Upon being moved out of the cleanup role and into the No. 6 spot in the Cardinals’ batting order, struggling&nbsp; third baseman Nolan Arenado was his own worst critic while wondering if his swing would ever come back to him again.

“I don't really have an answer,” Arenado said at the time of the demotion in the lineup. “Just play better, play more the way I think I'm capable of. But it's been a minute since I’ve felt like I could play the way I should. So, I don't know if it's coming back or not.”

Arenado proved himself plenty clutch though Friday night at Busch Stadium, driving a two-out triple into the left-center gap to score three runs and propel the Cardinals to a 4-3 defeat of the Arizona Diamondbacks in their series opener.&nbsp;

After Arizona took the lead in the game in the fourth inning, a solo home run by Ketel Marte, Arenado's triple came as part of a four run inning that gave St. Louis the lead for good.&nbsp; Victor Scott II singled and Lars Nootbaar walked before Masyn Winn advanced both with a sacrifice bunt.&nbsp; 

Diamondbacks starter Zach Gallen intentionally walked Brendan Donovan to load the bases, but then walked&nbsp;Iván Herrera to tie the game scoring Scott.&nbsp;&nbsp;After Alec Burleson struck out, Arenado stepped to the plate and delivered the clutch go ahead hit, driving in Nootbaar, Donovan and Herrera

Arizona did threaten against Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley in the ninth inning.&nbsp; Randal Grichuk singled, advancing later in the inning to second on runner indifference.&nbsp; With two outs,&nbsp;Gabriel Moreno homered off Helsley, driving in Grichuk to make it a one run game, but Helsley forced Corbin Carroll to pop out in the very next at bat to end the game, earning his 10th save.&nbsp;

Miles Mikolas earned the win, improving to 4-2 on the season, pitching six innings and giving up four hits and one run, striking out four and walking one.&nbsp; With just seven combined hits in the game, the Cardinals had four overall, Scott leading the way going 2-3 at the plate with a run.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Arizona continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 2.92 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Merrill Kelly (5-2, 3.26 ERA) for the Diamondbacks.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame will be joined at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostUpon being moved out of the cleanup role and into the No. 6 spot in the Cardinals’ batting order, struggling&nbsp; third baseman Nolan Arenado was his own worst critic while wondering if his swing would ever come back to him again.“I don't really have an answer,” Arenado said at the time of the demotion in the lineup. “Just play better, play more the way I think I'm capable of. But it's been a minute since I’ve felt like I could play the way I should. So, I don't know if it's coming back or not.”Arenado proved himself plenty clutch though Friday night at Busch Stadium, driving a two-out triple into the left-center gap to score three runs and propel the Cardinals to a 4-3 defeat of the Arizona Diamondbacks in their series opener.&nbsp;After Arizona took the lead in the game in the fourth inning, a solo home run by Ketel Marte, Arenado's triple came as part of a four run inning that gave St. Louis the lead for good.&nbsp; Victor Scott II singled and Lars Nootbaar walked before Masyn Winn advanced both with a sacrifice bunt.&nbsp; Diamondbacks starter Zach Gallen intentionally walked Brendan Donovan to load the bases, but then walked&nbsp;Iván Herrera to tie the game scoring Scott.&nbsp;&nbsp;After Alec Burleson struck out, Arenado stepped to the plate and delivered the clutch go ahead hit, driving in Nootbaar, Donovan and Herrera<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BASES CLEARING TRIPLE FOR NOLAN ARENADO!! <a href="https://t.co/dTjm4N6XP9">pic.twitter.com/dTjm4N6XP9</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1926094306466509308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Arizona did threaten against Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley in the ninth inning.&nbsp; Randal Grichuk singled, advancing later in the inning to second on runner indifference.&nbsp; With two outs,&nbsp;Gabriel Moreno homered off Helsley, driving in Grichuk to make it a one run game, but Helsley forced Corbin Carroll to pop out in the very next at bat to end the game, earning his 10th save.&nbsp;Miles Mikolas earned the win, improving to 4-2 on the season, pitching six innings and giving up four hits and one run, striking out four and walking one.&nbsp; With just seven combined hits in the game, the Cardinals had four overall, Scott leading the way going 2-3 at the plate with a run.&nbsp;St. Louis and Arizona continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 2.92 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Merrill Kelly (5-2, 3.26 ERA) for the Diamondbacks.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame will be joined at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Arenado's triple fuels Cardinals 4-3 series opening win over Diamondbacks

St. Joseph's Noah Cameron put on another solid starting performance in his third major league start, but Ty France hit a two run walk off home run off Lucas Erceg to give the Minnesota Twins a 3-1 win at Target Field in the series opener on Friday night.&nbsp;

The Royals opened the scoring in the first giving Cameron the lead when Cavan Biggio doubled home Jonathan India who was hit by a pitch to open the inning.&nbsp; Cameron retired the Twins 1-2-3 in the bottom of the first, but in the second inning, Carlos Correa led off the inning tying up the game with a solo home run.&nbsp;

After the home run, Cameron locked in, but so did Twins starter Pablo López as the score remained 1-1 until the ninth inning. Neither Cameron or López allowed a runner past second base while they were on the mound. López was pulled in the sixth inning with two outs after a Michael Massey single, while Cameron pitched into the seventh, also being pulled with two outs after walking Jonah Bride.

John Schreiber replaced Cameron and pitched 1 1/3 hitless innings striking out two before being replaced by Erceg in the ninth.&nbsp; Erceg struck out Trevor Larnach to open the inning, before giving up a single to Correa and then the home run to France, dropping Erceg to 1-1 on the season.&nbsp;

Cameron, in his no decision, pitched 6 2/3 innings giving up four hits and one run, striking out eight batters, a new career high, and walking one.&nbsp; On the season, Cameron has given up six hits, two runs, has walked six batters and struck out 14, his season ERA still staying below one at 0.93.&nbsp; At the plate, Pasquantino and Massey led the Royals, both going 2-4.

Kansas City and Minnesota continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.86 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Zebby Matthews (0-1, 12.00 ERA) for the Twins.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:10pm, pregame coverage will begin at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph's Noah Cameron put on another solid starting performance in his third major league start, but Ty France hit a two run walk off home run off Lucas Erceg to give the Minnesota Twins a 3-1 win at Target Field in the series opener on Friday night.&nbsp;The Royals opened the scoring in the first giving Cameron the lead when Cavan Biggio doubled home Jonathan India who was hit by a pitch to open the inning.&nbsp; Cameron retired the Twins 1-2-3 in the bottom of the first, but in the second inning, Carlos Correa led off the inning tying up the game with a solo home run.&nbsp;After the home run, Cameron locked in, but so did Twins starter Pablo López as the score remained 1-1 until the ninth inning. Neither Cameron or López allowed a runner past second base while they were on the mound. López was pulled in the sixth inning with two outs after a Michael Massey single, while Cameron pitched into the seventh, also being pulled with two outs after walking Jonah Bride.John Schreiber replaced Cameron and pitched 1 1/3 hitless innings striking out two before being replaced by Erceg in the ninth.&nbsp; Erceg struck out Trevor Larnach to open the inning, before giving up a single to Correa and then the home run to France, dropping Erceg to 1-1 on the season.&nbsp;Cameron, in his no decision, pitched 6 2/3 innings giving up four hits and one run, striking out eight batters, a new career high, and walking one.&nbsp; On the season, Cameron has given up six hits, two runs, has walked six batters and struck out 14, his season ERA still staying below one at 0.93.&nbsp; At the plate, Pasquantino and Massey led the Royals, both going 2-4.Kansas City and Minnesota continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.86 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Zebby Matthews (0-1, 12.00 ERA) for the Twins.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:10pm, pregame coverage will begin at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Another solid performance by Noah Cameron as Royals fall 3-1

The Kansas City Royals are cutting ties with struggling outfielder Hunter Renfroe ahead of their series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in a crucial AL Central battle.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Renfroe was slashing .182/.241/.242 with zero home runs in 35 games this season. Renfroe’s playing time dwindled significantly with the lack of production; he wasn’t hitting the ball hard (88.5 mph average exit velocity), and he wasn’t getting on base (7.4% walk rate).&nbsp;&nbsp;Renfroe signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Royals ahead of the 2024 season, with the second year being a player option that Renfroe triggered this past offseason. The club will owe him the full $7.5 million he was making this season.

In a corresponding move, Kansas City recalled infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin from Triple-A Omaha.&nbsp; Loftin is slashing .295/.451/.468 in Triple-A this year, with four homers, 12 doubles and more walks (39) than strikeouts (22).

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/2025/4/1744426314387.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals are cutting ties with struggling outfielder Hunter Renfroe ahead of their series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in a crucial AL Central battle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Renfroe was slashing .182/.241/.242 with zero home runs in 35 games this season. Renfroe’s playing time dwindled significantly with the lack of production; he wasn’t hitting the ball hard (88.5 mph average exit velocity), and he wasn’t getting on base (7.4% walk rate).&nbsp;&nbsp;Renfroe signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Royals ahead of the 2024 season, with the second year being a player option that Renfroe triggered this past offseason. The club will owe him the full $7.5 million he was making this season.In a corresponding move, Kansas City recalled infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin from Triple-A Omaha.&nbsp; Loftin is slashing .295/.451/.468 in Triple-A this year, with four homers, 12 doubles and more walks (39) than strikeouts (22).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals designate OF Hunter Renfroe for assignment; call Nick Loftin up

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4G3ruqO7Ib9hYemYqUKvOV?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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7Jb21HJPRSv5G4iaQST1p7?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Salvador Perez homered for the first time in more than a month, igniting the offense on way to an 8-4 series clinching win for the Kansas City Royals over the San Fransisco Giants.&nbsp;

For the Royals’ captain, it was an historic two-run blast that put him in fifth place all-time in homers (276) among catchers in the American League.&nbsp;&nbsp;The list of names ahead of him include Hall of Famers Carlton Fisk (376), Yogi Berra (358) and Ivan Rodriguez (281). Eight-time All-Star Lance Parrish (289) is also on the charts.

Kansas City started the scoring prior to Perez's home run, backing up their bullpen as the Royals used six pitchers to work through this game in place of the injured Cole Ragans.&nbsp; Vinnie Pasquantino singled home Maikel Garcia in the first inning for the first run of the game.&nbsp; In the second inning, Garcia singled home Michael Massey and Bobby Witt Jr drove in Kyle Isbel with a sacrifice fly.

Matt Chapman homered off of Jonathan Bowlan in the third inning to get San Fransisco on the scoreboard, but in the fourth inning Witt Jr doubled home Isbel for a run before Perez hit his home run to right center field, the first home run for the Royals catcher since April 13th.&nbsp;

The Giants did add another run in the bottom of the fourth, Patrick Bailey homering off of Steven Cruz, but Kansas CIty added their final two runs in the fifth inning as Massey singled home Drew Waters and a sacrifice fly from Garcia drove in Freddy Fermin.&nbsp;

San Fransisco brought across their final two runs in the ninth inning, on another home run, as Heliot Ramos hit a two run home run to left center field scoring himself and Lamonte Wade Jr.&nbsp;

Bowlan earned his first major league win, pitching 1 1/3 innings and giving up one run on two hits, striking out one.&nbsp; The Royals had 16 hits in the win, led by Perez (3-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI) and Massey (3-5, 1 RBI).&nbsp; Garcia, Witt Jr, and Waters each had two hits as well.&nbsp;

The Royals are off on Thursday.&nbsp; Kansas City goes to Minnesota on Friday for an AL Central matchup.&nbsp; St. Joseph's Noah Cameron (1-1, 0.71 ERA) makes his third major league start for the Royals against Pablo&nbsp;López (4-2, 2.40 ERA) for the Twins.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:10pm, pregame coverage begins on Friday at 6:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSalvador Perez homered for the first time in more than a month, igniting the offense on way to an 8-4 series clinching win for the Kansas City Royals over the San Fransisco Giants.&nbsp;For the Royals’ captain, it was an historic two-run blast that put him in fifth place all-time in homers (276) among catchers in the American League.&nbsp;&nbsp;The list of names ahead of him include Hall of Famers Carlton Fisk (376), Yogi Berra (358) and Ivan Rodriguez (281). Eight-time All-Star Lance Parrish (289) is also on the charts.Kansas City started the scoring prior to Perez's home run, backing up their bullpen as the Royals used six pitchers to work through this game in place of the injured Cole Ragans.&nbsp; Vinnie Pasquantino singled home Maikel Garcia in the first inning for the first run of the game.&nbsp; In the second inning, Garcia singled home Michael Massey and Bobby Witt Jr drove in Kyle Isbel with a sacrifice fly.Matt Chapman homered off of Jonathan Bowlan in the third inning to get San Fransisco on the scoreboard, but in the fourth inning Witt Jr doubled home Isbel for a run before Perez hit his home run to right center field, the first home run for the Royals catcher since April 13th.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Captain goes oppo! 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/YwKzFgZrWu">pic.twitter.com/YwKzFgZrWu</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1925295238769484221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Giants did add another run in the bottom of the fourth, Patrick Bailey homering off of Steven Cruz, but Kansas CIty added their final two runs in the fifth inning as Massey singled home Drew Waters and a sacrifice fly from Garcia drove in Freddy Fermin.&nbsp;San Fransisco brought across their final two runs in the ninth inning, on another home run, as Heliot Ramos hit a two run home run to left center field scoring himself and Lamonte Wade Jr.&nbsp;Bowlan earned his first major league win, pitching 1 1/3 innings and giving up one run on two hits, striking out one.&nbsp; The Royals had 16 hits in the win, led by Perez (3-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI) and Massey (3-5, 1 RBI).&nbsp; Garcia, Witt Jr, and Waters each had two hits as well.&nbsp;The Royals are off on Thursday.&nbsp; Kansas City goes to Minnesota on Friday for an AL Central matchup.&nbsp; St. Joseph's Noah Cameron (1-1, 0.71 ERA) makes his third major league start for the Royals against Pablo&nbsp;López (4-2, 2.40 ERA) for the Twins.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:10pm, pregame coverage begins on Friday at 6:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

KC bullpen, Perez home run carries Royals to 8-4 win over Giants

The St. Louis Cardinals have been trending in the right direction as of late, but saw a minor setback against the top team from the American League Central, falling to the Detroit Tigers 5-1 in the series finale Wednesday afternoon at Busch Stadium, losing the series 2-1.&nbsp;

Detroit opened the scoring in the second after back to back singles by Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson, Colt Keith grounding into a sacrifice double play that allowed Greene to race home for a run.&nbsp; In the fourth inning, Torkelson doubled home Greene for another run, and Greene scored again in the sixth inning on a&nbsp;Dillon Dingler pushing the Tigers to a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;

St. Louis scored their lone run in the bottom half of the sixth, Willson Contreras singling home Victor Scott who singled to start the inning.&nbsp; In the eighth, Detroit added the final two runs, a Trey Sweeney sacrifice fly first scoring Torkelson before&nbsp;Javier Báez singled to drive in Keith.&nbsp;

Cardinals starter Andre Pallante took the loss, falling to 4-3 on the season, pitching 5 2/3 innings giving up three runs on four hits, striking out three and walking four.&nbsp; Alec Burleson led the Cardinals, who had just five hits, at the plate going 2-4.

St. Louis has an off day on Thursday and will welcome Arizona to town on Friday.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas (3-2, 3.77 ERA) is set to start for the Cardinals while the Diamondbacks starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:15pm, pregame coverage being joined at 7:05 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 PostThe St. Louis Cardinals have been trending in the right direction as of late, but saw a minor setback against the top team from the American League Central, falling to the Detroit Tigers 5-1 in the series finale Wednesday afternoon at Busch Stadium, losing the series 2-1.&nbsp;Detroit opened the scoring in the second after back to back singles by Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson, Colt Keith grounding into a sacrifice double play that allowed Greene to race home for a run.&nbsp; In the fourth inning, Torkelson doubled home Greene for another run, and Greene scored again in the sixth inning on a&nbsp;Dillon Dingler pushing the Tigers to a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;St. Louis scored their lone run in the bottom half of the sixth, Willson Contreras singling home Victor Scott who singled to start the inning.&nbsp; In the eighth, Detroit added the final two runs, a Trey Sweeney sacrifice fly first scoring Torkelson before&nbsp;Javier Báez singled to drive in Keith.&nbsp;Cardinals starter Andre Pallante took the loss, falling to 4-3 on the season, pitching 5 2/3 innings giving up three runs on four hits, striking out three and walking four.&nbsp; Alec Burleson led the Cardinals, who had just five hits, at the plate going 2-4.St. Louis has an off day on Thursday and will welcome Arizona to town on Friday.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas (3-2, 3.77 ERA) is set to start for the Cardinals while the Diamondbacks starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:15pm, pregame coverage being joined at 7:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cards trending in right direction lately, but fall to Tigers 5-1 in finale

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/13D5D0xEd8fD3SUPtx5XqQ?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Michael Lorenzen exited in the fifth inning after giving up three runs as the Kansas City Royals fell to the San Fransisco Giants 3-2 in the middle game of a three game series at&nbsp;Oracle Park.

It was Kansas City that had the lead in the game first however, scoring in the third inning.&nbsp; Drew Waters singled and moved all the way to third base, first on a throwing error by pitcher&nbsp;Hayden Birdsong and then a wild pitch, before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Isbel.&nbsp;

In the bottom of the fourth, after Lorenzen hit Heliot Ramos with a pitch, Willy Adames tripled driving in Ramos to tie the game, and then scored to give the Giants the lead on a single by&nbsp;Casey Schmitt.&nbsp; San Fransisco extended the lead in the fifth, just before Lorenzen was pulled, Jung Ho Lee singling home&nbsp;Mike Yastrzemski who singled to open the inning.&nbsp;

In the top of the eighth inning, Hunter Renfroe doubled, and was driven in on by Bobby Witt Jr with a single.&nbsp; Witt Jr was caught trying to steal second base and Vinnie Pasquantino struck out to end the inning.&nbsp; The Royals went 1-2-3 in the ninth against Giants closer&nbsp;Ryan Walker who earned his ninth save.&nbsp;

With the loss, Lorenzen fell to 3-5 on the season, pitching 4 and 2/3 innings, giving up all three runs, two earned, on seven hits, striking out five and walking one.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia led the way at the plate, going 2-4, as the Royals had seven hits in the game.&nbsp;

Kansas City and San Fransisco wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; With the injury to Cole Ragans, the Royals starter is currently listed as TBD, while the Giants will send&nbsp;Logan Webb (5-3, 2.42 ERA) to the mound for the finale.&nbsp; First pitch is at 2:45pm, pregame coverage will begin at 2 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMichael Lorenzen exited in the fifth inning after giving up three runs as the Kansas City Royals fell to the San Fransisco Giants 3-2 in the middle game of a three game series at&nbsp;Oracle Park.It was Kansas City that had the lead in the game first however, scoring in the third inning.&nbsp; Drew Waters singled and moved all the way to third base, first on a throwing error by pitcher&nbsp;Hayden Birdsong and then a wild pitch, before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Isbel.&nbsp;In the bottom of the fourth, after Lorenzen hit Heliot Ramos with a pitch, Willy Adames tripled driving in Ramos to tie the game, and then scored to give the Giants the lead on a single by&nbsp;Casey Schmitt.&nbsp; San Fransisco extended the lead in the fifth, just before Lorenzen was pulled, Jung Ho Lee singling home&nbsp;Mike Yastrzemski who singled to open the inning.&nbsp;In the top of the eighth inning, Hunter Renfroe doubled, and was driven in on by Bobby Witt Jr with a single.&nbsp; Witt Jr was caught trying to steal second base and Vinnie Pasquantino struck out to end the inning.&nbsp; The Royals went 1-2-3 in the ninth against Giants closer&nbsp;Ryan Walker who earned his ninth save.&nbsp;With the loss, Lorenzen fell to 3-5 on the season, pitching 4 and 2/3 innings, giving up all three runs, two earned, on seven hits, striking out five and walking one.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia led the way at the plate, going 2-4, as the Royals had seven hits in the game.&nbsp;Kansas City and San Fransisco wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; With the injury to Cole Ragans, the Royals starter is currently listed as TBD, while the Giants will send&nbsp;Logan Webb (5-3, 2.42 ERA) to the mound for the finale.&nbsp; First pitch is at 2:45pm, pregame coverage will begin at 2 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals unable to comeback against Giants falling 3-2

The St. Louis Cardinals comeback fell short, but the Redbirds clawed back against Detroit's Tarik Skubal, rattling the defending AL Cy Young winner, but ultimately falling 5-4 to the Tigers in the middle game of a three game series at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;

St. Louis fell behind in the first inning quickly as Kerry Carpenter led off the game with a solo home run to right field for Detroit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Zach McKinstry doubled later in the inning and was singled home in the very next at bat by Riley Greene, putting the Tigers up 2-0 before the Cardinals even got the chance to bat.&nbsp;

Detroit extended their lead in the third inning, again thanks to Greene as the Tigers designated hitter powered a two run home run to right field, driving in Gleyber Torres.&nbsp; &nbsp;Through the first four innings, Skubal held the Cardinals to a single hit.&nbsp; It was the fifth inning where the Redbirds began their comeback.&nbsp;

Iván Herrera led off the inning with a single, and scored on a two run home run by Nolan Arenado to left field cutting the Tigers lead in half.&nbsp; In the sixth, St. Louis continued chipping away&nbsp;Herrera singling home Masyn Winn who opened the inning with a single, before the Cardinals tied up the game in the seventh inning, Victor Scott scoring on a sacrifice fly by Winn.&nbsp;

In the ninth inning though, Greene continued his night of terror against the Cardinals, driving in his fourth run of the game with a double, bringing home&nbsp;McKinstry for the go ahead run.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning,&nbsp;Tommy Kahnle retired the Cardinals batters 1-2-3 for his sixth save of the season.&nbsp;

Erick Fedded pitched five innings and gave up four runs on five hits, striking out two in the no decision.&nbsp; Kyle Leahy took the loss, falling to 1-1 on the season, giving up one run on two hits, striking out one in relief.&nbsp; Herrera (2-3, 1 RBI) and Arenado (2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI) led the way hitting in the loss.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Detroit wrap up their series tomorrow, before an off day on Thursday for St. Louis.&nbsp; Andre Pallante (4-2, 4.11 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals in the finale against&nbsp;Brant Hurter (1-0, 2.35 ERA) for the Tigers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:15pm with pregame being joined at 12:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals comeback fell short, but the Redbirds clawed back against Detroit's Tarik Skubal, rattling the defending AL Cy Young winner, but ultimately falling 5-4 to the Tigers in the middle game of a three game series at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;St. Louis fell behind in the first inning quickly as Kerry Carpenter led off the game with a solo home run to right field for Detroit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Zach McKinstry doubled later in the inning and was singled home in the very next at bat by Riley Greene, putting the Tigers up 2-0 before the Cardinals even got the chance to bat.&nbsp;Detroit extended their lead in the third inning, again thanks to Greene as the Tigers designated hitter powered a two run home run to right field, driving in Gleyber Torres.&nbsp; &nbsp;Through the first four innings, Skubal held the Cardinals to a single hit.&nbsp; It was the fifth inning where the Redbirds began their comeback.&nbsp;Iván Herrera led off the inning with a single, and scored on a two run home run by Nolan Arenado to left field cutting the Tigers lead in half.&nbsp; In the sixth, St. Louis continued chipping away&nbsp;Herrera singling home Masyn Winn who opened the inning with a single, before the Cardinals tied up the game in the seventh inning, Victor Scott scoring on a sacrifice fly by Winn.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Arenado goes deep! 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/KnOgFxg6s4">pic.twitter.com/KnOgFxg6s4</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1924991612586791212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vic and Masyn bring in the tying run and this place is LOUD!! <a href="https://t.co/DWK0p2FvPq">pic.twitter.com/DWK0p2FvPq</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1925001934424990118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the ninth inning though, Greene continued his night of terror against the Cardinals, driving in his fourth run of the game with a double, bringing home&nbsp;McKinstry for the go ahead run.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning,&nbsp;Tommy Kahnle retired the Cardinals batters 1-2-3 for his sixth save of the season.&nbsp;Erick Fedded pitched five innings and gave up four runs on five hits, striking out two in the no decision.&nbsp; Kyle Leahy took the loss, falling to 1-1 on the season, giving up one run on two hits, striking out one in relief.&nbsp; Herrera (2-3, 1 RBI) and Arenado (2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI) led the way hitting in the loss.&nbsp;St. Louis and Detroit wrap up their series tomorrow, before an off day on Thursday for St. Louis.&nbsp; Andre Pallante (4-2, 4.11 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals in the finale against&nbsp;Brant Hurter (1-0, 2.35 ERA) for the Tigers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:15pm with pregame being joined at 12:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cards rattle AL Cy Young winner Skubal, but fall to Tigers 5-4

 Gadi Kinda, a former Sporting Kansas City player, has died at the age of 31.

Kinda was a midfielder for Sporting KC in 2020, 2021 and 2023. He played in 64 matches in that span, scored 14 goals and had 12 assists.

Sporting Kansas City announced his passing on X Tuesday morning, and later put out a statement from the club.&nbsp;

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Sporting Kansas City midfielder Gadi Kinda. Our hearts are with Gadi’s family, his friends, teammates and all who knew him." the statement read.&nbsp;

Interim manager Kerry&nbsp;Zavagnin, who served as the assistant manager during Kinda's time with the team, says there's a lot of raw emotion with the club right now

"Obviously in the club right now and the way that the group is taking it, in such a difficult way, it goes to show what he meant to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. He was such an electric figure in our club and he's going to be dearly missed."&nbsp;Zavagnin says.

Zavagnin says while it's difficult to process the news, it's another moment of compartmentalizing. 

"It hurts down to my heart knowing him as a person, which was a much better version than what he was as a player. And he was a pretty darn good player. So that part hurts, as much as you want to admit that we can't escape change and we can't escape what the ultimate is for all of us, it's difficult on a day like today." Zavagnin explains.

The cause of his death was not announced. According to <a href="https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-854737">The Jerusalem Post</a>, Kinda had been battling a serious medical condition for the past several weeks.

Kinda most recently played for Maccabi Haifa in the Europa League. He also represented the Israeli national football team

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747759127546.jpeg" alt="Gadi Kinda/ Photo courtesy of Sporting Kansas City on X" />
 <figcaption>Gadi Kinda/ Photo courtesy of Sporting Kansas City on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post Gadi Kinda, a former Sporting Kansas City player, has died at the age of 31.Kinda was a midfielder for Sporting KC in 2020, 2021 and 2023. He played in 64 matches in that span, scored 14 goals and had 12 assists.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I think this was the moment you knew <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SportingKC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SportingKC</a> had a pretty special player on their hands. <a href="https://t.co/VyfTLzwQ8Q">https://t.co/VyfTLzwQ8Q</a>&mdash; Daniel Sperry (@sperrydaniel94) <a href="https://twitter.com/sperrydaniel94/status/1924841976043602326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sporting Kansas City announced his passing on X Tuesday morning, and later put out a statement from the club.&nbsp;"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Sporting Kansas City midfielder Gadi Kinda. Our hearts are with Gadi’s family, his friends, teammates and all who knew him." the statement read.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Sporting KC midfielder Gadi Kinda. Our hearts are with Gadi’s family, his friends, teammates and all who knew him. <a href="https://t.co/LYJaPXE1Ox">pic.twitter.com/LYJaPXE1Ox</a>&mdash; Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportingKC/status/1924852580837986798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Interim manager Kerry&nbsp;Zavagnin, who served as the assistant manager during Kinda's time with the team, says there's a lot of raw emotion with the club right now"Obviously in the club right now and the way that the group is taking it, in such a difficult way, it goes to show what he meant to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. He was such an electric figure in our club and he's going to be dearly missed."&nbsp;Zavagnin says.Zavagnin says while it's difficult to process the news, it's another moment of compartmentalizing. "It hurts down to my heart knowing him as a person, which was a much better version than what he was as a player. And he was a pretty darn good player. So that part hurts, as much as you want to admit that we can't escape change and we can't escape what the ultimate is for all of us, it's difficult on a day like today." Zavagnin explains.The cause of his death was not announced. According to <a href="https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-854737">The Jerusalem Post</a>, Kinda had been battling a serious medical condition for the past several weeks.Kinda most recently played for Maccabi Haifa in the Europa League. He also represented the Israeli national football teamYou can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Former Sporting KC player Gadi Kinda dies at 31 years old

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3190tXeoogK00hmciUohop?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;Kris Bubic nearly pitched himself into the franchise record books before settling for another dazzling outing while leading Kansas City to a 3-1 win over the Giants on Monday.

Bubic took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, shook off a questionable ruling that broke up the bid then calmed back down to put the finishing touches on his fifth victory of the season, his most since he went 6-7 in 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Royals though, as has been the case much of the season, were unable to support Bubic offensively for most of the game.&nbsp; That is until the eighth inning when Jonathan India doubled, and Vinnie Pasquantino blasted his team leading eighth home run to center field, scoring Cavan Biggio who pinch ran for India, and putting Kansas City up 2-0.&nbsp;

Before Pasquantino’s homer, a controversial ruling decision by the official scorer had the Oracle Park crowd buzzing.

Bubic faced two over the minimum through five innings, both runners reaching base by walk. With two outs in the sixth, Giants slugger Wilmer Flores rolled a grounder toward second base. Royals second baseman Michael Massey appeared to slip as he was trying to make a play and the ball deflected off his glove and rolled into the outfield for an error.

Official scorekeeper Michael Duca later reversed the call to a hit, ending Bubic’s bid to throw the fifth no-hitter in franchise history. Bret Saberhagen was the most recent Royals pitcher to do it, on Aug. 26, 1991.

San Francisco’s Casey Schmitt doubled off Bubic in the seventh, making the call moot.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Giants did cut the lead to one, Jung Ho Lee doubling home Sam Huff, but in the ninth the Royals added an insurance run on a Kyle Isbel single driving in Maikel Garcia who singled to open up the inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlos Estévez came on in the bottom of the ninth, giving up a single to&nbsp;LaMonte Wade Jr., but closing out the game for his 14th save.&nbsp;

With the win Bubic improved to 5-2 throwing seven shutout innings, striking out five and walking three while giving up two hits, lowering his season ERA to 1.47, the fourth best in the MLB.&nbsp; His ERA in the month of May is 0.36.&nbsp; Pasquantino (2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI), Garcia (2-4, 1 run), Mark Canha (2-3), and Isbel (2-4, 1 RBI) led the way hitting on the day.&nbsp;

Kansas City and San Fransisco continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen (3-4, 3.76 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against&nbsp;Hayden Birdsong (1-0, 2.31 ERA) for the Giants.&nbsp; First pitch is at 8:45pm with pregame coverage beginning at 8 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post&nbsp;Kris Bubic nearly pitched himself into the franchise record books before settling for another dazzling outing while leading Kansas City to a 3-1 win over the Giants on Monday.Bubic took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, shook off a questionable ruling that broke up the bid then calmed back down to put the finishing touches on his fifth victory of the season, his most since he went 6-7 in 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Royals though, as has been the case much of the season, were unable to support Bubic offensively for most of the game.&nbsp; That is until the eighth inning when Jonathan India doubled, and Vinnie Pasquantino blasted his team leading eighth home run to center field, scoring Cavan Biggio who pinch ran for India, and putting Kansas City up 2-0.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fire us up, Pasquatch! <a href="https://t.co/gHiMZGcuo6">pic.twitter.com/gHiMZGcuo6</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1924671444359020885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Before Pasquantino’s homer, a controversial ruling decision by the official scorer had the Oracle Park crowd buzzing.Bubic faced two over the minimum through five innings, both runners reaching base by walk. With two outs in the sixth, Giants slugger Wilmer Flores rolled a grounder toward second base. Royals second baseman Michael Massey appeared to slip as he was trying to make a play and the ball deflected off his glove and rolled into the outfield for an error.Official scorekeeper Michael Duca later reversed the call to a hit, ending Bubic’s bid to throw the fifth no-hitter in franchise history. Bret Saberhagen was the most recent Royals pitcher to do it, on Aug. 26, 1991.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Error changed to hit in the bottom of the sixth inning for Kris Bubic in San Francisco. <a href="https://t.co/r7gtc9rALh">https://t.co/r7gtc9rALh</a> <a href="https://t.co/nLqFIAYM4f">pic.twitter.com/nLqFIAYM4f</a>&mdash; Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) <a href="https://twitter.com/anne__rogers/status/1924665936134504804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>San Francisco’s Casey Schmitt doubled off Bubic in the seventh, making the call moot.In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Giants did cut the lead to one, Jung Ho Lee doubling home Sam Huff, but in the ninth the Royals added an insurance run on a Kyle Isbel single driving in Maikel Garcia who singled to open up the inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlos Estévez came on in the bottom of the ninth, giving up a single to&nbsp;LaMonte Wade Jr., but closing out the game for his 14th save.&nbsp;With the win Bubic improved to 5-2 throwing seven shutout innings, striking out five and walking three while giving up two hits, lowering his season ERA to 1.47, the fourth best in the MLB.&nbsp; His ERA in the month of May is 0.36.&nbsp; Pasquantino (2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI), Garcia (2-4, 1 run), Mark Canha (2-3), and Isbel (2-4, 1 RBI) led the way hitting on the day.&nbsp;Kansas City and San Fransisco continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen (3-4, 3.76 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against&nbsp;Hayden Birdsong (1-0, 2.31 ERA) for the Giants.&nbsp; First pitch is at 8:45pm with pregame coverage beginning at 8 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Bubic flirts with history in gem against Giants as Royals win 3-1 

The St. Louis Cardinals returned to Busch Stadium and opened up a series with the Detroit Tigers in dominating fashion with an 11-4 win as starting pitcher Sonny Gray recorded double digit strikeouts for the first time this season.&nbsp;

St. Louis shutout Detroit for much of the game, the Tigers not putting up any runs until the final two innings.&nbsp; The Cardinals opened the scoring in the first inning, Lars Nootbaar doubling to open the inning and later scoring on a single by Brendan Donovan.&nbsp; The Redbirds added another run in the fourth inning as&nbsp;Iván Herrera came home on a wild pitch.&nbsp;

A three run frame in the fifth extended the lead more as back to back to back singles by Nootbaar, Masyn Winn, and Donovan opened the inning before Nootbaar scored on a groundout by&nbsp;Willson Contreras.&nbsp; Herrera reached first on a fielders choice as Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres attempted to throw Winn out at home, but Winn scored, and Donovan scored as Nolan Arenado grounded into a forceout, Herrera being thrown out at second base.&nbsp;

St. Louis broke the game open in the seventh inning, starting with Donovan doubling.&nbsp; After the double, rain forced the game to be delayed for just under half an hour, but after the delay back to back singles from Contreras and Herrera allowed Donovan to score.&nbsp; Jordan Walker doubled, clearing the bases and driving in both Contreras and Herrera, before scoring on a two run home run by&nbsp;Pedro Pagés.&nbsp; Victor Scott singled, and moved all the way to third base on a fielding error, coming home on a sacrifice fly from Nootbaar to cap off the six run inning.&nbsp;

Akil Badoo doubled home&nbsp;Trey Sweeney in the eighth inning, finally getting the Tigers on the scoreboard.&nbsp;&nbsp;Andy Ibáñez doubled home&nbsp; Justyn-Henry Malloy in the ninth and a sacrifice fly by Sweeney drove in&nbsp;Spencer Torkelson.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ibáñez scored on a groundout by Dillon Dingler.

Earning the win, Gray improved to 5-1 on the season and lowered his season ERA to 4.02 with six shutout innings, striking out 10 and walking one while giving up three hits. Donovan led the way at the plate going 3-5 with an RBI.

St. Louis and Detroit continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Erick Fedde (3-3, 3.44 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against last years AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal (4-2, 2.67 ERA) for the Tigers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45 pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Former Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong retires

Longtime St. Louis Cardinals second baseman and two-time Gold Glover Kolten Wong has officially retired from baseball.&nbsp; The Cardinals paid tribute to their 2011 first-round draft pick in a post to X on Monday.

Wong first announced his retirement Friday night when he was inducted by alma mater University of Hawaii into the school's Circle of Honor.

"Pretty much right now, I'm done," Wong said. "I've kind of come to the conclusion that I'm probably going to be hanging them up. It's just one of those things where, the game how it's going now, there's no sense of chasing (it). ... I'm a dad now, yes, I'm enjoying that. I'm trying to be the best big league dad that I can be. So I'm going to stick to that."

Wong finishes with a .256 average and winds up 27 hits shy of 1,000 over an 11-year career in the majors. He hit 86 home runs, scored 511 runs and stole 120 bases. He earned Gold Glove honors in 2019 and 2020.

Wong played eight years with the Cardinals (2013-20). He also played two seasons in Milwaukee from 2021-22.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wong last played in 2023, batting .183 with four homers in 87 games with the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals returned to Busch Stadium and opened up a series with the Detroit Tigers in dominating fashion with an 11-4 win as starting pitcher Sonny Gray recorded double digit strikeouts for the first time this season.&nbsp;St. Louis shutout Detroit for much of the game, the Tigers not putting up any runs until the final two innings.&nbsp; The Cardinals opened the scoring in the first inning, Lars Nootbaar doubling to open the inning and later scoring on a single by Brendan Donovan.&nbsp; The Redbirds added another run in the fourth inning as&nbsp;Iván Herrera came home on a wild pitch.&nbsp;A three run frame in the fifth extended the lead more as back to back to back singles by Nootbaar, Masyn Winn, and Donovan opened the inning before Nootbaar scored on a groundout by&nbsp;Willson Contreras.&nbsp; Herrera reached first on a fielders choice as Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres attempted to throw Winn out at home, but Winn scored, and Donovan scored as Nolan Arenado grounded into a forceout, Herrera being thrown out at second base.&nbsp;St. Louis broke the game open in the seventh inning, starting with Donovan doubling.&nbsp; After the double, rain forced the game to be delayed for just under half an hour, but after the delay back to back singles from Contreras and Herrera allowed Donovan to score.&nbsp; Jordan Walker doubled, clearing the bases and driving in both Contreras and Herrera, before scoring on a two run home run by&nbsp;Pedro Pagés.&nbsp; Victor Scott singled, and moved all the way to third base on a fielding error, coming home on a sacrifice fly from Nootbaar to cap off the six run inning.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pedro Pagés has Hit the Buds! Reply with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STLCards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STLCards</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HitTheBuds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HitTheBuds</a> for your chance to win whenever a Cardinals player hits a home run into the opposing bullpen! Official rules: <a href="https://t.co/v3V0xNP2oe">https://t.co/v3V0xNP2oe</a> <a href="https://t.co/iVGYZeeMw6">pic.twitter.com/iVGYZeeMw6</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1924654128208249321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Akil Badoo doubled home&nbsp;Trey Sweeney in the eighth inning, finally getting the Tigers on the scoreboard.&nbsp;&nbsp;Andy Ibáñez doubled home&nbsp; Justyn-Henry Malloy in the ninth and a sacrifice fly by Sweeney drove in&nbsp;Spencer Torkelson.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ibáñez scored on a groundout by Dillon Dingler.Earning the win, Gray improved to 5-1 on the season and lowered his season ERA to 4.02 with six shutout innings, striking out 10 and walking one while giving up three hits. Donovan led the way at the plate going 3-5 with an RBI.St. Louis and Detroit continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Erick Fedde (3-3, 3.44 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against last years AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal (4-2, 2.67 ERA) for the Tigers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45 pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;Former Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong retires<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747714791801.jpeg" alt="Kolten Wong" />
 <figcaption>Kolten Wong</figcaption>
 </figure>Longtime St. Louis Cardinals second baseman and two-time Gold Glover Kolten Wong has officially retired from baseball.&nbsp; The Cardinals paid tribute to their 2011 first-round draft pick in a post to X on Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After 11 seasons in the Major Leagues including eight with the Cardinals, two-time Gold Glove winner Kolten Wong has officially announced his retirement. Congratulations on a great career, Kolten! <a href="https://t.co/WDlNrwQnGc">pic.twitter.com/WDlNrwQnGc</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1924516793990648032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Wong first announced his retirement Friday night when he was inducted by alma mater University of Hawaii into the school's Circle of Honor."Pretty much right now, I'm done," Wong said. "I've kind of come to the conclusion that I'm probably going to be hanging them up. It's just one of those things where, the game how it's going now, there's no sense of chasing (it). ... I'm a dad now, yes, I'm enjoying that. I'm trying to be the best big league dad that I can be. So I'm going to stick to that."Wong finishes with a .256 average and winds up 27 hits shy of 1,000 over an 11-year career in the majors. He hit 86 home runs, scored 511 runs and stole 120 bases. He earned Gold Glove honors in 2019 and 2020.Wong played eight years with the Cardinals (2013-20). He also played two seasons in Milwaukee from 2021-22.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wong last played in 2023, batting .183 with four homers in 87 games with the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Gray K's 10 as Cards dominate Tigers 11-4 in series opener; Wong retires

The Kansas City Royals avoided being swept by their cross state rivals in the first half of the I-70 series in Kansas City at Kauffman Stadium, beating the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 in Sunday's finale.&nbsp;

Royals starter Michael Wacha entered the day 4-0 in four starts against his former team, and did his part to hold the Cardinals in check, striking out five batters through the first three innings.&nbsp; St. Louis though took the lead first, a home run from Alec Burleson in the top of the fourth inning putting the Redbirds up 1-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wacha bounced back, getting Yohel Pozo to ground out and striking out Victor Scott to end the inning, and the Royals tied up the game in the bottom half of the inning. Hunter Renfroe doubled to lead off the inning, and while it looked like Kansas City might do nothing with it after back to back outs by Freddy Fermin and Michael Massey, Darion Blanco got his first hit of the season, a double to right field to tie up the game scoring Renfroe.&nbsp;

Wacha ended up with a no decision on the day, being replaced by John Schreiber in the sixth inning.&nbsp; Schreiber and Daniel Lynch combined to finish the sixth, and Lynch was replaced by Lucas Erceg in the seventh after recording one out.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the seventh, Kansas city took the lead back, Drew Waters leading off with a pinch hit triple, before scoring on a single by Maikel Garcia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Erceg remained on to pitch the eighth, and after the Royals got no runs in the bottom of the inning, Carlos&nbsp;Estévez came on in the ninth for the save.&nbsp;&nbsp;Estévez gave up a double to Brendan Donovan, but that was it on way to his 13th save of the season.&nbsp; 

Erceg earned his first win as a Royal, pitching 1 2/3 innings of relief, giving up one hit, walking one, and striking out one.&nbsp;Chris Roycroft took the loss in relief for St. Louis.&nbsp; At the plate, Donovan led the Cardinals going 4-5.&nbsp; Salvador Perez was 2-4 as the only Royal with multiple hits.

Kansas City now heads to the west coast for a series with San Francisco.&nbsp; Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.66 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Robbie Ray (6-0, 3.04 ERA) for the Giants.&nbsp; first pitch is at 8:45pm, pregame coverage begins at 8 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

St. Louis meanwhile will return to Busch Stadium to take on Detroit.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (4-1, 4.50 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals while the Tigers starter is currently listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, pregame will be joined at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals avoided being swept by their cross state rivals in the first half of the I-70 series in Kansas City at Kauffman Stadium, beating the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 in Sunday's finale.&nbsp;Royals starter Michael Wacha entered the day 4-0 in four starts against his former team, and did his part to hold the Cardinals in check, striking out five batters through the first three innings.&nbsp; St. Louis though took the lead first, a home run from Alec Burleson in the top of the fourth inning putting the Redbirds up 1-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wacha bounced back, getting Yohel Pozo to ground out and striking out Victor Scott to end the inning, and the Royals tied up the game in the bottom half of the inning. Hunter Renfroe doubled to lead off the inning, and while it looked like Kansas City might do nothing with it after back to back outs by Freddy Fermin and Michael Massey, Darion Blanco got his first hit of the season, a double to right field to tie up the game scoring Renfroe.&nbsp;Wacha ended up with a no decision on the day, being replaced by John Schreiber in the sixth inning.&nbsp; Schreiber and Daniel Lynch combined to finish the sixth, and Lynch was replaced by Lucas Erceg in the seventh after recording one out.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the seventh, Kansas city took the lead back, Drew Waters leading off with a pinch hit triple, before scoring on a single by Maikel Garcia.&nbsp;&nbsp;Erceg remained on to pitch the eighth, and after the Royals got no runs in the bottom of the inning, Carlos&nbsp;Estévez came on in the ninth for the save.&nbsp;&nbsp;Estévez gave up a double to Brendan Donovan, but that was it on way to his 13th save of the season.&nbsp; Erceg earned his first win as a Royal, pitching 1 2/3 innings of relief, giving up one hit, walking one, and striking out one.&nbsp;Chris Roycroft took the loss in relief for St. Louis.&nbsp; At the plate, Donovan led the Cardinals going 4-5.&nbsp; Salvador Perez was 2-4 as the only Royal with multiple hits.Kansas City now heads to the west coast for a series with San Francisco.&nbsp; Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.66 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Robbie Ray (6-0, 3.04 ERA) for the Giants.&nbsp; first pitch is at 8:45pm, pregame coverage begins at 8 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;St. Louis meanwhile will return to Busch Stadium to take on Detroit.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (4-1, 4.50 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals while the Tigers starter is currently listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, pregame will be joined at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals avoid sweep, beat Cardinals 2-1 in finale

The Kansas City Royals fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0 on Saturday night, but making his debut in a stadium that he grew up attending games in, cheering on the team he's now playing for, St. Joseph's Noah Cameron dazzled on the mound again.&nbsp;

Cameron was called up to make a spot start in place of Seth Lugo, who was dealing with what manager Matt Quatraro said was right middle finger tightness.&nbsp; Originally, the Royals had hoped to avoid a stint on the injury list, but to make the move to call up Cameron, Lugo was placed on the 15 day IL, retroactive to May 14th with a right third finger sprain.&nbsp;

In what was already a special evening at Kauffman Stadium, as the Royals celebrated the 2015 World Series winning team, fans were just as loud it seemed when Cameron's name was announced during the starting lineups and he was shown on Crown Vision, and again as he took the mound and threw out his first pitch of the game.&nbsp; There was excitement in the air for the hometown kid.&nbsp;

Cameron started just as he did in Tampa Bay, breezing through the Cardinals lineup with a 1-2-3 first inning.&nbsp; He did allow a baserunner in the second inning, due to an error by second baseman Jonathan India, but erased that quickly with a double play.&nbsp; It wasn't until the fifth inning that Cameron gave up his first hit, a ball that third baseman Maikel Garcia just missed getting his glove on that skipped into left field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cameron got out of that inning unharmed however, forcing&nbsp;Pedro Pagés to fly out to end the inning.&nbsp; But in the sixth, Jordan Walker took advantage of a mistake pitch from Cameron, hitting a leadoff home run into left field.&nbsp; Like a veteran though, Cameron did not let that shake him, striking out Victor Scott, getting Lars Nootbaar to ground out, and then Masyn Winn flying out to left field to end the inning.&nbsp;

With a lefty vs lefty matchup against Brendan Donovan, Cameron started the seventh inning by getting a flyout to left field, before being pulled to a standing ovation from the Kauffman crowd, for Steven Cruz.&nbsp; Cruz and Angel Zerpa combined to give up no more hits, but the Royals couldn't push across any runs to force a no decision for Cameron.&nbsp;

Cameron says while his major league debut in Tampa Bay was special, this start felt even more so.&nbsp;

"All the family and friends and everybody here, it was amazing," Cameron tells reporters in the locker room after the game.&nbsp; "Obviously wish we would have maybe got the win, but it's baseball."

Cameron says the biggest thing he's going to take away from the game is just wanting to soak it all in. 

"It was a dream just to make your debut, but I think pitching here is just something special, I think just even the guys kind of welcoming me back is super special, and just means a lot to me," Cameron explains.&nbsp; "But yeah, everybody's here, and all the support that I'm getting from Kansas City people and back home, you just can't beat it, you can't make it up."

The Royals might need more impressive starts from Cameron, after placing Lugo and also Cole Ragans on the 15 day IL, leaving two spots open in the starting rotation.&nbsp; Ragans was placed on the IL after leaving Friday's start against the Cardinals with left groin tightness.&nbsp; It's the second time this season Ragans has suffered from a groin injury, being put on the IL with a left groin strain.&nbsp;

Catcher Salvador Perez is confident in pitchers like Cameron to help carry the load while two of the top pitchers on the staff are out

"We have to have some good pitchers in there early, like Cameron, you guys saw what he did today," Perez says.&nbsp; "So I think we'll be fine."

Perez, a constant veteran leader, has been impressed with what he's seen from Cameron over his two starts

"He's got some pretty good pitches and he doesn't leave to many things in the middle of home plate," Perez points out.&nbsp; "His cutter was good, curveball was good, changeup, slider, fastball, just one pitch back to the middle, but I think he's doing a pretty good job, he can help us to win."

With Lugo and Ragans being placed on the IL, being out for some time, fans might see Cameron on the mound again in the future.&nbsp; The Royals also called up reliever Evan Sisk on Saturday, essentially trading a starter for a reliever.&nbsp; Kansas City does not have a plan for who will start on Wednesday against the Giants, which would have been Ragans next start.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cameron pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up two hits, the biggest being the home run to Walker, striking out three against the Cardinals.&nbsp; Cameron also made some MLB history in the start.&nbsp; According to Ian Kraft, assistant director of media relations for the Royals,&nbsp;Cameron is the first player in MLB history to begin a career with consecutive starts of 6 1/3 or more innings pitched and two or fewer hits allowed.

There wasn't much offense for either team.&nbsp; While the Cardinals managed just the two hits off Cameron, by Walker and&nbsp;Iván Herrera, the Royals had just four hits, coming from Garcia, Drew Waters, Kyle Isbel, and Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas got the win for St. Louis, pitching six innings and striking out four, giving up two of the four hits, walking two.&nbsp;

Kansas City and St. Louis wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (3-4. 2.96 ERA) will take the mound for the Royals, hoping to slow down his former team and avoid a sweep, taking on Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 3.11 ERA).&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:10pm, with Royals pregame coverage on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) beginning at 12:30.&nbsp; Cardinals coverage will be joined at 1pm on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747540752952.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph's Noah Cameron made his Kauffman Stadium debut on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals, taking his first loss, but putting on another solid performance pitching 6.1 innings and giving up just two hits, one run, and striking out three/ Photo credit Jason Hanna- Royals Staff Photographer" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph's Noah Cameron made his Kauffman Stadium debut on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals, taking his first loss, but putting on another solid performance pitching 6.1 innings and giving up just two hits, one run, and striking out three/ Photo credit Jason Hanna- Royals Staff Photographer</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0 on Saturday night, but making his debut in a stadium that he grew up attending games in, cheering on the team he's now playing for, St. Joseph's Noah Cameron dazzled on the mound again.&nbsp;Cameron was called up to make a spot start in place of Seth Lugo, who was dealing with what manager Matt Quatraro said was right middle finger tightness.&nbsp; Originally, the Royals had hoped to avoid a stint on the injury list, but to make the move to call up Cameron, Lugo was placed on the 15 day IL, retroactive to May 14th with a right third finger sprain.&nbsp;In what was already a special evening at Kauffman Stadium, as the Royals celebrated the 2015 World Series winning team, fans were just as loud it seemed when Cameron's name was announced during the starting lineups and he was shown on Crown Vision, and again as he took the mound and threw out his first pitch of the game.&nbsp; There was excitement in the air for the hometown kid.&nbsp;Cameron started just as he did in Tampa Bay, breezing through the Cardinals lineup with a 1-2-3 first inning.&nbsp; He did allow a baserunner in the second inning, due to an error by second baseman Jonathan India, but erased that quickly with a double play.&nbsp; It wasn't until the fifth inning that Cameron gave up his first hit, a ball that third baseman Maikel Garcia just missed getting his glove on that skipped into left field.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cameron got out of that inning unharmed however, forcing&nbsp;Pedro Pagés to fly out to end the inning.&nbsp; But in the sixth, Jordan Walker took advantage of a mistake pitch from Cameron, hitting a leadoff home run into left field.&nbsp; Like a veteran though, Cameron did not let that shake him, striking out Victor Scott, getting Lars Nootbaar to ground out, and then Masyn Winn flying out to left field to end the inning.&nbsp;With a lefty vs lefty matchup against Brendan Donovan, Cameron started the seventh inning by getting a flyout to left field, before being pulled to a standing ovation from the Kauffman crowd, for Steven Cruz.&nbsp; Cruz and Angel Zerpa combined to give up no more hits, but the Royals couldn't push across any runs to force a no decision for Cameron.&nbsp;Cameron says while his major league debut in Tampa Bay was special, this start felt even more so.&nbsp;"All the family and friends and everybody here, it was amazing," Cameron tells reporters in the locker room after the game.&nbsp; "Obviously wish we would have maybe got the win, but it's baseball."Cameron says the biggest thing he's going to take away from the game is just wanting to soak it all in. "It was a dream just to make your debut, but I think pitching here is just something special, I think just even the guys kind of welcoming me back is super special, and just means a lot to me," Cameron explains.&nbsp; "But yeah, everybody's here, and all the support that I'm getting from Kansas City people and back home, you just can't beat it, you can't make it up."The Royals might need more impressive starts from Cameron, after placing Lugo and also Cole Ragans on the 15 day IL, leaving two spots open in the starting rotation.&nbsp; Ragans was placed on the IL after leaving Friday's start against the Cardinals with left groin tightness.&nbsp; It's the second time this season Ragans has suffered from a groin injury, being put on the IL with a left groin strain.&nbsp;Catcher Salvador Perez is confident in pitchers like Cameron to help carry the load while two of the top pitchers on the staff are out"We have to have some good pitchers in there early, like Cameron, you guys saw what he did today," Perez says.&nbsp; "So I think we'll be fine."Perez, a constant veteran leader, has been impressed with what he's seen from Cameron over his two starts"He's got some pretty good pitches and he doesn't leave to many things in the middle of home plate," Perez points out.&nbsp; "His cutter was good, curveball was good, changeup, slider, fastball, just one pitch back to the middle, but I think he's doing a pretty good job, he can help us to win."With Lugo and Ragans being placed on the IL, being out for some time, fans might see Cameron on the mound again in the future.&nbsp; The Royals also called up reliever Evan Sisk on Saturday, essentially trading a starter for a reliever.&nbsp; Kansas City does not have a plan for who will start on Wednesday against the Giants, which would have been Ragans next start.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cameron pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up two hits, the biggest being the home run to Walker, striking out three against the Cardinals.&nbsp; Cameron also made some MLB history in the start.&nbsp; According to Ian Kraft, assistant director of media relations for the Royals,&nbsp;Cameron is the first player in MLB history to begin a career with consecutive starts of 6 1/3 or more innings pitched and two or fewer hits allowed.There wasn't much offense for either team.&nbsp; While the Cardinals managed just the two hits off Cameron, by Walker and&nbsp;Iván Herrera, the Royals had just four hits, coming from Garcia, Drew Waters, Kyle Isbel, and Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas got the win for St. Louis, pitching six innings and striking out four, giving up two of the four hits, walking two.&nbsp;Kansas City and St. Louis wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (3-4. 2.96 ERA) will take the mound for the Royals, hoping to slow down his former team and avoid a sweep, taking on Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 3.11 ERA).&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:10pm, with Royals pregame coverage on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) beginning at 12:30.&nbsp; Cardinals coverage will be joined at 1pm on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals fall as St. Joseph's Noah Cameron shines at Kauffman Stadium

The St. Louis Cardinals spoiled the Kansas City Royals celebration of the 1985 World Series winning team, opening up the I-70 series at Kauffman Stadium with a dominating 10-3 win on Friday night.&nbsp;

The Cardinals opened the scoring in the second inning after&nbsp;Willson Contreras scored on a wild pitch from Royals starter Cole Ragans, then extended their lead in the fourth inning,&nbsp;Contreras hitting his second double of the game and driving in Brendan Donovan, before scoring in the next at bat as&nbsp;Iván Herrera singled.&nbsp;

Kansas City scored a run in the bottom half of the fourth, Vinnie Pasquantino hitting his seventh home run of the season, and added another in the bottom of the fifth as Kyle Isbel tripled and later scored on a balk from pitcher Andre Pallante, but in the sixth inning St. Louis pulled away scoring four runs.&nbsp;

Back to back singles from Masyn Winn and Donovan opened the inning.&nbsp; Following Winn's single Ragans exited the game with a trainer, being replaced by John Schreiber.&nbsp;Herrera doubled later in the inning, driving in Winn, Donovan, and Contreras who had reached first on a fielding error by Jonathan India.&nbsp; Herrera scored in the next at bat on a single from&nbsp;Pedro Pagés that pushed St. Louis's lead to 7-2.&nbsp;

The Cardinals scored another run in the top of the eighth, Jordan Walker singling home Herrera, and the Royals answered in the bottom half of the inning with Salvador Perez singling home Bobby Witt Jr after he hit a triple, St. Louis though added the final two runs in the ninth with Donovan singling home Lars Nootbaar and a Nolan Arenado sacrifice fly scoring Winn.&nbsp;

Ragans took the loss, falling to 2-3 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up four runs on five hits, striking out seven.&nbsp; Pallante improved to 4-2 with the win, pitching seven innings and giving up two runs on seven hits, striking out four.&nbsp;&nbsp;Herrera led the way at the plate for the Cardinals, going 3-4 with four RBI's.&nbsp; Witt Jr and Maikel Garcia each had two hits for Kansas City,&nbsp;

 The Royals are skipping Seth Lugo's turn in the rotation on Saturday as last season’s American League Cy Young Award runner-up deals with inflammation in his right middle finger.&nbsp; Instead, Kansas City will “most likely” call up No. 5 prospect, St. Joseph's Noah Cameron to make his second big league start, manager Matt Quatraro announced.

In Cameron’s Major League debut on April 30, he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field, tossing 6 1/3 scoreless frames with three strikeouts.&nbsp; It was an issue that popped up for Lugo in his previous outing on Sunday against the Red Sox.&nbsp; The hope for now is that Lugo will miss just one start -- similar to how Cameron filled in for Cole Ragans for a spot start -- with Cameron once again serving as valuable starting depth.

Cameron will be countered by Miles Mikolas who starts for St. Louis.&nbsp; Mikolas has been on a roll as of late, giving up just four runs over 21.2 innings and striking out 12 in his last four starts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

First pitch tomorrow will be at 6:10pm.&nbsp; Royals pregame coverage on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) will begin at 5:30.&nbsp; Cardinals pregame coverage will be joined at 6 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747450022149.jpeg" alt="Cardinals designated hitter&nbsp;Iván Herrera drove in four runs as St. Louis opened the I-70 series with a 10-3 win at Kauffman Stadium/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Cardinals designated hitter&nbsp;Iván Herrera drove in four runs as St. Louis opened the I-70 series with a 10-3 win at Kauffman Stadium/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals spoiled the Kansas City Royals celebration of the 1985 World Series winning team, opening up the I-70 series at Kauffman Stadium with a dominating 10-3 win on Friday night.&nbsp;The Cardinals opened the scoring in the second inning after&nbsp;Willson Contreras scored on a wild pitch from Royals starter Cole Ragans, then extended their lead in the fourth inning,&nbsp;Contreras hitting his second double of the game and driving in Brendan Donovan, before scoring in the next at bat as&nbsp;Iván Herrera singled.&nbsp;Kansas City scored a run in the bottom half of the fourth, Vinnie Pasquantino hitting his seventh home run of the season, and added another in the bottom of the fifth as Kyle Isbel tripled and later scored on a balk from pitcher Andre Pallante, but in the sixth inning St. Louis pulled away scoring four runs.&nbsp;Back to back singles from Masyn Winn and Donovan opened the inning.&nbsp; Following Winn's single Ragans exited the game with a trainer, being replaced by John Schreiber.&nbsp;Herrera doubled later in the inning, driving in Winn, Donovan, and Contreras who had reached first on a fielding error by Jonathan India.&nbsp; Herrera scored in the next at bat on a single from&nbsp;Pedro Pagés that pushed St. Louis's lead to 7-2.&nbsp;The Cardinals scored another run in the top of the eighth, Jordan Walker singling home Herrera, and the Royals answered in the bottom half of the inning with Salvador Perez singling home Bobby Witt Jr after he hit a triple, St. Louis though added the final two runs in the ninth with Donovan singling home Lars Nootbaar and a Nolan Arenado sacrifice fly scoring Winn.&nbsp;Ragans took the loss, falling to 2-3 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up four runs on five hits, striking out seven.&nbsp; Pallante improved to 4-2 with the win, pitching seven innings and giving up two runs on seven hits, striking out four.&nbsp;&nbsp;Herrera led the way at the plate for the Cardinals, going 3-4 with four RBI's.&nbsp; Witt Jr and Maikel Garcia each had two hits for Kansas City,&nbsp; The Royals are skipping Seth Lugo's turn in the rotation on Saturday as last season’s American League Cy Young Award runner-up deals with inflammation in his right middle finger.&nbsp; Instead, Kansas City will “most likely” call up No. 5 prospect, St. Joseph's Noah Cameron to make his second big league start, manager Matt Quatraro announced.In Cameron’s Major League debut on April 30, he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field, tossing 6 1/3 scoreless frames with three strikeouts.&nbsp; It was an issue that popped up for Lugo in his previous outing on Sunday against the Red Sox.&nbsp; The hope for now is that Lugo will miss just one start -- similar to how Cameron filled in for Cole Ragans for a spot start -- with Cameron once again serving as valuable starting depth.Cameron will be countered by Miles Mikolas who starts for St. Louis.&nbsp; Mikolas has been on a roll as of late, giving up just four runs over 21.2 innings and striking out 12 in his last four starts.&nbsp;&nbsp;First pitch tomorrow will be at 6:10pm.&nbsp; Royals pregame coverage on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) will begin at 5:30.&nbsp; Cardinals pregame coverage will be joined at 6 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Cardinals take I-70 series opener 10-3, Cameron set to make second start

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6QYm1aodviY4p8qHxwMH5r?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Yet again, Missouri Western State University will be searching for a new leader for one of it's athletics programs, after parting ways with baseball coach&nbsp;Damian Stambersky

Athletic Director Andy Carter made the announcement today about the decision.&nbsp;

"After our annual postseason evaluation of the program, we have decided to move in a different direction," Carter said in a release from the university. "I thank Damian for his hard work and dedication to Griffon baseball and wish the best to him and his family."

Stambersky, just the third head baseball coach in Missouri Western history, posted a 34-60 overall record in two seasons, going 22-47 in MIAA play. The Griffons went 14-33 (12-24 MIAA) in 2025.

A national search for the fourth head coach in Missouri Western baseball's 56-year existence will begin immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747345597553.jpeg" alt="Damian Stambersky" />
 <figcaption>Damian Stambersky</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostYet again, Missouri Western State University will be searching for a new leader for one of it's athletics programs, after parting ways with baseball coach&nbsp;Damian StamberskyAthletic Director Andy Carter made the announcement today about the decision.&nbsp;"After our annual postseason evaluation of the program, we have decided to move in a different direction," Carter said in a release from the university. "I thank Damian for his hard work and dedication to Griffon baseball and wish the best to him and his family."Stambersky, just the third head baseball coach in Missouri Western history, posted a 34-60 overall record in two seasons, going 22-47 in MIAA play. The Griffons went 14-33 (12-24 MIAA) in 2025.A national search for the fourth head coach in Missouri Western baseball's 56-year existence will begin immediately.

MWSU parts ways with baseball coach Damian Stambersky

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2RLScIe2xwUS5A23fBznuD?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The Houston Astros scored two runs late off Kansas City starter Michael Lorenzen to steal a win, and the series, from the Royals winning 4-3 at Daikin Park. on Wednesday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After being unable to score in the first inning on a triple from Bobby Witt Jr, the Royals did get on the scoreboard in the second inning, first when Maikel Garcia hit his fifth home run of the season to left field.&nbsp; Kansas City added another run after back to back singles by Hunter Renfroe and Drew Waters when Jonathan India singled to score Renfroe, putting the Royals up 2-0 at the end of two innings.&nbsp;

In the fourth inning, the Astros cut the lead in half, when the man who won the game for Houston on Tuesday stepped to the plate,&nbsp;Isaac Paredes hitting yet another home run into the left field Crawford boxes.&nbsp; But in the fifth, Kansas City pushed the lead back to two runs as Garcia drove in another run with a double that went off the pitchers mound and ricocheted off the second base bag into left field, allowing Vinnie Pasquantino to score.&nbsp;

Entering the bottom of the eighth inning, having only thrown 77 pitches and with no Lucas Erceg or John Schreiber available from the bullpen, the Royals opted to keep Lorenzen on the mound.&nbsp; Lorenzen got Jake Meyers to ground out to open the inning, but after that&nbsp;Zach Dezenzo singled, and was pinch ran for by&nbsp;Chas McCormick, who scored in the next at bat as&nbsp;Mauricio Dubón doubled to tie up the game.&nbsp; Carlos&nbsp;Estévez replaced Lorenzen on the mound and gave up a single to&nbsp;Jeremy Peña pushing&nbsp;Dubón home to give the Astros the lead.&nbsp;

Witt Jr walked with two outs and stole second base with two outs against Astros closer Josh Hader, but Pasquantino lined out to center field to end the game.&nbsp; With the loss, Lorenzen fell to 3-4 on the season. Garcia was the lone Royal with multiple hits, going 2-4 with 2 RBI's a home run and a double.&nbsp;

Kansas City is off Thursday.  The Royals begin a series in Kansas City on Friday hosting the St. Louis Cardinals Cole Ragans takes the mound against Andre Pallante.  First pitch on Friday is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage will begin at 6pm for Royals coverage on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) or will be joined at 6:30 for Cardinals coverage on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Houston Astros scored two runs late off Kansas City starter Michael Lorenzen to steal a win, and the series, from the Royals winning 4-3 at Daikin Park. on Wednesday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;After being unable to score in the first inning on a triple from Bobby Witt Jr, the Royals did get on the scoreboard in the second inning, first when Maikel Garcia hit his fifth home run of the season to left field.&nbsp; Kansas City added another run after back to back singles by Hunter Renfroe and Drew Waters when Jonathan India singled to score Renfroe, putting the Royals up 2-0 at the end of two innings.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Maikel tees off! <a href="https://t.co/RqxlMzZOce">pic.twitter.com/RqxlMzZOce</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1922813084885717142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the fourth inning, the Astros cut the lead in half, when the man who won the game for Houston on Tuesday stepped to the plate,&nbsp;Isaac Paredes hitting yet another home run into the left field Crawford boxes.&nbsp; But in the fifth, Kansas City pushed the lead back to two runs as Garcia drove in another run with a double that went off the pitchers mound and ricocheted off the second base bag into left field, allowing Vinnie Pasquantino to score.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Just how you draw it up. <a href="https://t.co/tm7BaEhnqE">pic.twitter.com/tm7BaEhnqE</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1922828696643060073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Entering the bottom of the eighth inning, having only thrown 77 pitches and with no Lucas Erceg or John Schreiber available from the bullpen, the Royals opted to keep Lorenzen on the mound.&nbsp; Lorenzen got Jake Meyers to ground out to open the inning, but after that&nbsp;Zach Dezenzo singled, and was pinch ran for by&nbsp;Chas McCormick, who scored in the next at bat as&nbsp;Mauricio Dubón doubled to tie up the game.&nbsp; Carlos&nbsp;Estévez replaced Lorenzen on the mound and gave up a single to&nbsp;Jeremy Peña pushing&nbsp;Dubón home to give the Astros the lead.&nbsp;Witt Jr walked with two outs and stole second base with two outs against Astros closer Josh Hader, but Pasquantino lined out to center field to end the game.&nbsp; With the loss, Lorenzen fell to 3-4 on the season. Garcia was the lone Royal with multiple hits, going 2-4 with 2 RBI's a home run and a double.&nbsp;Kansas City is off Thursday. The Royals begin a series in Kansas City on Friday hosting the St. Louis Cardinals Cole Ragans takes the mound against Andre Pallante. First pitch on Friday is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage will begin at 6pm for Royals coverage on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) or will be joined at 6:30 for Cardinals coverage on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Astros get to Lorenzen in 8th to steal 4-3 win over Royals

The St. Louis Cardinals lost their winning streak in the opener to Wednesday's doubleheader in Philadelphia, but bounced back in the nightcap to claim the series, clobbering the Phillies with a dominating 14-7 win at Citizens Bank Park.

That did not happen though until the Redbirds fell behind early.&nbsp; After taking the lead in the top of the first, a groundout from Nolan Arenado scoring Lars Nootbaar, the Phillies scored five runs in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp; A Nick Castellanos double drove in Trea Turner and Bryce Harper, and Castellanos scored on a single by Max Kepler.&nbsp; J.T. Realmuto's two run home finished the scoring putting the Phillies up 5-1 at the end of one.&nbsp;

After a scoreless second inning by both teams, the Cardinals answered with five runs of their own to take the lead back. Nootbaar homered to lead off the inning and in the next at bat Masyn Winn walked, before being driven in on a double from Brendan Donovan on the third straight hit of the inning.&nbsp; Back to back ground outs from Arenado and Willson Contreras allowed Donovan to score and&nbsp;Iván Herrera singled to keep the inning alive, bringing Alec Burleson to the plate to put St. Louis ahead, and score the final runs of the inning with a two run home run, the second of the inning for the Cardinals.&nbsp;

Philadelphia tied the game up in the bottom half of the third, Kyle Schwarber hitting his 15th home run of the season, but St. Louis took the lead back the very next inning with another home run, this time from Winn.&nbsp; Burleson drove in two more later in the inning with a single, scoring Arenado and Contreras who both singled, putting the Cardinals up 9-6 heading into the bottom of the fourth.&nbsp;

Alec Bohm scored the final run for the Phillies in the bottom of the fourth, hitting the sixth home run of the game and his second of the season.&nbsp; St. Louis did not score again until the eighth inning, a three run inning where Winn singled to score Victor Scott, then later scored on a wild pitch.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly from Contreras drove in Donovan.&nbsp; Nootbaar hit a sacrifice fly as well in the ninth inning scoring Jordan Walker, before Winn drove in his third run of the game, singling to bring home Scott for the final run.&nbsp;

Chris Roycroft earned the win in relief for the Cardinals.&nbsp; Neither St. Louis starter Sonny Gray nor Philadelphia starter Aaron Nola pitched past the fourth inning.&nbsp; Winn was 4-5 at the plate with 3 RBI's and one home run

St. Louis is off Thursday.&nbsp; The Cardinals begin a series in Kansas City on Friday as Andre Pallante is slated to start for St. Louis against Cole Ragans for the Royals.&nbsp; First pitch on Friday is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 6:30 for Cardinals coverage on KY 102 (102.5 FM) or will begin at 6pm for Royals coverage on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals lost their winning streak in the opener to Wednesday's doubleheader in Philadelphia, but bounced back in the nightcap to claim the series, clobbering the Phillies with a dominating 14-7 win at Citizens Bank Park.That did not happen though until the Redbirds fell behind early.&nbsp; After taking the lead in the top of the first, a groundout from Nolan Arenado scoring Lars Nootbaar, the Phillies scored five runs in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp; A Nick Castellanos double drove in Trea Turner and Bryce Harper, and Castellanos scored on a single by Max Kepler.&nbsp; J.T. Realmuto's two run home finished the scoring putting the Phillies up 5-1 at the end of one.&nbsp;After a scoreless second inning by both teams, the Cardinals answered with five runs of their own to take the lead back. Nootbaar homered to lead off the inning and in the next at bat Masyn Winn walked, before being driven in on a double from Brendan Donovan on the third straight hit of the inning.&nbsp; Back to back ground outs from Arenado and Willson Contreras allowed Donovan to score and&nbsp;Iván Herrera singled to keep the inning alive, bringing Alec Burleson to the plate to put St. Louis ahead, and score the final runs of the inning with a two run home run, the second of the inning for the Cardinals.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NOOT-BOMB <a href="https://t.co/YHhl7on1OX">pic.twitter.com/YHhl7on1OX</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1922791342658232552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donnie delivers a RBI into the gap! <a href="https://t.co/GzJIIJZ28x">pic.twitter.com/GzJIIJZ28x</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1922792517751197800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BURLY BOMB FOR THE LEAD! 💣 <a href="https://t.co/LJx1h1VTI7">pic.twitter.com/LJx1h1VTI7</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1922793648338436185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Philadelphia tied the game up in the bottom half of the third, Kyle Schwarber hitting his 15th home run of the season, but St. Louis took the lead back the very next inning with another home run, this time from Winn.&nbsp; Burleson drove in two more later in the inning with a single, scoring Arenado and Contreras who both singled, putting the Cardinals up 9-6 heading into the bottom of the fourth.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MASYN WINN JOINS THE SLUGFEST 💪 <a href="https://t.co/i2wIFqaV1O">pic.twitter.com/i2wIFqaV1O</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1922797107775156628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Alec Bohm scored the final run for the Phillies in the bottom of the fourth, hitting the sixth home run of the game and his second of the season.&nbsp; St. Louis did not score again until the eighth inning, a three run inning where Winn singled to score Victor Scott, then later scored on a wild pitch.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly from Contreras drove in Donovan.&nbsp; Nootbaar hit a sacrifice fly as well in the ninth inning scoring Jordan Walker, before Winn drove in his third run of the game, singling to bring home Scott for the final run.&nbsp;Chris Roycroft earned the win in relief for the Cardinals.&nbsp; Neither St. Louis starter Sonny Gray nor Philadelphia starter Aaron Nola pitched past the fourth inning.&nbsp; Winn was 4-5 at the plate with 3 RBI's and one home runSt. Louis is off Thursday.&nbsp; The Cardinals begin a series in Kansas City on Friday as Andre Pallante is slated to start for St. Louis against Cole Ragans for the Royals.&nbsp; First pitch on Friday is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 6:30 for Cardinals coverage on KY 102 (102.5 FM) or will begin at 6pm for Royals coverage on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinals avenge loss in opener to day, clobber Phillies 14-7 for series win

The St. Louis Cardinals had their nine game winning streak snapped in the opener of a split double header on Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park as the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Redbirds 2-1.&nbsp;

After the rain delay kept Jesus Luzardo from making his start on Tuesday for the Phillies, he opened the game on the mound against Erick Fedde for the Cardinals and it was a pitchers duel between the two as neither team scored runs until the seventh inning.&nbsp; Both teams combined for six hits through the first six innings, four by St. Louis and two by Philadelphia.&nbsp;

In the seventh, the Cardinals opened the scoring as&nbsp;Iván Herrera and was brought home on a single by Jordan Walker.&nbsp; But in the bottom half, the Phillies plated two runs, Bryson Stott singling home Weston Wilson and Bryce Harper's single scoring&nbsp;Rafael Marchán to give Philadelphia the lead.&nbsp;

St. Louis managed just one more hit the remainder of the game.&nbsp; Phillies closer Jordan Romano struck out the Cardinals in order for his fourth save of the season.&nbsp; Steven Matz took the loss, giving up both runs, falling to 1-2 on the season.&nbsp; No St. Louis player managed more than one hit.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Philadelphia wrap up their series in the nightcap of the doubleheader.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (4-1, 3.50 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Aaron Nola (1-6, 4.89 ERA) for the Phillies.&nbsp; First pitch at 5:15, with pregame being joined at 5:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Matt Carpenter, likely Cardinals Hall of Famer, retires after 14 seasons

Matt Carpenter, a three-time All-Star and a middle-of-the-order stalwart during his 12 seasons with the Cardinals, announced his MLB retirement on Wednesday morning.

Carpenter told Sports Spectrum’s “Get in the Game” podcast that he was retiring, following a career that saw him complete a long tenure with the Cardinals, play single seasons with the Yankees and Padres and finish in the top 12 in National League MVP voting three times. In 12 campaigns with the Cardinals -- 11 from 2011-21 and a final season in 2024 -- Carpenter slashed .261/.366/.446/.812 with 159 homers, 308 doubles and 591 RBIs.

The infielder/designated hitter will be eligible for entry into the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2028, where he will likely be easily elected as a fan favorite and one of the core pieces of a Cardinals franchise that was a dominant force in the National League in the 2010s.

Some of the best moments of Carpenter’s career came during the playoffs, where he smashed six home runs and drove in 21 runs in 56 postseason games. Carpenter made his MLB debut in 2011 and received a World Series championship ring, but he did not appear in a postseason game that season. He led the Cardinals to the 2013 World Series, during which he went 8-for-27 (.296) with a double and two RBIs in a series loss to the Red Sox.

Carpenter’s most productive seasons came in 2013, 2015 and 2018. In 2013, he hit .318 with 11 home runs and 78 RBIs while finishing fourth in the voting for the NL MVP Award. He smashed 28 home runs and a career-best 36 long balls in 2015 and ’18, respectively, finishing 12th and ninth in NL MVP voting in those years.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals had their nine game winning streak snapped in the opener of a split double header on Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park as the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Redbirds 2-1.&nbsp;After the rain delay kept Jesus Luzardo from making his start on Tuesday for the Phillies, he opened the game on the mound against Erick Fedde for the Cardinals and it was a pitchers duel between the two as neither team scored runs until the seventh inning.&nbsp; Both teams combined for six hits through the first six innings, four by St. Louis and two by Philadelphia.&nbsp;In the seventh, the Cardinals opened the scoring as&nbsp;Iván Herrera and was brought home on a single by Jordan Walker.&nbsp; But in the bottom half, the Phillies plated two runs, Bryson Stott singling home Weston Wilson and Bryce Harper's single scoring&nbsp;Rafael Marchán to give Philadelphia the lead.&nbsp;St. Louis managed just one more hit the remainder of the game.&nbsp; Phillies closer Jordan Romano struck out the Cardinals in order for his fourth save of the season.&nbsp; Steven Matz took the loss, giving up both runs, falling to 1-2 on the season.&nbsp; No St. Louis player managed more than one hit.&nbsp;St. Louis and Philadelphia wrap up their series in the nightcap of the doubleheader.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (4-1, 3.50 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Aaron Nola (1-6, 4.89 ERA) for the Phillies.&nbsp; First pitch at 5:15, with pregame being joined at 5:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;Matt Carpenter, likely Cardinals Hall of Famer, retires after 14 seasons<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747255268096.jpeg" alt="Matt Carpenter hit a bases clearing double off the Dodgers Clayton Kershaw in Game 1 of the 2014 NLDS" />
 <figcaption>Matt Carpenter hit a bases clearing double off the Dodgers Clayton Kershaw in Game 1 of the 2014 NLDS</figcaption>
 </figure>Matt Carpenter, a three-time All-Star and a middle-of-the-order stalwart during his 12 seasons with the Cardinals, announced his MLB retirement on Wednesday morning.Carpenter told Sports Spectrum’s “Get in the Game” podcast that he was retiring, following a career that saw him complete a long tenure with the Cardinals, play single seasons with the Yankees and Padres and finish in the top 12 in National League MVP voting three times. In 12 campaigns with the Cardinals -- 11 from 2011-21 and a final season in 2024 -- Carpenter slashed .261/.366/.446/.812 with 159 homers, 308 doubles and 591 RBIs.The infielder/designated hitter will be eligible for entry into the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2028, where he will likely be easily elected as a fan favorite and one of the core pieces of a Cardinals franchise that was a dominant force in the National League in the 2010s.Some of the best moments of Carpenter’s career came during the playoffs, where he smashed six home runs and drove in 21 runs in 56 postseason games. Carpenter made his MLB debut in 2011 and received a World Series championship ring, but he did not appear in a postseason game that season. He led the Cardinals to the 2013 World Series, during which he went 8-for-27 (.296) with a double and two RBIs in a series loss to the Red Sox.Carpenter’s most productive seasons came in 2013, 2015 and 2018. In 2013, he hit .318 with 11 home runs and 78 RBIs while finishing fourth in the voting for the NL MVP Award. He smashed 28 home runs and a career-best 36 long balls in 2015 and ’18, respectively, finishing 12th and ninth in NL MVP voting in those years.

Phillies snap Cards winning streak in DH opener with 2-1 win; Carpenter retires

St. Joseph Benton High School's Andrea Simmons, a two time all state basketball player, has changed her mind and will play closer to home.  

After originally signing last November to play at Rockhurst, Simmons reopened her recruitment in April and now will head to Maryville to play for head coach Austin Meyer and Northwest Missouri State University.  

Simmons says she received a lot of great offers, but she grew up being a Bearcat 

"I always dreamed of playing for green, I do bleed some green, and it's only 45 minutes up the road and I really love being around my family," Simmons tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "I have three younger brothers that i love to watch play and grow, and they'll be able to be a part of my college basketball career too now." 

Simmons mom Amy and her aunt Annie both played basketball for the Bearcats.  Her dad Wes played football.  

Simmons went to state three times with Benton, with three second place finishes.  She says each state championship loss is a certain lesson she learned and will take with her to the next level 

"I think the hard work and preparation for those big moments and being able to play under that pressure is something that I will continue to hold on to into my college experience," Simmons says.  "Playing under the big lights, I think those are great experiences for a young player to have early on in their career." 

Simmons says knowing the success the Bearcats men's program has had over the years, she hopes that she can help to bring the same success to the women's side 

"I got to talk with and had offers from established programs, and I think it would be way more fun to go do it in green, because that's just how I was raised and I've grown up loving Northwest," Simmons says. 

Northwest's women have not won a championship, and last made a trip to the Elite Eight in 2023.  The Bearcats last made the national semifinals in 2011.  

As a senior at Benton Simmons averaged 15 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.   

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679011448426.jpeg" alt="Andrea Simmons (23)/ File photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Andrea Simmons (23)/ File photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph Benton High School's Andrea Simmons, a two time all state basketball player, has changed her mind and will play closer to home. After originally signing last November to play at Rockhurst, Simmons reopened her recruitment in April and now will head to Maryville to play for head coach Austin Meyer and Northwest Missouri State University. Simmons says she received a lot of great offers, but she grew up being a Bearcat "I always dreamed of playing for green, I do bleed some green, and it's only 45 minutes up the road and I really love being around my family," Simmons tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "I have three younger brothers that i love to watch play and grow, and they'll be able to be a part of my college basketball career too now." Simmons mom Amy and her aunt Annie both played basketball for the Bearcats. Her dad Wes played football. Simmons went to state three times with Benton, with three second place finishes. She says each state championship loss is a certain lesson she learned and will take with her to the next level "I think the hard work and preparation for those big moments and being able to play under that pressure is something that I will continue to hold on to into my college experience," Simmons says. "Playing under the big lights, I think those are great experiences for a young player to have early on in their career." Simmons says knowing the success the Bearcats men's program has had over the years, she hopes that she can help to bring the same success to the women's side "I got to talk with and had offers from established programs, and I think it would be way more fun to go do it in green, because that's just how I was raised and I've grown up loving Northwest," Simmons says. Northwest's women have not won a championship, and last made a trip to the Elite Eight in 2023. The Bearcats last made the national semifinals in 2011. As a senior at Benton Simmons averaged 15 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;