KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Daniel Lynch allowed four hits while pitching into the sixth inning and the stingy Kansas City bullpen shut out Minnesota the rest of the way in a 2-0 victory on a rainy Wednesday night. Lynch bounced back from a dismal season debut against St. Louis to win a pitchers’ duel against Chris Paddack and the equally stout Minnesota bullpen. The Kansas City relief corps has not allowed a run in 17 1/3 innings. Adalberto Mondesi had the game's only RBI. Minnesota has lost four of its last five on a trip through Boston and Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Daniel Lynch allowed four hits while pitching into the sixth inning and the stingy Kansas City bullpen shut out Minnesota the rest of the way in a 2-0 victory on a rainy Wednesday night. Lynch bounced back from a dismal season debut against St. Louis to win a pitchers’ duel against Chris Paddack and the equally stout Minnesota bullpen. The Kansas City relief corps has not allowed a run in 17 1/3 innings. Adalberto Mondesi had the game's only RBI. Minnesota has lost four of its last five on a trip through Boston and Kansas City.

Royals shut out Twins

Kansas Wesleyan men's tennis dropped its match on Wednesday against Southwestern 5-2 at Salina Central High School.

The Coyotes got a big win at No. 1 doubles as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12994">Daniel Harkin</a>&nbsp;(FR/Manhattan, Kan.) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12996">Alex Sherer</a>&nbsp;(FR/Rossville, Kan.) beat David Moral-Tebar and Ryan Kitchin 6-4.

Southwestern would win the doubles point however winning No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. At No. 2 Marcelo Mann and Benjamin Erdmann beat&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12995">Bryce Ware</a>&nbsp;(FR/Amarillo, Texas) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12997">Garrison Wright</a>&nbsp;(FR/Maize, Kan.) 6-2; and at No. 3 Federico Poi and Emanuel Azam beat&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12377">Wes Robertson</a>&nbsp;(SO/Edmond, Okla.) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12998">Braeden Lewis</a>&nbsp;(FR/Edmond, Okla.) 6-3.

KWU won two of the six singles matches, but several others were tightly contested. Ware would best Poi in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 at the No. 2 position; and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12373">Rodrigo Vera</a>&nbsp;(SR/Lima, Peru) would go three sets with Azam, winning a super tiebreaker 11-9 after the first two sets were split both by a 6-3 score.

Moral-Tebar beat Harkin at No. 1 in a tightly contested match 7-6, 7-5; and at No. 3&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12996">Alex Sherer</a>&nbsp;went three sets with Kitchin, falling 6-7, 6-4, 6-4.

Southwestern also got wins at No. 4 as Erdmann beat Wright 6-3, 6-2; and at No. 6 as Jonathan De la O beat Lewis 6-0, 6-1.

KWU fell to 7-7 overall and 6-2 in the KCAC, while Southwestern stayed unbeaten in KCAC play at 8-0, and 11-2 overall.

The Coyotes finish the regular season on Saturday, hosting Ottawa at 11 a.m. at Salina Country Club.

-<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/">kwucoyotes.com</a>-

KWU AthleticsKansas Wesleyan men's tennis dropped its match on Wednesday against Southwestern 5-2 at Salina Central High School.The Coyotes got a big win at No. 1 doubles as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12994">Daniel Harkin</a>&nbsp;(FR/Manhattan, Kan.) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12996">Alex Sherer</a>&nbsp;(FR/Rossville, Kan.) beat David Moral-Tebar and Ryan Kitchin 6-4.Southwestern would win the doubles point however winning No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. At No. 2 Marcelo Mann and Benjamin Erdmann beat&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12995">Bryce Ware</a>&nbsp;(FR/Amarillo, Texas) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12997">Garrison Wright</a>&nbsp;(FR/Maize, Kan.) 6-2; and at No. 3 Federico Poi and Emanuel Azam beat&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12377">Wes Robertson</a>&nbsp;(SO/Edmond, Okla.) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12998">Braeden Lewis</a>&nbsp;(FR/Edmond, Okla.) 6-3.KWU won two of the six singles matches, but several others were tightly contested. Ware would best Poi in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 at the No. 2 position; and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12373">Rodrigo Vera</a>&nbsp;(SR/Lima, Peru) would go three sets with Azam, winning a super tiebreaker 11-9 after the first two sets were split both by a 6-3 score.Moral-Tebar beat Harkin at No. 1 in a tightly contested match 7-6, 7-5; and at No. 3&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12996">Alex Sherer</a>&nbsp;went three sets with Kitchin, falling 6-7, 6-4, 6-4.Southwestern also got wins at No. 4 as Erdmann beat Wright 6-3, 6-2; and at No. 6 as Jonathan De la O beat Lewis 6-0, 6-1.KWU fell to 7-7 overall and 6-2 in the KCAC, while Southwestern stayed unbeaten in KCAC play at 8-0, and 11-2 overall.The Coyotes finish the regular season on Saturday, hosting Ottawa at 11 a.m. at Salina Country Club.-<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/">kwucoyotes.com</a>-

Harkin-Sherer win not enough to help KWU past Southwestern

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;added his second transfer in as many days, as former consensus Top 150 guard&nbsp;Camryn “Cam” Carter&nbsp;(Donaldsonville, La./Oak Hill Academy [Va.]/Mississippi State)&nbsp;signed a Financial Aid Agreement with the program for the 2022-23 season on Wednesday (April 20).

A former star at famed Oak Hill Academy,&nbsp;the 6-foot-3, 185-pound combo guard arrives at K-State after spending his freshman season at Mississippi State in 2021-22. He saw action in 27 of 34 games for the Bulldogs with 4 starts, averaging 2.1 points and 0.8 rebounds in 8.4 minutes per game for a team that advanced to the NIT.

<a>“We’re thrilled to add yet another outstanding player in Cam to our family,” said Tang. “He has all the skills and intangibles to be a difference-making guard for us on both ends of the court. On top of his basketball talents, Cam is an outstanding young man and a terrific student with a great family. We can’t wait to get him to campus and for him to be a part of our program. Just like Jerrell, the K-State Family will love Cam as both a person and player.”</a>

Carter is the second transfer to ink with the Wildcats in the last few days, joining 6-foot-10, 216-pound center&nbsp;Jerrell Colbert&nbsp;(Houston, Texas/Houston [Tenn.]/LSU)&nbsp;who signed on Monday (April 18).

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;added his second transfer in as many days, as former consensus Top 150 guard&nbsp;Camryn “Cam” Carter&nbsp;(Donaldsonville, La./Oak Hill Academy [Va.]/Mississippi State)&nbsp;signed a Financial Aid Agreement with the program for the 2022-23 season on Wednesday (April 20).A former star at famed Oak Hill Academy,&nbsp;the 6-foot-3, 185-pound combo guard arrives at K-State after spending his freshman season at Mississippi State in 2021-22. He saw action in 27 of 34 games for the Bulldogs with 4 starts, averaging 2.1 points and 0.8 rebounds in 8.4 minutes per game for a team that advanced to the NIT.<a>“We’re thrilled to add yet another outstanding player in Cam to our family,” said Tang. “He has all the skills and intangibles to be a difference-making guard for us on both ends of the court. On top of his basketball talents, Cam is an outstanding young man and a terrific student with a great family. We can’t wait to get him to campus and for him to be a part of our program. Just like Jerrell, the K-State Family will love Cam as both a person and player.”</a>Carter is the second transfer to ink with the Wildcats in the last few days, joining 6-foot-10, 216-pound center&nbsp;Jerrell Colbert&nbsp;(Houston, Texas/Houston [Tenn.]/LSU)&nbsp;who signed on Monday (April 18).

Tang Adds a Second Transfer in Camryn Carter

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;K-State scholarship student-athletes will soon be afforded additional financial assistance as department officials announced today a plan to support the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling of annual academic incentive awards. Following the recent ruling, student-athletes are now eligible to receive a yearly academic incentive award of $5,980.&nbsp; “At K-State, we want to do everything we can to help and reward our student-athletes for all of the hard work they put in on the field, in the classroom and in our community,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “Our mission as an athletics department is to provide our teams and student-athletes the resources they need to be successful at the highest level while also providing them the best experience possible.” Institutions determine their level of financial participation and academic achievement standards for the payment.&nbsp;Per Big 12 Conference policy, only scholarship student-athletes are eligible to receive these awards. Consistent with K-State Athletics’ mission of supporting student-athlete academic achievement and retention that results in graduation, the department’s policy is designed to recognize student-athletes that achieve those objectives.&nbsp;&nbsp; Starting with the 2022-23 academic year, K-State Athletics will invest an additional $1.4 million yearly in this program.&nbsp;Taylor confirmed that numerous donors have already contributed more than $600,000 toward this initiative, and between contributions and departmental funds the department will fully fund the $1.4 annual cost of the program. “While this is an additional annual cost to our department, we feel that it is an important investment in our student-athletes to continue to provide them a great experience at K-State,” Taylor added.

Scholarship student-athletes who earn all individual APR points will be awarded 25 percent of the permissible award amount based on his/her individual scholarship equivalency on a semester-by-semester basis. The remainder of the permissible award will be held for the student-athlete as an incentive to graduate with their first baccalaureate degree within six (6) years of initial full-time enrollment.

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650484419907.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;K-State scholarship student-athletes will soon be afforded additional financial assistance as department officials announced today a plan to support the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling of annual academic incentive awards. Following the recent ruling, student-athletes are now eligible to receive a yearly academic incentive award of $5,980.&nbsp; “At K-State, we want to do everything we can to help and reward our student-athletes for all of the hard work they put in on the field, in the classroom and in our community,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “Our mission as an athletics department is to provide our teams and student-athletes the resources they need to be successful at the highest level while also providing them the best experience possible.” Institutions determine their level of financial participation and academic achievement standards for the payment.&nbsp;Per Big 12 Conference policy, only scholarship student-athletes are eligible to receive these awards. Consistent with K-State Athletics’ mission of supporting student-athlete academic achievement and retention that results in graduation, the department’s policy is designed to recognize student-athletes that achieve those objectives.&nbsp;&nbsp; Starting with the 2022-23 academic year, K-State Athletics will invest an additional $1.4 million yearly in this program.&nbsp;Taylor confirmed that numerous donors have already contributed more than $600,000 toward this initiative, and between contributions and departmental funds the department will fully fund the $1.4 annual cost of the program. “While this is an additional annual cost to our department, we feel that it is an important investment in our student-athletes to continue to provide them a great experience at K-State,” Taylor added.Scholarship student-athletes who earn all individual APR points will be awarded 25 percent of the permissible award amount based on his/her individual scholarship equivalency on a semester-by-semester basis. The remainder of the permissible award will be held for the student-athlete as an incentive to graduate with their first baccalaureate degree within six (6) years of initial full-time enrollment.RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

K-State Athletics Announces Academic Incentive Award Program

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice and Hunter Dozier hit anther go-ahead home run to lift the Kansas City Royals over the Minnesota Twins 4-3. Perez homered in the fourth off Chrs Archer and tied the score 3-3 in the sixth when he went deep against Tyler Duffey (0-2). Out out later, Dozier hit a tiebreaking home run for the second straight game, following up on his two-run drive in the sixth off Detroits Will Vest in a 3-1 win Saturday, Amir Garrett pitched 1 2/3 hitless innings.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice and Hunter Dozier hit anther go-ahead home run to lift the Kansas City Royals over the Minnesota Twins 4-3. Perez homered in the fourth off Chrs Archer and tied the score 3-3 in the sixth when he went deep against Tyler Duffey (0-2). Out out later, Dozier hit a tiebreaking home run for the second straight game, following up on his two-run drive in the sixth off Detroits Will Vest in a 3-1 win Saturday, Amir Garrett pitched 1 2/3 hitless innings.

Home runs lift Royals to win over the Twins

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– In appreciation of their longtime support of K-State Athletics, Director of Athletics Gene Taylor announced today that the new Olympic Training Facility will be permanently named the Morris Family Olympic Training Center in honor of the Jim Bob Morris Family, pending approval by the Kansas Board of Regents.

A native of Bloomington, IL, Morris provided the lead philanthropic gift to support the new Olympic Training Center, which broke ground in December 2021, and is scheduled to open in time for the 2023 season.

“This will be a world-class facility that benefits a large number of Wildcat student-athletes, and our family is extremely excited to help make it a reality,” Morris said. “For all Olympic sport student-athletes to have their own training facility is a pivotal step in providing K-State student-athletes a first-class experience and to have our name on the building is a tremendous honor.”

The training center will enhance the student-athlete experience with a state-of-the-art Mental Health and Wellness area, a nutrition and refueling station, Sports Medicine Rehab space, in addition to with a 14,000 square foot strength and conditioning center.&nbsp;

Executive Associate Athletics Director for Communications/PR

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– In appreciation of their longtime support of K-State Athletics, Director of Athletics Gene Taylor announced today that the new Olympic Training Facility will be permanently named the Morris Family Olympic Training Center in honor of the Jim Bob Morris Family, pending approval by the Kansas Board of Regents.A native of Bloomington, IL, Morris provided the lead philanthropic gift to support the new Olympic Training Center, which broke ground in December 2021, and is scheduled to open in time for the 2023 season.“This will be a world-class facility that benefits a large number of Wildcat student-athletes, and our family is extremely excited to help make it a reality,” Morris said. “For all Olympic sport student-athletes to have their own training facility is a pivotal step in providing K-State student-athletes a first-class experience and to have our name on the building is a tremendous honor.”The training center will enhance the student-athlete experience with a state-of-the-art Mental Health and Wellness area, a nutrition and refueling station, Sports Medicine Rehab space, in addition to with a 14,000 square foot strength and conditioning center.&nbsp;By Kenny LannouKENNY LANNOUExecutive Associate Athletics Director for Communications/PRK-State Athletics

K-State Honors Morris Family with Naming of Olympic Training Center

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;announced the addition of his first-ever signee on Monday (April 18) with transfer&nbsp;Jerrell Colbert&nbsp;(Houston, Texas/Houston/LSU)&nbsp;inking a Financial Aid Agreement with the program for the 2022-23 season.

A former top-150 recruit and a 4-star recruit by&nbsp;Rivals, the 6-foot-10, 216-pound center arrives at K-State after spending his freshman season at LSU in 2021-22. He saw action in 4 games as a true freshman, logging 27 minutes of playing time for a team that advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

“We are excited about adding Jerrell to our family,” said Tang. “Our staff know the Colbert Family extremely well because we all had interactions with them previously. Jerrell is an outstanding young man with a great family, and we are thrilled to have them as a part of our program. We can’t wait for him to get to campus and become a part of this special community. The K-State Family and city of Manhattan will love Jerrell as both a person and player.”

A native of Houston, Colbert played in four of LSU’s first 10 games in 2021-22, averaging 6.6 minutes per game. He scored his first collegiate points in the opener with Louisiana-Monroe on Nov. 9, while posting 2 rebounds and a blocked shot in just over 9 minutes of action. He also had a block and a steal in two other games, while he also had a season-tying 2 rebounds vs. Northwestern State on Dec. 14. For the season, he averaged 0.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 0.5 blocks per game.

By Tom Gilbert - Director of Communication for Men's Basketball

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;announced the addition of his first-ever signee on Monday (April 18) with transfer&nbsp;Jerrell Colbert&nbsp;(Houston, Texas/Houston/LSU)&nbsp;inking a Financial Aid Agreement with the program for the 2022-23 season.A former top-150 recruit and a 4-star recruit by&nbsp;Rivals, the 6-foot-10, 216-pound center arrives at K-State after spending his freshman season at LSU in 2021-22. He saw action in 4 games as a true freshman, logging 27 minutes of playing time for a team that advanced to the NCAA Tournament.“We are excited about adding Jerrell to our family,” said Tang. “Our staff know the Colbert Family extremely well because we all had interactions with them previously. Jerrell is an outstanding young man with a great family, and we are thrilled to have them as a part of our program. We can’t wait for him to get to campus and become a part of this special community. The K-State Family and city of Manhattan will love Jerrell as both a person and player.”A native of Houston, Colbert played in four of LSU’s first 10 games in 2021-22, averaging 6.6 minutes per game. He scored his first collegiate points in the opener with Louisiana-Monroe on Nov. 9, while posting 2 rebounds and a blocked shot in just over 9 minutes of action. He also had a block and a steal in two other games, while he also had a season-tying 2 rebounds vs. Northwestern State on Dec. 14. For the season, he averaged 0.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 0.5 blocks per game.By Tom Gilbert - Director of Communication for Men's BasketballK-State Athletics

Tang announces the addition of transfer Jerrell Colbert

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - It’s an emotional moment.

“This changed my life. It changed my future,” Xavier Loyd, Kansas State freshmen receiver, said. “My life future, not just my future in the next two years or like five years. This is like a 40 year difference for me. Very grateful.”

“I’m just extremely thankful for what just happened and having that walk on mentality throughout my four years here and finally getting what I’ve always worked for is something I’ll always remember.” Jack Blumer, Kansas State senior punter, said.

Three Kansas State athletes received a huge surprise - their tuition paid off.

“It means the world. It motivates me even more,” Ty Bowman, Kansas State sophomore receiver, said. “Being a walk on I was already motivated to try to prove myself to other people that I belong here and stuff like that. Seeing that people see that I belong here and have a reason to be here, that means the world.”

It was made possible through NIL deals equaling a scholarship. Wildcat NIL, a consulting agency run by former Kansas State athletes, set up the deals.

“I was a former walk-on and I put in the sweat equity at Kansas State,” Ryan Henington, a former K-State linebacker and Wildcat NIL founding member, said. “That’s our goal, we’re here to reward people who have put time and effort into the program. There’s a lot of people that do the things the right way and that’s what we want to do. We want to make this something that the Kansas State family can give back to. And really kind of harness our family atmosphere so we can support our athletes the right way.”

The group will pair the athletes with organizations to do acts of service.

By WIBW TVMANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - It’s an emotional moment.“This changed my life. It changed my future,” Xavier Loyd, Kansas State freshmen receiver, said. “My life future, not just my future in the next two years or like five years. This is like a 40 year difference for me. Very grateful.”One the trio didn’t see coming.“I’m just extremely thankful for what just happened and having that walk on mentality throughout my four years here and finally getting what I’ve always worked for is something I’ll always remember.” Jack Blumer, Kansas State senior punter, said.Three Kansas State athletes received a huge surprise - their tuition paid off.“It means the world. It motivates me even more,” Ty Bowman, Kansas State sophomore receiver, said. “Being a walk on I was already motivated to try to prove myself to other people that I belong here and stuff like that. Seeing that people see that I belong here and have a reason to be here, that means the world.”It was made possible through NIL deals equaling a scholarship. Wildcat NIL, a consulting agency run by former Kansas State athletes, set up the deals.“I was a former walk-on and I put in the sweat equity at Kansas State,” Ryan Henington, a former K-State linebacker and Wildcat NIL founding member, said. “That’s our goal, we’re here to reward people who have put time and effort into the program. There’s a lot of people that do the things the right way and that’s what we want to do. We want to make this something that the Kansas State family can give back to. And really kind of harness our family atmosphere so we can support our athletes the right way.”The group will pair the athletes with organizations to do acts of service.

Tuition is paid off for three K-State football players

The series finale in Kansas City on Sunday between the Royals and Detroit was postponed because of inclement weather.&nbsp;

There will not be a day-night doubleheader between the teams on&nbsp; &nbsp;Monday, July 11. Game times will be 1:10 and 7:10 p.m.

The series finale in Kansas City on Sunday between the Royals and Detroit was postponed because of inclement weather.&nbsp;There will not be a day-night doubleheader between the teams on&nbsp; &nbsp;Monday, July 11. Game times will be 1:10 and 7:10 p.m.

Royals and Tigers postponed on Sunday

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

The Salina Liberty fought valiantly to overcome a 22-point halftime deficit but came up just short in the end, falling to the still undefeated Sioux City Bandits 36-29.

Both teams looked sloppy out of the gate as the Bandits fumbled the ball away on the third play of the game but would get it right back by picking off Curry Parham’s first-ever CIF pass.

The only touchdown of the first came on a Kamal Cass rushing score with under 3:00 to play in the quarter. That score lit the fuse for a big Sioux City run as the Bandits added two touchdowns, a field goal, and a safety to take a 29-7 lead into the locker room.

The lone Salina highlight of the first half came midway through the second quarter when Parham connected with Anthony Lee for his first career CIF touchdown to get the Liberty on the board.

Eager to get his team back into the game, Parham scampered for a 19-yard rushing touchdown on the very first play of the second half.

From there, the teams traded turnovers until the fourth, where the Liberty offense recovered their own fumble in the end zone to draw within one possession.

Once again Salina’s defense stood tall, completely shutting out a talented Sioux City offense for the entire second half.

With under 3:00 to play Parham connected with Jarrell Kelly on a bomb to set up a Tre Griffin rushing TD to tie the game at 29.

With their offense immobilized, the Bandits needed a big return from their special teams and they got it with interest as Lenwood Joyner housed the ensuing kickoff to put Sioux City back on top 29-36.

The Liberty would make it inside the ten-yard line on their final drive but their comeback efforts fell just short as Sioux City hung on for dear life to their top spot in the CIF standings.

With back-to-back league losses, the Liberty fall to 2-2 and will have some work to do with two upcoming home games against Rapid City on the 30th and Billings on May 7th.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple 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>The Salina Liberty fought valiantly to overcome a 22-point halftime deficit but came up just short in the end, falling to the still undefeated Sioux City Bandits 36-29.Both teams looked sloppy out of the gate as the Bandits fumbled the ball away on the third play of the game but would get it right back by picking off Curry Parham’s first-ever CIF pass.The only touchdown of the first came on a Kamal Cass rushing score with under 3:00 to play in the quarter. That score lit the fuse for a big Sioux City run as the Bandits added two touchdowns, a field goal, and a safety to take a 29-7 lead into the locker room.The lone Salina highlight of the first half came midway through the second quarter when Parham connected with Anthony Lee for his first career CIF touchdown to get the Liberty on the board.Eager to get his team back into the game, Parham scampered for a 19-yard rushing touchdown on the very first play of the second half. From there, the teams traded turnovers until the fourth, where the Liberty offense recovered their own fumble in the end zone to draw within one possession.Once again Salina’s defense stood tall, completely shutting out a talented Sioux City offense for the entire second half.With under 3:00 to play Parham connected with Jarrell Kelly on a bomb to set up a Tre Griffin rushing TD to tie the game at 29.With their offense immobilized, the Bandits needed a big return from their special teams and they got it with interest as Lenwood Joyner housed the ensuing kickoff to put Sioux City back on top 29-36.The Liberty would make it inside the ten-yard line on their final drive but their comeback efforts fell just short as Sioux City hung on for dear life to their top spot in the CIF standings.With back-to-back league losses, the Liberty fall to 2-2 and will have some work to do with two upcoming home games against Rapid City on the 30th and Billings on May 7th.

Liberty comeback undone by Sioux City special teams

After falling in their first and only loss of the season last week the Salina Liberty will return home looking for a bounce-back against the top team in the standings as they prepare to host the Sioux City Bandits.

At 3-0, the Bandits are the only undefeated team left standing in the CIF after sound defeats of Topeka, Billings, and Rapid City.&nbsp;

The Liberty received some bittersweet news this week as it was announced that quarterback Tyrie Adams, the CIF’s reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, would be signing a CFL contract with the Ottowa Redblacks.

In Adams’ stead, newly-signed former Tabor quarterback Curry Parham will take the reigns of the Salina offense, looking to get to grips quickly against one of the best defenses in the league.

During two seasons as a Blue Jay, Parham, who was most recently seen coaching in California, appeared in 21 games for Tabor, including four starts. The dual-threat QB racked up 24 touchdowns split evenly on the ground and through the air.

As for the Sioux City offense, the Bandits maintain the rarely seen but well-executed run-first philosophy in the indoor game, with the backfield of Lorenzo Brown, Fred Bruno, and Drew Prohaska keeping opposing defenses off balance.

“Every time you play Sioux City you have to know that they’re going to put the ball on the ground,” Coach Jorge Martinez said. “They make very few mistakes and they don’t put themselves in bad positions so you have to play a mistake-free game to get an advantage on them.”

In their quest to stop the run, the Salina defense must remain vigilant and committed to playing mistake-free football against a methodical offense that punishes every mistake.

“Defensive patience will be the key for our guys,” Martinez said. “We have to make sure that we wrap up when we tackle and that we contain their QB on the ground. If we play a sound football game we can gain the advantage, that’s always been the key against Sioux City.”

With a run-heavy Sioux City offense and a season debut at QB for Salina, the battle in the trenches will be more important than ever, especially as the Liberty try to handle the always dangerous Ben Pister.

“They’re very good upfront and Pister has annually been one of the best players in this league so the matchup up front on both sides will be one of the biggest things to watch for in this game,” he said.

Kickoff between the Liberty and Bandits is scheduled for 6:35 at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center and tickets can be purchased by following the link <a href="https://salinaliberty.com/">HERE</a>.

As always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617387097958.png" alt="Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>After falling in their first and only loss of the season last week the Salina Liberty will return home looking for a bounce-back against the top team in the standings as they prepare to host the Sioux City Bandits.At 3-0, the Bandits are the only undefeated team left standing in the CIF after sound defeats of Topeka, Billings, and Rapid City.&nbsp;The Liberty received some bittersweet news this week as it was announced that quarterback Tyrie Adams, the CIF’s reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, would be signing a CFL contract with the Ottowa Redblacks.In Adams’ stead, newly-signed former Tabor quarterback Curry Parham will take the reigns of the Salina offense, looking to get to grips quickly against one of the best defenses in the league.During two seasons as a Blue Jay, Parham, who was most recently seen coaching in California, appeared in 21 games for Tabor, including four starts. The dual-threat QB racked up 24 touchdowns split evenly on the ground and through the air.As for the Sioux City offense, the Bandits maintain the rarely seen but well-executed run-first philosophy in the indoor game, with the backfield of Lorenzo Brown, Fred Bruno, and Drew Prohaska keeping opposing defenses off balance.“Every time you play Sioux City you have to know that they’re going to put the ball on the ground,” Coach Jorge Martinez said. “They make very few mistakes and they don’t put themselves in bad positions so you have to play a mistake-free game to get an advantage on them.”In their quest to stop the run, the Salina defense must remain vigilant and committed to playing mistake-free football against a methodical offense that punishes every mistake.“Defensive patience will be the key for our guys,” Martinez said. “We have to make sure that we wrap up when we tackle and that we contain their QB on the ground. If we play a sound football game we can gain the advantage, that’s always been the key against Sioux City.”With a run-heavy Sioux City offense and a season debut at QB for Salina, the battle in the trenches will be more important than ever, especially as the Liberty try to handle the always dangerous Ben Pister.“They’re very good upfront and Pister has annually been one of the best players in this league so the matchup up front on both sides will be one of the biggest things to watch for in this game,” he said.Kickoff between the Liberty and Bandits is scheduled for 6:35 at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center and tickets can be purchased by following the link <a href="https://salinaliberty.com/">HERE</a>.As always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

Liberty debut new QB against top-ranked Bandits

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

On Friday, the Salina Liberty announced in a statement that quarterback and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams had signed a contract with the Ottowa Redblacks of the CFL.

“Tyrie has represented the Salina Liberty Franchise exemplifying the championship mentality of the organization,” the statement read. “Tyrie as our Quarterback has delivered win after win for Liberty Nation. We pride ourselves as an organization to bring in class young men on and off the football field. Although we have big shoes to fill with Tyrie leaving our franchise, we are super proud that Tyrie is getting a chance to show his athletic talent at the next level.”

The Liberty are ecstatic for the opportunity presented to Adams, who becomes another Salina star to take his talents to the next level.

The statement from the team went on to say “We know Tyrie will work extremely hard with this opportunity and carry the torch for Salina Liberty and more importantly Liberty Nation. Our Franchise has now moved three players in the past three years to the next level of football. Tyrell Green, Kamalie Mathews, and now Tyrie Adams.&nbsp; Our Hall of Fame Coach Heron O’Neal is arguably the best Head Coach in the CIF for building championship-caliber Teams and moving more talented young men to the next level of football.”

The Liberty, who host the top team in the standings in the Sioux City Bandits this Saturday, will have to quickly find a replacement for Adams, especially with reigning MVP Tracy Brooks still out of commission.

“Rest assured we are already working to fill the absence of Tyrie at our QB position,” the statement read. “Our goal of winning the Championship does not change with the departure of Tyrie. Salina Liberty Organization is aggressively pursuing our next championship-caliber QB with an announcement coming in the very near future.

For more on the developing quarterback situation in Salina stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorOn Friday, the Salina Liberty announced in a statement that quarterback and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams had signed a contract with the Ottowa Redblacks of the CFL.“Tyrie has represented the Salina Liberty Franchise exemplifying the championship mentality of the organization,” the statement read. “Tyrie as our Quarterback has delivered win after win for Liberty Nation. We pride ourselves as an organization to bring in class young men on and off the football field. Although we have big shoes to fill with Tyrie leaving our franchise, we are super proud that Tyrie is getting a chance to show his athletic talent at the next level.”The Liberty are ecstatic for the opportunity presented to Adams, who becomes another Salina star to take his talents to the next level.The statement from the team went on to say “We know Tyrie will work extremely hard with this opportunity and carry the torch for Salina Liberty and more importantly Liberty Nation. Our Franchise has now moved three players in the past three years to the next level of football. Tyrell Green, Kamalie Mathews, and now Tyrie Adams.&nbsp; Our Hall of Fame Coach Heron O’Neal is arguably the best Head Coach in the CIF for building championship-caliber Teams and moving more talented young men to the next level of football.”The Liberty, who host the top team in the standings in the Sioux City Bandits this Saturday, will have to quickly find a replacement for Adams, especially with reigning MVP Tracy Brooks still out of commission.“Rest assured we are already working to fill the absence of Tyrie at our QB position,” the statement read. “Our goal of winning the Championship does not change with the departure of Tyrie. Salina Liberty Organization is aggressively pursuing our next championship-caliber QB with an announcement coming in the very near future.For more on the developing quarterback situation in Salina stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

Reigning OROTY Tyrie Adams signs CFL contract with Ottowa

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Victor Reyes and Austin Meadows had RBI singles in the seventh inning, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2. With the game tied 2-2, pinch-hitter Eric Haase hit the first of three straight two-out singles off reliever Jake Brentz, followed by Reyes and Meadows. Miguel Cabrera had three of the Tigers’ nine hits, leaving him six shy of 3,000 for his career. All of Detroit’s hits were singles. Joe Jimenez pitched a scoreless sixth, one of four Tigers relievers who combined to allow only one walk among the final 13 Kansas City batters. Gregory Soto worked the ninth for his second save.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Victor Reyes and Austin Meadows had RBI singles in the seventh inning, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2. With the game tied 2-2, pinch-hitter Eric Haase hit the first of three straight two-out singles off reliever Jake Brentz, followed by Reyes and Meadows. Miguel Cabrera had three of the Tigers’ nine hits, leaving him six shy of 3,000 for his career. All of Detroit’s hits were singles. Joe Jimenez pitched a scoreless sixth, one of four Tigers relievers who combined to allow only one walk among the final 13 Kansas City batters. Gregory Soto worked the ninth for his second save.

Royals fall to the Tigers

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Wednesday to discuss the final week of spring practice.&nbsp;

“Alright, good afternoon. Great to see everyone. Practice 13 Thursday. We'll have a full padded practice on 13, then we have 14 where we are back into just helmets and jerseys, clean some stuff up, get ready for the offseason or summertime for those guys, and then 15 on Saturday. Once again, due to our situation we have at the defensive line, we're just going to practice (on Saturday_. Probably the least amount of scrimmage that I have done in my time as a head coach from a spring ball session, simply because I think the other day, we were down to three defensive linemen and then we lost (Trevor) Stange, who was helping us out and Nelson Pipes was one of the three, and he's a long snapper. Pipes is doing a heck of a job. So, it's just been hard. Every time we have a drill offense versus defense, we have to supplement that with a special teams for five or six minutes to get those three kids a breath and they go hang out on the side. So, we probably will get one guy back tomorrow and Saturday to maybe get us up to four or five, but the max we've had is five. You can't function as a normal practice. So, I hope we're getting a lot better at special teams, and that was the emphasis during team period. Myself and another coach are down there doing special teams drills with everybody from old guys to young guys. Emphasizing an awful lot of things. Doing a lot of full group punt versus punt return, kick versus kick return, not to the ground but just full speed. That's an area that we know we need to improve upon. Even though we've been good, we want to be great. So, we feel good that we're getting better there. Then we'll finish up here and have those three days, and then coaches will be on the road and guys will finish up the semester.”

On the fear of losing stuff that they would do during a normal spring…

“No. You always are conscious that you are getting that, but with the amount of skill kids that we have returning, we're getting all of our 7-on-7 work. For the most part all but two guys, wide receiver, running back, quarterback, defensive back, linebacker are doing some things. The only area that really isn't is the defensive line. I know that Coach (Conor) Riley's a little bit concerned that we're not blocking Eli (Huggins) and we're not blocking Felix (Anudike-Uzomah) and Nate (Matlack) and (Jaylen) Pickle and Dee Hentz (Robert Hentz II) and all these guys. So, that's the area that's not getting it, but all those kids have played enough on defense. I know Cooper Beebe and I know Duff (Christian Duffie) and those guys are wishing those guys were out there just from a competition standpoint, but I think we'll be able to get that back in August.”

On figuring out the interior of the offensive line…

“We won't know till the fall. I mean, you can say a young man is getting better at being assignment sound and getting better with technique and those things, but we want to make sure we get through the fall where they're blocking a Pick (Jaylen Pickle) and Eli (Huggins) and Dee (Robert Hentz II). We've played Beebe more inside. We've been impressed with Andrew Leingang outside. He's been nicked up a little bit, but Taylor Poitier is not taking any of those snaps at all. So, it's still a work in progress. We know the guys that we're working with, but we have a long ways to go once we get to fall camp.”

On the backfield behind Deuce Vaughn…

“Getting better, but constant competition. Everybody will have a day here and there. Whether it's Jordan Schippers or whether it's DJ (Giddens) and Jax (Dineen), and we've even put Seth Porter back there a little bit. We were really excited about Devin Weathers, and he's missed all of spring with an injury that happened during bowl prep. So, it 'll be a work in progress throughout fall camp.”

On how much more they will go into the transfer portal after spring…

“We’ll know more by the end of April after all of our meetings go, because once we get done with spring ball, the coaches will meet with the players individually and then I'll meet with players throughout the rest of the month of April to see where we're at, but we have a few (scholarships) available. There's some position things that we're still looking at to see where we can maybe move a guy around internally on our roster, but we have a few that we're probably going to use, yes.”

On practicing some areas that might have been ignored…

“Oh, absolutely. Just getting better at technique things on special teams, which we always work on special teams, but we're sustained 15-20 minutes on drills rather than five minutes go to the next thing, five minutes go to the next thing. We would be a group doing team stuff and everybody else down with myself and Coach (Buddy) Wyatt for this 15-20 minutes and working the details of all these drills, and then we go when we go full group punt and punt return, kickoff and kickoff return, we're seeing some of the drill work carry over into the 11-on-11 setting. So, I'm really hopeful that the reps these guys are getting is going to pay off.”

On programs moving away from spring games…

“I think they are. It was always neat back in the day having a big spring game to finish it off. I was a part of 20 practices. So, you're really glad when it was done, and you'd have a spring game. I don't think people's roster sizes are big enough right now to do it. Some kids are mid-year enrollees. So, you get a few of those guys, but you know, with the revolving door of roster management, I think we have 98 guys on our roster right now. I would think 30 of those aren't practicing because of some kind of condition or surgery or something. So, you can't do much with 60 guys. It's great we've got a bunch of wide outs, but we don't have a bunch of defensive linemen so you can't scrimmage. We’ve got to be smart. We're trying to get everybody to the summer and everybody to the fall. You're going to win and lose the spring game no matter what. You’re going to be on the winning side and losing side. Want to make sure that we get everybody to August, as healthy as we can get.”

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Wednesday to discuss the final week of spring practice.&nbsp;CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Alright, good afternoon. Great to see everyone. Practice 13 Thursday. We'll have a full padded practice on 13, then we have 14 where we are back into just helmets and jerseys, clean some stuff up, get ready for the offseason or summertime for those guys, and then 15 on Saturday. Once again, due to our situation we have at the defensive line, we're just going to practice (on Saturday_. Probably the least amount of scrimmage that I have done in my time as a head coach from a spring ball session, simply because I think the other day, we were down to three defensive linemen and then we lost (Trevor) Stange, who was helping us out and Nelson Pipes was one of the three, and he's a long snapper. Pipes is doing a heck of a job. So, it's just been hard. Every time we have a drill offense versus defense, we have to supplement that with a special teams for five or six minutes to get those three kids a breath and they go hang out on the side. So, we probably will get one guy back tomorrow and Saturday to maybe get us up to four or five, but the max we've had is five. You can't function as a normal practice. So, I hope we're getting a lot better at special teams, and that was the emphasis during team period. Myself and another coach are down there doing special teams drills with everybody from old guys to young guys. Emphasizing an awful lot of things. Doing a lot of full group punt versus punt return, kick versus kick return, not to the ground but just full speed. That's an area that we know we need to improve upon. Even though we've been good, we want to be great. So, we feel good that we're getting better there. Then we'll finish up here and have those three days, and then coaches will be on the road and guys will finish up the semester.”On the fear of losing stuff that they would do during a normal spring…“No. You always are conscious that you are getting that, but with the amount of skill kids that we have returning, we're getting all of our 7-on-7 work. For the most part all but two guys, wide receiver, running back, quarterback, defensive back, linebacker are doing some things. The only area that really isn't is the defensive line. I know that Coach (Conor) Riley's a little bit concerned that we're not blocking Eli (Huggins) and we're not blocking Felix (Anudike-Uzomah) and Nate (Matlack) and (Jaylen) Pickle and Dee Hentz (Robert Hentz II) and all these guys. So, that's the area that's not getting it, but all those kids have played enough on defense. I know Cooper Beebe and I know Duff (Christian Duffie) and those guys are wishing those guys were out there just from a competition standpoint, but I think we'll be able to get that back in August.”On figuring out the interior of the offensive line…“We won't know till the fall. I mean, you can say a young man is getting better at being assignment sound and getting better with technique and those things, but we want to make sure we get through the fall where they're blocking a Pick (Jaylen Pickle) and Eli (Huggins) and Dee (Robert Hentz II). We've played Beebe more inside. We've been impressed with Andrew Leingang outside. He's been nicked up a little bit, but Taylor Poitier is not taking any of those snaps at all. So, it's still a work in progress. We know the guys that we're working with, but we have a long ways to go once we get to fall camp.”On the backfield behind Deuce Vaughn…“Getting better, but constant competition. Everybody will have a day here and there. Whether it's Jordan Schippers or whether it's DJ (Giddens) and Jax (Dineen), and we've even put Seth Porter back there a little bit. We were really excited about Devin Weathers, and he's missed all of spring with an injury that happened during bowl prep. So, it 'll be a work in progress throughout fall camp.”On how much more they will go into the transfer portal after spring…“We’ll know more by the end of April after all of our meetings go, because once we get done with spring ball, the coaches will meet with the players individually and then I'll meet with players throughout the rest of the month of April to see where we're at, but we have a few (scholarships) available. There's some position things that we're still looking at to see where we can maybe move a guy around internally on our roster, but we have a few that we're probably going to use, yes.”On practicing some areas that might have been ignored…“Oh, absolutely. Just getting better at technique things on special teams, which we always work on special teams, but we're sustained 15-20 minutes on drills rather than five minutes go to the next thing, five minutes go to the next thing. We would be a group doing team stuff and everybody else down with myself and Coach (Buddy) Wyatt for this 15-20 minutes and working the details of all these drills, and then we go when we go full group punt and punt return, kickoff and kickoff return, we're seeing some of the drill work carry over into the 11-on-11 setting. So, I'm really hopeful that the reps these guys are getting is going to pay off.”On programs moving away from spring games…“I think they are. It was always neat back in the day having a big spring game to finish it off. I was a part of 20 practices. So, you're really glad when it was done, and you'd have a spring game. I don't think people's roster sizes are big enough right now to do it. Some kids are mid-year enrollees. So, you get a few of those guys, but you know, with the revolving door of roster management, I think we have 98 guys on our roster right now. I would think 30 of those aren't practicing because of some kind of condition or surgery or something. So, you can't do much with 60 guys. It's great we've got a bunch of wide outs, but we don't have a bunch of defensive linemen so you can't scrimmage. We’ve got to be smart. We're trying to get everybody to the summer and everybody to the fall. You're going to win and lose the spring game no matter what. You’re going to be on the winning side and losing side. Want to make sure that we get everybody to August, as healthy as we can get.”

Coach Klieman talks about spring football 

Wednesday’s Kansas City Royals at St. Louis Cardinals game has been postponed because of inclement weather. The teams will make it up on Monday, May 2, at 3:15 p.m. Central time at Busch Stadium. 

The Cardinals won the first game 6-5 on Tuesday night as Albert Pujols (POO’’-hohlz) homered for the first time since returning to St. Louis.&nbsp;

Wednesday’s Kansas City Royals at St. Louis Cardinals game has been postponed because of inclement weather. The teams will make it up on Monday, May 2, at 3:15 p.m. Central time at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals won the first game 6-5 on Tuesday night as Albert Pujols (POO’’-hohlz) homered for the first time since returning to St. Louis.&nbsp;

Cardinals - Royals are postponed

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Six Kansas State football seniors during the 2021 season were named members of the 2022 National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society, the NFF announced Wednesday.

The six Wildcats to earn the honor were&nbsp;Ross Elder,&nbsp;Ryan Henington,&nbsp;Noah Johnson,&nbsp;Logan Long,&nbsp;Reggie Stubblefield&nbsp;and&nbsp;Landry Weber, as they were members of an elite group of 1,559 players from 313 schools across all NCAA divisions and the NAIA who qualified for membership in the Society’s 16th year. It is the second-most K-State has had named to the list – which began in 2007 – behind the nine Wildcats named in 2020.

“As the National Football Foundation celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2022, we are pleased to honor another impressive group of athletes as part of this year’s Hampshire Honor Society,” said NFF President &amp; CEO Steve Hatchell. “Over the last 16 years, the Hampshire Honor Society has served as a powerful vehicle for schools to recognize their college football players who have distinguished themselves both academically and athletically, and we congratulate the schools and each of these young men for their commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives.”

The Hampshire Honor Society recognizes college football players who maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college career. They must have met all NCAA/NAIA-mandated progress toward degree requirements and been starters or significant contributors throughout the 2021 season/

Five of the six Wildcats named to the Hampshire Honor Society earned First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors this past season, and Stubblefield would have but was ineligible as a first-year transfer student. Elder, Henington and Weber each earned First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors all four years in which they were eligible for the award. K-State has led the Big 12 in Academic All-Big 12 honors since 2014 with a total of 234, which is 29 more than the next closest team.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Six Kansas State football seniors during the 2021 season were named members of the 2022 National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society, the NFF announced Wednesday.The six Wildcats to earn the honor were&nbsp;Ross Elder,&nbsp;Ryan Henington,&nbsp;Noah Johnson,&nbsp;Logan Long,&nbsp;Reggie Stubblefield&nbsp;and&nbsp;Landry Weber, as they were members of an elite group of 1,559 players from 313 schools across all NCAA divisions and the NAIA who qualified for membership in the Society’s 16th year. It is the second-most K-State has had named to the list – which began in 2007 – behind the nine Wildcats named in 2020.“As the National Football Foundation celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2022, we are pleased to honor another impressive group of athletes as part of this year’s Hampshire Honor Society,” said NFF President &amp; CEO Steve Hatchell. “Over the last 16 years, the Hampshire Honor Society has served as a powerful vehicle for schools to recognize their college football players who have distinguished themselves both academically and athletically, and we congratulate the schools and each of these young men for their commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives.”The Hampshire Honor Society recognizes college football players who maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college career. They must have met all NCAA/NAIA-mandated progress toward degree requirements and been starters or significant contributors throughout the 2021 season/Five of the six Wildcats named to the Hampshire Honor Society earned First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors this past season, and Stubblefield would have but was ineligible as a first-year transfer student. Elder, Henington and Weber each earned First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors all four years in which they were eligible for the award. K-State has led the Big 12 in Academic All-Big 12 honors since 2014 with a total of 234, which is 29 more than the next closest team.RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

Six Wildcats Named to NFF Hampshire Honor Society

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Albert Pujols homered for the first time since returning to St. Louis and Andrew Knizner hit a three-run shot as the Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-5.

Nolan Arenado also went deep for St. Louis, which has won 20 of 27 interleague games against the in-state Royals since 2017.

Salvador Perez homered twice and Michael A. Taylor also connected for Kansas City, which has allowed 33 runs in losing its last three games.

The 42-year-old Pujols, who also singled twice in a 3-for-4 performance, signed with St. Louis on March 28 for his final season. The star slugger played for the Cardinals from 2001-11, helping them win two World Series.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Albert Pujols homered for the first time since returning to St. Louis and Andrew Knizner hit a three-run shot as the Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-5.Nolan Arenado also went deep for St. Louis, which has won 20 of 27 interleague games against the in-state Royals since 2017.Salvador Perez homered twice and Michael A. Taylor also connected for Kansas City, which has allowed 33 runs in losing its last three games.The 42-year-old Pujols, who also singled twice in a 3-for-4 performance, signed with St. Louis on March 28 for his final season. The star slugger played for the Cardinals from 2001-11, helping them win two World Series.

St. Louis defeats Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Steven Kwan kept up an historic start to his big league career with a bases-loaded triple, Oscar Mercado added a two-run homer and the Cleveland Guardians beat Kansas City 10-7 to split their season-opening series. Kwan became the first player in big league history to begin his career by reaching base at least three times in each of his first four games. He was 9 of 13 for the series, reaching base in 15 of 19 plate appearances. Logan Allen earned the win for with two scoreless innings of relief in his first appearance of the season. Jake Brentz took the loss for the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Steven Kwan kept up an historic start to his big league career with a bases-loaded triple, Oscar Mercado added a two-run homer and the Cleveland Guardians beat Kansas City 10-7 to split their season-opening series. Kwan became the first player in big league history to begin his career by reaching base at least three times in each of his first four games. He was 9 of 13 for the series, reaching base in 15 of 19 plate appearances. Logan Allen earned the win for with two scoreless innings of relief in his first appearance of the season. Jake Brentz took the loss for the Royals

Cleveland earns split in series with Royals

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

The Salina Liberty battled in Billings but came up just short as a fourth-quarter surge allowed the Outlaws to pull away with a 42-34 victory.

The Liberty remains in the top half of the league at 2-1 while Billings breaks even at 1-1.

Salina began the game with a bang, capping off their opening drive with a seven-yard touchdown run from Tre Griffin.

After stopping the Outlaw offense cold in their tracks, Tyrie Adams took the field once more but was hit as he threw and lost the ball in the end zone which was recovered by Billings to tie the game.

From there the teams traded punches until halftime, with Adams housing a touchdown run from six yards out to tie the game at 28 at the intermission.

Both defenses came out of the locker room with a renewed intensity as neither offense found the scoreboard in the third or most of the fourth.

Ultimately it would be the Outlaws who found paydirt first as Tyron Laughinghouse hauled in his second touchdown catch of the day with 3:00 to play.

The Liberty offense came out looking to tie the game but Tyrie Adams was once again hit as he threw and this time it was Jamario Benson who picked off the pass and took it to the house to put the game out of reach.

Adams would score one final time to close the gap but Salina would fall in their first loss of the 2022 season 42-34.

The Liberty will be back in action on Saturday as they return home to take on the Sioux City Bandits at 7:05 PM.

To purchase single-game or season tickets for Salina Liberty football, click <a href="https://salinaliberty.com/">HERE</a>.

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>The Salina Liberty battled in Billings but came up just short as a fourth-quarter surge allowed the Outlaws to pull away with a 42-34 victory.The Liberty remains in the top half of the league at 2-1 while Billings breaks even at 1-1.Salina began the game with a bang, capping off their opening drive with a seven-yard touchdown run from Tre Griffin.After stopping the Outlaw offense cold in their tracks, Tyrie Adams took the field once more but was hit as he threw and lost the ball in the end zone which was recovered by Billings to tie the game.From there the teams traded punches until halftime, with Adams housing a touchdown run from six yards out to tie the game at 28 at the intermission.Both defenses came out of the locker room with a renewed intensity as neither offense found the scoreboard in the third or most of the fourth.Ultimately it would be the Outlaws who found paydirt first as Tyron Laughinghouse hauled in his second touchdown catch of the day with 3:00 to play.The Liberty offense came out looking to tie the game but Tyrie Adams was once again hit as he threw and this time it was Jamario Benson who picked off the pass and took it to the house to put the game out of reach.Adams would score one final time to close the gap but Salina would fall in their first loss of the 2022 season 42-34.The Liberty will be back in action on Saturday as they return home to take on the Sioux City Bandits at 7:05 PM.To purchase single-game or season tickets for Salina Liberty football, click <a href="https://salinaliberty.com/">HERE</a>.

Two defensive touchdowns push Outlaws past Liberty

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians won for the first time with their new name as hot-starting rookie Steven Kwan went 5 for 5 in a 17-3 romp over the Kansas City Royals. Oscar Mercado hit a grand slam during a five-RBI performance and Owen Miller drove in a career-high four runs. Cleveland had lost its first two games since changing this season to the Guardians from the Indians, its name since 1915. Kwan had four singles and a double, was hit by a pitch and scored four runs. The 24-year-old outfielder made his major league debut on opening day and is 8 for 10 in three games so far. Mercado connected for his first career grand slam off Taylor Clarke in the first inning, capping a six-run burst.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians won for the first time with their new name as hot-starting rookie Steven Kwan went 5 for 5 in a 17-3 romp over the Kansas City Royals. Oscar Mercado hit a grand slam during a five-RBI performance and Owen Miller drove in a career-high four runs. Cleveland had lost its first two games since changing this season to the Guardians from the Indians, its name since 1915. Kwan had four singles and a double, was hit by a pitch and scored four runs. The 24-year-old outfielder made his major league debut on opening day and is 8 for 10 in three games so far. Mercado connected for his first career grand slam off Taylor Clarke in the first inning, capping a six-run burst.

Guardians cruise by the Royals

Following a dominant non-league win last week, the Salina Liberty will resume CIF play on Sunday evening in Billings as they get their first look at the expansion Outlaws.

The Outlaws have just one league game under their belt coming into week five but will be playing their first-ever home game in front of what is expected to be a rowdy crowd.

This game will also be the first missed by Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal as part of a two-game suspension from the league. In his stead, defensive coordinator Jorge Martinez and assistant coach Carlos Cavanaugh will take over the helm.

Billings is not your traditional expansion team, giving Sioux City a run for their money in a 57-44 loss at the hands of the 2-0 Bandits last week.

“Billings is a very talented, very well-coached team that’s trying to find their identity and settle into what they’re doing,” Martinez said. “They have top-notch athletes up and down that roster and this will be a hostile environment. They have a point to prove tonight.”

The biggest test for the Liberty defense will be in trying to slow Outlaw quarterback Charles McCullum, who completed 72% of his passes in the season opener, tossing five touchdowns and no picks.

“We have to play disciplined defense and we need to execute our game plan,” Martinez said. “Big plays are going to happen and we’re up against one of the best quarterbacks in indoor football history so we’ll have our hands full but if we execute our game plan this should be a good game.”

On the other side of the ball, the Liberty will look to heat up the offense after scoring just 33 and 36 in the team’s first two games.

“We have to stay focused offensively and we have to keep everything in front of us,” he said. “It’s about taking things one play at a time and one first down at a time and if we stay in character our guys can make the plays.”

While the skill players for both sides will be primed to put on a show, the dirty work on the front lines will set the tone, especially for a Liberty offense that can explode at any moment when reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams has time to work his magic.

“The battle in the trenches between our O-Line and their D-Line is going to be huge,” Martinez said. “They’re very good there and they have two D-Ends that are NFL caliber but we’ve got some guys like that too so that matchup will be one to watch.”

Kickoff between the Liberty and Outlaws is set for 5:00 MST and will be the only Sunday game of a busy weekend for the CIF.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617387097958.png" alt="Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>Following a dominant non-league win last week, the Salina Liberty will resume CIF play on Sunday evening in Billings as they get their first look at the expansion Outlaws.The Outlaws have just one league game under their belt coming into week five but will be playing their first-ever home game in front of what is expected to be a rowdy crowd.This game will also be the first missed by Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal as part of a two-game suspension from the league. In his stead, defensive coordinator Jorge Martinez and assistant coach Carlos Cavanaugh will take over the helm.Billings is not your traditional expansion team, giving Sioux City a run for their money in a 57-44 loss at the hands of the 2-0 Bandits last week.“Billings is a very talented, very well-coached team that’s trying to find their identity and settle into what they’re doing,” Martinez said. “They have top-notch athletes up and down that roster and this will be a hostile environment. They have a point to prove tonight.”The biggest test for the Liberty defense will be in trying to slow Outlaw quarterback Charles McCullum, who completed 72% of his passes in the season opener, tossing five touchdowns and no picks.“We have to play disciplined defense and we need to execute our game plan,” Martinez said. “Big plays are going to happen and we’re up against one of the best quarterbacks in indoor football history so we’ll have our hands full but if we execute our game plan this should be a good game.”On the other side of the ball, the Liberty will look to heat up the offense after scoring just 33 and 36 in the team’s first two games.“We have to stay focused offensively and we have to keep everything in front of us,” he said. “It’s about taking things one play at a time and one first down at a time and if we stay in character our guys can make the plays.”While the skill players for both sides will be primed to put on a show, the dirty work on the front lines will set the tone, especially for a Liberty offense that can explode at any moment when reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams has time to work his magic.“The battle in the trenches between our O-Line and their D-Line is going to be huge,” Martinez said. “They’re very good there and they have two D-Ends that are NFL caliber but we’ve got some guys like that too so that matchup will be one to watch.”Kickoff between the Liberty and Outlaws is set for 5:00 MST and will be the only Sunday game of a busy weekend for the CIF.

Liberty look to wrangle expansion Outlaws in Billings

By TYLER HENRY JC Post contributor

JR Bond, the owner of the Topeka Tropics, has been fined and suspended for three weeks following an incident at a non-league game on March 26.

In a statement released to the Tropics Facebook page on April 6, Bond said that he exchanged words with officials and was disrespectful to their position.

“I apologize to all officials who work CIF games and understand it is a difficult task,” his statement read. “We are fortunate as a league to have officials with experience.”

Bond, who is also the commissioner of the league and the GM of the Sioux City Bandits, said in his statement that his three-week suspension would be taken “as an owner.”

He concluded his statement by saying “It is important for all of those involved in professional sports, from owners, to coaches, to players, to fans to understand we are accountable for our actions.”

The Tropics' next league game will take place on April 9th as they prepare to host the Southwest Kansas Storm.

By TYLER HENRY JC Post contributorJR Bond, the owner of the Topeka Tropics, has been fined and suspended for three weeks following an incident at a non-league game on March 26.In a statement released to the Tropics Facebook page on April 6, Bond said that he exchanged words with officials and was disrespectful to their position.“I apologize to all officials who work CIF games and understand it is a difficult task,” his statement read. “We are fortunate as a league to have officials with experience.”Bond, who is also the commissioner of the league and the GM of the Sioux City Bandits, said in his statement that his three-week suspension would be taken “as an owner.”He concluded his statement by saying “It is important for all of those involved in professional sports, from owners, to coaches, to players, to fans to understand we are accountable for our actions.”The Tropics' next league game will take place on April 9th as they prepare to host the Southwest Kansas Storm.

Tropics owner fined, suspended for comments made to officials

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>

Emporia State (18-18, 7-5 MIAA) at Fort Hays State Saturday, Apr. 9 - 12 &amp; 2 pm Hays, Kan. - Tiger Stadium Radio: KFIX (96.9-FM)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State will play 12 of its next 14 games at home, starting with a pair of doubleheaders against Washburn and Emporia State this weekend (Apr. 8-9). The Tigers face the Ichabods at 2 pm on Friday, then face the Hornets at 12 pm on Saturday. FHSU enters the weekend at 16-19-1 overall, 2-6 in the MIAA. Washburn comes in at 28-11, 10-2 in the MIAA, while Emporia State enters the weekend at 18-18, 7-5 in the MIAA. Both doubleheaders will be streamed live on The MIAA Network and live stats will be available for all games. The games against Emporia State on Saturday will be broadcast on local radio (96.9 FM KFIX), but can still be streamed through a device at the link provided above and will be used as the audio for the live streams on Saturday. Fort Hays State went 2-2 in conference play on the road last weekend, sweeping a doubleheader at Pittsburg State before falling twice in a doubleheader at Missouri Southern. The Tigers scored a combined 14 runs in the pair of wins at Pittsburg State, but generated just one run the next day at Missouri Southern. The Tigers scored at least five runs in both of their conference wins so far this season, but three or less in their six MIAA losses. All eight conference games the Tigers played so far this season were on the road. Fort Hays State is 3-1 so far at home this season, all in non-conference play. The Tigers split a doubleheader with Oklahoma Baptist on March 16 and then swept a doubleheader with Bethany College on March 20. The Tigers scored 10 or more runs in two of those wins and averaged 8.5 runs per game in those four contests. At .344 for the season,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6344">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;leads a group of five regular starters that enter the weekend hitting north of .300.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6339">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;is one of those five at .305 for the season, while leading the team in extra-base hits (12), home runs (6), and RBIs (24). Breckbill is the national leader in sacrifice flies with seven for the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6635">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;has been hot in run-scoring situations for the Tigers with nine RBIs in the last nine games and she has 23 for the season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6352">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;leads the Tiger pitching staff in ERA (2.97), complete games (11), saves (3), innings pitched (101.1), and strikeouts (97). She ranks second in the MIAA in saves, fourth in strikeouts and fifth for innings pitched.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6345">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;holds a 3.85 ERA in 47.1 innings pitched, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6351">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;has 57 strikeouts in 55.1 innings of action. The Tigers have played Washburn 55 times in their NCAA Division II history. Washburn holds a 32-23 advantage in the all-time series. The Tigers and Ichabods split their doubleheader last year in Topeka. Both games were shutouts with Washburn winning 2-0 in Game 1 and FHSU winning 4-0 in Game 2. The Tigers scored all four runs in one inning of that game as Tiffany, Breckbill, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6338">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;all had hits in that contest. Jaycee Ginter, the current MIAA leader in strikeouts, threw a no-hitter in Game 1 with just two strikeouts and one walk in seven complete innings. The Tigers have played Emporia State 53 times in their NCAA Division II history. The Hornets hold a 33-20 advantage. The Tigers and Hornets also split their doubleheader last year in Emporia. Emporia State won 5-0 in Game 1 before FHSU held on for a 7-5 win in Game 2. FHSU led 7-0 through three and a half innings of their win before seeing ESU score five over their final four frames at the plate. Breckbill had three hits over the two games, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6340">Elise Capra</a>&nbsp;notched two.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>Emporia State (18-18, 7-5 MIAA) at Fort Hays State Saturday, Apr. 9 - 12 &amp; 2 pm Hays, Kan. - Tiger Stadium Radio: KFIX (96.9-FM)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State will play 12 of its next 14 games at home, starting with a pair of doubleheaders against Washburn and Emporia State this weekend (Apr. 8-9). The Tigers face the Ichabods at 2 pm on Friday, then face the Hornets at 12 pm on Saturday. FHSU enters the weekend at 16-19-1 overall, 2-6 in the MIAA. Washburn comes in at 28-11, 10-2 in the MIAA, while Emporia State enters the weekend at 18-18, 7-5 in the MIAA. Both doubleheaders will be streamed live on The MIAA Network and live stats will be available for all games. The games against Emporia State on Saturday will be broadcast on local radio (96.9 FM KFIX), but can still be streamed through a device at the link provided above and will be used as the audio for the live streams on Saturday. Fort Hays State went 2-2 in conference play on the road last weekend, sweeping a doubleheader at Pittsburg State before falling twice in a doubleheader at Missouri Southern. The Tigers scored a combined 14 runs in the pair of wins at Pittsburg State, but generated just one run the next day at Missouri Southern. The Tigers scored at least five runs in both of their conference wins so far this season, but three or less in their six MIAA losses. All eight conference games the Tigers played so far this season were on the road. Fort Hays State is 3-1 so far at home this season, all in non-conference play. The Tigers split a doubleheader with Oklahoma Baptist on March 16 and then swept a doubleheader with Bethany College on March 20. The Tigers scored 10 or more runs in two of those wins and averaged 8.5 runs per game in those four contests. At .344 for the season,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6344">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;leads a group of five regular starters that enter the weekend hitting north of .300.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6339">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;is one of those five at .305 for the season, while leading the team in extra-base hits (12), home runs (6), and RBIs (24). Breckbill is the national leader in sacrifice flies with seven for the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6635">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;has been hot in run-scoring situations for the Tigers with nine RBIs in the last nine games and she has 23 for the season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6352">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;leads the Tiger pitching staff in ERA (2.97), complete games (11), saves (3), innings pitched (101.1), and strikeouts (97). She ranks second in the MIAA in saves, fourth in strikeouts and fifth for innings pitched.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6345">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;holds a 3.85 ERA in 47.1 innings pitched, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6351">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;has 57 strikeouts in 55.1 innings of action. The Tigers have played Washburn 55 times in their NCAA Division II history. Washburn holds a 32-23 advantage in the all-time series. The Tigers and Ichabods split their doubleheader last year in Topeka. Both games were shutouts with Washburn winning 2-0 in Game 1 and FHSU winning 4-0 in Game 2. The Tigers scored all four runs in one inning of that game as Tiffany, Breckbill, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6338">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;all had hits in that contest. Jaycee Ginter, the current MIAA leader in strikeouts, threw a no-hitter in Game 1 with just two strikeouts and one walk in seven complete innings. The Tigers have played Emporia State 53 times in their NCAA Division II history. The Hornets hold a 33-20 advantage. The Tigers and Hornets also split their doubleheader last year in Emporia. Emporia State won 5-0 in Game 1 before FHSU held on for a 7-5 win in Game 2. FHSU led 7-0 through three and a half innings of their win before seeing ESU score five over their final four frames at the plate. Breckbill had three hits over the two games, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6340">Elise Capra</a>&nbsp;notched two.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 LISTEN - Tigers host Hornets Saturday

<a></a><a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;– First-year Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;announced another member of his staff on Friday (April 8) with the addition of&nbsp;Austin Carpenter&nbsp;as Director of Player Development.

<a></a><a>“I’m excited to be able to add another outstanding individual to the staff like Austin,” said Tang. “He is someone that I got to know the past two years at Baylor, and he played a big part in the success we had there as a graduate assistant</a>. He is a super-talented individual who has great experience in recruiting strategy and operations as well as in the total development of the student-athlete. He will play a significant role in the evaluation of the entire program. I’m happy for him to take this next step in his career with us at K-State.”

Carpenter is the fourth announced member of Tang’s inaugural coaching staff at K-State, joining associate head coach&nbsp;Ulric Maligi, assistant coach&nbsp;Jareem Dowling&nbsp;and Chief of Staff&nbsp;Marco Borne.

Carpenter arrives at K-State after spending the last two seasons (2020-22) working as a graduate assistant at Baylor, where he worked alongside Tang.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I am thrilled to be joining the Kansas State family after spending the past two seasons with Coach Tang in Waco,” said Carpenter. “Coach Tang firmly believes in developing people beyond the game of basketball, and I look forward to continuing to serve alongside him with our staff. This is a historic program that helps student-athletes succeed both on and off of the court that I feel blessed and excited to be a part of.&nbsp;

Tom Gilbert - Director for Men's Basketball Communications, K-State Athletics

<a></a><a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;– First-year Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;announced another member of his staff on Friday (April 8) with the addition of&nbsp;Austin Carpenter&nbsp;as Director of Player Development.<a></a><a>“I’m excited to be able to add another outstanding individual to the staff like Austin,” said Tang. “He is someone that I got to know the past two years at Baylor, and he played a big part in the success we had there as a graduate assistant</a>. He is a super-talented individual who has great experience in recruiting strategy and operations as well as in the total development of the student-athlete. He will play a significant role in the evaluation of the entire program. I’m happy for him to take this next step in his career with us at K-State.”Carpenter is the fourth announced member of Tang’s inaugural coaching staff at K-State, joining associate head coach&nbsp;Ulric Maligi, assistant coach&nbsp;Jareem Dowling&nbsp;and Chief of Staff&nbsp;Marco Borne.Carpenter arrives at K-State after spending the last two seasons (2020-22) working as a graduate assistant at Baylor, where he worked alongside Tang.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I am thrilled to be joining the Kansas State family after spending the past two seasons with Coach Tang in Waco,” said Carpenter. “Coach Tang firmly believes in developing people beyond the game of basketball, and I look forward to continuing to serve alongside him with our staff. This is a historic program that helps student-athletes succeed both on and off of the court that I feel blessed and excited to be a part of.&nbsp;Tom Gilbert - Director for Men's Basketball Communications, K-State Athletics

Carpenter Named Director of Player Development

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. capped his highly anticipated big league debut with his first hit, a go-ahead double with two outs in the eighth inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 3-1 victory over the rechristened Cleveland Guardians. Andrew Benintendi drove in Witt after his clutch hit, giving Royals reliever Scott Barlow a cushion. And after a perfect eighth, Barlow struck out Myles Straw with runners on the corners in the ninth to end it. In a matchup of former Cy Young Award winners, Cleveland ace Shane Bieber and erstwhile Royals star Zach Greinke dueled to a 1-all stalemate before turning the game over to the bullpens on a cold day at Kauffman Stadium.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. capped his highly anticipated big league debut with his first hit, a go-ahead double with two outs in the eighth inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 3-1 victory over the rechristened Cleveland Guardians. Andrew Benintendi drove in Witt after his clutch hit, giving Royals reliever Scott Barlow a cushion. And after a perfect eighth, Barlow struck out Myles Straw with runners on the corners in the ninth to end it. In a matchup of former Cy Young Award winners, Cleveland ace Shane Bieber and erstwhile Royals star Zach Greinke dueled to a 1-all stalemate before turning the game over to the bullpens on a cold day at Kauffman Stadium.