MANHATTAN –&nbsp;K-State's late ninth-inning rally wasn't enough as the Wildcats comeback bid fell short, 4-3, in the series' rubber match against TCU at Tointon Family Stadium. In the regular-season finale for both teams, K-State (33-22, 13-11) enters the upcoming Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship as the No. 5 seed starting on Wednesday, May 24. The Cats will take on No. 4 seed TCU with first pitch slated for 9 a.m. at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas "You got to flush it," said head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;about his team heading into the Big 12 tournament. "We expect to play a little further along this postseason and beyond the Big 12 tournament. Feel bad about it for 24 hours then get locked and get to business and ready to roll in Arlington." "Obviously disappointing day and weekend, you can't expect to beat anyone when you score two runs in the previous 17 innings. The storyline of the weekend was there pitching was better then our offense this weekend," said Hughes. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-ruhl/10964">Ty Ruhl</a>&nbsp;(3-4) was credited the loss in his first start of the season as the sophomore allowed two earned runs over his 4 2/3 innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;struck out five during his 4 1/3 innings in relief. "We put them in roles they weren't accustomed to, stretched them out a little and they were super-efficient. They absolutely pitched good enough for our offense to build a lead, but credit to TCU's pitching." Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;collected a game-high four hits going 4-for-4 in his final game at Tointon Family Stadium while scoring two of the Cats' three runs. The Cats honored Rugely,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/blake-corsentino/10946">Blake Corsentino</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/griffin-hassall/10951">Griffin Hassall</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jared-henry/10985">Jared Henry</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/corey-cater/10983">Corey Cater</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/trae-robertson/11040">Trae Robertson</a>&nbsp;during the 2023 Senior Day Ceremony.&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State SportsMANHATTAN –&nbsp;K-State's late ninth-inning rally wasn't enough as the Wildcats comeback bid fell short, 4-3, in the series' rubber match against TCU at Tointon Family Stadium. In the regular-season finale for both teams, K-State (33-22, 13-11) enters the upcoming Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship as the No. 5 seed starting on Wednesday, May 24. The Cats will take on No. 4 seed TCU with first pitch slated for 9 a.m. at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas "You got to flush it," said head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;about his team heading into the Big 12 tournament. "We expect to play a little further along this postseason and beyond the Big 12 tournament. Feel bad about it for 24 hours then get locked and get to business and ready to roll in Arlington." "Obviously disappointing day and weekend, you can't expect to beat anyone when you score two runs in the previous 17 innings. The storyline of the weekend was there pitching was better then our offense this weekend," said Hughes. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-ruhl/10964">Ty Ruhl</a>&nbsp;(3-4) was credited the loss in his first start of the season as the sophomore allowed two earned runs over his 4 2/3 innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;struck out five during his 4 1/3 innings in relief. "We put them in roles they weren't accustomed to, stretched them out a little and they were super-efficient. They absolutely pitched good enough for our offense to build a lead, but credit to TCU's pitching." Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;collected a game-high four hits going 4-for-4 in his final game at Tointon Family Stadium while scoring two of the Cats' three runs. The Cats honored Rugely,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/blake-corsentino/10946">Blake Corsentino</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/griffin-hassall/10951">Griffin Hassall</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jared-henry/10985">Jared Henry</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/corey-cater/10983">Corey Cater</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/trae-robertson/11040">Trae Robertson</a>&nbsp;during the 2023 Senior Day Ceremony.&nbsp;&nbsp;

TCU holds off K-State in Saturday’s rubber game

By MATT CARLSON Associated Press

CHICAGO — Jake Burger hit a three-run double in the sixth inning, helping Lucas Giolito and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Saturday.

Yoán Moncada had two RBIs as Chicago won for the fourth time in five games. Andrew Benintendi and Luis Robert Jr. each scored two runs.

Burger has hit safely in six games since returning from a strained left oblique, going 11 for 22 with three homers and nine RBIs. He came through again in this one, breaking open a tight game.

"For me, it's just controlling everything and slowing the game down," Burger said. "I feel like I did that in the last at-bat real well."

With Chicago ahead 2-1, its first three batters reached in the sixth before Royals starter Jordan Lyles was replaced by Jose Cuas. Benintendi walked and Robert reached on catcher interference before Moncada walked.

After Andrew Vaughn struck out swinging, Burger hit a liner into the gap in right-center. Burger's clutch swing gave the White Sox a 5-1 lead.

"It's a one-run game and you've got to have some extra focus, especially in that situation," Burger said. "Fortunately I got the right pitch and drove the ball to right-center."

Giolito (3-3) permitted one run and six hits in six innings. The right-hander has a 2.66 ERA his last eight starts.

"For me it's all about taking it one pitch at a time, executing and working well with Seby (catcher Zavala) on sequencing," Giolito said.

Salvador Pérez hit his 10th homer in Kansas City's sixth loss in eight games. Pérez finished with three hits, including a double, off Giolito.

"With Salvy, he's owned me over the course of my career," Gioloto said,. "Some days it's like I strike him out out two or three times in three at-bats. Other days it's like homer, double, double. Today was one of those days."

Pérez was a lone bright spot for the last-place Royals.

"He's a good ballplayer man," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. "It's no accident he's been doing this for 12-13 years."

Royals right-hander Jordan Lyles (0-8) was charged with five runs, four earned, and four hits in five-plus innings.

Pérez drove a 3-2 slider just over the fence in left-center in the first for Kansas City

But the White Sox responded with two runs in the bottom half.

After Benintendi singled and Robert doubled, Moncada hit a two-run single to left.

White Sox closer Liam Hendriks, who is recovering from stage-4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is expected to throw another live batting practice session, possibly when the team is in Cleveland for a three-game series that starts Monday.

Manager Pedro Grifol said the team and Hendriks will evaluate his status afterward and "we'll see where we go from there."

The 34-year-old right-hander tossed live BP in Chicago on Friday and was back in the clubhouse on Saturday.

Kansas City reinstated left-hander Amir Garrett from the family medical emergency list and optioned right-hander Jackson Kowar to Triple-A Omaha. Kowar made his season debut in Friday's 2-0 loss at Chicago, pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings.

White Sox: OF Gavin Sheets was scratched. He jammed a wrist sliding into second on Friday. ... C Yasmani Grandal (right hamstring) was available off the bench. He is expected to start Sunday. ... OF/DH Eloy Jiménez (appendectomy on May 6) has resumed all baseball activities and "is probably ahead of schedule," Grifol said. ... INF Elvis Andrus (oblique strain) has resumed batting practice.

White Sox right-hander Lance Lynn (2-5, 6.66 ERA) pitches in the series finale on Sunday. The Royals had not yet named their starter.

By MATT CARLSON Associated PressCHICAGO — Jake Burger hit a three-run double in the sixth inning, helping Lucas Giolito and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Saturday.Yoán Moncada had two RBIs as Chicago won for the fourth time in five games. Andrew Benintendi and Luis Robert Jr. each scored two runs.Burger has hit safely in six games since returning from a strained left oblique, going 11 for 22 with three homers and nine RBIs. He came through again in this one, breaking open a tight game."For me, it's just controlling everything and slowing the game down," Burger said. "I feel like I did that in the last at-bat real well."With Chicago ahead 2-1, its first three batters reached in the sixth before Royals starter Jordan Lyles was replaced by Jose Cuas. Benintendi walked and Robert reached on catcher interference before Moncada walked.After Andrew Vaughn struck out swinging, Burger hit a liner into the gap in right-center. Burger's clutch swing gave the White Sox a 5-1 lead."It's a one-run game and you've got to have some extra focus, especially in that situation," Burger said. "Fortunately I got the right pitch and drove the ball to right-center."Giolito (3-3) permitted one run and six hits in six innings. The right-hander has a 2.66 ERA his last eight starts."For me it's all about taking it one pitch at a time, executing and working well with Seby (catcher Zavala) on sequencing," Giolito said.Salvador Pérez hit his 10th homer in Kansas City's sixth loss in eight games. Pérez finished with three hits, including a double, off Giolito."With Salvy, he's owned me over the course of my career," Gioloto said,. "Some days it's like I strike him out out two or three times in three at-bats. Other days it's like homer, double, double. Today was one of those days."Pérez was a lone bright spot for the last-place Royals."He's a good ballplayer man," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. "It's no accident he's been doing this for 12-13 years."Royals right-hander Jordan Lyles (0-8) was charged with five runs, four earned, and four hits in five-plus innings.Pérez drove a 3-2 slider just over the fence in left-center in the first for Kansas CityBut the White Sox responded with two runs in the bottom half.After Benintendi singled and Robert doubled, Moncada hit a two-run single to left.HENDRIKS UPDATEWhite Sox closer Liam Hendriks, who is recovering from stage-4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is expected to throw another live batting practice session, possibly when the team is in Cleveland for a three-game series that starts Monday.Manager Pedro Grifol said the team and Hendriks will evaluate his status afterward and "we'll see where we go from there."The 34-year-old right-hander tossed live BP in Chicago on Friday and was back in the clubhouse on Saturday.ROYALS MOVEKansas City reinstated left-hander Amir Garrett from the family medical emergency list and optioned right-hander Jackson Kowar to Triple-A Omaha. Kowar made his season debut in Friday's 2-0 loss at Chicago, pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings.TRAINER'S ROOMWhite Sox: OF Gavin Sheets was scratched. He jammed a wrist sliding into second on Friday. ... C Yasmani Grandal (right hamstring) was available off the bench. He is expected to start Sunday. ... OF/DH Eloy Jiménez (appendectomy on May 6) has resumed all baseball activities and "is probably ahead of schedule," Grifol said. ... INF Elvis Andrus (oblique strain) has resumed batting practice.UP NEXTWhite Sox right-hander Lance Lynn (2-5, 6.66 ERA) pitches in the series finale on Sunday. The Royals had not yet named their starter.

Hot-hitting Burger, Giolito lead White Sox past Royals 5-1

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

With just two weeks remaining in the regular season, the Salina Liberty will return to Tony’s Pizza Events Center one final time for a meeting with the Sioux City Bandits.

Salina comes into this game in third place at 6-2, with a chance to lock up at least the 3-seed if they can knock off the fourth-place Bandits who will enter this contest at 5-3.

When these two CIF titans clashed earlier this year in Sioux City the Liberty fell 45-39, but the team that takes to the field in this one will look much different from that earlier rendition.

“If you look at the personnel we have now we’ve added 15 different players that we didn’t have in that first Sioux City game,” Salina head coach Heron O’Neal said. “There are only ten guys that were on the roster the first time we played so they could have a tough time scouting us.”

A lot remains on the table for the Liberty, who could finish the year as high as the 2-seed with a first-round bye and the right to host a semifinal, or as low as the four-seed.

Despite these implications, Salina is approaching this game the same way they always do, and not a single hint of desperation looms in the Liberty locker room.

“When you talk about a ‘must win’ game you’re talking about something with a real consequence and we don’t believe in that in the regular season,” O’Neal said. “Make no mistake, these are big games. We’re still fighting for that number two seed and we really want to win both.”

In order to even the season series with Sioux City, Salina must find an answer for Bandit Gunslinger Tasleem Wilson, who sits second in the league with 989 passing yards, and leads the league by a wide margin with 29 touchdown passes.

“All you can do is contain Tas because you’re not going to stop him,” O’Neal said. “He’s a great football player and he has an arm from God. He’s going to make big plays but we can’t get discouraged and we have to keep pressure on him and keep his options covered.”

This time around, Wilson will find himself in a duel with rookie hotshot Ed Crouch, who has been electric since taking the helm under center, and leads a young core from Salina against one of the most experienced teams in the CIF. “Sioux City is the most veteran team in the league and they’ve got experience at every position,” he said. “They know how to play the game and they’re not going to beat themselves. This won’t be an easy game and we’re still learning some things with our rookies but we’ll have them ready come game time.”

Kickoff between the Liberty and Bandits is scheduled for 6:35 pm at Tony’s Pizza Events Center and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617387097958.png" alt="Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>With just two weeks remaining in the regular season, the Salina Liberty will return to Tony’s Pizza Events Center one final time for a meeting with the Sioux City Bandits.Salina comes into this game in third place at 6-2, with a chance to lock up at least the 3-seed if they can knock off the fourth-place Bandits who will enter this contest at 5-3.When these two CIF titans clashed earlier this year in Sioux City the Liberty fell 45-39, but the team that takes to the field in this one will look much different from that earlier rendition.“If you look at the personnel we have now we’ve added 15 different players that we didn’t have in that first Sioux City game,” Salina head coach Heron O’Neal said. “There are only ten guys that were on the roster the first time we played so they could have a tough time scouting us.”A lot remains on the table for the Liberty, who could finish the year as high as the 2-seed with a first-round bye and the right to host a semifinal, or as low as the four-seed.Despite these implications, Salina is approaching this game the same way they always do, and not a single hint of desperation looms in the Liberty locker room. “When you talk about a ‘must win’ game you’re talking about something with a real consequence and we don’t believe in that in the regular season,” O’Neal said. “Make no mistake, these are big games. We’re still fighting for that number two seed and we really want to win both.”In order to even the season series with Sioux City, Salina must find an answer for Bandit Gunslinger Tasleem Wilson, who sits second in the league with 989 passing yards, and leads the league by a wide margin with 29 touchdown passes.“All you can do is contain Tas because you’re not going to stop him,” O’Neal said. “He’s a great football player and he has an arm from God. He’s going to make big plays but we can’t get discouraged and we have to keep pressure on him and keep his options covered.”This time around, Wilson will find himself in a duel with rookie hotshot Ed Crouch, who has been electric since taking the helm under center, and leads a young core from Salina against one of the most experienced teams in the CIF. “Sioux City is the most veteran team in the league and they’ve got experience at every position,” he said. “They know how to play the game and they’re not going to beat themselves. This won’t be an easy game and we’re still learning some things with our rookies but we’ll have them ready come game time.”Kickoff between the Liberty and Bandits is scheduled for 6:35 pm at Tony’s Pizza Events Center and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

Liberty look to even season series against Bandits

LUBBOCK, Texas –&nbsp;A windy Friday night that featured seven home runs combined between Kansas and Texas Tech ended with a walk-off homer as Texas Tech defeated Kansas 8-7 in 10 innings at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park. Luke Leto, Collier Cranford, Michael Brooks and Cole Elvis all homered for Kansas.

The Jayhawks battled all game, coming back from a four-run deficit early and a two-run deficit late. Leto and Cranford hit back-to-back home runs to help tie the game at 4-4 in the fourth. Then, Elvis hit a game-tying home run in the eighth that ultimately pushed the game to extra innings. Texas Tech’s Gavin Kash hit a walk-off home run to end it with two outs in the 10th.

Texas Tech (36-19, 11-12 Big 12) took the lead first on Friday for a second straight day. Three runs in the second inning and one run in the third gave the Red Raiders a 4-0 advantage. Dillon Carter hit a solo home run in the second and Austin Green had a solo shot in the third.

The deficit did not faze the Jayhawks. In the fourth inning, KU scored four runs to tie up the game. The inning began with singles from Elvis and Sam Hunt. Jake English drove in Elvis from third base on an RBI fielder’s choice for the first run of the inning. Leto was up next and crushed a 472-foot home run to right field to make it 4-3. Cranford followed Leto and went back-to-back with a solo homer to even the game at 4-4.

The Red Raiders loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth with no outs. They were able to get two runs in the inning on a pair of sacrifice flies. That made the score 6-4 in favor of Texas Tech.

The teams exchanged runs in the fifth inning. Brooks launched a solo home run for his eighth blast of the season. The Red Raiders got the run back in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI single by Nolen Hester. After five innings, Texas Tech led 7-5.

Neither team scored in the sixth or seventh innings, but Elvis had a big moment for a second straight night. In the eighth, Brooks led off the inning with a single. Elvis came up next and hit an opposite field home run to right to tie the game at 7-7. He hit a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning on Thursday.

After a scoreless ninth inning, the game went to extras. Kansas left a runner stranded on first in the top half of the 10th. The Jayhawks were able to get the first two outs in the bottom of the 10th, but Kash sent a 3-2 pitch out to right field to win it.

Hunter Cashero started for Kansas and allowed four runs over 2.2 innings. Ethan Bradford, Kolby Dougan, Steven Andrews and Stone Hewlett followed out of the bullpen for Kansas. Andrews threw a scoreless inning of relief. Hewlett suffered the loss after giving up the walk-off home run.

KU AthleticsLUBBOCK, Texas –&nbsp;A windy Friday night that featured seven home runs combined between Kansas and Texas Tech ended with a walk-off homer as Texas Tech defeated Kansas 8-7 in 10 innings at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park. Luke Leto, Collier Cranford, Michael Brooks and Cole Elvis all homered for Kansas.The Jayhawks battled all game, coming back from a four-run deficit early and a two-run deficit late. Leto and Cranford hit back-to-back home runs to help tie the game at 4-4 in the fourth. Then, Elvis hit a game-tying home run in the eighth that ultimately pushed the game to extra innings. Texas Tech’s Gavin Kash hit a walk-off home run to end it with two outs in the 10th.Texas Tech (36-19, 11-12 Big 12) took the lead first on Friday for a second straight day. Three runs in the second inning and one run in the third gave the Red Raiders a 4-0 advantage. Dillon Carter hit a solo home run in the second and Austin Green had a solo shot in the third.The deficit did not faze the Jayhawks. In the fourth inning, KU scored four runs to tie up the game. The inning began with singles from Elvis and Sam Hunt. Jake English drove in Elvis from third base on an RBI fielder’s choice for the first run of the inning. Leto was up next and crushed a 472-foot home run to right field to make it 4-3. Cranford followed Leto and went back-to-back with a solo homer to even the game at 4-4.The Red Raiders loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth with no outs. They were able to get two runs in the inning on a pair of sacrifice flies. That made the score 6-4 in favor of Texas Tech.The teams exchanged runs in the fifth inning. Brooks launched a solo home run for his eighth blast of the season. The Red Raiders got the run back in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI single by Nolen Hester. After five innings, Texas Tech led 7-5.Neither team scored in the sixth or seventh innings, but Elvis had a big moment for a second straight night. In the eighth, Brooks led off the inning with a single. Elvis came up next and hit an opposite field home run to right to tie the game at 7-7. He hit a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning on Thursday.After a scoreless ninth inning, the game went to extras. Kansas left a runner stranded on first in the top half of the 10th. The Jayhawks were able to get the first two outs in the bottom of the 10th, but Kash sent a 3-2 pitch out to right field to win it.Hunter Cashero started for Kansas and allowed four runs over 2.2 innings. Ethan Bradford, Kolby Dougan, Steven Andrews and Stone Hewlett followed out of the bullpen for Kansas. Andrews threw a scoreless inning of relief. Hewlett suffered the loss after giving up the walk-off home run.

KU baseball falls 8-7 in extras at Texas Tech

MANHATTAN –&nbsp;K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;delivered the game-winning hit to give the Wildcats a 7-6 victory over TCU in the series opener at Tointon Family Stadium. &nbsp; "That was a fun, crucial win for our program," head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;said on his team's victory. "Just a great college baseball game. Great atmosphere, the back-and-forth and the importance of it." K-State (33-20, 13-9 Big 12) gave up a pair of runs in the top of the eighth and faced a one-run deficit heading into the final frame before a passed ball leveled the score. Day, who was the seventh Wildcat to head to the plate in the ninth, recorded the game-winning RBI as he smoked a ball into left center to snap a four-game losing streak against the Horned Frogs (31-22, 11-11 Big 12). "I'm really proud of our guys. Once again, their resiliency was on display, they never panicked. They just keep getting back into games and believing in each other. It's one of those special trademark wins that you can talk about when you look back on this season," said Hughes. Day's game-winning single marked the Cats third walk-off of the year and second by the Hampstead, N.H. product. The Cats remain tied third in the Big 12 race alongside Texas who topped West Virginia, 12-2. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;(5-1) earned his sixth consecutive decision as the sophomore picked up the victory in relief. Neighbors, who was selected to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp, allowed two runs (two earned) in his two innings and retired the side in the ninth with a pair strikeouts. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>, in his final start at Tointon Family Stadium, struck out a game-high six during his six-inning start where he allowed three earned runs on eight hits. Six Wildcats earned a hit in the victory led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;and Day with two while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;drove in two RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ON DECK Game Two between the Cats and Horned Frogs is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday inside Tointon Family Stadium. The entire conference series can be seen on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+&nbsp; while a free live stream audio is available at <a href="http://kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State SportsMANHATTAN –&nbsp;K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;delivered the game-winning hit to give the Wildcats a 7-6 victory over TCU in the series opener at Tointon Family Stadium. &nbsp; "That was a fun, crucial win for our program," head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;said on his team's victory. "Just a great college baseball game. Great atmosphere, the back-and-forth and the importance of it." K-State (33-20, 13-9 Big 12) gave up a pair of runs in the top of the eighth and faced a one-run deficit heading into the final frame before a passed ball leveled the score. Day, who was the seventh Wildcat to head to the plate in the ninth, recorded the game-winning RBI as he smoked a ball into left center to snap a four-game losing streak against the Horned Frogs (31-22, 11-11 Big 12). "I'm really proud of our guys. Once again, their resiliency was on display, they never panicked. They just keep getting back into games and believing in each other. It's one of those special trademark wins that you can talk about when you look back on this season," said Hughes. Day's game-winning single marked the Cats third walk-off of the year and second by the Hampstead, N.H. product. The Cats remain tied third in the Big 12 race alongside Texas who topped West Virginia, 12-2. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;(5-1) earned his sixth consecutive decision as the sophomore picked up the victory in relief. Neighbors, who was selected to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp, allowed two runs (two earned) in his two innings and retired the side in the ninth with a pair strikeouts. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>, in his final start at Tointon Family Stadium, struck out a game-high six during his six-inning start where he allowed three earned runs on eight hits. Six Wildcats earned a hit in the victory led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;and Day with two while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;drove in two RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;ON DECK Game Two between the Cats and Horned Frogs is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday inside Tointon Family Stadium. The entire conference series can be seen on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+&nbsp; while a free live stream audio is available at <a href="http://kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Day’s walk-off caps comeback; K-State stuns TCU

LUBBOCK, Texas –&nbsp;After an 80-minute weather delay, Friday’s game between Kansas and Texas Tech began under a rainbow in center field and ended with a home run into the night sky from Cole Elvis to give the Jayhawks a 3-1 victory. The 2-run homer by Elvis broke a 1-1 tie with two outs in the top of the ninth inning.

Kansas trailed 1-0 in the game all the way until the seventh inning. Elvis had an RBI single in the frame to even the game at 1-1. Elvis’ home run in the ninth put Kansas ahead for pitcher Thaniel Trumper to finish out the bottom of the ninth. Kodey Shojinaga extended his hitting streak to a career-best 18 games, which is the longest by a Jayhawk this season. The win improved Kansas to 24-28 on the year and 8-14 in conference play.

After Texas Tech (35-19, 10-12 Big 12) started the game with a leadoff double, Collin Baumgartner struck out the next three batters he faced to strike out the side in the first. That was three of the four strikeouts Baumgartner had on the night.

However, the Red Raiders were able to take the lead in the second inning. Texas Tech scored an unearned run on a sacrifice bunt to grab a 1-0 advantage.

Both teams tossed zeros up on the board until the seventh inning. Kansas cranked out three consecutive singles from Janson Reeder, Michael Brooks and Elvis with one out in the inning. The single by Elvis drove in Tyler Gerety, who was pinch running for Reeder, to even the game at 1-1.

Then, in the ninth, Elvis delivered again in a big way with a two-out, two-run bomb. The home run was his team-high 13th of the season.

Collin Baumgartner started for Kansas and tossed three innings. Baumgartner punched out four batters and issued no walks. He gave up an unearned run in his start. Hunter Cranton entered in relief of Baumgartner and threw three scoreless innings and struck out two while walking none. Trumper finished out the final three innings and did not allow a run. He earned the win to improve to 4-5 on the season. The three combined to strikeout eight and only walk one while not allowing an earned run.

UP NEXT Kansas plays Texas Tech in game two of the series on Friday evening. First pitch from Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684527202550.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsLUBBOCK, Texas –&nbsp;After an 80-minute weather delay, Friday’s game between Kansas and Texas Tech began under a rainbow in center field and ended with a home run into the night sky from Cole Elvis to give the Jayhawks a 3-1 victory. The 2-run homer by Elvis broke a 1-1 tie with two outs in the top of the ninth inning.Kansas trailed 1-0 in the game all the way until the seventh inning. Elvis had an RBI single in the frame to even the game at 1-1. Elvis’ home run in the ninth put Kansas ahead for pitcher Thaniel Trumper to finish out the bottom of the ninth. Kodey Shojinaga extended his hitting streak to a career-best 18 games, which is the longest by a Jayhawk this season. The win improved Kansas to 24-28 on the year and 8-14 in conference play.After Texas Tech (35-19, 10-12 Big 12) started the game with a leadoff double, Collin Baumgartner struck out the next three batters he faced to strike out the side in the first. That was three of the four strikeouts Baumgartner had on the night.However, the Red Raiders were able to take the lead in the second inning. Texas Tech scored an unearned run on a sacrifice bunt to grab a 1-0 advantage.Both teams tossed zeros up on the board until the seventh inning. Kansas cranked out three consecutive singles from Janson Reeder, Michael Brooks and Elvis with one out in the inning. The single by Elvis drove in Tyler Gerety, who was pinch running for Reeder, to even the game at 1-1.Then, in the ninth, Elvis delivered again in a big way with a two-out, two-run bomb. The home run was his team-high 13th of the season.Collin Baumgartner started for Kansas and tossed three innings. Baumgartner punched out four batters and issued no walks. He gave up an unearned run in his start. Hunter Cranton entered in relief of Baumgartner and threw three scoreless innings and struck out two while walking none. Trumper finished out the final three innings and did not allow a run. He earned the win to improve to 4-5 on the season. The three combined to strikeout eight and only walk one while not allowing an earned run.UP NEXT Kansas plays Texas Tech in game two of the series on Friday evening. First pitch from Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Superb pitching, timely hitting lift Kansas to 3-1 victory at Texas Tech

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dénis Bouanga scored his league-leading 10th goal of the season, but Johnny Russell answered to help Sporting Kansas City earn a 1-1 draw with Los Angeles FC on Wednesday night.

Bouanga used assists from Kwadwo Opoku and Sergi Palencia to score in the 13th minute and give LAFC (6-1-4) an early lead.

Russell answered seven minutes later for Sporting KC (2-7-4) to knot the score. Russell's second goal of the season came with assists from Rémi Walter and Alan Pulido.

Ryan Hollingshead had a goal waved off in the 85th minute that would have given LAFC the lead.

Kendall McIntosh finished with six saves for Sporting KC in his first start of the season. Eldin Jakupovic had two saves in his second start for LAFC.

Sporting KC snaps a three-match losing streak against LAFC, which leads the series 5-4-1. LAFC has scored 16 goals in its five wins, but just five goals in the other five matches..

LAFC missed a chance to join the 2001-02 San Jose Earthquakes as the only teams to post 14 wins in a span of 15 regular-season matches at home.

Bouanga has now piled up seven goals and two assists in five home matches this season in league play.

Sporting KC has scored six goals in its last three matches, going 2-0-1, after going winless and totaling just three goals through the first 10 this season.

LAFC will host the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday. Sporting KC travels to play St. Louis City on Saturday.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dénis Bouanga scored his league-leading 10th goal of the season, but Johnny Russell answered to help Sporting Kansas City earn a 1-1 draw with Los Angeles FC on Wednesday night.Bouanga used assists from Kwadwo Opoku and Sergi Palencia to score in the 13th minute and give LAFC (6-1-4) an early lead.Russell answered seven minutes later for Sporting KC (2-7-4) to knot the score. Russell's second goal of the season came with assists from Rémi Walter and Alan Pulido.Ryan Hollingshead had a goal waved off in the 85th minute that would have given LAFC the lead.Kendall McIntosh finished with six saves for Sporting KC in his first start of the season. Eldin Jakupovic had two saves in his second start for LAFC.Sporting KC snaps a three-match losing streak against LAFC, which leads the series 5-4-1. LAFC has scored 16 goals in its five wins, but just five goals in the other five matches..LAFC missed a chance to join the 2001-02 San Jose Earthquakes as the only teams to post 14 wins in a span of 15 regular-season matches at home.Bouanga has now piled up seven goals and two assists in five home matches this season in league play.Sporting KC has scored six goals in its last three matches, going 2-0-1, after going winless and totaling just three goals through the first 10 this season.LAFC will host the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday. Sporting KC travels to play St. Louis City on Saturday.

Russell helps Sporting KC earn 1-1 draw with LAFC

NEW YORK (AP) — Teams were warned by Major League Baseball on Wednesday that batters may not attempt to deceive pitchers into quick-pitch violations.

"In recent days, we have seen batters attempt to induce pitchers to violate the pitch timer regulations by creating the appearance that they are in the batter's box and alert to the pitcher with more than eight seconds remaining on the clock when, in actuality, they have not fully entered the batter's box," MLB senior vice president Michael Hill wrote in a two-page memo to general managers, assistant general managers and field managers.

After getting ahead 0-1 in the count during the ninth inning Saturday, Boston closer Kenley Jansen was called for a violation for starting his delivery while St. Louis' Willson Contreras had his right foot in the batter's box and his left foot outside. Jansen followed with a pair of balls that pushed the count to 3-1, then was called for another quick-pitch violation, resulting in a walk.

"The batter's purpose with such an approach is to deceive the pitcher into beginning his windup or coming set before the batter is fully in the batter's box and alert to the pitcher," Hill wrote in the memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press.

"We have advised umpires that conduct by batters designed to deceive a pitcher into beginning their windup or coming to the set position early — including pretending to be in the batter's box and alert to the pitcher — constitutes circumvention under the pace of game regulations."

"Pitchers must continue to be aware of the position of the batter, and identify when the batter is appropriately in the batter's box and alert to the pitcher before the pitcher begins the windup or comes set," Hill added. "However, if the umpire determines that a batter appears alert to the pitcher and prepared to hit a pitch with more than eight seconds remaining on the timer, but is deliberately keeping one or both feet outside of the batter's box, the umpire will not call a violation on the pitcher, but rather will issue a warning to the batter for his deceptive behavior."

Additional similar conduct by the batter would result in a violation on the batter and a strike called.

"Clubs that have multiple players who repeatedly engage in this type of behavior will be subject to discipline," Hill wrote.

Hill's memo was the eighth in a series of clarifications issued by MLB since spring training.

NEW YORK (AP) — Teams were warned by Major League Baseball on Wednesday that batters may not attempt to deceive pitchers into quick-pitch violations."In recent days, we have seen batters attempt to induce pitchers to violate the pitch timer regulations by creating the appearance that they are in the batter's box and alert to the pitcher with more than eight seconds remaining on the clock when, in actuality, they have not fully entered the batter's box," MLB senior vice president Michael Hill wrote in a two-page memo to general managers, assistant general managers and field managers.After getting ahead 0-1 in the count during the ninth inning Saturday, Boston closer Kenley Jansen was called for a violation for starting his delivery while St. Louis' Willson Contreras had his right foot in the batter's box and his left foot outside. Jansen followed with a pair of balls that pushed the count to 3-1, then was called for another quick-pitch violation, resulting in a walk."The batter's purpose with such an approach is to deceive the pitcher into beginning his windup or coming set before the batter is fully in the batter's box and alert to the pitcher," Hill wrote in the memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press."We have advised umpires that conduct by batters designed to deceive a pitcher into beginning their windup or coming to the set position early — including pretending to be in the batter's box and alert to the pitcher — constitutes circumvention under the pace of game regulations.""Pitchers must continue to be aware of the position of the batter, and identify when the batter is appropriately in the batter's box and alert to the pitcher before the pitcher begins the windup or comes set," Hill added. "However, if the umpire determines that a batter appears alert to the pitcher and prepared to hit a pitch with more than eight seconds remaining on the timer, but is deliberately keeping one or both feet outside of the batter's box, the umpire will not call a violation on the pitcher, but rather will issue a warning to the batter for his deceptive behavior."Additional similar conduct by the batter would result in a violation on the batter and a strike called."Clubs that have multiple players who repeatedly engage in this type of behavior will be subject to discipline," Hill wrote.Hill's memo was the eighth in a series of clarifications issued by MLB since spring training.

MLB warns teams that batters may not try to trick pitchers into clock violations

By BERNIE WILSON AP Sports Writer

SAN DIEGO — Vinnie Pasquantino hit a tiebreaking two-run homer off Yu Darvish and the Kansas City Royals beat the struggling San Diego Padres 4-3 Wednesday to take two of three in the series.

Pasquantino's homer to right field, his eighth, and Maikel Garcia's RBI double gave the Royals a 4-1 lead in the sixth inning.

Many in the crowd of 32,416 booed the Padres after Scott Barlow retired the side in the ninth for his sixth save. San Diego's star-studded lineup went 2 for 9 with runners in scoring position and stranded 12 overall as the Padres lost for the ninth time in 11 games.

The Padres, closer to last in the NL West than they are first, were without slugger Manny Machado for a second straight day after he was hit by a pitch on the left hand in Monday night's 4-0 win.

San Diego's offensive woes continued despite Kansas City needing a bullpen day. The Padres scored twice in the sixth to pull to 4-3, but Fernando Tatis Jr., moved down to third in the lineup, popped out weakly with the bases loaded to end the inning.

The Padres loaded the bases with one out in the seventh against Aroldis Chapman, but Trent Grisham struck out for the fourth straight time and then a wild pitch by Chapman caromed off the backstop right back to catcher Salvador Perez, who easily tagged out Juan Soto trying to score, ending the inning.

Royals opener Carlos Hernández held the Padres to two hits in two scoreless innings while striking out four.

The Padres' recurring woes with runners in scoring position intensified against Mike Mayers, who came on to start the third and made his Royals debut after having his contract selected from Triple-A Omaha. Tatis came up with runners on first and second with one out in the third and grounded into a double play.

Mayers got out of a huge jam in the fourth when he loaded the bases with one out, on a single and consecutive walks, before striking out Grisham and Austin Nola to elicit boos from the crowd.

Jake Cronenworth homered to right in the fifth, his fourth, to tie the game at 1 before the Padres scored two more in the sixth on a bases-loaded balk against Jose Cuas and Xander Bogaerts' RBI infield single. The Padres loaded the bases again but Tatis popped up to end the inning.

MJ Melendez hit an RBI double for the Royals in the fourth.

Josh Taylor (1-1) got two outs for the win.

Darvish (2-3) allowed four runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Royals: Transferred LHP Ryan Yarbrough (skull fractures) to the 60-day injured list. Placed LHP Amir Garrett on the family medical emergency list.

Royals: RHP Zack Greinke (1-4, 5.01 ERA) is scheduled to start Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox, who will counter with RHP Michael Kopech (1-4, 5.74).

Padres: LHP Blake Snell (1-5, 4.61) is set to start Friday night in the opener of a weekend series against the Boston Red Sox, who will go with LHP James Paxton (0-0, 3.60).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684367275305.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino celebrates with teammate Salvador Perez after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of a game against the San Diego Padres Wednesday in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino celebrates with teammate Salvador Perez after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of a game against the San Diego Padres Wednesday in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BERNIE WILSON AP Sports WriterSAN DIEGO — Vinnie Pasquantino hit a tiebreaking two-run homer off Yu Darvish and the Kansas City Royals beat the struggling San Diego Padres 4-3 Wednesday to take two of three in the series.Pasquantino's homer to right field, his eighth, and Maikel Garcia's RBI double gave the Royals a 4-1 lead in the sixth inning.Many in the crowd of 32,416 booed the Padres after Scott Barlow retired the side in the ninth for his sixth save. San Diego's star-studded lineup went 2 for 9 with runners in scoring position and stranded 12 overall as the Padres lost for the ninth time in 11 games.The Padres, closer to last in the NL West than they are first, were without slugger Manny Machado for a second straight day after he was hit by a pitch on the left hand in Monday night's 4-0 win.San Diego's offensive woes continued despite Kansas City needing a bullpen day. The Padres scored twice in the sixth to pull to 4-3, but Fernando Tatis Jr., moved down to third in the lineup, popped out weakly with the bases loaded to end the inning.The Padres loaded the bases with one out in the seventh against Aroldis Chapman, but Trent Grisham struck out for the fourth straight time and then a wild pitch by Chapman caromed off the backstop right back to catcher Salvador Perez, who easily tagged out Juan Soto trying to score, ending the inning.Royals opener Carlos Hernández held the Padres to two hits in two scoreless innings while striking out four.The Padres' recurring woes with runners in scoring position intensified against Mike Mayers, who came on to start the third and made his Royals debut after having his contract selected from Triple-A Omaha. Tatis came up with runners on first and second with one out in the third and grounded into a double play.Mayers got out of a huge jam in the fourth when he loaded the bases with one out, on a single and consecutive walks, before striking out Grisham and Austin Nola to elicit boos from the crowd.Jake Cronenworth homered to right in the fifth, his fourth, to tie the game at 1 before the Padres scored two more in the sixth on a bases-loaded balk against Jose Cuas and Xander Bogaerts' RBI infield single. The Padres loaded the bases again but Tatis popped up to end the inning.MJ Melendez hit an RBI double for the Royals in the fourth.Josh Taylor (1-1) got two outs for the win.Darvish (2-3) allowed four runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Transferred LHP Ryan Yarbrough (skull fractures) to the 60-day injured list. Placed LHP Amir Garrett on the family medical emergency list.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Zack Greinke (1-4, 5.01 ERA) is scheduled to start Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox, who will counter with RHP Michael Kopech (1-4, 5.74).Padres: LHP Blake Snell (1-5, 4.61) is set to start Friday night in the opener of a weekend series against the Boston Red Sox, who will go with LHP James Paxton (0-0, 3.60).

Pasquantino hits 2-run homer; Royals beat struggling Padres 4-3

By RICHARD J. MARCUS Associated Press

SAN DIEGO — Salvador Perez hit a two-run double in Kansas City's five-run second, Brady Singer pitched six solid innings and the Royals beat the San Diego Padres 5-4 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak.

The Royals jumped on starter Seth Lugo (3-3) in the second, with Bobby Witt Jr., Nate Eaton and Matt Duffy also driving in runs. Lugo gave up five runs on four hits in his two innings. The Padres have lost eight of 10.

"That was really good for us tonight. That is a great win, you know, against a team like the Padres. They are a really good team," Perez said. "We scored five runs, and we got the game."

Singer (3-4) lasted six innings, giving up seven hits and four runs, two of which were earned. Scott Barlow got his fifth save with a scoreless ninth.

"The fastball had really good late movement on it. I was able to move that around the zone. The slider helped me a lot tonight," Singer said. "I think I attacked the zone pretty well tonight."

San Diego had a defensive highlight in the seventh when Fernando Tatis Jr. threw-out Vinnie Pasquantino trying to go from first to third on a single. After the play Tatis acted like he was putting a pistol back in a holster.

"I wasn't a big fan," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of the attempt by Pasquantino to take third base. "We know he (Tatis) is super talented in every aspect of the game and throwing is certainly nothing he is lacking."

The Padres scored two unearned runs in the fifth after consecutive errors by Kansas City's MJ Melendez and Matt Duffy.

"Those things are going to happen. You just have to make pitches and pick them up," Singer said of the errors. "That is just part of baseball. ... You have got to be able to overcome that."

Kansas City reliever Ardolis Chapman pitched the seventh and threw a 104-mph fastball to Jake Cronenworth, which ties the fastest pitch of the 2023 season.

"That's amazing," Perez said of Champan's feat.

San Diego continues to struggle offensively and had two runners picked off first base in the game.

"It's just a little bit the way we've been playing," Padres manager Bob Melvin said of his team's losing skid. "It's just not in sync all the way around. You don't expect base-running to cost you."

Royals RHP Max Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Omaha, and RHP Jackson Kowar was called up from Omaha. Kowar had a 7.84 ERA over 20-2/3 innings coming out of the Omaha bullpen this season.

A day after Padres 3B Manny Machado was hit by a pitch on the left hand, he was out of the starting lineup Tuesday. Machado is experiencing soreness and swelling, but X-rays came back negative. It seems likely the Padres will sit Machado as a precaution on Wednesday for the series finale ahead of an off-day Thursday.

Padres RHP Yu Darvis (2-2, 3.16) gets the start to close the three-game series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684349472936.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez reacts after hitting a two-RBI double during the second inning of a game against the San Diego Padres Tuesday in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez reacts after hitting a two-RBI double during the second inning of a game against the San Diego Padres Tuesday in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RICHARD J. MARCUS Associated PressSAN DIEGO — Salvador Perez hit a two-run double in Kansas City's five-run second, Brady Singer pitched six solid innings and the Royals beat the San Diego Padres 5-4 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak.The Royals jumped on starter Seth Lugo (3-3) in the second, with Bobby Witt Jr., Nate Eaton and Matt Duffy also driving in runs. Lugo gave up five runs on four hits in his two innings. The Padres have lost eight of 10."That was really good for us tonight. That is a great win, you know, against a team like the Padres. They are a really good team," Perez said. "We scored five runs, and we got the game."Singer (3-4) lasted six innings, giving up seven hits and four runs, two of which were earned. Scott Barlow got his fifth save with a scoreless ninth."The fastball had really good late movement on it. I was able to move that around the zone. The slider helped me a lot tonight," Singer said. "I think I attacked the zone pretty well tonight."San Diego had a defensive highlight in the seventh when Fernando Tatis Jr. threw-out Vinnie Pasquantino trying to go from first to third on a single. After the play Tatis acted like he was putting a pistol back in a holster."I wasn't a big fan," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of the attempt by Pasquantino to take third base. "We know he (Tatis) is super talented in every aspect of the game and throwing is certainly nothing he is lacking."The Padres scored two unearned runs in the fifth after consecutive errors by Kansas City's MJ Melendez and Matt Duffy."Those things are going to happen. You just have to make pitches and pick them up," Singer said of the errors. "That is just part of baseball. ... You have got to be able to overcome that."Kansas City reliever Ardolis Chapman pitched the seventh and threw a 104-mph fastball to Jake Cronenworth, which ties the fastest pitch of the 2023 season."That's amazing," Perez said of Champan's feat.San Diego continues to struggle offensively and had two runners picked off first base in the game."It's just a little bit the way we've been playing," Padres manager Bob Melvin said of his team's losing skid. "It's just not in sync all the way around. You don't expect base-running to cost you."KC MAKES A MOVERoyals RHP Max Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Omaha, and RHP Jackson Kowar was called up from Omaha. Kowar had a 7.84 ERA over 20-2/3 innings coming out of the Omaha bullpen this season.TRAINER'S ROOMA day after Padres 3B Manny Machado was hit by a pitch on the left hand, he was out of the starting lineup Tuesday. Machado is experiencing soreness and swelling, but X-rays came back negative. It seems likely the Padres will sit Machado as a precaution on Wednesday for the series finale ahead of an off-day Thursday.UP NEXTPadres RHP Yu Darvis (2-2, 3.16) gets the start to close the three-game series.

Perez has 2-run double in KC's 5-run 2nd, Royals beat Padres 5-4

Baseball and softball regionals are officially underway across the state of Kansas and six of our area teams have made local brackets, and will look to punch their tickets to state this week.

Below you can find finals for Wamego, Rock Creek, and Wabaunsee

Baseball - Troy 7,&nbsp;Wabaunsee 6&nbsp;(QF) - Rock Creek 10, Coffeyville 0 (SF) - Wamego 8, Tonganoxie 7 (SF) - Rock Creek 5, Wamego 1 (F)

Softball - St. Mary's 5, Wabausnee 1 (QF) - Rock Creek 5, Holton 1 (SF) - Wamego 15, Baldwin 0 (SF) - Rock Creek 16, Ottowa 9 (F) - Wamego 4, Bishop Miege 2 (F)

Baseball and softball regionals are officially underway across the state of Kansas and six of our area teams have made local brackets, and will look to punch their tickets to state this week.Below you can find finals for Wamego, Rock Creek, and WabaunseeBaseball - Troy 7,&nbsp;Wabaunsee 6&nbsp;(QF) - Rock Creek 10, Coffeyville 0 (SF) - Wamego 8, Tonganoxie 7 (SF) - Rock Creek 5, Wamego 1 (F)Softball - St. Mary's 5, Wabausnee 1 (QF) - Rock Creek 5, Holton 1 (SF) - Wamego 15, Baldwin 0 (SF) - Rock Creek 16, Ottowa 9 (F) - Wamego 4, Bishop Miege 2 (F)

Regional baseball & softball results

From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs/">The Kansas City Chiefs Facebook page</a>:

From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs/">The Kansas City Chiefs Facebook page</a>:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684273333188.png" alt="" />
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Chiefs release list of undrafted free agent signings

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer

English soccer star Jimmy Fryatt was known for his ability to head the ball, and the proof of his prowess may be in the damage it did to his brain.

Still physically fit in his late 70s, Fryatt played tennis but couldn't keep score or remember which side of the net he was supposed to be on. He lived in Las Vegas for almost 50 years but started to get lost while riding his bicycle in the neighborhood.

"I had to put a tracker on him," his wife, Valerie, said this week. "I'd call him and say: 'Stop. I'm coming to get you.'"

A North American Soccer League champion who played 18 years in Britain, Fryatt is one of four former professional soccer players newly diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The Concussion Legacy Foundation announced Tuesday that English pro and Oregon State head coach Jimmy Conway, Scottish and Seattle NASL midfielder Jimmy Gabriel, and NCAA champion Franny Pantuosco also were found to have the degenerative brain disease that has been linked to concussions in athletes, combat veterans and others who have sustained repeated head trauma.

They are the first diagnoses among those who played in the NASL, a precursor to MLS as the top U.S. pro soccer league that attracted attention with high-profile signings — including Pelé — before folding in 1985.

Valerie Fryatt said her husband had several diagnosed concussions, but CTE researchers believe the disease can also be caused by repeated sub-concussive blows to the head.

"Jimmy was a prolific header of the ball. He was very skilled at that," Valerie Fryatt said. "A lot of players from that era said he was the best header of the ball they'd ever seen."

The new diagnoses come as soccer officials gather in Chicago for a Head Injury Summit, a conference cohosted by U.S. Soccer and the top American men's and women's pro leagues that promises "two days of presentations and panel discussions led by medical professionals, stakeholders and researchers."

But CTE researchers and families of those affected by the disease say that the agenda, the guest list — and even the name — belie a desire to only give the appearance of confronting brain injuries, part of a trend among sports leagues to downplay the long-term effects of concussions and delay measures that could prevent them.

"In rugby and hockey and, of course, still in football, we're so familiar with that," said Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center — the brain bank that has led the research into the disease that can cause memory loss, violent mood swings, depression and other cognitive difficulties.

"I'm sorry. I'm very, have a jaded point of view about these summits," she said. "I think they're largely a PR stunt production to make people think that they're taking the injury and the condition seriously. But they're so shallow in the representation ... that the outcome is a foregone conclusion."

A U.S. Soccer spokesman listed as the media contact on a summit release did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Major League Soccer spokeswoman forwarded an agenda, which lists panels conducted by, among others, scientists, soccer officials and unnamed current and former players.

But no researchers from the BU CTE Center were invited to speak at the summit, even though McKee and Robert Cantu are two of the most-published, most prolific — and most outspoken — in the field. (U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone is among those who have pledged their brains to BU for research.)

"What happens with these large sports groups is they often invite a roster filled with people who minimize the long-term effects," McKee said. "And they come away saying: 'Here, we have held a summit. We looked at the evidence. It's not very strong, and the scientists are undecided.' And so it's sort of fait accompli that they don't have to do anything about it."

Even the title was a problem for Concussion Legacy Foundation co-founder Chris Nowinski, a former Harvard football player-turned-professional wrestler-turned Ph.D. who has been a leader in educating professional and amateur athletes about the dangers of concussions.

"'Head injury' is what you say when you don't take it seriously," Nowinski said. "To call it 'head injury' when you're actually talking about 'brain injury' is a tactic the NFL used to use."

BU researchers have diagnosed more than 100 football players with CTE; it also has been found in boxers and rugby players and professional wrestlers and members of the military. Cases among soccer players — at least in the United States — have been less common, but researchers expect the numbers to increase now that those who began playing the growing sport as children are reaching old age.

Last year, Scott Vermillion was announced as the first former MLS player to be diagnosed with CTE. His father, David Vermillion, said he would have made it his "first priority" to attend the summit if he had been invited.

Instead, he is going on a family vacation.

"They're not going to have people there that have dealt with it first-hand," Vermillion said. "Folks like that have all this knowledge, that can have input into trying to make things safer for the athletes, aren't going to be there."

Nowinski said he offered to connect summit organizers with families of those who died with CTE but was ghosted.

"It's not good for business, I assume," said Bruce Murray, a former U.S. national team member who has gone public with his cognitive difficulties.

"They need to hear the ugly side of it, too. I had an ugly side, and Scott Vermillion died very ugly," Murray said. "He was pretty normal and then he went upside down. I don't know if I'm going to go upside down again. There's no doubt that something's going on."

CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously. Vermillion, Fryatt and Conway died in 2020. Conway revealed 10 years before his death that he'd been diagnosed with dementia. Gabriel's family reported cognitive difficulties and depression for the last dozen years of his life before he died in 2021. Pantuosco also died in 2021.

All four had the most severe stage of the disease, McKee said.

McKee said the families of CTE victims are often the best source of information on how to recognize brain injuries, which can take years to develop and cause problematic behavior like alcohol abuse or violent mood swings that can destroy families uneducated to the underlying cause.

"These are human beings. These are the people that played the game, that made the owners rich, that caused the fans that have all the enjoyment, who are really responsible for the popularity of soccer today," McKee said. "And yet when they get into trouble, when they start to develop problematic behaviors, when their families start suffering, when they start suffering, no one pays any attention, including these summits."

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports WriterEnglish soccer star Jimmy Fryatt was known for his ability to head the ball, and the proof of his prowess may be in the damage it did to his brain.Still physically fit in his late 70s, Fryatt played tennis but couldn't keep score or remember which side of the net he was supposed to be on. He lived in Las Vegas for almost 50 years but started to get lost while riding his bicycle in the neighborhood."I had to put a tracker on him," his wife, Valerie, said this week. "I'd call him and say: 'Stop. I'm coming to get you.'"A North American Soccer League champion who played 18 years in Britain, Fryatt is one of four former professional soccer players newly diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The Concussion Legacy Foundation announced Tuesday that English pro and Oregon State head coach Jimmy Conway, Scottish and Seattle NASL midfielder Jimmy Gabriel, and NCAA champion Franny Pantuosco also were found to have the degenerative brain disease that has been linked to concussions in athletes, combat veterans and others who have sustained repeated head trauma.They are the first diagnoses among those who played in the NASL, a precursor to MLS as the top U.S. pro soccer league that attracted attention with high-profile signings — including Pelé — before folding in 1985.Valerie Fryatt said her husband had several diagnosed concussions, but CTE researchers believe the disease can also be caused by repeated sub-concussive blows to the head.In soccer, that means heading the ball."Jimmy was a prolific header of the ball. He was very skilled at that," Valerie Fryatt said. "A lot of players from that era said he was the best header of the ball they'd ever seen."The new diagnoses come as soccer officials gather in Chicago for a Head Injury Summit, a conference cohosted by U.S. Soccer and the top American men's and women's pro leagues that promises "two days of presentations and panel discussions led by medical professionals, stakeholders and researchers."But CTE researchers and families of those affected by the disease say that the agenda, the guest list — and even the name — belie a desire to only give the appearance of confronting brain injuries, part of a trend among sports leagues to downplay the long-term effects of concussions and delay measures that could prevent them."In rugby and hockey and, of course, still in football, we're so familiar with that," said Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center — the brain bank that has led the research into the disease that can cause memory loss, violent mood swings, depression and other cognitive difficulties."I'm sorry. I'm very, have a jaded point of view about these summits," she said. "I think they're largely a PR stunt production to make people think that they're taking the injury and the condition seriously. But they're so shallow in the representation ... that the outcome is a foregone conclusion."A U.S. Soccer spokesman listed as the media contact on a summit release did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Major League Soccer spokeswoman forwarded an agenda, which lists panels conducted by, among others, scientists, soccer officials and unnamed current and former players.But no researchers from the BU CTE Center were invited to speak at the summit, even though McKee and Robert Cantu are two of the most-published, most prolific — and most outspoken — in the field. (U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone is among those who have pledged their brains to BU for research.)"What happens with these large sports groups is they often invite a roster filled with people who minimize the long-term effects," McKee said. "And they come away saying: 'Here, we have held a summit. We looked at the evidence. It's not very strong, and the scientists are undecided.' And so it's sort of fait accompli that they don't have to do anything about it."Even the title was a problem for Concussion Legacy Foundation co-founder Chris Nowinski, a former Harvard football player-turned-professional wrestler-turned Ph.D. who has been a leader in educating professional and amateur athletes about the dangers of concussions."'Head injury' is what you say when you don't take it seriously," Nowinski said. "To call it 'head injury' when you're actually talking about 'brain injury' is a tactic the NFL used to use."BU researchers have diagnosed more than 100 football players with CTE; it also has been found in boxers and rugby players and professional wrestlers and members of the military. Cases among soccer players — at least in the United States — have been less common, but researchers expect the numbers to increase now that those who began playing the growing sport as children are reaching old age.Last year, Scott Vermillion was announced as the first former MLS player to be diagnosed with CTE. His father, David Vermillion, said he would have made it his "first priority" to attend the summit if he had been invited.Instead, he is going on a family vacation."They're not going to have people there that have dealt with it first-hand," Vermillion said. "Folks like that have all this knowledge, that can have input into trying to make things safer for the athletes, aren't going to be there."Nowinski said he offered to connect summit organizers with families of those who died with CTE but was ghosted."It's not good for business, I assume," said Bruce Murray, a former U.S. national team member who has gone public with his cognitive difficulties."They need to hear the ugly side of it, too. I had an ugly side, and Scott Vermillion died very ugly," Murray said. "He was pretty normal and then he went upside down. I don't know if I'm going to go upside down again. There's no doubt that something's going on."CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously. Vermillion, Fryatt and Conway died in 2020. Conway revealed 10 years before his death that he'd been diagnosed with dementia. Gabriel's family reported cognitive difficulties and depression for the last dozen years of his life before he died in 2021. Pantuosco also died in 2021.All four had the most severe stage of the disease, McKee said.McKee said the families of CTE victims are often the best source of information on how to recognize brain injuries, which can take years to develop and cause problematic behavior like alcohol abuse or violent mood swings that can destroy families uneducated to the underlying cause."These are human beings. These are the people that played the game, that made the owners rich, that caused the fans that have all the enjoyment, who are really responsible for the popularity of soccer today," McKee said. "And yet when they get into trouble, when they start to develop problematic behaviors, when their families start suffering, when they start suffering, no one pays any attention, including these summits."

CTE cases in soccer players raise fresh questions about safety of heading ball

SAN DIEGO — Michael Wacha has been closer to pitching a no-hitter than he came Monday night, when he didn't allow a hit until Michael Massey singled leading off the eighth inning.

It was still a thrill for the 31-year-old Wacha, whose strong effort in his eighth start with his new team helped the struggling San Diego Padres beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0.

"I've been one out away and three outs away as well. Been flirting with it a few times now," Wacha said after striking out a career-high 11 and ending the Padres' five-game losing streak. "When the time's right we'll see what goes down."

Massey's hit to right field came on Wacha's 103rd pitch and manager Bob Melvin immediately came out to pull the right-hander, who left to a standing ovation from the sellout crowd of 43,828. Nick Martinez came on and retired the side and then finished the combined two-hitter.

"I was doing the math in there. Would have loved a three-pitch inning there in the eighth and another one in the ninth," Wacha said. "Just trying to stay on the attack; maybe they would hit it to somebody, get some swing and misses in the zone. Just left a changeup there in the eighth and he put a good swing on it and hit the ball."

Wacha said he and catcher Austin Nola continued with their typical discussions between innings as the game went along.

"I would say everything was pretty normal," Wacha said. "I didn't like change jerseys or anything that I normally would. It was like, 'Hey, this jersey's working out pretty well for me right now.' I kept the same hat on. Usually I'm sweating through it. It was a nice night out there. I didn't sweat too much. Just rode with it."

There were a few moments of confusion at the end as a fan ran onto the field just as Nick Pratto took a called strike three. The umpires huddled and ruled that the pitch from Martinez counted.

Wacha (4-1), signed as a free agent on Feb. 16, walked one. He had a perfect game going before hitting Edward Olivares with a pitch with one out in the fifth. Wacha walked Bobby Witt Jr. with two outs in the sixth before first baseman Jake Cronenworth made a terrific diving stop of Vinnie Pasquantino's grounder to preserve the no-hit bid.

"He was getting a lot of swings and misses early," Melvin said. "He had them really off balance today. Early on you had a pretty good idea that he was going to pitch a good game. A little uncomfortable there with sending him back out there for the eighth. Obviously we were going to go hitter by hitter."

Joe Musgrove threw the Padres' only no-hitter on April 9, 2021, in his second start with his hometown team.

Melvin said he always agonizes "a lot" over pitch counts during a no-hit bid, and said he also had to keep in mind Wacha's history of injuries.

"Everybody else has a great time. I don't. My starting pitchers were giving me a little bit of a hard time because they were having a good time with it but they knew I was not," Melvin said.

Fernando Tatis Jr. had two hits, scored a run and drove in another as the Padres took advantage of Brad Keller's wildness to fix their offensive woes, for one night, at least.

Tatis singled leading off the first and advanced on Manny Machado's groundout and Keller's error. Keller then threw a wild pitch to the backstop that allowed Tatis to score.

Keller (3-4) walked four and hit a batter with a pitch to load the bases three times in the second, but the Padres were able to score only two runs. Tatis hit an RBI single and the other run came in when Machado was hit on the hand by a pitch with the bases loaded.

Tatis tried to score when a pitch briefly got away from Salvador Perez, but the catcher gathered it in and tagged him out. Juan Soto reloaded the bases with a walk before Xander Bogaerts grounded out weakly to end the threat.

Keller was pulled after issuing consecutive walks with two outs in the fourth, giving him eight for the night, against just two strikeouts. He allowed three runs, two earned, and three hits.

Padres: Machado came out of the game in the fourth. ... LHP Drew Pomeranz (elbow, neck) was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Padres: Selected RHP Drew Carlton from Triple-A El Paso. Optioned LHP Ryan Weathers to El Paso.

Royals RHP Brady Singer (2-4, 7.71 ERA) and Padres RHP Seth Lugo (3-2, 3.18) are scheduled to start Tuesday night in the middle game of the series.

By BERNIE WILSON AP Sports WriterSAN DIEGO — Michael Wacha has been closer to pitching a no-hitter than he came Monday night, when he didn't allow a hit until Michael Massey singled leading off the eighth inning.It was still a thrill for the 31-year-old Wacha, whose strong effort in his eighth start with his new team helped the struggling San Diego Padres beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0."I've been one out away and three outs away as well. Been flirting with it a few times now," Wacha said after striking out a career-high 11 and ending the Padres' five-game losing streak. "When the time's right we'll see what goes down."Massey's hit to right field came on Wacha's 103rd pitch and manager Bob Melvin immediately came out to pull the right-hander, who left to a standing ovation from the sellout crowd of 43,828. Nick Martinez came on and retired the side and then finished the combined two-hitter."I was doing the math in there. Would have loved a three-pitch inning there in the eighth and another one in the ninth," Wacha said. "Just trying to stay on the attack; maybe they would hit it to somebody, get some swing and misses in the zone. Just left a changeup there in the eighth and he put a good swing on it and hit the ball."Wacha said he and catcher Austin Nola continued with their typical discussions between innings as the game went along."I would say everything was pretty normal," Wacha said. "I didn't like change jerseys or anything that I normally would. It was like, 'Hey, this jersey's working out pretty well for me right now.' I kept the same hat on. Usually I'm sweating through it. It was a nice night out there. I didn't sweat too much. Just rode with it."There were a few moments of confusion at the end as a fan ran onto the field just as Nick Pratto took a called strike three. The umpires huddled and ruled that the pitch from Martinez counted.Wacha (4-1), signed as a free agent on Feb. 16, walked one. He had a perfect game going before hitting Edward Olivares with a pitch with one out in the fifth. Wacha walked Bobby Witt Jr. with two outs in the sixth before first baseman Jake Cronenworth made a terrific diving stop of Vinnie Pasquantino's grounder to preserve the no-hit bid."He was getting a lot of swings and misses early," Melvin said. "He had them really off balance today. Early on you had a pretty good idea that he was going to pitch a good game. A little uncomfortable there with sending him back out there for the eighth. Obviously we were going to go hitter by hitter."Joe Musgrove threw the Padres' only no-hitter on April 9, 2021, in his second start with his hometown team.Melvin said he always agonizes "a lot" over pitch counts during a no-hit bid, and said he also had to keep in mind Wacha's history of injuries."Everybody else has a great time. I don't. My starting pitchers were giving me a little bit of a hard time because they were having a good time with it but they knew I was not," Melvin said.Fernando Tatis Jr. had two hits, scored a run and drove in another as the Padres took advantage of Brad Keller's wildness to fix their offensive woes, for one night, at least.Tatis singled leading off the first and advanced on Manny Machado's groundout and Keller's error. Keller then threw a wild pitch to the backstop that allowed Tatis to score.Keller (3-4) walked four and hit a batter with a pitch to load the bases three times in the second, but the Padres were able to score only two runs. Tatis hit an RBI single and the other run came in when Machado was hit on the hand by a pitch with the bases loaded.Tatis tried to score when a pitch briefly got away from Salvador Perez, but the catcher gathered it in and tagged him out. Juan Soto reloaded the bases with a walk before Xander Bogaerts grounded out weakly to end the threat.Keller was pulled after issuing consecutive walks with two outs in the fourth, giving him eight for the night, against just two strikeouts. He allowed three runs, two earned, and three hits.TRAINER'S ROOMPadres: Machado came out of the game in the fourth. ... LHP Drew Pomeranz (elbow, neck) was transferred to the 60-day injured list.TRANSACTIONPadres: Selected RHP Drew Carlton from Triple-A El Paso. Optioned LHP Ryan Weathers to El Paso.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Brady Singer (2-4, 7.71 ERA) and Padres RHP Seth Lugo (3-2, 3.18) are scheduled to start Tuesday night in the middle game of the series.

Wacha takes no-hitter into 8th, fans 11 in Padres' 4-0 win over Royals

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas State signed football coach Chris Klieman to a new eight-year contract Monday that will pay an average of $5.5 million annually and could keep him tied to the defending Big 12 champion Wildcats through the 2030 season.

The $44 million deal replaces a contract due to end after the 2026 season that paid Klieman an average of $4 million annually.

"What we have been able to accomplish in our first four years here is due to the culture that our players and staff have been able to create," Klieman said in a statement. "I am excited to continue to lead this football program and put a product on the field each year that can compete at the highest level."

Klieman added that Kansas State, which is situated about 2 hours from Kansas City and must overcome some geographic disadvantages when it comes to recruiting, has everything it needs to consistently contend for championships.

That includes a new indoor training facility that just opened next to Bill Snyder Family Stadium, which itself has undergone millions in renovations over the years, putting it in the upper echelon of major college football stadiums.

"Chris has done an unbelievable job building a program in four years that not only has won a Big 12 championship but even more importantly, one that players have taken great pride in and helped sustain a championship culture," said Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor, who hired Klieman away from North Dakota State to replace the retired Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder.

"We want to continue the momentum that he and his staff have fostered," Taylor said. "We are excited that Chris will be the leader of out football program for many years to come."

The 55-year-old Klieman won four national titles in five years at North Dakota State, which plays a step down in the Football Championship Subdivision, but many still wondered whether that success would translate to college football's highest level.

Klieman went 8-5 and reached the Liberty Bowl in his first season, slipped to 4-6 during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and went 8-5 again the following year with a win in the Texas Bowl that provided momentum into last season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669756402283.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Head Coach Chris Klieman. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson, file)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Head Coach Chris Klieman. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson, file)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas State signed football coach Chris Klieman to a new eight-year contract Monday that will pay an average of $5.5 million annually and could keep him tied to the defending Big 12 champion Wildcats through the 2030 season.The $44 million deal replaces a contract due to end after the 2026 season that paid Klieman an average of $4 million annually."What we have been able to accomplish in our first four years here is due to the culture that our players and staff have been able to create," Klieman said in a statement. "I am excited to continue to lead this football program and put a product on the field each year that can compete at the highest level."Klieman added that Kansas State, which is situated about 2 hours from Kansas City and must overcome some geographic disadvantages when it comes to recruiting, has everything it needs to consistently contend for championships.That includes a new indoor training facility that just opened next to Bill Snyder Family Stadium, which itself has undergone millions in renovations over the years, putting it in the upper echelon of major college football stadiums."Chris has done an unbelievable job building a program in four years that not only has won a Big 12 championship but even more importantly, one that players have taken great pride in and helped sustain a championship culture," said Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor, who hired Klieman away from North Dakota State to replace the retired Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder."We want to continue the momentum that he and his staff have fostered," Taylor said. "We are excited that Chris will be the leader of out football program for many years to come."The 55-year-old Klieman won four national titles in five years at North Dakota State, which plays a step down in the Football Championship Subdivision, but many still wondered whether that success would translate to college football's highest level.Turns out it does.Klieman went 8-5 and reached the Liberty Bowl in his first season, slipped to 4-6 during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and went 8-5 again the following year with a win in the Texas Bowl that provided momentum into last season.Led by All-American running back Deuce Vaughn and defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, a first-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, the Wildcats beat TCU in the Big 12 title game — before the Horned Frogs went on to the College Football Playoffs. It was the first conference title for Kansas State since 2012, when Snyder was in his second tenure in Manhattan, Kansas.Klieman is 30-20 in four seasons with the Wildcats, while his overall college coaching record of 102-33 puts him among the best winning percentages in history. The 30 wins are the most by a Kansas State coach over their first four years.Kansas State should contend for another Big 12 championship this season.The Wildcats return quarterback Will Howard, all five starting offensive lineman and several playmakers on defense, including linebacker Daniel Green and safety Kobe Savage. They added Florida State transfer Treshaun Ward to replace Vaughn at running back, Iowa wide receiver Keegan Johnson and one of the best freshman classes in school history.Kansas State opens the season Sept. 2 against Southeast Missouri State.