Heavy rains and the threat of severe weather in the area forced the postponement of Tuesday night’s game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

The game will be made up as the opener of a split doubleheader on Wednesday, with the first game beginning at 11:40 am. The nightcap is set for 5:40 pm.

The Reds, riding a five-game winning streak, will open with Tuesday’s scheduled starter Brady Singer&nbsp; in Game 1. Cincinnati has not made a decision on its starter for Game 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Cardinals will counter with right-hander Miles Mikolas (0-2, 5.70 ERA) in the first game and lefty Steven Matz (2-0, 1.80 ERA) in the nightcap. St. Louis (12-17) is looking to avoid one of its worst 30-game starts to a season in the Wild Card era (since 1994). Only the 2023 Cards (10-20) got off to a worst start during that time frame.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostHeavy rains and the threat of severe weather in the area forced the postponement of Tuesday night’s game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.The game will be made up as the opener of a split doubleheader on Wednesday, with the first game beginning at 11:40 am. The nightcap is set for 5:40 pm.The Reds, riding a five-game winning streak, will open with Tuesday’s scheduled starter Brady Singer&nbsp; in Game 1. Cincinnati has not made a decision on its starter for Game 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Cardinals will counter with right-hander Miles Mikolas (0-2, 5.70 ERA) in the first game and lefty Steven Matz (2-0, 1.80 ERA) in the nightcap. St. Louis (12-17) is looking to avoid one of its worst 30-game starts to a season in the Wild Card era (since 1994). Only the 2023 Cards (10-20) got off to a worst start during that time frame.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cardinals and Reds postponed Tuesday; doubleheader Wednesday

Bobby Witt Jr extended his career best, and MLB best, hitting streak to 19 games but the Kansas City Royals could not do much else against Houston starting pitcher Hunter Brown, falling 7-3 in Sunday's series finale.&nbsp; The loss for the Royals snapped a streak of six straight wins.

The Royals fell behind in the third inning when Kris Bubic gave up a three run home run to Yordan Alvarez.&nbsp; The Astros extended their lead in the top of the fifth inning, Chas McCormick scoring on a single from Jeremy Pena.&nbsp; The bottom of the fifth Kansas City found their way onto the scoreboard, when Witt Jr extended his hit streak with a double driving in Jonathan India.&nbsp;

But Houston added two more runs in the sixth inning, again thanks to Pena this time with a double that drove in&nbsp;Zach Dezenzo along with McCormick.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Astros final run in the seventh inning came on a solo home run by&nbsp;Yainer Diaz.&nbsp; The Royals scored one more run in the bottom of the seventh, a sacrifice fly from India driving in Cavan Biggio.&nbsp; Drew Waters tripled in the ninth inning to score Maikel Garcia for the final run of the game.

Bubic took the loss on the day, falling to 2-2 on the season, giving up four runs over five innings on five hits, striking out four.&nbsp; India and Salvador Perez led the way hitting for the Royals both going 2-4 at the plate, India driving in one run.

Kansas City is off tomorrow, before traveling to Tampa Bay on Tuesday.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen will open the series against the Rays, with first pitch Tuesday at 6:05pm, pregame coverage begins at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostBobby Witt Jr extended his career best, and MLB best, hitting streak to 19 games but the Kansas City Royals could not do much else against Houston starting pitcher Hunter Brown, falling 7-3 in Sunday's series finale.&nbsp; The loss for the Royals snapped a streak of six straight wins.The Royals fell behind in the third inning when Kris Bubic gave up a three run home run to Yordan Alvarez.&nbsp; The Astros extended their lead in the top of the fifth inning, Chas McCormick scoring on a single from Jeremy Pena.&nbsp; The bottom of the fifth Kansas City found their way onto the scoreboard, when Witt Jr extended his hit streak with a double driving in Jonathan India.&nbsp;But Houston added two more runs in the sixth inning, again thanks to Pena this time with a double that drove in&nbsp;Zach Dezenzo along with McCormick.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Astros final run in the seventh inning came on a solo home run by&nbsp;Yainer Diaz.&nbsp; The Royals scored one more run in the bottom of the seventh, a sacrifice fly from India driving in Cavan Biggio.&nbsp; Drew Waters tripled in the ninth inning to score Maikel Garcia for the final run of the game.Bubic took the loss on the day, falling to 2-2 on the season, giving up four runs over five innings on five hits, striking out four.&nbsp; India and Salvador Perez led the way hitting for the Royals both going 2-4 at the plate, India driving in one run.Kansas City is off tomorrow, before traveling to Tampa Bay on Tuesday.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen will open the series against the Rays, with first pitch Tuesday at 6:05pm, pregame coverage begins at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals struggle against Brown, Astros in series finale falling 7-3

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley gave up two runs in the ninth inning, blowing his second save of the season, but Nolan Arenado blasted a walk off home run in the bottom half as the Cardinals topped their NL Central rivals the Milwaukee Brewers 6-5 at Busch Stadium Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;

It didn't appear early on however like St Louis would need to win that way though, building a 5-0 lead early on through the first four innings.&nbsp; The first run in the second inning started with a Nolan Gorman double leading off the inning, and after&nbsp;Thomas Saggese grounded out advancing Norman to third,&nbsp;Pedro Pagés hit a sacrifice fly to center field driving in Gorman to open the scoring.&nbsp;

In the third inning, Masyn Winn led off with a double and was followed up by a ground rule double by Lars Nootbaar, allowing Winn to run across home plate.&nbsp; Willson Contreras grounded out advancing Nootbaar to third base, and Brendan Donovan hit the third double of the inning to score Nootbaar to build the Redbirds lead to 3-0.&nbsp; Arenado grounded out to advance Donovan to third, and the bases ended up loaded after back to back walks to Gorman and Saggese, but&nbsp;Pagés grounded out to end the inning.&nbsp;

The Cardinals added the the final two runs, prior to the walk off home run, in the fourth inning.&nbsp; Winn hit his second double of the game after Victor Scott II flew out to open the inning.&nbsp; Nootbaar's single drove in Winn to extend the lead, and Nootbaar came around to score in the next at bat thanks to a throwing error by&nbsp;Brice Turang on a single from Contreras.&nbsp;

Milwaukee began their comeback in the fifth inning after back to back doubles by Joey Ortiz and Caleb Durbin opened the scoring for the Brewers.&nbsp; Durbin would get picked off by Cardinals starter Sonny Gray, but after&nbsp;Turang walked, he found his way home on another double in the inning, this time by&nbsp;Jackson Chourio.

The Brewers added another run in the sixth after loading the bases.&nbsp; William Contreras and Rhys Hoskins singled before Gray walked Jake Bauers.&nbsp; Contreras scored on a groundout by Joey Ortiz, Bauers being forced out at second and Ortiz reaching first safely.&nbsp; With runners on the corners and two outs, Vinny Capra flied out to right field ending the inning with Milwaukee trailing 5-3.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Leading by two runs in the top of the ninth, the Cardinals called on the ever reliable closer Helsley.&nbsp; But disaster struck quickly for Helsley, who gave up a leadoff single to&nbsp;Isaac Collins.&nbsp; Helsley retired Turang on a flyout to center field, but while facing down Chourio, Helsey gave up the sixth home run of the season to the right fielder, tying up the game.&nbsp; He bounced back following the blast, forcing Christain Yelich to ground out and Contreras to pop out to the catcher.&nbsp;

Donovan lined out sharply to center field against new Brewers reliever&nbsp;Trevor Megill to start the bottom of the ninth, but down 0-1 at the plate, Arenado came up clutch blasting the walk off home run 385 feet to left field to give St. Louis back to back wins for the first time since last week, April 13th and 14th.&nbsp;

Helsley earned the win, despite the blown save, moving to 1-0 on the year, giving up two runs on two hits in one inning.&nbsp; Nootbaar (2-4, 2 RBI), Contreras (2-5), Donovan (2-5, 1 RBI), and Winn (2-4, 2 runs, 2 doubles) led the way hitting for the Cardinals.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Houston wrap up their series tomorrow, before the Cardinals hit the road on Monday to Cincinatti.&nbsp; Erick Fedde (1-2, 3.33 ERA) starts the series finale for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Jose Quintana (3-0, 0.96 ERA) for the Brewers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745726186387.jpeg" alt="Nolan Arenado blasted a walk off home run to give the St. Louis Cardinals a 6-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday afternoon/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Nolan Arenado blasted a walk off home run to give the St. Louis Cardinals a 6-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday afternoon/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley gave up two runs in the ninth inning, blowing his second save of the season, but Nolan Arenado blasted a walk off home run in the bottom half as the Cardinals topped their NL Central rivals the Milwaukee Brewers 6-5 at Busch Stadium Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;It didn't appear early on however like St Louis would need to win that way though, building a 5-0 lead early on through the first four innings.&nbsp; The first run in the second inning started with a Nolan Gorman double leading off the inning, and after&nbsp;Thomas Saggese grounded out advancing Norman to third,&nbsp;Pedro Pagés hit a sacrifice fly to center field driving in Gorman to open the scoring.&nbsp;In the third inning, Masyn Winn led off with a double and was followed up by a ground rule double by Lars Nootbaar, allowing Winn to run across home plate.&nbsp; Willson Contreras grounded out advancing Nootbaar to third base, and Brendan Donovan hit the third double of the inning to score Nootbaar to build the Redbirds lead to 3-0.&nbsp; Arenado grounded out to advance Donovan to third, and the bases ended up loaded after back to back walks to Gorman and Saggese, but&nbsp;Pagés grounded out to end the inning.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Triple Double! <a href="https://t.co/JDJtkKzRia">pic.twitter.com/JDJtkKzRia</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1916207658534678995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Cardinals added the the final two runs, prior to the walk off home run, in the fourth inning.&nbsp; Winn hit his second double of the game after Victor Scott II flew out to open the inning.&nbsp; Nootbaar's single drove in Winn to extend the lead, and Nootbaar came around to score in the next at bat thanks to a throwing error by&nbsp;Brice Turang on a single from Contreras.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Masyn doubles again and Noot brings him home again! <a href="https://t.co/s9qBNusI54">pic.twitter.com/s9qBNusI54</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1916212279420273116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Milwaukee began their comeback in the fifth inning after back to back doubles by Joey Ortiz and Caleb Durbin opened the scoring for the Brewers.&nbsp; Durbin would get picked off by Cardinals starter Sonny Gray, but after&nbsp;Turang walked, he found his way home on another double in the inning, this time by&nbsp;Jackson Chourio.The Brewers added another run in the sixth after loading the bases.&nbsp; William Contreras and Rhys Hoskins singled before Gray walked Jake Bauers.&nbsp; Contreras scored on a groundout by Joey Ortiz, Bauers being forced out at second and Ortiz reaching first safely.&nbsp; With runners on the corners and two outs, Vinny Capra flied out to right field ending the inning with Milwaukee trailing 5-3.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leading by two runs in the top of the ninth, the Cardinals called on the ever reliable closer Helsley.&nbsp; But disaster struck quickly for Helsley, who gave up a leadoff single to&nbsp;Isaac Collins.&nbsp; Helsley retired Turang on a flyout to center field, but while facing down Chourio, Helsey gave up the sixth home run of the season to the right fielder, tying up the game.&nbsp; He bounced back following the blast, forcing Christain Yelich to ground out and Contreras to pop out to the catcher.&nbsp;Donovan lined out sharply to center field against new Brewers reliever&nbsp;Trevor Megill to start the bottom of the ninth, but down 0-1 at the plate, Arenado came up clutch blasting the walk off home run 385 feet to left field to give St. Louis back to back wins for the first time since last week, April 13th and 14th.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NOLAN ARENADO CALLED GAME OVER!!! <a href="https://t.co/FKmRldc6Bh">pic.twitter.com/FKmRldc6Bh</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1916238121185816986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Helsley earned the win, despite the blown save, moving to 1-0 on the year, giving up two runs on two hits in one inning.&nbsp; Nootbaar (2-4, 2 RBI), Contreras (2-5), Donovan (2-5, 1 RBI), and Winn (2-4, 2 runs, 2 doubles) led the way hitting for the Cardinals.&nbsp;St. Louis and Houston wrap up their series tomorrow, before the Cardinals hit the road on Monday to Cincinatti.&nbsp; Erick Fedde (1-2, 3.33 ERA) starts the series finale for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Jose Quintana (3-0, 0.96 ERA) for the Brewers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cardinals win second straight thanks to walk off blast by Arenado, top Brewers 6-5

The Kansas City Royals extended their win streak to six games and posted back to back shutout wins for the first time since 2015, shutting out the Houston Astros 2-0 for a second consecutive night at Kauffman Stadium Saturday night.&nbsp;

The scoring started in the first inning after Jonathan India's leadoff walk was followed by a Bobby Witt Jr double, extending Witt Jr's career best hit streak to 18 games.&nbsp; After Salvador Perez popped out, Mark Cahna's deep fly ball to right field allowed India to score, moving Witt Jr to third base, but he would wind up stranded there after Maikel Garcia popped out to end the inning.&nbsp;

Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez kept the Royals bats quiet for most of the game however, despite the win, giving up just two more hits after the Witt Jr double, the biggest coming in the fifth inning as Vinnie Pasquantino hit a solo home run over the right field bullpen, sailing 412 feet.&nbsp; A single by Cahna in the seventh would be the final hit by Kansas City.&nbsp;

Michael Wacha earned his first win of the season, moving to 1-3 on the year, pitching six shutout innings and giving up four hits while striking out six and walking two.&nbsp; Carlos&nbsp;Estévez earned his seventh save, striking out one batter in a hitless ninth inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas City and Houston wrap up their series today, before an off day on Monday for the Royals.&nbsp; Kris Bubic (2-1, 1.45 ERA) starts the series finale for the Royals against&nbsp;Hunter Brown (3-1, 1.16 ERA) for the Astro.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745724022006.jpeg" alt="Drew Waters (8) celebrates with Vinnie Pasquantino (9) following Pasquantino's solo home run in the fifth inning of Saturday's 2-0 win over the Astros/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Drew Waters (8) celebrates with Vinnie Pasquantino (9) following Pasquantino's solo home run in the fifth inning of Saturday's 2-0 win over the Astros/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals extended their win streak to six games and posted back to back shutout wins for the first time since 2015, shutting out the Houston Astros 2-0 for a second consecutive night at Kauffman Stadium Saturday night.&nbsp;The scoring started in the first inning after Jonathan India's leadoff walk was followed by a Bobby Witt Jr double, extending Witt Jr's career best hit streak to 18 games.&nbsp; After Salvador Perez popped out, Mark Cahna's deep fly ball to right field allowed India to score, moving Witt Jr to third base, but he would wind up stranded there after Maikel Garcia popped out to end the inning.&nbsp;Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez kept the Royals bats quiet for most of the game however, despite the win, giving up just two more hits after the Witt Jr double, the biggest coming in the fifth inning as Vinnie Pasquantino hit a solo home run over the right field bullpen, sailing 412 feet.&nbsp; A single by Cahna in the seventh would be the final hit by Kansas City.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PASQUATCH SIGHTING 412 ft home run for Vinnie Pasquantino! 📺: FS1 <a href="https://t.co/oiGVwHN92U">pic.twitter.com/oiGVwHN92U</a>&mdash; FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1916287629446025709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Michael Wacha earned his first win of the season, moving to 1-3 on the year, pitching six shutout innings and giving up four hits while striking out six and walking two.&nbsp; Carlos&nbsp;Estévez earned his seventh save, striking out one batter in a hitless ninth inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas City and Houston wrap up their series today, before an off day on Monday for the Royals.&nbsp; Kris Bubic (2-1, 1.45 ERA) starts the series finale for the Royals against&nbsp;Hunter Brown (3-1, 1.16 ERA) for the Astro.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals score second consecutive 2-0 shutout win over Astros for sixth straight win

After adding to their offensive line at the end of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs spent the second day adding several pieces on the defensive side of the ball.&nbsp;

With the 63rd pick in round two, the Chiefs added defensive tackle&nbsp;Omarr Norman-Lott from Tennessee.&nbsp; After losing Tershawn Wharton to free agency, there was a spot open alongside Chris Jones along the defensive line, a spot Kansas City will hope Norman-Lott can fill.&nbsp;

Norman-Lott recorded 44 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and one fumble recovery in two seasons for the Volunteers from .  He played three seasons at Arizona State, seeing action in 21 games with three starts and totaling 45 tackles.&nbsp;Through his entire collegiate career Norman-Lott tallied 89 total tackles and 17 TFLs.

Starting the third round, with pick 66 acquired from the Tennessee Titans in the trade which sent&nbsp;L'Jarius Sneed to Nashville, the Chiefs added another piece to their defensive line drafting&nbsp;Louisville defensive end Ashton Gillotte.

Through four seasons in Louisville, the newest Chiefs defender collected 131 total tackles, 73 solo tackles, 41 tackles for loss, and a whopping 26.5 quarterback sacks, all in 51 games played.&nbsp;Last season, Gillotte earned Second-team All-ACC honors.&nbsp; Fitting his projection, Gillotte has a ton of upside that the Chiefs and especially defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will look to bring out of him.

For a second consecutive day, Kansas City made a trade, this time to move up in the third round, trading pick 95 along with the 2026 fourth round pick acquired from the Chicago Bears for Joe Thuney to the New England Patriots for pick 85.&nbsp;

With the pick, the Chiefs added to the secondary, drafting California cornerback Nohl Williams.&nbsp;&nbsp;Williams began his collegiate career at UNLV before transferring to Cal for his last two seasons. He was a consensus All-American in his final year with the Golden Bears, also earning first-team All-ACC honors. He led FBS with seven interceptions in 2024.

In 52 total college games with 50 starts, Williams recorded 38 passes defensed, 14 interceptions, and three forced fumbles.

Williams has adequate but speed for an NFL cornerback, having clocked 4.50 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. But he has a proven nose for the ball, and his 19 bench-press reps of 225 pounds were second-best among cornerbacks who tested at the combine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745635432873.jpeg" alt="Omar Norman-Lott" />
 <figcaption>Omar Norman-Lott</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAfter adding to their offensive line at the end of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs spent the second day adding several pieces on the defensive side of the ball.&nbsp;With the 63rd pick in round two, the Chiefs added defensive tackle&nbsp;Omarr Norman-Lott from Tennessee.&nbsp; After losing Tershawn Wharton to free agency, there was a spot open alongside Chris Jones along the defensive line, a spot Kansas City will hope Norman-Lott can fill.&nbsp;Norman-Lott recorded 44 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and one fumble recovery in two seasons for the Volunteers from . He played three seasons at Arizona State, seeing action in 21 games with three starts and totaling 45 tackles.&nbsp;Through his entire collegiate career Norman-Lott tallied 89 total tackles and 17 TFLs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745636771025.jpeg" alt="Ashton Gillotte." />
 <figcaption>Ashton Gillotte.</figcaption>
 </figure>Starting the third round, with pick 66 acquired from the Tennessee Titans in the trade which sent&nbsp;L'Jarius Sneed to Nashville, the Chiefs added another piece to their defensive line drafting&nbsp;Louisville defensive end Ashton Gillotte.Through four seasons in Louisville, the newest Chiefs defender collected 131 total tackles, 73 solo tackles, 41 tackles for loss, and a whopping 26.5 quarterback sacks, all in 51 games played.&nbsp;Last season, Gillotte earned Second-team All-ACC honors.&nbsp; Fitting his projection, Gillotte has a ton of upside that the Chiefs and especially defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will look to bring out of him.For a second consecutive day, Kansas City made a trade, this time to move up in the third round, trading pick 95 along with the 2026 fourth round pick acquired from the Chicago Bears for Joe Thuney to the New England Patriots for pick 85.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745637242849.jpeg" alt="Nohl Williams" />
 <figcaption>Nohl Williams</figcaption>
 </figure>With the pick, the Chiefs added to the secondary, drafting California cornerback Nohl Williams.&nbsp;&nbsp;Williams began his collegiate career at UNLV before transferring to Cal for his last two seasons. He was a consensus All-American in his final year with the Golden Bears, also earning first-team All-ACC honors. He led FBS with seven interceptions in 2024.In 52 total college games with 50 starts, Williams recorded 38 passes defensed, 14 interceptions, and three forced fumbles.Williams has adequate but speed for an NFL cornerback, having clocked 4.50 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. But he has a proven nose for the ball, and his 19 bench-press reps of 225 pounds were second-best among cornerbacks who tested at the combine.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Chiefs add to defense on day two of 2025 NFL Draft

The St. Louis Cardinals narrowly escaped, but held on to top the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 on Friday night in the opener of the three game series against their NL Central rivals.&nbsp;

The Cardinals scored first in the bottom of the fourth inning.&nbsp; Brendan Donovan led the inning off with a walk and advanced to third base in the next at bat on a single by Nolan Arenado.&nbsp; Nolan Gorman pushed Donovan across to score on a deep fly ball to right field that was caught by Jackson Chourio, taking the 1-0 lead on the sacrifice fly.&nbsp;

Two more runs scored in the fifth for the Redbirds, the first coming thanks to the speed of Masyn Winn.&nbsp; Winn singled after Victor Scott II flew out to start the inning, and then stole second base with Lars Nootbaar at the plate, advancing to third on a fielding error by Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz.&nbsp; Nootbaar singled to drive in Winn extending the lead.&nbsp; After Willson Contreras doubled, advancing Nootbaar to third, Donovan hit a single to score Nootbaar, pushing the Cardinals lead to 3-0.&nbsp;

The Brewers narrowed the lead, scoring their runs in the sixth and seventh innings.&nbsp; In the sixth, with two outs Chuorio doubled into center field with two outs, before scoring on a single by Christian Yelich.&nbsp; Then, in the seventh, Sal Frelick led the inning off with a double, chasing Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore from the game and bringing Kyle Leahy on.&nbsp; With the bases loaded, after a single by Rhys Hoskins and a walk to&nbsp;Isaac Collins, a ground out by Jake Bauers scored Frelick.&nbsp;

Liberatore earned the win in the game, improving to 2-2 on the season, pitching six innings and giving up two runs, just one earned, on five hits and striking out four.&nbsp; Ryan Helsley notched his fourth save, giving up just one hit in the ninth inning.&nbsp; At the plate, Nootbaar (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB) and Donovan (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB) led the way.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Milwaukee continue their series tomorrow at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (3-0, 3.41 ERA) starts for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Quinn Priester (1-0, 1.93 ERA) for the Brewers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745638727231.jpeg" alt="Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore spun six fantastic innings, earning the win as St. Louis beat the NL Central rival Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 on Friday night/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore spun six fantastic innings, earning the win as St. Louis beat the NL Central rival Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 on Friday night/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals narrowly escaped, but held on to top the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 on Friday night in the opener of the three game series against their NL Central rivals.&nbsp;The Cardinals scored first in the bottom of the fourth inning.&nbsp; Brendan Donovan led the inning off with a walk and advanced to third base in the next at bat on a single by Nolan Arenado.&nbsp; Nolan Gorman pushed Donovan across to score on a deep fly ball to right field that was caught by Jackson Chourio, taking the 1-0 lead on the sacrifice fly.&nbsp;Two more runs scored in the fifth for the Redbirds, the first coming thanks to the speed of Masyn Winn.&nbsp; Winn singled after Victor Scott II flew out to start the inning, and then stole second base with Lars Nootbaar at the plate, advancing to third on a fielding error by Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz.&nbsp; Nootbaar singled to drive in Winn extending the lead.&nbsp; After Willson Contreras doubled, advancing Nootbaar to third, Donovan hit a single to score Nootbaar, pushing the Cardinals lead to 3-0.&nbsp;The Brewers narrowed the lead, scoring their runs in the sixth and seventh innings.&nbsp; In the sixth, with two outs Chuorio doubled into center field with two outs, before scoring on a single by Christian Yelich.&nbsp; Then, in the seventh, Sal Frelick led the inning off with a double, chasing Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore from the game and bringing Kyle Leahy on.&nbsp; With the bases loaded, after a single by Rhys Hoskins and a walk to&nbsp;Isaac Collins, a ground out by Jake Bauers scored Frelick.&nbsp;Liberatore earned the win in the game, improving to 2-2 on the season, pitching six innings and giving up two runs, just one earned, on five hits and striking out four.&nbsp; Ryan Helsley notched his fourth save, giving up just one hit in the ninth inning.&nbsp; At the plate, Nootbaar (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB) and Donovan (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB) led the way.&nbsp;St. Louis and Milwaukee continue their series tomorrow at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (3-0, 3.41 ERA) starts for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Quinn Priester (1-0, 1.93 ERA) for the Brewers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cardinals hold on for series opening win over NL Central rival Brewers 3-2

Drew Waters bat stayed hot, Bobby Witt Jr had three hits, and the Kansas City Royals opened their series with the Houston Astros on Friday night with a 2-0 shutout win, moving their win streak to five games.&nbsp;

The Royals scored first in the bottom of the fifth inning after Waters doubled to lead off the inning.&nbsp; A sacrifice bunt from Freddy Fermin advanced Waters to third, before he came home to score on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Isbel.&nbsp; 

In the sixth, Kansas City added the only other run they would need, back to back singles by Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia opened the inning before they were advanced on another sacrifice bunt, this time by Michael Massey. Pasquantino scored on a sacrifice fly by Hunter Renfroe.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Seth Lugo looked brilliant on the mound, pitching eight shutout innings and striking out eight batters and giving up just three hits while walking one.&nbsp; Lucas Erceg recorded his first save, striking out one batter&nbsp; Witt Jr led the way hitting on the day, going 3-4 at the plate.&nbsp; With his three hits, he extended his new career best hit streak to 17 games.

The Royals and Astros continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha starts for Kansas City, still searching for his first win of the season, taking on Framber Valdez for Houston.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745632912416.jpeg" alt="Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo pitched eight shutout innings against the Houston Astros, striking out eight batters in a 2-0 Kansas City win/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo pitched eight shutout innings against the Houston Astros, striking out eight batters in a 2-0 Kansas City win/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostDrew Waters bat stayed hot, Bobby Witt Jr had three hits, and the Kansas City Royals opened their series with the Houston Astros on Friday night with a 2-0 shutout win, moving their win streak to five games.&nbsp;The Royals scored first in the bottom of the fifth inning after Waters doubled to lead off the inning.&nbsp; A sacrifice bunt from Freddy Fermin advanced Waters to third, before he came home to score on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Isbel.&nbsp; In the sixth, Kansas City added the only other run they would need, back to back singles by Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia opened the inning before they were advanced on another sacrifice bunt, this time by Michael Massey. Pasquantino scored on a sacrifice fly by Hunter Renfroe.&nbsp; &nbsp;Seth Lugo looked brilliant on the mound, pitching eight shutout innings and striking out eight batters and giving up just three hits while walking one.&nbsp; Lucas Erceg recorded his first save, striking out one batter&nbsp; Witt Jr led the way hitting on the day, going 3-4 at the plate.&nbsp; With his three hits, he extended his new career best hit streak to 17 games.The Royals and Astros continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha starts for Kansas City, still searching for his first win of the season, taking on Framber Valdez for Houston.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals win fifth in a row, shutout Astros 2-0 in series opener

With the final pick traded to the Chicago Bears as part of the Bryce Young trade, with the 39th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft the Bears selected Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III.&nbsp;

Burden was a three-year starter at Missouri, working primarily in the slot for the Tigers, and a two-time first-team All-SEC selection (in 2023 and 2024). In 12 games last season, he caught 61 passes for 676 yards and six touchdowns, while adding 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In Missouri’s early-season win over Boston College, Burden had a season-high 117 yards on six catches and a touchdown.

As a sophomore in 2023, Burden had his most productive season as he topped 100 yards in six games, totaled 86 receptions for 1,212 yards, 14.1 yards per reception and nine touchdowns. That performance earned him a second-team All-America selection from the Associated Press, and he was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award (given to the most outstanding receiver in college football). 

For his three-year college career, Burden tallied 192 receptions for 2,263 receiving yards and 26 total touchdowns — 21 of which were receiving TDs. He was the third-highest rated wideout — behind Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Texas’ Matthew Golden — on The Athletic draft expert Dane Brugler’s big board.

LBIII should fit well into the Bears offense.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chicago got their slot receiver to complement Rome Odunze and DJ Moore. In 2024, 85.3 percent of Burden’s snaps came from the slot. New Bears head coach Ben Johnson had a ton of success with Amon-Ra St. Brown as the slot receiver in Detroit. While those are lofty expectations to put on Burden, it’s a sign of how Johnson can try to incorporate him in the offense to help quarterback Caleb Williams.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695529206470.jpeg" alt="Luther Burden had a career day against Memphis hauling in 10 catches for 177 yards/Photo courtesy of Mizzou Football on X." />
 <figcaption>Luther Burden had a career day against Memphis hauling in 10 catches for 177 yards/Photo courtesy of Mizzou Football on X.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostWith the final pick traded to the Chicago Bears as part of the Bryce Young trade, with the 39th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft the Bears selected Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III.&nbsp;Burden was a three-year starter at Missouri, working primarily in the slot for the Tigers, and a two-time first-team All-SEC selection (in 2023 and 2024). In 12 games last season, he caught 61 passes for 676 yards and six touchdowns, while adding 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In Missouri’s early-season win over Boston College, Burden had a season-high 117 yards on six catches and a touchdown.As a sophomore in 2023, Burden had his most productive season as he topped 100 yards in six games, totaled 86 receptions for 1,212 yards, 14.1 yards per reception and nine touchdowns. That performance earned him a second-team All-America selection from the Associated Press, and he was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award (given to the most outstanding receiver in college football). For his three-year college career, Burden tallied 192 receptions for 2,263 receiving yards and 26 total touchdowns — 21 of which were receiving TDs. He was the third-highest rated wideout — behind Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Texas’ Matthew Golden — on The Athletic draft expert Dane Brugler’s big board.LBIII should fit well into the Bears offense.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chicago got their slot receiver to complement Rome Odunze and DJ Moore. In 2024, 85.3 percent of Burden’s snaps came from the slot. New Bears head coach Ben Johnson had a ton of success with Amon-Ra St. Brown as the slot receiver in Detroit. While those are lofty expectations to put on Burden, it’s a sign of how Johnson can try to incorporate him in the offense to help quarterback Caleb Williams.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Missouri WR Luther Burden III selected on day two with pick 39 by Chicago Bears

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/36HYVKGxzUxdI1YOPhHSkQ?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs traded pick 31 to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for pick 32, and chose Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons as the final pick of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.&nbsp;

Simmons was projected as a potential top 10 pick coming into this year, before suffering a season ending injury against Oregon.&nbsp; Regardless of the injury, Simmons was one of the more popular mocked players to get drafted by the Chiefs to help solidify their offensive line.&nbsp;

Simmons spent the past two seasons as the Buckeyes’ starting left tackle after transferring from San Diego State, where he played on the opposite end of the line.&nbsp; He was limited to just six games during Ohio State’s national championship-winning season due to a knee injury suffered in his team’s 32-31 loss to Oregon in October.

Simmons, however, participated in the Buckeyes’ pro day and posted 33 reps on the bench press, which would’ve been tied for the most at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Head Coach Andy Reid says Simmons could have been a top five or ten pick had he been healthy.

"We felt was a phenomenal athlete...would have been a higher pick if he would not have been hurt," Reid says.

Reid also adds it's unknown if Simmons will participate in the rookie minicamp, but he should be available soon after.

"He will definitely be ready for training camp," Reid said. "He'll be able to do stuff before then."

Kansas City signed Jaylon Moore this offseason to help out at the left tackle position, so Simmons is most likely to compete with him if he is able to play this season after the knee injury.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moore was the backup to Trent Williams in San Francisco and looked solid in a handful of late-season starts for the 49ers. But the small sample size doesn't engender confidence for some fans, and it's hard to know the level of belief in Moore from the team's front office.

The Chiefs have seven additional picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including three picks on Day 2 on Friday. In round two, Kansas City holds the 63rd overall pick, and in round three, the franchise holds both the 66th overall pick and the 95th overall pick.

Additionally, the Chiefs hold the 133rd overall pick in the fourth round, as well as the 164th pick from the Eagles. They also hold three picks in the seventh round of the draft. Kansas City holds the 226th overall pick, the 251st overall pick, and the 257th overall pick in the back half of the NFL Draft.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745629676416.jpeg" alt="Josh Simmons" />
 <figcaption>Josh Simmons</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs traded pick 31 to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for pick 32, and chose Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons as the final pick of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.&nbsp;Simmons was projected as a potential top 10 pick coming into this year, before suffering a season ending injury against Oregon.&nbsp; Regardless of the injury, Simmons was one of the more popular mocked players to get drafted by the Chiefs to help solidify their offensive line.&nbsp;Simmons spent the past two seasons as the Buckeyes’ starting left tackle after transferring from San Diego State, where he played on the opposite end of the line.&nbsp; He was limited to just six games during Ohio State’s national championship-winning season due to a knee injury suffered in his team’s 32-31 loss to Oregon in October.Simmons, however, participated in the Buckeyes’ pro day and posted 33 reps on the bench press, which would’ve been tied for the most at the NFL Scouting Combine.Head Coach Andy Reid says Simmons could have been a top five or ten pick had he been healthy."We felt was a phenomenal athlete...would have been a higher pick if he would not have been hurt," Reid says.Reid also adds it's unknown if Simmons will participate in the rookie minicamp, but he should be available soon after."He will definitely be ready for training camp," Reid said. "He'll be able to do stuff before then."Kansas City signed Jaylon Moore this offseason to help out at the left tackle position, so Simmons is most likely to compete with him if he is able to play this season after the knee injury.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moore was the backup to Trent Williams in San Francisco and looked solid in a handful of late-season starts for the 49ers. But the small sample size doesn't engender confidence for some fans, and it's hard to know the level of belief in Moore from the team's front office.The Chiefs have seven additional picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including three picks on Day 2 on Friday. In round two, Kansas City holds the 63rd overall pick, and in round three, the franchise holds both the 66th overall pick and the 95th overall pick.Additionally, the Chiefs hold the 133rd overall pick in the fourth round, as well as the 164th pick from the Eagles. They also hold three picks in the seventh round of the draft. Kansas City holds the 226th overall pick, the 251st overall pick, and the 257th overall pick in the back half of the NFL Draft.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs close out first round of NFL Draft by selecting Ohio State OL Josh Simmons

For the second time in as many years, the New York Jets used their first round pick to bolster their offensive line and looked to the University of Missouri to do it.&nbsp;

Mizzou offensive lineman Armand Membou was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night by the Jets.&nbsp; Being picked seventh overall ties Membou for the second highest pick in the draft, tied with Aldon Smith who was drafted seventh overall by the San Fransisco 49ers in 2011.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Measuring in at a powerful albeit slightly undersized 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds with 33-and-a-half inch arms at the NFL Combine, Membou is an athletic freak, running a 4.91 40-yard dash with a 34-inch vertical. What he may lack in height, Membou makes up for with quickness, agility, and excellent hand usage.

While the Jets will likely say there is an open competition, it’s fair to assume that the team will want to plug Membou in at right tackle right away. With Tyron Smith retiring and Morgan Moses gone, it’s time for a youth movement at both tackle spots — and last year’s first-round pick Olu Fashanu on the left and Membou on the right could make up a very talented pair of bookend tackles for years to come in New York.

On paper, a starting offensive line of Fashanu, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Membou, from left to right, would give the Jets a very talented, and relatively young, offensive line, which could be exactly what the doctor ordered for Justin Fields as he learns a new offense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745546521698.jpeg" alt="Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou was selected 7th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.&nbsp; At 7th overall, Membou is tied for the second highest draft pick in Mizzou history/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou was selected 7th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.&nbsp; At 7th overall, Membou is tied for the second highest draft pick in Mizzou history/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFor the second time in as many years, the New York Jets used their first round pick to bolster their offensive line and looked to the University of Missouri to do it.&nbsp;Mizzou offensive lineman Armand Membou was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night by the Jets.&nbsp; Being picked seventh overall ties Membou for the second highest pick in the draft, tied with Aldon Smith who was drafted seventh overall by the San Fransisco 49ers in 2011.&nbsp;&nbsp;Measuring in at a powerful albeit slightly undersized 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds with 33-and-a-half inch arms at the NFL Combine, Membou is an athletic freak, running a 4.91 40-yard dash with a 34-inch vertical. What he may lack in height, Membou makes up for with quickness, agility, and excellent hand usage.While the Jets will likely say there is an open competition, it’s fair to assume that the team will want to plug Membou in at right tackle right away. With Tyron Smith retiring and Morgan Moses gone, it’s time for a youth movement at both tackle spots — and last year’s first-round pick Olu Fashanu on the left and Membou on the right could make up a very talented pair of bookend tackles for years to come in New York.On paper, a starting offensive line of Fashanu, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Membou, from left to right, would give the Jets a very talented, and relatively young, offensive line, which could be exactly what the doctor ordered for Justin Fields as he learns a new offense.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mizzou OL Armand Membou selected 7th overall by New York Jets

The Kansas City Royals achieved their first series sweep of the season, beating the Colorado Rockies in both games of Thursday's doubleheader, winning game one 7-4 and game two 6-2.

In game one, after the Rockies took a quick 1-0 lead in the top half of the first, Hunter Goodman singling to score Brenton Doyle, the Royals snagged the lead back in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia doubled to open the inning and Bobby Witt Jr was hit by a pitch, before Salvador Perez drove both runners in with a double for the 2-1 lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Colorado tied the game up in the second inning, a solo home run by Jordan Beck, before taking the lead once again in the third inning with another home run, this time a two run blast from Goodman.&nbsp; But the Royals tied up the game in the bottom of the third, Perez hitting his second double of the game then scoring on a single by Michael Massey.&nbsp; Massey came home on a single from Drew Waters.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starting pitcher Cole Ragans exited the game to start the fourth inning, with what the Royals later reported was groin tightness, making way for Angel Zerpa on the mound.&nbsp; Zerpa gave up the final hit for the Rockies in the inning, and also walked one in the fifth which would be the final baserunners of the game.&nbsp;

The Royals took the lead back for good in the bottom of the fifth inning.&nbsp; Rockies starter&nbsp;Germán Márquez issued back to back walks to Perez and Cavan Biggio.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jake Bird came on in relief and retired Massey and Hunter Renfroe, but hit Waters with a pitch, before Kyle Isbel singled to drive in both Perez and Biggio.&nbsp; Isbel also drove in Tyler Tolbert in the seventh inning with a single for the final Kansas City run of the game.&nbsp;

Zerpa earned the win in game one, now 1-0 on the season, pitching two innings and giving up one hit and walking one, also striking out one.&nbsp; Carlos&nbsp;Estévez earned his sixth save.&nbsp; Garcia (2-5), Perez (2-4, 2 RBI's), Waters (2-3, 1 RBI), Isbel (2-4, 3 RBI's), and Renfroe (2-3) led the way hitting in the opener on the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr also had a hit, extending his hitting streak to 15 games.&nbsp;

In game two, the Royals jumped out to a larger lead, scoring five runs in the first five innings.&nbsp; Perez continued his hot day with a double in the second inning, then scored on a sacrifice fly by Massey.&nbsp; In the third inning, Freddy Fermin singled and Jonathan India walked, but India was thrown out at second base, on a groundout by Witt Jr.&nbsp; Fermin was picked off at third base, and Witt Jr stole second, then came home on a single from Vinne Pasquantino for the 2-0 lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A three run fifth inning for the Royals started rough with a strikeout from Waters and a groundout by Fermin, but after India doubled, Witt Jr singled to move his hit streak to a career best 16 games, scoring India.&nbsp; Pasquantino walked, and a wild pitch moved both into scoring position, and both scored on Perez's fourth double of the day, building the lead to 5-0.&nbsp;

Colorado found their way onto the scoreboard in the sixth inning, Beck hitting his second home run of the series, and his second of the season.&nbsp; Beck homered again in the eighth inning, for the final run of the game for the Rockies.&nbsp; Kansas City extended their lead in the bottom of the eighth, after Massey singled and was pinch ran for by Tolbert, Tolbert stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error, before scoring on a groundout by Waters.&nbsp;

Michael Lorenzen got the win in the second game, going to 2-3 on the season, pitching six innings and giving up one run on five hits, walking four and striking out seven.&nbsp; Perez led the way hitting in game two, going 3-4 with two RBI's.&nbsp;

Kansas City stays home tomorrow, beginning a series with the Houston Astros.&nbsp; Seth Lugo will open the series for the Royals against&nbsp;Hayden Wesneski for the Astros.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage will start at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals achieved their first series sweep of the season, beating the Colorado Rockies in both games of Thursday's doubleheader, winning game one 7-4 and game two 6-2.In game one, after the Rockies took a quick 1-0 lead in the top half of the first, Hunter Goodman singling to score Brenton Doyle, the Royals snagged the lead back in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia doubled to open the inning and Bobby Witt Jr was hit by a pitch, before Salvador Perez drove both runners in with a double for the 2-1 lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;Colorado tied the game up in the second inning, a solo home run by Jordan Beck, before taking the lead once again in the third inning with another home run, this time a two run blast from Goodman.&nbsp; But the Royals tied up the game in the bottom of the third, Perez hitting his second double of the game then scoring on a single by Michael Massey.&nbsp; Massey came home on a single from Drew Waters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Starting pitcher Cole Ragans exited the game to start the fourth inning, with what the Royals later reported was groin tightness, making way for Angel Zerpa on the mound.&nbsp; Zerpa gave up the final hit for the Rockies in the inning, and also walked one in the fifth which would be the final baserunners of the game.&nbsp;The Royals took the lead back for good in the bottom of the fifth inning.&nbsp; Rockies starter&nbsp;Germán Márquez issued back to back walks to Perez and Cavan Biggio.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jake Bird came on in relief and retired Massey and Hunter Renfroe, but hit Waters with a pitch, before Kyle Isbel singled to drive in both Perez and Biggio.&nbsp; Isbel also drove in Tyler Tolbert in the seventh inning with a single for the final Kansas City run of the game.&nbsp;Zerpa earned the win in game one, now 1-0 on the season, pitching two innings and giving up one hit and walking one, also striking out one.&nbsp; Carlos&nbsp;Estévez earned his sixth save.&nbsp; Garcia (2-5), Perez (2-4, 2 RBI's), Waters (2-3, 1 RBI), Isbel (2-4, 3 RBI's), and Renfroe (2-3) led the way hitting in the opener on the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr also had a hit, extending his hitting streak to 15 games.&nbsp;In game two, the Royals jumped out to a larger lead, scoring five runs in the first five innings.&nbsp; Perez continued his hot day with a double in the second inning, then scored on a sacrifice fly by Massey.&nbsp; In the third inning, Freddy Fermin singled and Jonathan India walked, but India was thrown out at second base, on a groundout by Witt Jr.&nbsp; Fermin was picked off at third base, and Witt Jr stole second, then came home on a single from Vinne Pasquantino for the 2-0 lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;A three run fifth inning for the Royals started rough with a strikeout from Waters and a groundout by Fermin, but after India doubled, Witt Jr singled to move his hit streak to a career best 16 games, scoring India.&nbsp; Pasquantino walked, and a wild pitch moved both into scoring position, and both scored on Perez's fourth double of the day, building the lead to 5-0.&nbsp;Colorado found their way onto the scoreboard in the sixth inning, Beck hitting his second home run of the series, and his second of the season.&nbsp; Beck homered again in the eighth inning, for the final run of the game for the Rockies.&nbsp; Kansas City extended their lead in the bottom of the eighth, after Massey singled and was pinch ran for by Tolbert, Tolbert stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error, before scoring on a groundout by Waters.&nbsp;Michael Lorenzen got the win in the second game, going to 2-3 on the season, pitching six innings and giving up one run on five hits, walking four and striking out seven.&nbsp; Perez led the way hitting in game two, going 3-4 with two RBI's.&nbsp;Kansas City stays home tomorrow, beginning a series with the Houston Astros.&nbsp; Seth Lugo will open the series for the Royals against&nbsp;Hayden Wesneski for the Astros.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage will start at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals sweep doubleheader, series over Rockies

For a third year, the St. Joseph Mustangs and United Way of Greater St. Joseph are partnering to honor some deserving area volunteers in local organizations.  

Nominations are open for the 2025 Team Player Award, where every Friday during the Mustangs season home games, one volunteer or group will be recognized out on the field.  

United Way President Kylee Strough says winners will be treated to a special night, starting with recognition on the pitcher’s mound of what the volunteer has done.  

"Then they get to throw out a first pitch, and most weeks what we see is the organization that nominated them is also showing up in force to celebrate them," Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "They get to stick around and watch the game, so it's a little bit of a special night where they get treated to a little red carpet." 

Strough says the award is an opportunity to honor volunteers for their work in the community, but also a great way to promote volunteerism 

"Our hope with it is that we not only recognize the volunteers, but the people in the stands hear about an organization or a volunteer activity that they might not have even knew existed in our community," Strough explains.  "And they can contact United Way Volunteer Center to make that connection, so it lifts and elevates volunteering in general while recognizing some very special people." 

Strough says she's seen this as an effective tool for promoting volunteerism, saying even at games she gets stopped to be asked about volunteer opportunities 

"I've had some spectators stop me on my way out and say like hey I'd like to get connected or where can I find more information," Strough says.  "So, it does spur some action which is great." 

Winners will be recognized during Friday home games at Phil Welch Stadium.  The nomination window is open through May 6th.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745507685705.jpeg" alt="Mustangs General Manager and Owner Ky Turner recognizing volunteer&nbsp;Isaac Wheel-iam Unruh last season with the Team Player Award.&nbsp; The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is accepting nominations for this year's awards/ Photo courtesy of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Mustangs General Manager and Owner Ky Turner recognizing volunteer&nbsp;Isaac Wheel-iam Unruh last season with the Team Player Award.&nbsp; The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is accepting nominations for this year's awards/ Photo courtesy of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post For a third year, the St. Joseph Mustangs and United Way of Greater St. Joseph are partnering to honor some deserving area volunteers in local organizations. Nominations are open for the 2025 Team Player Award, where every Friday during the Mustangs season home games, one volunteer or group will be recognized out on the field. United Way President Kylee Strough says winners will be treated to a special night, starting with recognition on the pitcher’s mound of what the volunteer has done. "Then they get to throw out a first pitch, and most weeks what we see is the organization that nominated them is also showing up in force to celebrate them," Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "They get to stick around and watch the game, so it's a little bit of a special night where they get treated to a little red carpet." Strough says the award is an opportunity to honor volunteers for their work in the community, but also a great way to promote volunteerism "Our hope with it is that we not only recognize the volunteers, but the people in the stands hear about an organization or a volunteer activity that they might not have even knew existed in our community," Strough explains. "And they can contact United Way Volunteer Center to make that connection, so it lifts and elevates volunteering in general while recognizing some very special people." Strough says she's seen this as an effective tool for promoting volunteerism, saying even at games she gets stopped to be asked about volunteer opportunities "I've had some spectators stop me on my way out and say like hey I'd like to get connected or where can I find more information," Strough says. "So, it does spur some action which is great." Winners will be recognized during Friday home games at Phil Welch Stadium. The nomination window is open through May 6th. The Mustangs season opens on May 28th.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph United Way- Mustangs honoring volunteers this baseball season

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1pcz7hDUbdTYfwK8hnNUsy?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

 After a two-hour-plus rain delay, Wednesday night’s game between the Rockies and Royals at Kauffman Stadium was postponed and will be played as the second game of a traditional doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 1:10 p.m.

Dark clouds and storms were rolling in around the Kansas City area throughout Wednesday night. It started raining around 8:45 p.m., with the teams making the decision to play a doubleheader tomorrow shortly after.

The Royals will have lefty Cole Ragans start Game 1 tomorrow as originally scheduled for the series finale, and then right-hander Michael Lorenzen – who was supposed to start Wednesday night – is scheduled to start Game 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomorrow will mark the Rockies’ second doubleheader in five days after they split with the Nationals on Sunday.

Traditional doubleheaders are played with a short break between games, and typically with single-game admission, but the Royals had not immediately released ticketing information after the postponement.

After a two-hour-plus rain delay, Wednesday night’s game between the Rockies and Royals at Kauffman Stadium was postponed and will be played as the second game of a traditional doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 1:10 p.m.Dark clouds and storms were rolling in around the Kansas City area throughout Wednesday night. It started raining around 8:45 p.m., with the teams making the decision to play a doubleheader tomorrow shortly after.The Royals will have lefty Cole Ragans start Game 1 tomorrow as originally scheduled for the series finale, and then right-hander Michael Lorenzen – who was supposed to start Wednesday night – is scheduled to start Game 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomorrow will mark the Rockies’ second doubleheader in five days after they split with the Nationals on Sunday.Traditional doubleheaders are played with a short break between games, and typically with single-game admission, but the Royals had not immediately released ticketing information after the postponement.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals, Rockies postponed; Doubleheader on Thursday

The St. Louis Cardinals were unable to capitalize on a quality start from Miles Mikolas, putting up just a lone run on way to a 4-1 series ending loss to the Atlanta Braves Wednesday afternoon at Truist Park.&nbsp;

The Cardinals took the lead in the game early.&nbsp; After Nolan Gorman walked with two outs, and advanced to second base on a wild pitch, Nolan Arenado drove Gorman in with a double into left field.&nbsp; Behind the strong pitching effort from Mikolas, St Louis held that lead until late as the bullpen collapsed.&nbsp;

Mikolas pitched six innings, striking out two and walking two while giving up six hits.&nbsp; It was the best start of the season for Mikolas, his first quality start and first giving up no runs lowering his season ERA to 5.70.&nbsp; He was left however, still searching for his first win of the season.&nbsp;

Atlanta tied the game up in the seventh inning off reliever John King.&nbsp; Nick Allen doubled and scored in the next at bat on a single from Michael Harris II.&nbsp; Kyle Leahy replaced King and ended the inning with a strikeout and a pop out, before he was replaced by JoJo Romero in the eighth and Romero went on to give up three runs.&nbsp;

Back to back singles by Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies opened the inning, then Sean Murphy pinch hitting for Drake Baldwin grounded out advancing both into scoring position.&nbsp; Manager Oliver Marmol went to the bullpen again, replacing Romero with Ryan Fernandez and Fernandez on a 1-1 count gave up a three run blast to Eli White.&nbsp; Back to back strkeouts ended the inning, but it was to little, to late.&nbsp;

Daysbel Hernández, who finished out the eighth inning for Atlanta, remained on the mound, and forced Yohel Pozo to pop out and struck out Victor Scott II.&nbsp; Masyn Winn did single, and moved to second on runners indifference, but was stranded there as Lars Nootbaar grounded out to end the game.&nbsp;

Romero took the loss, falling to 1-3, pitching 0.1 innings and giving up two runs on two hits.&nbsp; Alec Burleson led the way hitting going 3-4 at the plate.&nbsp;

St. Louis is off tomorrow before returning to Busch Stadium on Friday.&nbsp; The Cardinals open a three game series against the Milwaukee Brewers,&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore set to open the series.&nbsp; First pitch is set for 1:15pm on Friday, pregame coverage starting at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals were unable to capitalize on a quality start from Miles Mikolas, putting up just a lone run on way to a 4-1 series ending loss to the Atlanta Braves Wednesday afternoon at Truist Park.&nbsp;The Cardinals took the lead in the game early.&nbsp; After Nolan Gorman walked with two outs, and advanced to second base on a wild pitch, Nolan Arenado drove Gorman in with a double into left field.&nbsp; Behind the strong pitching effort from Mikolas, St Louis held that lead until late as the bullpen collapsed.&nbsp;Mikolas pitched six innings, striking out two and walking two while giving up six hits.&nbsp; It was the best start of the season for Mikolas, his first quality start and first giving up no runs lowering his season ERA to 5.70.&nbsp; He was left however, still searching for his first win of the season.&nbsp;Atlanta tied the game up in the seventh inning off reliever John King.&nbsp; Nick Allen doubled and scored in the next at bat on a single from Michael Harris II.&nbsp; Kyle Leahy replaced King and ended the inning with a strikeout and a pop out, before he was replaced by JoJo Romero in the eighth and Romero went on to give up three runs.&nbsp;Back to back singles by Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies opened the inning, then Sean Murphy pinch hitting for Drake Baldwin grounded out advancing both into scoring position.&nbsp; Manager Oliver Marmol went to the bullpen again, replacing Romero with Ryan Fernandez and Fernandez on a 1-1 count gave up a three run blast to Eli White.&nbsp; Back to back strkeouts ended the inning, but it was to little, to late.&nbsp;Daysbel Hernández, who finished out the eighth inning for Atlanta, remained on the mound, and forced Yohel Pozo to pop out and struck out Victor Scott II.&nbsp; Masyn Winn did single, and moved to second on runners indifference, but was stranded there as Lars Nootbaar grounded out to end the game.&nbsp;Romero took the loss, falling to 1-3, pitching 0.1 innings and giving up two runs on two hits.&nbsp; Alec Burleson led the way hitting going 3-4 at the plate.&nbsp;St. Louis is off tomorrow before returning to Busch Stadium on Friday.&nbsp; The Cardinals open a three game series against the Milwaukee Brewers,&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore set to open the series.&nbsp; First pitch is set for 1:15pm on Friday, pregame coverage starting at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite Mikolas' quality start, Cardinals fall 4-1 to Braves in series finale

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4PH0ZCfcKzFrwGwdlXjUHX?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Kansas City Royals closer Carlos&nbsp;Estévez blew a 2-0 lead in the top of the ninth, but the Royals tied the game up to force extra innings and secured a walk off 4-3 win in 11 innings in the series opener against the Colorado Rockies at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp;

Kris Bubic was stellar for the Royals in the start, but so was Rockies starter&nbsp;Ryan Feltner as both teams were scoreless through the first six innings.&nbsp; The scoreless tie was broken when Drew Waters, who had singled in the third inning, hit his first home run of the season at the major league level to right center field.&nbsp;

Kansas City extended their lead in the eighth inning after Waters tripled, and was later driven in by Kyle Isbel with a single.&nbsp; Waters finished the game a double shy of the cycle.&nbsp; Waters most notably hit a cycle earlier this season at Triple A Omaha.&nbsp; The Royals though ran into some trouble in the ninth inning, as&nbsp;Estévez came on for the save.&nbsp;

The inning started off fine for&nbsp;Estévez as he quickly retired&nbsp;Sean Bouchard and&nbsp;Kyle Farmer.&nbsp; But then,&nbsp;Estévez issued back-to-back-to-back walks to&nbsp;Ryan McMahon,&nbsp;Hunter Goodman, and&nbsp;Michael Toglia who all came around to score when Jacob Stallings hit a bases clearing double, pushing Colorado ahead 3-2.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With their backs against the wall in the bottom of the ninth, Salvador Perez singled to open the inning for Kansas City, and was replaced by Freddy Fermin as a pinch runner.&nbsp; A double from Maikel Garcia moved Fermin to third base, and with two in scoring position&nbsp;Michael Massey hit a sacrifice fly to left field scoring Fermin, leaving Garcia at second base.&nbsp; Garcia wound up being picked off attempting to steal third base, and Cavan Biggio flew out to force the game into extra innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After neither team scored in the 10th inning, and the Rockies left&nbsp;Zac Veen stranded at second base, the Royals came to bat in the 11th, Mark Canha opening up the inning at second base.&nbsp; Bobby Witt Jr was intentionally walked, and then after Tyler Kinley Jr.'s wild pitch moved Canha to third and Witt Jr to second, Vinnie Pasquantino was intentionally walked to load the bases, bringing up Fermin for his first at bat.&nbsp; Fermin cashed in with a single, scoring Canha for the walk off win.&nbsp;

Daniel Lynch IV earned the win in relief, moving to 3-0 on the season, pitching one inning, striking out one and walking one.&nbsp; Bubic in his stellar start pitched seven shutout innings, giving up four hits and striking out six.&nbsp; Waters led the way hitting going 3-4 with a home run, triple, single and one RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas City and Colorado go again tomorrow, continuing the homestand for the Royals.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen gets the start for Kansas City taking on&nbsp;Germán Márquez for the Rockies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745377017716.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Drew Waters celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Drew Waters celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostKansas City Royals closer Carlos&nbsp;Estévez blew a 2-0 lead in the top of the ninth, but the Royals tied the game up to force extra innings and secured a walk off 4-3 win in 11 innings in the series opener against the Colorado Rockies at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp;Kris Bubic was stellar for the Royals in the start, but so was Rockies starter&nbsp;Ryan Feltner as both teams were scoreless through the first six innings.&nbsp; The scoreless tie was broken when Drew Waters, who had singled in the third inning, hit his first home run of the season at the major league level to right center field.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Drew drives one out! <a href="https://t.co/gsJHQbBYGt">pic.twitter.com/gsJHQbBYGt</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1914846748326945085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas City extended their lead in the eighth inning after Waters tripled, and was later driven in by Kyle Isbel with a single.&nbsp; Waters finished the game a double shy of the cycle.&nbsp; Waters most notably hit a cycle earlier this season at Triple A Omaha.&nbsp; The Royals though ran into some trouble in the ninth inning, as&nbsp;Estévez came on for the save.&nbsp;The inning started off fine for&nbsp;Estévez as he quickly retired&nbsp;Sean Bouchard and&nbsp;Kyle Farmer.&nbsp; But then,&nbsp;Estévez issued back-to-back-to-back walks to&nbsp;Ryan McMahon,&nbsp;Hunter Goodman, and&nbsp;Michael Toglia who all came around to score when Jacob Stallings hit a bases clearing double, pushing Colorado ahead 3-2.&nbsp;&nbsp;With their backs against the wall in the bottom of the ninth, Salvador Perez singled to open the inning for Kansas City, and was replaced by Freddy Fermin as a pinch runner.&nbsp; A double from Maikel Garcia moved Fermin to third base, and with two in scoring position&nbsp;Michael Massey hit a sacrifice fly to left field scoring Fermin, leaving Garcia at second base.&nbsp; Garcia wound up being picked off attempting to steal third base, and Cavan Biggio flew out to force the game into extra innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;After neither team scored in the 10th inning, and the Rockies left&nbsp;Zac Veen stranded at second base, the Royals came to bat in the 11th, Mark Canha opening up the inning at second base.&nbsp; Bobby Witt Jr was intentionally walked, and then after Tyler Kinley Jr.'s wild pitch moved Canha to third and Witt Jr to second, Vinnie Pasquantino was intentionally walked to load the bases, bringing up Fermin for his first at bat.&nbsp; Fermin cashed in with a single, scoring Canha for the walk off win.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Don&#39;t dread, trust Fred.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HEYHEYHEYHEY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HEYHEYHEYHEY</a> <a href="https://t.co/D3FLDNEGaM">pic.twitter.com/D3FLDNEGaM</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1914871925916024983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Daniel Lynch IV earned the win in relief, moving to 3-0 on the season, pitching one inning, striking out one and walking one.&nbsp; Bubic in his stellar start pitched seven shutout innings, giving up four hits and striking out six.&nbsp; Waters led the way hitting going 3-4 with a home run, triple, single and one RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas City and Colorado go again tomorrow, continuing the homestand for the Royals.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen gets the start for Kansas City taking on&nbsp;Germán Márquez for the Rockies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals pen blows lead in ninth, but Kansas City walks off in 11th 4-3

The St. Louis Cardinals snapped a five game losing skid in explosive fashion, coming from behind to beat the Atlanta Braves 10-4 on Tuesday night at Truist Park.&nbsp;

St. Louis didn't have to come from behind at first, taking the lead in the game first in the third inning, thanks to Lars Nootbaar.&nbsp; Victor Scott II opened the inning with a single, and after Masyn Winn in his return to the lineup from a stint on the injured list lined out to third base, Nootbaar blasted a home run to right field to give the Redbirds a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Atlanta added all four of their runs though over the next two innings to snatch the lead back.&nbsp; A Sean Murphy home run started the scoring in the fourth inning before Jared Kelenic doubled and was later driven in on a double by Alex Verdugo.&nbsp; Verdugo advanced to third on a wild pitch by Cardinals starter Andre Pallante and scored on a single by Austin Riley to cap the three run inning.&nbsp; A home run from Matt Olson was the lone run, and final run of the game for the Braves, in the fifth inning.

In the sixth inning, St. Louis stormed back to tie the game up after Rafael Montero loaded the bases.&nbsp; Alec Burleson led the inning off with a single, and Jordan Walker and Scott II walked, before Winn singled to bring home Burleson.&nbsp; Dylan Lee replaced Montero and struck out Nootbaar, but a wild pitch allowed Walker to score.&nbsp; Lee intentionally walked Wilson Contreras to load the bases, then getting Nolan Gorman to fly out to center ending the inning.&nbsp;

It was Gorman however, that gave the Cardinals the lead back for good in the eighth inning.&nbsp; Scott II doubled, and then moved to third base thanks to a wild pitch from&nbsp;Enyel De Los Santos.&nbsp; De Los Santos intentionally walked Nootbaar, who stole second base, and then walked Contreras before Gorman hit a bases clearing double to right field, giving St. Louis a 7-4 lead and moving to third on the throw in.&nbsp; A Nolan Arenado ground out to third base put an end to the inning with Gorman stranded at third.

The Cardinals added the final three runs of insurance in the ninth.&nbsp; Burleson and&nbsp;Pedro Pagés singled before Scott II drove in Burleson with a double,&nbsp;Pagés though was forced to hold up at third base.&nbsp; With two runners in scoring position, Winn hit a sacrifice fly to score&nbsp;Pagés and advance Scott II to third.&nbsp; Nootbaar drove in his third run of the game with a single to bring home Scott II for the final score.&nbsp;

Steven Matz earned the win in relief, moving to 2-2 on the season, pitching 2.2 innings and giving up one hit, striking out two and walking one.&nbsp; In a no decision, Pallante pitched 4.1 innings, giving up all four runs on seven hits while striking out one and walking three.&nbsp; Scott II led the way hitting going 3-4 with two RBI's.&nbsp;

Nootbaar (2-5, 1 HR, 3 RBI), Contreras (2-4, 1 run) and Burleson (2-5, 2 runs) also helped pace the Redbirds hitting in the win.&nbsp;

The Cardinals and Braves wrap up their series and the Redbirds wrap up a roadtrip before returning to Busch Stadium for three games tomorrow. Miles Mikolas takes the mound for St. Louis in the finale against Bryce Elder for Atlanta.&nbsp; First pitch is at 11:15 am, pregame will be joined at 11:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals snapped a five game losing skid in explosive fashion, coming from behind to beat the Atlanta Braves 10-4 on Tuesday night at Truist Park.&nbsp;St. Louis didn't have to come from behind at first, taking the lead in the game first in the third inning, thanks to Lars Nootbaar.&nbsp; Victor Scott II opened the inning with a single, and after Masyn Winn in his return to the lineup from a stint on the injured list lined out to third base, Nootbaar blasted a home run to right field to give the Redbirds a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Say it with us now... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT! <a href="https://t.co/gRBdOTgrOk">pic.twitter.com/gRBdOTgrOk</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1914829570445922704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Atlanta added all four of their runs though over the next two innings to snatch the lead back.&nbsp; A Sean Murphy home run started the scoring in the fourth inning before Jared Kelenic doubled and was later driven in on a double by Alex Verdugo.&nbsp; Verdugo advanced to third on a wild pitch by Cardinals starter Andre Pallante and scored on a single by Austin Riley to cap the three run inning.&nbsp; A home run from Matt Olson was the lone run, and final run of the game for the Braves, in the fifth inning.In the sixth inning, St. Louis stormed back to tie the game up after Rafael Montero loaded the bases.&nbsp; Alec Burleson led the inning off with a single, and Jordan Walker and Scott II walked, before Winn singled to bring home Burleson.&nbsp; Dylan Lee replaced Montero and struck out Nootbaar, but a wild pitch allowed Walker to score.&nbsp; Lee intentionally walked Wilson Contreras to load the bases, then getting Nolan Gorman to fly out to center ending the inning.&nbsp;It was Gorman however, that gave the Cardinals the lead back for good in the eighth inning.&nbsp; Scott II doubled, and then moved to third base thanks to a wild pitch from&nbsp;Enyel De Los Santos.&nbsp; De Los Santos intentionally walked Nootbaar, who stole second base, and then walked Contreras before Gorman hit a bases clearing double to right field, giving St. Louis a 7-4 lead and moving to third on the throw in.&nbsp; A Nolan Arenado ground out to third base put an end to the inning with Gorman stranded at third.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Go-Ahead Gorman clears the bases! <a href="https://t.co/JDU4wUTBfU">pic.twitter.com/JDU4wUTBfU</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1914859277660954821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Cardinals added the final three runs of insurance in the ninth.&nbsp; Burleson and&nbsp;Pedro Pagés singled before Scott II drove in Burleson with a double,&nbsp;Pagés though was forced to hold up at third base.&nbsp; With two runners in scoring position, Winn hit a sacrifice fly to score&nbsp;Pagés and advance Scott II to third.&nbsp; Nootbaar drove in his third run of the game with a single to bring home Scott II for the final score.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Insurance provided by Victor Scott II! <a href="https://t.co/TEIKjGofbe">pic.twitter.com/TEIKjGofbe</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1914863072029667612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Steven Matz earned the win in relief, moving to 2-2 on the season, pitching 2.2 innings and giving up one hit, striking out two and walking one.&nbsp; In a no decision, Pallante pitched 4.1 innings, giving up all four runs on seven hits while striking out one and walking three.&nbsp; Scott II led the way hitting going 3-4 with two RBI's.&nbsp;Nootbaar (2-5, 1 HR, 3 RBI), Contreras (2-4, 1 run) and Burleson (2-5, 2 runs) also helped pace the Redbirds hitting in the win.&nbsp;The Cardinals and Braves wrap up their series and the Redbirds wrap up a roadtrip before returning to Busch Stadium for three games tomorrow. Miles Mikolas takes the mound for St. Louis in the finale against Bryce Elder for Atlanta.&nbsp; First pitch is at 11:15 am, pregame will be joined at 11:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cards snap losing streak with explosive 10-4 win over Braves

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3NO3zwRJ5eppL9SYrxryG4?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The St. Louis Cardinals managed to outhit the Atlanta Braves in their series opener on Monday, but the Redbirds did not get the end result they hoped for, their losing streak moving to five games as they fell 7-6 at Truist Park.&nbsp;

The Cardinals took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning.&nbsp; Nolan Gorman doubled with two outs and then scored on a single by&nbsp;Pedro Pagés, who advanced all the way to third base on a throwing error by Matt Olson.&nbsp; Pagés came home in the next at bat, a single by Victor Scott II.&nbsp; The Braves though, tied up the game one inning later.&nbsp; In the bottom of the third, after Alex Verdugo led off with a walk, Austin Riley hit his sixth home run of the year to left field.

With the game tied, St. Louis took the lead back in the top of the sixth, Nolan Arenado leading off with a double before scoring with a single from Nolan Gorman.&nbsp; However, Atlanta put up five runs in the eighth inning as pitching troubles started to hit the Cardinals after opening the inning with a strikeout of Verdugo.&nbsp;

Following the strikeout, Riley singled and Marcell Ozuna walked before Olson singled to drive in Riley, tying up the game.&nbsp; Reliever Phil Maton walked Ozzie Albies to load the bases, and was replaced by JoJo Romero, who came in and surrendered a sacrifice fly to Michael Harris II, driving in Eli White who pinch ran for Ozuna.&nbsp; Then, with two outs, Sean Murphy extended the lead with a three run home run to left field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis attempted to put together a rally in the ninth inning.&nbsp; After Gorman struck out to start the inning,&nbsp;Pagés hit a ground rule double, then scored on a double from Scott II in the next at bat.&nbsp; Lars Nootbaar lined out to left field, then with two outs Willson Contreras cut the lead to one on a two run homer to left center field.&nbsp; Brendan Donovan walked, but with the tying run at first base, Nolan Arenado hit a soft grounder to Murphy and was tagged for the final out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Maton took the loss, falling to 0-1 and blowing his first save of the season, pitching 0.1 innings and giving up four runs on two hits, walking two and striking out one.&nbsp; Erick Fedde in a no decision pitched six innings, giving up two runs on five hits, with three strikeouts and three walks.&nbsp; Scott II led the way at the plate, going 3-4 with two RBIs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis will look to snap their losing streak as the series against the Braves continues tomorrow.&nbsp; Andre Pallante will start for the Cardinals while Atlanta's starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:15, pregame coverage will be joined at 6:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals managed to outhit the Atlanta Braves in their series opener on Monday, but the Redbirds did not get the end result they hoped for, their losing streak moving to five games as they fell 7-6 at Truist Park.&nbsp;The Cardinals took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning.&nbsp; Nolan Gorman doubled with two outs and then scored on a single by&nbsp;Pedro Pagés, who advanced all the way to third base on a throwing error by Matt Olson.&nbsp; Pagés came home in the next at bat, a single by Victor Scott II.&nbsp; The Braves though, tied up the game one inning later.&nbsp; In the bottom of the third, after Alex Verdugo led off with a walk, Austin Riley hit his sixth home run of the year to left field.With the game tied, St. Louis took the lead back in the top of the sixth, Nolan Arenado leading off with a double before scoring with a single from Nolan Gorman.&nbsp; However, Atlanta put up five runs in the eighth inning as pitching troubles started to hit the Cardinals after opening the inning with a strikeout of Verdugo.&nbsp;Following the strikeout, Riley singled and Marcell Ozuna walked before Olson singled to drive in Riley, tying up the game.&nbsp; Reliever Phil Maton walked Ozzie Albies to load the bases, and was replaced by JoJo Romero, who came in and surrendered a sacrifice fly to Michael Harris II, driving in Eli White who pinch ran for Ozuna.&nbsp; Then, with two outs, Sean Murphy extended the lead with a three run home run to left field.&nbsp;&nbsp;St. Louis attempted to put together a rally in the ninth inning.&nbsp; After Gorman struck out to start the inning,&nbsp;Pagés hit a ground rule double, then scored on a double from Scott II in the next at bat.&nbsp; Lars Nootbaar lined out to left field, then with two outs Willson Contreras cut the lead to one on a two run homer to left center field.&nbsp; Brendan Donovan walked, but with the tying run at first base, Nolan Arenado hit a soft grounder to Murphy and was tagged for the final out.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maton took the loss, falling to 0-1 and blowing his first save of the season, pitching 0.1 innings and giving up four runs on two hits, walking two and striking out one.&nbsp; Erick Fedde in a no decision pitched six innings, giving up two runs on five hits, with three strikeouts and three walks.&nbsp; Scott II led the way at the plate, going 3-4 with two RBIs.&nbsp;&nbsp;St. Louis will look to snap their losing streak as the series against the Braves continues tomorrow.&nbsp; Andre Pallante will start for the Cardinals while Atlanta's starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:15, pregame coverage will be joined at 6:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinals drop fifth game in a row losing to Braves 7-6

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2gCphNzhXPMz6Nb0EhmvnI?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The Kansas City Royals snapped a six game losing streak and avoided another series sweep, beating the Detroit Tigers 4-3 in 10 innings at Comerica Park on Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;

Kansas City took the first lead of the game in the second inning.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia singled and moved to third base on a single by Hunter Renfroe.&nbsp; Garcia later scored with a single off the bat of Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; After Freddy Fermin struck out, Renfroe found his way home on a single by Drew Waters for the 2-0 lead.

Detroit though tied up the game in the bottom of the fifth.&nbsp; Colt Keith hit a leadoff single and advanced to third in the next at bat on a single from Trey Sweeney.&nbsp; Keith scored later in the inning with two outs on a single by Kerry Carpenter, moving Sweeney to third who scored on a single by&nbsp;Zach McKinstry.&nbsp; The Tigers took their only lead of the game in the seventh,&nbsp;McKinstry driving in&nbsp;Gleyber Torres with an RBI single.

The Royals were able to tie the game up again though in the very next inning, first getting Bobby Witt Jr to second base on a throwing error by Javier Baez.&nbsp; A single from Mark Cahna drove in Witt Jr.&nbsp; Then in the top of the 10th, with Drew Waters starting at second base, and then advancing to third on a ground out by Jonathan India, Witt Jr hit a fly ball to left fielder Riley Greene, allowing Waters to score the go ahead run.&nbsp;

Carlos&nbsp;Estévez, who came on to pitch the ninth inning, remained on for the bottom of the 10th, and did get into some trouble with runners on the corners with two outs, but forced&nbsp;Dillon Dingler to pop out to second Garcia to end the game,&nbsp;Estévez earning his first win of the season.&nbsp;

Estévez, now 1-0, pitched two innings in relief, striking out one and walking one.&nbsp; Michael Wacha in a no decision pitched 5.1 innings giving up two runs on seven hits, striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, Canha (2-4, 1 RBI), Garcia (2-3), and Waters (2-4, 1 RBI) led the way hitting.&nbsp;

Kansas City is off on Monday.&nbsp; They return to Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday to host the Colorado Rockies.&nbsp; Kris Bubic will start for the Royals against&nbsp;Ryan Feltner for the Rockies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage will begin at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745197828902.jpeg" alt="Carlos Estevez earned his first win of the season as the Royals avoided a sweep against the Detroit Tigers, winning 4-3 in extra innings/ Photo courtesy the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Carlos Estevez earned his first win of the season as the Royals avoided a sweep against the Detroit Tigers, winning 4-3 in extra innings/ Photo courtesy the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals snapped a six game losing streak and avoided another series sweep, beating the Detroit Tigers 4-3 in 10 innings at Comerica Park on Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;Kansas City took the first lead of the game in the second inning.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia singled and moved to third base on a single by Hunter Renfroe.&nbsp; Garcia later scored with a single off the bat of Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; After Freddy Fermin struck out, Renfroe found his way home on a single by Drew Waters for the 2-0 lead.Detroit though tied up the game in the bottom of the fifth.&nbsp; Colt Keith hit a leadoff single and advanced to third in the next at bat on a single from Trey Sweeney.&nbsp; Keith scored later in the inning with two outs on a single by Kerry Carpenter, moving Sweeney to third who scored on a single by&nbsp;Zach McKinstry.&nbsp; The Tigers took their only lead of the game in the seventh,&nbsp;McKinstry driving in&nbsp;Gleyber Torres with an RBI single.The Royals were able to tie the game up again though in the very next inning, first getting Bobby Witt Jr to second base on a throwing error by Javier Baez.&nbsp; A single from Mark Cahna drove in Witt Jr.&nbsp; Then in the top of the 10th, with Drew Waters starting at second base, and then advancing to third on a ground out by Jonathan India, Witt Jr hit a fly ball to left fielder Riley Greene, allowing Waters to score the go ahead run.&nbsp;Carlos&nbsp;Estévez, who came on to pitch the ninth inning, remained on for the bottom of the 10th, and did get into some trouble with runners on the corners with two outs, but forced&nbsp;Dillon Dingler to pop out to second Garcia to end the game,&nbsp;Estévez earning his first win of the season.&nbsp;Estévez, now 1-0, pitched two innings in relief, striking out one and walking one.&nbsp; Michael Wacha in a no decision pitched 5.1 innings giving up two runs on seven hits, striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, Canha (2-4, 1 RBI), Garcia (2-3), and Waters (2-4, 1 RBI) led the way hitting.&nbsp;Kansas City is off on Monday.&nbsp; They return to Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday to host the Colorado Rockies.&nbsp; Kris Bubic will start for the Royals against&nbsp;Ryan Feltner for the Rockies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage will begin at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals snap losing skid, avoid sweep in 4-3 extra innings win over TIgers

The St. Louis Cardinals dropped a third straight game, managing just three total hits in a shutout 3-0 loss to the New York Mets on the road Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.&nbsp;

Mets starter Kodai Senga walked two batters and gave up a double to&nbsp;Thomas Saggese in the second inning and another in the fifth, as well as a single to Brendan Donovan in the sixth inning before being pulled from the game for the bullpen.

New York opened their scoring in the second inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luisangel Acuña doubled to open the inning and later scored on a single by Juan Soto.&nbsp; Soto scored the second run of the game on a double by Pete Alonso.&nbsp; The Mets added their final run in the eighth, a solo home run from Alonso.&nbsp;

Matthew Liberatore took the loss for the Cardinals, falling to 1-2 on the season, pitching 6.2 innings and giving up two runs on six hits, striking out six batters and walking one.&nbsp;&nbsp;Saggese led the way hitting going 2-4 with his two doubles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis and New York wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Sonny Gray takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Clay Holmes for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:40, pregame will be joined at 12:30 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals dropped a third straight game, managing just three total hits in a shutout 3-0 loss to the New York Mets on the road Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.&nbsp;Mets starter Kodai Senga walked two batters and gave up a double to&nbsp;Thomas Saggese in the second inning and another in the fifth, as well as a single to Brendan Donovan in the sixth inning before being pulled from the game for the bullpen.New York opened their scoring in the second inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luisangel Acuña doubled to open the inning and later scored on a single by Juan Soto.&nbsp; Soto scored the second run of the game on a double by Pete Alonso.&nbsp; The Mets added their final run in the eighth, a solo home run from Alonso.&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore took the loss for the Cardinals, falling to 1-2 on the season, pitching 6.2 innings and giving up two runs on six hits, striking out six batters and walking one.&nbsp;&nbsp;Saggese led the way hitting going 2-4 with his two doubles.&nbsp;&nbsp;St. Louis and New York wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Sonny Gray takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Clay Holmes for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:40, pregame will be joined at 12:30 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cardinals drop third straight getting shutout by Mets 3-0

The Kansas City Royals losing streak moved to six games on Saturday afternoon at Comerica Park, dropping another game to the Detroit Tigers and losing 3-1.&nbsp;

The Royals could not overcome a rough fifth inning where the Tigers scored all their runs on one hit, a three run home run by Spencer Torkelson driving in&nbsp;Javier Báez and Kerry Carpenter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Freddy Fermin's first home run of the season in the seventh inning was the lone Kansas City run.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Seth Lugo took the loss on the mound, falling to 1-3, pitching 6.2 innings and giving up all three runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two.&nbsp; Daniel Lynch and Carlos&nbsp;Estévez combined to pitch the final 1.1 innings giving up no hits.&nbsp; Jonathan India (3-4) and Fermin (2-4, 1 RBI) led the way hitting in the loss.&nbsp;

Prior to the game, the Royals did make a roster move optioning MJ Melendez to Triple-A Omaha.&nbsp; It was the corresponding move for outfielder Mark Canha returning from the 10-day injured list.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Melendez had only logged four hits in 52 plate appearances this year, with one double and one home run. He was slashing .085/.173/.170 with 20 strikeouts in 16 games.&nbsp; With Canha ready to be activated after the minimum 10-day IL stint, the Royals had to make a move. They believe this will allow Melendez to go to Triple-A, get everyday at-bats and try to show sustained production to find a way back to the big leagues.

The Royals entered Saturday having gone just 1-7 on their current 10-game road trip, and the offense is struggling, with just 2.95 runs per game this year. That amplified Melendez’s struggles. Even more so because the Royals weren’t able to land a corner outfield bat over the offseason, instead entering the season needing Melendez or Hunter Renfroe to bounce back from tough seasons. Renfroe is hitting .130 with a .383 OPS this year and is not playing every day.

Now, the goal for Melendez is to go to Triple-A and keep working on the swing changes he has been working on since the offseason -- without the pressure of needing results every night at the big league level.&nbsp; He’ll likely join Omaha for its road series in Toledo on Tuesday and get everyday at-bats there.&nbsp; How soon he returns to Kansas City remains to be seen.

“As I shared with [Melendez], there are very few players in this world who don’t get optioned at some point,” general manager J.J. Picollo says. “It’s certainly not the end of his career. We’d like to think it’s just the start of a new beginning. Take advantage of the opportunity to go out and play in Triple-A, play well and get back here. Here, it’s about performance. You’ve got to be able to perform.”

Kansas City and Detroit wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; The Royals send Michael Wacha to the mound, still searching for his first win, taking on Tigers ace and last year's AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:40pm, pregame coverage begins at noon on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals losing streak moved to six games on Saturday afternoon at Comerica Park, dropping another game to the Detroit Tigers and losing 3-1.&nbsp;The Royals could not overcome a rough fifth inning where the Tigers scored all their runs on one hit, a three run home run by Spencer Torkelson driving in&nbsp;Javier Báez and Kerry Carpenter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Freddy Fermin's first home run of the season in the seventh inning was the lone Kansas City run.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Freddy has us on the board. <a href="https://t.co/xrm99hVGFH">pic.twitter.com/xrm99hVGFH</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1913664813567222066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Seth Lugo took the loss on the mound, falling to 1-3, pitching 6.2 innings and giving up all three runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two.&nbsp; Daniel Lynch and Carlos&nbsp;Estévez combined to pitch the final 1.1 innings giving up no hits.&nbsp; Jonathan India (3-4) and Fermin (2-4, 1 RBI) led the way hitting in the loss.&nbsp;Prior to the game, the Royals did make a roster move optioning MJ Melendez to Triple-A Omaha.&nbsp; It was the corresponding move for outfielder Mark Canha returning from the 10-day injured list.&nbsp;&nbsp;Melendez had only logged four hits in 52 plate appearances this year, with one double and one home run. He was slashing .085/.173/.170 with 20 strikeouts in 16 games.&nbsp; With Canha ready to be activated after the minimum 10-day IL stint, the Royals had to make a move. They believe this will allow Melendez to go to Triple-A, get everyday at-bats and try to show sustained production to find a way back to the big leagues.The Royals entered Saturday having gone just 1-7 on their current 10-game road trip, and the offense is struggling, with just 2.95 runs per game this year. That amplified Melendez’s struggles. Even more so because the Royals weren’t able to land a corner outfield bat over the offseason, instead entering the season needing Melendez or Hunter Renfroe to bounce back from tough seasons. Renfroe is hitting .130 with a .383 OPS this year and is not playing every day.Now, the goal for Melendez is to go to Triple-A and keep working on the swing changes he has been working on since the offseason -- without the pressure of needing results every night at the big league level.&nbsp; He’ll likely join Omaha for its road series in Toledo on Tuesday and get everyday at-bats there.&nbsp; How soon he returns to Kansas City remains to be seen.“As I shared with [Melendez], there are very few players in this world who don’t get optioned at some point,” general manager J.J. Picollo says. “It’s certainly not the end of his career. We’d like to think it’s just the start of a new beginning. Take advantage of the opportunity to go out and play in Triple-A, play well and get back here. Here, it’s about performance. You’ve got to be able to perform.”Kansas City and Detroit wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; The Royals send Michael Wacha to the mound, still searching for his first win, taking on Tigers ace and last year's AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:40pm, pregame coverage begins at noon on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;