The St. Louis Cardinals struck early, but starting pitcher Miles Mikolas labored in the fifth inning, and the Redbirds wound up losing in walk off fashion to the New York Mets 5-4 on Friday night at Citi Field.&nbsp;

St. Louis scored first in the second inning, singles from&nbsp;Brendan Donovan and&nbsp;Thomas Saggese before&nbsp;Pedro Pagés hit a single of his own to score Donovan.&nbsp; Another run was added by the Cardinals in the fourth, Donovan again coming home this time on a single by Jordan Walker.&nbsp; But after four solid innings, allowing just two hits and one walk, Mikolas ran into trouble in the fifth.&nbsp;

Brett Baty led the inning off with a double, which was promptly followed up with a triple by Tyrone Taylor scoring Baty.&nbsp; Taylor came home to score on a single by Juan Soto.&nbsp; St. Louis did take the lead back in the top of the sixth, Willson Contreras doubling and getting driven in on a single by Nolan Arenado, but the Mets again tied the game up in the bottom half of the inning as&nbsp;Mark Vientos homered for a second consecutive game.

New York took their first lead of the game in the eighth inning as Vientos led the inning off with a single, before being pinch ran for by&nbsp;Luisangel Acuña who stole second base.&nbsp;&nbsp;Acuña did wind up being thrown out at third base on a fielders choice out with Brandon Nimmo at the plate, the tag play being challenged and upheld.&nbsp; Nimmo though moved to second on a throwing error by relief pitcher Phil Maton on a pickoff attempt, then scored on a double by Luis Torrens.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Cardinals tied the game up in the top half of the ninth inning, Donovan scoring his third run of the game hitting a solo home run to right field.&nbsp; In the bottom half, Fransisco Lindor answered with a home run of his own for the walk off win for the Mets.&nbsp;

Ryan Fernandez took the loss in relief for St. Louis, falling to 0-2, not even recording an out only giving up the home run to Lindor.&nbsp; Mikolas pitched 4.2 innings and gave up two runs on five hits, striking out one and walking two in the no decision.&nbsp; Donovan (2-4, 3 runs, 1 RBI) and Arenado (2-4, 1 RBI) led the way hitting.&nbsp;

St. Louis and New York continue tomorrow in the third game of the four game series.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore starts for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Kodai Senga for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:05pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 2:55 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals struck early, but starting pitcher Miles Mikolas labored in the fifth inning, and the Redbirds wound up losing in walk off fashion to the New York Mets 5-4 on Friday night at Citi Field.&nbsp;St. Louis scored first in the second inning, singles from&nbsp;Brendan Donovan and&nbsp;Thomas Saggese before&nbsp;Pedro Pagés hit a single of his own to score Donovan.&nbsp; Another run was added by the Cardinals in the fourth, Donovan again coming home this time on a single by Jordan Walker.&nbsp; But after four solid innings, allowing just two hits and one walk, Mikolas ran into trouble in the fifth.&nbsp;Brett Baty led the inning off with a double, which was promptly followed up with a triple by Tyrone Taylor scoring Baty.&nbsp; Taylor came home to score on a single by Juan Soto.&nbsp; St. Louis did take the lead back in the top of the sixth, Willson Contreras doubling and getting driven in on a single by Nolan Arenado, but the Mets again tied the game up in the bottom half of the inning as&nbsp;Mark Vientos homered for a second consecutive game.New York took their first lead of the game in the eighth inning as Vientos led the inning off with a single, before being pinch ran for by&nbsp;Luisangel Acuña who stole second base.&nbsp;&nbsp;Acuña did wind up being thrown out at third base on a fielders choice out with Brandon Nimmo at the plate, the tag play being challenged and upheld.&nbsp; Nimmo though moved to second on a throwing error by relief pitcher Phil Maton on a pickoff attempt, then scored on a double by Luis Torrens.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Not on Nolan! 🚫 <a href="https://t.co/n1Nw4KU9Fa">pic.twitter.com/n1Nw4KU9Fa</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1913405969180017102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Cardinals tied the game up in the top half of the ninth inning, Donovan scoring his third run of the game hitting a solo home run to right field.&nbsp; In the bottom half, Fransisco Lindor answered with a home run of his own for the walk off win for the Mets.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Brendan Donovan goes off the foul pole to tie it! 💥 <a href="https://t.co/fNM7K29CKt">pic.twitter.com/fNM7K29CKt</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1913409067369853162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ryan Fernandez took the loss in relief for St. Louis, falling to 0-2, not even recording an out only giving up the home run to Lindor.&nbsp; Mikolas pitched 4.2 innings and gave up two runs on five hits, striking out one and walking two in the no decision.&nbsp; Donovan (2-4, 3 runs, 1 RBI) and Arenado (2-4, 1 RBI) led the way hitting.&nbsp;St. Louis and New York continue tomorrow in the third game of the four game series.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore starts for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Kodai Senga for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:05pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 2:55 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cards strike early, but Mets get walkoff win to top Redbirds 5-4

The Kansas City Royals offensive woes continued on Friday night against the Detroit Tigers, falling 7-3 at Comerica Park.&nbsp;

The Royals got the lead quickly in the first inning.&nbsp; Bobby Witt Jr hit his ninth double of the year and advanced to third base on a wild pitch by Tigers starter Jackson Jobe, before scoring on the third double of the season from Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; Detroit tied the game up in the second inning,&nbsp;Tomás Nido singling to drive in Spencer Torkelson who walked to open the inning.&nbsp;

The Tigers broke the tie in the fourth inning,&nbsp;Andy Ibáñez hitting a home run to left field.&nbsp; Detroit added three more runs in the fifth inning to extend the lead,&nbsp;Justyn-Henry Malloy walked and Gleyber Torres singled before Henry Malloy was driven in on a single from Riley Greene.&nbsp; A single from pinch hitter Trey Sweeney off reliever John Schreiber scored Torres, and Greene came home in the next at bat as Torkelson grounded into a double play.&nbsp;

The final two runs for Detroit came in the seventh inning, with two outs.&nbsp; It started with a single from Greene, a line drive that deflected off reliever Lucas Erceg's foot, forcing him out of the game and bringing Angel Zerpa onto the mound.&nbsp; Zerpa surrendered a single to Sweeney before giving up a double to Torkelson, driving in both Greene and Sweeney.

Kansas City did begin to put together a bit of a rally in the ninth inning, despite the six run deficit.&nbsp; Witt Jr singled and moved to second base on runners indifference, before scoring on a single by Pasquantino.&nbsp; Salvador Perez reached first base next on catchers interference, and both Perez and Pasquantino advanced on the bases with a wild pitch by Kenta Maeda, followed by a walk to Maikel Garcia loading the bases, forcing the Tigers to go from Maeda to Tommy Kahnle.

Kahnle walked Michael Massey to start his night on the mound, bringing Pasquantino home to score, but then settled in striking out Cavan Biggio and getting Drew Waters to fly out to right field, leaving the bases loaded with the tying run at home plate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cole Ragans took the loss, falling to 1-1, recording less than 10 strikeouts for the first time since Opening Day, pitching four innings and giving up five runs on six hits, walking three and striking out eight.&nbsp; Witt Jr (2-5, 2 runs) and Pasquantino (2-5, 2 RBI's) led the way hitting.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Detroit go again tomorrow in game three of four, as the Royals seek to snap a five game losing streak.&nbsp; Seth Lugo starts for the Royals opposite Casey Mize for the Tigers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 11:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals offensive woes continued on Friday night against the Detroit Tigers, falling 7-3 at Comerica Park.&nbsp;The Royals got the lead quickly in the first inning.&nbsp; Bobby Witt Jr hit his ninth double of the year and advanced to third base on a wild pitch by Tigers starter Jackson Jobe, before scoring on the third double of the season from Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; Detroit tied the game up in the second inning,&nbsp;Tomás Nido singling to drive in Spencer Torkelson who walked to open the inning.&nbsp;The Tigers broke the tie in the fourth inning,&nbsp;Andy Ibáñez hitting a home run to left field.&nbsp; Detroit added three more runs in the fifth inning to extend the lead,&nbsp;Justyn-Henry Malloy walked and Gleyber Torres singled before Henry Malloy was driven in on a single from Riley Greene.&nbsp; A single from pinch hitter Trey Sweeney off reliever John Schreiber scored Torres, and Greene came home in the next at bat as Torkelson grounded into a double play.&nbsp;The final two runs for Detroit came in the seventh inning, with two outs.&nbsp; It started with a single from Greene, a line drive that deflected off reliever Lucas Erceg's foot, forcing him out of the game and bringing Angel Zerpa onto the mound.&nbsp; Zerpa surrendered a single to Sweeney before giving up a double to Torkelson, driving in both Greene and Sweeney.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Not great. <a href="https://t.co/EClhyrbrFR">https://t.co/EClhyrbrFR</a> <a href="https://t.co/LGs7SSQyyF">pic.twitter.com/LGs7SSQyyF</a>&mdash; Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) <a href="https://twitter.com/anne__rogers/status/1913393692242571292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas City did begin to put together a bit of a rally in the ninth inning, despite the six run deficit.&nbsp; Witt Jr singled and moved to second base on runners indifference, before scoring on a single by Pasquantino.&nbsp; Salvador Perez reached first base next on catchers interference, and both Perez and Pasquantino advanced on the bases with a wild pitch by Kenta Maeda, followed by a walk to Maikel Garcia loading the bases, forcing the Tigers to go from Maeda to Tommy Kahnle.Kahnle walked Michael Massey to start his night on the mound, bringing Pasquantino home to score, but then settled in striking out Cavan Biggio and getting Drew Waters to fly out to right field, leaving the bases loaded with the tying run at home plate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cole Ragans took the loss, falling to 1-1, recording less than 10 strikeouts for the first time since Opening Day, pitching four innings and giving up five runs on six hits, walking three and striking out eight.&nbsp; Witt Jr (2-5, 2 runs) and Pasquantino (2-5, 2 RBI's) led the way hitting.&nbsp;Kansas City and Detroit go again tomorrow in game three of four, as the Royals seek to snap a five game losing streak.&nbsp; Seth Lugo starts for the Royals opposite Casey Mize for the Tigers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 11:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals slide moves to five L's in a row, fall to Tigers 7-3

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/77cWnwL6n8l6iNAcXWRSv2?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

Andre Pallante has been a bright spot in the Cardinals rotation, and once again put together another solid start on Thursday night against the Mets, but a rough second inning was to much to overcome as the Redbirds fell 4-1 at Citi Field.&nbsp;

After only giving up a single to Fransisco Lindor in the first inning, Pallante surrendered a leadoff home run to&nbsp;Mark Vientos to open the second.&nbsp; Pallante appeared to settle down after the homer, getting Brandon Nimmo to ground out, but after that Starling Marte doubled, and following a groundout by Luis Torrens Marte scored on a single from Brett Baty.&nbsp; Tyrone Taylor singled in the next at bat, then Lindor singled again to score both Baty and Taylor, however Lindor was thrown out at second base by right fielder Jordan Walker to end the inning.&nbsp;

The Cardinals lone run in the third inning started with a Victor Scott II single to lead off the inning.&nbsp; Scott II stole second base, and after back to back strikeouts by Lars Nootbaar and Willson Contreras, Scott II moved to third on a wild pitch, then later scored with a single by Brendan Donovan.&nbsp; Donovan wound up stranded at first base though, Nolan Arenado grounding out to end the top of the third inning.&nbsp; After the rough second inning, Pallante settled in, giving up just one more hit through his remaining four innings of work.&nbsp;

Pallante took the loss, losing his first game of the year and moving to 2-1 on the season, pitching six innings and giving up four runs on seven hits, striking out two.&nbsp; Three Cardinals hitters each had one hit at the plate.&nbsp;

St. Louis and New York continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;David Peterson for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:10pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 6 on KY 102 (102.5FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAndre Pallante has been a bright spot in the Cardinals rotation, and once again put together another solid start on Thursday night against the Mets, but a rough second inning was to much to overcome as the Redbirds fell 4-1 at Citi Field.&nbsp;After only giving up a single to Fransisco Lindor in the first inning, Pallante surrendered a leadoff home run to&nbsp;Mark Vientos to open the second.&nbsp; Pallante appeared to settle down after the homer, getting Brandon Nimmo to ground out, but after that Starling Marte doubled, and following a groundout by Luis Torrens Marte scored on a single from Brett Baty.&nbsp; Tyrone Taylor singled in the next at bat, then Lindor singled again to score both Baty and Taylor, however Lindor was thrown out at second base by right fielder Jordan Walker to end the inning.&nbsp;The Cardinals lone run in the third inning started with a Victor Scott II single to lead off the inning.&nbsp; Scott II stole second base, and after back to back strikeouts by Lars Nootbaar and Willson Contreras, Scott II moved to third on a wild pitch, then later scored with a single by Brendan Donovan.&nbsp; Donovan wound up stranded at first base though, Nolan Arenado grounding out to end the top of the third inning.&nbsp; After the rough second inning, Pallante settled in, giving up just one more hit through his remaining four innings of work.&nbsp;Pallante took the loss, losing his first game of the year and moving to 2-1 on the season, pitching six innings and giving up four runs on seven hits, striking out two.&nbsp; Three Cardinals hitters each had one hit at the plate.&nbsp;St. Louis and New York continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;David Peterson for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:10pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 6 on KY 102 (102.5FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pallante mostly solid, but Cardinals drop opener to Mets 4-1

The rough stretch continued for the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night as they dropped a fourth game in a row, opening a four game series to the Detroit Tigers with a 6-1 loss at Comerica Park.&nbsp;

Kansas City was unable to overcome a four run lead the Tigers built through the first five innings.&nbsp; A three run spot in the third started when Kerry Carpenter singled and&nbsp;Zach McKinstry walked, before a double from Spencer Torkelson drove both in.&nbsp; Torkelson later scored on a single from Riley Greene.&nbsp; In the fifth, Carpenter doubled, and McKinstry again walked, before Greene scored Carpenter with a single.&nbsp;

The Royals lone run in the top of the eighth inning came after Salvador Perez walked to open the inning, back to back singles from Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia drove Perez in to score.&nbsp; Detroit extended the lead in the bottom half however, Trey Sweeney singled and&nbsp;Ryan Kreidler walked before Gleyber Torres hit a single of his own to load the bases.&nbsp; After Carpenter struck out,&nbsp;McKinstry grounded into a forceout scoring Sweeney and then Torkelson brought in a run with a single, bringing home&nbsp;Kreidler.

Michael Lorenzen took the loss, falling to 1-3, pitching 4.2 innings and giving up four runs on seven hits, striking out three and walking three.&nbsp; Massey led the way hitting on the night going 3-4 at the plate.

Kansas City and Detroit continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Cole Ragans takes the mound for the Royals, looking to continue a streak of 10+ strikeout games, taking on&nbsp;Jackson Jobe for the Tigers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:40pm, pregame coverage begins at 5 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe rough stretch continued for the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night as they dropped a fourth game in a row, opening a four game series to the Detroit Tigers with a 6-1 loss at Comerica Park.&nbsp;Kansas City was unable to overcome a four run lead the Tigers built through the first five innings.&nbsp; A three run spot in the third started when Kerry Carpenter singled and&nbsp;Zach McKinstry walked, before a double from Spencer Torkelson drove both in.&nbsp; Torkelson later scored on a single from Riley Greene.&nbsp; In the fifth, Carpenter doubled, and McKinstry again walked, before Greene scored Carpenter with a single.&nbsp;The Royals lone run in the top of the eighth inning came after Salvador Perez walked to open the inning, back to back singles from Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia drove Perez in to score.&nbsp; Detroit extended the lead in the bottom half however, Trey Sweeney singled and&nbsp;Ryan Kreidler walked before Gleyber Torres hit a single of his own to load the bases.&nbsp; After Carpenter struck out,&nbsp;McKinstry grounded into a forceout scoring Sweeney and then Torkelson brought in a run with a single, bringing home&nbsp;Kreidler.Michael Lorenzen took the loss, falling to 1-3, pitching 4.2 innings and giving up four runs on seven hits, striking out three and walking three.&nbsp; Massey led the way hitting on the night going 3-4 at the plate.Kansas City and Detroit continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Cole Ragans takes the mound for the Royals, looking to continue a streak of 10+ strikeout games, taking on&nbsp;Jackson Jobe for the Tigers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:40pm, pregame coverage begins at 5 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals drop fourth in a row, lose to Tigers in opener 6-1

The newly branded St. Joseph Goats are bringing arena football back to the Civic Arena in downtown this summer. &nbsp;

The Goats played in Kansas City last year in their inaugural season and finished one game shy of competing for a championship and now hope to achieve that in St. Joseph. &nbsp;

Goats Head Coach Dorsey Golston says initially the move to St. Joseph caught him by surprise, but it's a move he's excited about.&nbsp;

"Spent a lot of time in St. Joe my whole life, I'm from Kansas City, Missouri, but me and my dad used to come up here a lot go fishing, so I'm kind of familiar with the city, the town, we'd come up here by Stetson's and all type of stuff like that," Golston tells reporters.&nbsp;

Golston says it's a great feeling to be a part of a sort of resurgence of sports and events happening at the Civic Arena&nbsp;

"I think the people of St. Joseph is going to enjoy holding what 2,500 here I think, we averaged around 23 last year, so you're going to have to come get your tickets early because we plan on packing this thing out," Golston says.&nbsp;

On the team again this year, is last year's league MVP. Boo Smith, a former wide receiver at Missouri, says he's excited about the team's new home in St. Joseph&nbsp;

"This is my first time in Civic Arena, I do know the history of it, but looking at it right now, it's going to be packed, I'm actually excited" Smith says.&nbsp; "Because I also know Missouri Western is just down the road and they have a good football fan base so just coming here with our success and the other fan base, I'm excited for it, I'm excited for sure."&nbsp;

Smith had 1,011 yards last year on 99 catches, and scored 33 touchdowns, and now looks to impress St. Joseph fans with his speedy playstyle. &nbsp;

Wide receiver Ryan Martinez says he hopes and expects to see the stands packed at Civic Arena this summer&nbsp;

"As long as the fans and everybody is behind us and the crowd, we bring from Kansas City, pretty sure we'll pack it out," Martinez says.&nbsp; "Because arena is a fun game, entertaining, it's really mostly meant for the fans because you get to jump in the crowd, throw balls, run around, eat people's popcorn, so it's really fun."&nbsp;

The first home game for the Goats is on June 7th.&nbsp; You can purchase tickets online for both individual games as well as the season.&nbsp; The season opens May 31st.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744929756979.jpeg" alt="The newly branded St. Joseph Goats unveiled their new look uniforms on Thursday during a press conference at Civic Arena/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The newly branded St. Joseph Goats unveiled their new look uniforms on Thursday during a press conference at Civic Arena/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The newly branded St. Joseph Goats are bringing arena football back to the Civic Arena in downtown this summer. &nbsp;The Goats played in Kansas City last year in their inaugural season and finished one game shy of competing for a championship and now hope to achieve that in St. Joseph. &nbsp;Goats Head Coach Dorsey Golston says initially the move to St. Joseph caught him by surprise, but it's a move he's excited about.&nbsp;"Spent a lot of time in St. Joe my whole life, I'm from Kansas City, Missouri, but me and my dad used to come up here a lot go fishing, so I'm kind of familiar with the city, the town, we'd come up here by Stetson's and all type of stuff like that," Golston tells reporters.&nbsp;Golston says it's a great feeling to be a part of a sort of resurgence of sports and events happening at the Civic Arena&nbsp;"I think the people of St. Joseph is going to enjoy holding what 2,500 here I think, we averaged around 23 last year, so you're going to have to come get your tickets early because we plan on packing this thing out," Golston says.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744929885613.jpeg" alt="Team President Ted Sweeney revealed Thursday&nbsp; during a press conference at Civic Arena that the Kansas City Goats will change their name to the St. Joseph Goats this season.&nbsp; They also unveiled new jersey's and a new logo for the upcoming arena football season/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Team President Ted Sweeney revealed Thursday&nbsp; during a press conference at Civic Arena that the Kansas City Goats will change their name to the St. Joseph Goats this season.&nbsp; They also unveiled new jersey's and a new logo for the upcoming arena football season/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>On the team again this year, is last year's league MVP. Boo Smith, a former wide receiver at Missouri, says he's excited about the team's new home in St. Joseph&nbsp;"This is my first time in Civic Arena, I do know the history of it, but looking at it right now, it's going to be packed, I'm actually excited" Smith says.&nbsp; "Because I also know Missouri Western is just down the road and they have a good football fan base so just coming here with our success and the other fan base, I'm excited for it, I'm excited for sure."&nbsp;Smith had 1,011 yards last year on 99 catches, and scored 33 touchdowns, and now looks to impress St. Joseph fans with his speedy playstyle. &nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Check out my Season Highlights‼️<a href="https://t.co/4i6wV81Ym8">https://t.co/4i6wV81Ym8</a> Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiefsFocus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChiefsFocus</a> <a href="https://t.co/apM1z6k70U">pic.twitter.com/apM1z6k70U</a>&mdash; BooBoo Smith (@B_Smith400) <a href="https://twitter.com/B_Smith400/status/1825938880866169284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Wide receiver Ryan Martinez says he hopes and expects to see the stands packed at Civic Arena this summer&nbsp;"As long as the fans and everybody is behind us and the crowd, we bring from Kansas City, pretty sure we'll pack it out," Martinez says.&nbsp; "Because arena is a fun game, entertaining, it's really mostly meant for the fans because you get to jump in the crowd, throw balls, run around, eat people's popcorn, so it's really fun."&nbsp;The first home game for the Goats is on June 7th.&nbsp; You can purchase tickets online for both individual games as well as the season.&nbsp; The season opens May 31st.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744930210117.jpeg" alt="St Joseph Goats team President Ted Sweeney (right) shows off the new team logos on shirts worn by St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale (middle) and Goats dance coach, and Missouri Western student, Emily Crouse (left)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>St Joseph Goats team President Ted Sweeney (right) shows off the new team logos on shirts worn by St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale (middle) and Goats dance coach, and Missouri Western student, Emily Crouse (left)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph Goats arena football coming to Civic Arena this summer

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6BQ28y8WP8UJVATTKUQ7Vj?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic continued putting together a strong 2025 season, leaving the Bronx with a 1.88 ERA on the season, but the Royals fell to the New York Yankees, and were swept in the series, losing 4-3 on Wednesday night.&nbsp;

For a second game in a row, Kansas City did take the lead first in the game, this time in the first inning.&nbsp; Bobby Witt Jr singled after Jonathan India flew out to open the game, and after Vinnie Pasquantino walked advancing Witt Jr to second base, the star shortstop scored on a single into left field by Salvador Perez.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bubic, who struck out six batters in the game, recorded three of those through the first two innings, and struck out Cody Bellinger in the third inning before the Yankees took the lead back with two outs.&nbsp; Aaron Judge doubled followed by a walk to Jazz Chisolm Jr, before Anthony Volpe drove in both runners with an RBI double into left field.&nbsp; New York added another run in the fourth inning, an RBI double by Bellinger driving in&nbsp;Oswald Peraza.

The Royals did save Bubic from suffering a loss though, scoring two runs to tie the game up in the fifth inning.&nbsp; Drew Waters opened the inning with a single, but Tyler Tolbert followed that with a lineout to center field, despite that Waters still scored on the next batter as Kyle Isbel hit his first triple of the season, then scored himself on the next batter as India grounded out to Volpe bringing Isbel home to knot the game up at three.

John Schreiber replaced Bubic in the sixth inning after the starter recorded one out, and then came back out to pitch in the seventh, immediately giving the lead back to New York surrendering a solo home run to Judge into center field, which ended up being all the Yankees needed for the win.

Bubic pitched 5.1 innings striking out six and giving up three runs on seven hits, walking four batters in the no decision.&nbsp; Schreiber took the loss going 0.2 innings, only giving up one hit, the home run to Judge.&nbsp; Five different Royals recorded one hit each.&nbsp;

Kansas City now heads to Detroit on a three game losing streak to take on the Tigers in a four game series.&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Lorenzen starts for the Royals to open the series against&nbsp;Reese Olson for Detroit.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:40pm, pregame coverage begins at 5 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostRoyals starting pitcher Kris Bubic continued putting together a strong 2025 season, leaving the Bronx with a 1.88 ERA on the season, but the Royals fell to the New York Yankees, and were swept in the series, losing 4-3 on Wednesday night.&nbsp;For a second game in a row, Kansas City did take the lead first in the game, this time in the first inning.&nbsp; Bobby Witt Jr singled after Jonathan India flew out to open the game, and after Vinnie Pasquantino walked advancing Witt Jr to second base, the star shortstop scored on a single into left field by Salvador Perez.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bubic, who struck out six batters in the game, recorded three of those through the first two innings, and struck out Cody Bellinger in the third inning before the Yankees took the lead back with two outs.&nbsp; Aaron Judge doubled followed by a walk to Jazz Chisolm Jr, before Anthony Volpe drove in both runners with an RBI double into left field.&nbsp; New York added another run in the fourth inning, an RBI double by Bellinger driving in&nbsp;Oswald Peraza.The Royals did save Bubic from suffering a loss though, scoring two runs to tie the game up in the fifth inning.&nbsp; Drew Waters opened the inning with a single, but Tyler Tolbert followed that with a lineout to center field, despite that Waters still scored on the next batter as Kyle Isbel hit his first triple of the season, then scored himself on the next batter as India grounded out to Volpe bringing Isbel home to knot the game up at three.John Schreiber replaced Bubic in the sixth inning after the starter recorded one out, and then came back out to pitch in the seventh, immediately giving the lead back to New York surrendering a solo home run to Judge into center field, which ended up being all the Yankees needed for the win.Bubic pitched 5.1 innings striking out six and giving up three runs on seven hits, walking four batters in the no decision.&nbsp; Schreiber took the loss going 0.2 innings, only giving up one hit, the home run to Judge.&nbsp; Five different Royals recorded one hit each.&nbsp;Kansas City now heads to Detroit on a three game losing streak to take on the Tigers in a four game series.&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Lorenzen starts for the Royals to open the series against&nbsp;Reese Olson for Detroit.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:40pm, pregame coverage begins at 5 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Bubic's strong '25 continues, but Royals swept by Yankees falling 4-3

Lars Nootbaar crushed a big three run home run as the St. Louis Cardinals broke through in the fifth inning to take a series win from the Houston Astros, winning 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;

The Astros scored their lone run of the game in the first inning, getting to starting pitcher Steven Matz in his first start of the season right away.&nbsp; Jose Altuve singled to lead off the game, which was followed by a single from&nbsp;Jeremy Peña, Altuve going first to third and&nbsp;Peña advancing to second on the throw.&nbsp; A ground out by&nbsp;Isaac Paredes drove in Altuve.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From there, Matz settled in and retired the next 14 batters he faced, pitching a solid five innings before handing it off to the bullpen and reliever&nbsp;Ryan Fernandez.&nbsp; Fernandez,&nbsp;Kyle Leahy,&nbsp;Phil Maton, and&nbsp;Ryan Helsley combined to give up just two more hits the rest of the game.&nbsp;

St. Louis got that clutch home run from Nootbaar in the fifth inning to take the lead.&nbsp; Victor Scott II and&nbsp;Thomas Saggese hit back to back singles to open the inning, before Nootbaar crushed the ball 418 feet to center field for his third home run of the season.&nbsp; The Redbirds added the final run the very next inning&nbsp;Saggese hitting an RBI double to score Jordan Walker.&nbsp;

In his first start of the season, Matz earned his first win as well pitching five innings and striking out five batters, giving up one run on two hits.&nbsp; Helsley earned his third save of the season, walking one batter but giving up no hits.&nbsp; At the plate,&nbsp;Saggese led the way going 2-4 with one RBI, while Nootbaar was 1-3 with the home run, three RBI's and two walks.

St. Louis begins a new series tomorrow, hitting the road once again for a four game series with the New York Mets.&nbsp;&nbsp;Andre Pallante opens the series for the Cardinals, looking to improve to 3-0, the Mets starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:10, pregame will be joined at 6 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744834098313.jpeg" alt="Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II (11) celebrates in the dugout after scoring on Lars Nootbaar's go ahead three run home run/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II (11) celebrates in the dugout after scoring on Lars Nootbaar's go ahead three run home run/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostLars Nootbaar crushed a big three run home run as the St. Louis Cardinals broke through in the fifth inning to take a series win from the Houston Astros, winning 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;The Astros scored their lone run of the game in the first inning, getting to starting pitcher Steven Matz in his first start of the season right away.&nbsp; Jose Altuve singled to lead off the game, which was followed by a single from&nbsp;Jeremy Peña, Altuve going first to third and&nbsp;Peña advancing to second on the throw.&nbsp; A ground out by&nbsp;Isaac Paredes drove in Altuve.&nbsp;&nbsp;From there, Matz settled in and retired the next 14 batters he faced, pitching a solid five innings before handing it off to the bullpen and reliever&nbsp;Ryan Fernandez.&nbsp; Fernandez,&nbsp;Kyle Leahy,&nbsp;Phil Maton, and&nbsp;Ryan Helsley combined to give up just two more hits the rest of the game.&nbsp;St. Louis got that clutch home run from Nootbaar in the fifth inning to take the lead.&nbsp; Victor Scott II and&nbsp;Thomas Saggese hit back to back singles to open the inning, before Nootbaar crushed the ball 418 feet to center field for his third home run of the season.&nbsp; The Redbirds added the final run the very next inning&nbsp;Saggese hitting an RBI double to score Jordan Walker.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NOOOOOOOOOT!!! 💣 <a href="https://t.co/0NoGCZxsAX">pic.twitter.com/0NoGCZxsAX</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1912574228865446103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In his first start of the season, Matz earned his first win as well pitching five innings and striking out five batters, giving up one run on two hits.&nbsp; Helsley earned his third save of the season, walking one batter but giving up no hits.&nbsp; At the plate,&nbsp;Saggese led the way going 2-4 with one RBI, while Nootbaar was 1-3 with the home run, three RBI's and two walks.St. Louis begins a new series tomorrow, hitting the road once again for a four game series with the New York Mets.&nbsp;&nbsp;Andre Pallante opens the series for the Cardinals, looking to improve to 3-0, the Mets starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:10, pregame will be joined at 6 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cardinals break through in 5th behind Nootbaar homer for 4-1 win over Astros

Charlie Burri, the
first Athletic Director at Missouri Western State University, has died.

Burri, a St.
Joseph native, agreed to lead Griffon athletics in 1967 as St. Joseph Junior
College became Missouri Western State College, a four-year institution. Burri’s
guidance during those early years earned him the unofficial title of “Godfather
of Griffon Athletics.”

Burri also chaired
the Physical Education Department and became the head basketball and golf
coach. Burri was instrumental in building Spratt Memorial Stadium and the
Looney Indoor Sports Complex. Burri formed the Gold Coat Club in 1970.

Burri won many
honors over the years. He became the first inductee into the Missouri Western
Athletics Hall of Fame after retiring in 1984. Burri is a member of the St.
Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame, the National Association of College Directors
of Athletics Hall of Fame, the National Association of Intercollegiate
Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Burri graduated
from Christian Brothers High School, the St. Joseph Junior College, and
Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744829501638.jpeg" alt="Charlie Burri at a MWSU groundbreaking/Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Burri at a MWSU groundbreaking/Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostCharlie Burri, the
first Athletic Director at Missouri Western State University, has died.Burri, a St.
Joseph native, agreed to lead Griffon athletics in 1967 as St. Joseph Junior
College became Missouri Western State College, a four-year institution. Burri’s
guidance during those early years earned him the unofficial title of “Godfather
of Griffon Athletics.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744829570027.jpeg" alt="Charlie Burri in his office/photo courtesy of MWSU" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Burri in his office/photo courtesy of MWSU</figcaption>
 </figure>Burri also chaired
the Physical Education Department and became the head basketball and golf
coach. Burri was instrumental in building Spratt Memorial Stadium and the
Looney Indoor Sports Complex. Burri formed the Gold Coat Club in 1970.Burri won many
honors over the years. He became the first inductee into the Missouri Western
Athletics Hall of Fame after retiring in 1984. Burri is a member of the St.
Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame, the National Association of College Directors
of Athletics Hall of Fame, the National Association of Intercollegiate
Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.Burri graduated
from Christian Brothers High School, the St. Joseph Junior College, and
Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.Charlie Burri was
94.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744829219396.png" alt="MWSU photo" />
 <figcaption>MWSU photo</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

The "Godfather of Griffon Athletics," Charlie Burri, dies

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1BlUGpsaTEHfH6JeNgqm7E?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

It was a low scoring affair at Busch Stadium, one in which both teams managed hits off each others pitchers, but in the end it was the St. Louis Cardinals falling to the Houston Astros 2-0 on Tuesday night.&nbsp;

Both the Cardinals and the Astros were 1-7 with runners in scoring position in the game, St. Louis stranding six runners on base, and Houston leaving seven.

Houston first got on the board in the sixth inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeremy Peña doubled to lead off the inning and then later came around to score on a single from&nbsp;Jake Meyers.&nbsp; In the eighth inning, the Astros put the game away with a solo home run by&nbsp;Yordan Alvarez, his second of the season.&nbsp; St. Louis did get Lars Nootbaar to second base on a double in the bottom of the eighth, but were unable to drive him across.&nbsp; Houston closer Josh Hader retired the Cardinals lineup in order in the ninth to close the game for the save.&nbsp;

Erick Fedde took the loss, moving to 1-2 on the season, giving up one run on six hits, striking out five batters and walking three.&nbsp; Six different Cardinals each had one hit in the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis and Houston wrap up their series tomorrow at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven Matz makes his first start of the season for the Cardinals, after appearing out of the bullpen thus far this season, taking on&nbsp;Ronel Blanco for the Astros.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:15pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 12:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostIt was a low scoring affair at Busch Stadium, one in which both teams managed hits off each others pitchers, but in the end it was the St. Louis Cardinals falling to the Houston Astros 2-0 on Tuesday night.&nbsp;Both the Cardinals and the Astros were 1-7 with runners in scoring position in the game, St. Louis stranding six runners on base, and Houston leaving seven.Houston first got on the board in the sixth inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeremy Peña doubled to lead off the inning and then later came around to score on a single from&nbsp;Jake Meyers.&nbsp; In the eighth inning, the Astros put the game away with a solo home run by&nbsp;Yordan Alvarez, his second of the season.&nbsp; St. Louis did get Lars Nootbaar to second base on a double in the bottom of the eighth, but were unable to drive him across.&nbsp; Houston closer Josh Hader retired the Cardinals lineup in order in the ninth to close the game for the save.&nbsp;Erick Fedde took the loss, moving to 1-2 on the season, giving up one run on six hits, striking out five batters and walking three.&nbsp; Six different Cardinals each had one hit in the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;St. Louis and Houston wrap up their series tomorrow at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven Matz makes his first start of the season for the Cardinals, after appearing out of the bullpen thus far this season, taking on&nbsp;Ronel Blanco for the Astros.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:15pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 12:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinals shutout by Astros in low scoring 2-0 affair

The Kansas City Royals held the lead for a moment, but let it slip away in a big sixth inning for the New York Yankees, falling 4-2 on Tuesday night in the Bronx.&nbsp;

The Royals scored both runs in the third inning, first getting the first home run of the season from MJ Melendez to lead off the inning, a 429 foot blast to center field.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia singled later in the inning, as was driven in one batter later on a double by Bobby Witt Jr, his seventh of the season, to give Kansas City the 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

And that was a lead Kansas City held until the sixth inning.&nbsp; After Aaron Judge led the inning off with a single, Royals starter Michael Wacha struck out Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt before running into trouble.&nbsp; Back to back walks to Jazz Chisolm Jr and Anthony Volpe, loading the bases, prompted a pitching change from manager Matt Quatraro, who brought on Angel Zerpa, but Zerpa walked Austin Wells to bring in a run in his first at bat.&nbsp; After that, the next batter Jasson Domínguez hit a bases clearing double, for the only runs the Yankees needed to win the game.&nbsp;

Five different Royals had one hit each in the losing effort.&nbsp; Wacha took the loss, falling to 0-3 on the season, giving up three runs on four hits, striking out four batters and walking two.&nbsp; Zerpa blew his second save, giving up one run on one hit, walking one and striking out one.&nbsp;

Kansas City and New York wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Kris Bubic will start for the Royals against Clarke Schmidt making his season debut for the Yankees.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:05pm, pregame coverage starts at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals held the lead for a moment, but let it slip away in a big sixth inning for the New York Yankees, falling 4-2 on Tuesday night in the Bronx.&nbsp;The Royals scored both runs in the third inning, first getting the first home run of the season from MJ Melendez to lead off the inning, a 429 foot blast to center field.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia singled later in the inning, as was driven in one batter later on a double by Bobby Witt Jr, his seventh of the season, to give Kansas City the 2-0 lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MJ mash! 💥 <a href="https://t.co/rI1zKMUX0a">pic.twitter.com/rI1zKMUX0a</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1912290167924134361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>And that was a lead Kansas City held until the sixth inning.&nbsp; After Aaron Judge led the inning off with a single, Royals starter Michael Wacha struck out Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt before running into trouble.&nbsp; Back to back walks to Jazz Chisolm Jr and Anthony Volpe, loading the bases, prompted a pitching change from manager Matt Quatraro, who brought on Angel Zerpa, but Zerpa walked Austin Wells to bring in a run in his first at bat.&nbsp; After that, the next batter Jasson Domínguez hit a bases clearing double, for the only runs the Yankees needed to win the game.&nbsp;Five different Royals had one hit each in the losing effort.&nbsp; Wacha took the loss, falling to 0-3 on the season, giving up three runs on four hits, striking out four batters and walking two.&nbsp; Zerpa blew his second save, giving up one run on one hit, walking one and striking out one.&nbsp;Kansas City and New York wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Kris Bubic will start for the Royals against Clarke Schmidt making his season debut for the Yankees.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:05pm, pregame coverage starts at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals bullpen lets game slip away, fall to Yankees 4-2

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-4152025-e31ipco/a-absu3d5" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The St. Louis Cardinals have had quite the hot hand against the aces of teams pitching rotations this season, and that continued Monday against the Houston Astros and starter Framber Valdez, on way to an 8-3 win for St. Louis.&nbsp;

After throttling the Astros the Cardinals’ surging, new-look offense has beaten All-Star pitchers Paul Skenes, Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and Valdez in the past week.&nbsp; Led by a four-hit night from Brendan Donovan and a three-hit performance from Nolan Arenado, the Cardinals didn’t just beat Valdez on Monday -- they knocked him around and knocked him out of the game before a batter was retired in the fifth inning. The Cards tagged Valdez -- an American League All-Star pitcher in 2022 and ’23 -- for 10 hits and six earned runs in just four-plus innings.

The scoring off Valdez got started in the bottom of the third inning.&nbsp; After Lars Nootbaar walked, a single from Luken Baker advanced Nootbaar to third base.&nbsp; Nootbaar came around to score on the very next batter as Willson Contreras grounded into a force out, Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña throwing out Baker at second, but Contreras reached first safely.&nbsp;

The Cardinals put up three spots in both the fourth and fifth innings.&nbsp; In the fourth, Donovan led off with a single before Jordan Walker hit a ground rule double, forcing Donovan to stop at third base.&nbsp; Donovan and Walker later scored on a double by&nbsp;Pedro Pagés.&nbsp; After Victor Scott II struck out,&nbsp;Pagés came home with a single from Nootbaar.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Then in the fifth inning, Contreras singled to start the inning, followed by a double from Arenado that drove Contreras in to score.&nbsp; After Donovan hit a double of his own to score Arenado, Donovan advancing to third base on a throwing error by&nbsp;right fielder Cam Smith, that was the end of the day for Valdez.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly by Nolan Gorman scored Donovan later in the inning.&nbsp; Arenado put up the final St. Louis run in the seventh inning, with a solo home run.&nbsp;

The Astros put up all their runs against the Cardinals bullpen in the ninth inning, all on a three run home run by&nbsp;Peña that drove in&nbsp;Jake Meyers and Zach Dezenzo.

Sonny Gray improved to 3-0 on the season for St. Louis, pitching seven shutout innings, striking out four batters while walking one and giving up three hits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Donovan was a perfect 4-4 at the plate with one RBI, while Arenado was 3-4 with one home run and two RBI's.

St. Louis and Houston continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Erick Fedde takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Hunter Brown for the Astros.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744685190083.jpeg" alt="Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado celebrates with Brendan Donovan (33) after Arenado's home run in the seventh inning/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado celebrates with Brendan Donovan (33) after Arenado's home run in the seventh inning/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals have had quite the hot hand against the aces of teams pitching rotations this season, and that continued Monday against the Houston Astros and starter Framber Valdez, on way to an 8-3 win for St. Louis.&nbsp;After throttling the Astros the Cardinals’ surging, new-look offense has beaten All-Star pitchers Paul Skenes, Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and Valdez in the past week.&nbsp; Led by a four-hit night from Brendan Donovan and a three-hit performance from Nolan Arenado, the Cardinals didn’t just beat Valdez on Monday -- they knocked him around and knocked him out of the game before a batter was retired in the fifth inning. The Cards tagged Valdez -- an American League All-Star pitcher in 2022 and ’23 -- for 10 hits and six earned runs in just four-plus innings.The scoring off Valdez got started in the bottom of the third inning.&nbsp; After Lars Nootbaar walked, a single from Luken Baker advanced Nootbaar to third base.&nbsp; Nootbaar came around to score on the very next batter as Willson Contreras grounded into a force out, Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña throwing out Baker at second, but Contreras reached first safely.&nbsp;The Cardinals put up three spots in both the fourth and fifth innings.&nbsp; In the fourth, Donovan led off with a single before Jordan Walker hit a ground rule double, forcing Donovan to stop at third base.&nbsp; Donovan and Walker later scored on a double by&nbsp;Pedro Pagés.&nbsp; After Victor Scott II struck out,&nbsp;Pagés came home with a single from Nootbaar.&nbsp; &nbsp;Then in the fifth inning, Contreras singled to start the inning, followed by a double from Arenado that drove Contreras in to score.&nbsp; After Donovan hit a double of his own to score Arenado, Donovan advancing to third base on a throwing error by&nbsp;right fielder Cam Smith, that was the end of the day for Valdez.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly by Nolan Gorman scored Donovan later in the inning.&nbsp; Arenado put up the final St. Louis run in the seventh inning, with a solo home run.&nbsp;The Astros put up all their runs against the Cardinals bullpen in the ninth inning, all on a three run home run by&nbsp;Peña that drove in&nbsp;Jake Meyers and Zach Dezenzo.Sonny Gray improved to 3-0 on the season for St. Louis, pitching seven shutout innings, striking out four batters while walking one and giving up three hits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Donovan was a perfect 4-4 at the plate with one RBI, while Arenado was 3-4 with one home run and two RBI's.St. Louis and Houston continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Erick Fedde takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Hunter Brown for the Astros.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinals put on hitting display to knock out Valdez, top Astros 8-3

The Kansas City Royals managed just two hits in the opener against the New York Yankees, falling 4-1 at Yankee Stadium on Monday night to start the three game series.&nbsp;

The biggest of the two hits was the Royals lone score in the third inning, a solo home run from Bobby Witt Jr to left center field.&nbsp; Witt Jr had the only other Kansas City hit as well, a single in the ninth inning.&nbsp; The only other Royals baserunners were via walk, which Kansas City drew eight of on the day.&nbsp;

The Yankees tied the game up in the fourth inning, a solo home run from Jazz Chisolm Jr, before taking the lead in a three run fifth inning, first taking the lead on a home run from Trent Grisham.&nbsp; Ben Rice and Austin Wells also hit home runs in the inning.

Seth Lugo took the loss, falling to 1-2 on the season, pitching 6.2 innings giving up all four runs on seven hits, striking out four while walking two.&nbsp; Witt Jr led the way hitting going 2-4 with one RBI.&nbsp;

Kansas City and New York continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha takes the mound for the Royals against Max Fried for the Yankees.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:05pm, pregame coverage begins at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3 FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals managed just two hits in the opener against the New York Yankees, falling 4-1 at Yankee Stadium on Monday night to start the three game series.&nbsp;The biggest of the two hits was the Royals lone score in the third inning, a solo home run from Bobby Witt Jr to left center field.&nbsp; Witt Jr had the only other Kansas City hit as well, a single in the ninth inning.&nbsp; The only other Royals baserunners were via walk, which Kansas City drew eight of on the day.&nbsp;The Yankees tied the game up in the fourth inning, a solo home run from Jazz Chisolm Jr, before taking the lead in a three run fifth inning, first taking the lead on a home run from Trent Grisham.&nbsp; Ben Rice and Austin Wells also hit home runs in the inning.Seth Lugo took the loss, falling to 1-2 on the season, pitching 6.2 innings giving up all four runs on seven hits, striking out four while walking two.&nbsp; Witt Jr led the way hitting going 2-4 with one RBI.&nbsp;Kansas City and New York continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha takes the mound for the Royals against Max Fried for the Yankees.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:05pm, pregame coverage begins at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals get home run from Witt Jr, drop opener to Yankees 4-1

Kansas State guard, and Maryville's Serena Sundell, had been projected as a potential first round pick in Monday's WNBA draft.&nbsp; Instead, she had to wait until the first pick of the final round to hear her name called at pick number 26 to the Seattle Storm.&nbsp;

Sundell&nbsp; was a top 12 pick on several mock draft boards, which would have made her just the fourth Kansas State player selected in the first round of the draft, which was held at The Shed in New York.

Sundell, a two-time Big 12 all-conference selection and an honorable mention All-American this year, saved her best for last with an outstanding senior season in which she averaged a career-high 14.1 points and led the nation with 7.3 assists per game. She leaves K-State as the school's all-time assist leader with 811.

Sundell is a versatile point guard who, at 6-1, can post up smaller guards, score underneath and get to the basket off the dribble. She is also a clever passer from anywhere on the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sundell also excelled in big games, standing out during the Wildcats Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament run this year by averaging 19.7 points on 57.9% shooting and 9.7 assists. She had 19 points and a school-record 14 assists in the Wildcats' 80-79 second-round victory over Kentucky.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233266080.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Serena Sundell, from Maryville, works around Middle Tennesee guard Jalynn Gregory/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Serena Sundell, from Maryville, works around Middle Tennesee guard Jalynn Gregory/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostKansas State guard, and Maryville's Serena Sundell, had been projected as a potential first round pick in Monday's WNBA draft.&nbsp; Instead, she had to wait until the first pick of the final round to hear her name called at pick number 26 to the Seattle Storm.&nbsp;Sundell&nbsp; was a top 12 pick on several mock draft boards, which would have made her just the fourth Kansas State player selected in the first round of the draft, which was held at The Shed in New York.Sundell, a two-time Big 12 all-conference selection and an honorable mention All-American this year, saved her best for last with an outstanding senior season in which she averaged a career-high 14.1 points and led the nation with 7.3 assists per game. She leaves K-State as the school's all-time assist leader with 811.Sundell is a versatile point guard who, at 6-1, can post up smaller guards, score underneath and get to the basket off the dribble. She is also a clever passer from anywhere on the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sundell also excelled in big games, standing out during the Wildcats Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament run this year by averaging 19.7 points on 57.9% shooting and 9.7 assists. She had 19 points and a school-record 14 assists in the Wildcats' 80-79 second-round victory over Kentucky.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Maryville's Serena Sundell drafted by WNBA's Seattle Storm

The Kansas City Royals started to put together a rally at the end, but the comeback attempt fell short as the Royals dropped a second straight matchup to the Cleveland Guardians, losing 6-3 on Saturday evening.&nbsp;

Vinnie Pasquantino blasted the Royals to the first lead of the game in the top of the fourth inning, a solo home run to right center field.&nbsp; But in the bottom half the Guardians tied the game up, Carlos Santana scoring on an RBI single by&nbsp;Gabriel Arias.&nbsp; Cleveland took the lead in the next inning, Bo Naylor coming home with a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;José Ramírez.

Things went from bad to worse in the sixth inning for the Royals.&nbsp; First,&nbsp;After appearing to tweak something in his lower body while running out a groundout early in Saturday’s game, Jonathan India exited in the sixth inning with right quad tightness, the Royals announced.&nbsp; 

India appeared to be grimacing as he ran down to first in the third inning, but he stayed in the game then and continued to play left field. Then in the sixth inning, India worked a walk against Guardians starter Luis L. Ortiz.&nbsp; When Vinnie Pasquantino snuck a ball down the first-base line for a single, India ran from first to third base.&nbsp; After Salvador Perez struck out, unable to capitalize on a scoring opportunity, India walked slowly off the field.

 Manager Matt Quatraro went out to meet India as he walked into the dugout, and the Royals made the necessary defensive changes, Drew Waters entered the game in India’s spot in the order and played right field, while MJ Melendez shifted over to left field.&nbsp; 

In the bottom half of the sixth inning, after Royals starter Michael Lorenzen struck out Kyle Manzardo and Nolan Jones, Cleveland extended their lead, Arias hitting a home run to right center field.&nbsp; Lorenzen surrendered a single to&nbsp;Angel Martínez before being pulled for reliever Angel Zerpa, who walked Bo Naylor, but got&nbsp;Brayan Rocchio to ground into a force out, getting Naylor out at second base to end the inning.&nbsp;

The Guardians added their final three runs of the game in the bottom of the eighth, with Sam Long taking over on the mound.&nbsp; Long walked Manzardo before giving up a single to&nbsp;Jhonkensy Noel.&nbsp; A wild pitch advanced both runners, where Long then walked Arias to load the bases.&nbsp; A ground rule double from Martinez scored Manzardo and Noel, advancing Arias to third.&nbsp; Arias came around to score later in the inning on another wild pitch from Long.

The Royals started to put together a rally in the ninth inning, taking on the mantra of the 2015 Royals: keep the line moving.&nbsp; Back to back to back singles by Bobby Witt Jr, Pasquantino, and Perez started the inning, Witt Jr coming in to score on the hit from Perez.&nbsp; Michael Massey singled to load the bases, still with no outs, but after that Cavan Biggio struck out.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia did drive in a run with a sacrifice fly, but with MJ Melendez representing the tying run at the plate, Melendez grounded out to second base to end the game.&nbsp;

Lorenzen took the loss, falling to 1-2 on the season, pitching 5.2 innings and giving up three runs on seven hits, striking out four and walking one.&nbsp; Pasquantino led the way hitting going 3-4 at the plate with one RBI.

Kansas City and Cleveland wrap up their three game series tomorrow.&nbsp; Cole Ragans takes the mound for the Royals, still seeking his first win, taking on&nbsp;Ben Lively for the Guardians.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:40pm, pregame begins at noon on KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744508377264.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals leadoff hitter Jonathan India (6) on the field during the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on April 7, 2025/ William Purnell Imagn Images" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals leadoff hitter Jonathan India (6) on the field during the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on April 7, 2025/ William Purnell Imagn Images</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals started to put together a rally at the end, but the comeback attempt fell short as the Royals dropped a second straight matchup to the Cleveland Guardians, losing 6-3 on Saturday evening.&nbsp;Vinnie Pasquantino blasted the Royals to the first lead of the game in the top of the fourth inning, a solo home run to right center field.&nbsp; But in the bottom half the Guardians tied the game up, Carlos Santana scoring on an RBI single by&nbsp;Gabriel Arias.&nbsp; Cleveland took the lead in the next inning, Bo Naylor coming home with a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;José Ramírez.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vinnie opens the scoring! <a href="https://t.co/QwsdRoppwG">pic.twitter.com/QwsdRoppwG</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1911193789151969563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Things went from bad to worse in the sixth inning for the Royals.&nbsp; First,&nbsp;After appearing to tweak something in his lower body while running out a groundout early in Saturday’s game, Jonathan India exited in the sixth inning with right quad tightness, the Royals announced.&nbsp; India appeared to be grimacing as he ran down to first in the third inning, but he stayed in the game then and continued to play left field. Then in the sixth inning, India worked a walk against Guardians starter Luis L. Ortiz.&nbsp; When Vinnie Pasquantino snuck a ball down the first-base line for a single, India ran from first to third base.&nbsp; After Salvador Perez struck out, unable to capitalize on a scoring opportunity, India walked slowly off the field. Manager Matt Quatraro went out to meet India as he walked into the dugout, and the Royals made the necessary defensive changes, Drew Waters entered the game in India’s spot in the order and played right field, while MJ Melendez shifted over to left field.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the sixth inning, after Royals starter Michael Lorenzen struck out Kyle Manzardo and Nolan Jones, Cleveland extended their lead, Arias hitting a home run to right center field.&nbsp; Lorenzen surrendered a single to&nbsp;Angel Martínez before being pulled for reliever Angel Zerpa, who walked Bo Naylor, but got&nbsp;Brayan Rocchio to ground into a force out, getting Naylor out at second base to end the inning.&nbsp;The Guardians added their final three runs of the game in the bottom of the eighth, with Sam Long taking over on the mound.&nbsp; Long walked Manzardo before giving up a single to&nbsp;Jhonkensy Noel.&nbsp; A wild pitch advanced both runners, where Long then walked Arias to load the bases.&nbsp; A ground rule double from Martinez scored Manzardo and Noel, advancing Arias to third.&nbsp; Arias came around to score later in the inning on another wild pitch from Long.The Royals started to put together a rally in the ninth inning, taking on the mantra of the 2015 Royals: keep the line moving.&nbsp; Back to back to back singles by Bobby Witt Jr, Pasquantino, and Perez started the inning, Witt Jr coming in to score on the hit from Perez.&nbsp; Michael Massey singled to load the bases, still with no outs, but after that Cavan Biggio struck out.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia did drive in a run with a sacrifice fly, but with MJ Melendez representing the tying run at the plate, Melendez grounded out to second base to end the game.&nbsp;Lorenzen took the loss, falling to 1-2 on the season, pitching 5.2 innings and giving up three runs on seven hits, striking out four and walking one.&nbsp; Pasquantino led the way hitting going 3-4 at the plate with one RBI.Kansas City and Cleveland wrap up their three game series tomorrow.&nbsp; Cole Ragans takes the mound for the Royals, still seeking his first win, taking on&nbsp;Ben Lively for the Guardians.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:40pm, pregame begins at noon on KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals ninth inning comeback attempt falls short, lose to Guardians 6-3

The St. Louis Cardinals outhit the Philadelphia Phillies, but were unable to push runs across against the National League East leaders as they fell 4-1 at Busch Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Phillies got on the board first in the first inning.&nbsp; After Miles Mikolas retired Bryson Stott and Trea Turner to start the inning, Bryce Harper singled and Kyle Schwarber walked, before Nick Castellanos doubled to drive both in runners, a hit that was deflected off Victor Scott II to Lars Nootbaar in the outfield.&nbsp; Max Kepler flied out to right field to end the inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Philadelphia added one more run in the fifth inning, an RBI double from Stott scoring Brandon Marsh, the Cardinals found their way onto the scoreboard in the sixth inning.&nbsp; Luken Baker hit his second double of the season after Nootbaar struck out to open the inning, and Baker came home to score on an RBI single from&nbsp;Willson Contreras.

The Phillies final run of the game was in the seventh inning.&nbsp; Alec Bohm hit a leadoff single and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Marsh, and then to third with a sacrifice fly by Stott.&nbsp; Bohm scored on a single by Turner.&nbsp;

Mikolas took the loss, falling to 0-2 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up three runs on three hits, walking two and striking out six.&nbsp; Contreras led the way hitting going 2-4 with an RBI.&nbsp; St. Louis hit into five double plays in the loss. It was the first time the Cardinals have hit into that many in a game since April 27, 2011.

The Cardinals did make a roster move prior to Saturday's game.&nbsp; Masyn Winn, whose back spasmed following a stellar defensive play in the first inning of Friday’s 2-0 win over the Phillies, was placed on the 10-day injured list. The move wasn’t made until two and a half hours before first pitch of Saturday's game after the shortstop showed up to Busch Stadium and reported little progress in the tightness of his back.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lefty slugger Nolan Gorman, who strained his right hamstring on April 1, was activated off the 10-day IL to replace Winn on the active roster.

The Cardinals and Phillies wrap up their three game series tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore starts for St. Louis against Zack Wheeler for Philadelphia.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame coverage begins at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals outhit the Philadelphia Phillies, but were unable to push runs across against the National League East leaders as they fell 4-1 at Busch Stadium on Saturday afternoon.The Phillies got on the board first in the first inning.&nbsp; After Miles Mikolas retired Bryson Stott and Trea Turner to start the inning, Bryce Harper singled and Kyle Schwarber walked, before Nick Castellanos doubled to drive both in runners, a hit that was deflected off Victor Scott II to Lars Nootbaar in the outfield.&nbsp; Max Kepler flied out to right field to end the inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;After Philadelphia added one more run in the fifth inning, an RBI double from Stott scoring Brandon Marsh, the Cardinals found their way onto the scoreboard in the sixth inning.&nbsp; Luken Baker hit his second double of the season after Nootbaar struck out to open the inning, and Baker came home to score on an RBI single from&nbsp;Willson Contreras.The Phillies final run of the game was in the seventh inning.&nbsp; Alec Bohm hit a leadoff single and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Marsh, and then to third with a sacrifice fly by Stott.&nbsp; Bohm scored on a single by Turner.&nbsp;Mikolas took the loss, falling to 0-2 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up three runs on three hits, walking two and striking out six.&nbsp; Contreras led the way hitting going 2-4 with an RBI.&nbsp; St. Louis hit into five double plays in the loss. It was the first time the Cardinals have hit into that many in a game since April 27, 2011.The Cardinals did make a roster move prior to Saturday's game.&nbsp; Masyn Winn, whose back spasmed following a stellar defensive play in the first inning of Friday’s 2-0 win over the Phillies, was placed on the 10-day injured list. The move wasn’t made until two and a half hours before first pitch of Saturday's game after the shortstop showed up to Busch Stadium and reported little progress in the tightness of his back.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lefty slugger Nolan Gorman, who strained his right hamstring on April 1, was activated off the 10-day IL to replace Winn on the active roster.The Cardinals and Phillies wrap up their three game series tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore starts for St. Louis against Zack Wheeler for Philadelphia.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame coverage begins 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;&nbsp;

Cardinals outhit Phillies, but can't push runs across falling 4-1

The St. Louis Cardinals put on a pitching clinic and needed just two runs to take down the National League East leading Philadelphia Phillies 2-0 on Friday night at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;

St. Louis scored both runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thomas Saggese singled to start the inning,&nbsp;Yohel Pozo followed that with his first double of the season which scored&nbsp;Saggese.&nbsp; A single by Lars Nootbaar advanced Pozo to third, Nootbaar later advanced to second on a wild pitch, and then after back to back strikeouts to Jordan Walker and Brendan Donovan, Phillies starter Aaron Nola issued back to back walks to Nolan Arenado and Alec Burleson, the walk to Burleson bringing home Nootbaar

The game also featured an interesting defensive formation by the Cardinals.&nbsp; Masyn Winn made a nifty play in the first inning when he charged a high chopper, avoided the second-base bag and threw onto first to beat speedy Phillies shortstop Trea Turner. However,&nbsp; Winn left the game in the second inning with lower back spasms, causing the Cards to get creative with their lineup because super-utility defender Brendan Donovan started the game as the designated hitter.

The Cardinals moved Saggese from second base to shortstop. To avoid having to relinquish the DH, they somewhat shockingly moved catcher Pedro Pagés from behind the plate to second base -- a position he had never played at the big league level. Pozo, who was promoted earlier in the week when Iván Herrera went on the injured list with a bone bruise in his left knee, entered as the Cards catcher.

Later in the night, the game truly took on an old-school National League feel as St. Louis had to pinch-hit for pitcher Andre Pallante after they had lost the designated hitter because of their zany substitutions.

Cardinals starting pitcher Andre Pallante was unhittable in the game, allowing just two hits in seven innings against the Phillies, striking out four batters and walking two, before he was pulled in the eighth inning for Phil Maton.&nbsp; Ryan Helsley allowed the only other Philadelphia hit in the ninth, recording his second save of the season.&nbsp; Pozo (3-4, 1 RBI) and&nbsp;Saggese (2-4) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the win.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Cardinals and Phillies go again tomorrow at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas starts for St. Louis against&nbsp;Cristopher Sánchez for Philadelphia.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15, pregame will be at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744426382169.jpeg" alt="Catcher Pedro Pagés filled in at second base&nbsp;a back injury to standout shortstop Masyn Winn resulted in the Cardinals shifting Pagés from catcher to second on Friday/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Catcher Pedro Pagés filled in at second base&nbsp;a back injury to standout shortstop Masyn Winn resulted in the Cardinals shifting Pagés from catcher to second on Friday/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>The St. Louis Cardinals put on a pitching clinic and needed just two runs to take down the National League East leading Philadelphia Phillies 2-0 on Friday night at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;St. Louis scored both runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thomas Saggese singled to start the inning,&nbsp;Yohel Pozo followed that with his first double of the season which scored&nbsp;Saggese.&nbsp; A single by Lars Nootbaar advanced Pozo to third, Nootbaar later advanced to second on a wild pitch, and then after back to back strikeouts to Jordan Walker and Brendan Donovan, Phillies starter Aaron Nola issued back to back walks to Nolan Arenado and Alec Burleson, the walk to Burleson bringing home NootbaarThe game also featured an interesting defensive formation by the Cardinals.&nbsp; Masyn Winn made a nifty play in the first inning when he charged a high chopper, avoided the second-base bag and threw onto first to beat speedy Phillies shortstop Trea Turner. However,&nbsp; Winn left the game in the second inning with lower back spasms, causing the Cards to get creative with their lineup because super-utility defender Brendan Donovan started the game as the designated hitter.The Cardinals moved Saggese from second base to shortstop. To avoid having to relinquish the DH, they somewhat shockingly moved catcher Pedro Pagés from behind the plate to second base -- a position he had never played at the big league level. Pozo, who was promoted earlier in the week when Iván Herrera went on the injured list with a bone bruise in his left knee, entered as the Cards catcher.Later in the night, the game truly took on an old-school National League feel as St. Louis had to pinch-hit for pitcher Andre Pallante after they had lost the designated hitter because of their zany substitutions.Cardinals starting pitcher Andre Pallante was unhittable in the game, allowing just two hits in seven innings against the Phillies, striking out four batters and walking two, before he was pulled in the eighth inning for Phil Maton.&nbsp; Ryan Helsley allowed the only other Philadelphia hit in the ninth, recording his second save of the season.&nbsp; Pozo (3-4, 1 RBI) and&nbsp;Saggese (2-4) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the win.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Cardinals and Phillies go again tomorrow at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas starts for St. Louis against&nbsp;Cristopher Sánchez for Philadelphia.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15, pregame will be 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;&nbsp;

Cardinals take series opener against NL East leading Phillies 2-0

The Kansas City Royals could not get out of their own way Friday night, with defensive errors in the field, and struggles at the plate against Cleveland Guardians starter Tanner Bibbee on way to a 7-0 shutout loss on the road.&nbsp;

The Guardians benefited from two big innings, first getting three runs in the fourth inning.&nbsp; After Kyle Manzardo walked to open the inning,&nbsp;Jhonkensy Noel reached first on a fielders choice, while Manzardo reached second base thanks to a throwing error by Jonathan India.&nbsp; In the next at bat, all three runs scored on a home run by&nbsp;Gabriel Arias, his second of the season.&nbsp;

Kansas City settled in and held Cleveland off the scoreboard for most of the game from there, but could not find anything off of Bibbee, before the Guardians put up a four spot in the eighth inning.&nbsp; Nolan Jones led the inning off with a double, followed by a single from Arias.&nbsp; Jones came home to score on a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;Angel Martínez.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Arias wound up getting thrown out at second base, but with two outs Royals reliever Chris Stratton walked Austin Hedges and gave up back to back singles to&nbsp;Brayan Rocchio and&nbsp;Steven Kwan, Kwan's hit scoring Hedges.&nbsp; Another error by India, this time a fielding error, allowed José Ramírez to get to first, driving in&nbsp;Rocchio.&nbsp; Kwan scored the final run of the game on an RBI single from Carlos Santana.

Kris Bubic suffered his first loss of the season, pitching six innings and giving up three runs, two earned, on six hits while walking two and striking out five.&nbsp; Bubic's season ERA is now 0.96.&nbsp; Bobby Witt Jr led the Royals at the plate going 2-2 on a day Kansas City managed just five hits.

The Royals and Guardians back in action tomorrow, Michael Lorenzen pitching for Kansas City against&nbsp;Luis L. Ortiz for Cleveland.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:10pm with pregame at 4:30 on KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals could not get out of their own way Friday night, with defensive errors in the field, and struggles at the plate against Cleveland Guardians starter Tanner Bibbee on way to a 7-0 shutout loss on the road.&nbsp;The Guardians benefited from two big innings, first getting three runs in the fourth inning.&nbsp; After Kyle Manzardo walked to open the inning,&nbsp;Jhonkensy Noel reached first on a fielders choice, while Manzardo reached second base thanks to a throwing error by Jonathan India.&nbsp; In the next at bat, all three runs scored on a home run by&nbsp;Gabriel Arias, his second of the season.&nbsp;Kansas City settled in and held Cleveland off the scoreboard for most of the game from there, but could not find anything off of Bibbee, before the Guardians put up a four spot in the eighth inning.&nbsp; Nolan Jones led the inning off with a double, followed by a single from Arias.&nbsp; Jones came home to score on a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;Angel Martínez.&nbsp;&nbsp;Arias wound up getting thrown out at second base, but with two outs Royals reliever Chris Stratton walked Austin Hedges and gave up back to back singles to&nbsp;Brayan Rocchio and&nbsp;Steven Kwan, Kwan's hit scoring Hedges.&nbsp; Another error by India, this time a fielding error, allowed José Ramírez to get to first, driving in&nbsp;Rocchio.&nbsp; Kwan scored the final run of the game on an RBI single from Carlos Santana.Kris Bubic suffered his first loss of the season, pitching six innings and giving up three runs, two earned, on six hits while walking two and striking out five.&nbsp; Bubic's season ERA is now 0.96.&nbsp; Bobby Witt Jr led the Royals at the plate going 2-2 on a day Kansas City managed just five hits.The Royals and Guardians back in action tomorrow, Michael Lorenzen pitching for Kansas City against&nbsp;Luis L. Ortiz for Cleveland.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:10pm with pregame at 4:30 on KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bubic suffers first loss, Royals shutout by Guardians 7-0

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-4112025-e31d850/a-absn1bp" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The Kansas City Royals trailed late but got clutch hits from the top of their lineup on way to a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday afternoon, securing their second straight series win of the season.&nbsp;

Kansas City opened up the scoring early in the bottom of the first, on three straight singles by Bobby Witt Jr, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Salvador Perez, the hit from Perez bringing Witt Jr home to score.&nbsp; The Royals could not cash in more though, Cavan Biggio flew out and Maikel Garcia struck out to end the inning.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Twins tied it up on the first at bat of the very next inning, Ty France hitting a solo home run to left center field.&nbsp;

As both Royals starter Michael Wacha and Twins starter Bailey Ober searched for their first wins of the season, the two pitchers locked down batters from there, until the sixth inning when Minnesota took the lead off Wacha.&nbsp; After Carlos Correa grounded out to open the inning, Wacha issued a walk to Trevor Larnach before being pulled for John Schreiber.

 Schreiber went on to walk France, before giving up a single to Ryan Jeffers that drove in Larnach giving the Twins the lead.&nbsp; Schreiber settled in after that and struck out&nbsp;Edouard Julien and then forcing&nbsp;Jose Miranda into a groundout to second base to end the inning.&nbsp;

After leaving Witt Jr in scoring position to end the bottom of the sixth, the Royals took the lead back in the bottom of the seventh inning.&nbsp; MJ Melendez struck out to start the inning, before Freddy Fermin was hit by a pitch to start the rally.&nbsp; Recently recalled Drew Waters singled to center field, allowing Fermin to advance to third base, and Jonathan India cashed in with an RBI single, scoring Fermin to tie up the game, moving Waters to third base. In the next at bat, a sacrifice fly to center field from Witt Jr drove in Waters.&nbsp;

Lucas Erceg held the lead pitching a scoreless, hitless eighth inning, before Carlos&nbsp;Estévez closed the door in the ninth, allowing one hit, but striking out one to record his fourth save of the season.&nbsp;

Daniel Lynch earned the win in relief, his second win out of the bullpen, pitching 0.2 innings and striking out two, walking one.&nbsp; Witt Jr led the way hitting going 2-3 with one RBI.

Kansas City now hits the road for a 10 game gauntlet with series against the Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers.&nbsp; The road trip begins tomorrow in Cleveland with Kris Bubic taking the mound against&nbsp;Tanner Bibee.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 4:30 on KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744318458225.jpeg" alt="Jonathan India hit the game tying single that was part of the seventh inning rally that led to the Royals 3-2 win over the Twins/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Jonathan India hit the game tying single that was part of the seventh inning rally that led to the Royals 3-2 win over the Twins/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals trailed late but got clutch hits from the top of their lineup on way to a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday afternoon, securing their second straight series win of the season.&nbsp;Kansas City opened up the scoring early in the bottom of the first, on three straight singles by Bobby Witt Jr, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Salvador Perez, the hit from Perez bringing Witt Jr home to score.&nbsp; The Royals could not cash in more though, Cavan Biggio flew out and Maikel Garcia struck out to end the inning.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Twins tied it up on the first at bat of the very next inning, Ty France hitting a solo home run to left center field.&nbsp;As both Royals starter Michael Wacha and Twins starter Bailey Ober searched for their first wins of the season, the two pitchers locked down batters from there, until the sixth inning when Minnesota took the lead off Wacha.&nbsp; After Carlos Correa grounded out to open the inning, Wacha issued a walk to Trevor Larnach before being pulled for John Schreiber. Schreiber went on to walk France, before giving up a single to Ryan Jeffers that drove in Larnach giving the Twins the lead.&nbsp; Schreiber settled in after that and struck out&nbsp;Edouard Julien and then forcing&nbsp;Jose Miranda into a groundout to second base to end the inning.&nbsp;After leaving Witt Jr in scoring position to end the bottom of the sixth, the Royals took the lead back in the bottom of the seventh inning.&nbsp; MJ Melendez struck out to start the inning, before Freddy Fermin was hit by a pitch to start the rally.&nbsp; Recently recalled Drew Waters singled to center field, allowing Fermin to advance to third base, and Jonathan India cashed in with an RBI single, scoring Fermin to tie up the game, moving Waters to third base. In the next at bat, a sacrifice fly to center field from Witt Jr drove in Waters.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Indy and Bob swing us back in front! <a href="https://t.co/FZ654y0yiJ">pic.twitter.com/FZ654y0yiJ</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1910425672880738600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Lucas Erceg held the lead pitching a scoreless, hitless eighth inning, before Carlos&nbsp;Estévez closed the door in the ninth, allowing one hit, but striking out one to record his fourth save of the season.&nbsp;Daniel Lynch earned the win in relief, his second win out of the bullpen, pitching 0.2 innings and striking out two, walking one.&nbsp; Witt Jr led the way hitting going 2-3 with one RBI.Kansas City now hits the road for a 10 game gauntlet with series against the Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers.&nbsp; The road trip begins tomorrow in Cleveland with Kris Bubic taking the mound against&nbsp;Tanner Bibee.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 4:30 on KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals pull out 3-2 win over Twins for second straight series win

After five seasons at the helm, Benton girls basketball coach Chris Michaels is stepping down.&nbsp;

In five seasons at Benton, Michaels led the Lady Cardinals to four final four appearances, and three second place finishes, the most recent one coming this past season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before taking over the Benton program, Michaels was the head coach at North Andrew for two seasons.

Michaels has accepted the head girls basketball job at Jefferson City High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679011491412.jpeg" alt="Chris Michaels." />
 <figcaption>Chris Michaels.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAfter five seasons at the helm, Benton girls basketball coach Chris Michaels is stepping down.&nbsp;In five seasons at Benton, Michaels led the Lady Cardinals to four final four appearances, and three second place finishes, the most recent one coming this past season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before taking over the Benton program, Michaels was the head coach at North Andrew for two seasons.Michaels has accepted the head girls basketball job at Jefferson City High School.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">JC Schools today announced that Chris Michaels will join the Jefferson City School District as the head girls basketball coach for <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffCityJays?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeffCityJays</a>. Please join us in giving him a warm Jay Pride welcome! <a href="https://t.co/GYNeCT5gb0">pic.twitter.com/GYNeCT5gb0</a>&mdash; JC Schools (@JCSchools_) <a href="https://twitter.com/JCSchools_/status/1910391015208636924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Benton girls coach Chris Michaels steps down, takes job in Jefferson City

The NFL draft is in two weeks, which means a new NFL season, and Chiefs Training Camp, is just around the corner.  But will it be at Missouri Western State University? 

Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says currently the university is in negotiations with the Chiefs and are what she calls "pushing paper across the table" for a new contract. 

"And I think those conversations are very, very positive, I would be just completely shocked if we weren't finalized and they'll be back," Kennedy tells KFEQ News.  "I think the Chiefs recognize the importance of the St. Joseph community, I was just meeting with some of their folks, and they even are saying well the season starts in St. Joseph, the championship starts in St. Joseph." 

Kennedy says last year was the final option year on the contract between Missouri Western and the Chiefs 

"And the reason we decided not to, we had the opportunity to get more option years, but then we wouldn't have been able to have any changes to the contract," Kennedy explains.  "And we'd been operating with a contract for so long, that some of it just wasn't making sense for the Chiefs or for us, so that's where we are now." 

Kennedy says they love having the Chiefs here, but does point out that contrary to popular belief, it is not a money maker for the university 

"We do it to enhance St. Joseph and to bring people in, and to really showcase the university for what it looks like but it's not a student recruitment strategy," Kennedy says.  "But I think having the Chiefs here is a lot of fun, they're wonderful guests, we love hosting them." 

Kennedy says hosting Chiefs Training Camp does force the university to adjust its schedule, but it provides an opportunity for Missouri Western. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722883273489.jpeg" alt="Chiefs fans take in Training Camp on the Missouri Western campus/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs fans take in Training Camp on the Missouri Western campus/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The NFL draft is in two weeks, which means a new NFL season, and Chiefs Training Camp, is just around the corner. But will it be at Missouri Western State University? Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says currently the university is in negotiations with the Chiefs and are what she calls "pushing paper across the table" for a new contract. "And I think those conversations are very, very positive, I would be just completely shocked if we weren't finalized and they'll be back," Kennedy tells KFEQ News. "I think the Chiefs recognize the importance of the St. Joseph community, I was just meeting with some of their folks, and they even are saying well the season starts in St. Joseph, the championship starts in St. Joseph." Kennedy says last year was the final option year on the contract between Missouri Western and the Chiefs "And the reason we decided not to, we had the opportunity to get more option years, but then we wouldn't have been able to have any changes to the contract," Kennedy explains. "And we'd been operating with a contract for so long, that some of it just wasn't making sense for the Chiefs or for us, so that's where we are now." Kennedy says they love having the Chiefs here, but does point out that contrary to popular belief, it is not a money maker for the university "We do it to enhance St. Joseph and to bring people in, and to really showcase the university for what it looks like but it's not a student recruitment strategy," Kennedy says. "But I think having the Chiefs here is a lot of fun, they're wonderful guests, we love hosting them." Kennedy says hosting Chiefs Training Camp does force the university to adjust its schedule, but it provides an opportunity for Missouri Western. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;