It’s been a banner year for Bishop LeBlond athletics, and it’s not quite over yet.

The Golden Eagles’ girls’ soccer team looks to put their name in lights as they compete in the Class 1 Final Four this Friday and Saturday in Fenton.

"We're stoked up about going out and proving ourselves," LeBlond head soccer coach Chad Thompson said. "There's been a lot of talk and everything over the past couple of years. I'm hoping we prove ourselves right."

 This is the fourth LeBlond team in this academic year alone to compete for a state championship, joining football, girls’ basketball and boys’ golf.

Thompson says these teams all have something in common.

"Everyone has a really, really good work ethic and they enjoy it," he said. "They're not doing it, because their friend is. Or, because Mom told them to or Dad told them they have to do something. They're out here, because they love the game."

LeBlond girls’ soccer (14-5) comes into this Final Four on a seven-match winning streak, most recently knocking off Barstow 2-1 in a state quarterfinal thriller this past Saturday.&nbsp;

Freshman Katie Sego scored what ended up being the go-ahead goal with 29:33 left in that match.

"Everyone has stepped up when they needed to on the field," Sego said. "It helped us all to grow with our connections, with our passing and talking. It really just helps a lot."

Sego is one of six freshmen on this year's varsity roster that was thrust into a bigger role this season with injuries popping up. Senior defender and Culver-Stockton soccer signee Emma Raines has been out all season due to an injury sustained in basketball season.

Defenders Charley Elliott and Maddie Angold have also had to miss significant time this spring.

Despite some hardships, outgoing senior and midfielder Emersyn McChristy has noticed just how hard the underclassmen have worked to fill the gaps.

"They've been doing good, learning quickly on how to fill those roles that we've lost people in," McChristy said. "They've grown together with us and have stepped up a lot."

Those adjustments and that growth have led LeBlond to their first Final Four appearance in program history. The Golden Eagles will first face Father Tolton (16-8-1) in state semifinals on Friday at noon at the World Wide Technology Soccer Park.

Villa Duchesne (9-11) and Saxony Lutheran (12-8) is the other semifinal matchup. LeBlond will play on Saturday - either for third place at 10 a.m. or for the grand prize at 11 a.m.

Whatever happens, whoever they play, Thompson says the goal this weekend is relatively simple.

"We're going down to have fun and play the best soccer we can play," he stated. "If we play the best soccer we can play, everything will be fine."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685668267465.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt’s been a banner year for Bishop LeBlond athletics, and it’s not quite over yet.The Golden Eagles’ girls’ soccer team looks to put their name in lights as they compete in the Class 1 Final Four this Friday and Saturday in Fenton."We're stoked up about going out and proving ourselves," LeBlond head soccer coach Chad Thompson said. "There's been a lot of talk and everything over the past couple of years. I'm hoping we prove ourselves right." This is the fourth LeBlond team in this academic year alone to compete for a state championship, joining football, girls’ basketball and boys’ golf.Thompson says these teams all have something in common."Everyone has a really, really good work ethic and they enjoy it," he said. "They're not doing it, because their friend is. Or, because Mom told them to or Dad told them they have to do something. They're out here, because they love the game."LeBlond girls’ soccer (14-5) comes into this Final Four on a seven-match winning streak, most recently knocking off Barstow 2-1 in a state quarterfinal thriller this past Saturday.&nbsp;Freshman Katie Sego scored what ended up being the go-ahead goal with 29:33 left in that match."Everyone has stepped up when they needed to on the field," Sego said. "It helped us all to grow with our connections, with our passing and talking. It really just helps a lot."Sego is one of six freshmen on this year's varsity roster that was thrust into a bigger role this season with injuries popping up. Senior defender and Culver-Stockton soccer signee Emma Raines has been out all season due to an injury sustained in basketball season.Defenders Charley Elliott and Maddie Angold have also had to miss significant time this spring.Despite some hardships, outgoing senior and midfielder Emersyn McChristy has noticed just how hard the underclassmen have worked to fill the gaps."They've been doing good, learning quickly on how to fill those roles that we've lost people in," McChristy said. "They've grown together with us and have stepped up a lot."Those adjustments and that growth have led LeBlond to their first Final Four appearance in program history. The Golden Eagles will first face Father Tolton (16-8-1) in state semifinals on Friday at noon at the World Wide Technology Soccer Park.Villa Duchesne (9-11) and Saxony Lutheran (12-8) is the other semifinal matchup. LeBlond will play on Saturday - either for third place at 10 a.m. or for the grand prize at 11 a.m.Whatever happens, whoever they play, Thompson says the goal this weekend is relatively simple."We're going down to have fun and play the best soccer we can play," he stated. "If we play the best soccer we can play, everything will be fine."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685668783677.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684466862919.jpeg" alt="Emerson McChristy (5)." />
 <figcaption>Emerson McChristy (5).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683075997333.jpeg" alt="Maddie Sego." />
 <figcaption>Maddie Sego.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684466907735.jpeg" alt="Tatum Studer (14)." />
 <figcaption>Tatum Studer (14).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683074702140.jpeg" alt="Kendall Cathcart (32) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal." />
 <figcaption>Kendall Cathcart (32) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684467055807.jpeg" alt="Emersyn Lenz kicks the ball away." />
 <figcaption>Emersyn Lenz kicks the ball away.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

LeBlond girls' soccer set to compete in Final Four, caps historic year for Eagle athletics

The St. Joseph Mustangs tallied 10 hits and scored six runs in the third inning to pull away in an 11-4 win over the Baldwin City Blues on Opening Night at Phil Welch Stadium Wednesday.

A crowd of 4,012 fans took in the game, which is a new Mustangs' Opening Day record.

The Mustangs (1-0) got things going right away, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Leading 5-3 entering the third, St. Joseph essentially put it away with a six-run frame.

Mason Holton led the way, going 3-for-4 at the plate with four RBIs, a run scored and a double. Aron Harrington went 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

 Lafayette alum and Northwest Missouri State product Cole Slibowski scored a team-high three runs and drew three walks.

On the mound, Savannah alum and Northwest Missouri State Bearcat Ty Hilsabeck got the win in five innings pitched, striking out seven and walking five batters.

LeBlond alum Jared Guck and Ryker Curry held Baldwin City scoreless over the final four innings in relief. The Mustangs' pitching staff struck out a combined 14 batters Wednesday while only walking five.

St. Joseph is off Thursday, but home to the Kansas City Monarchs on Friday at 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685590030601.jpeg" alt="Ty Hilsabeck. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Ty Hilsabeck. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs tallied 10 hits and scored six runs in the third inning to pull away in an 11-4 win over the Baldwin City Blues on Opening Night at Phil Welch Stadium Wednesday.A crowd of 4,012 fans took in the game, which is a new Mustangs' Opening Day record.The Mustangs (1-0) got things going right away, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Leading 5-3 entering the third, St. Joseph essentially put it away with a six-run frame.Mason Holton led the way, going 3-for-4 at the plate with four RBIs, a run scored and a double. Aron Harrington went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Lafayette alum and Northwest Missouri State product Cole Slibowski scored a team-high three runs and drew three walks.On the mound, Savannah alum and Northwest Missouri State Bearcat Ty Hilsabeck got the win in five innings pitched, striking out seven and walking five batters.LeBlond alum Jared Guck and Ryker Curry held Baldwin City scoreless over the final four innings in relief. The Mustangs' pitching staff struck out a combined 14 batters Wednesday while only walking five.St. Joseph is off Thursday, but home to the Kansas City Monarchs on Friday at 7 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685590090132.jpeg" alt="Benton High School's JROTC prior to the game." />
 <figcaption>Benton High School's JROTC prior to the game.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685590104674.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685590137326.jpeg" alt="Ike Book (right) and Oscar Pegg (left) celebrate a run scored." />
 <figcaption>Ike Book (right) and Oscar Pegg (left) celebrate a run scored.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685590157860.jpeg" alt="Trevor McCollum comes around to score." />
 <figcaption>Trevor McCollum comes around to score.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685590308528.jpeg" alt="Cole Slibowski slides into third base." />
 <figcaption>Cole Slibowski slides into third base.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mustangs score win over Baldwin City in season opener Wednesday

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Miles Mikolas pitched eight shutout innings, Nolan Arenado hit an RBI double and Nolan Gorman drove in a run with a sacrifice fly as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Tuesday night to split the two-game set between the I-70 rivals.

 Mikolas (4-1) matched a career high with 10 strikeouts and allowed three hits. The strikeout total matched his effort against Milwaukee in 2019. Vinnie Pasquantino scored on a fielder’s choice by Bobby Witt Jr. for the Royals' run. 

The Royals next take on the Rockies Friday night with first pitch at 7:10. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Miles Mikolas pitched eight shutout innings, Nolan Arenado hit an RBI double and Nolan Gorman drove in a run with a sacrifice fly as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Tuesday night to split the two-game set between the I-70 rivals. Mikolas (4-1) matched a career high with 10 strikeouts and allowed three hits. The strikeout total matched his effort against Milwaukee in 2019. Vinnie Pasquantino scored on a fielder’s choice by Bobby Witt Jr. for the Royals' run. Carlos Hernández took the loss.The Royals next take on the Rockies Friday night with first pitch at 7:10. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Mikolas works 8 shutout innings, leads Cardinals to 2-1 victory over the Royals

The St. Joseph Mustangs are set to play ball again in 2023, taking the field as the hottest team in the MINK League.

St. Joseph made history last summer, becoming the first franchise in league history to win three consecutive titles. The Mustangs capped it off with an <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e3280f33-7af4-4c42-8074-3f65558017bf">11-1 victory over the Joplin Outlaws</a> back on July 30th.

The Mustangs have now won eight MINK League championships since their inception in 2009. Team owner and general manager Ky Turner says the championships are a blast and that remains the goal each year, but to him, a successful summer comes down to more than that.

"All of these guys are excited to play for St. Joseph," Turner told KFEQ Radio. "It means a lot nationally - the St. Joe Mustangs. When you come here, you start to feel it again."

"Once you get here, you meet the people you're playing for, the community, you see the support in the crowd. It's just something that excites everyone. To get it going again this year, you get a little extra pep in your step and Opening Day is like a holiday around here."

The Mustangs open their 14th season of play at historic Phil Welch Stadium Wednesday when they welcome in the Baldwin City Blues - a Kansas team from the Mid-Plains League. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.

It's the first of 49 regular season games for the Mustangs - 26 of those are at home. St. Joseph has ranked in the top 12 nationally in&nbsp;collegiate summer baseball attendance for nine years in a row.

Turner says that's no coincidence, and it takes a literal army to make the home game experience fun, friendly and memorable.

"That's why it's really hard when someone calls me and says, 'I want to do what you're doing in St. Joseph,'" Turner said. "And I just say, 'Good luck!' St. Joseph is a special place and it takes a lot of different people to make that happen."

This marks Turner's second season as team owner and his eighth as GM. He's been with the team in some capacity since the inaugural 2009 season.

While his creativity and passion have helped the entire organization grow and evolve through the years, Turner says there's one area in particular he loves to focus on as the man in charge.

"I never want to get too far away from the fun family side," Turner said. "Because, that's truly my baby and I want to make sure we stay true to who we are."

As for the team itself, the roster features 17 players who are back from the 2022 squad.&nbsp;Local high schools like Benton, Lafayette, Bishop LeBlond, Platte County, Kearney and Savannah all have alums playing for the Mustangs this summer.

One of those locals is a first-time Mustang - pitcher and Lafayette graduate Jayden Little, who has spent the last two years at nearby Highland Community College.

An all-state pitcher for the Irish in 2021, Little has been sidelined for about the last year-and-a-half with Tommy John surgery. But this summer, Little says he's feeling like his old self and is ready to show it.

"It's been a long time," he said. "It's nice to come back and play in front of the home fans for sure. I always came here as a kid, and needed the autographs from the players. Definitely willing to do that for the little kids now."

Another Lafayette alum on the team is utility player Ike Book, who spent this past season at Washburn after two years at Lincoln Trail Community College in Illinois.

Book was named second-team all-MIAA this past spring after batting .394 - the fourth best average in the league. This after dealing with a whole slew of injuries these last few years.

"Both my quads, I had a PCL and last fall, I had a fractured patella," said Book, a third-year Mustang who was limited last summer with injury. "I've definitely been through the ringer with those injuries. But, luckily, this spring, I didn't have anything crazy. Hopefully, we can stay healthy and stay on that track."

Like any other local baseball fanatic, Book has his own childhood memories of coming to Phil Welch. Now a veteran player for the Mustangs, he hopes to spend another summer giving back to a fanbase that's always cheered him on.

"Getting to watch the Mustangs and some of the other local teams growing up, this is kind of something you dream about," Book said. "You kind of think about how the kids here are now, and you can put yourself in their shoes. It's definitely a dream, and we're lucky enough to be playing."

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/851b943b-ae84-4f45-a92e-e82d598dd132">FULL ROSTER HERE.</a>

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/92b1121d-bb5f-418e-8b29-8237b54a32e9">FULL SCHEDULE HERE.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659242393958.jpeg" alt="The Mustangs after winning the 2022 MINK League title last July with team owner and general manager Ky Turner addressing the fans. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>The Mustangs after winning the 2022 MINK League title last July with team owner and general manager Ky Turner addressing the fans. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs are set to play ball again in 2023, taking the field as the hottest team in the MINK League.St. Joseph made history last summer, becoming the first franchise in league history to win three consecutive titles. The Mustangs capped it off with an <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e3280f33-7af4-4c42-8074-3f65558017bf">11-1 victory over the Joplin Outlaws</a> back on July 30th.The Mustangs have now won eight MINK League championships since their inception in 2009. Team owner and general manager Ky Turner says the championships are a blast and that remains the goal each year, but to him, a successful summer comes down to more than that."All of these guys are excited to play for St. Joseph," Turner told KFEQ Radio. "It means a lot nationally - the St. Joe Mustangs. When you come here, you start to feel it again.""Once you get here, you meet the people you're playing for, the community, you see the support in the crowd. It's just something that excites everyone. To get it going again this year, you get a little extra pep in your step and Opening Day is like a holiday around here."The Mustangs open their 14th season of play at historic Phil Welch Stadium Wednesday when they welcome in the Baldwin City Blues - a Kansas team from the Mid-Plains League. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.It's the first of 49 regular season games for the Mustangs - 26 of those are at home. St. Joseph has ranked in the top 12 nationally in&nbsp;collegiate summer baseball attendance for nine years in a row.Turner says that's no coincidence, and it takes a literal army to make the home game experience fun, friendly and memorable."That's why it's really hard when someone calls me and says, 'I want to do what you're doing in St. Joseph,'" Turner said. "And I just say, 'Good luck!' St. Joseph is a special place and it takes a lot of different people to make that happen."This marks Turner's second season as team owner and his eighth as GM. He's been with the team in some capacity since the inaugural 2009 season.While his creativity and passion have helped the entire organization grow and evolve through the years, Turner says there's one area in particular he loves to focus on as the man in charge."I never want to get too far away from the fun family side," Turner said. "Because, that's truly my baby and I want to make sure we stay true to who we are."As for the team itself, the roster features 17 players who are back from the 2022 squad.&nbsp;Local high schools like Benton, Lafayette, Bishop LeBlond, Platte County, Kearney and Savannah all have alums playing for the Mustangs this summer.One of those locals is a first-time Mustang - pitcher and Lafayette graduate Jayden Little, who has spent the last two years at nearby Highland Community College.An all-state pitcher for the Irish in 2021, Little has been sidelined for about the last year-and-a-half with Tommy John surgery. But this summer, Little says he's feeling like his old self and is ready to show it."It's been a long time," he said. "It's nice to come back and play in front of the home fans for sure. I always came here as a kid, and needed the autographs from the players. Definitely willing to do that for the little kids now."Another Lafayette alum on the team is utility player Ike Book, who spent this past season at Washburn after two years at Lincoln Trail Community College in Illinois.Book was named second-team all-MIAA this past spring after batting .394 - the fourth best average in the league. This after dealing with a whole slew of injuries these last few years."Both my quads, I had a PCL and last fall, I had a fractured patella," said Book, a third-year Mustang who was limited last summer with injury. "I've definitely been through the ringer with those injuries. But, luckily, this spring, I didn't have anything crazy. Hopefully, we can stay healthy and stay on that track."Like any other local baseball fanatic, Book has his own childhood memories of coming to Phil Welch. Now a veteran player for the Mustangs, he hopes to spend another summer giving back to a fanbase that's always cheered him on."Getting to watch the Mustangs and some of the other local teams growing up, this is kind of something you dream about," Book said. "You kind of think about how the kids here are now, and you can put yourself in their shoes. It's definitely a dream, and we're lucky enough to be playing."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685496903572.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685496932035.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685496946042.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/851b943b-ae84-4f45-a92e-e82d598dd132">FULL ROSTER HERE.</a><a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/92b1121d-bb5f-418e-8b29-8237b54a32e9">FULL SCHEDULE HERE.</a>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mustangs set sights on family fun and another MINK League title as 2023 season begins

The Bishop LeBlond girls' soccer team is Final Four bound for the first time in program history. The Golden Eagles defeated Barstow 2-1 Saturday at the Class 1 state quarterfinals on a warm day in Barstow.

Senior Tatum Studer and freshman Katie Sego each scored a goal in the win.

LeBlond will now Face Father Tolton in state semifinals on Friday at noon at the World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton.

State baseball Class 1 - Platte Valley beat Community in state semis Monday, 8-0. Platte Valley faced St. Elizabeth for the state title on Tuesday starting at 1 p.m. in Ozark.&nbsp;St. Elizabeth beat Platte Valley 13-2. Platte Valley finishes its best season in program history with a 20-3 record and a state runner-up finish after getting fourth last year.

In Class 2, Maysville fell in state semis Monday to Ash Grove, 11-0. The Wolverines face Chafee for third place on Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m.

Boys' state tennis Savannah made history by making the Final Four in Springfield as a team for the first time in program history. The Savages fell in state semifinals to eventual state champion Clayton, 5-1.

Savannah turned around on Saturday and beat Duchesne 5-0 to take third - the highest team finish for Savage boys' tennis at state in school history.

State track and field, Class 3-5 St. Joseph Central's Makenzie Garr is a state champion Class 5 girls' shot put with a throw of 45 feet - 1.75 inches. Garr also medaled second this past Friday in discus with a distance of 136 feet - 1 inch.

Garr ends her high school career with five state medals and school records in both shot put and discus. She'll continue her track career at Missouri Western.

Elsewhere, Lafayette's Honor Mannings medaled third in the Class 4 girls' 300 meter hurdles with a time of 44.31 seconds.

Savannah's Rhyan Shrick medaled second in the Class 4 girls' javelin with a throw of 131 feet - 1 inch.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685470791774.jpeg" alt="Makenzie Garr. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Makenzie Garr. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Bishop LeBlond girls' soccer team is Final Four bound for the first time in program history. The Golden Eagles defeated Barstow 2-1 Saturday at the Class 1 state quarterfinals on a warm day in Barstow.Senior Tatum Studer and freshman Katie Sego each scored a goal in the win.LeBlond will now Face Father Tolton in state semifinals on Friday at noon at the World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">That will do it! <a href="https://twitter.com/leblondsoccer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@leblondsoccer</a> punches their ticket to the final 4 defeating Barstow 2-1! 🦅💪 <a href="https://t.co/PAzxvVNguZ">pic.twitter.com/PAzxvVNguZ</a>&mdash; Mitchell Girres (@mgirres14) <a href="https://twitter.com/mgirres14/status/1662542814042017792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>State baseball Class 1 - Platte Valley beat Community in state semis Monday, 8-0. Platte Valley faced St. Elizabeth for the state title on Tuesday starting at 1 p.m. in Ozark.&nbsp;St. Elizabeth beat Platte Valley 13-2. Platte Valley finishes its best season in program history with a 20-3 record and a state runner-up finish after getting fourth last year.In Class 2, Maysville fell in state semis Monday to Ash Grove, 11-0. The Wolverines face Chafee for third place on Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m.Boys' state tennis Savannah made history by making the Final Four in Springfield as a team for the first time in program history. The Savages fell in state semifinals to eventual state champion Clayton, 5-1.Savannah turned around on Saturday and beat Duchesne 5-0 to take third - the highest team finish for Savage boys' tennis at state in school history.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685470896968.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>State track and field, Class 3-5 St. Joseph Central's Makenzie Garr is a state champion Class 5 girls' shot put with a throw of 45 feet - 1.75 inches. Garr also medaled second this past Friday in discus with a distance of 136 feet - 1 inch.Garr ends her high school career with five state medals and school records in both shot put and discus. She'll continue her track career at Missouri Western.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Makenzie Garr <a href="https://twitter.com/makkk92?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@makkk92</a> will compete in her final high school event today as she goes for a State Championship in the Shot Put at 12:30. Follow along at <a href="https://t.co/KfvaP7cyCt">https://t.co/KfvaP7cyCt</a><a href="https://twitter.com/DCLau5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DCLau5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CHS_Indians?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CHS_Indians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisRroush?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chrisRroush</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cliffnotes_pod?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cliffnotes_pod</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KQ2SPORTS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KQ2SPORTS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SJNPSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SJNPSports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TommyKFEQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TommyKFEQ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/indianinsider_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indianinsider_</a> <a href="https://t.co/95SsNrqxAX">pic.twitter.com/95SsNrqxAX</a>&mdash; CHS Indians Track &amp; Field (@CHSIndiansTrack) <a href="https://twitter.com/CHSIndiansTrack/status/1662475278969389057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Elsewhere, Lafayette's Honor Mannings medaled third in the Class 4 girls' 300 meter hurdles with a time of 44.31 seconds.Savannah's Rhyan Shrick medaled second in the Class 4 girls' javelin with a throw of 131 feet - 1 inch.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

KFEQ preps roundup - LeBlond soccer Final Four bound, Garr wins gold

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Josh Staumont and Mike Mayers came within six outs of the first combined perfect game in major league history before Nolan Arenado lined a leadoff single in the eighth inning of the Kansas City Royals' 7-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.

“You're definitely aware of it,” Mayers said of a perfect game. “I tried to keep it business as usual. The goal was to throw up as many zeroes as you possibly can and that's the mindset I stayed in.”

Staumont,, a 29-year-old right-hander, served as the opener in a planned bullpen game for the Royals. He made his first major league start in his 167th appearance and struck out two in a 1-2-3 inning, throwing 14 pitches.

“That was one of the most exciting moments for me of the year,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “For him to set the tone like that was unbelievable.”

Mayers, a 31-year-old left-hander who pitched for the Cardinals from 2016-19, made his third appearance for the Royals this season after eight starts at Triple-A Omaha. He retired 18 consecutive batters before Arenado lined a 1-0 slider to left on his 72nd pitch.

“He did a great job today,” Arenado said. “We just couldn't get anything going.”

Willson Contreras followed with a single to center that stopped an 0 for 29 slide.

“I can't say what I was thinking there,” Mayers said with a chuckle. “I made two very bad pitches in that inning and they're good hitters. They made me pay for them.”

Taylor Clarke relieved and retired Brendan Donovan, Paul DeJong and Alex Burleson in order. Amir Garrett pitched a perfect ninth to finish a two-hitter and Kansas City's second shutout this year.

St. Louis was shut out for the sixth time and has scored 13 runs in its last six games.

“It was just hard to get anything going offensively,” St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol said. “Today was a tough one.”

There have been 23 perfect games, the last by Seattle’s Félix Hernández against Tampa Bay on Aug. 15, 2012. All perfect games have been complete games.

Kansas City had not shut out the Cardinals since May 22, 2015, and had not blanked them in St. Louis since June 2, 2014.

In the opener of a two-game series, the Royals tied their season high with 16 hits and stranded 14 runners, one shy of their high.

Nicky Lopez matched his career high with four hits, and Nick Pratto and Vinnie Pasquantino had three each. Mike Massey hit a two-run homer and Bobby Witt Jr. added a solo homer.

Adam Wainwright (2-1) allowed three runs and nine hits in five innings for the Cardinals, playing their 18th game in a stretch of 19 days in a row. The Cardinals and the Royals have back-to-back days off Wednesday and Thursday.

“The stuff's OK. The location's OK,” Wainwright said. “Nothing great. We're in one of those funks right now. Baseball is a crazy game like that. I'm trying to take a big picture view. The little moments, I'm not winning right now."

Pasquantino hit an RBI double in the third.

“I'm feeling solid and ready to go tomorrow,” Pasquantino said. “It was kind of a weird game because it was tougher to score runs early and then we were able to break it opener later.”

MJ Melendez hit a run-scoring triple in the fifth and scored on Freddy Fermin's bunt down the first-base line for a 3-0 lead.

Pasquantino had an RBI single off Steven Matz, who turned 32 Monday, in the eighth, and Witt and Massey homered in the ninth against Drew VerHagen.

Witt snapped an 0-for-12 skid with the home run. He became the second Royal to hit 30 career homers before turning age 23.

CF Lars Nootbar left after Pratto doubled leading off the third inning, appearing to pull up near the wall. Nootbar has slammed into the wall catching a Massey drive in the second. The Cardinals said Nootbar had back spasms.

Royals: RHP Brad Keller (right shoulder impingement syndrome) is progressing well after throwing a recent bullpen.

Cardinals: OF Dylan Carlson (left ankle sprain) has been taking swings from the right side. On Monday, he took swings left-handed. Once he is comfortable, he will have short rehab stint in the minors.

RHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.55) starts Tuesday for the Royals and RHP Miles Mikolas (3-1, 4.23) for the Cardinals. Grienke is 13-7 with a 3.48 ERA against St. Louis. Mikolas pitched a four-hit shutout in his only game against the Royals on May 21, 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685397386878.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game Monday, May 29, 2023, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson).jpg" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game Monday, May 29, 2023, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson).jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — Josh Staumont and Mike Mayers came within six outs of the first combined perfect game in major league history before Nolan Arenado lined a leadoff single in the eighth inning of the Kansas City Royals' 7-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.“You're definitely aware of it,” Mayers said of a perfect game. “I tried to keep it business as usual. The goal was to throw up as many zeroes as you possibly can and that's the mindset I stayed in.”Staumont,, a 29-year-old right-hander, served as the opener in a planned bullpen game for the Royals. He made his first major league start in his 167th appearance and struck out two in a 1-2-3 inning, throwing 14 pitches.“That was one of the most exciting moments for me of the year,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “For him to set the tone like that was unbelievable.”Mayers, a 31-year-old left-hander who pitched for the Cardinals from 2016-19, made his third appearance for the Royals this season after eight starts at Triple-A Omaha. He retired 18 consecutive batters before Arenado lined a 1-0 slider to left on his 72nd pitch.“He did a great job today,” Arenado said. “We just couldn't get anything going.”Willson Contreras followed with a single to center that stopped an 0 for 29 slide.“I can't say what I was thinking there,” Mayers said with a chuckle. “I made two very bad pitches in that inning and they're good hitters. They made me pay for them.”Taylor Clarke relieved and retired Brendan Donovan, Paul DeJong and Alex Burleson in order. Amir Garrett pitched a perfect ninth to finish a two-hitter and Kansas City's second shutout this year.St. Louis was shut out for the sixth time and has scored 13 runs in its last six games.“It was just hard to get anything going offensively,” St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol said. “Today was a tough one.”There have been 23 perfect games, the last by Seattle’s Félix Hernández against Tampa Bay on Aug. 15, 2012. All perfect games have been complete games.Kansas City had not shut out the Cardinals since May 22, 2015, and had not blanked them in St. Louis since June 2, 2014.In the opener of a two-game series, the Royals tied their season high with 16 hits and stranded 14 runners, one shy of their high.Nicky Lopez matched his career high with four hits, and Nick Pratto and Vinnie Pasquantino had three each. Mike Massey hit a two-run homer and Bobby Witt Jr. added a solo homer.Adam Wainwright (2-1) allowed three runs and nine hits in five innings for the Cardinals, playing their 18th game in a stretch of 19 days in a row. The Cardinals and the Royals have back-to-back days off Wednesday and Thursday.“The stuff's OK. The location's OK,” Wainwright said. “Nothing great. We're in one of those funks right now. Baseball is a crazy game like that. I'm trying to take a big picture view. The little moments, I'm not winning right now."Pasquantino hit an RBI double in the third.“I'm feeling solid and ready to go tomorrow,” Pasquantino said. “It was kind of a weird game because it was tougher to score runs early and then we were able to break it opener later.”MJ Melendez hit a run-scoring triple in the fifth and scored on Freddy Fermin's bunt down the first-base line for a 3-0 lead.Pasquantino had an RBI single off Steven Matz, who turned 32 Monday, in the eighth, and Witt and Massey homered in the ninth against Drew VerHagen.Witt snapped an 0-for-12 skid with the home run. He became the second Royal to hit 30 career homers before turning age 23.NOOTBAR HURTCF Lars Nootbar left after Pratto doubled leading off the third inning, appearing to pull up near the wall. Nootbar has slammed into the wall catching a Massey drive in the second. The Cardinals said Nootbar had back spasms.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Brad Keller (right shoulder impingement syndrome) is progressing well after throwing a recent bullpen.Cardinals: OF Dylan Carlson (left ankle sprain) has been taking swings from the right side. On Monday, he took swings left-handed. Once he is comfortable, he will have short rehab stint in the minors.UP NEXTRHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.55) starts Tuesday for the Royals and RHP Miles Mikolas (3-1, 4.23) for the Cardinals. Grienke is 13-7 with a 3.48 ERA against St. Louis. Mikolas pitched a four-hit shutout in his only game against the Royals on May 21, 2018.

Near Perfection: Royals' Staumont, Mayers within 6 outs of perfect game in 7-0 win over Cards

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Massey's single with two outs in the ninth scored MJ Melendez to cap a late rally that lifted the Kansas City Royals to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on Sunday.

The Royals hit homers in the seventh and eighth innings to tie the game, then pulled it out in the ninth to avoid a sweep.

Melendez reached with one out on an error by first baseman Dominic Smith and scored when Massey lined a single into right off Chad Kuhl (0-3) that fell in front of Lane Thomas.

“I was trying to be selectively aggressive,” Massey said. “I was just making sure I was staying in the spot I was looking and didn't help the pitcher out. I thought the outfielder was going to get it, but then luckily it had some top spin and dove on him. Luckily it fell in there for us.”

Washington's Mackenzie Gore struck out a career-high 11 over seven innings and allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk. He gave up a double to the leadoff batter, then didn’t allow another hit until the sixth inning.

“It was good,” Gore said. “We did a lot of good things today and look, we just won the series. It's a tough loss, but we just have to keep taking it one day at a time. We put some guys away today and the last few outings I haven't done that so that was a lot of fun.”

But Melendez homered off him in the seventh, and Edward Olivares connected for a 452-foot shot off Kuhl in the eighth. Olivares' tying drive caromed off the scoreboard in left at Kauffman Stadium, and smoke was seen coming from the area where the ball landed.

The Nationals got on the board first with an RBI double by Ildemaro Vargas that bounced off the top of the left field wall to score Smith in the fourth inning. Vargas scored on the next at-bat when Michael Chavis hit a bloop single to center field to give Washington a 2-0 lead.

“We didn't have our late-inning guys available,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “That last play there is a do-or-die play and you can't let that ball bounce in front of you like that. You've got to try up and catch that and if it gets by you, it gets by you and the game is over anyway.”

In his season debut, Daniel Lynch went 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits with three walks and six strikeouts.

“That was the first real game that I have seen him pitch. I thought he had good intent,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He attacked hitters, his breaking ball looked good and he threw some good changeups. More so than anything he felt really good. He was throwing the ball really well.”

Scott Barlow (2-3) pitched a scoreless ninth inning and got the win.

The Royals reinstated LHP Daniel Lynch and placed LHP Josh Taylor (left shoulder impingement syndrome) on the 15-day Injured List.

The Nationals send RHP Trevor Williams to the mound on the road against the Dodgers on Monday. The Royals travel to St. Louis, but haven’t announced a starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685323156570.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey (19) is mobbed by teammates and has a cooler of water dumped on him after hitting a walkoff single in the ninth inning of a baseball game to defeat the Washington Nationals, Sunday, May 28, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey (19) is mobbed by teammates and has a cooler of water dumped on him after hitting a walkoff single in the ninth inning of a baseball game to defeat the Washington Nationals, Sunday, May 28, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Massey's single with two outs in the ninth scored MJ Melendez to cap a late rally that lifted the Kansas City Royals to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on Sunday.The Royals hit homers in the seventh and eighth innings to tie the game, then pulled it out in the ninth to avoid a sweep.Melendez reached with one out on an error by first baseman Dominic Smith and scored when Massey lined a single into right off Chad Kuhl (0-3) that fell in front of Lane Thomas.“I was trying to be selectively aggressive,” Massey said. “I was just making sure I was staying in the spot I was looking and didn't help the pitcher out. I thought the outfielder was going to get it, but then luckily it had some top spin and dove on him. Luckily it fell in there for us.”Washington's Mackenzie Gore struck out a career-high 11 over seven innings and allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk. He gave up a double to the leadoff batter, then didn’t allow another hit until the sixth inning.“It was good,” Gore said. “We did a lot of good things today and look, we just won the series. It's a tough loss, but we just have to keep taking it one day at a time. We put some guys away today and the last few outings I haven't done that so that was a lot of fun.”But Melendez homered off him in the seventh, and Edward Olivares connected for a 452-foot shot off Kuhl in the eighth. Olivares' tying drive caromed off the scoreboard in left at Kauffman Stadium, and smoke was seen coming from the area where the ball landed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Off the HoF!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeToTheCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeToTheCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/5xAX9TQIWh">pic.twitter.com/5xAX9TQIWh</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1662919625334571008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">GAME REWIND: Nothing to see here, just the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Royals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Royals</a>&#39; Hall of Fame video board smoking from that Olivares homer. <a href="https://t.co/zLt9ZXPcR7">pic.twitter.com/zLt9ZXPcR7</a>&mdash; Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportsKC/status/1662941416979415042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Nationals got on the board first with an RBI double by Ildemaro Vargas that bounced off the top of the left field wall to score Smith in the fourth inning. Vargas scored on the next at-bat when Michael Chavis hit a bloop single to center field to give Washington a 2-0 lead.“We didn't have our late-inning guys available,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “That last play there is a do-or-die play and you can't let that ball bounce in front of you like that. You've got to try up and catch that and if it gets by you, it gets by you and the game is over anyway.”In his season debut, Daniel Lynch went 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits with three walks and six strikeouts.“That was the first real game that I have seen him pitch. I thought he had good intent,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He attacked hitters, his breaking ball looked good and he threw some good changeups. More so than anything he felt really good. He was throwing the ball really well.”Scott Barlow (2-3) pitched a scoreless ninth inning and got the win.ROSTER MOVESThe Royals reinstated LHP Daniel Lynch and placed LHP Josh Taylor (left shoulder impingement syndrome) on the 15-day Injured List.UP NEXTThe Nationals send RHP Trevor Williams to the mound on the road against the Dodgers on Monday. The Royals travel to St. Louis, but haven’t announced a starter.

Massey’s walk-off single caps Royals' rally for 3-2 win over Nationals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — CJ Abrams hit a two-run double in Washington's four-run sixth inning, Corey Dickerson got his 1,000th career hit and the Washington Nationals defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Saturday.

Dickerson sparked the Nationals’ big inning with his milestone hit on an RBI double. He became the 12th player to reach the milestone in a Nationals uniform and the first since Brian Dozier in 2019.

After Josiah Gray gave up two runs and four hits in four innings, Mason Thompson (3-2), Carl Edwards Jr., Hunter Harvey and Kyle Finnegan held the Royals scoreless — with Finnegan earning his 11th save of the season.

The Nationals have scored a combined 12 runs in the sixth inning through the first two games of the three-game series.

Washington's Lane Thomas hit a double in the fifth to extend his on-base streak to a career-high 23 straight games.

Brady Singer tossed five innings and gave up two runs and four hits with six strikeouts and three walks. He was sent out for the sixth with the Royals holding a 2-0 lead, but gave up back-to-back hits, including Dickerson's RBI double. Josh Taylor (1-3) came in and allowed two runs and three hits with a walk without recording an out.

Salvador Perez hit a first-pitch slider 382 feet in the third for his 12th home run of the season to give Kansas City a 2-0 lead after Nick Pratto scored from third on a wild pitch in the first.

Kansas City dropped to a 3-14-0 in series this season and fell to 1-8-0 at Kauffman Stadium.

Royals: Kansas City requested the unconditional release waivers on INF/OF Hunter Dozier. The 31-year-old was designated for assignment on May 22.

LHP MacKenzie Gore (3-3, 3.88 ERA) will take the mound for the Nationals on Sunday. LHP Daniel Lynch will make season debut for Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685232244588.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez hits a solo home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals Saturday, May 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez hits a solo home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals Saturday, May 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — CJ Abrams hit a two-run double in Washington's four-run sixth inning, Corey Dickerson got his 1,000th career hit and the Washington Nationals defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Saturday.Dickerson sparked the Nationals’ big inning with his milestone hit on an RBI double. He became the 12th player to reach the milestone in a Nationals uniform and the first since Brian Dozier in 2019.After Josiah Gray gave up two runs and four hits in four innings, Mason Thompson (3-2), Carl Edwards Jr., Hunter Harvey and Kyle Finnegan held the Royals scoreless — with Finnegan earning his 11th save of the season.The Nationals have scored a combined 12 runs in the sixth inning through the first two games of the three-game series.Washington's Lane Thomas hit a double in the fifth to extend his on-base streak to a career-high 23 straight games.Brady Singer tossed five innings and gave up two runs and four hits with six strikeouts and three walks. He was sent out for the sixth with the Royals holding a 2-0 lead, but gave up back-to-back hits, including Dickerson's RBI double. Josh Taylor (1-3) came in and allowed two runs and three hits with a walk without recording an out.Salvador Perez hit a first-pitch slider 382 feet in the third for his 12th home run of the season to give Kansas City a 2-0 lead after Nick Pratto scored from third on a wild pitch in the first.Kansas City dropped to a 3-14-0 in series this season and fell to 1-8-0 at Kauffman Stadium.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: Kansas City requested the unconditional release waivers on INF/OF Hunter Dozier. The 31-year-old was designated for assignment on May 22.UP NEXTLHP MacKenzie Gore (3-3, 3.88 ERA) will take the mound for the Nationals on Sunday. LHP Daniel Lynch will make season debut for Kansas City.

Abrams, Dickerson spark rally in Nationals' 4-2 win over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Lane Thomas opened the game with a home run, Corey Dickerson’s three-run shot highlighted an eight-run sixth inning and Luis Garcia had six hits as the Washington Nationals outslugged the Kansas City Royals 12-10. 

The eight-run inning was the largest scoring inning in Nationals’ history and came against Kansas City’s Jordan Lyles and Josh Staumont. Garcia and Joey Meneses also drove in runs in the sixth, and teammate Jeimer Candelario added a two-RBI triple in the eighth. 

Patrick Corbin (4-5) worked 6 1/3 inning, allowing six runs, seven hits, four walks with six strikeouts.

The Royals take on the Nationals again Saturday afternoon with first pitch at 3:10. Coverage begins at 2:30 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Lane Thomas opened the game with a home run, Corey Dickerson’s three-run shot highlighted an eight-run sixth inning and Luis Garcia had six hits as the Washington Nationals outslugged the Kansas City Royals 12-10. The eight-run inning was the largest scoring inning in Nationals’ history and came against Kansas City’s Jordan Lyles and Josh Staumont. Garcia and Joey Meneses also drove in runs in the sixth, and teammate Jeimer Candelario added a two-RBI triple in the eighth. Patrick Corbin (4-5) worked 6 1/3 inning, allowing six runs, seven hits, four walks with six strikeouts.The Royals take on the Nationals again Saturday afternoon with first pitch at 3:10. Coverage begins at 2:30 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Dickerson's 3-run HR highlights Nationals' highest scoring inning in win over Royals

The Savannah boys' tennis team has had an impressive run over these last four years. Their four straight district championships spell that loud and clear.

The Savages, this year though, took it a step further. Junior singles player Cole Horton and doubles partners, senior Evan Heftye and junior Noah Gould, made the championship round at the individual state tournament at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield on May 20.

Gould, Heftye and Horton all finished at state runners-up in their respective brackets - the furthest any Savannah boys' player has made it at state in program history.

For Horton, the experience was especially emotional.

"Cole Horton's mom is not well, battling ALS," Savannah head coach Wakefield Hare said. "So, it was likely one of the last competitive tennis matches she's going to see. So, she was right there courtside for his semifinal match against Thomas Griese of Duchesne, who had beat Cole his freshman year. Cole played phenomenal, focused. To overcome what he was officially a underdog in, his Mom and Dad there beside him, it was one of the coolest moments."

Heftye and Gould's performance and eventual result at state were the fruits of their hard work as well. "We saw a path to the finals," Hare said, "but for (Evan and Noah) to execute and believe and just play really solid all weekend, it was a gift to themselves and to me as their coach."&nbsp;

Savannah has qualified for the state tournament as a team in each of the last four seasons. They had reached quarterfinals each of the last two years, but now&nbsp; have punched their ticket to the Final Four for the first time ever.

Savannah beat defending state champion Warrensburg in sectionals 5-4 and MEC rival St. Pius X 5-0 in quarterfinals.

After a 2-2 start to the season in late March, the Savages would win 11 of their next 13 matches after the calendar flipped to April. Savannah's only losses in that span were to St. Joseph Central (16-2) - a Class 3 school that won a district title and Platte County (15-4) - another district title team from Class 2.

"We've just been in the oven all season and setting the timer for May and the postseason," Hare analogized. "So, I really wanted to test everyone from top to bottom. It's hard to test Cole (Horton), because he's an outlier as far as his talent, but with everyone else, 'Hey, put yourself under the heat and under the pressure. That way in May, you're done and ready to go play your best tennis.'"&nbsp;

Savannah will see Clayton (15-2) in state semifinals on Friday at noon. Clayton is in their fifth Final Four since 2017. Duchesne (15-7) and Bolivar (15-5) are the other semifinalists.

The state championship and third place match are both set for Saturday at noon.

It's a stacked field as one would expect, but Hare says the focus has to be, as always, inward.

"You don't want to psych yourself out and say 'I did not play my best today," Hare said. "That's what we're trying to avoid. If we do that well, we could walk out champions. If we do that well and walk out fourth, I don't think anyone will be disappointed. I think we know if we play well, any of those four spots could be ours."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683770927272.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Savannah boys' tennis team has had an impressive run over these last four years. Their four straight district championships spell that loud and clear.The Savages, this year though, took it a step further. Junior singles player Cole Horton and doubles partners, senior Evan Heftye and junior Noah Gould, made the championship round at the individual state tournament at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield on May 20.Gould, Heftye and Horton all finished at state runners-up in their respective brackets - the furthest any Savannah boys' player has made it at state in program history.For Horton, the experience was especially emotional."Cole Horton's mom is not well, battling ALS," Savannah head coach Wakefield Hare said. "So, it was likely one of the last competitive tennis matches she's going to see. So, she was right there courtside for his semifinal match against Thomas Griese of Duchesne, who had beat Cole his freshman year. Cole played phenomenal, focused. To overcome what he was officially a underdog in, his Mom and Dad there beside him, it was one of the coolest moments."Heftye and Gould's performance and eventual result at state were the fruits of their hard work as well. "We saw a path to the finals," Hare said, "but for (Evan and Noah) to execute and believe and just play really solid all weekend, it was a gift to themselves and to me as their coach."&nbsp;Savannah has qualified for the state tournament as a team in each of the last four seasons. They had reached quarterfinals each of the last two years, but now&nbsp; have punched their ticket to the Final Four for the first time ever.Savannah beat defending state champion Warrensburg in sectionals 5-4 and MEC rival St. Pius X 5-0 in quarterfinals.After a 2-2 start to the season in late March, the Savages would win 11 of their next 13 matches after the calendar flipped to April. Savannah's only losses in that span were to St. Joseph Central (16-2) - a Class 3 school that won a district title and Platte County (15-4) - another district title team from Class 2."We've just been in the oven all season and setting the timer for May and the postseason," Hare analogized. "So, I really wanted to test everyone from top to bottom. It's hard to test Cole (Horton), because he's an outlier as far as his talent, but with everyone else, 'Hey, put yourself under the heat and under the pressure. That way in May, you're done and ready to go play your best tennis.'"&nbsp;Savannah will see Clayton (15-2) in state semifinals on Friday at noon. Clayton is in their fifth Final Four since 2017. Duchesne (15-7) and Bolivar (15-5) are the other semifinalists.The state championship and third place match are both set for Saturday at noon.It's a stacked field as one would expect, but Hare says the focus has to be, as always, inward."You don't want to psych yourself out and say 'I did not play my best today," Hare said. "That's what we're trying to avoid. If we do that well, we could walk out champions. If we do that well and walk out fourth, I don't think anyone will be disappointed. I think we know if we play well, any of those four spots could be ours."Full interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Savannah-tennis-coach-Wakefield-Hare-e24mg77" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685037945322.jpeg" alt="Noah Gould." />
 <figcaption>Noah Gould.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683771200297.jpeg" alt="Cole Horton." />
 <figcaption>Cole Horton.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683771235851.jpeg" alt="Cale Higer." />
 <figcaption>Cale Higer.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683771259279.jpeg" alt="Connor Herbert." />
 <figcaption>Connor Herbert.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Savannah boys' tennis concluding historic season at Final Four this weekend

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pinch-hitter Zack Short hit a three-run homer to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals. 

Riley Greene also homered, doubled and scored twice for the Tigers in the game that was delayed 29 minutes by rain. Will Vest (1-0) retired all four hitters he faced, striking out two. Alex Lange picked up his ninth save in 10 tries. 

Greene led off the sixth with a double and went to third on an infield single by Matt Vierling. Short drove them both home with the first pinch-hit home run of his career, a 416-foot shot to left field off Josh Taylor.

The Royals next take on the Nationals Friday evening with first pitch at 7:10. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pinch-hitter Zack Short hit a three-run homer to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Riley Greene also homered, doubled and scored twice for the Tigers in the game that was delayed 29 minutes by rain. Will Vest (1-0) retired all four hitters he faced, striking out two. Alex Lange picked up his ninth save in 10 tries. Greene led off the sixth with a double and went to third on an infield single by Matt Vierling. Short drove them both home with the first pinch-hit home run of his career, a 416-foot shot to left field off Josh Taylor.The Royals next take on the Nationals Friday evening with first pitch at 7:10. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Short hits pinch-hit, three-run homer, Tigers beat Royals 6-4

St. Joseph native and amateur golf legend Brad Nurski was humbled when he found out that he’ll be officially inducted into the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame later this year.

"Gratitude, honored and all of those big words you associate with something like this," Nurski told KFEQ Radio. "It's just a special thing. After years of hard work, it's very gratifying and I'm very thankful to the St. Joseph Sports Commission for the honor."

Nurski is one of 10 individuals who will be inducted into the<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/320ce7c8-c79f-47e2-9538-334e99873ea6">&nbsp;St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame</a> on August 27.

One can argue Nurski started making his case for the Hall back in his Benton High School days, where he was a four-time MEC Conference Champion in the mid 1990s. Mike Ziesel coached Nurski in both basketball and golf. Ziesel could tell even then - special things were in store for Nurski.

"He definitely was one of, if not the best golfer that came out of Benton High School," Ziesel said. "I mean, you've seen all of the accomplishments he's made since then."

Nurski says Ziesel likely taught him the most valuable lessons on the basketball court.

"As far as basketball goes, (Ziesel) is very well respected in that regard," Nurski said. "He was very instrumental in being a good basketball coach, but also a good leader and person you can look up to."

Nurski went to Missouri Western, where he was a three-time All-MIAA selection and All-Region twice. He also became the first Griffon to qualify for NCAA Regionals as an individual. He was later inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.

Nurski is now a 14-time Fairview Club Champion, seven-time St. Joseph Country Club Champion and winner of 13 local club invitationals. He’s won 10 Missouri Golf Association Championships, including the Missouri Amateur three times - most recently in 2018.

Nurski has competed many times nationally and internationally, including a runner-up finish in the USGA Mid-Amateur in 2014. He was one spot away from the Masters.

"In 2014, I lost in the finals," he said of that tournament. "I was very close to making the Masters, but it just didn't go my way that day. That's another experience you can take and put in the memory bank for the rest of your life and lean on that experience to continue to get better."

Nurski is still active in his career. He competed for Team USA in the prestigious Concession Cup this past year at The Real Club Valderama in Spain, helping the Americans win in come from behind fashion.

Nurski also started his coaching career last year. He was named the assistant men’s and women’s golf coach for Missouri Western, helping the women’s team and men’s golfer Marius Dosiere to NCAA tournament berths this past spring.

Nurski says he and head coach Matt Thrasher have high hopes for the future. Perhaps that’s no coincidence, since Thrasher also played golf and basketball under Coach Ziesel in the South Side back in the day.

"We're just going to continue to get better," Nurski said. "Matt's mentality is the same as mine. We don't like to lose. I think that kind of comes from Coach Ziesel, honestly. The South End mentality."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684870143163.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph native and amateur golf legend Brad Nurski was humbled when he found out that he’ll be officially inducted into the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame later this year."Gratitude, honored and all of those big words you associate with something like this," Nurski told KFEQ Radio. "It's just a special thing. After years of hard work, it's very gratifying and I'm very thankful to the St. Joseph Sports Commission for the honor."Nurski is one of 10 individuals who will be inducted into the<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/320ce7c8-c79f-47e2-9538-334e99873ea6">&nbsp;St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame</a> on August 27.One can argue Nurski started making his case for the Hall back in his Benton High School days, where he was a four-time MEC Conference Champion in the mid 1990s. Mike Ziesel coached Nurski in both basketball and golf. Ziesel could tell even then - special things were in store for Nurski."He definitely was one of, if not the best golfer that came out of Benton High School," Ziesel said. "I mean, you've seen all of the accomplishments he's made since then."Nurski says Ziesel likely taught him the most valuable lessons on the basketball court."As far as basketball goes, (Ziesel) is very well respected in that regard," Nurski said. "He was very instrumental in being a good basketball coach, but also a good leader and person you can look up to."Nurski went to Missouri Western, where he was a three-time All-MIAA selection and All-Region twice. He also became the first Griffon to qualify for NCAA Regionals as an individual. He was later inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.Nurski is now a 14-time Fairview Club Champion, seven-time St. Joseph Country Club Champion and winner of 13 local club invitationals. He’s won 10 Missouri Golf Association Championships, including the Missouri Amateur three times - most recently in 2018.Nurski has competed many times nationally and internationally, including a runner-up finish in the USGA Mid-Amateur in 2014. He was one spot away from the Masters."In 2014, I lost in the finals," he said of that tournament. "I was very close to making the Masters, but it just didn't go my way that day. That's another experience you can take and put in the memory bank for the rest of your life and lean on that experience to continue to get better."Nurski is still active in his career. He competed for Team USA in the prestigious Concession Cup this past year at The Real Club Valderama in Spain, helping the Americans win in come from behind fashion.Nurski also started his coaching career last year. He was named the assistant men’s and women’s golf coach for Missouri Western, helping the women’s team and men’s golfer Marius Dosiere to NCAA tournament berths this past spring.Nurski says he and head coach Matt Thrasher have high hopes for the future. Perhaps that’s no coincidence, since Thrasher also played golf and basketball under Coach Ziesel in the South Side back in the day."We're just going to continue to get better," Nurski said. "Matt's mentality is the same as mine. We don't like to lose. I think that kind of comes from Coach Ziesel, honestly. The South End mentality."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684957248539.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Full interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Brad-Nurski---2023-St--Joseph-Sports-Hall-of-Fame-Inductee-e24ius5" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Local golf legend Brad Nurski humbled by St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame induction

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia had three hits, an RBI and a run and the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 4-1 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak.

Mike Mayers allowed one run on six hits in 4 2/3 innings in his first start for the Royals. He struck out a career-high eight and walked one.

Jose Cuas (3-0) was the winner, and Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth for his second save.

Eduardo Rodriguez (4-4) took the loss. He allowed four runs — two earned — on eight hits in five innings. He struck out nine and walked two.

The Tigers threatened in the fourth, loading the bases with two outs on two infield singles and a walk, but Mayers induced a groundball from Miguel Cabrera.

The Royals got to Rodriguez in the fourth. Edward Olivares reached on shortstop Javier Baez's error and scored on a double by Michael Massey. Massey then came in on a single by Garcia. Garcia scored the third run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by Salvador Perez. Only one of the runs was earned.

Mayers labored in the fifth and left with the bases loaded and two outs. One of those runners scored on a single by Baez. Olivares singled with one out in the bottom of the fifth, scoring Bobby Witt Jr. with Kansas City's fourth run.

Royals RHP Nick Wittgren was selected from Triple-A Omaha. Wittgren, who pitched for Royals' pitching coach Brian Sweeney with Cleveland from 2019-21, had a 1.25 ERA with five saves in 17 appearances with Omaha. In a corresponding move, RHP Max Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.

The Tigers and Royals will complete the three-game series Wenesday. Detroit LHP Matthew Boyd (3-3, 6.21 ERA) will face RHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.82 ERA). First pitch at 6:40. Coverage begins at 6:00 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684895505233.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. slides home to score on a single by Edward Olivares during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. slides home to score on a single by Edward Olivares during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia had three hits, an RBI and a run and the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 4-1 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak.Mike Mayers allowed one run on six hits in 4 2/3 innings in his first start for the Royals. He struck out a career-high eight and walked one.Jose Cuas (3-0) was the winner, and Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth for his second save.Eduardo Rodriguez (4-4) took the loss. He allowed four runs — two earned — on eight hits in five innings. He struck out nine and walked two.The Tigers threatened in the fourth, loading the bases with two outs on two infield singles and a walk, but Mayers induced a groundball from Miguel Cabrera.The Royals got to Rodriguez in the fourth. Edward Olivares reached on shortstop Javier Baez's error and scored on a double by Michael Massey. Massey then came in on a single by Garcia. Garcia scored the third run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by Salvador Perez. Only one of the runs was earned.Mayers labored in the fifth and left with the bases loaded and two outs. One of those runners scored on a single by Baez. Olivares singled with one out in the bottom of the fifth, scoring Bobby Witt Jr. with Kansas City's fourth run.TRANSACTIONSRoyals RHP Nick Wittgren was selected from Triple-A Omaha. Wittgren, who pitched for Royals' pitching coach Brian Sweeney with Cleveland from 2019-21, had a 1.25 ERA with five saves in 17 appearances with Omaha. In a corresponding move, RHP Max Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTThe Tigers and Royals will complete the three-game series Wenesday. Detroit LHP Matthew Boyd (3-3, 6.21 ERA) will face RHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.82 ERA). First pitch at 6:40. Coverage begins at 6:00 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Royals snap 4-game skid with 4-1 win over Tigers

A pair of East Buchanan siblings had a memorable weekend at the state track and field meet in Jefferson City.

Freshman Brooklyn Johnson and sophomore Trey Johnson are brother and sister. Brooklyn took second in girls' shot put at state, while Trey won a state title in boys' javelin and took seventh in triple jump.

Brooklyn, who threw a school record distance of&nbsp;38 feet - 7 inches at state, says her entire family has been supportive in her athletic career so far.

"It's great," she said. "I've had so much support from my family, friends, coaches. They are outstanding. They helped me and I'm so glad to be here."

Trey says this track season was a memorable one for his family and many East Buchanan athletes.

"It's awesome for me, my sister and my family," he said. "Like, my sister is only a freshman. She has a chance to win this thing her sophomore, junior and senior year. I can do that as well for mine. I just think it's an awesome feeling all around."

Trey had a breakout season in track this year.&nbsp;Not only did he help the Bulldog boys win a district title, but he came away with two state medals this past weekend. He took seventh in triple jump and won a state title in javelin with a throw  of 171 feet - 9 inches.

"Last year, I was not expecting to be here," Trey said. "If you'd have told me I'd be here right now, I'd say you're lying. It was a great weekend for everyone at East Buchanan and I had a great time."

Johnson medaled at state track in triple jump, despite only picking it up a short time ago. He competed alongside teammate Trevor Klein, who medaled third.

"I just started triple jump a few weeks ago, so I'm definitely proud of my results here. So, there's definitely more in the future."

All 10 of East Buchanan's state track qualifiers on the boys' and girls' side came away with state medals in Jefferson City last week.

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/1f167f63-a906-4d66-b1f5-2942ac7a26fb">See our full state track coverage here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684640518959.jpeg" alt="Brooklyn Johnson throws shot put at state track on May 20. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Brooklyn Johnson throws shot put at state track on May 20. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA pair of East Buchanan siblings had a memorable weekend at the state track and field meet in Jefferson City.Freshman Brooklyn Johnson and sophomore Trey Johnson are brother and sister. Brooklyn took second in girls' shot put at state, while Trey won a state title in boys' javelin and took seventh in triple jump.Brooklyn, who threw a school record distance of&nbsp;38 feet - 7 inches at state, says her entire family has been supportive in her athletic career so far."It's great," she said. "I've had so much support from my family, friends, coaches. They are outstanding. They helped me and I'm so glad to be here."Trey says this track season was a memorable one for his family and many East Buchanan athletes."It's awesome for me, my sister and my family," he said. "Like, my sister is only a freshman. She has a chance to win this thing her sophomore, junior and senior year. I can do that as well for mine. I just think it's an awesome feeling all around."Trey had a breakout season in track this year.&nbsp;Not only did he help the Bulldog boys win a district title, but he came away with two state medals this past weekend. He took seventh in triple jump and won a state title in javelin with a throw of 171 feet - 9 inches."Last year, I was not expecting to be here," Trey said. "If you'd have told me I'd be here right now, I'd say you're lying. It was a great weekend for everyone at East Buchanan and I had a great time."Johnson medaled at state track in triple jump, despite only picking it up a short time ago. He competed alongside teammate Trevor Klein, who medaled third."I just started triple jump a few weeks ago, so I'm definitely proud of my results here. So, there's definitely more in the future."All 10 of East Buchanan's state track qualifiers on the boys' and girls' side came away with state medals in Jefferson City last week.<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/1f167f63-a906-4d66-b1f5-2942ac7a26fb">See our full state track coverage here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684640461903.jpeg" alt="Trey Johnson competes in triple jump at state. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Trey Johnson competes in triple jump at state. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684869793965.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

East Buchanan siblings Trey, Brooklyn Johnson experience new heights together at state track

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Javier Báez hit a bases-clearing double in the 10th inning for his third hit of the night to lift the Detroit Tigers to an 8-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series Monday night.

Matt Vierling had three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs for the Tigers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684812725331.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino hits a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Monday, May 22, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino hits a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Monday, May 22, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Javier Báez hit a bases-clearing double in the 10th inning for his third hit of the night to lift the Detroit Tigers to an 8-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series Monday night.Matt Vierling had three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs for the Tigers.Alex Lange (2-0) earned the victory with two hitless innings of relief. Jose Cisnero picked up his first save.Scott Barlow (1-3) allowed Báez's winning hit and took the loss.Neither starter was effective. Detroit's Michael Lorenzen gave up five runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. Brady Singer allowed five runs and seven hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings. Singer came into the game with a 6-0 record with a 2.44 ERA in 10 career starts against the Tigers.Detroit batters walked 10 times, the first time the Tigers had eight or more walks in consecutive games since June 13-14, 2016.The Tigers got three runs in the first inning without much solid contact. Zach McKinstry led off with a single in the hole at second. With one out, Báez singled over first base and Spencer Torkelson walked. Singer then walked Akil Baddoo on four pitches to send home the first run. Vierling lined a single through the hole at short for two more runs.The Royals wasted no time in getting back into the game. Vinnie Pasquantino launched a 424-foot, two-run home run and Salvador Perez followed with a 419-foot shot to tie the score before Lorenzen recorded the first out. It was the first time this year the Royals hit back-to-back home runs.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">And we back (to back).<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeToTheCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeToTheCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/LU5E98LZB6">pic.twitter.com/LU5E98LZB6</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1660800308254068736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Vierling then put the Tigers back in front with a two-run home run in the third, giving him four RBIs on the night.Jackie Bradley Jr. hit his first homer as a Royal to tie the game in the fifth. Nicky Lopez tripled leading off the inning before Bradley hit it into the Tigers bullpen in left. Bradley snapped an 0-for-26 skid.TRANSACTIONS:Royals IF Nicky Lopez returned from rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha and was reinstated from IL. He has been out since May 2 with an emergency appendectomy. In a corresponding move, IF/OF Hunter Dozier was designated for assignment. Dozier was hitting .183 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 29 games this season.The Royals take on the Tigers again Tuesday evening with first pitch at 6:40. Coverage begins at 6:00 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684812766011.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Monday, May 22, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Monday, May 22, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>