KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Alvarez’s long home run backed a solid start by Hunter Brown as the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Sunday in the series finale to avoid being swept.

Alvarez snapped Houston’s 26-inning scoreless streak, crushing Kris Bubic’s sinker 436 feet to center for a three-run homer and a 3-0 Astros lead in the third inning.

Brown (4-1), who allowed one run on seven hits and a walk with nine strikeouts over six innings, surrendered a lone hit in each of the first four innings but struck out seven while not allowing a runner past second.

Brown’s 28-inning shutout streak – fifth longest in franchise history – ended in the fifth inning on a two-out single by Jonathan India and an RBI double by Bobby Witt Jr.

Leading off the fifth, Chas McCormick doubled and scored on Jeremy Peña’s single. McCormick had three hits and scored three runs for the Astros.

Peña’s two-out, two-run double in the sixth extended Houston’s lead to 6-1. Peña collected three RBIs in his first game batting leadoff.

Yainer Diaz added a solo home run in the seventh.

Bubic (2-2) allowed four runs on five hits and three walks, striking out four in five innings.

India had a pair of singles and drove in a run while Witt extended his hitting streak to a career-best 19 games.

Isaac Paredes drew a four-pitch walk ahead of Alvarez’s three-run blast.

Alvarez, who led left-handed major leaguers with a .362 average against left-handed pitchers in 2024, hit his first homer of this season against a left-hander.

The Astros open a three-game homestand Monday against Detroit with Tigers RHP Jack Flaherty (1-2, 2.63 ERA) opposing RHP Ronel Blanco (2-2, 5.01).

Tuesday, the Royals begin a three-game series against the Rays in Tampa with Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-3, 3.90) against RHP Taj Bradley (2-1, 5.08).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745797590457.jpeg" alt="Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates after hitting a three-run home run with Chas McCormick (20) and Isaac Paredes (15) during the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates after hitting a three-run home run with Chas McCormick (20) and Isaac Paredes (15) during the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Alvarez’s long home run backed a solid start by Hunter Brown as the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Sunday in the series finale to avoid being swept.Alvarez snapped Houston’s 26-inning scoreless streak, crushing Kris Bubic’s sinker 436 feet to center for a three-run homer and a 3-0 Astros lead in the third inning.Brown (4-1), who allowed one run on seven hits and a walk with nine strikeouts over six innings, surrendered a lone hit in each of the first four innings but struck out seven while not allowing a runner past second.Brown’s 28-inning shutout streak – fifth longest in franchise history – ended in the fifth inning on a two-out single by Jonathan India and an RBI double by Bobby Witt Jr.Leading off the fifth, Chas McCormick doubled and scored on Jeremy Peña’s single. McCormick had three hits and scored three runs for the Astros.Peña’s two-out, two-run double in the sixth extended Houston’s lead to 6-1. Peña collected three RBIs in his first game batting leadoff.Yainer Diaz added a solo home run in the seventh.Bubic (2-2) allowed four runs on five hits and three walks, striking out four in five innings.India had a pair of singles and drove in a run while Witt extended his hitting streak to a career-best 19 games.<h2>Key moment</h2>Isaac Paredes drew a four-pitch walk ahead of Alvarez’s three-run blast.<h2>Key stat</h2>Alvarez, who led left-handed major leaguers with a .362 average against left-handed pitchers in 2024, hit his first homer of this season against a left-hander.<h2>Up next</h2>The Astros open a three-game homestand Monday against Detroit with Tigers RHP Jack Flaherty (1-2, 2.63 ERA) opposing RHP Ronel Blanco (2-2, 5.01).Tuesday, the Royals begin a three-game series against the Rays in Tampa with Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-3, 3.90) against RHP Taj Bradley (2-1, 5.08).

⚾️ Alvarez’s  home run backs Brown’s solid start in Astros win over Royals

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Two more Kansas State football players received the call of a lifetime from NFL franchises on Saturday as running back&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;and safety&nbsp;Marques Sigle&nbsp;were selected on the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Giddens was chosen with the 14th&nbsp;pick of the fifth round – No. 151 overall – by the Indianapolis Colts, while Sigle was selected nine picks later with the 23rd&nbsp;pick of the round – No. 160 overall – by the San Francisco 49ers.

With&nbsp;Jacob Parrish’s selection in the third round by Tampa Bay on Friday night, the Wildcats have now had 10 players drafted over the last three years, their most over a three-year stretch since 12 players were selected between 2002 and 2004.

A product of Junction City, Kansas, Giddens became the sixth Wildcat all time to be selected by Indianapolis, including the second in the last three years as he joins cornerback Julius Brents, who was taken in the second round of the 2023 draft. Sigle is the seventh Wildcat to be selected by San Francisco and the first since DJ Reed in 2018.

Giddens finished his three-year K-State career by ranking in the top 10 in school history in 11 career categories, most notably a No. 2 ranking in rushing yards per attempt (5.97), third in rushing yards (3,087), fourth in total scrimmage yards (3,766) and receiving yards by a running back (679). He became just the fourth player in school history to produce multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, joining fellow NFL Draft picks Darren Sproles, Daniel Thomas, Deuce Vaughn.

Giddens was a Doak Walker Award semifinalist and All-Big 12 Second Team selection a year ago after rushing for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns on 205 carries, while he hauled in 21 catches for 258 yards and a touchdown. He set a school record by averaging 6.55 yards per carry in 2024, breaking the previous record of 6.49 yards per carry by Darren Sproles in 2003. It was the sixth-highest average in Big 12 history (minimum 200 carries). Additionally, he finished eighth in the country in scrimmage yards per game (133.42), 10th in all-purpose yards per game (133.42), 13th in rushing yards per game (111.92) and 14th in in total rushing yards.

Giddens had 13 career 100-yard rushing games with seven of those coming in 2024, including a 187-yard effort against Oklahoma State and a 182-yard output the next game at Colorado to become the first Wildcat with at least 180 rushing yards in consecutive games in six years

Sigle played in 50 career games – including the final 25 at K-State after transferring in from North Dakota State – as he totaled 174 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, seven interceptions and 26 total passes defended. As a senior, the Omaha, Nebraska, native posted career highs with three interceptions – including one he returned for a touchdown at West Virginia – and 6.5 tackles for loss in addition to 60 tackles and three pass breakups. He tied for eighth in the Big 12 in interceptions and ranked third in interception-return yards (93).

During his first season in Manhattan in 2023, Sigle earned All-Big 12 honors after tallying a career-high 63 tackles and 10 total passes defended as he also earned votes for the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year.

More Wildcats could join NFL teams as organizations begin to sign rookie free agents in the coming days. Those will be announced as they made public by their respective organizations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745767276256.jpeg" alt="DJ Giddens" />
 <figcaption>DJ Giddens</figcaption>
 </figure><a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Two more Kansas State football players received the call of a lifetime from NFL franchises on Saturday as running back&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;and safety&nbsp;Marques Sigle&nbsp;were selected on the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft.Giddens was chosen with the 14th&nbsp;pick of the fifth round – No. 151 overall – by the Indianapolis Colts, while Sigle was selected nine picks later with the 23rd&nbsp;pick of the round – No. 160 overall – by the San Francisco 49ers.With&nbsp;Jacob Parrish’s selection in the third round by Tampa Bay on Friday night, the Wildcats have now had 10 players drafted over the last three years, their most over a three-year stretch since 12 players were selected between 2002 and 2004.A product of Junction City, Kansas, Giddens became the sixth Wildcat all time to be selected by Indianapolis, including the second in the last three years as he joins cornerback Julius Brents, who was taken in the second round of the 2023 draft. Sigle is the seventh Wildcat to be selected by San Francisco and the first since DJ Reed in 2018.Giddens finished his three-year K-State career by ranking in the top 10 in school history in 11 career categories, most notably a No. 2 ranking in rushing yards per attempt (5.97), third in rushing yards (3,087), fourth in total scrimmage yards (3,766) and receiving yards by a running back (679). He became just the fourth player in school history to produce multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, joining fellow NFL Draft picks Darren Sproles, Daniel Thomas, Deuce Vaughn.Giddens was a Doak Walker Award semifinalist and All-Big 12 Second Team selection a year ago after rushing for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns on 205 carries, while he hauled in 21 catches for 258 yards and a touchdown. He set a school record by averaging 6.55 yards per carry in 2024, breaking the previous record of 6.49 yards per carry by Darren Sproles in 2003. It was the sixth-highest average in Big 12 history (minimum 200 carries). Additionally, he finished eighth in the country in scrimmage yards per game (133.42), 10th in all-purpose yards per game (133.42), 13th in rushing yards per game (111.92) and 14th in in total rushing yards.Giddens had 13 career 100-yard rushing games with seven of those coming in 2024, including a 187-yard effort against Oklahoma State and a 182-yard output the next game at Colorado to become the first Wildcat with at least 180 rushing yards in consecutive games in six years<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745767327823.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Sigle played in 50 career games – including the final 25 at K-State after transferring in from North Dakota State – as he totaled 174 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, seven interceptions and 26 total passes defended. As a senior, the Omaha, Nebraska, native posted career highs with three interceptions – including one he returned for a touchdown at West Virginia – and 6.5 tackles for loss in addition to 60 tackles and three pass breakups. He tied for eighth in the Big 12 in interceptions and ranked third in interception-return yards (93).During his first season in Manhattan in 2023, Sigle earned All-Big 12 honors after tallying a career-high 63 tackles and 10 total passes defended as he also earned votes for the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year.More Wildcats could join NFL teams as organizations begin to sign rookie free agents in the coming days. Those will be announced as they made public by their respective organizations.– k-statesports.com –

   K-State’s Giddens, Sigle Selected on Final Day of 2025 NFL Draft

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha scattered four hits over six innings, Vinnie Pasquantino homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 2-0 for the second straight night Saturday to run their winning streak to six.

Wacha (1-3) once again received little run support, but the veteran right-hander made the meager production stand up on chilly evening at Kauffman Stadium. He struck out six while walking two and never allowed a runner past second base.

Steven Cruz worked the seventh for Kansas City, his seventh appearance this season without allowing a run. John Schreiber left runners on the corners in the eighth, and Carlos Estévez had a perfect ninth for his seventh save.

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled and scored in the first inning for the Royals, extending his career-best hitting streak to 18 games.

Framber Valdez (1-3) gave up a sacrifice fly to Mark Canha in the first inning and Pasquantino's shot down the right-field line in the fifth. Otherwise, the Astros left-hander kept Kansas City in check, allowing three hits and two walks over eight innings.

Valdez had tossed seven shutout innings against the Royals last August in a 3-2 victory.

The Astros, who have lost five straight at the K, have managed just nine hits while getting shut out over the first two games of the series. They had rolled into Kansas City having won three straight and five of their last six games.

Isaac Parades hit a two-out double and Jeremy Peña followed with a single to give Houston runners on the corners in the eighth inning. Schreiber bounced back to strike out Christian Walker with a four-seam fastball to end the threat.

The Royals have only scored seven runs in the 32 innings that Wacha has pitched this season.

RHP Hunter Brown (3-1, 1.16) tries to extend a 24-inning scoreless streak for Houston in the series finale Sunday. LHP Kris Bubic (2-1, 1.45) gets the start for Kansas City after tossing seven shutout innings against the Rockies his last time out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745720098244.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha scattered four hits over six innings, Vinnie Pasquantino homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 2-0 for the second straight night Saturday to run their winning streak to six.Wacha (1-3) once again received little run support, but the veteran right-hander made the meager production stand up on chilly evening at Kauffman Stadium. He struck out six while walking two and never allowed a runner past second base.Steven Cruz worked the seventh for Kansas City, his seventh appearance this season without allowing a run. John Schreiber left runners on the corners in the eighth, and Carlos Estévez had a perfect ninth for his seventh save.Bobby Witt Jr. doubled and scored in the first inning for the Royals, extending his career-best hitting streak to 18 games.Framber Valdez (1-3) gave up a sacrifice fly to Mark Canha in the first inning and Pasquantino's shot down the right-field line in the fifth. Otherwise, the Astros left-hander kept Kansas City in check, allowing three hits and two walks over eight innings.Valdez had tossed seven shutout innings against the Royals last August in a 3-2 victory.The Astros, who have lost five straight at the K, have managed just nine hits while getting shut out over the first two games of the series. They had rolled into Kansas City having won three straight and five of their last six games.<h2>Key moment</h2>Isaac Parades hit a two-out double and Jeremy Peña followed with a single to give Houston runners on the corners in the eighth inning. Schreiber bounced back to strike out Christian Walker with a four-seam fastball to end the threat.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals have only scored seven runs in the 32 innings that Wacha has pitched this season.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Hunter Brown (3-1, 1.16) tries to extend a 24-inning scoreless streak for Houston in the series finale Sunday. LHP Kris Bubic (2-1, 1.45) gets the start for Kansas City after tossing seven shutout innings against the Rockies his last time out.

⚾ Pasquantino homers as KC beats Astros for the second straight night

The Junction City Blue Jay and Lady Jay varsity&nbsp; track teams competed in a meet at Wichita Haysville Friday.

4X 800 2nd&nbsp;8:31.66&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ethan Fontaine, Jacob Atkins, Damien Davis, Cole Nelson

4 X 100 2nd&nbsp;43.33 Lance Norris, Tylen Smith, Aidnn Sequra, Isaiah Byers

800 Meter 3rd&nbsp;Ethan Fontaine 2:04.0&nbsp;&nbsp; 4th&nbsp;&nbsp;Kra’Shod Robertson 2:05.36

4X400 4th&nbsp;Isaiah Byers, Aidnn Segura, Owen Fox, Toby Johnson 3:37.16

3200 Meter4th &nbsp;Jacob Atkins 10:00.56

100 Meter 3rd&nbsp;Ayanna Patterson 12.76

1600 Meter 1st&nbsp;Linden Pickler 5:22.26 2nd&nbsp;Anna Fontaine 5:23.17

4 X 100 3rd&nbsp;Amiya Fischer, Laila Berry, Isabelle Pruitt, Ayanna Patterson 51.08

800 Meter 2nd&nbsp;Anna Fontaine 2:25.95 3rd&nbsp;Linden Pickler 2:31.05

High Jump 2nd&nbsp;Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz 5’

Shot Put 3rd&nbsp;Kayla Covington 36’1”

Boys &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Girls

4th&nbsp;&nbsp;– Junction City 69.5 Pts &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4th&nbsp;Junction City 66 Points

JCHS coach Randall Zimmerman provided the information.

The Junction City Blue Jay and Lady Jay varsity&nbsp; track teams competed in a meet at Wichita Haysville Friday.Boys4X 800 2nd&nbsp;8:31.66&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ethan Fontaine, Jacob Atkins, Damien Davis, Cole Nelson110 Hurdles 3rd&nbsp;Chance Tyson 15.81100 Meter 4th&nbsp;Tylen Smith 10.844 X 100 2nd&nbsp;43.33 Lance Norris, Tylen Smith, Aidnn Sequra, Isaiah Byers800 Meter 3rd&nbsp;Ethan Fontaine 2:04.0&nbsp;&nbsp; 4th&nbsp;&nbsp;Kra’Shod Robertson 2:05.36200 Meter 2nd&nbsp;Isaiah Byers 22.024X400 4th&nbsp;Isaiah Byers, Aidnn Segura, Owen Fox, Toby Johnson 3:37.163200 Meter4th &nbsp;Jacob Atkins 10:00.56Girls100 Meter 3rd&nbsp;Ayanna Patterson 12.761600 Meter 1st&nbsp;Linden Pickler 5:22.26 2nd&nbsp;Anna Fontaine 5:23.174 X 100 3rd&nbsp;Amiya Fischer, Laila Berry, Isabelle Pruitt, Ayanna Patterson 51.08800 Meter 2nd&nbsp;Anna Fontaine 2:25.95 3rd&nbsp;Linden Pickler 2:31.05High Jump 2nd&nbsp;Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz 5’Shot Put 3rd&nbsp;Kayla Covington 36’1”Team ScoresBoys &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Girls4th&nbsp;&nbsp;– Junction City 69.5 Pts &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4th&nbsp;Junction City 66 PointsJCHS coach Randall Zimmerman provided the information.

JCHS varsity track and field results

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Lugo threw eight scoreless innings as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Houston Astros 2-0 Friday night.

The Royals have now won five straight games after snapping a six-game losing streak.

Coming off a double-header on Thursday, the Royals needed Lugo to go deep in the game, and he delivered. Lugo (2-3) yielded three hits with a walk and eight strikeouts. Lucas Erceg, who got his first save, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.

Hayden Wesneski (1-2) took the loss, allowing two runs on eight hits in five-plus innings.

Bobby Witt had three hits for Kansas City.

Both starters were on point early on. Lugo needed only 53 pitches to get through five one-hit innings, even with six strikeouts. Wesneski was nearly as good, allowing just one run on six hits through five innings.

Drew Waters led off the fifth with his second double of the game, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Freddy Fermin and scored on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Isbel.

The Royals added another run in the sixth on another sacrifice fly. Vinnie Pasquantino led off with a bloop single and went to second on another bloop hit by Maikel Garcia. Michael Massey sacrificed the runners to second and third. Pasquantino scored on a flyout to center by Hunter Renfroe.

The Astros got a lead-off hit from Victor Caratini in the eighth inning, bringing up the tying run with no outs. But Lugo got Cam Smith to ground into a 6-4-3 double play, squashing the rally.

Witt extended the longest active hitting streak in the majors to a career-high 17 games and is batting .371 (23 of 62) in that span.

The Astros and Royals will play Game 2 of a three-game series Saturday evening. Houston will send LHP Framber Valdez (1-2, 4.50 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City's RHP Michael Wacha (0-3, 4.15 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745632912416.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Lugo threw eight scoreless innings as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Houston Astros 2-0 Friday night.The Royals have now won five straight games after snapping a six-game losing streak.Coming off a double-header on Thursday, the Royals needed Lugo to go deep in the game, and he delivered. Lugo (2-3) yielded three hits with a walk and eight strikeouts. Lucas Erceg, who got his first save, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.Hayden Wesneski (1-2) took the loss, allowing two runs on eight hits in five-plus innings.Bobby Witt had three hits for Kansas City.Both starters were on point early on. Lugo needed only 53 pitches to get through five one-hit innings, even with six strikeouts. Wesneski was nearly as good, allowing just one run on six hits through five innings.Drew Waters led off the fifth with his second double of the game, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Freddy Fermin and scored on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Isbel.The Royals added another run in the sixth on another sacrifice fly. Vinnie Pasquantino led off with a bloop single and went to second on another bloop hit by Maikel Garcia. Michael Massey sacrificed the runners to second and third. Pasquantino scored on a flyout to center by Hunter Renfroe.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Astros got a lead-off hit from Victor Caratini in the eighth inning, bringing up the tying run with no outs. But Lugo got Cam Smith to ground into a 6-4-3 double play, squashing the rally.<h2>Key stat</h2>Witt extended the longest active hitting streak in the majors to a career-high 17 games and is batting .371 (23 of 62) in that span.<h2>Up next</h2>The Astros and Royals will play Game 2 of a three-game series Saturday evening. Houston will send LHP Framber Valdez (1-2, 4.50 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City's RHP Michael Wacha (0-3, 4.15 ERA).

⚾  Seth Lugo shuts down Astros to lead Royals to fifth straight win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs selected Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the final pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes the blindside protector he was so sorely lacking last season.

Simmons missed the majority of last season after tearing a patellar tendon in his knee, and he didn’t work out at the scouting combine, which may have left some teams wary of using a high draft pick on him. But the Chiefs were comfortable after several checks on him, and they wound up using the No. 32 overall pick to finally shore up the tackle spot.

“I figured there might be a chance coming off the injury (to get him), but I think as you get to know him a bit and the time you get to study and talk to people around him, you’ll find out he’s a really super athlete,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That’s where we were a little bit nervous whether he would be there or not.”

Mahomes was clearly happy with the pick, tweeting a sunglasses emoji moments before it was announced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745559178455.jpeg" alt="FILE - Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons blocks against Western Michigan during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)(Jay LaPrete | AP)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons blocks against Western Michigan during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)(Jay LaPrete | AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs selected Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the final pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes the blindside protector he was so sorely lacking last season.Simmons missed the majority of last season after tearing a patellar tendon in his knee, and he didn’t work out at the scouting combine, which may have left some teams wary of using a high draft pick on him. But the Chiefs were comfortable after several checks on him, and they wound up using the No. 32 overall pick to finally shore up the tackle spot.“I figured there might be a chance coming off the injury (to get him), but I think as you get to know him a bit and the time you get to study and talk to people around him, you’ll find out he’s a really super athlete,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That’s where we were a little bit nervous whether he would be there or not.”Mahomes was clearly happy with the pick, tweeting a sunglasses emoji moments before it was announced.

🏈 Chiefs draft Ohio State OT Josh Simmons with 2025 first-round pick

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-best 16 games with an RBI single in the fifth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Colorado Rockies 6-2 on Thursday to cap off a doubleheader and series sweep.

Salvador Perez had three hits and a pair of RBIs, and Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey and Drew Waters also drove in runs, helping the Royals win their fourth consecutive game on the heels of a six-game losing streak.

Michael Lorenzen (2-3) allowed one run on five hits and three walks over six innings for Kansas City, striking out seven.

Chase Dollander, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft, continued to go through rookie growing pains for Colorado. Dollander (1-3) allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks before leaving with two out in the fifth inning.

Jordan Beck homered twice for Colorado in Game 2 of the doubleheader. He also went deep in Game 1.

Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rockies-royals-score-doubleheader-31da17918ff94aad76bbf1e2064dba49">rallied for a 7-4 victory</a>&nbsp;in the opener, caused by a rainout Wednesday night, and the sweep left the Rockies at 4-20 — the worst start in club history. They also matched a franchise record with their 13th consecutive road loss. Their lone win away from Coors Field came in Tampa Bay on March 29, in their first series of the season.

Colorado has lost 11 consecutive series since taking two games from Arizona last September.

The Royals were leading 3-0 when Jonathan India hit a two-out double in the fifth. Witt followed with his RBI single, and Perez added a two-run double two batters later, giving Kansas City a 5-0 lead.

The Royals (12-14) improved to 10-1 when scoring at least four runs this season.

Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (0-4, 4.85) starts their series opener against Cincinnati on Friday night. RHP Seth Lugo (1-3, 3.90) gets the nod for Kansas City as it welcomes Houston to town on Friday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745542882382.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-best 16 games with an RBI single in the fifth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Colorado Rockies 6-2 on Thursday to cap off a doubleheader and series sweep.Salvador Perez had three hits and a pair of RBIs, and Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey and Drew Waters also drove in runs, helping the Royals win their fourth consecutive game on the heels of a six-game losing streak.Michael Lorenzen (2-3) allowed one run on five hits and three walks over six innings for Kansas City, striking out seven.Chase Dollander, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft, continued to go through rookie growing pains for Colorado. Dollander (1-3) allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks before leaving with two out in the fifth inning.Jordan Beck homered twice for Colorado in Game 2 of the doubleheader. He also went deep in Game 1.Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rockies-royals-score-doubleheader-31da17918ff94aad76bbf1e2064dba49">rallied for a 7-4 victory</a>&nbsp;in the opener, caused by a rainout Wednesday night, and the sweep left the Rockies at 4-20 — the worst start in club history. They also matched a franchise record with their 13th consecutive road loss. Their lone win away from Coors Field came in Tampa Bay on March 29, in their first series of the season.Colorado has lost 11 consecutive series since taking two games from Arizona last September.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals were leading 3-0 when Jonathan India hit a two-out double in the fifth. Witt followed with his RBI single, and Perez added a two-run double two batters later, giving Kansas City a 5-0 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals (12-14) improved to 10-1 when scoring at least four runs this season.<h2>Up next</h2>Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (0-4, 4.85) starts their series opener against Cincinnati on Friday night. RHP Seth Lugo (1-3, 3.90) gets the nod for Kansas City as it welcomes Houston to town on Friday night.

⚾ Royals wrap up doubleheader, series sweep of Rockies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel drove in three runs, two on a go-ahead single in the fifth, and the Kansas City bullpen threw six shutout innings to help the Royals rally for a 7-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a doubleheader Thursday.

Salvador Perez also drove in a pair of runs for Kansas City, which beat the Rockies in extra innings on Tuesday night.

Their game Wednesday was rained out, resulting in the traditional doubleheader.

Cole Ragans lasted only three innings and 62 pitches for Kansas City before leaving with groin tightness. But the All-Star left-hander’s bullpen picked him up. Angel Zerpa (1-0) and Steven Cruz threw two scoreless innings apiece, Lucas Erceg breezed past the eighth, and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his sixth save.

Germán Márquez (0-4) allowed six runs on eight hits and three walks over four-plus innings for Colorado. He has lost his last four starts, allowing 18 earned runs in the past three, and has only made it through the sixth inning once this season.

Jordan Beck and Hunter Goodman homered for the struggling Rockies, but they were the only real bright spots. Colorado (4-19) is off to the worst start in franchise history, and it has lost 12 consecutive road games — one shy of the club record — since beating the Rays on March 29 in its opening series of the season.

Isbel’s slap down the first-base line with two outs in the fifth bounced out of Michael Toglia’s glove and all the way to the dugout fence. That allowed Perez and Cavan Biggio to score, breaking a 4-all tie.

Márquez struck out Vinnie Pasquantino to end the fourth inning, becoming the first Rockies pitcher with 1,000 career strikeouts. It was the last out Márquez recorded in the game.

The Rockies send RHP Chase Dollander (1-2, 7.36) against Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-3, 4.57) in Game 2 on Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745530393637.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey (19) celebrates with Kyle Isbel after scoring on a single by Drew Waters during the third inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey (19) celebrates with Kyle Isbel after scoring on a single by Drew Waters during the third inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel drove in three runs, two on a go-ahead single in the fifth, and the Kansas City bullpen threw six shutout innings to help the Royals rally for a 7-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a doubleheader Thursday.Salvador Perez also drove in a pair of runs for Kansas City, which beat the Rockies in extra innings on Tuesday night.Their game Wednesday was rained out, resulting in the traditional doubleheader.Cole Ragans lasted only three innings and 62 pitches for Kansas City before leaving with groin tightness. But the All-Star left-hander’s bullpen picked him up. Angel Zerpa (1-0) and Steven Cruz threw two scoreless innings apiece, Lucas Erceg breezed past the eighth, and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his sixth save.Germán Márquez (0-4) allowed six runs on eight hits and three walks over four-plus innings for Colorado. He has lost his last four starts, allowing 18 earned runs in the past three, and has only made it through the sixth inning once this season.Jordan Beck and Hunter Goodman homered for the struggling Rockies, but they were the only real bright spots. Colorado (4-19) is off to the worst start in franchise history, and it has lost 12 consecutive road games — one shy of the club record — since beating the Rays on March 29 in its opening series of the season.<h2>Key moment</h2>Isbel’s slap down the first-base line with two outs in the fifth bounced out of Michael Toglia’s glove and all the way to the dugout fence. That allowed Perez and Cavan Biggio to score, breaking a 4-all tie.<h2>Key stat</h2>Márquez struck out Vinnie Pasquantino to end the fourth inning, becoming the first Rockies pitcher with 1,000 career strikeouts. It was the last out Márquez recorded in the game.<h2>Up next</h2>The Rockies send RHP Chase Dollander (1-2, 7.36) against Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-3, 4.57) in Game 2 on Thursday.

⚾ KC bullpen tosses 6 shutout innings, allowing the Royals to rally for win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The game between the Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals scheduled for Wednesday was postponed due to rain.

After a delay of more than two hours prior to first pitch, the game was moved to Thursday, to be played as part of a traditional doubleheader, beginning at 1:10 p.m. local time.

Rockies RHP Germán Márquez (0-3, 8.27 ERA) is slated to start against LHP Cole Ragans (1-1, 3.58) in the opener before right-hander Chase Dollander (1-2, 7.36) is expected to pitch against Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-3, 4.57).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745462276023.png" alt="Dark skies cover Kauffamn Stadium during a rain delay of a baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Colorado Rockies Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Peter Aiken)" />
 <figcaption>Dark skies cover Kauffamn Stadium during a rain delay of a baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Colorado Rockies Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Peter Aiken)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The game between the Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals scheduled for Wednesday was postponed due to rain.After a delay of more than two hours prior to first pitch, the game was moved to Thursday, to be played as part of a traditional doubleheader, beginning at 1:10 p.m. local time.Rockies RHP Germán Márquez (0-3, 8.27 ERA) is slated to start against LHP Cole Ragans (1-1, 3.58) in the opener before right-hander Chase Dollander (1-2, 7.36) is expected to pitch against Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-3, 4.57).

⚾ Rockies and Royals postponed; doubleheader Thursday

DJ Giddens, a Junction City native, Junction City High School graduate, and now a former K-State Wildcat running back will hear his name called in this year’s NFL Draft. The Draft begins Thursday, April 24, at Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers.

Football has been part of Giddens's life for as long as he can remember. DJ played football for the Junction City Jr. Jays growing up, then for Junction City High School, and most recently was running back for the Kansas State Wildcats. “I still have videos of me playing for the Jr. Jays,” Giddens said. “I’m not going to lie, that feels just like yesterday. It was just playing and being free, no worries just having fun.”

In high school, DJ shined in his senior season at Junction City and helped lead the team to a sub-state appearance in the fall of 2020. Giddens explained that the sub-state game against Derby gave him the confidence that he could perform at the next level. “I feel like the Derby game, the last game of my senior year, gave me a lot of confidence going against a good team like that, and playing how I played,” Giddens said. DJ then graduated from Junction City in the spring of 2021 and began his K-State career where he redshirted that fall.

In 2022, Giddens played for the Wildcats and was part of the Big 12 Championship team that won the Title game in Arlington, Texas. He also played in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama that season.

In 2023, DJ was the main featured running back for KSU, as Deuce Vaughn had been drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. In his red-shirt sophomore season, Giddens earned Honorable Mention Big 12 Honors and helped lead the Wildcats to a victory over NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.

2024 was the final season for Giddens at Kansas State, and he led the team in rushing yards. DJ finished the year with 1,343 rush yards and had seven rushing touchdowns. He also had three receiving touchdowns for the Cats as well.

DJ Giddens declared for the NFL Draft on Dec. 14, 2024, and did not play in KSU’s win over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl.

Looking back at his K-State career, Giddens noted the Oklahoma State game and the Colorado game both played during the 2024 season prove he can play in the National Football League. In the game against OSU, Giddens broke away from the defense and scored a 66-yard touchdown. “Having that touchdown run just shows I can finish off runs and be explosive too,” Giddens said. DJ finished that game with 187 yards rushing and one touchdown against the Cowboys. In the game against the Colorado Buffaloes, Giddens ran wild again. “The Colorado game, I was just playing free again, being myself, and got in that mode,” Giddens said. He finished the game with 182 yards against Colorado.

Giddens began preparing for the NFL Draft in January, when he went to Plano, Texas, to train for the NFL Combine in March. DJ had an exceptional performance at the combine, running a 4.43 40-yard dash. He was measured at 6 feet and 212 pounds.

The NFL Draft is this week, with round one on Thursday, rounds two and three on Friday, and rounds four through seven on Saturday. This year’s NFL Draft is in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Referencing hearing his name being called at the draft, DJ Giddens said, “It feels good, but it’s out of my control at this point for who will pick me up and when I will get picked up. Right now, I just keep on working, and that’s what I’m going to keep on doing,” Giddens said.

Despite all of his success at K-State, and now headed into the NFL, DJ knows the community he is from and said he plans to make it back to Junction City to visit. “I’ve got to come back, can’t forget about that, can’t forget it,” Giddens said. The path wasn’t always easy for DJ, and he had this to say. “Coming from me, being from Junction, I wasn’t highly recruited out of high school, I didn’t have the best grades, and everything wasn’t just in front of me. You just got to stay disciplined, keep working, stay humble, stay down till you come up, and if you keep working at what you want, you’re going to get where you want to be. Don’t ever think you can’t be that person doing whatever you want to do,” Giddens said.

DJ Giddens is projected to be a late day two, early day three selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745424053562.jpeg" alt="DJ Giddens - Photo - K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>DJ Giddens - Photo - K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostDJ Giddens, a Junction City native, Junction City High School graduate, and now a former K-State Wildcat running back will hear his name called in this year’s NFL Draft. The Draft begins Thursday, April 24, at Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers.Football has been part of Giddens's life for as long as he can remember. DJ played football for the Junction City Jr. Jays growing up, then for Junction City High School, and most recently was running back for the Kansas State Wildcats. “I still have videos of me playing for the Jr. Jays,” Giddens said. “I’m not going to lie, that feels just like yesterday. It was just playing and being free, no worries just having fun.”In high school, DJ shined in his senior season at Junction City and helped lead the team to a sub-state appearance in the fall of 2020. Giddens explained that the sub-state game against Derby gave him the confidence that he could perform at the next level. “I feel like the Derby game, the last game of my senior year, gave me a lot of confidence going against a good team like that, and playing how I played,” Giddens said. DJ then graduated from Junction City in the spring of 2021 and began his K-State career where he redshirted that fall.In 2022, Giddens played for the Wildcats and was part of the Big 12 Championship team that won the Title game in Arlington, Texas. He also played in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama that season.In 2023, DJ was the main featured running back for KSU, as Deuce Vaughn had been drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. In his red-shirt sophomore season, Giddens earned Honorable Mention Big 12 Honors and helped lead the Wildcats to a victory over NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.2024 was the final season for Giddens at Kansas State, and he led the team in rushing yards. DJ finished the year with 1,343 rush yards and had seven rushing touchdowns. He also had three receiving touchdowns for the Cats as well.DJ Giddens declared for the NFL Draft on Dec. 14, 2024, and did not play in KSU’s win over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl.Looking back at his K-State career, Giddens noted the Oklahoma State game and the Colorado game both played during the 2024 season prove he can play in the National Football League. In the game against OSU, Giddens broke away from the defense and scored a 66-yard touchdown. “Having that touchdown run just shows I can finish off runs and be explosive too,” Giddens said. DJ finished that game with 187 yards rushing and one touchdown against the Cowboys. In the game against the Colorado Buffaloes, Giddens ran wild again. “The Colorado game, I was just playing free again, being myself, and got in that mode,” Giddens said. He finished the game with 182 yards against Colorado.Giddens began preparing for the NFL Draft in January, when he went to Plano, Texas, to train for the NFL Combine in March. DJ had an exceptional performance at the combine, running a 4.43 40-yard dash. He was measured at 6 feet and 212 pounds.The NFL Draft is this week, with round one on Thursday, rounds two and three on Friday, and rounds four through seven on Saturday. This year’s NFL Draft is in Green Bay, Wisconsin.Referencing hearing his name being called at the draft, DJ Giddens said, “It feels good, but it’s out of my control at this point for who will pick me up and when I will get picked up. Right now, I just keep on working, and that’s what I’m going to keep on doing,” Giddens said.Despite all of his success at K-State, and now headed into the NFL, DJ knows the community he is from and said he plans to make it back to Junction City to visit. “I’ve got to come back, can’t forget about that, can’t forget it,” Giddens said. The path wasn’t always easy for DJ, and he had this to say. “Coming from me, being from Junction, I wasn’t highly recruited out of high school, I didn’t have the best grades, and everything wasn’t just in front of me. You just got to stay disciplined, keep working, stay humble, stay down till you come up, and if you keep working at what you want, you’re going to get where you want to be. Don’t ever think you can’t be that person doing whatever you want to do,” Giddens said.DJ Giddens is projected to be a late day two, early day three selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Junction City Native DJ Giddens prepares for 2025 NFL Draft

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Freddy Fermin hit a winning single in the 11th and the Kansas City Royals rebounded from a blown two-run, ninth-inning lead to beat Colorado 4-3 on Tuesday night and drop the Rockies to 4-18.

Daniel Lynch IV (3-0) pitched a hitless inning as part of a five-hitter, sending Colorado to its ninth loss in 10 games. The Rockies are 1-12 on the road.

Jacob Stallings put Colorado ahead 3-2 with three-run double after Carlos Estévez walked the bases loaded with two outs in the ninth.

Salvador Perez singled off Seth Halvorsen starting the bottom half, advanced on Maikel Garcia’s double and scored on Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly.

With automatic runner Mark Canha on second starting the 11th, Tyler Kinley (0-1) intentionally walked Bobby Witt Jr., who extended his hitting streak to 14 games with an eighth-inning single. Kinley threw a wild pitch and intentionally walked Vinnie Pasquantino, and Fermin lined a single to center.

Drew Waters homered in the sixth off Ryan Feltner and Kyle Isbel bunted for an RBI single in the eighth that drove in Waters, who slid home ahead of the glove flip from first baseman Michael Toglia.

With runners on second and third in the 10th, Mickey Moniak was picked off third base by Fermin, the Kansas City catcher.

Kansas City has gone 17 games without scoring more than four runs, the longest streak by an AL team since the Royals' 19 straight in 2018. Kansas City has scored four or fewer runs in 22 of 24 games this season.

Rockies RHP Chase Dollander (1-2, 7.36 ERA) and Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-3, 4.57 ERA) start Wednesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745377017716.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Drew Waters celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Drew Waters celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Freddy Fermin hit a winning single in the 11th and the Kansas City Royals rebounded from a blown two-run, ninth-inning lead to beat Colorado 4-3 on Tuesday night and drop the Rockies to 4-18.Daniel Lynch IV (3-0) pitched a hitless inning as part of a five-hitter, sending Colorado to its ninth loss in 10 games. The Rockies are 1-12 on the road.Jacob Stallings put Colorado ahead 3-2 with three-run double after Carlos Estévez walked the bases loaded with two outs in the ninth.Salvador Perez singled off Seth Halvorsen starting the bottom half, advanced on Maikel Garcia’s double and scored on Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly.With automatic runner Mark Canha on second starting the 11th, Tyler Kinley (0-1) intentionally walked Bobby Witt Jr., who extended his hitting streak to 14 games with an eighth-inning single. Kinley threw a wild pitch and intentionally walked Vinnie Pasquantino, and Fermin lined a single to center.Drew Waters homered in the sixth off Ryan Feltner and Kyle Isbel bunted for an RBI single in the eighth that drove in Waters, who slid home ahead of the glove flip from first baseman Michael Toglia.<h2>Key Moment</h2>With runners on second and third in the 10th, Mickey Moniak was picked off third base by Fermin, the Kansas City catcher.<h2>Key Stat</h2>Kansas City has gone 17 games without scoring more than four runs, the longest streak by an AL team since the Royals' 19 straight in 2018. Kansas City has scored four or fewer runs in 22 of 24 games this season.<h2>Up Next</h2>Rockies RHP Chase Dollander (1-2, 7.36 ERA) and Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-3, 4.57 ERA) start Wednesday night.

⚾ Fermin hits winning single in 11th inning, Royals beat Rockies 

The Junction City Brigade begins the 2025 baseball season in just over a month. The first game of the season is on Thursday, May 29th, and the home opener is on Friday, May 30, at Rathert Field.

With a roster full of new players, and a new league this season, the Brigade need host families for the upcoming summer.

General Manager Cecil Aska explained that this year the Brigade joined the Kansas Collegiate League and most of their games are approximately two hours away. With a new league, a new head coach, and a new recruiting area, more host families are needed this season. In total, 19 players need a host family for this summer.

Raquel Cinco, the housing coordinator for the Junction City Brigade, has been a host family for the last two summers. Cinco said being a host family is rewarding for both the player and the family.

“The kids that we have hosted have literally become part of our family,” Cinco said. “It is an instantaneous bond with these kids.”

If you would like to become a host family, there is a simple screening process that must be done. The screening process gathers basic background information to ensure that the home is a good match for a potential player to live for the summer.

For more information on becoming a host family, visit the <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fjcbrigade.com%2Fhost-families%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNTBCVVRsMlJEQ0JGVzFmYwEecmtNNlHpj4kCDvJFdoBceebej2m__blYtudXX2KBkR5IXTc9OjdITka3AVA_aem_dhY2BNmbfyHMSn_BoYfOBQ&amp;h=AT3DjHqMWcoXnAqMNn6zi8Qrra-r8RZt5JsHKA2GULfEGEMVIbW4JN3xS9Hz_hx-1cCdSCK_HssTdu8nfnPcTtnprivJyPZhHQ8nO24wKZJ9Hm5JCJ3xw3jRNdLGSkeBMiAFIznqdjS1Cwhh&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1rdtvpMiLvNKu56O6y_-pEzSZg4qmAU_MWf5TjIVHiVKnP1AyLfe7_vFOZT90eV2SF4tp-Oi_hCcH5QkiWZZTT_iZiW9-vTl_A45S4dZfQhMBtK1tTncSSfp6cB9bullkng16jVVexFOYBS0InBv5NUSJNf3Z_dPmQtNwqdw8L-0G76Hb4KrsbsJ5igydncSupoDmnCrVK56mIL1TJX327hMo_">Junction City Brigade website by clicking here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745351771631.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City Brigade begins the 2025 baseball season in just over a month. The first game of the season is on Thursday, May 29th, and the home opener is on Friday, May 30, at Rathert Field.With a roster full of new players, and a new league this season, the Brigade need host families for the upcoming summer.General Manager Cecil Aska explained that this year the Brigade joined the Kansas Collegiate League and most of their games are approximately two hours away. With a new league, a new head coach, and a new recruiting area, more host families are needed this season. In total, 19 players need a host family for this summer.Raquel Cinco, the housing coordinator for the Junction City Brigade, has been a host family for the last two summers. Cinco said being a host family is rewarding for both the player and the family.“The kids that we have hosted have literally become part of our family,” Cinco said. “It is an instantaneous bond with these kids.”If you would like to become a host family, there is a simple screening process that must be done. The screening process gathers basic background information to ensure that the home is a good match for a potential player to live for the summer.For more information on becoming a host family, visit the <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fjcbrigade.com%2Fhost-families%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNTBCVVRsMlJEQ0JGVzFmYwEecmtNNlHpj4kCDvJFdoBceebej2m__blYtudXX2KBkR5IXTc9OjdITka3AVA_aem_dhY2BNmbfyHMSn_BoYfOBQ&amp;h=AT3DjHqMWcoXnAqMNn6zi8Qrra-r8RZt5JsHKA2GULfEGEMVIbW4JN3xS9Hz_hx-1cCdSCK_HssTdu8nfnPcTtnprivJyPZhHQ8nO24wKZJ9Hm5JCJ3xw3jRNdLGSkeBMiAFIznqdjS1Cwhh&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1rdtvpMiLvNKu56O6y_-pEzSZg4qmAU_MWf5TjIVHiVKnP1AyLfe7_vFOZT90eV2SF4tp-Oi_hCcH5QkiWZZTT_iZiW9-vTl_A45S4dZfQhMBtK1tTncSSfp6cB9bullkng16jVVexFOYBS0InBv5NUSJNf3Z_dPmQtNwqdw8L-0G76Hb4KrsbsJ5igydncSupoDmnCrVK56mIL1TJX327hMo_">Junction City Brigade website by clicking here.</a>

Junction City Brigade looking for Host Families this Summer

The Junction City Junior Baseball Association will hold in-person registration again this Saturday, April 26th, from 10:00 am to Noon at North Park and Dillons for the upcoming baseball season for kids ages 5 to 18. (Must be that age on April 30th).

For more information, find them on Facebook here -&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/JCJBA/?locale=fr_CA">Junction City Junior Baseball Association.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745262763873.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Junction City Junior Baseball Association will hold in-person registration again this Saturday, April 26th, from 10:00 am to Noon at North Park and Dillons for the upcoming baseball season for kids ages 5 to 18. (Must be that age on April 30th).For more information, find them on Facebook here -&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/JCJBA/?locale=fr_CA">Junction City Junior Baseball Association.</a>

JC Junior Baseball Association holding registration this Saturday

BOSTON (AP) — Sharon Lokedi broke the Boston Marathon course record, and fellow Kenyan John Korir joined his brother as a race champion on Monday as the city celebrated the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War.

Lokedi, who ran for the University of Kansas from 2015-2019, outran two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri over the final mile a year after losing a sprint down Boylston Street to her in one of the closest finishes in race history. Lokedi finished in an unofficial 2 hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds — 19 seconds ahead of Obiri and more than 2 1/2 minutes faster than the previous Boston best.

Six months after winning Chicago, Korir finished in 2:04:45 — the second-fastest winning time in race history as the runners took advantage of perfect marathon weather to conquer the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston’s Copley Square.

After crossing the line, Korir was greeted by his older brother, 2012 Boston winner Wesley Korir. Although the race has been won by a pair of unrelated John Kelleys and two different Robert Cheruiyots, the Korirs are the first brothers — or relatives of any kind — to win the world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathon.

Conner Mantz of Provo, Utah, finished fourth after losing a three-way sprint to the finish with Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania and Cybrian Kotut of Kenya. Simbu was second and Kotut was third.

Korir ran without his bib showing, pulling it out of his running tights as he sprinted down Boylston Street.

Reenactors on horseback, accompanied by a fife and drum playing “Yankee Doodle,” helped start the festivities and add a bit of levity when Paul Revere’s horse was spooked by the finish line decal on the street and stopped. The actor portraying the colonial silversmith and patriot had to hop off and walk the last few steps himself as the small early crowd laughed and clapped.

After reading a proclamation, Revere gently tugged the horse the rest of the way before riding off to more ceremonies commemorating the midnight ride on April 19, 1775, that warned the colonists in Lexington and Concord that the British were on the march.

Marcel Hug of Switzerland had no such trouble completing the course, zooming into Copley Square in 1:21:34 for his eighth Boston wheelchair title. He beat two-time winner Daniel Romanchuk by more than four minutes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boston-marathon-wheelchair-bob-hall-0426d27b488fbb668c04523a391d655d">50th anniversary of Bob Hall’s pioneering push</a>&nbsp;to add a wheelchair division to the race.

“It means a lot to win this year, 50 years of wheelchairs in Boston,” Hug said. “For me, it will take some time to realize what it means, eight times wins. It’s such an incredible number.”

Susannah Scaroni of the United States won the women’s wheelchair race for the second time, finishing in 1:35:20. Her victory guaranteed that the “Star-Spangled Banner” would play on Boylston Street in Copley Square on Patriots’ Day, the state holiday that commemorates the first shots of the Revolutionary War&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lexington-concord-battles-250-independence-history-debate-031df77dc1cfa5cf669b6694dfe509ee">250 years ago Saturday</a>.

BOSTON (AP) — Sharon Lokedi broke the Boston Marathon course record, and fellow Kenyan John Korir joined his brother as a race champion on Monday as the city celebrated the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HISTORY MADE. ROCK CHALK. <a href="https://t.co/EASS8bOgfU">pic.twitter.com/EASS8bOgfU</a>&mdash; Kansas Jayhawks (@KUAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUAthletics/status/1914354323070361905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sharon Lokedi is the 2025 Boston Marathon CHAMPION 🏆 ROCK CHALK She finishes with a time of 2:17.20, a new course RECORD <a href="https://t.co/4jcFi5rcWb">pic.twitter.com/4jcFi5rcWb</a>&mdash; Kansas Jayhawks (@KUAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUAthletics/status/1914350276149981268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Lokedi, who ran for the University of Kansas from 2015-2019, outran two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri over the final mile a year after losing a sprint down Boylston Street to her in one of the closest finishes in race history. Lokedi finished in an unofficial 2 hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds — 19 seconds ahead of Obiri and more than 2 1/2 minutes faster than the previous Boston best.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations to Kenya’s John Korir and Sharon Lokedi on winning the <a href="https://twitter.com/bostonmarathon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bostonmarathon</a>! <a href="https://t.co/JVh3luP9fR">pic.twitter.com/JVh3luP9fR</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy Nairobi (@USEmbassyKenya) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyKenya/status/1914354713736225197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Six months after winning Chicago, Korir finished in 2:04:45 — the second-fastest winning time in race history as the runners took advantage of perfect marathon weather to conquer the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston’s Copley Square.After crossing the line, Korir was greeted by his older brother, 2012 Boston winner Wesley Korir. Although the race has been won by a pair of unrelated John Kelleys and two different Robert Cheruiyots, the Korirs are the first brothers — or relatives of any kind — to win the world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathon.Conner Mantz of Provo, Utah, finished fourth after losing a three-way sprint to the finish with Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania and Cybrian Kotut of Kenya. Simbu was second and Kotut was third.Korir ran without his bib showing, pulling it out of his running tights as he sprinted down Boylston Street.Reenactors on horseback, accompanied by a fife and drum playing “Yankee Doodle,” helped start the festivities and add a bit of levity when Paul Revere’s horse was spooked by the finish line decal on the street and stopped. The actor portraying the colonial silversmith and patriot had to hop off and walk the last few steps himself as the small early crowd laughed and clapped.After reading a proclamation, Revere gently tugged the horse the rest of the way before riding off to more ceremonies commemorating the midnight ride on April 19, 1775, that warned the colonists in Lexington and Concord that the British were on the march.Marcel Hug of Switzerland had no such trouble completing the course, zooming into Copley Square in 1:21:34 for his eighth Boston wheelchair title. He beat two-time winner Daniel Romanchuk by more than four minutes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boston-marathon-wheelchair-bob-hall-0426d27b488fbb668c04523a391d655d">50th anniversary of Bob Hall’s pioneering push</a>&nbsp;to add a wheelchair division to the race.“It means a lot to win this year, 50 years of wheelchairs in Boston,” Hug said. “For me, it will take some time to realize what it means, eight times wins. It’s such an incredible number.”Susannah Scaroni of the United States won the women’s wheelchair race for the second time, finishing in 1:35:20. Her victory guaranteed that the “Star-Spangled Banner” would play on Boylston Street in Copley Square on Patriots’ Day, the state holiday that commemorates the first shots of the Revolutionary War&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lexington-concord-battles-250-independence-history-debate-031df77dc1cfa5cf669b6694dfe509ee">250 years ago Saturday</a>.

Former KU star wins Boston Marathon in record time

DETROIT (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 4-3 Sunday to stop a six-game losing streak.

With the score 3-3, Jonathan India's groundout off Tyler Holton (1-2) advanced automatic runner Drew Waters to third, and Witt hit a 280-foot fly to left. Waters scored headfirst ahead of Riley Greene's throw.

Carlos Estévez (1-0) intentionally walked Greene to put runners on the corners with two outs in the bottom half, then retired Dillon Dingler on a popup.

Kansas City went 2-8 on its trip and is 9-14. Detroit had won three straight.

Detroit left fielder Kerry Carpenter left the game after the eighth inning because of right hamstring soreness.

Tigers ace Tarik Skubal allowed two runs and seven hits in five innings, while Royals starter Michael Wacha gave up two runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 inning

Hunter Pasquantino and Drew Waters built a 2-0 lead with RBI singles in the second, but consecutive, two-out run-scoring singles by Carpenter and Zach McKinstry tied the score inthe fifth.

McKinstry's RBI single in the seventh ended Daniel Lynch IV's scoreless streak at 31 innings.

Mark Canha tied the score in the eighth with an RBI single after Witt reached second on a throwing error by third baseman Javier Báez.

With the bases loaded in the seventh, Salvador Perez scooped Greene's grounded and start an inning-ending 3-2-3 double play.

Skubal is 11-1 with a 1.96 ERA in 18 starts at home since the start of the 2024 season.

Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (2-1, 1.88) starts Tuesday homestand opener against Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner (0-1, 4.82).

Tigers: RHP Keider Montero (0-1, 9.00) starts Monday's series opener against Padres RHP Randy Vasquez (1-1. 1.74).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745232105722.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Drew Waters dives safely into home plate as Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (13) waits for the throw in the tenth inning during a baseball game, Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Drew Waters dives safely into home plate as Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (13) waits for the throw in the tenth inning during a baseball game, Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 4-3 Sunday to stop a six-game losing streak.With the score 3-3, Jonathan India's groundout off Tyler Holton (1-2) advanced automatic runner Drew Waters to third, and Witt hit a 280-foot fly to left. Waters scored headfirst ahead of Riley Greene's throw.Carlos Estévez (1-0) intentionally walked Greene to put runners on the corners with two outs in the bottom half, then retired Dillon Dingler on a popup.Kansas City went 2-8 on its trip and is 9-14. Detroit had won three straight.Detroit left fielder Kerry Carpenter left the game after the eighth inning because of right hamstring soreness.Tigers ace Tarik Skubal allowed two runs and seven hits in five innings, while Royals starter Michael Wacha gave up two runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 inningHunter Pasquantino and Drew Waters built a 2-0 lead with RBI singles in the second, but consecutive, two-out run-scoring singles by Carpenter and Zach McKinstry tied the score inthe fifth.McKinstry's RBI single in the seventh ended Daniel Lynch IV's scoreless streak at 31 innings.Mark Canha tied the score in the eighth with an RBI single after Witt reached second on a throwing error by third baseman Javier Báez.<h2>Key moment</h2>With the bases loaded in the seventh, Salvador Perez scooped Greene's grounded and start an inning-ending 3-2-3 double play.<h2>Key stat</h2>Skubal is 11-1 with a 1.96 ERA in 18 starts at home since the start of the 2024 season.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (2-1, 1.88) starts Tuesday homestand opener against Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner (0-1, 4.82).Tigers: RHP Keider Montero (0-1, 9.00) starts Monday's series opener against Padres RHP Randy Vasquez (1-1. 1.74).

⚾ Witt's sacrifice fly in 10th helps Royals beat Tigers to stop 6-game skid

DETROIT (AP) — Andy Ibáñez hit a tiebreaking home run in the second inning to back rookie Jackson Jobe and lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over Kansas City on Friday night that extended the Royals’ losing streak to five.

Spencer Torkelson delivered a two-run double in the seventh for his AL-leading 13th extra-base hit for the Tigers.

Kansas City dropped to 1-7 on a 10-game trip. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double for a 1-0 lead.

Tomás Nido, who had three hits, hit a tying single in the second and Ibáñez’s drive leading off the fourth put Detroit ahead for good.

Jobe (2-0) allowed one run and five hits in five inning.

Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10 or more strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs and six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.

Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino’s single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got two outs for his fourth save.

The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out.

The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only Colorado. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.

DETROIT (AP) — Andy Ibáñez hit a tiebreaking home run in the second inning to back rookie Jackson Jobe and lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over Kansas City on Friday night that extended the Royals’ losing streak to five.Spencer Torkelson delivered a two-run double in the seventh for his AL-leading 13th extra-base hit for the Tigers.Kansas City dropped to 1-7 on a 10-game trip. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double for a 1-0 lead.Tomás Nido, who had three hits, hit a tying single in the second and Ibáñez’s drive leading off the fourth put Detroit ahead for good.Jobe (2-0) allowed one run and five hits in five inning.Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10 or more strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs and six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino’s single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got two outs for his fourth save.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only Colorado. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Ibáñez hits tiebreaking homer to lead Tigers over Royals

DETROIT (AP) — Tomás Nido and Andy Ibáñez hit solo homers and rookie Jackson Jobe pitched five strong innings to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino's double for a 1-0 lead.

Nido, who went 3 for 4, homered for the first time with the Tigers to tie it in the second. Ibáñez's solo shot leading off the fourth put them ahead for good.

Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Royals starter Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10-plus strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs on six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.

Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino's single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got the final two outs for his fourth save.

The Royals have lost five straight and are 1-7 so far on a 10-game road trip.

The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out to end it.

The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only the Rockies. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745028333160.jpeg" alt="Detroit Tigers' Tomás Nido hits a one-run single against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning during a baseball game, Friday, April 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)" />
 <figcaption>Detroit Tigers' Tomás Nido hits a one-run single against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning during a baseball game, Friday, April 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Tomás Nido and Andy Ibáñez hit solo homers and rookie Jackson Jobe pitched five strong innings to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.Spencer Torkelson delivered a two-run double in the seventh for his AL-leading 13th extra-base hit for the Tigers.Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino's double for a 1-0 lead.Nido, who went 3 for 4, homered for the first time with the Tigers to tie it in the second. Ibáñez's solo shot leading off the fourth put them ahead for good.Jobe (2-0) allowed one run on five hits.Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Royals starter Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10-plus strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs on six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino's single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got the final two outs for his fourth save.The Royals have lost five straight and are 1-7 so far on a 10-game road trip.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out to end it.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only the Rockies. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Nido and Ibáñez homer in Tigers victory over Royals

Junction City High School Seniors Gracie Erichsen and Maiyaunss Harley have both signed to play college sports next season.

Erichsen signed with Texas Woman's University and will play volleyball for the Pioneers next year. 

Harley signed with Waldorf University in Iowa and will play basketball for the Warriors next year. 

**All photos are courtesy of USD 475 - Geary County Schools Facebook Page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745005142369.jpeg" alt="Gracie Erichsen (middle) signs with Texas Woman's University. (Photo courtesy of USD 475 - Geary County Schools Facebook Page)" />
 <figcaption>Gracie Erichsen (middle) signs with Texas Woman's University. (Photo courtesy of USD 475 - Geary County Schools Facebook Page)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745005154544.jpeg" alt="Maiyaunss Harley signs with Waldorf University. (Photo courtesy of USD 475 - Geary County Schools Facebook Page)" />
 <figcaption>Maiyaunss Harley signs with Waldorf University. (Photo courtesy of USD 475 - Geary County Schools Facebook Page)</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City High School Seniors Gracie Erichsen and Maiyaunss Harley have both signed to play college sports next season.Erichsen signed with Texas Woman's University and will play volleyball for the Pioneers next year. Harley signed with Waldorf University in Iowa and will play basketball for the Warriors next year. **All photos are courtesy of USD 475 - Geary County Schools Facebook Page.

Two Junction City High School Athletes sign to play College Sports next year

DETROIT (AP) — Riley Greene broke out of an extended slump with three hits and two RBIs to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.

The Royals lost their fourth straight game and have dropped six of seven.

Greene, who had one hit and 18 strikeouts in his previous 32 at-bats entering the game, popped out to short in the first inning before RBI singles in the third and fifth innings. He added an infield single in the seventh.

Spencer Torkelson had two hits and drove in three runs for Detroit, which had lost three of four.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744976621673.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey throws to first base late after the force out on Detroit Tigers' Riley Greene (31) in the seventh inning during a baseball game, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey throws to first base late after the force out on Detroit Tigers' Riley Greene (31) in the seventh inning during a baseball game, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Riley Greene broke out of an extended slump with three hits and two RBIs to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.The Royals lost their fourth straight game and have dropped six of seven.Greene, who had one hit and 18 strikeouts in his previous 32 at-bats entering the game, popped out to short in the first inning before RBI singles in the third and fifth innings. He added an infield single in the seventh.Spencer Torkelson had two hits and drove in three runs for Detroit, which had lost three of four.Reese Olson (2-1) worked five scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Tommy Kahnle earned his third save.Maikel Garcia had an RBI single in the eighth inning for the Royals. Former Tiger Michael Lorenzen (1-3) gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts.Kansas City hitting coach Alec Zumwalt was ejected in the ninth inning for arguing balls and strikes.<h2>Key moment</h2>After Detroit jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third, the Royals loaded the bases with one out in the fourth. But, Drew Walters struck on on three pitches from Olson, and Kyle Isbel popped out to left on the first pitch he face.<h2>Key stat</h2>Torkelson, who hit .219 last season and spent 2 1/2 months in Triple-A, is batting .286 with six homers and 16 RBIs in 20 games.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Cole Ragans (1-0, 2.28) will face Tigers rookie RHP Jackson Jobe (1-0, 3.00) in the second game of a four-game set.