Associate AD for Communications&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Ray Thomas, who has served on the Kansas State football strength and conditioning staff for the past four seasons, has been promoted to Director of Strength and Conditioning, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Wednesday.

“We are pleased to elevate Ray to lead our strength and conditioning program,” Klieman said. “Our players and coaches have the utmost respect for him, and his style and leadership will fit in seamlessly with our program as we enter the summer training months and into the season.”

Thomas was a driving force this offseason in helping K-State football players collectively gain 700 pounds of muscle while maintaining top-end speed as 33 players were clocked at over 21 miles per hour, six were over 22 miles per hour and four –&nbsp;VJ Payne,&nbsp;Dylan Edwards,&nbsp;Donovan McIntosh&nbsp;and&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;– hit 23 miles per hour.

By Ryan LackeyAssociate AD for Communications&nbsp;&nbsp;<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Ray Thomas, who has served on the Kansas State football strength and conditioning staff for the past four seasons, has been promoted to Director of Strength and Conditioning, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Wednesday.“We are pleased to elevate Ray to lead our strength and conditioning program,” Klieman said. “Our players and coaches have the utmost respect for him, and his style and leadership will fit in seamlessly with our program as we enter the summer training months and into the season.”Thomas was a driving force this offseason in helping K-State football players collectively gain 700 pounds of muscle while maintaining top-end speed as 33 players were clocked at over 21 miles per hour, six were over 22 miles per hour and four –&nbsp;VJ Payne,&nbsp;Dylan Edwards,&nbsp;Donovan McIntosh&nbsp;and&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;– hit 23 miles per hour.

K-State Promotes Ray Thomas to Director of Strength and Conditioning

The Blue Jay varsity baseball team swept the Topeka High Trojans on Tuesday night.&nbsp;Junction City won game one 10-3, and 11-1 (six innings) in game two.&nbsp;

The three seniors on the team were honored between game one and game two. The three seniors, Kahoku Dedrick, Abdullah Harris, and Cael Smith.

The Blue Jays are 8-12 on the season, and will play in a Quad on Friday night in McPherson. The teams participating in the quad are Great Bend, Junction City, McPherson, and Newton.&nbsp;

*(Cover photo courtesy of USD 475 - Geary County Schools Facebook Page).

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Blue Jay varsity baseball team swept the Topeka High Trojans on Tuesday night.&nbsp;Junction City won game one 10-3, and 11-1 (six innings) in game two.&nbsp;The three seniors on the team were honored between game one and game two. The three seniors, Kahoku Dedrick, Abdullah Harris, and Cael Smith.The Blue Jays are 8-12 on the season, and will play in a Quad on Friday night in McPherson. The teams participating in the quad are Great Bend, Junction City, McPherson, and Newton.&nbsp;*(Cover photo courtesy of USD 475 - Geary County Schools Facebook Page).

Blue Jays sweep Topeka High on Senior night

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt singled with the bases loaded to cap a crazy rally in the bottom of the ninth as the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Tuesday night.

It was the second walk-off hit of Witt's career, following a game-ending grand slam in 2023.

Mark Canha coaxed a walk off Cam Boozer (0-3) to lead off the ninth. Drew Waters blooped it to very short right field, but Michael A. Taylor's throw was wide at second. Freddy Fermin bunted for a hit to load the bases. After Kyle Isbel popped out, Jonathan India drove in the tying run with a fielder's choice and Witt followed with a single to center.

Taylor Clarke (1-0) earned the win in relief.

The White Sox got on the board first with an RBI single from Brooks Baldwin in the fourth, scoring Matt Thaiss.

Thaiss led off the sixth with a single and went to second on a wild pitch. He went to third on a ground out and scored when Vaughn's grounder went under the glove of third baseman Jonathan India for an error.

Isbel led off the bottom of the sixth with a line drive home run that just cleared the fence in right center.

The White Sox added a run in the eighth on an RBI single by Josh Rojas to make it 3-1.

Salvador Perez had a double in the eighth, scoring Vinnie Pasquantino, to pull the Royals within one.

The Royals had first and second with one out, trailing 2-1 in the seventh. However, reliever Steven Wilson got Fermin to foul out and then retired Isbel on a fielder's choice to end the inning.

The White Sox have lost nine straight at Kauffman Stadium, their most ever in Kansas City.

White Sox RHP Jonathan Cannon (2-3, 4.26 ERA) goes against Royals RHP Michael Wacha (1-4, 3.52 ERA) on Wednesday in the third game of a four-game series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746585240000.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt singled with the bases loaded to cap a crazy rally in the bottom of the ninth as the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Tuesday night.It was the second walk-off hit of Witt's career, following a game-ending grand slam in 2023.Mark Canha coaxed a walk off Cam Boozer (0-3) to lead off the ninth. Drew Waters blooped it to very short right field, but Michael A. Taylor's throw was wide at second. Freddy Fermin bunted for a hit to load the bases. After Kyle Isbel popped out, Jonathan India drove in the tying run with a fielder's choice and Witt followed with a single to center.Taylor Clarke (1-0) earned the win in relief.The White Sox got on the board first with an RBI single from Brooks Baldwin in the fourth, scoring Matt Thaiss.Thaiss led off the sixth with a single and went to second on a wild pitch. He went to third on a ground out and scored when Vaughn's grounder went under the glove of third baseman Jonathan India for an error.Isbel led off the bottom of the sixth with a line drive home run that just cleared the fence in right center.The White Sox added a run in the eighth on an RBI single by Josh Rojas to make it 3-1.Salvador Perez had a double in the eighth, scoring Vinnie Pasquantino, to pull the Royals within one.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals had first and second with one out, trailing 2-1 in the seventh. However, reliever Steven Wilson got Fermin to foul out and then retired Isbel on a fielder's choice to end the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The White Sox have lost nine straight at Kauffman Stadium, their most ever in Kansas City.<h2>Up next</h2>White Sox RHP Jonathan Cannon (2-3, 4.26 ERA) goes against Royals RHP Michael Wacha (1-4, 3.52 ERA) on Wednesday in the third game of a four-game series.

⚾ Witt has RBI single in the 9th to rally Royals over White Sox

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. scored the first run and drove in the second to back five overpowering innings and 11 strikeouts from Cole Ragans as the Kansas City Royals stayed hot with a 3-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.

The Royals (20-16) took the opener of a four-game series to begin a seven-game homestand. They have won three straight and 11 of 13.

Witt, who walked and stole a base before being stranded in the first, led off the fourth with a single. He stole his 11th base, advanced to third on a wild pitch by rookie Shane Smith and scored on a one-out single by Maikel Garcia.

Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India reached on one-out singles and Witt doubled to right to make it 2-0 in the fifth.

Ragans (2-1), who missed a start with a mild groin strain, came in averaging an MLB-best 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings. The left-hander allowed three hits and walked two in his fourth outing with 10 or more strikeouts this season and his ninth in 60 career starts.

Four relievers finished a six-hitter. Carlos Estévez pitched a one-hit ninth for his 10th save.

Smith (1-2) allowed two runs and five hits in five innings.

Caleb Freeman made his major league debut in the eighth for Chicago and struck out Salvador Perez before walking Garcia, who stole second and moved to third on a flyout. Drew Waters singled with two strikes for a 3-0 lead.

Kansas City hit a club-record seven home runs in an 11-6 win over the Orioles on Sunday after launching three solo shots in 4-0 victory Saturday. The Royals entered the series with an MLB-low 15 homers.

RHP Sean Burke (2-4, 4.91 ERA) starts Tuesday for the White Sox against RHP Seth Lugo (3-3, 3.07).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746498118765.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. scored the first run and drove in the second to back five overpowering innings and 11 strikeouts from Cole Ragans as the Kansas City Royals stayed hot with a 3-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.The Royals (20-16) took the opener of a four-game series to begin a seven-game homestand. They have won three straight and 11 of 13.Witt, who walked and stole a base before being stranded in the first, led off the fourth with a single. He stole his 11th base, advanced to third on a wild pitch by rookie Shane Smith and scored on a one-out single by Maikel Garcia.Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India reached on one-out singles and Witt doubled to right to make it 2-0 in the fifth.Ragans (2-1), who missed a start with a mild groin strain, came in averaging an MLB-best 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings. The left-hander allowed three hits and walked two in his fourth outing with 10 or more strikeouts this season and his ninth in 60 career starts.Four relievers finished a six-hitter. Carlos Estévez pitched a one-hit ninth for his 10th save.Smith (1-2) allowed two runs and five hits in five innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>Caleb Freeman made his major league debut in the eighth for Chicago and struck out Salvador Perez before walking Garcia, who stole second and moved to third on a flyout. Drew Waters singled with two strikes for a 3-0 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City hit a club-record seven home runs in an 11-6 win over the Orioles on Sunday after launching three solo shots in 4-0 victory Saturday. The Royals entered the series with an MLB-low 15 homers.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Sean Burke (2-4, 4.91 ERA) starts Tuesday for the White Sox against RHP Seth Lugo (3-3, 3.07).

⚾ Witt and Ragans lead surging Royals to win over White Sox

BALTIMORE (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit two of Kansas City's franchise-record seven home runs, a rare long-ball barrage that enabled the Royals to beat the Baltimore Orioles 11-6 on Sunday.

Bobby Witt Jr. broke a 5-5 tie with a seventh-inning solo shot off Yennier Cano (0-1), and Vinnie Pasquantino followed with drive into the right-field seats. Cano had not allowed a run in his previous 12 outings this season.

Jonathan India, Luke Maile and Michael Massey also went deep for the Royals. Massey's ninth-inning shot set the club record for home runs in a game.

Kansas City entered with a major league-low 18 homers in its first 34 games. It hadn't hit as many as six in a game since 2020.

Jackson Holliday went deep twice for Baltimore in his first career multihomer game. Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins each hit a solo shot.

Orioles starter Kyle Gibson gave up three runs and five hits in four innings. In his season debut on Tuesday, the 37-year-old yielded four first-inning homers to the Yankees and was pulled in the fourth after allowing nine runs and 11 hits.

Making his 100th career start, Kansas City's Michael Lorenzen surrendered a career-high four home runs and was pulled in the fifth. The four HRs equaled the total he gave up in his previous six starts this season.

Angel Zerpa (2-0) gave up one run in 1 2/3 innings to earn the win.

Baltimore scored twice and had the tying run at the plate with no outs in the eighth when Lucas Erceg entered and got three straight outs.

Kansas City took two of three for its first regular-season series win in Baltimore since 2014. The Royals also won the season series from the Orioles (4-2) for the first time since 2018.

Royals: LHP Cole Ragans (1-1, 4.40 ERA) starts Monday night in the opener of a four-game series against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

Orioles: After taking Monday off, LHP Cade Povich (1-2, 5.16 ERA) faces Minnesota on the road on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746392200936.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit two of Kansas City's franchise-record seven home runs, a rare long-ball barrage that enabled the Royals to beat the Baltimore Orioles 11-6 on Sunday.Bobby Witt Jr. broke a 5-5 tie with a seventh-inning solo shot off Yennier Cano (0-1), and Vinnie Pasquantino followed with drive into the right-field seats. Cano had not allowed a run in his previous 12 outings this season.Jonathan India, Luke Maile and Michael Massey also went deep for the Royals. Massey's ninth-inning shot set the club record for home runs in a game.Kansas City entered with a major league-low 18 homers in its first 34 games. It hadn't hit as many as six in a game since 2020.Jackson Holliday went deep twice for Baltimore in his first career multihomer game. Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins each hit a solo shot.Orioles starter Kyle Gibson gave up three runs and five hits in four innings. In his season debut on Tuesday, the 37-year-old yielded four first-inning homers to the Yankees and was pulled in the fourth after allowing nine runs and 11 hits.Making his 100th career start, Kansas City's Michael Lorenzen surrendered a career-high four home runs and was pulled in the fifth. The four HRs equaled the total he gave up in his previous six starts this season.Angel Zerpa (2-0) gave up one run in 1 2/3 innings to earn the win.<h2>Key moment</h2>Baltimore scored twice and had the tying run at the plate with no outs in the eighth when Lucas Erceg entered and got three straight outs.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City took two of three for its first regular-season series win in Baltimore since 2014. The Royals also won the season series from the Orioles (4-2) for the first time since 2018.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals: LHP Cole Ragans (1-1, 4.40 ERA) starts Monday night in the opener of a four-game series against the visiting Chicago White Sox.Orioles: After taking Monday off, LHP Cade Povich (1-2, 5.16 ERA) faces Minnesota on the road on Tuesday night.

⚾ Royals hit a club-record 7 HRs in win over Orioles

BALTIMORE (AP) — Kris Bubic made it through five innings despite an early rain delay, and the Kansas City Royals hit three solo homers in a 4-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday night.

Cavan Biggio, Kyle Isbel and Vinnie Pasquantino went deep for Kansas City, which has won 10 of its last 12. The Royals have pitched four shutouts in their last eight games.

The game was delayed 57 minutes because of a thunderstorm after the first inning. Both starters stayed in the game anyway. Bubic (3-2) allowed four hits before three Royals relievers closed out the game.

Tomoyuki Sugano (3-2) permitted two runs and four hits in six innings.

Jonathan India led off the fourth with a double and eventually came home on Maikel Garcia's two-out single. Biggio's drive — his first homer of the year — made it 2-0 the following inning. Isbel and Pasquantino went deep in the eighth off Seranthony Domínguez.

Garcia had three hits, as did Baltimore's Gunnar Henderson.

The Orioles only had one runner reach scoring position, and that was in the first with one out. Bubic then struck out Ryan Mountcastle and retired Ryan O'Hearn on a flyout.

The Orioles fell to 2-9 in games against left-handed starters this season. They're batting a major league-worst .174 against southpaws, a number that actually improved when they went 5 for 25 against Bubic and reliever Daniel Lynch IV on Saturday. Lynch worked two innings.

In the final scheduled game between these teams this season, Baltimore's Kyle Gibson (0-1) starts against Kansas City's Michael Lorenzen (3-3) on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746354845208.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Kris Bubic made it through five innings despite an early rain delay, and the Kansas City Royals hit three solo homers in a 4-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday night.Cavan Biggio, Kyle Isbel and Vinnie Pasquantino went deep for Kansas City, which has won 10 of its last 12. The Royals have pitched four shutouts in their last eight games.The game was delayed 57 minutes because of a thunderstorm after the first inning. Both starters stayed in the game anyway. Bubic (3-2) allowed four hits before three Royals relievers closed out the game.Tomoyuki Sugano (3-2) permitted two runs and four hits in six innings.Jonathan India led off the fourth with a double and eventually came home on Maikel Garcia's two-out single. Biggio's drive — his first homer of the year — made it 2-0 the following inning. Isbel and Pasquantino went deep in the eighth off Seranthony Domínguez.Garcia had three hits, as did Baltimore's Gunnar Henderson.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Orioles only had one runner reach scoring position, and that was in the first with one out. Bubic then struck out Ryan Mountcastle and retired Ryan O'Hearn on a flyout.<h2>Key stats</h2>The Orioles fell to 2-9 in games against left-handed starters this season. They're batting a major league-worst .174 against southpaws, a number that actually improved when they went 5 for 25 against Bubic and reliever Daniel Lynch IV on Saturday. Lynch worked two innings.<h2>Up next</h2>In the final scheduled game between these teams this season, Baltimore's Kyle Gibson (0-1) starts against Kansas City's Michael Lorenzen (3-3) on Sunday.

⚾ Royals hit three home runs in shutout of Orioles

BALTIMORE (AP) — Dean Kremer allowed three hits in seven innings, Ryan O'Hearn hit a go-ahead, two-run homer and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Friday night for a rare low-scoring victory in their first shutout this season.

Last-place Baltimore improved to 2-16 when scoring three or fewer runs and won back-to-back games for only the second time this year.

Kremer (3-4) and Michael Wacha (1-4) battled for six scoreless innings before Adley Rutschman led off the Baltimore seventh with a double. O'Hearn followed with a drive to left-center field for his sixth home run of the year.

Emmanuel Rivera, playing because infielder Ramón Urías was scratched with right hamstring tightness, added an RBI single later in the inning.

Kansas City lost for just the second time in 11 games. Bobby Witt Jr. went 0 for 4, ending his 22-game hitting streak, as the Royals were blanked for the fourth time.

Yennier Cano pitched the eighth, and Félix Bautista finished the four-hitter for his sixth save in six chances.

Wacha allowed three runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Kansas City turned inning-ending double plays in the first and second, and Kremer got some help in the seventh when shortstop Gunnar Henderson made a nice sliding play on a grounder behind second base.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez did not play because of hip issues. Manager Matt Quatraro said he's day to day.

Kansas City had a man on second with one out in the second when Mark Canha's comebacker bounced off Kremer to the right side of the infield. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle fielded the ball and flipped it to Kremer, who had hustled over to cover.

After the rare 1-3-1 putout, Kremer retired Drew Waters on a grounder to end the threat.

O'Hearn had 131 RBIs in five seasons with Kansas City before being traded to the Orioles for cash before the 2023 season. In two-plus seasons in Baltimore, he's already driven in 132 runs.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Dean Kremer allowed three hits in seven innings, Ryan O'Hearn hit a go-ahead, two-run homer and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Friday night for a rare low-scoring victory in their first shutout this season.Last-place Baltimore improved to 2-16 when scoring three or fewer runs and won back-to-back games for only the second time this year.Kremer (3-4) and Michael Wacha (1-4) battled for six scoreless innings before Adley Rutschman led off the Baltimore seventh with a double. O'Hearn followed with a drive to left-center field for his sixth home run of the year.Emmanuel Rivera, playing because infielder Ramón Urías was scratched with right hamstring tightness, added an RBI single later in the inning.Kansas City lost for just the second time in 11 games. Bobby Witt Jr. went 0 for 4, ending his 22-game hitting streak, as the Royals were blanked for the fourth time.Yennier Cano pitched the eighth, and Félix Bautista finished the four-hitter for his sixth save in six chances.Wacha allowed three runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings.Kansas City turned inning-ending double plays in the first and second, and Kremer got some help in the seventh when shortstop Gunnar Henderson made a nice sliding play on a grounder behind second base.Royals catcher Salvador Perez did not play because of hip issues. Manager Matt Quatraro said he's day to day.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kansas City had a man on second with one out in the second when Mark Canha's comebacker bounced off Kremer to the right side of the infield. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle fielded the ball and flipped it to Kremer, who had hustled over to cover.After the rare 1-3-1 putout, Kremer retired Drew Waters on a grounder to end the threat.<h2>Key stat</h2>O'Hearn had 131 RBIs in five seasons with Kansas City before being traded to the Orioles for cash before the 2023 season. In two-plus seasons in Baltimore, he's already driven in 132 runs.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Witt's 22-game hitting streak ends as Orioles shutout Royals 

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=24280&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-may-2-2025/4939">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://we.tl/t-FpMfwqQMTA">Media Download</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Friday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex after the Wildcats wrapped up spring practices last week. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

“Good morning, everyone. The guys on our team are in a discretionary week, lifting on their own as we get into dead week and finals. So, we're cleaning some things up, just having some meetings with some guys before they depart for a short period of time because we start to come back Memorial Day because of our early start to summer. So, things are winding down here with our guys, and they get away for a little bit. The coaches are on the road recruiting. I was at AFCA Board of Trustees the last few days in Arizona. We’re still waiting on a lot of things to do there based on House settlement, which we really don't have much to talk about there until that's done. We're finishing up recruiting. We're getting prepared for 2026 official visits. May has become a really busy month, and I think as we try to redo the calendar, it's going to be even more busy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746218176939.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=24280&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-may-2-2025/4939">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://we.tl/t-FpMfwqQMTA">Media Download</a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Friday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex after the Wildcats wrapped up spring practices last week. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Good morning, everyone. The guys on our team are in a discretionary week, lifting on their own as we get into dead week and finals. So, we're cleaning some things up, just having some meetings with some guys before they depart for a short period of time because we start to come back Memorial Day because of our early start to summer. So, things are winding down here with our guys, and they get away for a little bit. The coaches are on the road recruiting. I was at AFCA Board of Trustees the last few days in Arizona. We’re still waiting on a lot of things to do there based on House settlement, which we really don't have much to talk about there until that's done. We're finishing up recruiting. We're getting prepared for 2026 official visits. May has become a really busy month, and I think as we try to redo the calendar, it's going to be even more busy.”– k-statesports.com –

K-State’s Klieman Recaps Spring Practices

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered to extend his hitting streak to 22 games and had three RBIs, Seth Lugo pitched solid six innings and the Kansas City Royals earned a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays with an 8-2 victory on Thursday.

Vinnie Pasquantino had a single, a double and two RBIs for the Royals, who have won nine of their past 10.

Mikael Garcia hit a line-drive double to center field for the Royals, stole third base and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Michael Massey to tie it 1-1 in the fourth.

Lugo (3-3) gave up two runs and five hits with five strikeouts. Daniel Lynch IV, Angel Zerpa and Chris Stratton each threw a scoreless inning of relief for the Royals.

Shane Baz (3-1) gave up seven runs and nine hits with three walks over 5 2/3 innings and had his ERA increase from 2.45 to 3.86.

Yandy Díaz hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1917993889257898444">solo homer</a>&nbsp;in the first for the Rays. Jonathan Aranda added an RBI single in the sixth.

Salvador Perez (hip soreness) left the game in the seventh inning. The 34-year-old catcher was in the lineup at designated hitter, replaced behind the plate by Freddie Fermin. Perez hit an RBI double in the fifth and Fermin had a double, a single and scored twice.

Witt hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1918007635472773369">two-out, two-run homer</a>&nbsp;down the line in right field to spark a three-run fifth that gave the Royals a 4-1 lead.

Witt has a hit in 22 consecutive games, tied with Brian McRae (in 1991) for the sixth-longest hitting streak in Royals history.

Right-hander Michael Wacha (1-3, 3.38 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound on Friday in the first of a three-game series in Baltimore. RHP Dean Kremer (1-3, 7.04 ERA) is expected to pitch for the Orioles.

Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot (2-3, 4.24 ERA) is set to face left-hander Max Fried (5-0, 1.19 ERA) on Friday to start a three-game series against the Yankees in New York.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746129604428.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas&nbsp; City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas&nbsp; City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered to extend his hitting streak to 22 games and had three RBIs, Seth Lugo pitched solid six innings and the Kansas City Royals earned a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays with an 8-2 victory on Thursday.Vinnie Pasquantino had a single, a double and two RBIs for the Royals, who have won nine of their past 10.Mikael Garcia hit a line-drive double to center field for the Royals, stole third base and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Michael Massey to tie it 1-1 in the fourth.Lugo (3-3) gave up two runs and five hits with five strikeouts. Daniel Lynch IV, Angel Zerpa and Chris Stratton each threw a scoreless inning of relief for the Royals.Shane Baz (3-1) gave up seven runs and nine hits with three walks over 5 2/3 innings and had his ERA increase from 2.45 to 3.86.Yandy Díaz hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1917993889257898444">solo homer</a>&nbsp;in the first for the Rays. Jonathan Aranda added an RBI single in the sixth.Salvador Perez (hip soreness) left the game in the seventh inning. The 34-year-old catcher was in the lineup at designated hitter, replaced behind the plate by Freddie Fermin. Perez hit an RBI double in the fifth and Fermin had a double, a single and scored twice.<h2>Key moment</h2>Witt hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1918007635472773369">two-out, two-run homer</a>&nbsp;down the line in right field to spark a three-run fifth that gave the Royals a 4-1 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>Witt has a hit in 22 consecutive games, tied with Brian McRae (in 1991) for the sixth-longest hitting streak in Royals history.<h2>Up next</h2>Right-hander Michael Wacha (1-3, 3.38 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound on Friday in the first of a three-game series in Baltimore. RHP Dean Kremer (1-3, 7.04 ERA) is expected to pitch for the Orioles.Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot (2-3, 4.24 ERA) is set to face left-hander Max Fried (5-0, 1.19 ERA) on Friday to start a three-game series against the Yankees in New York.

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr. homers as Royals earn 3-game sweep over Rays

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Royals left-hander Noah Cameron took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his major league debut and Vinnie Pasquantino homered as Kansas City blanked the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 on Wednesday night.

Cameron, who grew up in the Kansas City area, shut out the Rays over 6 1/3 innings until Curtis Mead ended an 0-for-16 slump with a one-out single down the left-field line. Recalled from Triple-A Omaha prior to the start, Cameron (1-0) allowed one hit and five walks while striking out three. He threw 79 pitches with 46 strikes.

Carlos Estévez stranded two in the ninth for his ninth save.

Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. wasted no time extending his hitting streak to 21 games. He singled in the first inning, then scored on Pasquantino’s fourth homer of the year. Playing in his 500th major league game, Witt also reached 1,000 total bases with his fifth-inning single that scored Cavan Biggio.

Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia and Kyle Isbel each had two hits for the Royals, who’ve won eight of nine.

Drew Rasmussen (1-2) gave up three runs and six hits in five innings for the Rays, who’ve lost seven of their last eight at Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home.

Pasquantino launched a first-pitch fastball, Rasmussen’s 10th pitch, to right-center to give Kansas City a 2-0 lead. The Royals have outscored opponents 17-2 in the first inning this season, including 3-0 against the Rays.

A Royals pitcher hasn’t thrown a no-hitter since Bret Saberhagen on Aug. 26, 1991, a span of 5,244 games. Only Cleveland and Toronto have gone longer without one.

Seth Lugo (2-3, 3.08 ERA) takes the mound as Kansas City looks to sweep the series. The Rays will counter with Shane Baz (3-0, 2.45).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746096143389.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron throws during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron throws during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Royals left-hander Noah Cameron took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his major league debut and Vinnie Pasquantino homered as Kansas City blanked the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 on Wednesday night.Cameron, who grew up in the Kansas City area, shut out the Rays over 6 1/3 innings until Curtis Mead ended an 0-for-16 slump with a one-out single down the left-field line. Recalled from Triple-A Omaha prior to the start, Cameron (1-0) allowed one hit and five walks while striking out three. He threw 79 pitches with 46 strikes.Carlos Estévez stranded two in the ninth for his ninth save.Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. wasted no time extending his hitting streak to 21 games. He singled in the first inning, then scored on Pasquantino’s fourth homer of the year. Playing in his 500th major league game, Witt also reached 1,000 total bases with his fifth-inning single that scored Cavan Biggio.Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia and Kyle Isbel each had two hits for the Royals, who’ve won eight of nine.Drew Rasmussen (1-2) gave up three runs and six hits in five innings for the Rays, who’ve lost seven of their last eight at Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home.<h2>Key moment</h2>Pasquantino launched a first-pitch fastball, Rasmussen’s 10th pitch, to right-center to give Kansas City a 2-0 lead. The Royals have outscored opponents 17-2 in the first inning this season, including 3-0 against the Rays.<h2>Key stat</h2>A Royals pitcher hasn’t thrown a no-hitter since Bret Saberhagen on Aug. 26, 1991, a span of 5,244 games. Only Cleveland and Toronto have gone longer without one.<h2>Up next</h2>Seth Lugo (2-3, 3.08 ERA) takes the mound as Kansas City looks to sweep the series. The Rays will counter with Shane Baz (3-0, 2.45).___

⚾ Noah Cameron takes a no-hitter into 7th in his big league debut

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State bolstered its offensive line unit this week by signing transfers&nbsp;JB Nelson&nbsp;(Penn State) and&nbsp;Terrence Enos Jr.&nbsp;(Pittsburgh )

Both players have one year of eligibility remaining and are the first two transfers to sign with K-State during the spring window. They join a list of 12 other NCAA Division I or II transfers who will play for the Wildcats this coming fall.

A product of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nelson played in 31 games over three the last three season for the Nittany Lions, which included eight starts during the 2023 campaign in which he was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention pick by both the league’s coaches and media. He saw time at both guard and tackle positions, totaling 776 offensive snaps during his time in Happy Valley and helping Penn State accumulate a 23-6 record the last two seasons. Last year, Nelson played in three College Football Playoff contests, a first-round victory over SMU, a win over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

As a starter in 2023, Nelson helped the Nittany Lions earn a No. 28 national ranking in rushing offense (184.8), while they ranked 19th&nbsp;in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.23) and 10th&nbsp;in fewest tackle for loss per game (3.92). Penn State also ranked in the top 20 in all three categories a year ago.

Nelson began his collegiate career by starting all 10 games of his freshman season at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was the top-rated overall community-college prospect for the Class of 2022 by On3, while he ranked No. 2 by 247Sports and ESPN.

Enos Jr., who hails from Redford, Michigan, saw time in 27 games with five starts during the last three years at Pittsburgh. As a junior in 2024, Enos Jr. played in all 13 games with four starts at various positions as he earned starts at left tackle against Syracuse and SMU, left guard against Virginia and right tackle against Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. He totaled 383 total offensive snaps a year ago. In 2023, Enos Jr. saw action in nine games with a start at right tackle against Notre Dame.

Kansas State is coming off a 2024 season in which it went 9-4 and capped its season with a 17-point comeback victory over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl. The Wildcats have won at least nine games each of the last three seasons, one of only 10 Power 4 teams – and the only Big 12 program – to win at least nine games each of the last three seasons. They are also one of only five programs to accomplish that feat and claim a conference championship during that timeframe, joining Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Oregon.

KSU release<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State bolstered its offensive line unit this week by signing transfers&nbsp;JB Nelson&nbsp;(Penn State) and&nbsp;Terrence Enos Jr.&nbsp;(Pittsburgh )<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746049922401.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746049944082.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Both players have one year of eligibility remaining and are the first two transfers to sign with K-State during the spring window. They join a list of 12 other NCAA Division I or II transfers who will play for the Wildcats this coming fall.A product of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nelson played in 31 games over three the last three season for the Nittany Lions, which included eight starts during the 2023 campaign in which he was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention pick by both the league’s coaches and media. He saw time at both guard and tackle positions, totaling 776 offensive snaps during his time in Happy Valley and helping Penn State accumulate a 23-6 record the last two seasons. Last year, Nelson played in three College Football Playoff contests, a first-round victory over SMU, a win over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.As a starter in 2023, Nelson helped the Nittany Lions earn a No. 28 national ranking in rushing offense (184.8), while they ranked 19th&nbsp;in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.23) and 10th&nbsp;in fewest tackle for loss per game (3.92). Penn State also ranked in the top 20 in all three categories a year ago.Nelson began his collegiate career by starting all 10 games of his freshman season at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was the top-rated overall community-college prospect for the Class of 2022 by On3, while he ranked No. 2 by 247Sports and ESPN.Enos Jr., who hails from Redford, Michigan, saw time in 27 games with five starts during the last three years at Pittsburgh. As a junior in 2024, Enos Jr. played in all 13 games with four starts at various positions as he earned starts at left tackle against Syracuse and SMU, left guard against Virginia and right tackle against Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. He totaled 383 total offensive snaps a year ago. In 2023, Enos Jr. saw action in nine games with a start at right tackle against Notre Dame.Kansas State is coming off a 2024 season in which it went 9-4 and capped its season with a 17-point comeback victory over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl. The Wildcats have won at least nine games each of the last three seasons, one of only 10 Power 4 teams – and the only Big 12 program – to win at least nine games each of the last three seasons. They are also one of only five programs to accomplish that feat and claim a conference championship during that timeframe, joining Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Oregon.

K-State Signs Pair of Offensive Line Transfers

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Freddy Fermin had three hits and an RBI, Kyle Isbel and Salvador Perez each drove in a run and Michael Lorenzen pitched six strong innings for his 50th career win as the Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Perez’s two-out double drove in Jonathan India in the first. One inning later, Fermin poked a single to right that allowed Drew Walters to advance from first to third, setting up Isbel’s sacrifice fly.

Fermin, who nearly left the game in the seventh after fouling a pitch off his hands, singled home Maikel Garcia to give Kansas City a two-run cushion in the ninth.

Lorenzen (3-3) halted the Rays’ five-game winning streak, his only blemish a solo homer to Junior Caminero in the fourth. After the homer, Lorenzen retired nine of his final 11 before three Kansas City relievers combined to shut out the Rays over the final three innings.

Caminero fell a triple shy of the cycle, going 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Rays, who’ve dropped six of their last seven at Steinbrenner Field.

Rays start Taj Bradley (2-2) gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings, walking three and striking out two.

Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Brandon Lowe and Caminero singled off Lucas Erceg. The reliever then struck out Jonathan Aranda and induced an inning-ending groundout from Christopher Morel to escape the jam. The Rays finished 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position.

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. singled in the eighth to extend his hitting streak to 20 games, longest in the majors since José Iglesias hit safely in 22 straight from Sept. 6-30.

Royals LHP Noah Cameron is expected to make his big league debut on Wednesday against Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 2.10 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746007805852.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) watches his RBI double off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Taj Bradley during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) watches his RBI double off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Taj Bradley during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Freddy Fermin had three hits and an RBI, Kyle Isbel and Salvador Perez each drove in a run and Michael Lorenzen pitched six strong innings for his 50th career win as the Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 on Tuesday night.Perez’s two-out double drove in Jonathan India in the first. One inning later, Fermin poked a single to right that allowed Drew Walters to advance from first to third, setting up Isbel’s sacrifice fly.Fermin, who nearly left the game in the seventh after fouling a pitch off his hands, singled home Maikel Garcia to give Kansas City a two-run cushion in the ninth.Lorenzen (3-3) halted the Rays’ five-game winning streak, his only blemish a solo homer to Junior Caminero in the fourth. After the homer, Lorenzen retired nine of his final 11 before three Kansas City relievers combined to shut out the Rays over the final three innings.Carlos Estévez earned his eighth save.Caminero fell a triple shy of the cycle, going 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Rays, who’ve dropped six of their last seven at Steinbrenner Field.Rays start Taj Bradley (2-2) gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings, walking three and striking out two.<h2>Key moment</h2>Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Brandon Lowe and Caminero singled off Lucas Erceg. The reliever then struck out Jonathan Aranda and induced an inning-ending groundout from Christopher Morel to escape the jam. The Rays finished 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position.<h2>Key stat</h2>Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. singled in the eighth to extend his hitting streak to 20 games, longest in the majors since José Iglesias hit safely in 22 straight from Sept. 6-30.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Noah Cameron is expected to make his big league debut on Wednesday against Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 2.10 ERA).

⚾️ Freddy Fermin has 3 hits as Royals beat Rays

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.