, 49 RBI, 36 R, 22 BB, 108 TB in 50 games (47 starts) Conference: .304/.359/.511, 4 3B, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 18 R, 9 BB, 47 TB in 22 games (21 starts)

KU's Shojinaga Big 12 Freshman of Year; 5 receive conference honors

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Javier Báez hit a bases-clearing double in the 10th inning for his third hit of the night to lift the Detroit Tigers to an 8-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series Monday night.

"It's the best feeling in the world," Báez said in an on-field interview after the game. "I'm just happy that I got good contact."

Báez had three hits in the game, but the first two combined for an exit velocity of about 112 mph and didn't leave the infield. His third hit was a line drive over the left-fielder's head.

"He probably got the softest hits tonight and he probably got the hardest hit tonight," Detroit manager AJ Hinch said. "I'll take them both."

Matt Vierling had three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs for the Tigers.

Alex Lange (2-0) earned the victory with two hitless innings of relief. Jose Cisnero picked up his first save.

"I think (Lange) was excellent tonight," Hinch said. "We talk to him over and over about the back end of the game. He can't just wait on the last three outs and a clean inning all the time. These were clean innings, but he's going to need to be ready in the eighth. Tonight we needed him to pitch in a different part of the game."

Scott Barlow (1-3) allowed Báez's winning hit and took the loss.

"(The bullpen) kept us in the game," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. "They didn't give up a run until the 10th inning. So, we couldn't have asked for anything more."

Neither starter was effective. Detroit's Michael Lorenzen gave up five runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. Brady Singer allowed five runs and seven hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings. Singer came into the game with a 6-0 record with a 2.44 ERA in 10 career starts against the Tigers.

Detroit batters walked 10 times, the first time the Tigers had eight or more walks in consecutive games since June 13-14, 2016.

The Tigers got three runs in the first inning without much solid contact. Zach McKinstry led off with a single in the hole at second. With one out, Báez singled over first base and Spencer Torkelson walked. Singer then walked Akil Baddoo on four pitches to send home the first run. Vierling lined a single through the hole at short for two more runs.

The Royals wasted no time in getting back into the game. Vinnie Pasquantino launched a 424-foot, two-run home run and Salvador Perez followed with a 419-foot shot to tie the score before Lorenzen recorded the first out. It was the first time this year the Royals hit back-to-back home runs.

Vierling then put the Tigers back in front with a two-run home run in the third, giving him four RBIs on the night.

"I feel good (and) relaxed," Vierling said. "Hitting is up and down sometimes. I feel like I'm seeing it well. I really like my approach right now. I'm just trying to stay with that as much as possible."

Jackie Bradley Jr. hit his first homer as a Royal to tie the game in the fifth. Nicky Lopez tripled leading off the inning before Bradley hit it into the Tigers bullpen in left. Bradley snapped an 0-for-26 skid.

Royals IF Nicky Lopez returned from rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha and was reinstated from IL. He has been out since May 2 with an emergency appendectomy. In a corresponding move, IF/OF Hunter Dozier was designated for assignment. Dozier was hitting .183 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 29 games this season.

The Tigers and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series. The Tigers will send LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (4-3, 2.06 ERA) to the mound. The Royals have not announced a starter.

By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Javier Báez hit a bases-clearing double in the 10th inning for his third hit of the night to lift the Detroit Tigers to an 8-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series Monday night."It's the best feeling in the world," Báez said in an on-field interview after the game. "I'm just happy that I got good contact."Báez had three hits in the game, but the first two combined for an exit velocity of about 112 mph and didn't leave the infield. His third hit was a line drive over the left-fielder's head."He probably got the softest hits tonight and he probably got the hardest hit tonight," Detroit manager AJ Hinch said. "I'll take them both."Matt Vierling had three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs for the Tigers.Alex Lange (2-0) earned the victory with two hitless innings of relief. Jose Cisnero picked up his first save."I think (Lange) was excellent tonight," Hinch said. "We talk to him over and over about the back end of the game. He can't just wait on the last three outs and a clean inning all the time. These were clean innings, but he's going to need to be ready in the eighth. Tonight we needed him to pitch in a different part of the game."Scott Barlow (1-3) allowed Báez's winning hit and took the loss."(The bullpen) kept us in the game," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. "They didn't give up a run until the 10th inning. So, we couldn't have asked for anything more."Neither starter was effective. Detroit's Michael Lorenzen gave up five runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. Brady Singer allowed five runs and seven hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings. Singer came into the game with a 6-0 record with a 2.44 ERA in 10 career starts against the Tigers.Detroit batters walked 10 times, the first time the Tigers had eight or more walks in consecutive games since June 13-14, 2016.The Tigers got three runs in the first inning without much solid contact. Zach McKinstry led off with a single in the hole at second. With one out, Báez singled over first base and Spencer Torkelson walked. Singer then walked Akil Baddoo on four pitches to send home the first run. Vierling lined a single through the hole at short for two more runs.The Royals wasted no time in getting back into the game. Vinnie Pasquantino launched a 424-foot, two-run home run and Salvador Perez followed with a 419-foot shot to tie the score before Lorenzen recorded the first out. It was the first time this year the Royals hit back-to-back home runs.Vierling then put the Tigers back in front with a two-run home run in the third, giving him four RBIs on the night."I feel good (and) relaxed," Vierling said. "Hitting is up and down sometimes. I feel like I'm seeing it well. I really like my approach right now. I'm just trying to stay with that as much as possible."Jackie Bradley Jr. hit his first homer as a Royal to tie the game in the fifth. Nicky Lopez tripled leading off the inning before Bradley hit it into the Tigers bullpen in left. Bradley snapped an 0-for-26 skid.TRANSACTIONSRoyals IF Nicky Lopez returned from rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha and was reinstated from IL. He has been out since May 2 with an emergency appendectomy. In a corresponding move, IF/OF Hunter Dozier was designated for assignment. Dozier was hitting .183 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 29 games this season.UP NEXTThe Tigers and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series. The Tigers will send LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (4-3, 2.06 ERA) to the mound. The Royals have not announced a starter.

Báez hits 3-run double in 10th to lift Tigers past Royals 8-5 in 10 innings

Despite entering their regional bracket as just the 12-seed, the Rock Creek softball team battled and overcame the odds to knock off Holton and Ottowa en route to a third-consecutive trip to the 4A state tournament.

Now, the Lady Mustangs find themselves in familiar territory, and will once again play the role of underdog as this year’s 8-seed, taking on a league opponent in Wamego for the third time in 2023.

The Rock Creek team that will enter this year’s 4A tournament in Salina is a far cry from the one that began the year 1-4, and multiple matchups with some of the best teams in the state have prepared the Lady Mustangs for this very moment.

“Our biggest strength has been in our resilience,” Rock Creek head coach Jeri Brummett said. “We play in a really tough league but this group has been committed to improvement from the beginning.”

Getting to grips with a new-look squad would have been difficult enough in an average league, but learning on the fly against opponents like Wamego, Clay Center, Rossville, Silver Lake, and St. Mary’s only made Rock Creek’s magical regional run all the more special.

“I was more proud of this team after that than I have been in a long time,” Brummett said. “We graduated five starters from last year’s team and we had to coach a little bit. Our schedule prepared us for those games with Holton and Ottowa and the kids competed their heinies off.”

With regionals in the rearview, the Lady Mustangs will look to stave off elimination at the hands of Wamego for a second-straight season, and are taking a ‘why not us’ approach to this year’s competition in Salina.

“It takes a good deal of skill and a good deal of luck to get here,” she said. “We feel fortunate but we know we played hard to get to where we are now. We rarely go into state as a top seed because of our schedule but we’ve knocked off top seeds before, we’re used to being the underdog.”

While recent success has put a renewed pep in the step of the Lady Mustangs, the team isn’t taking anyone lightly, and will be prepared for a real battle on Thursday with a Lady Raider team that got the better of them twice earlier this season.

“Wamego is a talented group of kids and we can’t give them any outs for free,” Brummett said. “Their pitching has given up very few runs this year and we’ve been working diligently on what we need to do to improve our hitting. We’re not the same team that we were when they played them earlier this season and we know that any team can beat any team on any given day.”

First pitch between the Lady Mustangs and Raiders is scheduled for 5:00 on Field A at Salina South High School on Thursday, with the semifinals and 4A state championship game slated for Friday.

For continuing coverage of Rock Creek softball all postseason long stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorDespite entering their regional bracket as just the 12-seed, the Rock Creek softball team battled and overcame the odds to knock off Holton and Ottowa en route to a third-consecutive trip to the 4A state tournament.Now, the Lady Mustangs find themselves in familiar territory, and will once again play the role of underdog as this year’s 8-seed, taking on a league opponent in Wamego for the third time in 2023.The Rock Creek team that will enter this year’s 4A tournament in Salina is a far cry from the one that began the year 1-4, and multiple matchups with some of the best teams in the state have prepared the Lady Mustangs for this very moment.“Our biggest strength has been in our resilience,” Rock Creek head coach Jeri Brummett said. “We play in a really tough league but this group has been committed to improvement from the beginning.”Getting to grips with a new-look squad would have been difficult enough in an average league, but learning on the fly against opponents like Wamego, Clay Center, Rossville, Silver Lake, and St. Mary’s only made Rock Creek’s magical regional run all the more special.“I was more proud of this team after that than I have been in a long time,” Brummett said. “We graduated five starters from last year’s team and we had to coach a little bit. Our schedule prepared us for those games with Holton and Ottowa and the kids competed their heinies off.”With regionals in the rearview, the Lady Mustangs will look to stave off elimination at the hands of Wamego for a second-straight season, and are taking a ‘why not us’ approach to this year’s competition in Salina.“It takes a good deal of skill and a good deal of luck to get here,” she said. “We feel fortunate but we know we played hard to get to where we are now. We rarely go into state as a top seed because of our schedule but we’ve knocked off top seeds before, we’re used to being the underdog.”While recent success has put a renewed pep in the step of the Lady Mustangs, the team isn’t taking anyone lightly, and will be prepared for a real battle on Thursday with a Lady Raider team that got the better of them twice earlier this season.“Wamego is a talented group of kids and we can’t give them any outs for free,” Brummett said. “Their pitching has given up very few runs this year and we’ve been working diligently on what we need to do to improve our hitting. We’re not the same team that we were when they played them earlier this season and we know that any team can beat any team on any given day.”First pitch between the Lady Mustangs and Raiders is scheduled for 5:00 on Field A at Salina South High School on Thursday, with the semifinals and 4A state championship game slated for Friday.For continuing coverage of Rock Creek softball all postseason long stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

Lady Mustangs look to replicate regional magic at state

After handling their business in the 4A regionals last week, the Wamego softball team will get back to hunting, in search of their second state title in three years.

The Lady Raiders won it all back in 2021 but fell to Miege in the state semis a season ago, and were forced to settle for third place.

In front of an electric home crowd, Wamego exacted their revenge on the Lady Stags in a regional championship last week, holding on for a 4-2 victory to punch their ticket to state.

“We were very business-like going into regionals last week,” Raider head coach Luke Meyer said. “The girls were really focused on Tuesday and they were dialed in throughout both games. We knew Miege was going to be tough but we were able to push through and with Peyton on the rubber we always feel like we have a shot.”

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorAfter handling their business in the 4A regionals last week, the Wamego softball team will get back to hunting, in search of their second state title in three years.The Lady Raiders won it all back in 2021 but fell to Miege in the state semis a season ago, and were forced to settle for third place.In front of an electric home crowd, Wamego exacted their revenge on the Lady Stags in a regional championship last week, holding on for a 4-2 victory to punch their ticket to state.“We were very business-like going into regionals last week,” Raider head coach Luke Meyer said. “The girls were really focused on Tuesday and they were dialed in throughout both games. We knew Miege was going to be tough but we were able to push through and with Peyton on the rubber we always feel like we have a shot.”When they needed her most, Peyton Hardenburger delivered yet another gem, epitomizing the 1-2 punch of herself and Holy Cross commit Maya Gallagher, who have had opposing lineups reeling all season long.That dynamic duo has combined to toss 85 innings for a team ERA of 0.66, striking out 158 batters while issuing just seven walks all season long.“Our pitching has been far and away our biggest strength,” Meyer said. “We have two of the best pitchers in the state in any class and a great defense backing them up.”&nbsp;Thanks to those elite arms in the circle, this year’s Lady Raiders come into the 4A bracket as the 1-seed, boasting an overall record of 17-1, including 10 shutouts, and a run differential of +117.All of this has been done despite incurring heavy losses over an offseason that saw Wamego graduate nearly 80 of their runs from the season prior.“We had a lot of big pieces coming back from last year but we also lost a lot of talent in that 22’ class,” he said. “I’ve been very impressed with the growth that I’ve seen this year. We’ve had girls step up to fill those roles and that’s been great to see.”The Lady Raider’s title chase will begin on Thursday when they take on a familiar foe in the Rock Creek Lady Mustangs, a team Wamego beat twice this year in league play by final scores of 16-0 and 15-7.“We need to make routine plays look routine to have success this week,” Meyer said. “The teams who make the least mistakes are the ones who win this time of year. Our pitching needs to be on but they’ve been able to hit their spots all season and we’ll be prepared for the moment.”First pitch between the Lady Raiders and Mustangs is scheduled for 5:00 on Field A at Salina South High School with the semifinals and state title game to be played on Friday.For continuing coverage of Wamego softball all postseason long stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.