By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-4102025-e31bjj6/a-abskugs" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

The Kansas City Royals bad run against Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan continued on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium, as the Royals managed just two hits off the right hander, falling to the Twins 4-0 to snap a three game winning streak.&nbsp;

In his career against the Royals, Ryan has been lights out.&nbsp; The right hander has a 7-0 record in nine career starts across 55.1 innings with a 1.30 ERA, striking out 59 batters.&nbsp; Last season, Ryan faced the Royals twice, going 1-0 with a 1.46 ERA.

Minnesota opened the scoring in the fourth inning with an RBI single by Edouard Julien that drove in Carlos Correa.&nbsp; Correa scored again in the sixth inning on a single into right field by Ty France.&nbsp; Matt Wallner hit a solo home run in the eighth, and France hit a home run of his own in the ninth for the final runs, it was their first home runs of the season.&nbsp;

Ryan set the tone with seven scoreless innings. He needed just 85 pitches while allowing two hits. He didn't walk anyone and he struck out four. The only Royals to get to him were Maikel Garcia with a single in the third inning and Bobby Witt Jr. with a double in the fourth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan retired the last 11 batters he faced before Twins manager Rocco Baldelli took a risk and went to Griffin Jax, who has been struggling, in the eighth. Jax gave up a single to Cavan Biggio but got out of the frame unscathed.

Seth Lugo took the loss for the Royals, pitching 5.2 innings, striking out six batters, while giving up two runs on five hits.&nbsp; He walked three.&nbsp; Sam Long surrendered the home run to Wallner, while Chris Stratton gave up the one to France.&nbsp;

The Royals and Twins wrap up their four game series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha looks for his first win of the season on the mound for Kansas City against Bailey Ober for the Twins, also seeking his first win.&nbsp; First pitch will be joined at 1:10 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals bad run against Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan continued on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium, as the Royals managed just two hits off the right hander, falling to the Twins 4-0 to snap a three game winning streak.&nbsp;In his career against the Royals, Ryan has been lights out.&nbsp; The right hander has a 7-0 record in nine career starts across 55.1 innings with a 1.30 ERA, striking out 59 batters.&nbsp; Last season, Ryan faced the Royals twice, going 1-0 with a 1.46 ERA.Minnesota opened the scoring in the fourth inning with an RBI single by Edouard Julien that drove in Carlos Correa.&nbsp; Correa scored again in the sixth inning on a single into right field by Ty France.&nbsp; Matt Wallner hit a solo home run in the eighth, and France hit a home run of his own in the ninth for the final runs, it was their first home runs of the season.&nbsp;Ryan set the tone with seven scoreless innings. He needed just 85 pitches while allowing two hits. He didn't walk anyone and he struck out four. The only Royals to get to him were Maikel Garcia with a single in the third inning and Bobby Witt Jr. with a double in the fourth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan retired the last 11 batters he faced before Twins manager Rocco Baldelli took a risk and went to Griffin Jax, who has been struggling, in the eighth. Jax gave up a single to Cavan Biggio but got out of the frame unscathed.Seth Lugo took the loss for the Royals, pitching 5.2 innings, striking out six batters, while giving up two runs on five hits.&nbsp; He walked three.&nbsp; Sam Long surrendered the home run to Wallner, while Chris Stratton gave up the one to France.&nbsp;The Royals and Twins wrap up their four game series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha looks for his first win of the season on the mound for Kansas City against Bailey Ober for the Twins, also seeking his first win.&nbsp; First pitch will be joined at 1:10 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals struggle against Joe Ryan once again, fall to Twins 4-0

The St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates put on a pitching clinic in Wednesday's series finale, but it was the Pirates coming out on top in 13 innings over the Redbirds winning 2-1 and taking two out of three games in the series.&nbsp;

Cardinals starter Erick Fedde was rolling in the game through six innings, walking four batters and striking out two, but throwing a no hitter.&nbsp; With 88 pitches, St. Louis called on the bullpen in the seventh inning.&nbsp; Phil Maton, Kyle Leahy, and&nbsp;Ryan Fernandez carried the game into extra innings.&nbsp; &nbsp;Pittsburgh starter Mitch Keller was just as effective, pitching 7.1 innings and giving up four hits, striking out six and walking one.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both the Cardinals and the Pirates had scoring chances in the 10th and 11th innings, but it wasn't until the 12th that St. Louis finally took the lead in the game, Jordan Walker singling to score Willson Contreras, who had started the extra frame at second base.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, the former Cardinal Tommy Pham, who popped out to end the game yesterday, singled to tie up the game, driving in Ke'Bryan Hayes.

After St. Louis was unable to do anything in the top of the 13th, Masyn Winn and Luken Baker striking out before Contreras grounded out to end the inning, Chris Roycroft came on in relief for the Redbirds, immediately getting into trouble walking&nbsp;Alexander Canario and Bryan Reynolds to load the bases.&nbsp; Roycroft did record one out, forcing Andrew McCutchen to ground out, Winn throwing&nbsp;Isiah Kiner-Falefa out at home, but in the next at bat Joey Bart singled to score Canario for the walk off win.&nbsp;

The Cardinals put together seven hits in the game, all by seven different players.&nbsp; St. Louis was 3-15 with runners in scoring position in the loss.&nbsp;

It's an off day on Thursday for St. Louis.&nbsp; They are back in action on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies back at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; Andre Pallante is scheduled to start against Aaron Nola for the Phillies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:15 on Friday, pregame coverage will begin 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 and Pittsburgh Pirates put on a pitching clinic in Wednesday's series finale, but it was the Pirates coming out on top in 13 innings over the Redbirds winning 2-1 and taking two out of three games in the series.&nbsp;Cardinals starter Erick Fedde was rolling in the game through six innings, walking four batters and striking out two, but throwing a no hitter.&nbsp; With 88 pitches, St. Louis called on the bullpen in the seventh inning.&nbsp; Phil Maton, Kyle Leahy, and&nbsp;Ryan Fernandez carried the game into extra innings.&nbsp; &nbsp;Pittsburgh starter Mitch Keller was just as effective, pitching 7.1 innings and giving up four hits, striking out six and walking one.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both the Cardinals and the Pirates had scoring chances in the 10th and 11th innings, but it wasn't until the 12th that St. Louis finally took the lead in the game, Jordan Walker singling to score Willson Contreras, who had started the extra frame at second base.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, the former Cardinal Tommy Pham, who popped out to end the game yesterday, singled to tie up the game, driving in Ke'Bryan Hayes.After St. Louis was unable to do anything in the top of the 13th, Masyn Winn and Luken Baker striking out before Contreras grounded out to end the inning, Chris Roycroft came on in relief for the Redbirds, immediately getting into trouble walking&nbsp;Alexander Canario and Bryan Reynolds to load the bases.&nbsp; Roycroft did record one out, forcing Andrew McCutchen to ground out, Winn throwing&nbsp;Isiah Kiner-Falefa out at home, but in the next at bat Joey Bart singled to score Canario for the walk off win.&nbsp;The Cardinals put together seven hits in the game, all by seven different players.&nbsp; St. Louis was 3-15 with runners in scoring position in the loss.&nbsp;It's an off day on Thursday for St. Louis.&nbsp; They are back in action on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies back at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; Andre Pallante is scheduled to start against Aaron Nola for the Phillies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:15 on Friday, pregame coverage will begin 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;

Pitchers duel ends in extra innings 2-1 loss for Cardinals against Pirates

Legendary UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field motivated a roomful of St. Joseph residents on ways to be better leaders with stories of her journey.  

Kondos Field says she hopes people take from her message that whatever they do, they enjoy it, it's challenging and fulfilling, and that they win the day, but says while that's what you do, that's not who you are 

"And when we can focus on who we are and sharing that with every single person we come in contact with throughout the day, I mean imagine if everybody in the world literally just shared their inner light with everyone, every moment of the day," Kondos Field tells reporters.  "I mean this world would literally just be palpable and pulsating with light, that is my goal." 

Kondos Field coached at UCLA for 28 years, winning seven national championships, and four Pac-12 coach of the year awards.  She retired in 2019.  

Kondos Field says when she retired, she knew she wanted to be able to share everything she had learned and have an impact 

"It's not about the money, it's not about more celebrity, it's not about any of that, I just want to be able to share what I have learned through my experience in the coaching world," Kondos Field explains.  "Especially having the blessing to be around people such as the great John Wooden, I mean what a blessing that was to have him in my life as like my grandfather."

Kondos Field had a pretty legendary mentor in another coaching legend, John Wooden.  

Kondos Field says she learned from Wooden the value of being yourself, and remembers a moment after winning her fourth national championship, when a reporter called her "the next John Wooden" during an interview alongside Coach Wooden 

"Before I could just say no, no, no that's blasphemy, Coach Wooden chimed in and he said, why would she want to be another Coach Wooden when she could be a great Valorie Kondos Field," Kondos Field recalls. 

Kondos Field says Wooden saying that helped release her from even trying to be like him 

"And just really realize who I was created to be, what God created me to be and all my blessings, and let's just fortify those and bring those to my work every day," Kondos Field says. 

Kondos Field spoke at Word of Life Church as part of a series put on by the Joseph Company.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744200888846.jpeg" alt="Legendary UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field spoke to St. Joseph residents at Word of Life Church about things she learned during her coaching career that helped shape her life and the way she lives and leads/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Legendary UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field spoke to St. Joseph residents at Word of Life Church about things she learned during her coaching career that helped shape her life and the way she lives and leads/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Legendary UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field motivated a roomful of St. Joseph residents on ways to be better leaders with stories of her journey. Kondos Field says she hopes people take from her message that whatever they do, they enjoy it, it's challenging and fulfilling, and that they win the day, but says while that's what you do, that's not who you are "And when we can focus on who we are and sharing that with every single person we come in contact with throughout the day, I mean imagine if everybody in the world literally just shared their inner light with everyone, every moment of the day," Kondos Field tells reporters. "I mean this world would literally just be palpable and pulsating with light, that is my goal." Kondos Field coached at UCLA for 28 years, winning seven national championships, and four Pac-12 coach of the year awards. She retired in 2019. Kondos Field says when she retired, she knew she wanted to be able to share everything she had learned and have an impact "It's not about the money, it's not about more celebrity, it's not about any of that, I just want to be able to share what I have learned through my experience in the coaching world," Kondos Field explains. "Especially having the blessing to be around people such as the great John Wooden, I mean what a blessing that was to have him in my life as like my grandfather."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744200931406.jpeg" alt="Valorie Kondos Field/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Valorie Kondos Field/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Kondos Field had a pretty legendary mentor in another coaching legend, John Wooden. Kondos Field says she learned from Wooden the value of being yourself, and remembers a moment after winning her fourth national championship, when a reporter called her "the next John Wooden" during an interview alongside Coach Wooden "Before I could just say no, no, no that's blasphemy, Coach Wooden chimed in and he said, why would she want to be another Coach Wooden when she could be a great Valorie Kondos Field," Kondos Field recalls. Kondos Field says Wooden saying that helped release her from even trying to be like him "And just really realize who I was created to be, what God created me to be and all my blessings, and let's just fortify those and bring those to my work every day," Kondos Field says. Kondos Field spoke at Word of Life Church as part of a series put on by the Joseph Company.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744201022702.jpeg" alt="Wes Simmons (left) of the Joseph Company spoke with Valorie Kondos Field (middle). also known as Miss Val, and her husband Bobby Field (far right) during a presentation at Word of Life Church/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Wes Simmons (left) of the Joseph Company spoke with Valorie Kondos Field (middle). also known as Miss Val, and her husband Bobby Field (far right) during a presentation at Word of Life Church/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Legendary UCLA gymnastics coach 'Miss Val' shares life lessons with St. Joseph

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-492025-e31aeo6/a-absjet9" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, who won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, was among the at least 113 people killed in the Dominican Republic when the roof collapsed at the iconic Jet Set nighclub.&nbsp;

Officials said at least 113 people were killed, a number that also included Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Monte Cristi and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz as well as former MLB player Tony Blanco. At least 255 more people were injured.

Dotel, who was 51 years old, started his major league career in 1999 with the New York Mets, who held a moment of silence for Dotel before Tuesday's game. In 2011, he helped the St. Louis Cardinals win a World Series. During his 15 years in the majors with 13 teams, Dotel recorded 109 saves and logged a 3.78 ERA.

Dotel played for the Kansas City in 2007.&nbsp; He made 24 relief appearances for the Royals, going 2-1 with a 3.91 ERA.&nbsp; On July 31, 2007, the Royals traded Dotel to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for pitcher Kyle Davies.

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph PostFormer Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, who won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, was among the at least 113 people killed in the Dominican Republic when the roof collapsed at the iconic Jet Set nighclub.&nbsp;Officials said at least 113 people were killed, a number that also included Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Monte Cristi and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz as well as former MLB player Tony Blanco. At least 255 more people were injured.Dotel, who was 51 years old, started his major league career in 1999 with the New York Mets, who held a moment of silence for Dotel before Tuesday's game. In 2011, he helped the St. Louis Cardinals win a World Series. During his 15 years in the majors with 13 teams, Dotel recorded 109 saves and logged a 3.78 ERA.Dotel played for the Kansas City in 2007.&nbsp; He made 24 relief appearances for the Royals, going 2-1 with a 3.91 ERA.&nbsp; On July 31, 2007, the Royals traded Dotel to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for pitcher Kyle Davies.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Former Royals, Cardinals P Octavio Dotel among dead in nightclub tragedy

Since Paul Skenes has come into the league, he's looked nearly untouchable, but one team seems to have his number and that's the St. Louis Cardinals, a trend that continued Tuesday as St. Louis snapped a four game losing skid, beating Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3.&nbsp;

The Cardinals took the only lead they would need in the game in the third inning putting up three runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pedro Pagés and Masyn Winn singled, before Victor Scott II cleared the bases with his first triple of the season.&nbsp; Scott II later came home to score on an RBI single from Brendan Donovan.

Pittsburgh scored a run in the bottom of the fourth, a solo home run from&nbsp;Bryan Reynolds.&nbsp; But St. Louis put the final runs they ended up needing in the sixth, after Donovan led the inning off with a double, he eventually scored on a RBI single by Alec Burleson.&nbsp; Later in the inning, Pagés grounded out, scoring Nolan Arenado who had walked in his at bat.&nbsp;

With no save situation in place, the Cardinals sent Jo Jo Romero to the mound in the ninth.&nbsp; Romero surrendered a single to&nbsp;Alexander Canario and a double to Reynolds before recording an out, Andrew McCutchen grounding out to Winn.&nbsp; But on the groundout Canario came around to score, and St. Louis pulled Romero in favor of Phil Maton to get the save.

Maton struck out&nbsp;Ke'Bryan Hayes, but then gave up a double to Joey Bart to score Reynolds, bringing the tying run to the plate in former Cardinal Tommy Pham.&nbsp; Pham though lined out to right fielder Jordan Walker to end the game.&nbsp;

Sonny Gray improved to 2-0 on the season, pitching five innings, giving up one run on three hits, striking out four batters.&nbsp; Scott II (2-5, 2 RBI) and Donovan (2-3, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for the for St. Louis in the win

Skenes’ raw talent is undeniable, but for whatever reason the Cardinals have the number of the reigning National League Rookie of the Year.

The Cardinals were the only team to beat Skenes twice in 2024, and the five earned runs given up by Skenes in the loss were a career high.&nbsp; In four career starts against St Louis, Skenes is&nbsp;0-3 in&nbsp;26.2 IP with a 2.70 ERA, giving up 19 hits and eight earned runs.

The Cardinals wrap up their three game set with the Pirates tomorrow.&nbsp; Erick Fedde looks to rebound from his last start where he gave up six runs over three innings against the Red Sox, taking the mound against Mitch Keller for the Pirates.&nbsp; First pitch is at 11:35am, pregame will be joined at 11:25 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744167733201.jpeg" alt="Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn celebrates at first base after a single/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn celebrates at first base after a single/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt Joseph PostSince Paul Skenes has come into the league, he's looked nearly untouchable, but one team seems to have his number and that's the St. Louis Cardinals, a trend that continued Tuesday as St. Louis snapped a four game losing skid, beating Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3.&nbsp;The Cardinals took the only lead they would need in the game in the third inning putting up three runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pedro Pagés and Masyn Winn singled, before Victor Scott II cleared the bases with his first triple of the season.&nbsp; Scott II later came home to score on an RBI single from Brendan Donovan.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VS2 with the RBI triple! <a href="https://t.co/AMjTxKaoCu">pic.twitter.com/AMjTxKaoCu</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1909747822435442744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pittsburgh scored a run in the bottom of the fourth, a solo home run from&nbsp;Bryan Reynolds.&nbsp; But St. Louis put the final runs they ended up needing in the sixth, after Donovan led the inning off with a double, he eventually scored on a RBI single by Alec Burleson.&nbsp; Later in the inning, Pagés grounded out, scoring Nolan Arenado who had walked in his at bat.&nbsp;With no save situation in place, the Cardinals sent Jo Jo Romero to the mound in the ninth.&nbsp; Romero surrendered a single to&nbsp;Alexander Canario and a double to Reynolds before recording an out, Andrew McCutchen grounding out to Winn.&nbsp; But on the groundout Canario came around to score, and St. Louis pulled Romero in favor of Phil Maton to get the save.Maton struck out&nbsp;Ke'Bryan Hayes, but then gave up a double to Joey Bart to score Reynolds, bringing the tying run to the plate in former Cardinal Tommy Pham.&nbsp; Pham though lined out to right fielder Jordan Walker to end the game.&nbsp;Sonny Gray improved to 2-0 on the season, pitching five innings, giving up one run on three hits, striking out four batters.&nbsp; Scott II (2-5, 2 RBI) and Donovan (2-3, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for the for St. Louis in the winSkenes’ raw talent is undeniable, but for whatever reason the Cardinals have the number of the reigning National League Rookie of the Year.The Cardinals were the only team to beat Skenes twice in 2024, and the five earned runs given up by Skenes in the loss were a career high.&nbsp; In four career starts against St Louis, Skenes is&nbsp;0-3 in&nbsp;26.2 IP with a 2.70 ERA, giving up 19 hits and eight earned runs.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Paul Skenes in 4 career starts vs the Cardinals: 0-3 record 26.2 IP 2.70 ERA 19 H 8 ER <a href="https://t.co/HzlhtLcDpd">pic.twitter.com/HzlhtLcDpd</a>&mdash; Cardinals Talk (@theredbird_way) <a href="https://twitter.com/theredbird_way/status/1909779788182466677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Cardinals wrap up their three game set with the Pirates tomorrow.&nbsp; Erick Fedde looks to rebound from his last start where he gave up six runs over three innings against the Red Sox, taking the mound against Mitch Keller for the Pirates.&nbsp; First pitch is at 11:35am, pregame will be joined at 11:25 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cardinals snap losing skid, top Skenes once again beating Pirates 5-3

It was by the skin of their teeth, but a go ahead run in the eighth inning was what the Royals needed to pull out a win over the Minnesota Twins for their third straight, winning 2-1 on Tuesday evening at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp;

Kansas City took the first lead of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning.&nbsp; After Bobby Witt Jr doubled, he advanced to third on a hit by Vinnie Pasquantino, in which Pasquantino reached first thanks to fielding error by Twins second baseman&nbsp;Mickey Gasper.&nbsp; Salvador Perez grounded into a force out, where Pasquantino was thrown out at second, and Perez reached first safely, Witt Jr came around to score.&nbsp;

In the top of the fifth, Ty France hit a double for the Twins, and came home on a single by Harrison Bader to tie up the game.&nbsp; Until the eighth inning, it became a pitching duel as Royals starter Cole Ragans shut down the Minnesota lineup.&nbsp; Ragans pitched six innings, giving up four hits and just the one run, striking out 11 batters, but ended with a no decision, giving way to Angel Zerpa in the seventh inning.&nbsp;

In the eighth inning, after Jonathan India popped out to third base, Witt Jr stepped up to the plate.&nbsp; Witt Jr hit a grounder back to relief pitcher Griffin Jax, but Jax overthrew the first baseman France, and with his trademark speed, Witt Jr raced to third base.&nbsp; The next at bat, he was driven in by Pasquantino on a ground out to France.&nbsp;

John Schreiber, who had come on to pitch the eighth inning, remained on the mound to start the ninth, and recorded the first two outs before Kansas City called on Daniel Lynch to get the final out, earning his first save of the season.&nbsp;

While the Royals got the win, they did only record three hits on the day, with one hit from three different batters.&nbsp; Schreiber, who earned the win, pitched 1.2 innings giving up two hits and striking out one.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Minnesota matchup again in game three of the four game series tomorrow.&nbsp; Seth Lugo starts for the Royals against Joe Ryan for the Twins.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:40pm, with pregame coverage at 6 on KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744165774629.jpeg" alt="Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr slides into third in the eighth inning after a throwing error by the Twins/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr slides into third in the eighth inning after a throwing error by the Twins/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostIt was by the skin of their teeth, but a go ahead run in the eighth inning was what the Royals needed to pull out a win over the Minnesota Twins for their third straight, winning 2-1 on Tuesday evening at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp;Kansas City took the first lead of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning.&nbsp; After Bobby Witt Jr doubled, he advanced to third on a hit by Vinnie Pasquantino, in which Pasquantino reached first thanks to fielding error by Twins second baseman&nbsp;Mickey Gasper.&nbsp; Salvador Perez grounded into a force out, where Pasquantino was thrown out at second, and Perez reached first safely, Witt Jr came around to score.&nbsp;In the top of the fifth, Ty France hit a double for the Twins, and came home on a single by Harrison Bader to tie up the game.&nbsp; Until the eighth inning, it became a pitching duel as Royals starter Cole Ragans shut down the Minnesota lineup.&nbsp; Ragans pitched six innings, giving up four hits and just the one run, striking out 11 batters, but ended with a no decision, giving way to Angel Zerpa in the seventh inning.&nbsp;In the eighth inning, after Jonathan India popped out to third base, Witt Jr stepped up to the plate.&nbsp; Witt Jr hit a grounder back to relief pitcher Griffin Jax, but Jax overthrew the first baseman France, and with his trademark speed, Witt Jr raced to third base.&nbsp; The next at bat, he was driven in by Pasquantino on a ground out to France.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">That&#39;s what speed do. <a href="https://t.co/u15vTegGr1">pic.twitter.com/u15vTegGr1</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1909791731089842463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>John Schreiber, who had come on to pitch the eighth inning, remained on the mound to start the ninth, and recorded the first two outs before Kansas City called on Daniel Lynch to get the final out, earning his first save of the season.&nbsp;While the Royals got the win, they did only record three hits on the day, with one hit from three different batters.&nbsp; Schreiber, who earned the win, pitched 1.2 innings giving up two hits and striking out one.&nbsp;Kansas City and Minnesota matchup again in game three of the four game series tomorrow.&nbsp; Seth Lugo starts for the Royals against Joe Ryan for the Twins.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:40pm, with pregame coverage at 6 on KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals pull out narrow 2-1 win over Twins for third win in a row

Former Missouri Western State University basketball coach Tom Smith says it could be coincidence the four top seeds of the NCAA tournament made the final four 

Or it could be the way that college basketball is changing 

Smith says like how coaches used to leave schools for better money, now that power is also in the hands of the college athlete, which makes coaching harder 

"Because now you have players, not only because of the NIL money that they're getting, but also because of the transfer portal and leave at any time, and in a sense, it takes a little bit of the power away from coaches," Smith tells KFEQ News. 

Smith says with it being a more difficult job, you see coaches walk away not being able to handle the evolving situation of college athletics.  

Name, Image, and Likeness, or NIL has shifted the world of college athletics, and Smith believes there is still a lot of figuring out to do.  Smith says he is of the opinion that some sort of cap needs to be put on all the schools to even things out in some way 

"Because right now there's no question that the rich are going to get richer and whoever has the most backing," Smith explains.  "For example, right now, Arkansas is probably the number one NIL money school in the country." 

Smith says he's not of the belief though that there needs to be a cap of how many people you can have on your team, especially when it comes to football.  

Smith believes that the development of NIL, and the transfer portal has really evolved the game, and has also made coaching more difficult.  

Smith says the question becomes how many coaches can deal with their roster changing yearly, saying teams could have a good year and still lose a player to the transfer portal 

"It's going to be difficult for coaches in general to put together all new rosters maybe once every two or three years, it's going to be difficult," Smith says. 

Smith says a coach like Ben McCollum may not handle the portal well because he's a coach who needs to have his people with him over the course of four to five years to develop them. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Former Missouri Western State University basketball coach Tom Smith says it could be coincidence the four top seeds of the NCAA tournament made the final four Or it could be the way that college basketball is changing Smith says like how coaches used to leave schools for better money, now that power is also in the hands of the college athlete, which makes coaching harder "Because now you have players, not only because of the NIL money that they're getting, but also because of the transfer portal and leave at any time, and in a sense, it takes a little bit of the power away from coaches," Smith tells KFEQ News. Smith says with it being a more difficult job, you see coaches walk away not being able to handle the evolving situation of college athletics. Name, Image, and Likeness, or NIL has shifted the world of college athletics, and Smith believes there is still a lot of figuring out to do. Smith says he is of the opinion that some sort of cap needs to be put on all the schools to even things out in some way "Because right now there's no question that the rich are going to get richer and whoever has the most backing," Smith explains. "For example, right now, Arkansas is probably the number one NIL money school in the country." Smith says he's not of the belief though that there needs to be a cap of how many people you can have on your team, especially when it comes to football. Smith believes that the development of NIL, and the transfer portal has really evolved the game, and has also made coaching more difficult. Smith says the question becomes how many coaches can deal with their roster changing yearly, saying teams could have a good year and still lose a player to the transfer portal "It's going to be difficult for coaches in general to put together all new rosters maybe once every two or three years, it's going to be difficult," Smith says. Smith says a coach like Ben McCollum may not handle the portal well because he's a coach who needs to have his people with him over the course of four to five years to develop them. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Former MWSU basketball coach says NCAA tournament could show changes in college sports

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-482025-e318vpf/a-abshief" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The St. Louis Cardinals could not overcome an early four run deficit, falling in their first National League Central matchup of the season to the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-4 on Monday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.&nbsp;

The Pirates started off hot in the first two innings, first scoring in the first on a home run from Joey Bart, his first of the season.&nbsp; Pittsburgh added three more runs in the bottom of the second, two on a single from&nbsp;Isiah Kiner-Falefa that scored former Cardinal&nbsp;Tommy Pham and also&nbsp; Endy Rodríguez.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kiner-Falefa later came home on an RBI single by&nbsp;Ke'Bryan Hayes, putting Pittsburgh up 4-0 after the first two innings.&nbsp;

The Cardinals added runs in back to back innings, first scoring in the fifth on an RBI single from Brendan Donovan that drove in&nbsp;Michael Siani.&nbsp; In the sixth, catcher Yohel Pozo, who was recently recalled from AAA Memphis with&nbsp;Iván Herrera going to the 10-day IL, hit his first home run of the season, and just the second of his career, cutting the Pirates lead in half.&nbsp;

For Pozo, this was his first game in a Cardinals uniform, but it was also his first game since 2021, when he played for the Texas Rangers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pozo, a native of Venezuela, made it to the big leagues in 2021 with the Rangers and hit .284 with one home run in 21 MLB games. In five games with Triple-A Memphis this season, Pozo leads the team with a .333 average&nbsp; to go with three doubles, two homers and six RBIs.

Pittsburgh opened up the scoring in the seventh inning, and ultimately put the game away with a four run frame, their final runs of the game.&nbsp; An Andrew McCutchen double scored&nbsp;Kiner-Falefa and&nbsp;Hayes.&nbsp; McCutchen came home on an RBI triple from Bart.&nbsp; Bart scored the final run of the inning thanks to a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Oneil Cruz

Over the final two innings, St. Louis scored their final two runs, first getting an RBI ground out from Jordan Walker, scoring Donovan.&nbsp; In the ninth inning, Masyn Winn hammered his first home run of the season to left center field for the final run of the game.&nbsp;

Matthew Liberatore took the loss on the mound for the Cardinals, pitching 6.1 innings, giving up five runs on eight hits, but striking out seven batters.&nbsp; Donovan led the way hitting, going 3-4 with one RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis and Pittsburgh will go again tomorrow, in a battle of aces for the two teams.&nbsp; Sonny Gray will take the mound for the Cardinals against Paul Skenes for the Pirates.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:40pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 5:30 on KY 102 (102.5FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744081297087.jpeg" alt="Cardinals catcher Yohel Pozo, who was recently recalled from AAA Memphis, made his Cardinals debut and played in his first MLB game since 2021 during St. Louis's 8-4 loss to the Pirates/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Cardinals catcher Yohel Pozo, who was recently recalled from AAA Memphis, made his Cardinals debut and played in his first MLB game since 2021 during St. Louis's 8-4 loss to the Pirates/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals could not overcome an early four run deficit, falling in their first National League Central matchup of the season to the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-4 on Monday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.&nbsp;The Pirates started off hot in the first two innings, first scoring in the first on a home run from Joey Bart, his first of the season.&nbsp; Pittsburgh added three more runs in the bottom of the second, two on a single from&nbsp;Isiah Kiner-Falefa that scored former Cardinal&nbsp;Tommy Pham and also&nbsp; Endy Rodríguez.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kiner-Falefa later came home on an RBI single by&nbsp;Ke'Bryan Hayes, putting Pittsburgh up 4-0 after the first two innings.&nbsp;The Cardinals added runs in back to back innings, first scoring in the fifth on an RBI single from Brendan Donovan that drove in&nbsp;Michael Siani.&nbsp; In the sixth, catcher Yohel Pozo, who was recently recalled from AAA Memphis with&nbsp;Iván Herrera going to the 10-day IL, hit his first home run of the season, and just the second of his career, cutting the Pirates lead in half.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Welcome to the Cardinals, Yohel Pozo! <a href="https://t.co/a8RFvhqRpJ">pic.twitter.com/a8RFvhqRpJ</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1909400803502149736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>For Pozo, this was his first game in a Cardinals uniform, but it was also his first game since 2021, when he played for the Texas Rangers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pozo, a native of Venezuela, made it to the big leagues in 2021 with the Rangers and hit .284 with one home run in 21 MLB games. In five games with Triple-A Memphis this season, Pozo leads the team with a .333 average&nbsp; to go with three doubles, two homers and six RBIs.Pittsburgh opened up the scoring in the seventh inning, and ultimately put the game away with a four run frame, their final runs of the game.&nbsp; An Andrew McCutchen double scored&nbsp;Kiner-Falefa and&nbsp;Hayes.&nbsp; McCutchen came home on an RBI triple from Bart.&nbsp; Bart scored the final run of the inning thanks to a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Oneil CruzOver the final two innings, St. Louis scored their final two runs, first getting an RBI ground out from Jordan Walker, scoring Donovan.&nbsp; In the ninth inning, Masyn Winn hammered his first home run of the season to left center field for the final run of the game.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Masyn Winn hits his first homer of 2025! <a href="https://t.co/znUm6R44AP">pic.twitter.com/znUm6R44AP</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1909414325455856125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Matthew Liberatore took the loss on the mound for the Cardinals, pitching 6.1 innings, giving up five runs on eight hits, but striking out seven batters.&nbsp; Donovan led the way hitting, going 3-4 with one RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;St. Louis and Pittsburgh will go again tomorrow, in a battle of aces for the two teams.&nbsp; Sonny Gray will take the mound for the Cardinals against Paul Skenes for the Pirates.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:40pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 5:30 on KY 102 (102.5FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cardinals can't overcome early deficit, fall to Pirates 8-4

The Kansas City Royals started their first winning streak of the season against an American League Central foe, defeating the Minnesota Twins 4-2 on Monday evening at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp;

Kansas City took the lead in the bottom of the first inning.&nbsp; Jonathan India led off the frame with a double, and after Bobby Witt Jr flew out to right field, Vinnie Pasquantino hit his second double of the season to left field driving in India.&nbsp;

The Twins tied the game up in the second inning, Willi Castro doubling to score Ty France, but Kansas City took the lead back for good in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp; MJ Melendez led the bottom of the second off with his first double of the year, followed by a single from Maikel Garcia, before Melendez scored on a single from Kyle Isbel.&nbsp; Garcia later came around to score on a force out, where Isbel was thrown out at second, and Witt Jr safely reached first.&nbsp;

With two outs in the sixth inning, Isbel hit a home run into the right field bullpen.&nbsp; In the ninth inning, the Twins scored the final run of the game, Harrison Bader driving in France with an RBI single.&nbsp;

Michael Lorenzen rebounded from a rough start to open his season, where he gave up four runs, giving up just one run in this game on five hits across six innings, striking out three.&nbsp; Carlos&nbsp;Estévez notched his third save of the season, giving up one run on one hit, walking one and also striking out one.&nbsp;

Isbel led the way hitting on the day for Kansas City, going 3-4 at the plate with two RBI's and his solo home run.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Minnesota are back in action tomorrow at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp; Cole Ragans will continue looking for his first win of the season, starting for the Royals, against Pablo López for the Twins.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage begins at 6pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744079810228.jpeg" alt="Bobby Witt Jr celebrate with Kyle Isbel following his solo home run in the sixth inning of Kansas City's 4-2 win over the Twins/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Bobby Witt Jr celebrate with Kyle Isbel following his solo home run in the sixth inning of Kansas City's 4-2 win over the Twins/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals started their first winning streak of the season against an American League Central foe, defeating the Minnesota Twins 4-2 on Monday evening at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp;Kansas City took the lead in the bottom of the first inning.&nbsp; Jonathan India led off the frame with a double, and after Bobby Witt Jr flew out to right field, Vinnie Pasquantino hit his second double of the season to left field driving in India.&nbsp;The Twins tied the game up in the second inning, Willi Castro doubling to score Ty France, but Kansas City took the lead back for good in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp; MJ Melendez led the bottom of the second off with his first double of the year, followed by a single from Maikel Garcia, before Melendez scored on a single from Kyle Isbel.&nbsp; Garcia later came around to score on a force out, where Isbel was thrown out at second, and Witt Jr safely reached first.&nbsp;With two outs in the sixth inning, Isbel hit a home run into the right field bullpen.&nbsp; In the ninth inning, the Twins scored the final run of the game, Harrison Bader driving in France with an RBI single.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Izzy to the bullpen! <a href="https://t.co/7ubaRmFXJv">pic.twitter.com/7ubaRmFXJv</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1909416658638127141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Michael Lorenzen rebounded from a rough start to open his season, where he gave up four runs, giving up just one run in this game on five hits across six innings, striking out three.&nbsp; Carlos&nbsp;Estévez notched his third save of the season, giving up one run on one hit, walking one and also striking out one.&nbsp;Isbel led the way hitting on the day for Kansas City, going 3-4 at the plate with two RBI's and his solo home run.&nbsp;Kansas City and Minnesota are back in action tomorrow at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp; Cole Ragans will continue looking for his first win of the season, starting for the Royals, against Pablo López for the Twins.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage begins at 6pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals win two in a row, open series with Twins with 4-2 win

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-472025-e317t91/a-absg6ee" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

After rain postponed the matchup between the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, a doubleheader on Sunday saw the Cardinals drop game one 4-3, in walk off fashion,&nbsp;

The Cardinals opened the scoring in the first game of the doubleheader in the fourth inning, Masyn Winn singling into right field and scoring Jordan Walker.&nbsp; But in the bottom of the inning, the Red Sox David Hamilton hit a single of his own into right field, driving in&nbsp;Rob Refsnyder to tie the game at one.&nbsp;

Boston took the lead in the next inning, a solo home run from&nbsp;Rafael Devers, but St. Louis was able to knot the game back up in the sixth off the bat off&nbsp;Pedro Pagés, starting the first game in place of&nbsp;Iván Herrera, hitting a ground rule double to score&nbsp;Thomas Saggese.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pagés extended the Cardinals lead in the eighth inning, another double, this time driving in Victor Scott II.&nbsp;

A rare off day for Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley however in the ninth inning, allowed the Red Sox to tie up the game.&nbsp; An RBI double from&nbsp;Romy Gonzalez drove in Trevor Story, then with the bases loaded, Helsley walked Devers in for the tying run, sending the game to extra innings.&nbsp; In the tenth,&nbsp;Wilyer Abreu singled scoring Alex Bregman for the Boston walk off win.&nbsp;

Andre Pallante started the first game for St. Louis, earning a no decision, pitching 4.1 innings, striking out six and giving up two runs on four hits, walking three.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan Fernandez took the loss in relief, getting one out, walking one, and giving up the walk off single.&nbsp;

Pagés (2-4, 3 RBI), Walker (2-4), and Winn (2-3, 1 RBI) led the way hitting in the first game.&nbsp;

The Cardinals fared no better in game two, in fact it was even worse.&nbsp; After three innings, St. Louis trailed the Red Sox 10-1.&nbsp; After the Cardinals scored a second run in the top of the fourth inning, Boston added six more runs before the Redbirds could score again.&nbsp;

St. Louis added a third run in the top of the seventh inning, and were answered with two more from the Red Sox in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp; The Cardinals scored the final four runs of the game in the top of the ninth inning, their biggest hit of the game being a three run home run by&nbsp;Saggese.

Miles Mikolas, who started the second game, couldn't even get through three innings, pitching 2.2 innings, giving up 11 hits and nine runs, just eight earned, striking out one and walking one.&nbsp; Brendan Donovan led the way hitting in game two going 3-4 with two RBIs.&nbsp;

The Cardinals will next travel to Pittsburgh for an NL Central matchup with the Pirates.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore will start for St. Louis against&nbsp;Carmen Mlodzinski for Pittsburgh.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 5:40pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 5:30 on KY 102 (102.5FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAfter rain postponed the matchup between the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, a doubleheader on Sunday saw the Cardinals drop game one 4-3, in walk off fashion,&nbsp;The Cardinals opened the scoring in the first game of the doubleheader in the fourth inning, Masyn Winn singling into right field and scoring Jordan Walker.&nbsp; But in the bottom of the inning, the Red Sox David Hamilton hit a single of his own into right field, driving in&nbsp;Rob Refsnyder to tie the game at one.&nbsp;Boston took the lead in the next inning, a solo home run from&nbsp;Rafael Devers, but St. Louis was able to knot the game back up in the sixth off the bat off&nbsp;Pedro Pagés, starting the first game in place of&nbsp;Iván Herrera, hitting a ground rule double to score&nbsp;Thomas Saggese.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pagés extended the Cardinals lead in the eighth inning, another double, this time driving in Victor Scott II.&nbsp;A rare off day for Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley however in the ninth inning, allowed the Red Sox to tie up the game.&nbsp; An RBI double from&nbsp;Romy Gonzalez drove in Trevor Story, then with the bases loaded, Helsley walked Devers in for the tying run, sending the game to extra innings.&nbsp; In the tenth,&nbsp;Wilyer Abreu singled scoring Alex Bregman for the Boston walk off win.&nbsp;Andre Pallante started the first game for St. Louis, earning a no decision, pitching 4.1 innings, striking out six and giving up two runs on four hits, walking three.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan Fernandez took the loss in relief, getting one out, walking one, and giving up the walk off single.&nbsp;Pagés (2-4, 3 RBI), Walker (2-4), and Winn (2-3, 1 RBI) led the way hitting in the first game.&nbsp;The Cardinals fared no better in game two, in fact it was even worse.&nbsp; After three innings, St. Louis trailed the Red Sox 10-1.&nbsp; After the Cardinals scored a second run in the top of the fourth inning, Boston added six more runs before the Redbirds could score again.&nbsp;St. Louis added a third run in the top of the seventh inning, and were answered with two more from the Red Sox in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp; The Cardinals scored the final four runs of the game in the top of the ninth inning, their biggest hit of the game being a three run home run by&nbsp;Saggese.Miles Mikolas, who started the second game, couldn't even get through three innings, pitching 2.2 innings, giving up 11 hits and nine runs, just eight earned, striking out one and walking one.&nbsp; Brendan Donovan led the way hitting in game two going 3-4 with two RBIs.&nbsp;The Cardinals will next travel to Pittsburgh for an NL Central matchup with the Pirates.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore will start for St. Louis against&nbsp;Carmen Mlodzinski for Pittsburgh.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 5:40pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 5:30 on KY 102 (102.5FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cardinals swept by Red Sox, drop both games of Sundays doublheader

Kansas City starting pitcher Kris Bubic once again looked brilliant on the mound against the Baltimore Orioles, helping the Royals to their first series win of the season, winning 4-1 on Sunday at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp;

The Royals scored all their runs across the first two innings, then relied on the strong pitching of Bubic and the bullpen on way to the win.&nbsp; Three runs scored in the first on a slew of hitting, starting with a Bobby Witt Jr triple into right center field.&nbsp; Witt Jr came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Vinnie Pasquantino in the next at bat.&nbsp;

After the sacrifice fly, Kansas City got singles from Salvador Perez and Mark Canha, who came across to score on the third double of the season by Michael Massey.&nbsp; Hunter Renfroe struck out to end the first.&nbsp; The final Royals run in the second came thanks to an RBI single by Freddy Fermin, driving in Maikel Garcia, who led the inning off with a single.&nbsp;

The Orioles lone run came in the seventh inning of the game.&nbsp; Ryan Mountcastle led the inning off with a triple, his first of the season.&nbsp; Bubic bounced back from the triple, striking out Ramón Laureano, but while facing Gary Sánchez, Bubic threw a wild pitch, allowing Moutcastle to come home and score.

Bubic, coming off a strong six inning start against the Milwaukee Brewers where he struck out eight batters and gave up just three hits, looked nearly untouchable again, this time lasting nearly seven innings, but was pulled before recording the final out of the seventh, after throwing 99 pitches, for reliever Hunter Harvey.&nbsp; Harvey struck out&nbsp;Ramón Urías to end the inning.

Lucas Erceg pitched a hitless eighth inning, striking out two batters, before&nbsp;Carlos Estévez closed out the game in the ninth, also allowing no hits and striking out one, for his second save of the season.&nbsp;

Bubic pitched 6.2 innings, giving up five hits and one run, striking out eight batters and walking one.&nbsp; The Royals bullpen combined for 2.1 innings, giving up no hits and striking out four.&nbsp; Witt Jr led the way hitting for Kansas City, going 3-4 and coming up a home run shy of the cycle.&nbsp;

Kansas City opens up a series against their AL Central foes the Minnesota Twins on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Lorenzen starts for the Royals against&nbsp;Simeon Woods Richardson for Minnesota.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:40pm, the game will air on the FanDuel Sports Network.&nbsp;

There will be no coverage of Royals baseball on KFEQ due to the NCAA Men's Championship game between Florida and Houston.&nbsp; That coverage begins at&nbsp; 6pm.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743972202037.jpeg" alt="Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr hit a single, double, and a triple, but struck out late in the game coming up a home run shy of the cycle in Kansas City's 4-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr hit a single, double, and a triple, but struck out late in the game coming up a home run shy of the cycle in Kansas City's 4-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostKansas City starting pitcher Kris Bubic once again looked brilliant on the mound against the Baltimore Orioles, helping the Royals to their first series win of the season, winning 4-1 on Sunday at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp;The Royals scored all their runs across the first two innings, then relied on the strong pitching of Bubic and the bullpen on way to the win.&nbsp; Three runs scored in the first on a slew of hitting, starting with a Bobby Witt Jr triple into right center field.&nbsp; Witt Jr came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Vinnie Pasquantino in the next at bat.&nbsp;After the sacrifice fly, Kansas City got singles from Salvador Perez and Mark Canha, who came across to score on the third double of the season by Michael Massey.&nbsp; Hunter Renfroe struck out to end the first.&nbsp; The final Royals run in the second came thanks to an RBI single by Freddy Fermin, driving in Maikel Garcia, who led the inning off with a single.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On the board early! <a href="https://t.co/cQAbQGrPWj">pic.twitter.com/cQAbQGrPWj</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1908951701672833499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Orioles lone run came in the seventh inning of the game.&nbsp; Ryan Mountcastle led the inning off with a triple, his first of the season.&nbsp; Bubic bounced back from the triple, striking out Ramón Laureano, but while facing Gary Sánchez, Bubic threw a wild pitch, allowing Moutcastle to come home and score.Bubic, coming off a strong six inning start against the Milwaukee Brewers where he struck out eight batters and gave up just three hits, looked nearly untouchable again, this time lasting nearly seven innings, but was pulled before recording the final out of the seventh, after throwing 99 pitches, for reliever Hunter Harvey.&nbsp; Harvey struck out&nbsp;Ramón Urías to end the inning.Lucas Erceg pitched a hitless eighth inning, striking out two batters, before&nbsp;Carlos Estévez closed out the game in the ninth, also allowing no hits and striking out one, for his second save of the season.&nbsp;Bubic pitched 6.2 innings, giving up five hits and one run, striking out eight batters and walking one.&nbsp; The Royals bullpen combined for 2.1 innings, giving up no hits and striking out four.&nbsp; Witt Jr led the way hitting for Kansas City, going 3-4 and coming up a home run shy of the cycle.&nbsp;Kansas City opens up a series against their AL Central foes the Minnesota Twins on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Lorenzen starts for the Royals against&nbsp;Simeon Woods Richardson for Minnesota.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:40pm, the game will air on the FanDuel Sports Network.&nbsp;There will be no coverage of Royals baseball on KFEQ due to the NCAA Men's Championship game between Florida and Houston.&nbsp; That coverage begins at&nbsp; 6pm.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bubic brilliant again, Royals take series from Orioles with 4-1 win 

Due to persistent rain in the Boston area, Saturday’s Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals game was postponed and will be played as part of a day-night doubleheader Sunday.

The clubs had a delay of two hours and eight minutes before the decision was made to postpone Saturday’s contest.

Left hander Sean Newcomb, originally scheduled to pitch the Sunday night finale, will now pitch Game 1 for the Red Sox. Boston has not announced a potential starter for for Game 2. Right hander&nbsp;Richard Fitts was in line to start on Saturday before the postponement.

Right-handed pitcher Andre Pallante gave the rain-soaked fans at Fenway a brief tease on Saturday night when he emerged from the dugout and headed out to the outfield to get in a throwing session. However, he was simply just getting in his work before making his second start of the season on Sunday.

Pallante is scheduled to pitch Sunday’s first game.&nbsp;Veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas will pitch the second game. First pitch in game one of the doubleheader will be at 12:35pm, coverage will begin at 11:40 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostDue to persistent rain in the Boston area, Saturday’s Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals game was postponed and will be played as part of a day-night doubleheader Sunday.The clubs had a delay of two hours and eight minutes before the decision was made to postpone Saturday’s contest.Left hander Sean Newcomb, originally scheduled to pitch the Sunday night finale, will now pitch Game 1 for the Red Sox. Boston has not announced a potential starter for for Game 2. Right hander&nbsp;Richard Fitts was in line to start on Saturday before the postponement.Right-handed pitcher Andre Pallante gave the rain-soaked fans at Fenway a brief tease on Saturday night when he emerged from the dugout and headed out to the outfield to get in a throwing session. However, he was simply just getting in his work before making his second start of the season on Sunday.Pallante is scheduled to pitch Sunday’s first game.&nbsp;Veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas will pitch the second game. First pitch in game one of the doubleheader will be at 12:35pm, coverage will begin at 11:40 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cardinals matchup with Red Sox postponed Saturday, doubleheader Sunday

A four run sixth inning overwhelmed Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha and reliever Sam Long, and Kansas City fell 8-1 to the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp;

Wacha cruised through the first five innings of the game, surrendering two runs in the second on a two RBI single by Gary Sanchez, that scored&nbsp;Tyler O'Neill and&nbsp;Ryan Mountcastle.&nbsp; Aside from that, Wacha struck out five batters, and gave up just four hits to the Orioles lineup.&nbsp; In the sixth, Wacha was one out away from a quality start when the wheels began to fall off.&nbsp;

Back-to-back singles from Cedric Mullins and Mountcastle&nbsp; forced manager Matt Quatraro to turn to reliver Sam Long, following Wacha retiring O'Neill on a flyout to center field, for a left-on-left matchup against Baltimore left fielder Heston Kjerstad.&nbsp; Kjerstad singled off Long to drive in Mullins.&nbsp; One batter later, Ramón Urías singled to second base, where the ball deflected off Maikel Garcia, and Mountcastle scored.&nbsp;

With Kjerstad at third, and Urías at first, Long walked Sanchez to load the bases, and then a single by Jackson Holliday scored both Kjerstad and&nbsp;Urías for the final runs of the inning.&nbsp; The Royals lone run of the game came in the bottom half of the sixth, Bobby Witt Jr hitting his first home run of the season to left field.&nbsp;

Baltimore scored the final runs of the game in the seventh inning on the first triple of the season for O'Neill, the former St. Louis Cardinal, driving in Jordan Westburg and Mulllins.&nbsp;

Wacha fell to 0-2 on the season taking the loss, pitching 5.2 innings, giving up six hits and four runs, striking out five and walking one.&nbsp; The Royals managed five hits in the loss, all coming from five different players.&nbsp;

The Royals and Orioles wrap up their series tomorrow. Kris Bubic will look to follow up his outstanding season debut as he takes the mound for Kansas City, against&nbsp;Cade Povich for Baltimore.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 1:10pm, coverage will begin at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA four run sixth inning overwhelmed Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha and reliever Sam Long, and Kansas City fell 8-1 to the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp;Wacha cruised through the first five innings of the game, surrendering two runs in the second on a two RBI single by Gary Sanchez, that scored&nbsp;Tyler O'Neill and&nbsp;Ryan Mountcastle.&nbsp; Aside from that, Wacha struck out five batters, and gave up just four hits to the Orioles lineup.&nbsp; In the sixth, Wacha was one out away from a quality start when the wheels began to fall off.&nbsp;Back-to-back singles from Cedric Mullins and Mountcastle&nbsp; forced manager Matt Quatraro to turn to reliver Sam Long, following Wacha retiring O'Neill on a flyout to center field, for a left-on-left matchup against Baltimore left fielder Heston Kjerstad.&nbsp; Kjerstad singled off Long to drive in Mullins.&nbsp; One batter later, Ramón Urías singled to second base, where the ball deflected off Maikel Garcia, and Mountcastle scored.&nbsp;With Kjerstad at third, and Urías at first, Long walked Sanchez to load the bases, and then a single by Jackson Holliday scored both Kjerstad and&nbsp;Urías for the final runs of the inning.&nbsp; The Royals lone run of the game came in the bottom half of the sixth, Bobby Witt Jr hitting his first home run of the season to left field.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bobby blast. 💥 <a href="https://t.co/UuyFLJGWAE">pic.twitter.com/UuyFLJGWAE</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1908638704756797719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Baltimore scored the final runs of the game in the seventh inning on the first triple of the season for O'Neill, the former St. Louis Cardinal, driving in Jordan Westburg and Mulllins.&nbsp;Wacha fell to 0-2 on the season taking the loss, pitching 5.2 innings, giving up six hits and four runs, striking out five and walking one.&nbsp; The Royals managed five hits in the loss, all coming from five different players.&nbsp;The Royals and Orioles wrap up their series tomorrow. Kris Bubic will look to follow up his outstanding season debut as he takes the mound for Kansas City, against&nbsp;Cade Povich for Baltimore.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 1:10pm, coverage will begin at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals overwhelmed in sixth inning, fall to Baltimore 8-1

The Kansas City Royals put together a strong all around effort at Kauffman Stadium on Friday night, beating the Baltimore Orioles 8-2 to open a three game weekend series.&nbsp;

Salvador Perez doubled to left field scoring Bobby Witt Jr to open the scoring for Kansas City in the first inning.&nbsp; Baltimore took the lead in the second, a single by&nbsp;Heston Kjerstad first driving in&nbsp;Ryan O'Hearn to tie the game up.&nbsp; Kjerstad later came around to score in the inning, from there the Royals defense held the Orioles off the board.&nbsp;

The Royals took the lead back for good in the bottom of the fourth inning. Maikel Garcia continued his hot start to the season, a single to center field driving in both Perez and Cavan Biggio.&nbsp; The Kansas City defense was also on full display in the game, in the sixth inning, a gold glove winner last year Seth Lugo caught a line drive back at him from Jordan Westburg.&nbsp;

Kansas City added the final insurance runs in the eighth inning with a five spot.&nbsp; Garcia drove in another run with his third double of the season, scoring Mark Canha.&nbsp; Garcia later came around to score with on a fielders choice, in which Kyle Isbel reached first.&nbsp; With the bases loaded, Vinnie Pasquantino singled to drive in the final three runs, scoring Isbel, MJ Melendez, and Witt Jr.&nbsp;

Seth Lugo earned his first win of the season, after a no decision in his first start, pitching six innings and striking out two, giving up five hits and two runs, just one earned, while walking one.&nbsp; Garcia (2-4, 3 RBIs), Perez (2-5, 1 RBI), and Pasquantino (2-5, 3 RBIs) led the way hitting.

The Royals and Orioles are back in action again tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha will start for Kansas City against&nbsp;Tomoyuki Sugano for Baltimore.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 3:10 pm and the game will be aired on the FanDuel Sports Network.&nbsp; 

There will be NO coverage on KFEQ due to the NCAA Men's Final Four.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743822038151.jpeg" alt="Maikel Garcia went 2-4 with 3 RBI's in the Royals 8-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Maikel Garcia went 2-4 with 3 RBI's in the Royals 8-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Royals put together a strong all around effort at Kauffman Stadium on Friday night, beating the Baltimore Orioles 8-2 to open a three game weekend series.&nbsp;Salvador Perez doubled to left field scoring Bobby Witt Jr to open the scoring for Kansas City in the first inning.&nbsp; Baltimore took the lead in the second, a single by&nbsp;Heston Kjerstad first driving in&nbsp;Ryan O'Hearn to tie the game up.&nbsp; Kjerstad later came around to score in the inning, from there the Royals defense held the Orioles off the board.&nbsp;The Royals took the lead back for good in the bottom of the fourth inning. Maikel Garcia continued his hot start to the season, a single to center field driving in both Perez and Cavan Biggio.&nbsp; The Kansas City defense was also on full display in the game, in the sixth inning, a gold glove winner last year Seth Lugo caught a line drive back at him from Jordan Westburg.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">That&#39;s Gold Glover Seth Lugo. <a href="https://t.co/LvzVnpbkxn">pic.twitter.com/LvzVnpbkxn</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1908329681054576682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas City added the final insurance runs in the eighth inning with a five spot.&nbsp; Garcia drove in another run with his third double of the season, scoring Mark Canha.&nbsp; Garcia later came around to score with on a fielders choice, in which Kyle Isbel reached first.&nbsp; With the bases loaded, Vinnie Pasquantino singled to drive in the final three runs, scoring Isbel, MJ Melendez, and Witt Jr.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A little insurance never hurts! <a href="https://t.co/eK44v2EvL7">pic.twitter.com/eK44v2EvL7</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1908343218921488558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Seth Lugo earned his first win of the season, after a no decision in his first start, pitching six innings and striking out two, giving up five hits and two runs, just one earned, while walking one.&nbsp; Garcia (2-4, 3 RBIs), Perez (2-5, 1 RBI), and Pasquantino (2-5, 3 RBIs) led the way hitting.The Royals and Orioles are back in action again tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha will start for Kansas City against&nbsp;Tomoyuki Sugano for Baltimore.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 3:10 pm and the game will be aired on the FanDuel Sports Network.&nbsp; There will be NO coverage on KFEQ due to the NCAA Men's Final Four.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Garcia stays hot as Royals top Orioles in series opener 8-2

The St. Louis Cardinals were unable to overcome a five run first inning by the Boston Red Sox, falling 13-9 at Fenway Park in the first home game of the season at the historic stadium.&nbsp;

New Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman doubled to score the first run of the game, driving in&nbsp;Jarren Duran, before Trevor Story smashed his second home run of the season to left field, scoring&nbsp;Rafael Devers and Bregman.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wilyer Abreu capped off the first inning scoring with his third home run of the season to right field.&nbsp;

The Cardinals scored one run in the top of the third inning, Lars Nootbaar driving in&nbsp;Victor Scott II on a ground ball to the left fielder Duran.&nbsp; But Boston answered in the bottom half&nbsp;Carlos Narváez singling into right field and scoring&nbsp;Kristian Campbell to push the Red Sox lead to 6-1 after three innings.&nbsp;

St. Louis put together a bigger inning in the fourth, cutting the lead to two runs all with one swing of the bat.&nbsp; Catcher&nbsp;Iván Herrera, who hit three home runs in Wednesday's win against the Los Angeles Angels, hit his fourth home run in two games, a three run shot to right center scoring Nolan Arenado and Alec Burleson.

Brendan Donovan cut the Red Sox lead to one the very next inning, hitting a solo home run to right center.&nbsp; Boston though, added two back in the bottom half,&nbsp;Abreu singling to drive in Bregman, followed by a sacrifice fly to right field from Campbell, which was called on the field for fan interference but was overturned after review, scored&nbsp;Triston Casas.

Donovan singled in the top of the seventh inning, to score Nootbaar, but then in the bottom half of the seventh Boston struck for three runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ceddanne Rafaela grounded into a force out, which Abreu scored on, in the next at bat Duran singled to drive in Campbell and then Devers followed that with a single of his own to bring home Rafaela.

The Red Sox final two runs came in the bottom of the eighth.&nbsp; Abreu grounded into a double play, scoring Casas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlos Narváez hit his first double of the year driving in Campbell.&nbsp; St. Louis made a rally attempt in the ninth, scoring the final three runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Willson Contreras singled to bring home Masyn Winn, followed by Donovan singling to score Nootbaar.&nbsp; The final run came thanks to Arenado reaching on a fielders choice, scoring Contreras.&nbsp;

Erick Fedde struggled in his second start of the year, pitching three innings and giving up six runs on five hits, walking four and striking out just one while taking the loss.&nbsp; Burleson led the way hitting going 3-4 with one run.&nbsp;

The Cardinals and Red Sox are back in action again tomorrow.&nbsp; Andre Pallante will start for St. Louis against Richard Fitts for Boston.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 3:10pm, pregame coverage starts at 2:15 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743819391685.jpeg" alt="Cardinals players sign the Green Monster at Fenway Park before their game against the Boston Red Sox/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Cardinals players sign the Green Monster at Fenway Park before their game against the Boston Red Sox/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals were unable to overcome a five run first inning by the Boston Red Sox, falling 13-9 at Fenway Park in the first home game of the season at the historic stadium.&nbsp;New Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman doubled to score the first run of the game, driving in&nbsp;Jarren Duran, before Trevor Story smashed his second home run of the season to left field, scoring&nbsp;Rafael Devers and Bregman.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wilyer Abreu capped off the first inning scoring with his third home run of the season to right field.&nbsp;The Cardinals scored one run in the top of the third inning, Lars Nootbaar driving in&nbsp;Victor Scott II on a ground ball to the left fielder Duran.&nbsp; But Boston answered in the bottom half&nbsp;Carlos Narváez singling into right field and scoring&nbsp;Kristian Campbell to push the Red Sox lead to 6-1 after three innings.&nbsp;St. Louis put together a bigger inning in the fourth, cutting the lead to two runs all with one swing of the bat.&nbsp; Catcher&nbsp;Iván Herrera, who hit three home runs in Wednesday's win against the Los Angeles Angels, hit his fourth home run in two games, a three run shot to right center scoring Nolan Arenado and Alec Burleson.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Iván Herrera has his FOURTH home run in two games! 📈 <a href="https://t.co/tWyMfGA2lM">pic.twitter.com/tWyMfGA2lM</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1908238730969632969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Brendan Donovan cut the Red Sox lead to one the very next inning, hitting a solo home run to right center.&nbsp; Boston though, added two back in the bottom half,&nbsp;Abreu singling to drive in Bregman, followed by a sacrifice fly to right field from Campbell, which was called on the field for fan interference but was overturned after review, scored&nbsp;Triston Casas.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donnie Baseball! 💣 <a href="https://t.co/JEpHCpy7W5">pic.twitter.com/JEpHCpy7W5</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1908242880679813416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Donovan singled in the top of the seventh inning, to score Nootbaar, but then in the bottom half of the seventh Boston struck for three runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ceddanne Rafaela grounded into a force out, which Abreu scored on, in the next at bat Duran singled to drive in Campbell and then Devers followed that with a single of his own to bring home Rafaela.The Red Sox final two runs came in the bottom of the eighth.&nbsp; Abreu grounded into a double play, scoring Casas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlos Narváez hit his first double of the year driving in Campbell.&nbsp; St. Louis made a rally attempt in the ninth, scoring the final three runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Willson Contreras singled to bring home Masyn Winn, followed by Donovan singling to score Nootbaar.&nbsp; The final run came thanks to Arenado reaching on a fielders choice, scoring Contreras.&nbsp;Erick Fedde struggled in his second start of the year, pitching three innings and giving up six runs on five hits, walking four and striking out just one while taking the loss.&nbsp; Burleson led the way hitting going 3-4 with one run.&nbsp;The Cardinals and Red Sox are back in action again tomorrow.&nbsp; Andre Pallante will start for St. Louis against Richard Fitts for Boston.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 3:10pm, pregame coverage starts at 2:15 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Herrera homers again, but Cardinals fall to Red Sox 13-9

Luke Scheidecker has officially been introduced as the 11th head coach in program history for the Missouri Western State University women's basketball team.  

Scheidecker says the opportunity to come to St. Joseph and play in one of the best conferences in division two basketball made taking the job a no brainer 

"There's certain jobs where the resources aren't there to maybe compete for national championships, that's not the case here," Scheidecker tells reporters.  "The resources are here, available, there's potential to win big and win at a high rate and graduate our student athletes and move them on." 

Scheidecker brings a winning way to Western.  During his time at Wabash Valley College, he amassed 231 career wins and lost just 22 games total.  

Scheidecker says as a coach, he's very demanding of his players 

"It's not demeaning, but it's like hey we have certain expectations," Scheidecker explains.  "If we're going to play the pace and style we want to play, you can't take possessions off, it has to be 40 minutes of straight, controlled chaos as I would say." 

Scheidecker says fans that come and see his team play will see a fun and fast play style for 40 minutes 

"We're going to get players who can play, that's what we're going to do," Scheidecker emphasizes.  "Recruiting is what I love to do, it's my passion, so we're going to get players that fit the system, fit the community, fit the school, but it's going to be fast paced, it's going to be in your face for 40 minutes pressure defense, flying around, trying to score in the first seven seconds, that is the style we're going to bring." 

Scheidecker may come from the junior college ranks, but he knows the challenges of his new conference.  His wife Tori, previously served as a graduate assistant under former Western head coach Candi Whitaker.  

Scheidecker says knowing how challenging the MIAA conference can be, his goal is just for his team to be different than the rest of the league 

"We want to be different," Scheidecker says.  "And I think that's one of our things recruiting is getting the right people who fit our system and our style that play that different way." 

Scheidecker inherits a women's program that has made the NCAA tournament three times in the last four years.  He replaces Ashton Feldhaus following her resignation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743798809178.jpeg" alt="New Missouri Western women's basketball coach Luke Scheidecker (middle) alongside University President Elizabeth Kennedy (left) and Athletic Director Andy Carter (right)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>New Missouri Western women's basketball coach Luke Scheidecker (middle) alongside University President Elizabeth Kennedy (left) and Athletic Director Andy Carter (right)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Luke Scheidecker has officially been introduced as the 11th head coach in program history for the Missouri Western State University women's basketball team. Scheidecker says the opportunity to come to St. Joseph and play in one of the best conferences in division two basketball made taking the job a no brainer "There's certain jobs where the resources aren't there to maybe compete for national championships, that's not the case here," Scheidecker tells reporters. "The resources are here, available, there's potential to win big and win at a high rate and graduate our student athletes and move them on." Scheidecker brings a winning way to Western. During his time at Wabash Valley College, he amassed 231 career wins and lost just 22 games total. Scheidecker says as a coach, he's very demanding of his players "It's not demeaning, but it's like hey we have certain expectations," Scheidecker explains. "If we're going to play the pace and style we want to play, you can't take possessions off, it has to be 40 minutes of straight, controlled chaos as I would say." Scheidecker says fans that come and see his team play will see a fun and fast play style for 40 minutes "We're going to get players who can play, that's what we're going to do," Scheidecker emphasizes. "Recruiting is what I love to do, it's my passion, so we're going to get players that fit the system, fit the community, fit the school, but it's going to be fast paced, it's going to be in your face for 40 minutes pressure defense, flying around, trying to score in the first seven seconds, that is the style we're going to bring." Scheidecker may come from the junior college ranks, but he knows the challenges of his new conference. His wife Tori, previously served as a graduate assistant under former Western head coach Candi Whitaker. Scheidecker says knowing how challenging the MIAA conference can be, his goal is just for his team to be different than the rest of the league "We want to be different," Scheidecker says. "And I think that's one of our things recruiting is getting the right people who fit our system and our style that play that different way." Scheidecker inherits a women's program that has made the NCAA tournament three times in the last four years. He replaces Ashton Feldhaus following her resignation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743798895082.jpeg" alt="Luke Scheidecker/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Luke Scheidecker/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

New MWSU WBB coach Luke Scheidecker looks to continue winning ways at Western

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-442025-e313v0e/a-absb5s6" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The deadline to nominate an area athlete, coach, or team for the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025 is nearing.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Eseley says the nomination portal for the Hall of Fame is actually open 365 days a year 

"However, we heavily promote it this time of year because we will, after nominations close, literally about a month later select our class of 2025, we'll announce that publicly late May, early June," Esely tells KFEQ News.  "But it's critical right now, and I know several people are working on nominations, that we receive those by this Friday, April 4th, that is the nomination deadline for consideration in the 2025 class." 

Esely says the nomination form can be filled out online. 

"That form is pretty basic ultimately, we obviously need to know who you're nominating, little bit of background on them, we like to know who the nominator is because if we have any questions we can ask that person," Esely explains.  "But then it's really critical that that nominator puts together as much biographical information as possible." 

Esely says when filling out a nomination form, give more information than you might think is needed, and uses a high school coach as an example 

"Coaches coach in some cases four decades, and so with that portray what that coach has done," Esely says.  "If we're talking about a high school coach, have they won state championships, did they have consecutive winning seasons that stretched 20 plus years, coaches are mentors, they're teachers, they're role models, display those things too, that's important." 

That same form can also be filled out by visiting the Sports Commission offices located at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648580960759.jpeg" alt="Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, announces the first ever St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class in June 2021. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, announces the first ever St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class in June 2021. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The deadline to nominate an area athlete, coach, or team for the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025 is nearing. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Eseley says the nomination portal for the Hall of Fame is actually open 365 days a year "However, we heavily promote it this time of year because we will, after nominations close, literally about a month later select our class of 2025, we'll announce that publicly late May, early June," Esely tells KFEQ News. "But it's critical right now, and I know several people are working on nominations, that we receive those by this Friday, April 4th, that is the nomination deadline for consideration in the 2025 class." Esely says the nomination form can be filled out online. "That form is pretty basic ultimately, we obviously need to know who you're nominating, little bit of background on them, we like to know who the nominator is because if we have any questions we can ask that person," Esely explains. "But then it's really critical that that nominator puts together as much biographical information as possible." Esely says when filling out a nomination form, give more information than you might think is needed, and uses a high school coach as an example "Coaches coach in some cases four decades, and so with that portray what that coach has done," Esely says. "If we're talking about a high school coach, have they won state championships, did they have consecutive winning seasons that stretched 20 plus years, coaches are mentors, they're teachers, they're role models, display those things too, that's important." That same form can also be filled out by visiting the Sports Commission offices located at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Nomination deadline nearing for class of 2025 in St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-432025-e312c0e/a-abs95b7" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

For a second straight game the Kansas City Royals got a strong performance by their starting pitcher, but were unable to provide run support, falling 3-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers in 11 innings Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

In his first start since Opening Day, Cole Ragans pitched five innings and surrendered just one run on five hits, striking out an oustanding 10 Brewers batters, walking just two, at American Family Field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The lone run surrendered by Ragans came in the first inning to the second batter.&nbsp; After striking out&nbsp;Brice Turang, Ragans hung a changup down the middle to&nbsp;Jackson Chourio which was promptly put into the left field stands to give the early lead to Milwaukee.&nbsp;

Kansas City answered in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp; Michael Massey hit a ground rule double after Salvador Perez flew out to open the inning.&nbsp; And after Hunter Renfroe struck out swinging, Cavan Biggio drove in Massey on an RBI single, tying the game at 1-1, where it would stay until the 10th inning.&nbsp;

The Royals struggled to figure out Brewers starter Freddy Peralta, who after holding the hot hitting Yankees to two runs on four hits in his Opening Day start over five innings, shut down the Royals bats over eight innings, striking out eight and allowing just two hits through his start.&nbsp;

Kansas City took the lead in the top half of the 10th inning, a single from Massey driving in Tyler Tolbert, who pinch ran for Vinnie Pasquantino who started the inning at second base.&nbsp; But Milwaukee tied the game back up in the bottom half immediatly as&nbsp;Chourio doubled to score&nbsp;Turang.&nbsp; After back to back intentional walks, reliever&nbsp;Carlos Estévez was able to escape a bases loaded jam to force the 11th inning.&nbsp;

Kansas City would not score in the top half, getting a runner to third base before Jonathan India struck out to end the chance.&nbsp; In the bottom half, with a runner on third, Turang bunted for a single, back to pitcher Sam Long who tried to throw to first base, scoring&nbsp;Oliver Dunn for the walk off win.&nbsp;

Massey led the way hitting for the Royals going 2-4 with one run batted in.&nbsp; India and Biggio had the only other hits for Kansas City, who for a second game in a row managed just four hits total.&nbsp;

The Royals return home to the comforts of Kauffman Stadium next to take on the Baltimore Orioles starting Friday.&nbsp; Seth Lugo will start for the Royals, no starter has been announced for Baltimore.

First pitch Friday will be at 6:40pm, with pregame at 6 on KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM).

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFor a second straight game the Kansas City Royals got a strong performance by their starting pitcher, but were unable to provide run support, falling 3-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers in 11 innings Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;In his first start since Opening Day, Cole Ragans pitched five innings and surrendered just one run on five hits, striking out an oustanding 10 Brewers batters, walking just two, at American Family Field.&nbsp;&nbsp;The lone run surrendered by Ragans came in the first inning to the second batter.&nbsp; After striking out&nbsp;Brice Turang, Ragans hung a changup down the middle to&nbsp;Jackson Chourio which was promptly put into the left field stands to give the early lead to Milwaukee.&nbsp;Kansas City answered in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp; Michael Massey hit a ground rule double after Salvador Perez flew out to open the inning.&nbsp; And after Hunter Renfroe struck out swinging, Cavan Biggio drove in Massey on an RBI single, tying the game at 1-1, where it would stay until the 10th inning.&nbsp;The Royals struggled to figure out Brewers starter Freddy Peralta, who after holding the hot hitting Yankees to two runs on four hits in his Opening Day start over five innings, shut down the Royals bats over eight innings, striking out eight and allowing just two hits through his start.&nbsp;Kansas City took the lead in the top half of the 10th inning, a single from Massey driving in Tyler Tolbert, who pinch ran for Vinnie Pasquantino who started the inning at second base.&nbsp; But Milwaukee tied the game back up in the bottom half immediatly as&nbsp;Chourio doubled to score&nbsp;Turang.&nbsp; After back to back intentional walks, reliever&nbsp;Carlos Estévez was able to escape a bases loaded jam to force the 11th inning.&nbsp;Kansas City would not score in the top half, getting a runner to third base before Jonathan India struck out to end the chance.&nbsp; In the bottom half, with a runner on third, Turang bunted for a single, back to pitcher Sam Long who tried to throw to first base, scoring&nbsp;Oliver Dunn for the walk off win.&nbsp;Massey led the way hitting for the Royals going 2-4 with one run batted in.&nbsp; India and Biggio had the only other hits for Kansas City, who for a second game in a row managed just four hits total.&nbsp;The Royals return home to the comforts of Kauffman Stadium next to take on the Baltimore Orioles starting Friday.&nbsp; Seth Lugo will start for the Royals, no starter has been announced for Baltimore.First pitch Friday will be at 6:40pm, with pregame at 6 on KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite Ragans strong start, Royals fall in extras to Brewers 3-2

Iván Herrera's first career multihomer game helped power the St. Louis Cardinals to a 12-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday afternoon at Busch Stadium, avoiding a series sweep.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Mike Trout opened the scoring for Los Angeles in the first inning with a solo home run, the Angels held a 1-0 lead until the fourth inning, when Herrera hit his first home run of the game, a solo shot 395 feet to left field to knot the game at one a piece.&nbsp;

St. Louis took their first lead of the game in the sixth inning on Herrera's second blast of the game again to left field, this one traveling even farther going 414 feet, and driving in Nolan Arenado for the Cardinals to take a 3-1 lead.&nbsp;

The Angels took the lead back in the seventh on one hit, a grand slam by&nbsp;Logan O'Hoppe that brought in Jorge Soler,&nbsp;Yoán Moncada, and Nolan Schanuel.&nbsp; But St. Louis tied the game back up in the bottom half, on an RBI double from&nbsp;Willson Contreras scoring Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis's offense exploded for the final seven runs of the game in the eighth inning.&nbsp; The first two coming on bases loaded walks to&nbsp;Contreras and Alec Burleson.&nbsp; An Arenado single drove in Winn and Contreras, before Herrera's third home run brought in the final runs, scoring Burleson and Arenado.&nbsp; The three homer game made Herrera the first Cardinals catcher in history to hit three home runs in a single game.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743624646768.jpeg" alt="Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera celebrates in the dugout after one of his three home runs, his first career multi home run game, as the Cardinals beat the Angels 12-5 Wednesday afternoon/ Photo courtey of the St. Louis Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera celebrates in the dugout after one of his three home runs, his first career multi home run game, as the Cardinals beat the Angels 12-5 Wednesday afternoon/ Photo courtey of the St. Louis Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostIván Herrera's first career multihomer game helped power the St. Louis Cardinals to a 12-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday afternoon at Busch Stadium, avoiding a series sweep.&nbsp;&nbsp;After Mike Trout opened the scoring for Los Angeles in the first inning with a solo home run, the Angels held a 1-0 lead until the fourth inning, when Herrera hit his first home run of the game, a solo shot 395 feet to left field to knot the game at one a piece.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Iván Herrera homers to left to tie it! 💥 <a href="https://t.co/mo373zggb6">pic.twitter.com/mo373zggb6</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1907498487442284688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>St. Louis took their first lead of the game in the sixth inning on Herrera's second blast of the game again to left field, this one traveling even farther going 414 feet, and driving in Nolan Arenado for the Cardinals to take a 3-1 lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HERRERA HOMER X2!!! <a href="https://t.co/zZ4q9U9lRH">pic.twitter.com/zZ4q9U9lRH</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1907506683800113654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Angels took the lead back in the seventh on one hit, a grand slam by&nbsp;Logan O'Hoppe that brought in Jorge Soler,&nbsp;Yoán Moncada, and Nolan Schanuel.&nbsp; But St. Louis tied the game back up in the bottom half, on an RBI double from&nbsp;Willson Contreras scoring Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn.&nbsp;&nbsp;St. Louis's offense exploded for the final seven runs of the game in the eighth inning.&nbsp; The first two coming on bases loaded walks to&nbsp;Contreras and Alec Burleson.&nbsp; An Arenado single drove in Winn and Contreras, before Herrera's third home run brought in the final runs, scoring Burleson and Arenado.&nbsp; The three homer game made Herrera the first Cardinals catcher in history to hit three home runs in a single game.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Iván Herrera becomes the first catcher in Cardinals history with three home runs in one game! 💣 <a href="https://t.co/pJ7SJ1wpWw">pic.twitter.com/pJ7SJ1wpWw</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1907523617497510154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>JoJo Romero earned the win in relief for St. Louis, pitching 1.1 innings and striking out one.&nbsp; Sonny Gray, the starting pitcher, pitched six innings in a no decision giving up five hits and five runs, all earned, while striking out nine.&nbsp;Herrera led the way hitting for the Cardinals going 3-4 with three home runs, driving in six runs.&nbsp; Nootbaar (2-5), Arenado (2-3, 2 RBI), and Winn (2-4) also helped.&nbsp;The Cardinals are now 4-2 on the young season.&nbsp; They hit the road for the first time next, traveling to Boston to meet the Red Sox.&nbsp;&nbsp;Erick Fedde will start for St. Louis against&nbsp;Walker Buehler for the Red Sox.&nbsp;Coverage will begin on KY 102 (102.5 FM) at 1pm with first pitch at 1:10 on Friday.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;