SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Salvador Perez had three hits including a two-run homer, Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia each had two hits and two RBIs, and the Kansas City Royals got their offense going in a 8-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.

The Royals had scored three runs or fewer in their previous seven games and were held to four runs or fewer in 42 of their first 50 games.

Kansas City led 3-1 in the top of the fourth when Perez hit an opposite field homer off Giants starter Logan Webb (5-4) with Witt aboard.

The Royals extended the lead to 8-2 in the fifth, when Drew Waters hit a leadoff double during a two-run inning.

Matt Chapman, Patrick Bailey and Heliot Ramos homered for San Francisco.

Ramos hit a two-run homer in the ninth off Lucas Erceg to cut the lead to 8-4.

Jonathan Bowlan (1-0) gave up one run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings in relief of opener Daniel Lynch IV, who walked three and gave up a hit in 1 2/3 innings.

Webb (5-4) gave up six runs (three earned) on 10 hits in four innings. The Giants’ ace struck out five and walked none.

Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel made a sliding catch on a low line drive off Wilmer Flores’ bat with the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth inning of a 6-2 game.

The Royals improved to a major league-best 17-1 when scoring four runs or more.

Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (1-1, 0.71 ERA) will pitch Friday’s series opener against the Twins in Minnesota. The Giants have not yet announced a starter for Friday’s series opener against the Nationals in Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747909915500.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Salvador Perez had three hits including a two-run homer, Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia each had two hits and two RBIs, and the Kansas City Royals got their offense going in a 8-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.The Royals had scored three runs or fewer in their previous seven games and were held to four runs or fewer in 42 of their first 50 games.Kansas City led 3-1 in the top of the fourth when Perez hit an opposite field homer off Giants starter Logan Webb (5-4) with Witt aboard.The Royals extended the lead to 8-2 in the fifth, when Drew Waters hit a leadoff double during a two-run inning.Matt Chapman, Patrick Bailey and Heliot Ramos homered for San Francisco.Ramos hit a two-run homer in the ninth off Lucas Erceg to cut the lead to 8-4.Jonathan Bowlan (1-0) gave up one run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings in relief of opener Daniel Lynch IV, who walked three and gave up a hit in 1 2/3 innings.Webb (5-4) gave up six runs (three earned) on 10 hits in four innings. The Giants’ ace struck out five and walked none.<h2>Key moment</h2>Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel made a sliding catch on a low line drive off Wilmer Flores’ bat with the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth inning of a 6-2 game.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals improved to a major league-best 17-1 when scoring four runs or more.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (1-1, 0.71 ERA) will pitch Friday’s series opener against the Twins in Minnesota. The Giants have not yet announced a starter for Friday’s series opener against the Nationals in Washington.

⚾️ Perez powers Royals with 3 hits, including a homer, in win over Giants

The Chapman Lady Irish held off Andale/Garden Plain in the Sub-state championship game on Tuesday night in Chapman and are headed to the 4A State Tournament in Salina next week. It will be their first appearance in the state tournament since 2016.

4A Regional #2 Semifinal: #2 Chapman 6, #15 Concordia 2

Chapman scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the first inning to jump ahead 1-0 over Concordia. The Lady Panthers responded in the top of the second with two runs and led 2-1 over the Irish. The game then became a pitcher’s duel with Madalynn Harold in the circle for Chapman and Jaylin Roush in the circle for Concordia.

The Lady Irish left the bases loaded to end the fourth, and Concordia still led by one run. In the bottom of the fifth, Chapman delivered. The Lady Irish scored five runs and took a 6-2 lead. Chapman held on to win and advanced to play Andale/Garden Plain in the 4A West #2 Regional championship.

4A Regional #2 Championship: #2 Chapman 5, #10 Andale/Garden Plain 3

Similar to the semifinal game, the Lady Irish started the scoring with one run in the bottom of the first. After one inning, Chapman led 1-0. Pitchers for both teams settled in, with Madalynn Harold back in the circle for Chapman and Jayna Lies in the circle for Andale/Garden Plain.

Chapman added two runs in the third, to lead 3-0 after three. In the fourth, Andale/Garden Plain left the bases loaded, as Harold struck out Elsie Johnson to end the inning. The Lady Irish scored two runs in the fifth to lead 5-0.

Andale/Garden Plain was not done yet, as a couple of pinch hitters came up clutch for the Indians in the top of the sixth. Quickly, it was a two-run game with Chapman leading 5-3. The Indians left runners stranded at second and third to end the inning.

In the seventh inning, Madalynn Harold shut the Indians down in order, and Chapman held on to win 5-3.

Chapman scored five runs on nine hits. In the circle, Harold pitched all seven innings and recorded 12 strikeouts in the sub-state championship game.

On the day, Harold pitched 13 of the 14 innings and recorded a total of 23 strikeouts.

Chapman advances to the 4A State Tournament next week in Salina. It is the Irish first trip to the State Tournament since 2016 when they placed third.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747840601987.jpeg" alt="The Lady Irish celebrate after holding off Andale/Garden Plain in the regional final. Photo courtesy of Chapman High School." />
 <figcaption>The Lady Irish celebrate after holding off Andale/Garden Plain in the regional final. Photo courtesy of Chapman High School.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesThe Chapman Lady Irish held off Andale/Garden Plain in the Sub-state championship game on Tuesday night in Chapman and are headed to the 4A State Tournament in Salina next week. It will be their first appearance in the state tournament since 2016.4A Regional #2 Semifinal: #2 Chapman 6, #15 Concordia 2Chapman scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the first inning to jump ahead 1-0 over Concordia. The Lady Panthers responded in the top of the second with two runs and led 2-1 over the Irish. The game then became a pitcher’s duel with Madalynn Harold in the circle for Chapman and Jaylin Roush in the circle for Concordia.The Lady Irish left the bases loaded to end the fourth, and Concordia still led by one run. In the bottom of the fifth, Chapman delivered. The Lady Irish scored five runs and took a 6-2 lead. Chapman held on to win and advanced to play Andale/Garden Plain in the 4A West #2 Regional championship.4A Regional #2 Championship: #2 Chapman 5, #10 Andale/Garden Plain 3Similar to the semifinal game, the Lady Irish started the scoring with one run in the bottom of the first. After one inning, Chapman led 1-0. Pitchers for both teams settled in, with Madalynn Harold back in the circle for Chapman and Jayna Lies in the circle for Andale/Garden Plain.Chapman added two runs in the third, to lead 3-0 after three. In the fourth, Andale/Garden Plain left the bases loaded, as Harold struck out Elsie Johnson to end the inning. The Lady Irish scored two runs in the fifth to lead 5-0.Andale/Garden Plain was not done yet, as a couple of pinch hitters came up clutch for the Indians in the top of the sixth. Quickly, it was a two-run game with Chapman leading 5-3. The Indians left runners stranded at second and third to end the inning.In the seventh inning, Madalynn Harold shut the Indians down in order, and Chapman held on to win 5-3.Chapman scored five runs on nine hits. In the circle, Harold pitched all seven innings and recorded 12 strikeouts in the sub-state championship game.On the day, Harold pitched 13 of the 14 innings and recorded a total of 23 strikeouts.Chapman advances to the 4A State Tournament next week in Salina. It is the Irish first trip to the State Tournament since 2016 when they placed third.

Chapman Softball advances to the 4A State Tournament

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hayden Birdsong threw five sharp innings in his first start of the season and the San Francisco Giants beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Birdsong (2-0) was moved from the bullpen to the rotation in place of Jordan Hicks and provided just what manager Bob Melvin hoped he would deliver when he made the move.

Birdsong allowed one unearned run, five hits and no walks to give the Giants their fourth win in the last five games.

Ryan Walker pitched the ninth for his ninth save in 11 chances.

Willy Adames hit an RBI triple in the fourth inning against Michael Lorenzen (3-5) and scored on a single by Casey Schmitt to give San Francisco a 2-1 lead.

Lorenzen allowed three runs — two earned — and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings in his shortest start of the season for Kansas City.

Kyle Isbel hit a sacrifice fly in the third and Bobby Witt Jr. had a run-scoring infield single in the eighth for the Royals, who have been held to four runs or fewer in 42 of 50 games.

The Giants added an insurance run in the fifth after Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino threw wildly to second when he tried to get a force on a grounder by Wilmer Flores. Jung Hoo Lee followed with an RBI single to make it 3-1.

San Francisco improved to 25-9 this season against right-handed starters.

RHP Logan Webb (5-3, 2.42 ERA) pitches the series finale for the Giants. Webb is 3-0 with a 0.64 ERA in four starts at home. The Royals are undecided on their starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747822320850.jpeg" alt="San Francisco Giants' Jung Hoo Lee hits an RBI single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)" />
 <figcaption>San Francisco Giants' Jung Hoo Lee hits an RBI single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hayden Birdsong threw five sharp innings in his first start of the season and the San Francisco Giants beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Tuesday night.Birdsong (2-0) was moved from the bullpen to the rotation in place of Jordan Hicks and provided just what manager Bob Melvin hoped he would deliver when he made the move.Birdsong allowed one unearned run, five hits and no walks to give the Giants their fourth win in the last five games.Ryan Walker pitched the ninth for his ninth save in 11 chances.Willy Adames hit an RBI triple in the fourth inning against Michael Lorenzen (3-5) and scored on a single by Casey Schmitt to give San Francisco a 2-1 lead.Lorenzen allowed three runs — two earned — and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings in his shortest start of the season for Kansas City.Kyle Isbel hit a sacrifice fly in the third and Bobby Witt Jr. had a run-scoring infield single in the eighth for the Royals, who have been held to four runs or fewer in 42 of 50 games.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Giants added an insurance run in the fifth after Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino threw wildly to second when he tried to get a force on a grounder by Wilmer Flores. Jung Hoo Lee followed with an RBI single to make it 3-1.<h2>Key stat</h2>San Francisco improved to 25-9 this season against right-handed starters.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Logan Webb (5-3, 2.42 ERA) pitches the series finale for the Giants. Webb is 3-0 with a 0.64 ERA in four starts at home. The Royals are undecided on their starter.

⚾️ Birdsong pitches the Giants past the Royals in his 1st start of the season

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Kris Bubic threw seven scoreless innings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bubic-nohitter-royals-massey-error-flores-e0228b731773cfba601e75c8f21c75d2">losing a no-hit bid in the sixth on an official scoring change,</a>&nbsp;and Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run homer in the eighth as the Kansas City Royals got past the San Francisco Giants 3-1 on Monday night.

Bubic, a left-hander who went to Mitty High School in San Jose and then to Stanford, carried his no-hit bid until there were two outs in the sixth. Wilmer Flores hit a grounder to the right side. Second baseman Michael Massey ranged to his left and slipped as the ball got past him. The play originally was ruled an error on Massey, then was changed to a single.

Casey Schmitt’s clean double down the left-field line with one out in the seventh was the only other hit Bubic (5-2) allowed. His ERA fell to 1.47 as he struck out five and walked three.

Giants left-hander Robbie Ray also worked seven shutout innings, lowering his ERA to 2.67. Ray gave up six hits, struck out seven and walked one.

Tyler Rogers (2-2) replaced Ray to begin the eighth in a scoreless game. Jonathan India’s one-out double preceded Pasquantino’s two-out drive over the right-field wall, the first baseman’s eighth home run of the season.

The Giants scored on Jung Hoo Lee’s RBI double in the bottom of the eighth but the Royals got an insurance run on Kyle Isbel’s RBI single off Jordan Hicks in the ninth.

Carlos Estévez pitched a scoreless inning for his 14th save.

After Schmitt’s double, the Giants had runners at second and third with one out in the seventh. Tyler Fitzgerald then hit a soft liner to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who flipped the ball to third baseman Maikel Garcia to double off Willy Adames and end the inning.

The Giants had won all nine of Ray’s starts this season before Monday.

Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-4, 3.76 ERA) faces Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong (1-0, 2.31) on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747737194488.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Kris Bubic threw seven scoreless innings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bubic-nohitter-royals-massey-error-flores-e0228b731773cfba601e75c8f21c75d2">losing a no-hit bid in the sixth on an official scoring change,</a>&nbsp;and Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run homer in the eighth as the Kansas City Royals got past the San Francisco Giants 3-1 on Monday night.Bubic, a left-hander who went to Mitty High School in San Jose and then to Stanford, carried his no-hit bid until there were two outs in the sixth. Wilmer Flores hit a grounder to the right side. Second baseman Michael Massey ranged to his left and slipped as the ball got past him. The play originally was ruled an error on Massey, then was changed to a single.Casey Schmitt’s clean double down the left-field line with one out in the seventh was the only other hit Bubic (5-2) allowed. His ERA fell to 1.47 as he struck out five and walked three.Giants left-hander Robbie Ray also worked seven shutout innings, lowering his ERA to 2.67. Ray gave up six hits, struck out seven and walked one.Tyler Rogers (2-2) replaced Ray to begin the eighth in a scoreless game. Jonathan India’s one-out double preceded Pasquantino’s two-out drive over the right-field wall, the first baseman’s eighth home run of the season.The Giants scored on Jung Hoo Lee’s RBI double in the bottom of the eighth but the Royals got an insurance run on Kyle Isbel’s RBI single off Jordan Hicks in the ninth.Carlos Estévez pitched a scoreless inning for his 14th save.<h2>Key moment</h2>After Schmitt’s double, the Giants had runners at second and third with one out in the seventh. Tyler Fitzgerald then hit a soft liner to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who flipped the ball to third baseman Maikel Garcia to double off Willy Adames and end the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Giants had won all nine of Ray’s starts this season before Monday.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-4, 3.76 ERA) faces Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong (1-0, 2.31) on Tuesday night.

⚾️ Bubic's 7 shutout innings, Pasquantino's homer lift the Royals over the Giants 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Waters led off the seventh inning with a pinch-hit triple, Maikel Garcia drove him in with a single and the Kansas City Royals snapped a four-game skid and avoided a series sweep with a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.

With the game tied at 1, Waters batted in place of Dairon Blanco and tripled to right field on the first pitch from reliever Chris Roycroft (1-3). Garcia hit Roycroft's second pitch to right to score Waters with the go-ahead run.

Lucas Erceg (1-0) got five outs for the win and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth and worked around a double by Brendan Donovan for his 13th save in 15 opportunities.

Kansas City's Michael Wacha started against his former team and allowed one run and eight hits in five innings with six strikeouts and no walks. The Royals have scored two runs or less with Wacha on the mound in nine of his 10 starts.

Alec Burleson put the Cardinals up 1-0 in the fourth with his fourth homer of the season.

The Royals then tied it against Matthew Liberatore when Hunter Renfroe led off the bottom half of the fourth with a double and scored on a two-out double by Blanco in his first game of the season.

Liberatore allowed one run and six hits in six innings. He has gone at least six innings in seven of nine starts.

Donovan went 4 for 5 with his 15th double for St. Louis, which had won three straight and 12 of 13.

Salvador Perez had two hits for the Royals after entering in a 1-for-21 slump.

The first two pitches thrown by Roycroft proved to be the difference.

The Cardinals are 50-27 all time at Kaufmann Stadium and 31-30 at home in the series.

Cardinals: RHP Sonny Gray (4-1, 4.50) starts Monday to begin a six-game homestand with three against Detroit.

Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.66) starts Monday in the first of three against San Francisco to begin a six-game trip.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747601968559.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Waters led off the seventh inning with a pinch-hit triple, Maikel Garcia drove him in with a single and the Kansas City Royals snapped a four-game skid and avoided a series sweep with a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.With the game tied at 1, Waters batted in place of Dairon Blanco and tripled to right field on the first pitch from reliever Chris Roycroft (1-3). Garcia hit Roycroft's second pitch to right to score Waters with the go-ahead run.Lucas Erceg (1-0) got five outs for the win and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth and worked around a double by Brendan Donovan for his 13th save in 15 opportunities.Kansas City's Michael Wacha started against his former team and allowed one run and eight hits in five innings with six strikeouts and no walks. The Royals have scored two runs or less with Wacha on the mound in nine of his 10 starts.Alec Burleson put the Cardinals up 1-0 in the fourth with his fourth homer of the season.The Royals then tied it against Matthew Liberatore when Hunter Renfroe led off the bottom half of the fourth with a double and scored on a two-out double by Blanco in his first game of the season.Liberatore allowed one run and six hits in six innings. He has gone at least six innings in seven of nine starts.Donovan went 4 for 5 with his 15th double for St. Louis, which had won three straight and 12 of 13.Salvador Perez had two hits for the Royals after entering in a 1-for-21 slump.<h2>Key moment</h2>The first two pitches thrown by Roycroft proved to be the difference.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Cardinals are 50-27 all time at Kaufmann Stadium and 31-30 at home in the series.<h2>Up next</h2>Cardinals: RHP Sonny Gray (4-1, 4.50) starts Monday to begin a six-game homestand with three against Detroit.Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.66) starts Monday in the first of three against San Francisco to begin a six-game trip.

⚾️ Waters' triple in the 7th sparks Royals to victory over Cardinals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jordan Walker homered and Miles Mikolas pitched six sharp innings to lead the surging St. Louis Cardinals past the Kansas City Royals 1-0 on Saturday night.

Mikolas (3-2) allowed two hits with four strikeouts and two walks for the Cardinals, who have won three straight and 12 of 13. St. Louis is 7-1 on a nine-game trip to three cities, winning all three series.

Walker connected leading off sixth. Iván Herrera’s two-out single in the fifth was the only other hit for the Cardinals.

Kyle Leahy permitted two hits in two innings of relief and Ryan Helsley finished the four-hitter for his ninth save.

Hard-luck loser Noah Cameron (1-1) went 6 1/3 innings in his second major league start. The 25-year-old left-hander from St. Joseph, Missouri, became the first pitcher to begin his career with consecutive starts of 6 1/3 or more innings without giving up more than two hits in either one.

Kansas City stranded five runners and has been held to four or fewer runs in seven of the last eight games. The Royals have scored four or more 38 times this season, second-most in the majors.

Walker hit a 422-foot shot to left field for his third homer of the season. He began the night batting .186.

St. Louis has its first seven-win road trip since 2021. ... The Royals have lost four in a row, and six of seven since a seven-game winning streak from May 3-9.

Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 3.11 ERA) faces RHP Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.96) in the series finale Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747534891207.png" alt="Photo St. Louis Cardinals" />
 <figcaption>Photo St. Louis Cardinals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jordan Walker homered and Miles Mikolas pitched six sharp innings to lead the surging St. Louis Cardinals past the Kansas City Royals 1-0 on Saturday night.Mikolas (3-2) allowed two hits with four strikeouts and two walks for the Cardinals, who have won three straight and 12 of 13. St. Louis is 7-1 on a nine-game trip to three cities, winning all three series.Walker connected leading off sixth. Iván Herrera’s two-out single in the fifth was the only other hit for the Cardinals.Kyle Leahy permitted two hits in two innings of relief and Ryan Helsley finished the four-hitter for his ninth save.Hard-luck loser Noah Cameron (1-1) went 6 1/3 innings in his second major league start. The 25-year-old left-hander from St. Joseph, Missouri, became the first pitcher to begin his career with consecutive starts of 6 1/3 or more innings without giving up more than two hits in either one.Kansas City stranded five runners and has been held to four or fewer runs in seven of the last eight games. The Royals have scored four or more 38 times this season, second-most in the majors.<h2>Key moment</h2>Walker hit a 422-foot shot to left field for his third homer of the season. He began the night batting .186.<h2>Key stats</h2>St. Louis has its first seven-win road trip since 2021. ... The Royals have lost four in a row, and six of seven since a seven-game winning streak from May 3-9.<h2>Up next</h2>Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 3.11 ERA) faces RHP Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.96) in the series finale Sunday.

⚾️ Walker homers and Mikolas pitches streaking Cardinals past the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Iván Herrera had three hits and four RBIs, Andre Pallante allowed two runs in seven innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Kansas City Royals 10-3 on Friday night.

Willson Contreras doubled twice and drove in a run for the Cardinals, who have won 11 of 12. The Royals have dropped five of six since a seven-game winning streak.

Contreras doubled and scored on a two-out wild pitch by Cole Ragans (2-3) in the second. Brendan Donovan doubled leading off the fourth and scored on a one-out double by Contreras for a two-run lead. Herrera singled in Contreras to make it 3-0.

Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the fourth against Pallante (4-2). Kyle Isbel tripled in the fifth and scored on a balk.

Pallante threw 100 pitches. He gave up seven hits, struck out four and walked none.

Ragans surrendered four runs on five hits in five innings with seven strikeouts. Four Kansas City relievers combined to allow six runs on eight hits.

Herrera doubled and scored on an infield single by Jordan Walker in the eighth.

Ragans departed after a leadoff single by Masyn Winn in the sixth, and Brendan Donovan greeted John Schreiber with a single. Contreras reached on an error by second baseman Jonathan India. Herrera cleared the bases with a double before scoring on a single by Pedro Pagés.

The Cardinals lead the all-time series 80-56, including a 49-26 record at Kauffman Stadium.

RHP Miles Mikolas (2-2, 4.35 ERA) starts Saturday for the Cardinals. The Royals hadn't named a starter after RHP Seth Lugo (3-4, 3.02) had his start pushed back with right middle finger inflammation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747449937246.jpeg" alt="Photo St. Louis Cardinals" />
 <figcaption>Photo St. Louis Cardinals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Iván Herrera had three hits and four RBIs, Andre Pallante allowed two runs in seven innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Kansas City Royals 10-3 on Friday night.Willson Contreras doubled twice and drove in a run for the Cardinals, who have won 11 of 12. The Royals have dropped five of six since a seven-game winning streak.Contreras doubled and scored on a two-out wild pitch by Cole Ragans (2-3) in the second. Brendan Donovan doubled leading off the fourth and scored on a one-out double by Contreras for a two-run lead. Herrera singled in Contreras to make it 3-0.Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the fourth against Pallante (4-2). Kyle Isbel tripled in the fifth and scored on a balk.Pallante threw 100 pitches. He gave up seven hits, struck out four and walked none.Ragans surrendered four runs on five hits in five innings with seven strikeouts. Four Kansas City relievers combined to allow six runs on eight hits.Herrera doubled and scored on an infield single by Jordan Walker in the eighth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Ragans departed after a leadoff single by Masyn Winn in the sixth, and Brendan Donovan greeted John Schreiber with a single. Contreras reached on an error by second baseman Jonathan India. Herrera cleared the bases with a double before scoring on a single by Pedro Pagés.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Cardinals lead the all-time series 80-56, including a 49-26 record at Kauffman Stadium.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Miles Mikolas (2-2, 4.35 ERA) starts Saturday for the Cardinals. The Royals hadn't named a starter after RHP Seth Lugo (3-4, 3.02) had his start pushed back with right middle finger inflammation.___

⚾️ Herrera drives in 4 as Cardinals beat the Royals

Junction City High School's Blue
Jay Stadium was the site of the 2025 Centennial League Track Meet on
Thursday, May 15. 



The
Junction City Blue Jay boys team finished in third place with 92.5
points, and the girls team finished in fourth with 65 points. 



Manhattan
High School was the Centennial League Champions for both boys and
girls. Washburn Rural placed second in both boys and girls. 



Junction
City results from the Centennial League Track and Field Meet. The
top four finishers for JCHS boys and girls are listed below.



Centennial
League Champions (1st place finishers)


4X100
M Relay – 42.76 – (Lance Norris, Tylen Smith, Aidenn Segura,
Isaiah Byers)


Kayla
Covington – Shot Put – 36’10.75


Elizabeth
Edgerton Diaz – High Jump – 4’10


J’Sean
Green – Triple Jump – 41’7.5


Chance
Tyson – Long Jump – 21’3.25 



Chance
Tyson – 110 M Hurdles – 15.50


4X100
M Relay – 50.59 (Amiya Fischer, Isabell Pruitt, Laila Berry, Ayanna
Patterson)


4X400
M Relay (Girls) – 4:27.74 (Linden Pickler, Anna Fontaine, Brittany
Dibben, Elizabeth Edgerton Diaz)


4X400
M Relay (Boys) – 3:28.57 – (Aidenn Segura, J’Sean Green, Owen
Fox, Isaiah Byers)

Junction City High School's Blue
Jay Stadium was the site of the 2025 Centennial League Track Meet on
Thursday, May 15. 

The
Junction City Blue Jay boys team finished in third place with 92.5
points, and the girls team finished in fourth with 65 points. 

Manhattan
High School was the Centennial League Champions for both boys and
girls. Washburn Rural placed second in both boys and girls. 

Junction
City results from the Centennial League Track and Field Meet. The
top four finishers for JCHS boys and girls are listed below.

Centennial
League Champions (1st place finishers)
(Field
events)
Gracie
Erichsen – Discus – 116’4
Kingston
Timms – High Jump – 6’2(Running
events)
Tylen
Smith – 100 M – 10.58
Tylen
Smith – 200 M – 21.71
4X100
M Relay – 42.76 – (Lance Norris, Tylen Smith, Aidenn Segura,
Isaiah Byers)Second
Place Medalist
(Field
events)
Gracie
Erichsen – Shot Put – 37’6
Chase
Perkins – Long Jump – 21’8
(Running
events)
Linden
Pickler – 1600 M – 5:14.36
Third
Place Medalist
(Field
events)
Breya
Allen – Discus – 106’8
Trevon
Briley – Discus – 134’3
Kayla
Covington – Shot Put – 36’10.75
Elizabeth
Edgerton Diaz – High Jump – 4’10
J’Sean
Green – Triple Jump – 41’7.5
Chance
Tyson – Long Jump – 21’3.25 

(Running
events)
Isaiah
Byers – 200 M – 21.84
Fourth
Place Medalist
(Running
events)
Blair
Allen – 100 M Hurdles – 17.92
Jake
Atkins – 800 M – 2:00.87
Anna
Fontaine – 800 M – 2:28.36
Anthony
Testa – 1600 M – 4:44.86
Chance
Tyson – 110 M Hurdles – 15.50
4X100
M Relay – 50.59 (Amiya Fischer, Isabell Pruitt, Laila Berry, Ayanna
Patterson)
4X400
M Relay (Girls) – 4:27.74 (Linden Pickler, Anna Fontaine, Brittany
Dibben, Elizabeth Edgerton Diaz)
4X400
M Relay (Boys) – 3:28.57 – (Aidenn Segura, J’Sean Green, Owen
Fox, Isaiah Byers)

JCHS Track and Field results from Centennial League Meet

Athletic awards presentations were part of the Senior Night ceremony at Junction City High School Wednesday evening.

The Bert McKinsey Award that is presented annually to the senior male athlete / letter winner who has contributed the most to the overall athletic program during their high school career was presented to Truman Fortner. The Kim Kilpatrick Award goes to the senior female athletic / letter winner who contributed the most to the overall athletic program during her high school career. This year the recipient was Cassidy Miller.

The Mike Champ Award went to Nicole Green for the girls and Deantae Battiste for the boys.

The awards ceremony was held in the auditorium at JCHS.

Athletic awards presentations were part of the Senior Night ceremony at Junction City High School Wednesday evening.The Bert McKinsey Award that is presented annually to the senior male athlete / letter winner who has contributed the most to the overall athletic program during their high school career was presented to Truman Fortner. The Kim Kilpatrick Award goes to the senior female athletic / letter winner who contributed the most to the overall athletic program during her high school career. This year the recipient was Cassidy Miller.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747318324230.jpeg" alt="Pgoto - USD 475 )" />
 <figcaption>Pgoto - USD 475 )</figcaption>
 </figure>The Mike Champ Award went to Nicole Green for the girls and Deantae Battiste for the boys.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747318490214.jpeg" alt="( Photo - USD 475 )" />
 <figcaption>( Photo - USD 475 )</figcaption>
 </figure>The awards ceremony was held in the auditorium at JCHS.

Athletic awards are announced at Junction City High School

** Home games at
Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City are in bold. 


Week 1 – Friday,
Sept. 5 at LA Chargers (in Brazil) - 7:00 p.m. (Streaming on YouTube)

Week 2 –
Sunday, Sept. 14 vs Philadelphia Eagles – 3:25 p.m. - FOX

Week 3 – Sunday,
Sept. 21 at New York Giants – 7:20 p.m. - NBC

Week 4 –
Sunday, Sept. 28 vs Baltimore Ravens – 3:25 p.m. - CBS

Week 5 – Monday,
Oct. 6 @ Jacksonville Jaguars – 7:15 p.m. - ESPN/ABC

Week 6 –
Sunday, Oct. 12 vs Detroit Lions – 7:20 - NBC

Week 7 –
Sunday, Oct. 19 vs Las Vegas Raiders – 12:00 p.m. - CBS

Week 8 –
Monday, Oct. 27 vs Washington Commanders – 7:15 p.m. - ESPN/ABC

Week 9 – Sunday,
Nov. 2 at Buffalo Bills – 3:25 - CBS

Week 11 – Sunday,
Nov. 16 at Denver Broncos – at 3:25 p.m. - CBS

Week 12 –
Sunday, Nov. 23 vs Indianapolis Colts – 12:00 p.m. - CBS

Week 13 –
Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day) – at Dallas Cowboys – 3:30
p.m. - CBS

Week 14 –
Sunday, Dec. 7 vs Houston Texas – 7:20 p.m. - NBC

Week 15 –
Sunday, Dec. 14 vs LA Chargers – 12:00 p.m. - CBS

Week 16 – Sunday,
Dec. 21 at Tennessee Titans – 12:00 p.m. - CBS

Week 17 –
Thursday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) – vs Denver Broncos – 7:15 p.m. (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)

Week 18 – Saturday
or Sunday, Jan. 3 or 4, at Las Vegas Raiders. TBD

** Home games at
Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City are in bold. 
Week 1 – Friday,
Sept. 5 at LA Chargers (in Brazil) - 7:00 p.m. (Streaming on YouTube)Week 2 –
Sunday, Sept. 14 vs Philadelphia Eagles – 3:25 p.m. - FOXWeek 3 – Sunday,
Sept. 21 at New York Giants – 7:20 p.m. - NBCWeek 4 –
Sunday, Sept. 28 vs Baltimore Ravens – 3:25 p.m. - CBSWeek 5 – Monday,
Oct. 6 @ Jacksonville Jaguars – 7:15 p.m. - ESPN/ABCWeek 6 –
Sunday, Oct. 12 vs Detroit Lions – 7:20 - NBCWeek 7 –
Sunday, Oct. 19 vs Las Vegas Raiders – 12:00 p.m. - CBSWeek 8 –
Monday, Oct. 27 vs Washington Commanders – 7:15 p.m. - ESPN/ABCWeek 9 – Sunday,
Nov. 2 at Buffalo Bills – 3:25 - CBSWeek 10 – BYE WEEKWeek 11 – Sunday,
Nov. 16 at Denver Broncos – at 3:25 p.m. - CBSWeek 12 –
Sunday, Nov. 23 vs Indianapolis Colts – 12:00 p.m. - CBSWeek 13 –
Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day) – at Dallas Cowboys – 3:30
p.m. - CBSWeek 14 –
Sunday, Dec. 7 vs Houston Texas – 7:20 p.m. - NBCWeek 15 –
Sunday, Dec. 14 vs LA Chargers – 12:00 p.m. - CBSWeek 16 – Sunday,
Dec. 21 at Tennessee Titans – 12:00 p.m. - CBSWeek 17 –
Thursday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) – vs Denver Broncos – 7:15 p.m. (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)Week 18 – Saturday
or Sunday, Jan. 3 or 4, at Las Vegas Raiders. TBD

Kansas City Chiefs release full 2025 Schedule

HOUSTON (AP) — Jeremy Peña had a season-high four hits, capped by a tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth inning, to give the Houston Astros a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.

The Astros trailed by 1 when Zach Dezenzo singled with one out in the eighth and was lifted for pinch-runner Chas McCormick. Mauricio Dubón’s second double of the game dropped into the left field corner and scored McCormick, tying the game and chasing Michael Lorenzen (3-4).

Carlos Estévez took over and Peña lined his third pitch into left field, sending Dubón home and putting the Astros on top.

Josh Hader walked one in a scoreless ninth for his 10th save after Bryan King (1-0) threw a scoreless eighth for the win.

Isaac Paredes homered for a second straight game for the Astros after his shot in the ninth inning Tuesday night lifted them to the 2-1 win.

Maikel Garcia homered and doubled as the Royals built a 3-1 lead.

Dubón’s first double came with one out in the sixth and he scored on a double by Peña to get the Astros within 3-2.

Houston’s Colton Gordon allowed seven hits and three runs in 4 1/3 innings in his major league debut.

Lorenzen yielded seven hits and four runs in 7 1/3 innings for the loss.

Garcia put the Royals up 1-0 with his towering home run to start the second inning. There were two outs and two on in the inning when Jonathan India then smacked an RBI double off the left field wall to make it 2-0.

The Royals had runners at first and second with two outs in the third when Jake Meyers robbed Hunter Renfroe of extra bases with a nifty catch on the track in center.

Paredes homered in the fourth before Garcia’s RBI double that bounced off second base and into the outfield pushed the lead to 3-1.

Dubón’s RBI double in the eighth that tied it and chased Lorenzen.

Peña has been great in 16 games since moving to the leadoff spot and has five doubles, three homers, 15 RBIs and 28 hits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747311038321.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia (11) doubles during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Vinnie Pasquantino scored. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia (11) doubles during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Vinnie Pasquantino scored. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Jeremy Peña had a season-high four hits, capped by a tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth inning, to give the Houston Astros a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.The Astros trailed by 1 when Zach Dezenzo singled with one out in the eighth and was lifted for pinch-runner Chas McCormick. Mauricio Dubón’s second double of the game dropped into the left field corner and scored McCormick, tying the game and chasing Michael Lorenzen (3-4).Carlos Estévez took over and Peña lined his third pitch into left field, sending Dubón home and putting the Astros on top.Josh Hader walked one in a scoreless ninth for his 10th save after Bryan King (1-0) threw a scoreless eighth for the win.Isaac Paredes homered for a second straight game for the Astros after his shot in the ninth inning Tuesday night lifted them to the 2-1 win.Maikel Garcia homered and doubled as the Royals built a 3-1 lead.Dubón’s first double came with one out in the sixth and he scored on a double by Peña to get the Astros within 3-2.Houston’s Colton Gordon allowed seven hits and three runs in 4 1/3 innings in his major league debut.Lorenzen yielded seven hits and four runs in 7 1/3 innings for the loss.Garcia put the Royals up 1-0 with his towering home run to start the second inning. There were two outs and two on in the inning when Jonathan India then smacked an RBI double off the left field wall to make it 2-0.The Royals had runners at first and second with two outs in the third when Jake Meyers robbed Hunter Renfroe of extra bases with a nifty catch on the track in center.Paredes homered in the fourth before Garcia’s RBI double that bounced off second base and into the outfield pushed the lead to 3-1.<h2>Key moment</h2>Dubón’s RBI double in the eighth that tied it and chased Lorenzen.<h2>Key stat</h2>Peña has been great in 16 games since moving to the leadoff spot and has five doubles, three homers, 15 RBIs and 28 hits.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾️ Jeremy Peña's RBI single in the 8th lifts the Astros over Royals

HOUSTON (AP) — Isaac Paredes hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the ninth inning to lift the Houston Astros to a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

The game was tied at 1 after a home run by Jeremy Peña in the sixth inning when Paredes led off the bottom of the ninth against John Schreiber (1-2). He sent his second pitch to left-center field for his fifth homer this season, giving Houston the win after Kansas City took the series opener Monday.

Both teams got strong outings from their starters. Houston’s Framber Valdez allowed six hits and a run with seven strikeouts in eight innings. Kris Bubic yielded six hits and a run and tied a career high with nine strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.

Bryan Abreu (1-1) struck out one in a scoreless ninth for the win.

Hunter Renfroe doubled off the wall in left-center field with one out in the eighth. Valdez plunked Jonathan India on the foot with two outs, but he induced a groundout by Bobby Witt Jr. to end his night.

Maikel Garcia walked to open the fifth before a single by Vinnie Pasquantino sent him to third. The Royals took a 1-0 lead when Freddy Fermin singled on a ground ball to right field that scored Garcia.

Peña’s home run to left field tied it with no outs in the sixth. Jose Altuve followed with a double on a grounder down the third base line, but Bubic retired the next three batters, with two strikeouts, to leave him stranded.

Jake Meyers singled to start Houston’s seventh, but was out at second when Cam Smith grounded into a force out. Bubic was replaced by Lucas Erceg and he picked off Smith at first before striking out Brendan Rodgers to end the inning.

Peña has three homers, four doubles, 24 hits and 13 RBIs in 15 games since moving to the leadoff spot.

Kansas City RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 3.57 ERA) opposes LHP Colton Gordon in the series finale Wednesday night. Gordon will be recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to make his major league debut.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747217395170.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Isaac Paredes hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the ninth inning to lift the Houston Astros to a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.The game was tied at 1 after a home run by Jeremy Peña in the sixth inning when Paredes led off the bottom of the ninth against John Schreiber (1-2). He sent his second pitch to left-center field for his fifth homer this season, giving Houston the win after Kansas City took the series opener Monday.Both teams got strong outings from their starters. Houston’s Framber Valdez allowed six hits and a run with seven strikeouts in eight innings. Kris Bubic yielded six hits and a run and tied a career high with nine strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.Bryan Abreu (1-1) struck out one in a scoreless ninth for the win.Hunter Renfroe doubled off the wall in left-center field with one out in the eighth. Valdez plunked Jonathan India on the foot with two outs, but he induced a groundout by Bobby Witt Jr. to end his night.Maikel Garcia walked to open the fifth before a single by Vinnie Pasquantino sent him to third. The Royals took a 1-0 lead when Freddy Fermin singled on a ground ball to right field that scored Garcia.Peña’s home run to left field tied it with no outs in the sixth. Jose Altuve followed with a double on a grounder down the third base line, but Bubic retired the next three batters, with two strikeouts, to leave him stranded.Jake Meyers singled to start Houston’s seventh, but was out at second when Cam Smith grounded into a force out. Bubic was replaced by Lucas Erceg and he picked off Smith at first before striking out Brendan Rodgers to end the inning.<h2>Key moment</h2>The home run by Paredes.<h2>Key stat</h2>Peña has three homers, four doubles, 24 hits and 13 RBIs in 15 games since moving to the leadoff spot.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 3.57 ERA) opposes LHP Colton Gordon in the series finale Wednesday night. Gordon will be recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to make his major league debut.

⚾ Paredes homers in bottom of the 9th to lift Astros over Royals

NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson were reinstated by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday, making both eligible for the sport’s Hall of Fame after their careers were tarnished by sports gambling scandals.

Rose’s permanent ban was lifted eight months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-obituary-reds-e0f3dfa057fc46629447e04b6540e4c8">after his death</a>&nbsp;and came a day before the Cincinnati Reds will honor baseball’s career hits leader with Pete Rose Night.

Manfred announced Tuesday that he was changing the league's policy on permanent ineligibility, saying bans would expire at death. Several others will also have their status changed by the ruling, including all members of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox, former Philadelphia Phillies president Williams D. Cox and former New York Giants outfielder Benny Kauff.

Under the Hall of Fame’s current rules, the earliest Rose or Jackson could be inducted would be in 2028.

Rose agreed to a permanent ban on Aug. 23, 1989, following an investigation commissioned by Major League Baseball concluded Rose repeatedly bet on the Reds as a player and manager of the team from 1985-87, a violation of a long-standing MLB rule.

Rose first applied for reinstatement in September 1997, but Commissioner Bud Selig never ruled on the request.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b8d15e433f68468eab7030a08ed47c09">Manfred in 2015 rejected a petition for reinstatement</a>, saying “Rose has not presented credible evidence of a reconfigured life.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-obituary-reds-e0f3dfa057fc46629447e04b6540e4c8">Rose died Sept. 30 at age 83</a>, and a new petition was filed Jan. 8 by Jeffrey Lenkov, a lawyer who represented Rose. Lenkov and Rose’s daughter Fawn had met with Manfred on Dec. 17.

Rose’s supporters have included U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said he intends to pardon Rose posthumously.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-reinstatement-00a2532eeb4f1aa3dd81530260de44b8">Manfred discussed Rose with Trump</a>&nbsp;when the pair met in April, but he hasn’t disclosed specifics of their conversation.

In a letter to Lenkov, Manfred wrote, “In my view, a determination must be made regarding how the phrase ‘permanently ineligible’ should be interpreted in light of the purposes and policies behind Rule 21, which are to: (1) protect the game from individuals who pose a risk to the integrity of the sport by prohibiting the participation of such individuals; and (2) create a deterrent effect that reduces the likelihood of future violations by others.

"In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.”

A 17-time All-Star during a playing career from 1963-86, Rose holds record for hits (4,256), games (3,562), at-bats (14,053), plate appearances (15,890) and singles (3,215). He was the 1963 NL Rookie of the Year, 1973 MVP and 1975 World Series MVP. A three-time NL batting champion, he broke the prior hits record of 4,191 set by Ty Cobb from 1905-28.

“Pete is one of the greatest players in baseball history, and Reds Country will continue to celebrate him as we always have," Reds owner Bob Castellini said. “We are especially happy for the Rose family to receive this news and what this decision could mean for them and all of Pete’s fans.”

Jackson was a .356 career hitter who was among the eight Black Sox banned for throwing the 1919 World Series. He died in 1951, but he remains one of baseball's most recognizable names in part for his depiction by Ray Liotta in the 1989 movie Field of Dreams.

What else needs to happen for Rose or Jackson to reach the Hall of Fame?

Under a rule adopted by the Hall’s board of directors in 1991, anyone on the permanently ineligible list can’t be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rose-hall-of-fame-d3da8832097f2717590096d68600fee4">considered for election</a>&nbsp;to the Hall. Jackson was twice considered on ballots by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, but received just 0.9% in 1936 and 1% of a nominating vote in 1940.

Rose’s reinstatement occurred too late for him to be considered for the BBWAA ballot. If not on the permanently banned list, Rose would have been eligible on the ballots each from 1992 through 2006. He was written in on 41 votes in 1992 and on 243 of 7,232 ballots (3.4%) over the 15 years, votes that were not counted.

Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark said in a statement that players affected by Manfred's ruling Tuesday would be considered.

“The National Baseball Hall of Fame has always maintained that anyone removed from Baseball’s permanently ineligible list will become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration,” she said. “Major League Baseball’s decision to remove deceased individuals from the permanently ineligible list will allow for the Hall of Fame candidacy of such individuals to now be considered."

Without the ban, both players are eligible for the Hall’s Classic Baseball Era, which next meets to consider players in December 2027 and considers those whose greatest contributions to the sport were before 1980.

A 10-person historical overview committee selects the eight ballot candidates with the approval of the Hall’s board and the ballot is considered by 16 members at the winter meetings, with a 75% or higher vote needed. The committee members include Hall of Fame members, team executives and media/historians.

Among the players in the 2028 class eligible for the BBWAA ballot are Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina.

Trump has said he would pardon Rose, but it’s not clear what a presidential pardon for Rose would entail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727739054688.jpeg" alt="FILE - In this July 31, 1978 file photo, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Pete Rose tips his cap to the crowd after hitting in his 44th straight game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - In this July 31, 1978 file photo, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Pete Rose tips his cap to the crowd after hitting in his 44th straight game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson were reinstated by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday, making both eligible for the sport’s Hall of Fame after their careers were tarnished by sports gambling scandals.Rose’s permanent ban was lifted eight months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-obituary-reds-e0f3dfa057fc46629447e04b6540e4c8">after his death</a>&nbsp;and came a day before the Cincinnati Reds will honor baseball’s career hits leader with Pete Rose Night.Manfred announced Tuesday that he was changing the league's policy on permanent ineligibility, saying bans would expire at death. Several others will also have their status changed by the ruling, including all members of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox, former Philadelphia Phillies president Williams D. Cox and former New York Giants outfielder Benny Kauff.Under the Hall of Fame’s current rules, the earliest Rose or Jackson could be inducted would be in 2028.Rose agreed to a permanent ban on Aug. 23, 1989, following an investigation commissioned by Major League Baseball concluded Rose repeatedly bet on the Reds as a player and manager of the team from 1985-87, a violation of a long-standing MLB rule.Rose first applied for reinstatement in September 1997, but Commissioner Bud Selig never ruled on the request.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b8d15e433f68468eab7030a08ed47c09">Manfred in 2015 rejected a petition for reinstatement</a>, saying “Rose has not presented credible evidence of a reconfigured life.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-obituary-reds-e0f3dfa057fc46629447e04b6540e4c8">Rose died Sept. 30 at age 83</a>, and a new petition was filed Jan. 8 by Jeffrey Lenkov, a lawyer who represented Rose. Lenkov and Rose’s daughter Fawn had met with Manfred on Dec. 17.Rose’s supporters have included U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said he intends to pardon Rose posthumously.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-reinstatement-00a2532eeb4f1aa3dd81530260de44b8">Manfred discussed Rose with Trump</a>&nbsp;when the pair met in April, but he hasn’t disclosed specifics of their conversation.In a letter to Lenkov, Manfred wrote, “In my view, a determination must be made regarding how the phrase ‘permanently ineligible’ should be interpreted in light of the purposes and policies behind Rule 21, which are to: (1) protect the game from individuals who pose a risk to the integrity of the sport by prohibiting the participation of such individuals; and (2) create a deterrent effect that reduces the likelihood of future violations by others."In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.”A 17-time All-Star during a playing career from 1963-86, Rose holds record for hits (4,256), games (3,562), at-bats (14,053), plate appearances (15,890) and singles (3,215). He was the 1963 NL Rookie of the Year, 1973 MVP and 1975 World Series MVP. A three-time NL batting champion, he broke the prior hits record of 4,191 set by Ty Cobb from 1905-28.“Pete is one of the greatest players in baseball history, and Reds Country will continue to celebrate him as we always have," Reds owner Bob Castellini said. “We are especially happy for the Rose family to receive this news and what this decision could mean for them and all of Pete’s fans.”Jackson was a .356 career hitter who was among the eight Black Sox banned for throwing the 1919 World Series. He died in 1951, but he remains one of baseball's most recognizable names in part for his depiction by Ray Liotta in the 1989 movie Field of Dreams.<h2>What else needs to happen for Rose or Jackson to reach the Hall of Fame?</h2>Under a rule adopted by the Hall’s board of directors in 1991, anyone on the permanently ineligible list can’t be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rose-hall-of-fame-d3da8832097f2717590096d68600fee4">considered for election</a>&nbsp;to the Hall. Jackson was twice considered on ballots by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, but received just 0.9% in 1936 and 1% of a nominating vote in 1940.Rose’s reinstatement occurred too late for him to be considered for the BBWAA ballot. If not on the permanently banned list, Rose would have been eligible on the ballots each from 1992 through 2006. He was written in on 41 votes in 1992 and on 243 of 7,232 ballots (3.4%) over the 15 years, votes that were not counted.Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark said in a statement that players affected by Manfred's ruling Tuesday would be considered.“The National Baseball Hall of Fame has always maintained that anyone removed from Baseball’s permanently ineligible list will become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration,” she said. “Major League Baseball’s decision to remove deceased individuals from the permanently ineligible list will allow for the Hall of Fame candidacy of such individuals to now be considered."Without the ban, both players are eligible for the Hall’s Classic Baseball Era, which next meets to consider players in December 2027 and considers those whose greatest contributions to the sport were before 1980.A 10-person historical overview committee selects the eight ballot candidates with the approval of the Hall’s board and the ballot is considered by 16 members at the winter meetings, with a 75% or higher vote needed. The committee members include Hall of Fame members, team executives and media/historians.Among the players in the 2028 class eligible for the BBWAA ballot are Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina.<h2>Did Trump help get Rose reinstated?</h2>Trump has said he would pardon Rose, but it’s not clear what a presidential pardon for Rose would entail.

MLB reinstates Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson, making them Hall of Fame eligible

&nbsp;By Ryan Lackey, Associate AD for Communications

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Highlighted by fan-favorite traditions and community celebrations, K-State Athletics unveiled the official theme games for the 2025 football season at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Tuesday.

The 2025 home slate features six games in Manhattan, each with a unique gameday theme designed to enhance the atmosphere and showcase the pride and tradition of K-State Football. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and secure their seats for this fall.

Single-game tickets for the 2025 season go on sale exclusively to Ahearn Fund members on Tuesday, June 10, while the public on-sale begins Tuesday, June 17.

A full breakdown of the 2025 theme games is below:

Saturday, August 30 – vs. North Dakota

• Stripe Out: Help stripe out Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Fans are encouraged to wear either purple or white based on their section to create a bold visual statement in the stands. More information will be released in conjunction with the single-game ticket on-sale on June 10.

Saturday, September 6 – vs. Army

• Fort Riley Day: Celebrate and honor the soldiers and families of Fort Riley. Fort Riley Day includes a day-long tribute to K-State’s military partnership, featuring service members, military vehicles and special in-game recognitions.

Saturday, September 27 – vs. UCF

• Celebrate Ag Day: Join us in recognizing the agriculture industry that drives our state and supports our communities. Celebrate Ag Day will highlight Kansas farmers, ranchers and ag leaders during pregame and throughout the game.

• Homecoming: Be part of a beloved K-State tradition as K-State welcomes alumni, students and friends back to Manhattan. The week-long celebration concludes with a packed Bill Snyder Family Stadium on game day.

Saturday, November 1 – vs. Texas Tech

• Harley Day: Start your engines as this fan favorite is back for another year. More than 100 motorcycles will rumble around the field in a thunderous pregame lap you won’t want to miss.

Saturday, November 29 – vs. Colorado

• Senior Day: Honor the Wildcat seniors in their final home game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. A pregame ceremony will recognize their dedication and contributions to K-State Football.

&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;– k-statesports.com –

&nbsp;By Ryan Lackey, Associate AD for CommunicationsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Highlighted by fan-favorite traditions and community celebrations, K-State Athletics unveiled the official theme games for the 2025 football season at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Tuesday.The 2025 home slate features six games in Manhattan, each with a unique gameday theme designed to enhance the atmosphere and showcase the pride and tradition of K-State Football. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and secure their seats for this fall.Single-game tickets for the 2025 season go on sale exclusively to Ahearn Fund members on Tuesday, June 10, while the public on-sale begins Tuesday, June 17.A full breakdown of the 2025 theme games is below:Saturday, August 30 – vs. North Dakota• Stripe Out: Help stripe out Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Fans are encouraged to wear either purple or white based on their section to create a bold visual statement in the stands. More information will be released in conjunction with the single-game ticket on-sale on June 10.Saturday, September 6 – vs. Army• Fort Riley Day: Celebrate and honor the soldiers and families of Fort Riley. Fort Riley Day includes a day-long tribute to K-State’s military partnership, featuring service members, military vehicles and special in-game recognitions.Saturday, September 27 – vs. UCF• Celebrate Ag Day: Join us in recognizing the agriculture industry that drives our state and supports our communities. Celebrate Ag Day will highlight Kansas farmers, ranchers and ag leaders during pregame and throughout the game.Saturday, October 11 – vs. TCU• Homecoming: Be part of a beloved K-State tradition as K-State welcomes alumni, students and friends back to Manhattan. The week-long celebration concludes with a packed Bill Snyder Family Stadium on game day.Saturday, November 1 – vs. Texas Tech• Harley Day: Start your engines as this fan favorite is back for another year. More than 100 motorcycles will rumble around the field in a thunderous pregame lap you won’t want to miss.Saturday, November 29 – vs. Colorado• Senior Day: Honor the Wildcat seniors in their final home game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. A pregame ceremony will recognize their dedication and contributions to K-State Football.&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;– k-statesports.com –

Sports