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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KFEQ Morning Sports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cardinals shutout by Astros in low scoring 2-0 affair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals outhit the Philadelphia Phillies, but were unable to push runs across against the National League East leaders as they fell 4-1 at Busch Stadium on Saturday afternoon.The Phillies got on the board first in the first inning.&nbsp; After Miles Mikolas retired Bryson Stott and Trea Turner to start the inning, Bryce Harper singled and Kyle Schwarber walked, before Nick Castellanos doubled to drive both in runners, a hit that was deflected off Victor Scott II to Lars Nootbaar in the outfield.&nbsp; Max Kepler flied out to right field to end the inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;After Philadelphia added one more run in the fifth inning, an RBI double from Stott scoring Brandon Marsh, the Cardinals found their way onto the scoreboard in the sixth inning.&nbsp; Luken Baker hit his second double of the season after Nootbaar struck out to open the inning, and Baker came home to score on an RBI single from&nbsp;Willson Contreras.The Phillies final run of the game was in the seventh inning.&nbsp; Alec Bohm hit a leadoff single and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Marsh, and then to third with a sacrifice fly by Stott.&nbsp; Bohm scored on a single by Turner.&nbsp;Mikolas took the loss, falling to 0-2 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up three runs on three hits, walking two and striking out six.&nbsp; Contreras led the way hitting going 2-4 with an RBI.&nbsp; St. Louis hit into five double plays in the loss. It was the first time the Cardinals have hit into that many in a game since April 27, 2011.The Cardinals did make a roster move prior to Saturday's game.&nbsp; Masyn Winn, whose back spasmed following a stellar defensive play in the first inning of Friday’s 2-0 win over the Phillies, was placed on the 10-day injured list. The move wasn’t made until two and a half hours before first pitch of Saturday's game after the shortstop showed up to Busch Stadium and reported little progress in the tightness of his back.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lefty slugger Nolan Gorman, who strained his right hamstring on April 1, was activated off the 10-day IL to replace Winn on the active roster.The Cardinals and Phillies wrap up their three game series tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore starts for St. Louis against Zack Wheeler for Philadelphia.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame coverage begins at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744426382169.jpeg" alt="Catcher Pedro Pagés filled in at second base&nbsp;a back injury to standout shortstop Masyn Winn resulted in the Cardinals shifting Pagés from catcher to second on Friday/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Catcher Pedro Pagés filled in at second base&nbsp;a back injury to standout shortstop Masyn Winn resulted in the Cardinals shifting Pagés from catcher to second on Friday/ Photo courtesy of the Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>The St. Louis Cardinals put on a pitching clinic and needed just two runs to take down the National League East leading Philadelphia Phillies 2-0 on Friday night at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;St. Louis scored both runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thomas Saggese singled to start the inning,&nbsp;Yohel Pozo followed that with his first double of the season which scored&nbsp;Saggese.&nbsp; A single by Lars Nootbaar advanced Pozo to third, Nootbaar later advanced to second on a wild pitch, and then after back to back strikeouts to Jordan Walker and Brendan Donovan, Phillies starter Aaron Nola issued back to back walks to Nolan Arenado and Alec Burleson, the walk to Burleson bringing home NootbaarThe game also featured an interesting defensive formation by the Cardinals.&nbsp; Masyn Winn made a nifty play in the first inning when he charged a high chopper, avoided the second-base bag and threw onto first to beat speedy Phillies shortstop Trea Turner. However,&nbsp; Winn left the game in the second inning with lower back spasms, causing the Cards to get creative with their lineup because super-utility defender Brendan Donovan started the game as the designated hitter.The Cardinals moved Saggese from second base to shortstop. To avoid having to relinquish the DH, they somewhat shockingly moved catcher Pedro Pagés from behind the plate to second base -- a position he had never played at the big league level. Pozo, who was promoted earlier in the week when Iván Herrera went on the injured list with a bone bruise in his left knee, entered as the Cards catcher.Later in the night, the game truly took on an old-school National League feel as St. Louis had to pinch-hit for pitcher Andre Pallante after they had lost the designated hitter because of their zany substitutions.Cardinals starting pitcher Andre Pallante was unhittable in the game, allowing just two hits in seven innings against the Phillies, striking out four batters and walking two, before he was pulled in the eighth inning for Phil Maton.&nbsp; Ryan Helsley allowed the only other Philadelphia hit in the ninth, recording his second save of the season.&nbsp; Pozo (3-4, 1 RBI) and&nbsp;Saggese (2-4) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the win.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Cardinals and Phillies go again tomorrow at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas starts for St. Louis against&nbsp;Cristopher Sánchez for Philadelphia.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15, pregame will be at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MWSU President Kennedy says university in talks with Chiefs on Training Camp

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>

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).

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;