MANHATTAN&nbsp;– Senior&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;was announced as the winner of the 2023 Bob Cousy Point Guard Award by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame during the&nbsp;ESPN College GameDay&nbsp;Show on Saturday.

The award, which annually honors the top point guard in Division I men’s basketball, is named after former Boston Celtic and Holy Cross guard&nbsp;Bob Cousy, who was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971.

Nowell is the 20th&nbsp;winner of the award, which dates to the inaugural winner – Saint Joseph’s&nbsp;Jameer Nelson&nbsp;in 2004. He is the fourth Big 12 player to capture the award, joining Texas A&amp;M’s&nbsp;Acie Law IV&nbsp;in 2007, Texas’&nbsp;D.J. Augustin&nbsp;in 2008 and Kansas’&nbsp;Frank Mason III. Villanova’s&nbsp;Collin Gillespie&nbsp;won the award in 2022.

Nowell was selected for the award over a finalist list that included Marquette’s&nbsp;Tyler Kolek, Northwestern’s&nbsp;Boo Buie, Penn State’s&nbsp;Jalen Pickett&nbsp;and Saint Louis’&nbsp;Yuri Collins.

Nowell is the first Wildcat to win one of the positional awards annually given out by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, which includes the Bob Cousy Point Guard Award, Jerry West Shooting Guard Award, Julius Erving Small Forward Award, Karl Malone Power Forward Award and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center Award.

“I’m honored to receive the Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard,” said Nowell. “To be mentioned among the best players in the country at my position is truly a blessing. I want to give all the honor and glory to God for giving me the platform to showcase my talents and gifts this season. I’m not here without his grace.

“I can’t thank my teammates and coaches enough for all their hard work and sacrifice. It all started with Ish (Massoud) and I, and Coach (Jerome) Tang and his staff were able build a team around us and we became like brothers. We had a great year that I will always remember. I also want to thank my family for their sacrifice in helping me become the player and man I am today. Finally, a special shout out to K-State Nation for all their love and support during my career.”

The honor is yet another for the 5-foot-7, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., who ended his college career with a magical run through the NCAA Tournament in helping K-State advance to its 13th&nbsp;Elite Eight and first since 2018. Nowell averaged 23.5 points, 13.5 assists and 4.0 steals during his 4-game NCAA Tournament run, including 25 points and 15.5 assists in the games against Michigan State and Florida Atlantic en route to earning Most Outstanding Player honors for the NCAA East Regional.

Nowell’s 54 assists in the NCAA Tournament are the third-most in the tournament’s history and the most since Michigan’s&nbsp;Rumeal Robinson&nbsp;had 56 in 1989. He dished out a tournament and school-record 19 assists in the win over the Spartans. He finished his college career with just the second 30-point, 10-assist game in school history, as he led the way with game-highs in points (30), assists (12) and steals (5) in playing all 40 minutes against the Owls. He is the first player with at least 25 points and 10 assists in a game in the Elite Eight or later since Marquette’s&nbsp;Dwyane Wade&nbsp;had a triple-double (29 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists) against Kentucky in 2003.

Nowell was named a Third Team All-American by The Associated Press,&nbsp;The Sporting News, NABC and USBWA, while he was selected to the Midseason National Player of the Year Watch Lists for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith Award. In addition, he was chosen to the All-Big 12 First Team by the league coaches and AP as well as Big 12 All-Defensive Team by the coaches. He was 3 times named the Big 12 Player of the Week as well as the consensus National Player of the Week on Jan. 9.

Nowell averaged a team-best 17.6 points on 38.6 percent (180-of-466) from the field, including 35.5 percent (88-of-248) from 3-point range, and 88.9 percent (185-of-208) from the free throw line to go along with a Big 12-best 8.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 steals in 36.9 minutes per game. He ranks in the Big 12’s top-3 in 13 categories, including tops in assists (297), assists/game, free throws made (185) and attempted (208), free throw percentage, steals (92), steals/game and minutes.

Nowell finished Big 12 play, ranking first in 6 categories, including scoring (19.5 ppg.), 3-point field goals/game (2.8), assists (7.2 apg.), steals (2.8 spg.), free throw percentage (91.1) and minutes (38.8 mpg.).

Nowell finished second nationally in assists/game (8.3 apg.), total assists (297) and total steals (92), while he ranked among the top-15 in 4 other categories, including sixth in steals/game (2.6 spg.), seventh in free throws made (185), 14th&nbsp;in free throw percentage and minutes. He posted 11 games of 10 or more assists this season, while he had 10 points/assists double-doubles, including the school’s first 30-10 double-double with 32 points and 14 assists in the win at No. 19/16 Baylor on Jan. 7.

Nowell leaves K-State as the single-season leader in total assists and steals, assists/game as well as the career leader in assists/game (6.87), while he ranks in the top-5 single-season double-double scoring games (33/4th), 3-point field goals (88/5th), free throws (185/5th) and free throw percentage (88.9/5th).

Nowell’s 968 points in his 2-year career are the second-most by a Division I transfer in school history, while he is third in career assists (433) and fifth in career steals (151).

Nowell helped K-State to 26-win season and its 13th&nbsp;trip to the Elite Eight in 2022-23. The 26 wins are the third-most in school history and the most since winning 27 in 2012-13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680383726346.jpeg" alt="Markquis Nowell. Photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com">k-statesports.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Markquis Nowell. Photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com">k-statesports.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>K-State SportsMANHATTAN&nbsp;– Senior&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;was announced as the winner of the 2023 Bob Cousy Point Guard Award by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame during the&nbsp;ESPN College GameDay&nbsp;Show on Saturday.The award, which annually honors the top point guard in Division I men’s basketball, is named after former Boston Celtic and Holy Cross guard&nbsp;Bob Cousy, who was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971.Nowell is the 20th&nbsp;winner of the award, which dates to the inaugural winner – Saint Joseph’s&nbsp;Jameer Nelson&nbsp;in 2004. He is the fourth Big 12 player to capture the award, joining Texas A&amp;M’s&nbsp;Acie Law IV&nbsp;in 2007, Texas’&nbsp;D.J. Augustin&nbsp;in 2008 and Kansas’&nbsp;Frank Mason III. Villanova’s&nbsp;Collin Gillespie&nbsp;won the award in 2022.Nowell was selected for the award over a finalist list that included Marquette’s&nbsp;Tyler Kolek, Northwestern’s&nbsp;Boo Buie, Penn State’s&nbsp;Jalen Pickett&nbsp;and Saint Louis’&nbsp;Yuri Collins.Nowell is the first Wildcat to win one of the positional awards annually given out by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, which includes the Bob Cousy Point Guard Award, Jerry West Shooting Guard Award, Julius Erving Small Forward Award, Karl Malone Power Forward Award and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center Award.“I’m honored to receive the Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard,” said Nowell. “To be mentioned among the best players in the country at my position is truly a blessing. I want to give all the honor and glory to God for giving me the platform to showcase my talents and gifts this season. I’m not here without his grace.“I can’t thank my teammates and coaches enough for all their hard work and sacrifice. It all started with Ish (Massoud) and I, and Coach (Jerome) Tang and his staff were able build a team around us and we became like brothers. We had a great year that I will always remember. I also want to thank my family for their sacrifice in helping me become the player and man I am today. Finally, a special shout out to K-State Nation for all their love and support during my career.”The honor is yet another for the 5-foot-7, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., who ended his college career with a magical run through the NCAA Tournament in helping K-State advance to its 13th&nbsp;Elite Eight and first since 2018. Nowell averaged 23.5 points, 13.5 assists and 4.0 steals during his 4-game NCAA Tournament run, including 25 points and 15.5 assists in the games against Michigan State and Florida Atlantic en route to earning Most Outstanding Player honors for the NCAA East Regional.Nowell’s 54 assists in the NCAA Tournament are the third-most in the tournament’s history and the most since Michigan’s&nbsp;Rumeal Robinson&nbsp;had 56 in 1989. He dished out a tournament and school-record 19 assists in the win over the Spartans. He finished his college career with just the second 30-point, 10-assist game in school history, as he led the way with game-highs in points (30), assists (12) and steals (5) in playing all 40 minutes against the Owls. He is the first player with at least 25 points and 10 assists in a game in the Elite Eight or later since Marquette’s&nbsp;Dwyane Wade&nbsp;had a triple-double (29 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists) against Kentucky in 2003.Nowell was named a Third Team All-American by The Associated Press,&nbsp;The Sporting News, NABC and USBWA, while he was selected to the Midseason National Player of the Year Watch Lists for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith Award. In addition, he was chosen to the All-Big 12 First Team by the league coaches and AP as well as Big 12 All-Defensive Team by the coaches. He was 3 times named the Big 12 Player of the Week as well as the consensus National Player of the Week on Jan. 9.Nowell averaged a team-best 17.6 points on 38.6 percent (180-of-466) from the field, including 35.5 percent (88-of-248) from 3-point range, and 88.9 percent (185-of-208) from the free throw line to go along with a Big 12-best 8.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 steals in 36.9 minutes per game. He ranks in the Big 12’s top-3 in 13 categories, including tops in assists (297), assists/game, free throws made (185) and attempted (208), free throw percentage, steals (92), steals/game and minutes.Nowell finished Big 12 play, ranking first in 6 categories, including scoring (19.5 ppg.), 3-point field goals/game (2.8), assists (7.2 apg.), steals (2.8 spg.), free throw percentage (91.1) and minutes (38.8 mpg.).Nowell finished second nationally in assists/game (8.3 apg.), total assists (297) and total steals (92), while he ranked among the top-15 in 4 other categories, including sixth in steals/game (2.6 spg.), seventh in free throws made (185), 14th&nbsp;in free throw percentage and minutes. He posted 11 games of 10 or more assists this season, while he had 10 points/assists double-doubles, including the school’s first 30-10 double-double with 32 points and 14 assists in the win at No. 19/16 Baylor on Jan. 7.Nowell leaves K-State as the single-season leader in total assists and steals, assists/game as well as the career leader in assists/game (6.87), while he ranks in the top-5 single-season double-double scoring games (33/4th), 3-point field goals (88/5th), free throws (185/5th) and free throw percentage (88.9/5th).Nowell’s 968 points in his 2-year career are the second-most by a Division I transfer in school history, while he is third in career assists (433) and fifth in career steals (151).Nowell helped K-State to 26-win season and its 13th&nbsp;trip to the Elite Eight in 2022-23. The 26 wins are the third-most in school history and the most since winning 27 in 2012-13.

K-State's Nowell wins Bob Cousy Award

LAWRENCE –&nbsp;For the second time in program history, Kansas will host the WNIT Championship Game when the Jayhawks face Columbia on Saturday in Allen Fieldhouse. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. CT, and the game will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network, with Brett Dolan and Megan Perry on the call. Fans can also listen to the game on the Jayhawk Radio Network, with Steven Davis and David Lawrence calling the action. Kansas reached the WNIT title game with a 61-36 victory over Washington on March 29 in Lawrence. The Jayhawks have also defeated Western Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska and Arkansas on the road to the championship game. KU is outscoring its opponents by an average of 18.0 points per game in the tournament. The Jayhawks are now 24-11 on the year after going 7-1 in the month of March. Dating back to Feb. 26, Kansas has won eight of its last nine games, and the 24 wins are the sixth-most in a season in program history. KU has also set a new school record with 18 home wins this season. KU senior Taiyanna Jackson recorded her 22nd double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the Fab 4 win against Washington. She also added three blocked shots add to her school-record total, which is now at 106 for the season. Jackson is set to become the first KU player since 1982 to average a double-double as she averages 15.1 points and 12.4 rebounds per game this season. On March 30, Jackson, was named WBCA All-America Honorable Mention, her latest honor after previously being named unanimous All-Big 12 First Team and Big 12 All-Defensive Team, Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist and a top-10 candidate for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award. All-Big 12 First Team selection Zakiyah Franklin scored a team-high 14 points against Washington, one game after she became the 14th player in Kansas program history to surpass the 1,500-point career milestone. Franklin, KU’s leading scorer at 15.6 points per game, is No. 14 on KU’s career scoring list with 1,517 points. KU senior guard Holly Kersgieter, a three-time All-Big 12 selection, has reached double figures in scoring in seven straight games after totaling 11 points against Washington. Kersgieter is up to No. 11 on KU’s all-time scoring list with 1,552 career points and she’s third with 207 career three-pointers. Kersgieter is third on the team in scoring with 14.0 points per game this season, and she leads the team with 65 steals and 63 made three-pointers this season. Kansas is competing in the WNIT for the sixth time, first since 2011, and the Jayhawks are in the postseason for the second-consecutive season. KU is 14-5 all-time in the WNIT and has now reached the finals for the second time, first since 2009 when the Jayhawks set a school and Big 12 Conference record for attendance with 16,113 fans at Allen Fieldhouse. Saturday’s championship game will be the first all-time meeting between Kansas and Columbia in women’s basketball. The teams share one common opponent during the 2022-23 season in Iowa State. KU split its season series against the Cyclones, who defeated Columbia 99-76 on Nov. 20 in Ames, Iowa. Columbia enters the WNIT final with a 28-5 record after defeating Fairleigh Dickinson, Fordham, Syracuse, Harvard and Bowling Green to reach the championship game. The Lions are 14-2 in true road games this season and averaging 78.8 points per game, while outscoring opponents by 15.6 points per game on average.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KU AthleticsLAWRENCE –&nbsp;For the second time in program history, Kansas will host the WNIT Championship Game when the Jayhawks face Columbia on Saturday in Allen Fieldhouse. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. CT, and the game will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network, with Brett Dolan and Megan Perry on the call. Fans can also listen to the game on the Jayhawk Radio Network, with Steven Davis and David Lawrence calling the action. Kansas reached the WNIT title game with a 61-36 victory over Washington on March 29 in Lawrence. The Jayhawks have also defeated Western Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska and Arkansas on the road to the championship game. KU is outscoring its opponents by an average of 18.0 points per game in the tournament. The Jayhawks are now 24-11 on the year after going 7-1 in the month of March. Dating back to Feb. 26, Kansas has won eight of its last nine games, and the 24 wins are the sixth-most in a season in program history. KU has also set a new school record with 18 home wins this season. KU senior Taiyanna Jackson recorded her 22nd double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the Fab 4 win against Washington. She also added three blocked shots add to her school-record total, which is now at 106 for the season. Jackson is set to become the first KU player since 1982 to average a double-double as she averages 15.1 points and 12.4 rebounds per game this season. On March 30, Jackson, was named WBCA All-America Honorable Mention, her latest honor after previously being named unanimous All-Big 12 First Team and Big 12 All-Defensive Team, Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist and a top-10 candidate for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award. All-Big 12 First Team selection Zakiyah Franklin scored a team-high 14 points against Washington, one game after she became the 14th player in Kansas program history to surpass the 1,500-point career milestone. Franklin, KU’s leading scorer at 15.6 points per game, is No. 14 on KU’s career scoring list with 1,517 points. KU senior guard Holly Kersgieter, a three-time All-Big 12 selection, has reached double figures in scoring in seven straight games after totaling 11 points against Washington. Kersgieter is up to No. 11 on KU’s all-time scoring list with 1,552 career points and she’s third with 207 career three-pointers. Kersgieter is third on the team in scoring with 14.0 points per game this season, and she leads the team with 65 steals and 63 made three-pointers this season. Kansas is competing in the WNIT for the sixth time, first since 2011, and the Jayhawks are in the postseason for the second-consecutive season. KU is 14-5 all-time in the WNIT and has now reached the finals for the second time, first since 2009 when the Jayhawks set a school and Big 12 Conference record for attendance with 16,113 fans at Allen Fieldhouse. Saturday’s championship game will be the first all-time meeting between Kansas and Columbia in women’s basketball. The teams share one common opponent during the 2022-23 season in Iowa State. KU split its season series against the Cyclones, who defeated Columbia 99-76 on Nov. 20 in Ames, Iowa. Columbia enters the WNIT final with a 28-5 record after defeating Fairleigh Dickinson, Fordham, Syracuse, Harvard and Bowling Green to reach the championship game. The Lions are 14-2 in true road games this season and averaging 78.8 points per game, while outscoring opponents by 15.6 points per game on average.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas to host WNIT Championship Game Saturday vs. Columbia

By JAY COHEN AP Baseball Writer

CHICAGO — Marcus Stroman is getting used to Major League Baseball's new pitch clock. And it's no small deal for the Chicago Cubs right-hander.

"It's tough," he said. "It's a big adjustment."

Stroman committed baseball's first regular-season pitch-clock violation Thursday in the third inning of the Cubs' 4-0 victory over Milwaukee on opening day. It was the first of 14 violations in 15 games on a day the average game time shrunk 26 minutes to 2 hours, 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, stolen base attempts per game more than doubled from last opening day, an indication that efforts to spur the running game may be working. Runners were 21 of 23 on steal attempts Thursday, compared to 5 of 9 in seven games on the first day of the 2022 season.

Five pitch timer violations were by batters, eight by pitchers and one by a catcher as all MLB teams opened on the same day for the first time since 1968.

Stroman clocked an unwelcome spot in the record books while facing Christian Yelich. He took a long look at rookie Brice Turang leading off second base with no outs at Wrigley Field, and then just as he turned his attention back to Yelich, plate umpire Ron Kulpa called the violation. Kulpa pointed to his wrist in announcing the call, and the automatic ball made it a 2-2 count against Yelich. Stroman didn't argue.

"You've got to be looking at the clock. You're trying to worry about the pitch. You're trying to worry about the guys on base. You're trying to worry about your grip," Stroman said. "There's so many things going on now.

"So it definitely adds another layer to the game that's tough, to be honest with you. It's definitely not easy to be a pitcher out there and to feel rushed at times."

MLB instituted the pitch clock this season to speed the pace of play. Players have 30 seconds to resume play between batters. Between pitches, pitchers have 15 seconds with nobody on and 20 seconds if there is a baserunner. Batters must be in the box and alert to the pitcher with at least eight seconds on the clock.

When a pitcher fails to throw a pitch in time, the penalty is an automatic ball. When a batter isn't ready in time, it's an automatic strike.

Boston Red Sox star slugger Rafael Devers became the first batter to strike out via violation. Devers was looking down and kicking debris off his cleats in the eighth inning when Lance Barksdale signaled a violation that resulted in strike three.

"There's no excuse," Boston manager Alex Cora said. "They know the rules."

J.D. Davis of the San Francisco Giants became the first hitter called for a pitch-clock violation in any count during the ninth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium.

Meanwhile in Washington, Atlanta Braves reliever Collin McHugh put his arms out wide after being called for a violation by umpire Dan Bellino in the eighth inning against Washington. That put batter Jeimer Candelario ahead 1-0, and McHugh followed with three more balls — a three-pitch walk, essentially.

"I didn't even realize it happened, quite honestly," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. "It's going to happen."

The opening day rollout was mostly smooth, but a few issues arose in Miami.

In the fifth inning, New York Mets ace Max Scherzer stared down the Marlins' Bryan De La Cruz until the clock hit zero. De La Cruz began shouting "Ball! Ball! Ball!" — as in, call an automatic ball. But plate umpire Larry Vanover thought the hitter was calling for a timeout. Scherzer escaped without the automatic ball and later induced a popup from De La Cruz.

The next inning, Vanover angered Mets All-Star Jeff McNeil with a violation he did call. McNeil was waiting for baserunner Pete Alonso to retreat to first after a foul ball when Vanover dinged him for an automatic strike. That prompted an argument with McNeil and Mets manager Buck Showalter, who seemed irritated that the pitch clock began before Alonso returned to first.

It worked out anyway for McNeil — he grounded an RBI single a few pitches later.

"I love the pace," Scherzer said. "I don't like the clock. I'll double down on that. I think the umpire should have discretion to turn the clock off."

The Baltimore Orioles stole five bases during a 10-9 win over the Boston Red Sox, leading a league-wide surge in swipes on Day 1. The league-wide success rate of 91.3% dwarfed last year's 75% clip — in fact, there was only one day all of last season when the league had 20-plus steals with a success rate better than 90%, when runners were 22 of 24 on July 26.

Those baserunning exploits come after MLB limited pitchers to two pickoff attempts per batter — a third attempt must result in an out, otherwise pitchers are charged a balk. The bases were also made bigger, shrinking the distance between bags by 4 1/2 inches.

AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum in New York and AP Sports Writers Howard Fendrich in Washington, Kyle Hightower in Boston, Alanis Thames in Miami, Tim Booth in Seattle and Beth Harris in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

By JAY COHEN AP Baseball WriterCHICAGO — Marcus Stroman is getting used to Major League Baseball's new pitch clock. And it's no small deal for the Chicago Cubs right-hander."It's tough," he said. "It's a big adjustment."Stroman committed baseball's first regular-season pitch-clock violation Thursday in the third inning of the Cubs' 4-0 victory over Milwaukee on opening day. It was the first of 14 violations in 15 games on a day the average game time shrunk 26 minutes to 2 hours, 45 minutes.Meanwhile, stolen base attempts per game more than doubled from last opening day, an indication that efforts to spur the running game may be working. Runners were 21 of 23 on steal attempts Thursday, compared to 5 of 9 in seven games on the first day of the 2022 season.Five pitch timer violations were by batters, eight by pitchers and one by a catcher as all MLB teams opened on the same day for the first time since 1968.Stroman clocked an unwelcome spot in the record books while facing Christian Yelich. He took a long look at rookie Brice Turang leading off second base with no outs at Wrigley Field, and then just as he turned his attention back to Yelich, plate umpire Ron Kulpa called the violation. Kulpa pointed to his wrist in announcing the call, and the automatic ball made it a 2-2 count against Yelich. Stroman didn't argue."You've got to be looking at the clock. You're trying to worry about the pitch. You're trying to worry about the guys on base. You're trying to worry about your grip," Stroman said. "There's so many things going on now."So it definitely adds another layer to the game that's tough, to be honest with you. It's definitely not easy to be a pitcher out there and to feel rushed at times."MLB instituted the pitch clock this season to speed the pace of play. Players have 30 seconds to resume play between batters. Between pitches, pitchers have 15 seconds with nobody on and 20 seconds if there is a baserunner. Batters must be in the box and alert to the pitcher with at least eight seconds on the clock.When a pitcher fails to throw a pitch in time, the penalty is an automatic ball. When a batter isn't ready in time, it's an automatic strike.Boston Red Sox star slugger Rafael Devers became the first batter to strike out via violation. Devers was looking down and kicking debris off his cleats in the eighth inning when Lance Barksdale signaled a violation that resulted in strike three."There's no excuse," Boston manager Alex Cora said. "They know the rules."J.D. Davis of the San Francisco Giants became the first hitter called for a pitch-clock violation in any count during the ninth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium.Meanwhile in Washington, Atlanta Braves reliever Collin McHugh put his arms out wide after being called for a violation by umpire Dan Bellino in the eighth inning against Washington. That put batter Jeimer Candelario ahead 1-0, and McHugh followed with three more balls — a three-pitch walk, essentially."I didn't even realize it happened, quite honestly," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. "It's going to happen."The opening day rollout was mostly smooth, but a few issues arose in Miami.In the fifth inning, New York Mets ace Max Scherzer stared down the Marlins' Bryan De La Cruz until the clock hit zero. De La Cruz began shouting "Ball! Ball! Ball!" — as in, call an automatic ball. But plate umpire Larry Vanover thought the hitter was calling for a timeout. Scherzer escaped without the automatic ball and later induced a popup from De La Cruz.The next inning, Vanover angered Mets All-Star Jeff McNeil with a violation he did call. McNeil was waiting for baserunner Pete Alonso to retreat to first after a foul ball when Vanover dinged him for an automatic strike. That prompted an argument with McNeil and Mets manager Buck Showalter, who seemed irritated that the pitch clock began before Alonso returned to first.It worked out anyway for McNeil — he grounded an RBI single a few pitches later."I love the pace," Scherzer said. "I don't like the clock. I'll double down on that. I think the umpire should have discretion to turn the clock off."The Baltimore Orioles stole five bases during a 10-9 win over the Boston Red Sox, leading a league-wide surge in swipes on Day 1. The league-wide success rate of 91.3% dwarfed last year's 75% clip — in fact, there was only one day all of last season when the league had 20-plus steals with a success rate better than 90%, when runners were 22 of 24 on July 26.Those baserunning exploits come after MLB limited pitchers to two pickoff attempts per batter — a third attempt must result in an out, otherwise pitchers are charged a balk. The bases were also made bigger, shrinking the distance between bags by 4 1/2 inches.AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum in New York and AP Sports Writers Howard Fendrich in Washington, Kyle Hightower in Boston, Alanis Thames in Miami, Tim Booth in Seattle and Beth Harris in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

MLB opening day has 14 clock violations, stolen base spike

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas sharpshooter Gradey Dick is entering the NBA draft after one season with the Jayhawks.

The 6-foot-8 guard announced his decision <a href="https://twitter.com/gradey_dick/status/1641890748093313024">in a social media post Friday</a>.

Dick
 started all 36 games for the Jayhawks and averaged 14.1 points while 
shooting better than 40% from 3-point range. He made 83 3-pointers, a 
program record for a freshman.

Kansas lost to Arkansas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, with Dick scoring just seven points in his finale.

Associated PressLAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas sharpshooter Gradey Dick is entering the NBA draft after one season with the Jayhawks.The 6-foot-8 guard announced his decision <a href="https://twitter.com/gradey_dick/status/1641890748093313024">in a social media post Friday</a>.Dick
 started all 36 games for the Jayhawks and averaged 14.1 points while 
shooting better than 40% from 3-point range. He made 83 3-pointers, a 
program record for a freshman.Kansas lost to Arkansas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, with Dick scoring just seven points in his finale.

🏀 Gradey Dick to leave Kansas for NBA draft after 1 season

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold on Friday announced the addition of coaching veteran Sean Snyder to the staff as special Assistant to the Head Coach, according to a media release from KU Athletics.

Snyder, an experienced college football coach for more than 20 years spent the 2022 season as the special teams coordinator/specialists coach at Illinois. Snyder spent the previous two seasons as the special teams coordinator at USC.

Snyder spent more than two decades at Kansas State, where he served as special teams coordinator/associate head coach from 2011-18 and special teams analyst in 2019 before moving to USC.

Snyder began his career at Kansas State as a part-time assistant coach in 1994 and 1995, then served as director of football operations from 1996 to 1998, assistant athletic director for football operations in 1999 and 2000, associate athletic director in 2001 and senior associate athletic director from 2002 to 2010. He then moved into his role working with the program’s special teams.

During his tenure, Kansas State ranked in the Top 15 of the ESPN Special Teams Efficiency rating five times, including first in 2017, second in 2015 and third in 2012. The Wildcats also were in the Top 25 of the Football Outsiders Special Teams Rating six times since 2011, including first in 2017, third in 2014 and 2019 and sixth in 2012. Snyder was named the national Special Teams Coordinator of the Year in 2015 by FootballScoop and Phil Steele and in 2017 by Phil Steele.

In 2020, USC’s special teams were ranked No. 1 nationally by Football Outsider and the Trojans were in the national Top 25 in NCAA statistics in kickoff return defense (10th at 17.0) and net punting (25th at 40.8). &nbsp;True freshman Parker Lewis was 20th nationally in field goals (1.6), Gary Bryant Jr. (also a true freshman) was 22nd in kickoff returns (26.2), Ben Griffith’s 46.4 punting average was the highest by a Trojan since 2003 and snapper Damon Johnson was a Mannelly Award finalist.

Under Snyder, Kansas State’s special teams units set or tied eight team records and 20 individual marks. &nbsp;He coached four Big 12 Special Teams Players of the Year, including three consecutive (returners Tyler Lockett in 2013 and 2014, Morgan Burns in 2015 and Joshua Youngblood in 2019). Lockett, who now plays for the Seattle Seahawks, was an All-American first team kickoff returner in 2011 and punt returner in 2014. &nbsp;Burns earned All-American first team honors in 2015 as a kick returner when he led the country in kickoff return touchdowns (4). Youngblood was a Freshman All-American first teamer in 2019 when he ran back 3 kickoffs for TDs and helped Kansas State top the nation in kickoff return average (29.5).

Placekicker Matthew McCrane was a Freshman All-American first teamer in 2014 and All-Big 12 first team pick in 2017, while kicker Jack Cantele made the All-Big 12 first team in 2015. &nbsp;Kick returner Byron Pringle was All-Big 12 first team in 2016 and returner D.J. Reed was so honored in 2017.

Snyder was a consensus All-American and All-Big Eight first team punter under his father, Bill Snyder, at Kansas State as a senior in 1992, averaging 44.7 yards per punt. &nbsp;He was the Big Eight Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a 1991 junior, with a 40.5 punting average. His 43.0 career punting average was a school record. &nbsp;He played in the 1992 Blue-Gray Game. He was inducted into Kansas State’s inaugural Ring of Honor Class in 2002 and into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.

Snyder redshirted at Iowa in 1988, then saw action in two games for the Hawkeyes as a redshirt freshman in 1989 before transferring to Kansas State. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State in money and banking in 1994.

Snyder signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Cardinals in 1993 and the San Diego Chargers in 1994. He and his wife Wanda raised a daughter Katherine and sons Tate and Matthew. They have five grandchildren: Katherine and her husband Colton have three kids, DJ, Declan, and Murphy, and Tate and his wife Nikki have two children, Pearce and Presley.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold on Friday announced the addition of coaching veteran Sean Snyder to the staff as special Assistant to the Head Coach, according to a media release from KU Athletics.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Welcome to the Kansas Football family, Sean Snyder 🤝 More → <a href="https://t.co/O71LAPlBVL">https://t.co/O71LAPlBVL</a> <a href="https://t.co/Pq40OW0Y0H">pic.twitter.com/Pq40OW0Y0H</a>&mdash; Kansas Football (@KU_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/KU_Football/status/1641846037261238277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Snyder, an experienced college football coach for more than 20 years spent the 2022 season as the special teams coordinator/specialists coach at Illinois. Snyder spent the previous two seasons as the special teams coordinator at USC.Snyder spent more than two decades at Kansas State, where he served as special teams coordinator/associate head coach from 2011-18 and special teams analyst in 2019 before moving to USC.Snyder began his career at Kansas State as a part-time assistant coach in 1994 and 1995, then served as director of football operations from 1996 to 1998, assistant athletic director for football operations in 1999 and 2000, associate athletic director in 2001 and senior associate athletic director from 2002 to 2010. He then moved into his role working with the program’s special teams.During his tenure, Kansas State ranked in the Top 15 of the ESPN Special Teams Efficiency rating five times, including first in 2017, second in 2015 and third in 2012. The Wildcats also were in the Top 25 of the Football Outsiders Special Teams Rating six times since 2011, including first in 2017, third in 2014 and 2019 and sixth in 2012. Snyder was named the national Special Teams Coordinator of the Year in 2015 by FootballScoop and Phil Steele and in 2017 by Phil Steele.In 2020, USC’s special teams were ranked No. 1 nationally by Football Outsider and the Trojans were in the national Top 25 in NCAA statistics in kickoff return defense (10th at 17.0) and net punting (25th at 40.8). &nbsp;True freshman Parker Lewis was 20th nationally in field goals (1.6), Gary Bryant Jr. (also a true freshman) was 22nd in kickoff returns (26.2), Ben Griffith’s 46.4 punting average was the highest by a Trojan since 2003 and snapper Damon Johnson was a Mannelly Award finalist.Under Snyder, Kansas State’s special teams units set or tied eight team records and 20 individual marks. &nbsp;He coached four Big 12 Special Teams Players of the Year, including three consecutive (returners Tyler Lockett in 2013 and 2014, Morgan Burns in 2015 and Joshua Youngblood in 2019). Lockett, who now plays for the Seattle Seahawks, was an All-American first team kickoff returner in 2011 and punt returner in 2014. &nbsp;Burns earned All-American first team honors in 2015 as a kick returner when he led the country in kickoff return touchdowns (4). Youngblood was a Freshman All-American first teamer in 2019 when he ran back 3 kickoffs for TDs and helped Kansas State top the nation in kickoff return average (29.5).Placekicker Matthew McCrane was a Freshman All-American first teamer in 2014 and All-Big 12 first team pick in 2017, while kicker Jack Cantele made the All-Big 12 first team in 2015. &nbsp;Kick returner Byron Pringle was All-Big 12 first team in 2016 and returner D.J. Reed was so honored in 2017.Snyder was a consensus All-American and All-Big Eight first team punter under his father, Bill Snyder, at Kansas State as a senior in 1992, averaging 44.7 yards per punt. &nbsp;He was the Big Eight Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a 1991 junior, with a 40.5 punting average. His 43.0 career punting average was a school record. &nbsp;He played in the 1992 Blue-Gray Game. He was inducted into Kansas State’s inaugural Ring of Honor Class in 2002 and into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.Snyder redshirted at Iowa in 1988, then saw action in two games for the Hawkeyes as a redshirt freshman in 1989 before transferring to Kansas State. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State in money and banking in 1994.Snyder signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Cardinals in 1993 and the San Diego Chargers in 1994. He and his wife Wanda raised a daughter Katherine and sons Tate and Matthew. They have five grandchildren: Katherine and her husband Colton have three kids, DJ, Declan, and Murphy, and Tate and his wife Nikki have two children, Pearce and Presley.

Sean Snyder joins KU Football as Special Assistant to the Head Coach

The Kansas City Chiefs have extended their agreement with Missouri Western State University to make St. Joseph the home of Chiefs Training Camp&nbsp;through the 2024 season.

“We are thrilled to announce that we will return to Missouri Western State University and the St. Joseph community for another two years,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “Missouri Western and St. Joseph have warmly hosted our team and fans for the past 13 years – a welcome start to the NFL season.

"I want to thank President Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy and Director of Athletics Andy Carter for their leadership throughout this process, and we look forward to starting our 2023 season at Missouri Western again this summer.”

“We’re thrilled to have the Super Bowl Champions back on campus and look forward to providing a top-notch experience to the team and their fans as they prepare for another successful season," University president Elizabeth Kennedy said. "We’re grateful to the Chiefs for making us their summer training camp home and to the St. Joseph community for embracing the team and its fans.”

The Chiefs have held training camp on the Missouri Western campus every year since 2010 (excluding 2020 due to Covid-19). This will mark the 13th year of training camp at Missouri Western in St. Joseph.

Dates and additional details for 2023 Chiefs Training Camp presented by Mosaic Life Care will be announced in mid-June.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278355514.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs have extended their agreement with Missouri Western State University to make St. Joseph the home of Chiefs Training Camp&nbsp;through the 2024 season.“We are thrilled to announce that we will return to Missouri Western State University and the St. Joseph community for another two years,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “Missouri Western and St. Joseph have warmly hosted our team and fans for the past 13 years – a welcome start to the NFL season."I want to thank President Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy and Director of Athletics Andy Carter for their leadership throughout this process, and we look forward to starting our 2023 season at Missouri Western again this summer.”“We’re thrilled to have the Super Bowl Champions back on campus and look forward to providing a top-notch experience to the team and their fans as they prepare for another successful season," University president Elizabeth Kennedy said. "We’re grateful to the Chiefs for making us their summer training camp home and to the St. Joseph community for embracing the team and its fans.”The Chiefs have held training camp on the Missouri Western campus every year since 2010 (excluding 2020 due to Covid-19). This will mark the 13th year of training camp at Missouri Western in St. Joseph.Dates and additional details for 2023 Chiefs Training Camp presented by Mosaic Life Care will be announced in mid-June.

🏈 Chiefs agree to keep camp in St. Joseph through 2024

LOS ANGELES&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas redshirt-junior Jalen Wilson has been named one of five finalists for the 2023 John R. Wooden Award Men’s Player of the Year. The Los Angeles Athletic Club announced the All-American Team and the five finalists Thursday evening on ESPN2. &nbsp; Wilson becomes the 26th Jayhawk to be named a Wooden Award All-American all-time. Kansas has had back-to-back honorees with Ochai Agbaji earning the accolade in 2022. Wilson now seeks to become the third Kansas player to win the Wooden Award, joining Frank Mason III (2017) and Danny Manning (1988). &nbsp; Joining Wilson as finalists for the Wooden Award are Zach Edey (Purdue), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana), Marcus Sasser (Houston) and Drew Timme (Gonzaga). All five players have been invited to Los Angeles for the 47th annual presentation of the John R. Wooden Award Presented by Wendy’s Gala. &nbsp; One of four Naismith Trophy finalists, Wilson will be Kansas’ 32nd&nbsp;all-time Consensus All-America First Team honoree. The unanimous Big 12 Player of the Year and All-Big 12 First Team selection, Wilson leads the Big 12 in scoring at 20.1 points per game, rebounds at 8.3 and double-doubles with 12. The Denton, Texas, forward posted three 30-point performances and had 22 games of 20 or more points scored this season, including each of his last seven contests. Wilson is the seventh player in Big 12 history to lead the league in scoring and rebounding in the same season, including the fourth Jayhawk to earn the distinction. &nbsp; On nearly every national player of the year watch list, Wilson is just the 10th player in Kansas men’s basketball history to record 1,400-plus career points and 800-plus career rebounds and the first since Perry Ellis (2013-16). Wilson’s 1,475 points rank 27th on the KU career list and his 802 rebounds are 14th in school history. Wilson’s 28 career double-doubles are ninth on the KU all-time list. &nbsp; The 47th annual John R. Wooden Award Presented by Wendy’s Men’s Player of the Year will be announced on Tuesday, April 4th on ESPN’s SportsCenter. The John R. Wooden Award Presented by Wendy’s Gala will honor the Men’s and Women’s Wooden Award winners, and will include the presentation of the Wooden Award All American Teams and the Legends of Coaching Award, this year given to Dawn Staley. The Gala will take place at the Los Angeles Athletic Club on Friday, April 7th. &nbsp; Kansas Wooden Award All-Americans 2023 – Jalen Wilson 2022 – Ochai Agbaji 2020 – Udoka Azubuike, Devon Dotson 2018 – Devonte’ Graham 2017 – Frank Mason III (Wooden Award recipient), Josh Jackson 2016 – Perry Ellis 2014 – Andrew Wiggins 2013 – Ben McLemore 2012 – Thomas Robinson 2011 – Marcus Morris 2010 – Sherron Collins 2008 – Brandon Rush 2007 – Brandon Rush 2005 – Wayne Simien 2003 – Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich 2002 – Drew Gooden 1998 – Raef LaFrentz, Paul Pierce 1997 – Raef LaFrentz, Jacque Vaughn 1996 – Jacque Vaughn 1988 – Danny Manning (Wooden Award recipient) 1986 – Danny Manning

<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1/images/62889d5d-1494-4924-adf8-fe25509f009f.jpg" alt="Wilson Wooden Award Finalist" />
 <figcaption>Wilson Wooden Award Finalist</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas redshirt-junior Jalen Wilson has been named one of five finalists for the 2023 John R. Wooden Award Men’s Player of the Year. The Los Angeles Athletic Club announced the All-American Team and the five finalists Thursday evening on ESPN2. &nbsp; Wilson becomes the 26th Jayhawk to be named a Wooden Award All-American all-time. Kansas has had back-to-back honorees with Ochai Agbaji earning the accolade in 2022. Wilson now seeks to become the third Kansas player to win the Wooden Award, joining Frank Mason III (2017) and Danny Manning (1988). &nbsp; Joining Wilson as finalists for the Wooden Award are Zach Edey (Purdue), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana), Marcus Sasser (Houston) and Drew Timme (Gonzaga). All five players have been invited to Los Angeles for the 47th annual presentation of the John R. Wooden Award Presented by Wendy’s Gala. &nbsp; One of four Naismith Trophy finalists, Wilson will be Kansas’ 32nd&nbsp;all-time Consensus All-America First Team honoree. The unanimous Big 12 Player of the Year and All-Big 12 First Team selection, Wilson leads the Big 12 in scoring at 20.1 points per game, rebounds at 8.3 and double-doubles with 12. The Denton, Texas, forward posted three 30-point performances and had 22 games of 20 or more points scored this season, including each of his last seven contests. Wilson is the seventh player in Big 12 history to lead the league in scoring and rebounding in the same season, including the fourth Jayhawk to earn the distinction. &nbsp; On nearly every national player of the year watch list, Wilson is just the 10th player in Kansas men’s basketball history to record 1,400-plus career points and 800-plus career rebounds and the first since Perry Ellis (2013-16). Wilson’s 1,475 points rank 27th on the KU career list and his 802 rebounds are 14th in school history. Wilson’s 28 career double-doubles are ninth on the KU all-time list. &nbsp; The 47th annual John R. Wooden Award Presented by Wendy’s Men’s Player of the Year will be announced on Tuesday, April 4th on ESPN’s SportsCenter. The John R. Wooden Award Presented by Wendy’s Gala will honor the Men’s and Women’s Wooden Award winners, and will include the presentation of the Wooden Award All American Teams and the Legends of Coaching Award, this year given to Dawn Staley. The Gala will take place at the Los Angeles Athletic Club on Friday, April 7th. &nbsp; Kansas Wooden Award All-Americans 2023 – Jalen Wilson 2022 – Ochai Agbaji 2020 – Udoka Azubuike, Devon Dotson 2018 – Devonte’ Graham 2017 – Frank Mason III (Wooden Award recipient), Josh Jackson 2016 – Perry Ellis 2014 – Andrew Wiggins 2013 – Ben McLemore 2012 – Thomas Robinson 2011 – Marcus Morris 2010 – Sherron Collins 2008 – Brandon Rush 2007 – Brandon Rush 2005 – Wayne Simien 2003 – Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich 2002 – Drew Gooden 1998 – Raef LaFrentz, Paul Pierce 1997 – Raef LaFrentz, Jacque Vaughn 1996 – Jacque Vaughn 1988 – Danny Manning (Wooden Award recipient) 1986 – Danny Manning

🏀 MBB: KU's Jalen Wilson Named Wooden Award Finalist

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pablo Lopez and four Minnesota relievers combined on a two-hitter as the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on a breezy opening day Thursday.

Trevor Larnach and pinch-hitter Donovan Solano each drove in a run. Lopez allowed both Kansas City hits while walking three and striking out eight in 5 1/3 innings, outpitching former Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke.

A trio of Twins relievers easily ushered the game to Jhoan Duran, who worked around a walk in the ninth to earn the save on an overcast afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.

Greinke, who also lasted 5 1/3 innings, delivered a solid start for Kansas City to begin his 20th season in the big leagues. The 39-year-old right-hander allowed both runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four.

The Twins won despite leaving the bases loaded three times and 12 on base in all.

Salvador Perez and Kyle Isbel had the Royals' only hits.

Even though Greinke and Lopez matched scoreless innings through the fifth, both had to wiggle out of trouble.

The Twins had a pair of singles and a walk in the first inning, but Greinke rebounded to get Nick Gordon to ground out and end the threat. The Royals' erstwhile ace didn't allow another hit until Christian Vazquez singled with one out in the fifth.

Lopez, who arrived in a January trade with Miami, retired the first seven batters he faced and didn't allow a single until Perez's shattered bat went about as far as the ball in the fourth. Lopez later loaded the bases on a double, hit batter and walk in the fifth, but the righty got MJ Melendez to ground down the first-base line into an inning-ending double play.

The Twins finally broke though in the sixth. Larnach followed Byron Buxton's leadoff triple with a base hit, and Solano entered to face Royals reliever Amir Garrett, ripping a single up the middle to extend the lead.

Kansas City never really threatened the rest of the way.

The Royals made Perez, their seven-time All-Star catcher, the fourth captain in franchise history Thursday. He's the first to wear the “C” on his jersey since Mike Sweeney in 2007; the others were George Brett and Frank White.

Twins SS Carlos Correa singled in his first at-bat after a bizarre offseason. Lucrative deals with the Giants and Mets fell apart over concerns about his surgically repaired ankle and he returned to Minnesota on a six-year, $200 million deal.

Twins: RHPs Ronny Henriquez (elbow inflammation) and Josh Winder (shoulder strain), INF Jorge Polanco (knee inflammation) and OFs Gilberto Celestino (thumb surgery) and Alex Kirilloff (wrist surgery) went on the injured list before the game.

Royals: OF Drew Waters (oblique strain) and LHP Daniel Lynch (rotator cuff strain) went on the IL before the game.

Twins: INF/OF Willi Castro had his contract selected from Triple-A St. Paul to provide depth with Polanco and Kirilloff out.

Royals: OFs Jackie Bradley Jr. and Franmil Reyes and INF Matt Duffy had contracts selected from Triple-A Omaha. LHP Richard Lovelady was traded to Atlanta and 1B Matt Beaty to San Francisco, both for cash.

After a day off Friday, Twins RHP Sonny Gray gets the start against Royals RHP Jordan Lyles on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680115673148.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pablo Lopez and four Minnesota relievers combined on a two-hitter as the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on a breezy opening day Thursday.Trevor Larnach and pinch-hitter Donovan Solano each drove in a run. Lopez allowed both Kansas City hits while walking three and striking out eight in 5 1/3 innings, outpitching former Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke.A trio of Twins relievers easily ushered the game to Jhoan Duran, who worked around a walk in the ninth to earn the save on an overcast afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.Greinke, who also lasted 5 1/3 innings, delivered a solid start for Kansas City to begin his 20th season in the big leagues. The 39-year-old right-hander allowed both runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four.The Twins won despite leaving the bases loaded three times and 12 on base in all.Salvador Perez and Kyle Isbel had the Royals' only hits.Even though Greinke and Lopez matched scoreless innings through the fifth, both had to wiggle out of trouble.The Twins had a pair of singles and a walk in the first inning, but Greinke rebounded to get Nick Gordon to ground out and end the threat. The Royals' erstwhile ace didn't allow another hit until Christian Vazquez singled with one out in the fifth.Lopez, who arrived in a January trade with Miami, retired the first seven batters he faced and didn't allow a single until Perez's shattered bat went about as far as the ball in the fourth. Lopez later loaded the bases on a double, hit batter and walk in the fifth, but the righty got MJ Melendez to ground down the first-base line into an inning-ending double play.The Twins finally broke though in the sixth. Larnach followed Byron Buxton's leadoff triple with a base hit, and Solano entered to face Royals reliever Amir Garrett, ripping a single up the middle to extend the lead.Kansas City never really threatened the rest of the way.CAPTAIN SALThe Royals made Perez, their seven-time All-Star catcher, the fourth captain in franchise history Thursday. He's the first to wear the “C” on his jersey since Mike Sweeney in 2007; the others were George Brett and Frank White.CORREA'S RETURNTwins SS Carlos Correa singled in his first at-bat after a bizarre offseason. Lucrative deals with the Giants and Mets fell apart over concerns about his surgically repaired ankle and he returned to Minnesota on a six-year, $200 million deal.TRAINER'S ROOMTwins: RHPs Ronny Henriquez (elbow inflammation) and Josh Winder (shoulder strain), INF Jorge Polanco (knee inflammation) and OFs Gilberto Celestino (thumb surgery) and Alex Kirilloff (wrist surgery) went on the injured list before the game.Royals: OF Drew Waters (oblique strain) and LHP Daniel Lynch (rotator cuff strain) went on the IL before the game.MAKING MOVESTwins: INF/OF Willi Castro had his contract selected from Triple-A St. Paul to provide depth with Polanco and Kirilloff out.Royals: OFs Jackie Bradley Jr. and Franmil Reyes and INF Matt Duffy had contracts selected from Triple-A Omaha. LHP Richard Lovelady was traded to Atlanta and 1B Matt Beaty to San Francisco, both for cash.UP NEXTAfter a day off Friday, Twins RHP Sonny Gray gets the start against Royals RHP Jordan Lyles on Saturday.

⚾ Pablo Lopez, Twins' bullpen blank Royals on opening day

🏀 MBB: K-State selected to play in 2023 Baha Mar Hoops Championship

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals made seven-time 
All-Star catcher Salvador Perez the fourth captain in franchise history 
before their opener against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, rewarding 
one of the club's most popular players with the rare title.

Unlike
 football or basketball, the captain title is bestowed upon players that
 have either achieved a tremendous amount or displayed exemplary 
leadership over a lengthy period of time.

Along
 with his near-annual trips to the All-Star game, the affable catcher 
has won four Silver Slugger awards, five Gold Glove awards and was the 
MVP of the 2015 World Series, when the Royals beat the Mets for their 
second championship.

He is also among the most popular players in 
the Royals clubhouse. Perez's gregarious nature immediately puts young 
players at ease, which is a good thing for a club in the midst of a 
major youth movement, and he's always willing to sign autographs and 
take photographs for fans that show up long before the first pitch.

"Salvy
 is a Royals icon, a Kansas City icon and a baseball icon,” Royals 
general manager J.J. Picollo said. “This honor reflects not just his 
place in Royals history but just as importantly the work he puts in and 
the leadership he provides our organization.”

Hall of Fame third 
baseman George Brett and longtime star Frank White were the first Royals
 captains. They both held the title from 1989-90, when White retired, 
and Brett carried it on until his own retirement after the 1993 season.

Mike Sweeney was the last Royals captain, holding the honor from 2003 until leaving for Oakland for the 2008 season.

Aaron Judge of the Yankees was the only other MLB player with a captain title heading into this season.

The
 32-year-old Perez was batting third and behind the plate for the 
Royals' opener against the Twins. He's coming off a season in which he 
hit .254 with 23 homers and 76 RBIs while playing just 114 games.

Perez
 was the club's nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2001, and last
 year, he won the Lou Gehrig Award, which is presented annually to a 
Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the character of the 
late Yankees star.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630349197266.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals made seven-time 
All-Star catcher Salvador Perez the fourth captain in franchise history 
before their opener against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, rewarding 
one of the club's most popular players with the rare title.Unlike
 football or basketball, the captain title is bestowed upon players that
 have either achieved a tremendous amount or displayed exemplary 
leadership over a lengthy period of time.Perez fits both of those categories.Along
 with his near-annual trips to the All-Star game, the affable catcher 
has won four Silver Slugger awards, five Gold Glove awards and was the 
MVP of the 2015 World Series, when the Royals beat the Mets for their 
second championship.He is also among the most popular players in 
the Royals clubhouse. Perez's gregarious nature immediately puts young 
players at ease, which is a good thing for a club in the midst of a 
major youth movement, and he's always willing to sign autographs and 
take photographs for fans that show up long before the first pitch."Salvy
 is a Royals icon, a Kansas City icon and a baseball icon,” Royals 
general manager J.J. Picollo said. “This honor reflects not just his 
place in Royals history but just as importantly the work he puts in and 
the leadership he provides our organization.”Hall of Fame third 
baseman George Brett and longtime star Frank White were the first Royals
 captains. They both held the title from 1989-90, when White retired, 
and Brett carried it on until his own retirement after the 1993 season.Mike Sweeney was the last Royals captain, holding the honor from 2003 until leaving for Oakland for the 2008 season.Aaron Judge of the Yankees was the only other MLB player with a captain title heading into this season.The
 32-year-old Perez was batting third and behind the plate for the 
Royals' opener against the Twins. He's coming off a season in which he 
hit .254 with 23 homers and 76 RBIs while playing just 114 games.Perez
 was the club's nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2001, and last
 year, he won the Lou Gehrig Award, which is presented annually to a 
Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the character of the 
late Yankees star.

⚾️ Royals make Perez fourth captain in franchise history

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For Mammoth Design Director David Folsom, creating a new stadium for the Kansas City Royals was a passion project, dream come true, and homage to baseball’s rich history all at once.&nbsp;

The Royals have initial plans in place to bring the hometown team into the heart of the city. One option is to build at the site of the old Kansas City Star printing pavilion, stretching part of ballpark over I-35.&nbsp;

That’s where Folsom and Mammoth Sports Construction came in. A lifetime baseball fan and Kansas City native, Folsom poured unvarnished passion into the conception. Recycled copper from the KC Star building pays tribute to the site where it would stand. The brick facade incorporates the style of the iconic West Bottoms stockyards. The thoughtfully curved seating bowl preserves the present seating structure of Kaufman Stadium. And the U-shaped section design takes inspiration from Fenway Park and Camden Yards.

Altogether, it's a a timeless ballpark design, woven into its city, with all the history of yesterday and the features of tomorrow. Craftsman quality. Anchored to place. A city like this one deserves no less.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680173500141.jpeg" alt="Rendering" />
 <figcaption>Rendering</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For Mammoth Design Director David Folsom, creating a new stadium for the Kansas City Royals was a passion project, dream come true, and homage to baseball’s rich history all at once.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680173450042.jpeg" alt="Rendering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rendering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Royals have initial plans in place to bring the hometown team into the heart of the city. One option is to build at the site of the old Kansas City Star printing pavilion, stretching part of ballpark over I-35.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680173548977.jpeg" alt="Renering" />
 <figcaption>Renering</figcaption>
 </figure>That’s where Folsom and Mammoth Sports Construction came in. A lifetime baseball fan and Kansas City native, Folsom poured unvarnished passion into the conception. Recycled copper from the KC Star building pays tribute to the site where it would stand. The brick facade incorporates the style of the iconic West Bottoms stockyards. The thoughtfully curved seating bowl preserves the present seating structure of Kaufman Stadium. And the U-shaped section design takes inspiration from Fenway Park and Camden Yards.Altogether, it's a a timeless ballpark design, woven into its city, with all the history of yesterday and the features of tomorrow. Craftsman quality. Anchored to place. A city like this one deserves no less.&nbsp;

⚾ Mammoth Design releases downtown KC stadium renderings

KANSAS CITY, Mo.— The Kansas City Royals announced several roster moves this morning to finalize their Opening Day Roster. The Royals have selected outfielders&nbsp;Jackie Bradley Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Franmil Reyes&nbsp;and infielder&nbsp;Matt Duffy.

Additionally, left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Jake Brentz&nbsp;has been placed on the 60-day Injured List as he continues to recover from left elbow surgery, and outfielder&nbsp;Diego Hernandez&nbsp;has been recalled and placed on the 60-day Injured List with a dislocated right shoulder. Outfielder&nbsp;Drew Waters&nbsp;has been placed on the 10-day Injured List retroactive to March 27 with a left oblique strain, and left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Daniel Lynch&nbsp;has been placed on the 15-day Injured List retroactive to March 27 with a rotator cuff strain. Left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Angel Zerpa&nbsp;was placed on the 60-day Injured List on March 15 with left shoulder tendinopathy.

The Royals have 40 players on the Major League Reserve List.

Kansas City’s 26-man Opening Day roster includes 15 players who made the Opening Day roster in 2022, including pitchers&nbsp;Scott Barlow,&nbsp;Kris Bubic,&nbsp;Taylor Clarke,&nbsp;Dylan Coleman,&nbsp;Amir Garrett,&nbsp;Zack Greinke,&nbsp;Carlos Hernández,&nbsp;Brad Keller&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brady Singer; catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez; infielders&nbsp;Hunter Dozier,&nbsp;Nicky Lopez&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.; and outfielders&nbsp;Kyle Isbel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Edward Olivares.

Five Royals made the Opening Day roster for the first time, including pitcher&nbsp;Jose Cuas, catcher&nbsp;MJ Melendez&nbsp;and infielders&nbsp;Nate Eaton,&nbsp;Michael Massey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Vinnie Pasquantino.

Six players will be making their Royals debuts with their 1st&nbsp;appearance this season, including pitchers&nbsp;Aroldis Chapman,&nbsp;Jordan Lyles&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ryan Yarbrough, infielder&nbsp;Matt Duffy&nbsp;and outfielders&nbsp;Jackie Bradley Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Franmil Reyes.

Zack Greinke&nbsp;made the Opening Day roster for the 17th&nbsp;time in his career and is making his 7th career Opening Day start today. This marks his 6th Opening Day start in the last eight seasons, which matches&nbsp;Max Scherzer,&nbsp;Aaron Nola&nbsp;and&nbsp;Madison Bumgarner&nbsp;for the most Opening Day starts by a pitcher in the Majors since 2016.

Salvador Perez&nbsp;is making his 9th&nbsp;career Opening Day start at catcher, most in franchise history at that position. His 9 career Opening Day starts (at any position) are tied with&nbsp;Mike Sweeney&nbsp;for the 7th most in franchise history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680192072477.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.— The Kansas City Royals announced several roster moves this morning to finalize their Opening Day Roster. The Royals have selected outfielders&nbsp;Jackie Bradley Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Franmil Reyes&nbsp;and infielder&nbsp;Matt Duffy.Additionally, left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Jake Brentz&nbsp;has been placed on the 60-day Injured List as he continues to recover from left elbow surgery, and outfielder&nbsp;Diego Hernandez&nbsp;has been recalled and placed on the 60-day Injured List with a dislocated right shoulder. Outfielder&nbsp;Drew Waters&nbsp;has been placed on the 10-day Injured List retroactive to March 27 with a left oblique strain, and left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Daniel Lynch&nbsp;has been placed on the 15-day Injured List retroactive to March 27 with a rotator cuff strain. Left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Angel Zerpa&nbsp;was placed on the 60-day Injured List on March 15 with left shoulder tendinopathy.The Royals have 40 players on the Major League Reserve List.Kansas City’s 26-man Opening Day roster includes 15 players who made the Opening Day roster in 2022, including pitchers&nbsp;Scott Barlow,&nbsp;Kris Bubic,&nbsp;Taylor Clarke,&nbsp;Dylan Coleman,&nbsp;Amir Garrett,&nbsp;Zack Greinke,&nbsp;Carlos Hernández,&nbsp;Brad Keller&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brady Singer; catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez; infielders&nbsp;Hunter Dozier,&nbsp;Nicky Lopez&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.; and outfielders&nbsp;Kyle Isbel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Edward Olivares.Five Royals made the Opening Day roster for the first time, including pitcher&nbsp;Jose Cuas, catcher&nbsp;MJ Melendez&nbsp;and infielders&nbsp;Nate Eaton,&nbsp;Michael Massey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Vinnie Pasquantino.Six players will be making their Royals debuts with their 1st&nbsp;appearance this season, including pitchers&nbsp;Aroldis Chapman,&nbsp;Jordan Lyles&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ryan Yarbrough, infielder&nbsp;Matt Duffy&nbsp;and outfielders&nbsp;Jackie Bradley Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Franmil Reyes.Zack Greinke&nbsp;made the Opening Day roster for the 17th&nbsp;time in his career and is making his 7th career Opening Day start today. This marks his 6th Opening Day start in the last eight seasons, which matches&nbsp;Max Scherzer,&nbsp;Aaron Nola&nbsp;and&nbsp;Madison Bumgarner&nbsp;for the most Opening Day starts by a pitcher in the Majors since 2016.Salvador Perez&nbsp;is making his 9th&nbsp;career Opening Day start at catcher, most in franchise history at that position. His 9 career Opening Day starts (at any position) are tied with&nbsp;Mike Sweeney&nbsp;for the 7th most in franchise history.

⚾ BSB: Royals set Opening Day roster

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals announced this morning that they have traded left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Richard Lovelady&nbsp;to the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations.

Lovelady, 27, has spent his entire professional career with Kansas City after being selected by the Royals in the 10th&nbsp;round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft. 

He made his Major League debut in 2019 but has pitched only 34.0 innings over the last three seasons (2020-22) due to injury.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals announced this morning that they have traded left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Richard Lovelady&nbsp;to the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations.Lovelady, 27, has spent his entire professional career with Kansas City after being selected by the Royals in the 10th&nbsp;round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft. He made his Major League debut in 2019 but has pitched only 34.0 innings over the last three seasons (2020-22) due to injury.

⚾ BSB: Royals trade Lovelady to Braves for cash

A major shift in how Major League Baseball is played. About time, too.

Aaron Judge aiming at his own home run record, Shohei Ohtani trending with every pitch and swing, Dusty Baker trying to win another World Series ring.

All-Stars in different spots, a new scheduling concept featuring each team facing all 29 opponents.

If it sounds like these plot lines are from a movie — "Everything Everywhere All at Once” comes to mind — it's true.

Opening day is Thursday and the full slate includes games at Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium. And good news for fans — there's no snow in the forecast at any of them.

Manny Machado drew the first pitch clock violation in spring training and it was nuisance. A game between the Braves and Red Sox ended on a clock call and it was a novelty.

Chances are, if Max Scherzer or Nolan Arenado or some other intense star gets timed out in a key spot, it could go nuclear.

But MLB realized it had to do something to cut all the dead periods when absolutely nothing was happening. Well, except for hitters adjusting their batting gloves or pitchers pawing at the rubber. So with games routinely dragging on for more than three hours, the slowdown is getting sped up.

The sport that never had a clock suddenly has them all over the park. Gerrit Cole, Max Fried and the rest of the pitchers get 15 seconds to throw with nobody on base, 20 seconds with runners on. Vladimir Guerero Jr., Mookie Betts and the hitters need to be ready.

The early returns were good, spring training games lasted nearly a half-hour less this year. But remember, that was in Clearwater, Tempe and Lakeland — it might be a lot different, especially early in the season, when umpires begin pointing to their wrists at Busch Stadium, Camden Yards and Petco Park.

NL home run champ Kyle Schwarber, 2020 World Series MVP Corey Seager and a bevy of left-handed boppers should benefit hugely by this rule change. Because from now on, those pull hitters won't face a wall of three infielders on the right side.

Defensive shifts dominated the game in recent years, a big reason why batting averages plummeted so sharply. José Ramírez, Cody Bellinger and other lefties increasingly found themselves being thrown out from shallow-to-medium right field.

No longer. Realizing that shifts were a winning strategy on the field but a losing proposition with fans, MLB banned them. These days, two infielders must be standing on each side of second base. And no playing deep on the grass to rob hits, either — Dansby Swason, Jeremy Peña and other infielders need to be on the dirt.

One likely effect: With more grounders sneaking through for singles, look for the number of no-hitters and near-gems to drop.

All eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani when he starts for the Los Angeles Angels on opening day at Oakland. Here's what fans will really watch: Where will the two-way sensation wind up?

Quite possibly the most popular and talented player on the planet, Ohtani clinched the World Baseball Classic for Japan and earned the MVP trophy by striking out Angels teammate Mike Trout.

Ohtani can become a free agent after this year. He's never reached the postseason since joining the Halos in 2018 — Trout, a three-time MVP, has never won a single playoff game, but that's another matter.

At 28, it's hard to imagine Ohtani sticking around Anaheim after yet another lost season. If they don't start winning soon, the Angels can either trade him to a very ambitious team or risk letting him walk away for nothing.

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom bolted New York for a greener field in Texas. Three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, a model of power pitching, now on the mound for the Mets.

Trea Turner smoothly slid over to join pal Bryce Harper on the Phillies. Xander Bogaerts livened up a San Diego lineup that already included sluggers Manny Machado, Juan Soto and the suspended Fernando Tatis Jr.

AL batting champion Luis Arraez was traded from Minnesota to Miami and former MVP José Abreu signed with the World Series champion Houston Astros.

Maybe the most intriguing newcomer: Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida. He powered Japan in the WBC and was penciled into the Boston cleanup spot even before his major league debut.

We get it: Stolen bases are for suckers, modern metrics show they're not worth the gamble. Miami's Jon Berti stole 41 last season and topped the majors; it was the lowest total for the MLB leader since 1963, when Maury Wills and Luis Aparicio each swiped 40.

Execs hope bigger bases that are 18-inch squares, up from 15-inch squares, will help entice more speedsters to try. It cuts down the distance between the bags by a few inches. They “look like a pizza box,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. Pitchers also will be limited in how many pickoff throws they can make.

Note to MLB: If you really want to get Randy Arozarena, Bobby Witt Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. on the run, see Andrés Giménez and others drop down more surprise bunts, open up hitting lanes and just increase overall offense, here's a better idea — shorten the bases to 88 feet.

The NFL spruced up its game by moving back the extra-point line, making the PAT a more competitive play and prompting coaches to go for two. The NBA overhauled its sport way back by adding the 3-point arc. We know baseball has its hallowed distances — 90 feet and 60 feet, 6 inches — but they don't have to stay that way forever, especially not with younger audiences eager for more action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680171143216.jpeg" alt="MLB starts today" />
 <figcaption>MLB starts today</figcaption>
 </figure>A major shift in how Major League Baseball is played. About time, too.Aaron Judge aiming at his own home run record, Shohei Ohtani trending with every pitch and swing, Dusty Baker trying to win another World Series ring.All-Stars in different spots, a new scheduling concept featuring each team facing all 29 opponents.If it sounds like these plot lines are from a movie — "Everything Everywhere All at Once” comes to mind — it's true.Opening day is Thursday and the full slate includes games at Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium. And good news for fans — there's no snow in the forecast at any of them.TICK-TOCKManny Machado drew the first pitch clock violation in spring training and it was nuisance. A game between the Braves and Red Sox ended on a clock call and it was a novelty.Chances are, if Max Scherzer or Nolan Arenado or some other intense star gets timed out in a key spot, it could go nuclear.But MLB realized it had to do something to cut all the dead periods when absolutely nothing was happening. Well, except for hitters adjusting their batting gloves or pitchers pawing at the rubber. So with games routinely dragging on for more than three hours, the slowdown is getting sped up.The sport that never had a clock suddenly has them all over the park. Gerrit Cole, Max Fried and the rest of the pitchers get 15 seconds to throw with nobody on base, 20 seconds with runners on. Vladimir Guerero Jr., Mookie Betts and the hitters need to be ready.The early returns were good, spring training games lasted nearly a half-hour less this year. But remember, that was in Clearwater, Tempe and Lakeland — it might be a lot different, especially early in the season, when umpires begin pointing to their wrists at Busch Stadium, Camden Yards and Petco Park.VERY SHIFTYNL home run champ Kyle Schwarber, 2020 World Series MVP Corey Seager and a bevy of left-handed boppers should benefit hugely by this rule change. Because from now on, those pull hitters won't face a wall of three infielders on the right side.Defensive shifts dominated the game in recent years, a big reason why batting averages plummeted so sharply. José Ramírez, Cody Bellinger and other lefties increasingly found themselves being thrown out from shallow-to-medium right field.No longer. Realizing that shifts were a winning strategy on the field but a losing proposition with fans, MLB banned them. These days, two infielders must be standing on each side of second base. And no playing deep on the grass to rob hits, either — Dansby Swason, Jeremy Peña and other infielders need to be on the dirt.One likely effect: With more grounders sneaking through for singles, look for the number of no-hitters and near-gems to drop.SHO OR GO?All eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani when he starts for the Los Angeles Angels on opening day at Oakland. Here's what fans will really watch: Where will the two-way sensation wind up?Quite possibly the most popular and talented player on the planet, Ohtani clinched the World Baseball Classic for Japan and earned the MVP trophy by striking out Angels teammate Mike Trout.Ohtani can become a free agent after this year. He's never reached the postseason since joining the Halos in 2018 — Trout, a three-time MVP, has never won a single playoff game, but that's another matter.At 28, it's hard to imagine Ohtani sticking around Anaheim after yet another lost season. If they don't start winning soon, the Angels can either trade him to a very ambitious team or risk letting him walk away for nothing.STAR SCRAMBLETwo-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom bolted New York for a greener field in Texas. Three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, a model of power pitching, now on the mound for the Mets.Trea Turner smoothly slid over to join pal Bryce Harper on the Phillies. Xander Bogaerts livened up a San Diego lineup that already included sluggers Manny Machado, Juan Soto and the suspended Fernando Tatis Jr.AL batting champion Luis Arraez was traded from Minnesota to Miami and former MVP José Abreu signed with the World Series champion Houston Astros.Maybe the most intriguing newcomer: Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida. He powered Japan in the WBC and was penciled into the Boston cleanup spot even before his major league debut.EXTRA BAGGAGEWe get it: Stolen bases are for suckers, modern metrics show they're not worth the gamble. Miami's Jon Berti stole 41 last season and topped the majors; it was the lowest total for the MLB leader since 1963, when Maury Wills and Luis Aparicio each swiped 40.Execs hope bigger bases that are 18-inch squares, up from 15-inch squares, will help entice more speedsters to try. It cuts down the distance between the bags by a few inches. They “look like a pizza box,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. Pitchers also will be limited in how many pickoff throws they can make.Note to MLB: If you really want to get Randy Arozarena, Bobby Witt Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. on the run, see Andrés Giménez and others drop down more surprise bunts, open up hitting lanes and just increase overall offense, here's a better idea — shorten the bases to 88 feet.The NFL spruced up its game by moving back the extra-point line, making the PAT a more competitive play and prompting coaches to go for two. The NBA overhauled its sport way back by adding the 3-point arc. We know baseball has its hallowed distances — 90 feet and 60 feet, 6 inches — but they don't have to stay that way forever, especially not with younger audiences eager for more action.

⚾ MLB opening day offers clocks, shift bans, Ohtani and Judge

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=887943cbeb&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=85d0ce2438&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Postgame Notes</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=0f94e4eaff&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks led for more than 33 minutes Wednesday night and dominated Washington 61-36 in the Fab 4 of the WNIT.

With the convincing win, the Jayhawks (24-11) will now host Columbia out of the Ivy League in the WNIT Championship Game on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. The contest will also be televised nationally by CBS Sports Network.

"I thought we got off to a slow start offensively, just because of nerves," said Head Coach Brandon Schneider. "We missed some shots that normally, we would make. You can't blame the girls in a setting like this, probably for the first time. Our defense was locked in and they were really good all night long. It was great to see us, even the last couple of minutes, really stay attentive and take pride in trying to get a stop."

Taiyanna Jackson posted her 22nd&nbsp;double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Jayhawks, while Zakiyah Franklin led all scorers with 14 points and Holly Kersgieter and Wyvette Mayberry each had 11 points apiece.

Kansas will now appear in the WNIT Championship Game for the second time in program history after falling to South Florida in the 2009 title contest.

Wednesday’s game opened as a defensive battle on both ends of the court, with Washington taking a 6-2 lead at the first media timeout with 4:38 to play in the first quarter. The Jayhawks held the Huskies to a 3-for-9 start from the field and a 0-for-2 start from deep.

Kansas got hot out of the media timeout and immediately went on a 7-0 run over just a 54-second stretch. After a layup from Washington, a Sanna Strom three-pointer made it a 10-2 run for the Jayhawks and made the score 12-8 Kansas with just more than two and a half minutes to play in the opening quarter. Washington cut it to two, but a three-point play from Mayberry in the final minute made the score 15-10 at the end of the first.

The hosts extended their lead to open the second quarter. After a basket from Washington, Kansas went on a 6-0 run to extend its lead to nine at 21-12 and force a timeout for the Huskies with 5:37 to play in the first half. Kersgieter converted a fast break with a layup to force the Washington timeout and get the home crowd of 7,229 in a frenzy.

It turns out the Jayhawks were just getting started. Washington hit a layup out of the timeout to break the 6-0 run, but Kansas then went on a 9-0 run right after the bucket that ballooned the score to 30-14. The 9-0 run came via six points from Jackson and a three-point play from Kersgieter. Washington’s Hannah Stines converted on a jumper in the final minute of the half to make the score 30-16 at the break.

The intermission did nothing to cool off the Jayhawks, who kept their foot on the gas in the second half. Kansas began the third quarter on a 12-2 run to extend the lead to 42-18 with less than five minutes to play in the quarter. Kansas closed out the quarter, leading 48-28 to take a 20-point lead into the final quarter. The Jayhawks got six points from Mayberry in the third and held Washington to 4 of 13 shooting from the floor with five turnovers in the quarter.

The Jayhawks led by at least 21 points the entire fourth quarter and held Washington to 7 of 31 shooting in the second half with 11 turnovers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680170522781.jpeg" alt="KU WBB atdvance to WNIT Championship" />
 <figcaption>KU WBB atdvance to WNIT Championship</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=887943cbeb&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=85d0ce2438&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Postgame Notes</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=0f94e4eaff&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks led for more than 33 minutes Wednesday night and dominated Washington 61-36 in the Fab 4 of the WNIT.With the convincing win, the Jayhawks (24-11) will now host Columbia out of the Ivy League in the WNIT Championship Game on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. The contest will also be televised nationally by CBS Sports Network."I thought we got off to a slow start offensively, just because of nerves," said Head Coach Brandon Schneider. "We missed some shots that normally, we would make. You can't blame the girls in a setting like this, probably for the first time. Our defense was locked in and they were really good all night long. It was great to see us, even the last couple of minutes, really stay attentive and take pride in trying to get a stop."Taiyanna Jackson posted her 22nd&nbsp;double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Jayhawks, while Zakiyah Franklin led all scorers with 14 points and Holly Kersgieter and Wyvette Mayberry each had 11 points apiece.Kansas will now appear in the WNIT Championship Game for the second time in program history after falling to South Florida in the 2009 title contest.Wednesday’s game opened as a defensive battle on both ends of the court, with Washington taking a 6-2 lead at the first media timeout with 4:38 to play in the first quarter. The Jayhawks held the Huskies to a 3-for-9 start from the field and a 0-for-2 start from deep.Kansas got hot out of the media timeout and immediately went on a 7-0 run over just a 54-second stretch. After a layup from Washington, a Sanna Strom three-pointer made it a 10-2 run for the Jayhawks and made the score 12-8 Kansas with just more than two and a half minutes to play in the opening quarter. Washington cut it to two, but a three-point play from Mayberry in the final minute made the score 15-10 at the end of the first.The hosts extended their lead to open the second quarter. After a basket from Washington, Kansas went on a 6-0 run to extend its lead to nine at 21-12 and force a timeout for the Huskies with 5:37 to play in the first half. Kersgieter converted a fast break with a layup to force the Washington timeout and get the home crowd of 7,229 in a frenzy.It turns out the Jayhawks were just getting started. Washington hit a layup out of the timeout to break the 6-0 run, but Kansas then went on a 9-0 run right after the bucket that ballooned the score to 30-14. The 9-0 run came via six points from Jackson and a three-point play from Kersgieter. Washington’s Hannah Stines converted on a jumper in the final minute of the half to make the score 30-16 at the break.The intermission did nothing to cool off the Jayhawks, who kept their foot on the gas in the second half. Kansas began the third quarter on a 12-2 run to extend the lead to 42-18 with less than five minutes to play in the quarter. Kansas closed out the quarter, leading 48-28 to take a 20-point lead into the final quarter. The Jayhawks got six points from Mayberry in the third and held Washington to 4 of 13 shooting from the floor with five turnovers in the quarter.The Jayhawks led by at least 21 points the entire fourth quarter and held Washington to 7 of 31 shooting in the second half with 11 turnovers.

🏀 WBB: Jayhawks advance to WNIT Championship after dominating Washington

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The first thing that Kansas City Royals owner
 John Sherman thinks about when he wakes up each morning is how the 
club, stuck in what seems like an interminable rebuild, will play on 
that particular day.

Not where they will play four or five years down the road.

Yet
 given the modest expectations for a team that lost nearly 100 games a 
year ago, it makes sense many Royals fans are just as interested — quite
 possibly more so — in the plans for a downtown ballpark than whether 
infielder Bobby Witt Jr. can double down on his brilliant rookie season 
or pitcher Brady Singer can truly become a staff ace.

That's why Sherman's second thought probably moves to the downtown ballpark, too.

“This
 is a huge decision, and I look at it as maybe the most important 
decision we'll make as long as we have the privilege of stewarding this 
team,” Sherman said before the Royals held a final workout Wednesday 
ahead of opening day. “I'm probably as anxious as you to get moving on 
that, but it's a complicated process.”

The Royals have called 
Kauffman Stadium home since the sister to Arrowhead Stadium, the home of
 the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, opened 50 years ago next 
month.

And while most stadiums are replaced because they have 
become outdated, the unique, space-aged look of Kauffman Stadium — built
 during an era in which teams trended toward impersonal, multisport 
concrete donuts for their homes — remains beloved by Royals fans and 
visitors alike.

The problem is that despite numerous renovations 
over the years, the very concrete holding the ballpark together has 
begun to crumble in places. The cost simply to repair and maintain the 
ballpark has become prohibitive.

So with the decision essentially 
made for them to build an entirely new stadium, the Royals revealed 
plans to build an entire development in the same mold of The Battery 
Atlanta, where the Braves built Truist Park, and the Ballpark Village in
 St. Louis, where the new Busch Stadium is merely the centerpiece of a 
whole entertainment district.

No site has been secured, but 
several of the most promising are in downtown Kansas City, where the 
Power &amp; Light District along with T-Mobile Center have spearheaded a
 successful era of urban renewal.

Sherman has said that private 
funds would cover the majority of the stadium cost and the entire 
village, each carrying a price tag of about $1 billion.

But if any
 public funding will be used, as it was to build and maintain Kauffman 
Stadium, then it would need to be voted upon, and the earliest that it 
could show up on a ballot would be August.

“You look at Atlanta, 
they took some raw ground — they started with 85 acres — and that has 
been a complete home run,” said Sherman, who purchased the Royals in 
August 2019, shortly before the pandemic wreaked havoc on team finances.

“This
 is one of the reasons we want to do this: That's helped the Braves 
become more competitive,” Sherman said of the vast potential for 
increased revenue for one of the smallest-market teams in baseball. 
“They have locked up and extended the core of their future, and the 
Braves are in a great position from a baseball standpoint.”

So perhaps the first two thoughts Sherman has each day — about performance and the future — are one and the same.

When it comes to the team itself, the Royals were largely quiet throughout the winter, though that was by design.

Rather
 than spending heavily on free agents that might help them win a few 
more games, they decided to stay the course with a promising young 
roster in the hopes that the development of those players would yield 
better results.

In fact, Sherman said, the club has been 
discussing extensions for some of the Royals' foundational pieces — 
presumably Witt, who was fourth in voting for AL rookie of the year, and
 Singer, who was 10-5 with a 3.23 ERA last season.

“We're having 
conversations about that as we speak," Sherman said. "We have a number 
of young players that we're trying to evaluate and we're talking to 
their representatives about what might work.”

Just because the 
Royals' roster largely looks the same, that doesn't mean nothing has 
changed. The Royals fired longtime general manager Dayton Moore in 
September and moved J.J. Picollo to the role, then fired manager Mike 
Matheny in October and replaced him with longtime Indians and Rays coach
 Matt Quatraro.

Sherman said the new voices created a palpable energy in spring training that he hopes carries into the regular season.

“When
 we acquired the team, we had three primary objectives,” Sherman said. 
"One was to win more games; we're working on that. The second was to 
secure the future; that's what (the stadium) is. And the third was to do
 good in the community.

“But the first priority,” he said, “is really the on-field product. That's what really lifts everything else up.”

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. — The first thing that Kansas City Royals owner
 John Sherman thinks about when he wakes up each morning is how the 
club, stuck in what seems like an interminable rebuild, will play on 
that particular day.Not where they will play four or five years down the road.Yet
 given the modest expectations for a team that lost nearly 100 games a 
year ago, it makes sense many Royals fans are just as interested — quite
 possibly more so — in the plans for a downtown ballpark than whether 
infielder Bobby Witt Jr. can double down on his brilliant rookie season 
or pitcher Brady Singer can truly become a staff ace.That's why Sherman's second thought probably moves to the downtown ballpark, too.“This
 is a huge decision, and I look at it as maybe the most important 
decision we'll make as long as we have the privilege of stewarding this 
team,” Sherman said before the Royals held a final workout Wednesday 
ahead of opening day. “I'm probably as anxious as you to get moving on 
that, but it's a complicated process.”The Royals have called 
Kauffman Stadium home since the sister to Arrowhead Stadium, the home of
 the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, opened 50 years ago next 
month.And while most stadiums are replaced because they have 
become outdated, the unique, space-aged look of Kauffman Stadium — built
 during an era in which teams trended toward impersonal, multisport 
concrete donuts for their homes — remains beloved by Royals fans and 
visitors alike.The problem is that despite numerous renovations 
over the years, the very concrete holding the ballpark together has 
begun to crumble in places. The cost simply to repair and maintain the 
ballpark has become prohibitive.So with the decision essentially 
made for them to build an entirely new stadium, the Royals revealed 
plans to build an entire development in the same mold of The Battery 
Atlanta, where the Braves built Truist Park, and the Ballpark Village in
 St. Louis, where the new Busch Stadium is merely the centerpiece of a 
whole entertainment district.No site has been secured, but 
several of the most promising are in downtown Kansas City, where the 
Power &amp; Light District along with T-Mobile Center have spearheaded a
 successful era of urban renewal.Sherman has said that private 
funds would cover the majority of the stadium cost and the entire 
village, each carrying a price tag of about $1 billion.But if any
 public funding will be used, as it was to build and maintain Kauffman 
Stadium, then it would need to be voted upon, and the earliest that it 
could show up on a ballot would be August.“You look at Atlanta, 
they took some raw ground — they started with 85 acres — and that has 
been a complete home run,” said Sherman, who purchased the Royals in 
August 2019, shortly before the pandemic wreaked havoc on team finances.“This
 is one of the reasons we want to do this: That's helped the Braves 
become more competitive,” Sherman said of the vast potential for 
increased revenue for one of the smallest-market teams in baseball. 
“They have locked up and extended the core of their future, and the 
Braves are in a great position from a baseball standpoint.”So perhaps the first two thoughts Sherman has each day — about performance and the future — are one and the same.When it comes to the team itself, the Royals were largely quiet throughout the winter, though that was by design.Rather
 than spending heavily on free agents that might help them win a few 
more games, they decided to stay the course with a promising young 
roster in the hopes that the development of those players would yield 
better results.In fact, Sherman said, the club has been 
discussing extensions for some of the Royals' foundational pieces — 
presumably Witt, who was fourth in voting for AL rookie of the year, and
 Singer, who was 10-5 with a 3.23 ERA last season.“We're having 
conversations about that as we speak," Sherman said. "We have a number 
of young players that we're trying to evaluate and we're talking to 
their representatives about what might work.”Just because the 
Royals' roster largely looks the same, that doesn't mean nothing has 
changed. The Royals fired longtime general manager Dayton Moore in 
September and moved J.J. Picollo to the role, then fired manager Mike 
Matheny in October and replaced him with longtime Indians and Rays coach
 Matt Quatraro.Sherman said the new voices created a palpable energy in spring training that he hopes carries into the regular season.“When
 we acquired the team, we had three primary objectives,” Sherman said. 
"One was to win more games; we're working on that. The second was to 
secure the future; that's what (the stadium) is. And the third was to do
 good in the community.“But the first priority,” he said, “is really the on-field product. That's what really lifts everything else up.”

Royals' Sherman optimistic about new ballpark, current team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Are you ready for Royals Opening Day? It's almost here! Join us at The K on Thursday, March 30th vs. the Minnesota Twins! With a brand-new bobblehead, exciting LIVE music, and the return of powder blues, this is a game you DO NOT want to miss! Tickets start at just $29, or save even more with a bundled ticket pack below. Bring your mom, your dad, your brother, your sister, your cousin, your neighbor, your dog... well, don't bring your dog yet. Wait until Bark at the Park to do that. Anyway, we can't wait to see you!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679898458513.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Are you ready for Royals Opening Day? It's almost here! Join us at The K on Thursday, March 30th vs. the Minnesota Twins! With a brand-new bobblehead, exciting LIVE music, and the return of powder blues, this is a game you DO NOT want to miss! Tickets start at just $29, or save even more with a bundled ticket pack below. Bring your mom, your dad, your brother, your sister, your cousin, your neighbor, your dog... well, don't bring your dog yet. Wait until Bark at the Park to do that. Anyway, we can't wait to see you!<h2>Game Day Activations</h2><ul>
 <li>Parking lots will open at 9:00 a.m. and stadium gates will open at 12 p.m.Parking must be purchased in advance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/ballpark/transportation">here</a>.</li><li>Parking must be purchased in advance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/ballpark/transportation">here</a>.</li><li>Bobby Witt, Jr. Bobblehead gate giveaway presented by Price Chopper</li><li>On it's 50th Anniversary, full powder blue uniforms return and make their debut at The K</li><li>Pre-game Concert by Grammy-award winning Country Rock duo Brothers OsborneLocated on the&nbsp;Miller Lite Fountain Bar Deck&nbsp;(above the left-center field fountains facing the field)Concert will take place from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.Must have an Opening Day game ticket to attend</li><li>Located on the&nbsp;Miller Lite Fountain Bar Deck&nbsp;(above the left-center field fountains facing the field)</li><li>Concert will take place from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.</li><li>Must have an Opening Day game ticket to attend</li><li>Pre-game Opening Day ceremonyCelebration of the 50th anniversary of the Kauffman Stadium FountainsMembers of the 1973 Royals Opening Day team will be in attendance. This was the first team to wear full powder bluesFlyover by aircraft from Whiteman Air Force Base</li><li>Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Kauffman Stadium Fountains</li><li>Members of the 1973 Royals Opening Day team will be in attendance. This was the first team to wear full powder blues</li><li>Flyover by aircraft from Whiteman Air Force Base</li>
 </ul>