CLEVELAND (AP) — Luis Ortiz allowed just one hit and struck out a career-high 10 in his home debut for Cleveland as the Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Saturday night to extend their winning streak to five games.

Ortiz (1-2) had his second straight strong outing, giving up just a home run in the fourth inning to Vinnie Pasquantino before leaving after 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander was acquired in December from Pittsburgh.

Gabriel Arias homered and José Ramírez hit a sacrifice fly off Mike Lorenzen (1-2) as the Guardians remained unbeaten at home. Arias connected in the sixth inning. He has three homers this season — all against Kansas City.

The Royals entered the ninth with just two hits before getting four straight singles and scoring twice against Guardians All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, who hasn't been himself through the season's first two weeks.

Ortiz held Kansas City hitless until the fourth when Pasquantino drove a pitch over the wall in right-center with one out. It was Pasquantino's second homer and only the seventh in 2025 for the Royals, who came in tied with Toronto for the fewest in the majors.

Arias drove in Cleveland's first run with a single in the fourth. He has five RBIs in the last two games.

After giving up a one-out walk in the sixth while leading 2-1, Ortiz got a favorable called third strike from plate umpire Manny Gonzalez on an outside pitch to whiff Royals star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. for the second time.

The Guardians are 5-0 at home for the first time since 2002, when they opened 7-0 in Progressive Field.

Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-0, 2.81) had 11 strikeouts last week against Minnesota. He'll start the series finale against Cleveland's Ben Lively (0-1, 4.40), who got a no-decision against Kansas City in the season opener.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Luis Ortiz allowed just one hit and struck out a career-high 10 in his home debut for Cleveland as the Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Saturday night to extend their winning streak to five games.Ortiz (1-2) had his second straight strong outing, giving up just a home run in the fourth inning to Vinnie Pasquantino before leaving after 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander was acquired in December from Pittsburgh.Gabriel Arias homered and José Ramírez hit a sacrifice fly off Mike Lorenzen (1-2) as the Guardians remained unbeaten at home. Arias connected in the sixth inning. He has three homers this season — all against Kansas City.The Royals entered the ninth with just two hits before getting four straight singles and scoring twice against Guardians All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, who hasn't been himself through the season's first two weeks.Ortiz held Kansas City hitless until the fourth when Pasquantino drove a pitch over the wall in right-center with one out. It was Pasquantino's second homer and only the seventh in 2025 for the Royals, who came in tied with Toronto for the fewest in the majors.Arias drove in Cleveland's first run with a single in the fourth. He has five RBIs in the last two games.<h2>Key moment</h2>After giving up a one-out walk in the sixth while leading 2-1, Ortiz got a favorable called third strike from plate umpire Manny Gonzalez on an outside pitch to whiff Royals star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. for the second time.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Guardians are 5-0 at home for the first time since 2002, when they opened 7-0 in Progressive Field.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-0, 2.81) had 11 strikeouts last week against Minnesota. He'll start the series finale against Cleveland's Ben Lively (0-1, 4.40), who got a no-decision against Kansas City in the season opener.

⚾ Ortiz strikes out career-high 10 as Guardians beat the Royals 

CLEVELAND (AP) — Gabriel Arias had three hits — including a three-run homer — Angel Martínez had his second career three-hit game and the Cleveland Guardians extended their winning streak to four, beating the Kansas City Royals 7-0 on Friday night.

Five Cleveland pitchers combined for the second shutout of the homestand. Tim Herrin (2-0) got the win after starter Tanner Bibee went 4 1/3 innings.

Arias snapped an 0 for 15 skid with a base hit in the second inning. He then connected on a first-pitch fastball from Royals' starter Kris Bubic (0-1) in the fourth inning and put it into the stands in right-center for his second homer of the season.

The three runs were the first earned runs Bubic had allowed in 26 2/3 innings dating to last season.

Martínez, called up from Triple A Columbus on Wednesday, also had a sacrifice fly in a four-run eighth inning to drive in Nolan Jones. Steven Kwan and Carlos Santana added RBI singles and Brayan Rocchio scored from second base after Royals' second baseman Jonathan India had a fly ball by José Ramírez pop out of his glove. It was India's second error of the game.

Kyle Manzardo was safe at second base when the throw by India after fielding Jhonkensy Noel’s grounder was wide and pulled Michael Massey off the bag. That put runners at first and second when Arias came up.

Cleveland's starting pitchers have posted a 1.42 ERA in the team's last five games and have given up only four earned runs in 25 1/3 innings. The Guardians' rotation had a 7.05 ERA in their first eight games.

Kansas City right-hander Michael Lorenzen (1-1, 3.18 ERA), who reached 10 years of major-league service on Tuesday, faces Cleveland right-hander Luis Ortiz (0-2, 8.44 ERA) in the middle game of the series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744426314387.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Hunter Renfroe (16) reacts in front of Cleveland Guardians' Austin Hedges, left, after being called out on strikes in the fourth inning of a baseball game in Cleveland, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Hunter Renfroe (16) reacts in front of Cleveland Guardians' Austin Hedges, left, after being called out on strikes in the fourth inning of a baseball game in Cleveland, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)</figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — Gabriel Arias had three hits — including a three-run homer — Angel Martínez had his second career three-hit game and the Cleveland Guardians extended their winning streak to four, beating the Kansas City Royals 7-0 on Friday night.Five Cleveland pitchers combined for the second shutout of the homestand. Tim Herrin (2-0) got the win after starter Tanner Bibee went 4 1/3 innings.Arias snapped an 0 for 15 skid with a base hit in the second inning. He then connected on a first-pitch fastball from Royals' starter Kris Bubic (0-1) in the fourth inning and put it into the stands in right-center for his second homer of the season.The three runs were the first earned runs Bubic had allowed in 26 2/3 innings dating to last season.Martínez, called up from Triple A Columbus on Wednesday, also had a sacrifice fly in a four-run eighth inning to drive in Nolan Jones. Steven Kwan and Carlos Santana added RBI singles and Brayan Rocchio scored from second base after Royals' second baseman Jonathan India had a fly ball by José Ramírez pop out of his glove. It was India's second error of the game.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kyle Manzardo was safe at second base when the throw by India after fielding Jhonkensy Noel’s grounder was wide and pulled Michael Massey off the bag. That put runners at first and second when Arias came up.<h2>Key stat</h2>Cleveland's starting pitchers have posted a 1.42 ERA in the team's last five games and have given up only four earned runs in 25 1/3 innings. The Guardians' rotation had a 7.05 ERA in their first eight games.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City right-hander Michael Lorenzen (1-1, 3.18 ERA), who reached 10 years of major-league service on Tuesday, faces Cleveland right-hander Luis Ortiz (0-2, 8.44 ERA) in the middle game of the series.

⚾ Arias 3-run homer helps Guardians shut out the Royals

Kansas City, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2 on Thursday.

The Royals trailed by a run before rallying for two in the seventh against reliever Cole Sands (1-1).

With one out, Freddy Fermin walked ahead of singles by Drew Waters and Jonathan India, tying the game at 2 before Witt drove a deep fly to center for the lead.

Daniel Lynch IV (2-0) struck out two of three batters faced and Carlos Estévez earned his fourth save.

Twins starter Bailey Ober allowed a first-inning run on three consecutive singles, then settled in to permit just two hits over his final five scoreless frames. He finished six innings, allowing a run on five hits and a walk, striking out four.

Ty France led off the second inning with his second home run of the year, tying the game.

After one-out walks to Trevor Larnach and France, Ryan Jeffers grounded an RBI single up the middle, breaking a 1-1 tie.

Royals starter Michael Wacha tossed 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks, with four strikeouts.

Jonathan India fouled off four consecutive 3-2 pitches before hitting an RBI single to left, tying the game 2-all in the seventh.

Wacha has allowed fewer than three runs in all but one of his eight starts against the Twins.

Returning to Minnesota on Friday, the Twins face Detroit Tigers RHP Reese Olson (1-1, 5.06). Minnesota will recall RHP David Festa from Triple-A St. Paul to make his first start of the season as RHP Pablo López was placed on the Injured List.

The Royals travel to Cleveland, sending LHP Kris Bubic (2-0, 0.00) against Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (1-1, 6.52).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744318556062.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. watches his sacrifice fly to score one run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. watches his sacrifice fly to score one run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2 on Thursday.The Royals trailed by a run before rallying for two in the seventh against reliever Cole Sands (1-1).With one out, Freddy Fermin walked ahead of singles by Drew Waters and Jonathan India, tying the game at 2 before Witt drove a deep fly to center for the lead.Daniel Lynch IV (2-0) struck out two of three batters faced and Carlos Estévez earned his fourth save.Twins starter Bailey Ober allowed a first-inning run on three consecutive singles, then settled in to permit just two hits over his final five scoreless frames. He finished six innings, allowing a run on five hits and a walk, striking out four.Ty France led off the second inning with his second home run of the year, tying the game.After one-out walks to Trevor Larnach and France, Ryan Jeffers grounded an RBI single up the middle, breaking a 1-1 tie.Royals starter Michael Wacha tossed 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks, with four strikeouts.<h2>Key moment</h2>Jonathan India fouled off four consecutive 3-2 pitches before hitting an RBI single to left, tying the game 2-all in the seventh.<h2>Key stat</h2>Wacha has allowed fewer than three runs in all but one of his eight starts against the Twins.<h2>Up next</h2>Returning to Minnesota on Friday, the Twins face Detroit Tigers RHP Reese Olson (1-1, 5.06). Minnesota will recall RHP David Festa from Triple-A St. Paul to make his first start of the season as RHP Pablo López was placed on the Injured List.The Royals travel to Cleveland, sending LHP Kris Bubic (2-0, 0.00) against Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (1-1, 6.52).___

⚾ Witt Jr. hits sacrifice fly in the seventh as the Royals beat the Twins

By DAVID SMALE Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Joe Ryan continued his mastery over Kansas City, giving up just two hits over seven scoreless innings in the Minnesota Twins' 4-0 victory over the Royals on Wednesday night.

Ryan (1-1), who struck out four and did not give up a walk, is now 7-0 in nine career starts against the Royals with a 1.30 ERA in 55 1/3 innings.

Seth Lugo (1-1) threw 109 pitches for the Royals, allowing two runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings.

The Twins got a run in the fourth on Edouard Julien's RBI single to right. Lugo walked Carlos Correa and Trevor Larnach with one out. After Ty France lined one back to Lugo, Julien drove in Correa.

France's two-out single in the sixth drove in Correa for a 2-0 lead.

The Twins got runs in the eighth and ninth, as Matt Wallner and France, respectively, each hit his first home run of the season.

After the Twins took a 1-0 lead in the fourth, the Royals had a chance to tie the game in the bottom of the inning. Bobby Witt Jr. led off with a double, but he was doubled up after attempting to steal third and not getting back to second when Salvador Perez lined out to center.

France was 3 of 4 Wednesday with a home run and two RBIs. In 30 career games against Kansas City, he's hitting .412, with a 1.154 OPS, his best against any opponent.

The teams will complete a four-game series on Thursday. The Twins will send RHP Bailey Ober (0-1, 12.15 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City RHP Michael Wacha (0-2, 4.66 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744280627742.jpeg" alt="Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Joe Ryan continued his mastery over Kansas City, giving up just two hits over seven scoreless innings in the Minnesota Twins' 4-0 victory over the Royals on Wednesday night.Ryan (1-1), who struck out four and did not give up a walk, is now 7-0 in nine career starts against the Royals with a 1.30 ERA in 55 1/3 innings.Seth Lugo (1-1) threw 109 pitches for the Royals, allowing two runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings.The Twins got a run in the fourth on Edouard Julien's RBI single to right. Lugo walked Carlos Correa and Trevor Larnach with one out. After Ty France lined one back to Lugo, Julien drove in Correa.France's two-out single in the sixth drove in Correa for a 2-0 lead.The Twins got runs in the eighth and ninth, as Matt Wallner and France, respectively, each hit his first home run of the season.<h2>Key Moment</h2>After the Twins took a 1-0 lead in the fourth, the Royals had a chance to tie the game in the bottom of the inning. Bobby Witt Jr. led off with a double, but he was doubled up after attempting to steal third and not getting back to second when Salvador Perez lined out to center.<h2>Key Stat</h2>France was 3 of 4 Wednesday with a home run and two RBIs. In 30 career games against Kansas City, he's hitting .412, with a 1.154 OPS, his best against any opponent.<h2>Up Next</h2>The teams will complete a four-game series on Thursday. The Twins will send RHP Bailey Ober (0-1, 12.15 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City RHP Michael Wacha (0-2, 4.66 ERA).

⚾ Joe Ryan pitches 7 scoreless innings as Twins shut out the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans struck out 11 in six crisp innings, and the Kansas City Royals beat the sloppy Minnesota Twins 2-1. Kansas City won for the fourth time in five games despite managing just two unearned runs and three hits. Bobby Witt Jr. scored the go-ahead run on Vinnie Pasquantino's soft grounder in the eighth. Witt reached when he went all the way to third on a throwing error on Griffin Jax. Ragans was charged with one run and four hits. John Schreiber escaped a jam in the eighth, and Daniel Lynch IV got one out for his first save.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans struck out 11 in six crisp innings, and the Kansas City Royals beat the sloppy Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Kansas City won for the fourth time in five games despite managing just two unearned runs and three hits.

Bobby Witt Jr. scored the go-ahead run on Vinnie Pasquantino's soft grounder in the eighth. Witt reached when he went all the way to third on a throwing error on Griffin Jax (0-1).

Ragans was charged with one run and four hits. John Schreiber (1-0) escaped a jam in the eighth, and Daniel Lynch IV got one out for his first save.

Minnesota had runners on the corners in the top of the eighth when Carlos Correa bounced into an inning-ending double play.

Twins right-hander Pablo López pitched 4 2/3 innings of three-hit ball before departing because of right hamstring tightness. López struck out six and walked one.

The Royals jumped in front in the fourth. Witt hit a one-out double and Pasquantino reached on an error on second baseman Micky Gasper. Witt then scampered home on Salvador Perez's grounder.

The Twins responded in the fifth. Ty France doubled and scored on Harrison Bader's single off left fielder Mark Canha's glove at the top of the wall.

After walking Jonathan India, López grabbed the back of his right leg and was removed after a short visit from Twins trainer Nick Paparesta.

Twins batters are hitting .103 against left-handed pitching this season.

Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (0-1, 4.50 ERA) and Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (1-0, 3.27 ERA) take the mound on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744165473262.jpeg" alt="Bobby Witt Jr. dives into third base following an error in the eighth inning in the Kansas City Royals game vs. Minnesota on Tuesday, April 8, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. (Photo Kansas City Royals)" />
 <figcaption>Bobby Witt Jr. dives into third base following an error in the eighth inning in the Kansas City Royals game vs. Minnesota on Tuesday, April 8, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. (Photo Kansas City Royals)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans struck out 11 in six crisp innings, and the Kansas City Royals beat the sloppy Minnesota Twins 2-1. Kansas City won for the fourth time in five games despite managing just two unearned runs and three hits. Bobby Witt Jr. scored the go-ahead run on Vinnie Pasquantino's soft grounder in the eighth. Witt reached when he went all the way to third on a throwing error on Griffin Jax. Ragans was charged with one run and four hits. John Schreiber escaped a jam in the eighth, and Daniel Lynch IV got one out for his first save.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans struck out 11 in six crisp innings, and the Kansas City Royals beat the sloppy Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Tuesday night.Kansas City won for the fourth time in five games despite managing just two unearned runs and three hits.Bobby Witt Jr. scored the go-ahead run on Vinnie Pasquantino's soft grounder in the eighth. Witt reached when he went all the way to third on a throwing error on Griffin Jax (0-1).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744194685852.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, and relief pitcher Daniel Lynch IV celebrate after their baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, and relief pitcher Daniel Lynch IV celebrate after their baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ragans was charged with one run and four hits. John Schreiber (1-0) escaped a jam in the eighth, and Daniel Lynch IV got one out for his first save.Minnesota had runners on the corners in the top of the eighth when Carlos Correa bounced into an inning-ending double play.Twins right-hander Pablo López pitched 4 2/3 innings of three-hit ball before departing because of right hamstring tightness. López struck out six and walked one.The Royals jumped in front in the fourth. Witt hit a one-out double and Pasquantino reached on an error on second baseman Micky Gasper. Witt then scampered home on Salvador Perez's grounder.The Twins responded in the fifth. Ty France doubled and scored on Harrison Bader's single off left fielder Mark Canha's glove at the top of the wall.Key momentAfter walking Jonathan India, López grabbed the back of his right leg and was removed after a short visit from Twins trainer Nick Paparesta.Key statTwins batters are hitting .103 against left-handed pitching this season.Up nextTwins right-hander Joe Ryan (0-1, 4.50 ERA) and Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (1-0, 3.27 ERA) take the mound on Wednesday.___

⚾ Ragans strikes out 11 as the Royals beat the sloppy Twins 

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. came up with the perfect going-away present for that spirit-crushing Houston defense that bullied, battered and bedeviled him all night.

It was a defensive gem of his own. Right before the buzzer. For the win and the national title.

The Gators and Clayton somehow overcame Houston's lockdown intensity, along with a 12-point deficit Monday night to will out a 65-63 victory in an NCAA title-game thriller decided when the Florida senior's own D stopped the Cougars from even taking a game-winning shot at the buzzer.

Clayton finished with 11 points, all in the second half. What he'll be remembered for most was getting Houston's Emanuel Sharp to stop in the middle of his motion as he tried to go up for the game-winning 3 in the final seconds.

"Just go 100 percent," Clayton said when asked what he was trying to do at the finish. "We were just trying to get a stop, and we happened to get it. I'm happy we got it done."

With Sharp looking for room, Clayton ran at him. The Houston guard dropped the ball and, unable to pick it up lest he get called for traveling, watched it bounce.

Alex Condon dived on the ball, then flipped it to Clayton, who ran to the opposite free-throw line with the buzzer sounding and tugged his jersey out of his shorts. Next, the court was awash in Gator chomps and orange and blue confetti.

"We guarded them hard and then I saw the ball loose and I just hoped we beat them to the ball," Florida coach Todd Golden said.

This marked the fourth comeback in six March Madness wins for the Gators (36-4). They led this game for a total of 64 seconds, including the last 46 ticks of a contest that was in limbo until the final shot that never came.

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson called it "incomprehensible" that the Cougars couldn't get a shot off on either of their last two possessions.

About the last one, Sampson said: "Clayton made a great play. But that's why you've got to shot fake and get into the paint. Two's fine."

Will Richard had 18 points to keep the Gators in it, and they won their third overall title and first since Billy Donovan went back-to-back in 2006-07.

This time, it's Golden, in his third year, bringing the title back to Gainesville, where the Gator faithful can celebrate a win on one of college sports' grandest stages for the first time since Tim Tebow was playing quarterback for the football team in 2008.

This was the first hoops title for the Southeastern Conference since Kentucky in 2012, and the outcome the power conference was hoping for (expecting?) after placing a record 14 teams in the tournament.

The Cougars (35-5) and Sampson were denied their first championship, and ended up in the same spot as the colorful Phi Slama Jama teams from the 1980s — oh-so-close in second place.

This was a defensive brawl — the Gators failed to crack 70 for only the second time all season — and for most of the night, Clayton got the worst of it.

He was 0 for 4 from the field without a point through the first half. Met at the top of the circle, then double-teamed and trapped when necessary, he didn't score until hitting two free throws with 14:57 left.

The player who scored at least 30 points in the last two games, who averaged 24.6 through the first five games of the tournament, who almost singlehandedly outscored UConn and Texas Tech down the stretch of those March Madness comebacks, finished with one 3-pointer. Before that, he had a pair of three-point plays off drives to the hoop that kept the Gators in striking range. He finished 3 for 10.

He also became part of not one, but two stops that put these Gators in the history book, and possibly cemented himself as the best basketball player to wear the orange and blue.

After Alijah Martin made two free throws to put Florida ahead 64-63 — its first lead since 8-6 — the Gators lured Sharp into a triple-team in the corner, where Clayton pressured him, and then Richard got him to dribble the ball off his leg and out of bounds.

Florida made one free throw on the next possession and that set up the finale.

The ball first went to L.J. Cryer, who led the Cougars with 19 points. Blanketed by Richard, he threw to Sharp, who was moving to spot up for a 3 when Clayton ran at him. That left him with no choice but to let the ball go.

"It was a great defensive play by Walter," Condon said. "I just dived on it, and hearing the buzzer go was a crazy feeling."

Instead of the 69-year-old Sampson becoming the oldest coach to win the title, the 39-year-old Golden becomes the youngest since N.C. State's Jim Valvano in 1983 to win it all.

This gut-wrenching loss came two nights after the Cougars fashioned a wild comeback of their own, from 14 down against Duke.

All three Final Four games were decided down the stretch, none by more than Florida's six-point win over Auburn on Saturday. Any thought that the men's game had been overtaken by the increasingly popular women will probably go on hold at least for a year.

The three women's Final Four games, capped by UConn's blowout of South Carolina on Sunday, were decided by an average of 24.7 points.

"When it gets down to the two best teams left," Sampson said of the thriller he barely lost, "it's not going to be easy for either team."

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744107751869.jpeg" alt="Florida celebrates after beating Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)" />
 <figcaption>Florida celebrates after beating Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)</figcaption>
 </figure>By EDDIE PELLS AP National WriterSAN ANTONIO (AP) — Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. came up with the perfect going-away present for that spirit-crushing Houston defense that bullied, battered and bedeviled him all night.It was a defensive gem of his own. Right before the buzzer. For the win and the national title.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">champion aura. <a href="https://t.co/r3WFWcunBG">pic.twitter.com/r3WFWcunBG</a>&mdash; Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) <a href="https://twitter.com/GatorsMBK/status/1909475603356483633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Gators and Clayton somehow overcame Houston's lockdown intensity, along with a 12-point deficit Monday night to will out a 65-63 victory in an NCAA title-game thriller decided when the Florida senior's own D stopped the Cougars from even taking a game-winning shot at the buzzer.Clayton finished with 11 points, all in the second half. What he'll be remembered for most was getting Houston's Emanuel Sharp to stop in the middle of his motion as he tried to go up for the game-winning 3 in the final seconds."Just go 100 percent," Clayton said when asked what he was trying to do at the finish. "We were just trying to get a stop, and we happened to get it. I'm happy we got it done."With Sharp looking for room, Clayton ran at him. The Houston guard dropped the ball and, unable to pick it up lest he get called for traveling, watched it bounce.Alex Condon dived on the ball, then flipped it to Clayton, who ran to the opposite free-throw line with the buzzer sounding and tugged his jersey out of his shorts. Next, the court was awash in Gator chomps and orange and blue confetti."We guarded them hard and then I saw the ball loose and I just hoped we beat them to the ball," Florida coach Todd Golden said.This marked the fourth comeback in six March Madness wins for the Gators (36-4). They led this game for a total of 64 seconds, including the last 46 ticks of a contest that was in limbo until the final shot that never came.Houston coach Kelvin Sampson called it "incomprehensible" that the Cougars couldn't get a shot off on either of their last two possessions.About the last one, Sampson said: "Clayton made a great play. But that's why you've got to shot fake and get into the paint. Two's fine."Will Richard had 18 points to keep the Gators in it, and they won their third overall title and first since Billy Donovan went back-to-back in 2006-07.This time, it's Golden, in his third year, bringing the title back to Gainesville, where the Gator faithful can celebrate a win on one of college sports' grandest stages for the first time since Tim Tebow was playing quarterback for the football team in 2008.This was the first hoops title for the Southeastern Conference since Kentucky in 2012, and the outcome the power conference was hoping for (expecting?) after placing a record 14 teams in the tournament.The Cougars (35-5) and Sampson were denied their first championship, and ended up in the same spot as the colorful Phi Slama Jama teams from the 1980s — oh-so-close in second place.This was a defensive brawl — the Gators failed to crack 70 for only the second time all season — and for most of the night, Clayton got the worst of it.He was 0 for 4 from the field without a point through the first half. Met at the top of the circle, then double-teamed and trapped when necessary, he didn't score until hitting two free throws with 14:57 left.The player who scored at least 30 points in the last two games, who averaged 24.6 through the first five games of the tournament, who almost singlehandedly outscored UConn and Texas Tech down the stretch of those March Madness comebacks, finished with one 3-pointer. Before that, he had a pair of three-point plays off drives to the hoop that kept the Gators in striking range. He finished 3 for 10.He also became part of not one, but two stops that put these Gators in the history book, and possibly cemented himself as the best basketball player to wear the orange and blue.After Alijah Martin made two free throws to put Florida ahead 64-63 — its first lead since 8-6 — the Gators lured Sharp into a triple-team in the corner, where Clayton pressured him, and then Richard got him to dribble the ball off his leg and out of bounds.Florida made one free throw on the next possession and that set up the finale.The ball first went to L.J. Cryer, who led the Cougars with 19 points. Blanketed by Richard, he threw to Sharp, who was moving to spot up for a 3 when Clayton ran at him. That left him with no choice but to let the ball go."It was a great defensive play by Walter," Condon said. "I just dived on it, and hearing the buzzer go was a crazy feeling."Instead of the 69-year-old Sampson becoming the oldest coach to win the title, the 39-year-old Golden becomes the youngest since N.C. State's Jim Valvano in 1983 to win it all.This gut-wrenching loss came two nights after the Cougars fashioned a wild comeback of their own, from 14 down against Duke.All three Final Four games were decided down the stretch, none by more than Florida's six-point win over Auburn on Saturday. Any thought that the men's game had been overtaken by the increasingly popular women will probably go on hold at least for a year.The three women's Final Four games, capped by UConn's blowout of South Carolina on Sunday, were decided by an average of 24.7 points."When it gets down to the two best teams left," Sampson said of the thriller he barely lost, "it's not going to be easy for either team."___AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here.

🏀 Florida rallies to beat Houston for its third NCAA basketball title

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel went 3 for 4 with a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1909416658638127141">home run</a>&nbsp;and two RBIs, Michael Lorenzen allowed one run in six innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 on Monday night.

Vinnie Pasquantino had an early RBI double for the Royals. Lorenzen (1-1) permitted five hits with no walks and three strikeouts.

Carlos Estévez got three outs for his third save. He gave up a two-out RBI single to Harrison Bader before retiring pinch-hitter Edouard Julien on a grounder with two on to end it.

Pasquantino hit a high fly down the left-field line that dropped in front of Bader for a double that drove in Jonathan India — who doubled leading off the first — to give the Royals a 1-0 lead.

Willi Castro hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Twins/status/1909398585629671639">two-out RBI double</a>&nbsp;in the second for the Twins.

Isbel drove in a run with an infield single in the bottom half, and Maikel Garcia scored when Bobby Witt Jr. grounded out to give the Royals a 3-1 lead.

Isbel, batting ninth, added a solo shot in the sixth for his first homer this season.

Minnesota manager&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baldelli-ejected-twins-cc55631a225496142e15c7a2a065c949">Rocco Baldelli was ejected</a>&nbsp;in the bottom of the sixth for arguing a pitch-clock violation — which came on a full count and resulted in a walk to India — against Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson (0-1).

MJ Melendez doubled leading off the second, moved to third on a single by Garcia and scored on Isbel's infield single to put the Royals in front for good.

Richardson allowed four runs and eight hits with four walks in 5 2/3 innings. Only the New York Yankees have fewer quality starts (zero) than Minnesota (one) this season.

Twins RHP Pablo López (1-1, 2.25 ERA) makes his third start of the season Tuesday night against Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-0, 3.60).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744098366624.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel went 3 for 4 with a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1909416658638127141">home run</a>&nbsp;and two RBIs, Michael Lorenzen allowed one run in six innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 on Monday night.Vinnie Pasquantino had an early RBI double for the Royals. Lorenzen (1-1) permitted five hits with no walks and three strikeouts.Carlos Estévez got three outs for his third save. He gave up a two-out RBI single to Harrison Bader before retiring pinch-hitter Edouard Julien on a grounder with two on to end it.Pasquantino hit a high fly down the left-field line that dropped in front of Bader for a double that drove in Jonathan India — who doubled leading off the first — to give the Royals a 1-0 lead.Willi Castro hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Twins/status/1909398585629671639">two-out RBI double</a>&nbsp;in the second for the Twins.Isbel drove in a run with an infield single in the bottom half, and Maikel Garcia scored when Bobby Witt Jr. grounded out to give the Royals a 3-1 lead.Isbel, batting ninth, added a solo shot in the sixth for his first homer this season.Minnesota manager&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baldelli-ejected-twins-cc55631a225496142e15c7a2a065c949">Rocco Baldelli was ejected</a>&nbsp;in the bottom of the sixth for arguing a pitch-clock violation — which came on a full count and resulted in a walk to India — against Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson (0-1).<h2>Key moment</h2>MJ Melendez doubled leading off the second, moved to third on a single by Garcia and scored on Isbel's infield single to put the Royals in front for good.<h2>Key stat</h2>Richardson allowed four runs and eight hits with four walks in 5 2/3 innings. Only the New York Yankees have fewer quality starts (zero) than Minnesota (one) this season.<h2>Up next</h2>Twins RHP Pablo López (1-1, 2.25 ERA) makes his third start of the season Tuesday night against Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-0, 3.60).

⚾ Kyle Isbel goes 3 for 4 with a home run as the Royals beat the Twins

By MARC BOWMAN&nbsp; Associated Press

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mountcastle had three of the Orioles' five hits.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⚾ Holliday and Sugano help Orioles to victory over Royals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spectators booing the U.S. national anthem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The borders might become an issue, though.

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

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

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

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

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

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

US-Canada-Mexico joint World Cup goes from unity to acrimony thanks to tariffs

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Eric Haase and Christian Yelich hit solo home runs to back a strong start by Chad Patrick and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Tuesday night for their first win of the season.

Patrick gave the Brewers something they hadn't had thus far — three scoreless innings to begin the game. Milwaukee surrendered 24 runs in the first three innings of its first four games.

Haase homered from the ninth spot in the order to put the Brewers up 1-0 in the third. Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio followed with singles and Turang scored on a force-out at second on Yelich's grounder to make it 2-0.

Patrick fell an out short of qualifying for the win in his first career start, giving up three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings.

Rhys Hoskins had an RBI single in a two-run sixth to up the lead to 4-0, and Yelich hit his first home run to cap the scoring in the eighth.

Jared Koenig pitched an inning, Abner Uribe (1-0) got four outs to get the win, Joel Payamps pitched the eighth and Trevor Megill got the last three outs.

Michael Lorenzen (0-1) allowed four runs — three earned — in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out seven.

Koenig entered with two outs and two on in the top of the fifth inning. He retired Michael Massey on a grounder to first to preserve a 2-0 lead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743590051920.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Lorenzen pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Lorenzen pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)</figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) — Eric Haase and Christian Yelich hit solo home runs to back a strong start by Chad Patrick and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Tuesday night for their first win of the season.Patrick gave the Brewers something they hadn't had thus far — three scoreless innings to begin the game. Milwaukee surrendered 24 runs in the first three innings of its first four games.Haase homered from the ninth spot in the order to put the Brewers up 1-0 in the third. Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio followed with singles and Turang scored on a force-out at second on Yelich's grounder to make it 2-0.Patrick fell an out short of qualifying for the win in his first career start, giving up three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings.Rhys Hoskins had an RBI single in a two-run sixth to up the lead to 4-0, and Yelich hit his first home run to cap the scoring in the eighth.Jared Koenig pitched an inning, Abner Uribe (1-0) got four outs to get the win, Joel Payamps pitched the eighth and Trevor Megill got the last three outs.Michael Lorenzen (0-1) allowed four runs — three earned — in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out seven.<h2>Key moment</h2>Koenig entered with two outs and two on in the top of the fifth inning. He retired Michael Massey on a grounder to first to preserve a 2-0 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Brewers began the day with an ERA of 12.27 through four games and that includes two scoreless innings from first baseman Jake Bauers. The staff tied the record set by the 1954 Cardinals for the most runs allowed through four games with 47.<h2>Up next</h2>Cole Ragans (0-0) makes his second start for Kansas City in Wednesday's series finale. Freddy Peralta (0—1) starts for the second time for Milwaukee.

Sports