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

KFEQ Morning Sports

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

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

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

Esely says the nomination form can be filled out online. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JoJo Romero earned the win in relief for St. Louis, pitching 1.1 innings and striking out one.&nbsp; Sonny Gray, the starting pitcher, pitched six innings in a no decision giving up five hits and five runs, all earned, while striking out nine.&nbsp;

Herrera led the way hitting for the Cardinals going 3-4 with three home runs, driving in six runs.&nbsp; Nootbaar (2-5), Arenado (2-3, 2 RBI), and Winn (2-4) also helped.&nbsp;

The Cardinals are now 4-2 on the young season.&nbsp; They hit the road for the first time next, traveling to Boston to meet the Red Sox.&nbsp;&nbsp;Erick Fedde will start for St. Louis against&nbsp;Walker Buehler for the Red Sox.&nbsp;

Coverage will begin on KY 102 (102.5 FM) at 1pm with first pitch at 1:10 on Friday.

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

Herrera's three homer day powers Cards to 12-5 win over Angels 

The head coaches of the Benton boys and girls basketball teams look back on a special season for the high school.  

Boys coach Jared Boone says it felt special to get the boys to their first championship since 1941.  

But he says what also felt more special, was getting to share the moment with the girls basketball team, and their coach Chris Michaels 

"You know, for the past four years I've sat and watched this guy to my right (Michaels) do it time and time again, and I'm like man it'd just be fun to get there, I'm trying to be on that court down there with him, not be watching him from the stands," Boone tells KFEQ News. 

Michaels says it was special to share the moment with Boone and the boys, and says the two shared a moment following the semifinal wins  

"You can call it a blackout moment if you want to, I have no idea what we said to each other, I have no idea what we screamed at each other," Michaels says.  "All I know is, boy if someone would have been down there to catch me jump from the stands, I would have jumped out of the stands to go give him a hug." 

Since the second-place finish for both teams at state, the teams have been recognized by the St. Joseph School Board, and most recently the City of St. Joseph.  

Michaels says what hasn't quite fully sunk in just yet is a promise he made to his two graduating seniors as freshman that they would hold up a state title 

"It was a promise not a hope, and I didn't get done with that, that didn't happen for my seniors, so there's two girls that I broke a promise to and the crazy thing is I think they feel the same," Michaels explains.  "I think that they felt like they promised us state championships, and the good thing that I can tell them is they did not let us down at all, they did everything that we asked them to do, and I'd tell them that we didn't let them down either." 

Michaels says he's told people that while he's tired of crying after state championships, he's grateful to be able to. 

Both coaches were also able to take in the moment of being at state, with the southside of St. Joseph taking over Columbia 

Boone says normally before games, he is off in a corner mentally locking himself in, but says this time he really took everything in and looked around 

"Looking up in the stands and seeing the majority of our section covered in Benton red, and even some of the upper sections, it was pretty cool," Boone says.  "I told myself when this happened, I wanted to take everything in, because this is something that doesn't happen all the time, and so I just wanted to not overlook that and have the memories stored in my brain of what it was actually like down there." 

Boone says it meant a lot to be able to do what his team was able to do this year. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743610740345.jpeg" alt="Benton basketball coaches Chris Michaels (left) and Jared Boone (right) joinied the KFEQMunnity show to reflect on the boys and girls basketball trips to the Class 4 state championship games/ Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Benton basketball coaches Chris Michaels (left) and Jared Boone (right) joinied the KFEQMunnity show to reflect on the boys and girls basketball trips to the Class 4 state championship games/ Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The head coaches of the Benton boys and girls basketball teams look back on a special season for the high school. Boys coach Jared Boone says it felt special to get the boys to their first championship since 1941. But he says what also felt more special, was getting to share the moment with the girls basketball team, and their coach Chris Michaels "You know, for the past four years I've sat and watched this guy to my right (Michaels) do it time and time again, and I'm like man it'd just be fun to get there, I'm trying to be on that court down there with him, not be watching him from the stands," Boone tells KFEQ News. Michaels says it was special to share the moment with Boone and the boys, and says the two shared a moment following the semifinal wins "You can call it a blackout moment if you want to, I have no idea what we said to each other, I have no idea what we screamed at each other," Michaels says. "All I know is, boy if someone would have been down there to catch me jump from the stands, I would have jumped out of the stands to go give him a hug." Since the second-place finish for both teams at state, the teams have been recognized by the St. Joseph School Board, and most recently the City of St. Joseph. Michaels says what hasn't quite fully sunk in just yet is a promise he made to his two graduating seniors as freshman that they would hold up a state title "It was a promise not a hope, and I didn't get done with that, that didn't happen for my seniors, so there's two girls that I broke a promise to and the crazy thing is I think they feel the same," Michaels explains. "I think that they felt like they promised us state championships, and the good thing that I can tell them is they did not let us down at all, they did everything that we asked them to do, and I'd tell them that we didn't let them down either." Michaels says he's told people that while he's tired of crying after state championships, he's grateful to be able to. Both coaches were also able to take in the moment of being at state, with the southside of St. Joseph taking over Columbia Boone says normally before games, he is off in a corner mentally locking himself in, but says this time he really took everything in and looked around "Looking up in the stands and seeing the majority of our section covered in Benton red, and even some of the upper sections, it was pretty cool," Boone says. "I told myself when this happened, I wanted to take everything in, because this is something that doesn't happen all the time, and so I just wanted to not overlook that and have the memories stored in my brain of what it was actually like down there." Boone says it meant a lot to be able to do what his team was able to do this year. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743610816392.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Benton basketball coaches prideful of teams run to championship games

The St. Louis Cardinals dropped a second game in a row in extra innings, falling to the Los Angeles Angels 9-7 in 11 innings at Busch Stadium on Tuesday night

After the Cardinals took the lead in the bottom of the second inning, and RBI single by Jordan Walker scoring Nolan Gorman, the Angels put up a three spot in the third inning to take lead away.&nbsp; A double by Luis Rengifo scored Tim Anderson to tie the game.&nbsp; Later in the inning a Mike Trout double drove in Taylor Ward And Rengifo to give the Angels a 3-1 lead.&nbsp;

Walker homered in the fourth inning for St. Louis to cut the lead for Los Angeles to one, a lead that was held until the eighth inning, when the Cardinals benefited from an Angels fielding error, Nolan Arenado reaching first on a throwing error by Nolan Schanuel that allowed Lars Nootbaar to score.&nbsp; The game remained tied, and for a second straight day, went into extra innings.&nbsp;

Los Angeles took the lead back in the top half of the tenth inning, putting up another three run inning.&nbsp; Schanuel drove in Kyren Paris and Yoan Moncada with a triple.&nbsp; Schanuel came around to score on a single by Jo Adell.&nbsp; Unlike Monday though, the Cardinals put together a rally to tie the game back up.&nbsp; A two RBI double by Luken Baker scored Victor Scott II and Masyn Winn.&nbsp; Pinch runner Michael Siani came around later to score on a single by Arenado.&nbsp;

The St. Louis bullpen surrendered three more runs in the 11th inning.&nbsp; Paris singled to score Anderson.&nbsp; In the very next at bat, Moncada doubled, driving in Trout and Paris.&nbsp; In the bottom half, the Cardinals managed just an RBI single by Scott II that scored&nbsp;Iván Herrera.

Chris Roycroft took the loss in relief for St. Louis, giving up three runs, two earned in one inning, surrendering two hits and walking one.&nbsp; In his first start of the season,&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore pitched six innings, giving up three runs on six hits and striking out four.&nbsp;

Nootbaar (2-6) and Walker (2-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the loss.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Los Angeles wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Sonny Gray will start for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Yusei Kikuchi for the Angels as the Redbirds look to avoid a sweep.&nbsp; KY 102 (102.5 FM) will begin coverage at 12:05 with first pitch at 12:15.&nbsp;

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals dropped a second game in a row in extra innings, falling to the Los Angeles Angels 9-7 in 11 innings at Busch Stadium on Tuesday nightAfter the Cardinals took the lead in the bottom of the second inning, and RBI single by Jordan Walker scoring Nolan Gorman, the Angels put up a three spot in the third inning to take lead away.&nbsp; A double by Luis Rengifo scored Tim Anderson to tie the game.&nbsp; Later in the inning a Mike Trout double drove in Taylor Ward And Rengifo to give the Angels a 3-1 lead.&nbsp;Walker homered in the fourth inning for St. Louis to cut the lead for Los Angeles to one, a lead that was held until the eighth inning, when the Cardinals benefited from an Angels fielding error, Nolan Arenado reaching first on a throwing error by Nolan Schanuel that allowed Lars Nootbaar to score.&nbsp; The game remained tied, and for a second straight day, went into extra innings.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">JORDAN WALKER! 🚀 419 FEET TO THE BATTER&#39;S EYE! <a href="https://t.co/A3jOsAFWzU">pic.twitter.com/A3jOsAFWzU</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1907233191087243426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Los Angeles took the lead back in the top half of the tenth inning, putting up another three run inning.&nbsp; Schanuel drove in Kyren Paris and Yoan Moncada with a triple.&nbsp; Schanuel came around to score on a single by Jo Adell.&nbsp; Unlike Monday though, the Cardinals put together a rally to tie the game back up.&nbsp; A two RBI double by Luken Baker scored Victor Scott II and Masyn Winn.&nbsp; Pinch runner Michael Siani came around later to score on a single by Arenado.&nbsp;The St. Louis bullpen surrendered three more runs in the 11th inning.&nbsp; Paris singled to score Anderson.&nbsp; In the very next at bat, Moncada doubled, driving in Trout and Paris.&nbsp; In the bottom half, the Cardinals managed just an RBI single by Scott II that scored&nbsp;Iván Herrera.Chris Roycroft took the loss in relief for St. Louis, giving up three runs, two earned in one inning, surrendering two hits and walking one.&nbsp; In his first start of the season,&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore pitched six innings, giving up three runs on six hits and striking out four.&nbsp;Nootbaar (2-6) and Walker (2-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the loss.&nbsp;St. Louis and Los Angeles wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Sonny Gray will start for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Yusei Kikuchi for the Angels as the Redbirds look to avoid a sweep.&nbsp; KY 102 (102.5 FM) will begin coverage at 12:05 with first pitch at 12:15.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cardinals fall in extras again to Angels, lose 9-7 in 11 innings

The Kansas City Royals seemingly used up their offense on Monday, and were held off the board in the middle game of the three game series with the Milwaukee Brewers, getting shut out 5-0 on Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Brewers catcher Eric Haase hit his first home run of the season in the third inning for the first run.&nbsp; Later in the inning, Christian Yelich grounded into a force out scoring&nbsp;Brice Turang.&nbsp; Milwaukee added two more runs in the sixth inning, a single from Rhys Hoskins scoring Yelich, and a ground out by Vinny Capra driving in&nbsp;William Contreras.&nbsp; The Brewers final run of the game in the eighth came on a solo home run from Yelich to right center field.&nbsp;

The Royals managed just four hits in the loss, with one hit each coming from Jonathan India, Bobby Witt Jr, Mark Canha, and Maikel Garcia.&nbsp; Starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen, who took the loss, pitched 5.1 innings, giving up five hits and four runs, three earned, while striking out seven and walking three.&nbsp;

The Royals and Brewers will wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Cole Ragans makes his first start since Opening Day for Kansas City as does Freddy Peralta for Milwaukee.&nbsp; KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM) will join first pitch at 12:10pm.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals seemingly used up their offense on Monday, and were held off the board in the middle game of the three game series with the Milwaukee Brewers, getting shut out 5-0 on Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp;Brewers catcher Eric Haase hit his first home run of the season in the third inning for the first run.&nbsp; Later in the inning, Christian Yelich grounded into a force out scoring&nbsp;Brice Turang.&nbsp; Milwaukee added two more runs in the sixth inning, a single from Rhys Hoskins scoring Yelich, and a ground out by Vinny Capra driving in&nbsp;William Contreras.&nbsp; The Brewers final run of the game in the eighth came on a solo home run from Yelich to right center field.&nbsp;The Royals managed just four hits in the loss, with one hit each coming from Jonathan India, Bobby Witt Jr, Mark Canha, and Maikel Garcia.&nbsp; Starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen, who took the loss, pitched 5.1 innings, giving up five hits and four runs, three earned, while striking out seven and walking three.&nbsp;The Royals and Brewers will wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Cole Ragans makes his first start since Opening Day for Kansas City as does Freddy Peralta for Milwaukee.&nbsp; KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM) will join first pitch at 12:10pm.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals bats shut down by Brewers pitching falling 5-0

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-412025-e30vbv4/a-abs5a0t" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The St. Louis Cardinals battled back and forth with the Los Angeles Angels, but fell in extra innings, losing 5-4 in 10 innings on Monday night at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;

The Cardinals did hold the lead for most of the game, with solo home runs by Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan, the first home run off a left handed pitcher in his career, in the first and second innings respectively.&nbsp; The Angels narrowed the gap in the third inning, a sacrifice fly by Taylor Ward scoring&nbsp;Kyren Paris, but St. Louis extended the lead again in the fifth with an RBI single from Nolan Arenado driving in Nootbaar, putting the Redbirds up 3-1 through five innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Over the next two innings though, the Angels tied the game up, first getting a sacrifice fly by Mike Trout that scored Ward in the sixth.&nbsp; In the seventh, a triple by Paris drove in Luis Rengifo, making it a brand new ballgame.&nbsp;

Los Angeles would not strike again though until the top of the tenth inning, getting the two runs they needed against Cardindals reliever Jo Jo Romero.&nbsp; Rengifo began the inning as the ghost runner at second, and Romero walked Paris.&nbsp; After a sacrifice bunt by Kevin Newman advanced both runners and Romero intentionally walked Ward, Nolan Schanuel reached first on a fielders choice scoring Rengifo, but no out was recorded.&nbsp; 

With one out, Trout flew out and hit a sacrifice fly into a double play, but still drove in a run, Schanuel getting thrown out at second and Paris scoring, pushing the lead to 5-3.&nbsp; St. Louis could manage just one run in the bottom half, a sacrfice fly by Victor Scott II scoring&nbsp;Pedro Pagés.

Romero took the loss in relief, pitching one inning and giving up two runs, just one earned, walking two but giving up no hits.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas in his season debut starting pitched 5.1 innings giving up two hits and two runs, striking out three batters and walking two.&nbsp;

Nootbaar (2-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI), Luken Baker (2-4), Jordan Walker (2-4), and Scott II (2-3, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the loss.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Los Angeles will be back in action tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore will start for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Kyle Hendricks for the Angels.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:45pm with pregame at 5:50 on KY 102 (102.5FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals battled back and forth with the Los Angeles Angels, but fell in extra innings, losing 5-4 in 10 innings on Monday night at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;The Cardinals did hold the lead for most of the game, with solo home runs by Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan, the first home run off a left handed pitcher in his career, in the first and second innings respectively.&nbsp; The Angels narrowed the gap in the third inning, a sacrifice fly by Taylor Ward scoring&nbsp;Kyren Paris, but St. Louis extended the lead again in the fifth with an RBI single from Nolan Arenado driving in Nootbaar, putting the Redbirds up 3-1 through five innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After Further Review: NOOOOOOOOT! <a href="https://t.co/zxD0auIcWa">pic.twitter.com/zxD0auIcWa</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1906859085175148926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donnie dunks one into the bullpen! <a href="https://t.co/tyFZMLpvfU">pic.twitter.com/tyFZMLpvfU</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1906862627633934690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Over the next two innings though, the Angels tied the game up, first getting a sacrifice fly by Mike Trout that scored Ward in the sixth.&nbsp; In the seventh, a triple by Paris drove in Luis Rengifo, making it a brand new ballgame.&nbsp;Los Angeles would not strike again though until the top of the tenth inning, getting the two runs they needed against Cardindals reliever Jo Jo Romero.&nbsp; Rengifo began the inning as the ghost runner at second, and Romero walked Paris.&nbsp; After a sacrifice bunt by Kevin Newman advanced both runners and Romero intentionally walked Ward, Nolan Schanuel reached first on a fielders choice scoring Rengifo, but no out was recorded.&nbsp; With one out, Trout flew out and hit a sacrifice fly into a double play, but still drove in a run, Schanuel getting thrown out at second and Paris scoring, pushing the lead to 5-3.&nbsp; St. Louis could manage just one run in the bottom half, a sacrfice fly by Victor Scott II scoring&nbsp;Pedro Pagés.Romero took the loss in relief, pitching one inning and giving up two runs, just one earned, walking two but giving up no hits.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas in his season debut starting pitched 5.1 innings giving up two hits and two runs, striking out three batters and walking two.&nbsp;Nootbaar (2-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI), Luken Baker (2-4), Jordan Walker (2-4), and Scott II (2-3, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the loss.&nbsp;St. Louis and Los Angeles will be back in action tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore will start for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Kyle Hendricks for the Angels.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:45pm with pregame at 5:50 on KY 102 (102.5FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Donovan hits first career HR off LHP, but Cardinals fall in extras to Angels 5-4

The Kansas City Royals offense exploded and in his first start since 2023, Kris Bubic spun a gem, as the Royals spoiled the home opener for the Milwaukee Brewers winning 11-1 on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Kansas City started off hot with back to back singled by Jonathan India, who was back in the lineup one day after being hit in the helmet by a pitch, and Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp; India came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; 

Michael Massey's ground rule double prevented Witt from coming home to score, but one batter later Hunter Renfroe singled scoring both Massey and Witt Jr giving Kansas City an early 3-0 lead.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia extended the lead in the second inning, hitting his team leading second home run of the season to center field.

The Brewere were able to silence the Kansas City at least for the next few innings, but the Royals finally put a six spot up in the seventh inning, starting with Salvador Perez hitting his first home run of the season to left field.&nbsp; Following the home run, Massey and MJ Melendez singled, while Mark Canha walked to load the bases, forcing a pitching change by Milwaukee.&nbsp;

But new reliever&nbsp;Grant Anderson would not fare much better, walking Garcia to bring home Massey for another Kansas City run.&nbsp; After that, a single by India brought home Melendez and Canha, before Witt Jr singled to drive in Garcia.&nbsp; The scoring in the inning ended on a groundout by Pasquantino that drove India across home plate, extending the Royals lead to 10-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Angel Zerpa replaced Royals starter Kris Bubic to start the bottom half of the seventh inning.&nbsp; It was Bubic's first start of the season, and first start since 2023 after coming out of the bullpen last year.&nbsp; In the start Bubic put together the first Kansas City quality start of the year, earning the win, pitching six innings, striking out eight and walking two, and giving up three hits.&nbsp;

Zerpa did surrender the lone Brewers run of the game in the inning.&nbsp; Pinch hitter&nbsp;Isaac Collins led off the inning with a double, and two batters later was driven in on a double by&nbsp;Jackson Chourio.&nbsp; Kansas City answered the run in the ninth inning, an RBI single by Cavan Biggio that scored Canha.

India led the way hitting for the Royals in the win going 3-5 with 2 RBIs and two runs scored.&nbsp; Witt Jr (2-5, 1 RBI), Massey (2-4, 1 RBI), and Perez (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) were next on the team.&nbsp;

Kansas City is back in action against Milwaukee tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen will make his season debut while the Brewers have yet to announce their starter.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:40pm with pregame coverage at 6pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743458632013.jpeg" alt="Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic spun the first quality start of the season as the Royals offense exploded for an 11-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic spun the first quality start of the season as the Royals offense exploded for an 11-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals offense exploded and in his first start since 2023, Kris Bubic spun a gem, as the Royals spoiled the home opener for the Milwaukee Brewers winning 11-1 on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Kansas City started off hot with back to back singled by Jonathan India, who was back in the lineup one day after being hit in the helmet by a pitch, and Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp; India came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; Michael Massey's ground rule double prevented Witt from coming home to score, but one batter later Hunter Renfroe singled scoring both Massey and Witt Jr giving Kansas City an early 3-0 lead.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia extended the lead in the second inning, hitting his team leading second home run of the season to center field.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Maikey mash! 💥 <a href="https://t.co/IsFEYkR1BZ">pic.twitter.com/IsFEYkR1BZ</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1906779948331028720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Brewere were able to silence the Kansas City at least for the next few innings, but the Royals finally put a six spot up in the seventh inning, starting with Salvador Perez hitting his first home run of the season to left field.&nbsp; Following the home run, Massey and MJ Melendez singled, while Mark Canha walked to load the bases, forcing a pitching change by Milwaukee.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Captain is on the board! 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/rrMQW0fDhx">pic.twitter.com/rrMQW0fDhx</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1906802900522672443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But new reliever&nbsp;Grant Anderson would not fare much better, walking Garcia to bring home Massey for another Kansas City run.&nbsp; After that, a single by India brought home Melendez and Canha, before Witt Jr singled to drive in Garcia.&nbsp; The scoring in the inning ended on a groundout by Pasquantino that drove India across home plate, extending the Royals lead to 10-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;Angel Zerpa replaced Royals starter Kris Bubic to start the bottom half of the seventh inning.&nbsp; It was Bubic's first start of the season, and first start since 2023 after coming out of the bullpen last year.&nbsp; In the start Bubic put together the first Kansas City quality start of the year, earning the win, pitching six innings, striking out eight and walking two, and giving up three hits.&nbsp;Zerpa did surrender the lone Brewers run of the game in the inning.&nbsp; Pinch hitter&nbsp;Isaac Collins led off the inning with a double, and two batters later was driven in on a double by&nbsp;Jackson Chourio.&nbsp; Kansas City answered the run in the ninth inning, an RBI single by Cavan Biggio that scored Canha.India led the way hitting for the Royals in the win going 3-5 with 2 RBIs and two runs scored.&nbsp; Witt Jr (2-5, 1 RBI), Massey (2-4, 1 RBI), and Perez (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) were next on the team.&nbsp;Kansas City is back in action against Milwaukee tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen will make his season debut while the Brewers have yet to announce their starter.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:40pm with pregame coverage at 6pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals offense explodes to spoil Brewers home opener with 11-1 win

Following the sudden resignation after one season by Ashton Feldhaus, the Missouri Western Lady Griffons have tabbed the next man up to lead the program, one of the most successful coaches in the junior college ranks.&nbsp;

Missouri Western Athletic Director Andy Carter announced&nbsp;Luke Scheidecker as the 11th head coach in program history today.&nbsp; Scheidecker, a native of Smithville, comes to St. Joseph after a historic stint with Wabash Valley College where he compiled a career record of&nbsp;231-22, a .913 winning percentage, with stints between&nbsp;2016-18 and&nbsp;2020-2025

Most recently,&nbsp;Scheidecker led the Lady Warriors to a 31-3 record, and an exit in the third round of the NJCAA tournament this past Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Luke is an outstanding recruiter and head coach with lots of basketball experience, Carter said in a news release. "It is why he was a finalist less than a year ago during our search. His ties to the region and his success speak for themselves" 

"He is a leader and understands the importance and value of building relationships with the members of his team. I am grateful to have him on our team"

Scheidecker, the 2024 WBCA Two-Year National Coach of the Year, has received numerous accolades, including six NJCAA Region 24 Coach of the Year awards and six Midwest District Coach of the Year honors at WVC. He's also been named the Illinois Basketball Coaches' Association College Coach of the Year five times.&nbsp; Under his leadership, Wabash Valley College has made six appearances in the National Tournament and have won six Great Rivers Athletic Conference Championships. 

"I am excited and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the Missouri Western women's basketball tradition," Scheidecker said. "Being from the area, I am very familiar with Mo West and its success in one of the toughest conferences in the country. I want to thank Andy Carter and Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy for entrusting me with this position."

Scheidecker also has a connection already to the university.&nbsp; His wife, Tori, was a Missouri Western Women's Basketball Graduate Assistant from 2019-2021. She was also a standout player at Butler University, earning All-Big East honors three times. They have two children - nine-year-old son, Cade, and six-year-old daughter, Brynn.

Scheidecker will be officially introduced at a press conference on Friday, April 4th at 12pm in the Spratt Stadium Hall of Fame room. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743441895017.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western has hired&nbsp;Luke Scheidecker as the 11th head coach in program history/ Photo courtesy of Wabash Valley College" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western has hired&nbsp;Luke Scheidecker as the 11th head coach in program history/ Photo courtesy of Wabash Valley College</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFollowing the sudden resignation after one season by Ashton Feldhaus, the Missouri Western Lady Griffons have tabbed the next man up to lead the program, one of the most successful coaches in the junior college ranks.&nbsp;Missouri Western Athletic Director Andy Carter announced&nbsp;Luke Scheidecker as the 11th head coach in program history today.&nbsp; Scheidecker, a native of Smithville, comes to St. Joseph after a historic stint with Wabash Valley College where he compiled a career record of&nbsp;231-22, a .913 winning percentage, with stints between&nbsp;2016-18 and&nbsp;2020-2025Most recently,&nbsp;Scheidecker led the Lady Warriors to a 31-3 record, and an exit in the third round of the NJCAA tournament this past Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Luke is an outstanding recruiter and head coach with lots of basketball experience, Carter said in a news release. "It is why he was a finalist less than a year ago during our search. His ties to the region and his success speak for themselves" "He is a leader and understands the importance and value of building relationships with the members of his team. I am grateful to have him on our team"Scheidecker, the 2024 WBCA Two-Year National Coach of the Year, has received numerous accolades, including six NJCAA Region 24 Coach of the Year awards and six Midwest District Coach of the Year honors at WVC. He's also been named the Illinois Basketball Coaches' Association College Coach of the Year five times.&nbsp; Under his leadership, Wabash Valley College has made six appearances in the National Tournament and have won six Great Rivers Athletic Conference Championships. "I am excited and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the Missouri Western women's basketball tradition," Scheidecker said. "Being from the area, I am very familiar with Mo West and its success in one of the toughest conferences in the country. I want to thank Andy Carter and Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy for entrusting me with this position."Scheidecker also has a connection already to the university.&nbsp; His wife, Tori, was a Missouri Western Women's Basketball Graduate Assistant from 2019-2021. She was also a standout player at Butler University, earning All-Big East honors three times. They have two children - nine-year-old son, Cade, and six-year-old daughter, Brynn.Scheidecker will be officially introduced at a press conference on Friday, April 4th at 12pm in the Spratt Stadium Hall of Fame room. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

MWSU brings on Luke Scheidecker as new women's basketball coach

One day after fans called for him to step away, Sporting Kansas City has announced that the club has mutually parted ways with manager Peter Vermes,&nbsp; ending his trophy-laden run as Major League Soccer’s longest-tenured head coach and one of the longest-serving managers in global soccer.

Kerry Zavagnin has been appointed as Sporting’s interim head coach, effective immediately.

“It would be hard to list all of the people I want to thank after 20 seasons in managerial positions at Sporting Kansas City,” Vermes said in a news release from the club. “I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades. I wish the club nothing but the best in the future.”

Vermes’ historic run as Kansas City’s head coach began on Aug. 4, 2009, punctuating the start of a winning era as the club rebranded to Sporting KC and moved into Children’s Mercy Park ahead of the 2011 season. He guided Sporting to first-place finishes in the Eastern Conference in 2011 and 2012, including a club-record 63-point regular season in 2012. That same year, Sporting captured the U.S. Open Cup—the club’s first trophy since 2004—with a home victory over Seattle Sounders FC on penalty kicks.

Sporting reached greater heights in 2013, winning the club’s second MLS Cup with an iconic penalty shootout win over Real Salt Lake at Children’s Mercy Park. Vermes also coached the MLS All-Stars in the 2013 MLS All-Star Game at the same stadium, two weeks before his selection into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

In addition to hoisting the 2013 MLS Cup and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017, Vermes guided the club to 11 playoff appearances—including eight straight from 2011-2018—and four first-place finishes in the regular season. He remains the only person to win MLS Cup as a player and a coach with the same team, having led Kansas City to the 2000 title as a standout central defender, and his three Open Cup championships were the most among active MLS coaches entering 2025. He ranks third on the all-time MLS chart with 203 regular season wins and concludes his tenure as the longest-serving head coach in Kansas City professional sports history.

Vermes coached 609 matches for Sporting in all competitions, more than half of the games in the club’s 30-year existence and the most ever for a manager at one MLS club. His 511 regular season matches coached are third-most all-time and his 17-season run at the helm of Sporting was at least seven seasons longer than any other active MLS head coach.

Like Vermes, Zavagnin has been inducted into the Sporting Legends hall of honor as one of the club’s most accomplished leaders. He made 291 appearances for Kansas City as a player from 2000-2008—earning MLS Best XI and All-Star nods in 2004—and has served as an assistant with the club since 2009. As a member of the club for 26 consecutive seasons, he holds the MLS record for most seasons with one club as a player or coach.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743438860408.jpeg" alt="Sporting Kansas City announced on Monday it has mutually agreed to part ways with manager Peter Vermes/ Photo courtesy&nbsp;Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images" />
 <figcaption>Sporting Kansas City announced on Monday it has mutually agreed to part ways with manager Peter Vermes/ Photo courtesy&nbsp;Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostOne day after fans called for him to step away, Sporting Kansas City has announced that the club has mutually parted ways with manager Peter Vermes,&nbsp; ending his trophy-laden run as Major League Soccer’s longest-tenured head coach and one of the longest-serving managers in global soccer.Kerry Zavagnin has been appointed as Sporting’s interim head coach, effective immediately.“It would be hard to list all of the people I want to thank after 20 seasons in managerial positions at Sporting Kansas City,” Vermes said in a news release from the club. “I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades. I wish the club nothing but the best in the future.”Vermes’ historic run as Kansas City’s head coach began on Aug. 4, 2009, punctuating the start of a winning era as the club rebranded to Sporting KC and moved into Children’s Mercy Park ahead of the 2011 season. He guided Sporting to first-place finishes in the Eastern Conference in 2011 and 2012, including a club-record 63-point regular season in 2012. That same year, Sporting captured the U.S. Open Cup—the club’s first trophy since 2004—with a home victory over Seattle Sounders FC on penalty kicks.Sporting reached greater heights in 2013, winning the club’s second MLS Cup with an iconic penalty shootout win over Real Salt Lake at Children’s Mercy Park. Vermes also coached the MLS All-Stars in the 2013 MLS All-Star Game at the same stadium, two weeks before his selection into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.In addition to hoisting the 2013 MLS Cup and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017, Vermes guided the club to 11 playoff appearances—including eight straight from 2011-2018—and four first-place finishes in the regular season. He remains the only person to win MLS Cup as a player and a coach with the same team, having led Kansas City to the 2000 title as a standout central defender, and his three Open Cup championships were the most among active MLS coaches entering 2025. He ranks third on the all-time MLS chart with 203 regular season wins and concludes his tenure as the longest-serving head coach in Kansas City professional sports history.Vermes coached 609 matches for Sporting in all competitions, more than half of the games in the club’s 30-year existence and the most ever for a manager at one MLS club. His 511 regular season matches coached are third-most all-time and his 17-season run at the helm of Sporting was at least seven seasons longer than any other active MLS head coach.Like Vermes, Zavagnin has been inducted into the Sporting Legends hall of honor as one of the club’s most accomplished leaders. He made 291 appearances for Kansas City as a player from 2000-2008—earning MLS Best XI and All-Star nods in 2004—and has served as an assistant with the club since 2009. As a member of the club for 26 consecutive seasons, he holds the MLS record for most seasons with one club as a player or coach.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Sporting KC mutually agrees to part ways with Peter Vermes

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3312025-e30sv5o/a-abs297s" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The struggles of Sporting Kansas City over the past few seasons have reached a boiling point with some of the largest fan groups of the Major League Soccer club.&nbsp;

Both Sporting KC fan groups, the KC Cauldron and the South Stand Supporters Club, have called for the resignation of head coach Peter Vermes.

Sporting KC is currently last in the Western Conference, sitting at 0-5-1 after losing 2-1 to FC Dallas on Saturday.&nbsp; This slow start comes after a 2024 season where they finished 8-19-7 and finished second to last in the conference. They have finished below .500 over the past three seasons.

Following the loss on Saturday, the two fan groups released the following statement on social media:&nbsp;

Peter Vermes &amp; Sporting Kansas City Ownership,

“As the official supporters’ groups of Sporting Kansas City, the KC Cauldron and South Stand Supporters Club write to you today with urgency and frustration. We are at a breaking point-one that demands decisive action to protect the legacy, culture, and future of our beloved club.

For over two decades, Peter Vermes has been a defining figure in Kansas City soccer, from his time as a player with the Wizards to his transformation of Sporting KC into an MLS powerhouse. The championship victories, the commitment to a strong defensive identity, and the winning culture he once cultivated will always be respected. However, history and loyalty cannot be shields against accountability. The trajectory of this club on the field has become unacceptable, and we can no longer stand by while mediocrity overshadows our once-proud legacy.

Year after year, we have watched as this team has stagnated, its ambitions dwindled, and its results declined. Fans have been expected to tolerate repeated disappointment with no meaningful change in approach. The lack of urgency, lack of adaptation, and lack of accountability have been glaring. This is not about a single bad season-it is about a pattern of failure that has been allowed to persist without consequence.

We, as supporters, are the backbone of this club. We show up, we sing, we travel, we pour our time, money, and hearts into this team because we believe in what it should stand for. But belief alone does not win matches, and unwavering support does not excuse repeated underperformance. The Sporting KC standard has been abandoned, and we will not sit idly by while this club fades into irrelevance.

We cannot and will not accept this level of mediocrity. The hard truth is this: for Sporting KC to reclaim its rightful place as a dominant force in MLS, a change in leadership is necessary. Peter Vermes must resign as manager. This is not a request-it is a demand from a fanbase that refuses to watch its club wither under outdated tactics and unchallenged authority. His tenure has run its course, and a fresh vision is required to lead Sporting KC into the future.

To the ownership group: The responsibility to act falls on you. You must decide whether Sporting KC remains content with being a relic of past success or whether it fights to become a dominant force once again. The time for loyalty-based decisions has passed. We demand accountability. We demand ambition. We demand change. Peter, we acknowledge your contributions to club and the Kansas City community, but Sporting KC is bigger than any one person. The club’s future must take precedence over past achievements. A fresh vision is required to carry this team forward. It is time to make the decision that serves the club’s best interests, rather than personal ones.

We stand behind Sporting KC, not just in words, but in action. We will continue to support this team, but we will not remain silent when the legacy we love is at risk.

The KC Cauldron &amp; South Stand Supporters Club“

Vermes has been the head coach for Sporting KC since 2009 and is the longest-tenured coach in the MLS. He played with the franchise from 2000 to 2002. He is also third all-time in regular-season wins. Vermes signed a five-year extension with Sporting in 2023 through the 2028 season.

During his time in KC, he has won four major trophies. He won the 2013 MLS Cup and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017. He is the only person to win an MLS Cup as a player and coach with the same team.

With the team’s struggles, fans’ frustrations have continued to build as they look to Vermes to step down. It will be intriguing to see if Sporting can turn things around or if the organization follows through on the demand from the core fanbase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743386459892.jpeg" alt="Some of the largest fan groups of Sporting Kansas City are calling for the resignation of manager Peter Vermes with displeasure of&nbsp; the teams struggles over the past few seasons/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Some of the largest fan groups of Sporting Kansas City are calling for the resignation of manager Peter Vermes with displeasure of&nbsp; the teams struggles over the past few seasons/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe struggles of Sporting Kansas City over the past few seasons have reached a boiling point with some of the largest fan groups of the Major League Soccer club.&nbsp;Both Sporting KC fan groups, the KC Cauldron and the South Stand Supporters Club, have called for the resignation of head coach Peter Vermes.Sporting KC is currently last in the Western Conference, sitting at 0-5-1 after losing 2-1 to FC Dallas on Saturday.&nbsp; This slow start comes after a 2024 season where they finished 8-19-7 and finished second to last in the conference. They have finished below .500 over the past three seasons.Following the loss on Saturday, the two fan groups released the following statement on social media:&nbsp;Peter Vermes &amp; Sporting Kansas City Ownership,“As the official supporters’ groups of Sporting Kansas City, the KC Cauldron and South Stand Supporters Club write to you today with urgency and frustration. We are at a breaking point-one that demands decisive action to protect the legacy, culture, and future of our beloved club.For over two decades, Peter Vermes has been a defining figure in Kansas City soccer, from his time as a player with the Wizards to his transformation of Sporting KC into an MLS powerhouse. The championship victories, the commitment to a strong defensive identity, and the winning culture he once cultivated will always be respected. However, history and loyalty cannot be shields against accountability. The trajectory of this club on the field has become unacceptable, and we can no longer stand by while mediocrity overshadows our once-proud legacy.Year after year, we have watched as this team has stagnated, its ambitions dwindled, and its results declined. Fans have been expected to tolerate repeated disappointment with no meaningful change in approach. The lack of urgency, lack of adaptation, and lack of accountability have been glaring. This is not about a single bad season-it is about a pattern of failure that has been allowed to persist without consequence.We, as supporters, are the backbone of this club. We show up, we sing, we travel, we pour our time, money, and hearts into this team because we believe in what it should stand for. But belief alone does not win matches, and unwavering support does not excuse repeated underperformance. The Sporting KC standard has been abandoned, and we will not sit idly by while this club fades into irrelevance.We cannot and will not accept this level of mediocrity. The hard truth is this: for Sporting KC to reclaim its rightful place as a dominant force in MLS, a change in leadership is necessary. Peter Vermes must resign as manager. This is not a request-it is a demand from a fanbase that refuses to watch its club wither under outdated tactics and unchallenged authority. His tenure has run its course, and a fresh vision is required to lead Sporting KC into the future.To the ownership group: The responsibility to act falls on you. You must decide whether Sporting KC remains content with being a relic of past success or whether it fights to become a dominant force once again. The time for loyalty-based decisions has passed. We demand accountability. We demand ambition. We demand change. Peter, we acknowledge your contributions to club and the Kansas City community, but Sporting KC is bigger than any one person. The club’s future must take precedence over past achievements. A fresh vision is required to carry this team forward. It is time to make the decision that serves the club’s best interests, rather than personal ones.We stand behind Sporting KC, not just in words, but in action. We will continue to support this team, but we will not remain silent when the legacy we love is at risk.Sincerely,The KC Cauldron &amp; South Stand Supporters Club“Vermes has been the head coach for Sporting KC since 2009 and is the longest-tenured coach in the MLS. He played with the franchise from 2000 to 2002. He is also third all-time in regular-season wins. Vermes signed a five-year extension with Sporting in 2023 through the 2028 season.During his time in KC, he has won four major trophies. He won the 2013 MLS Cup and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017. He is the only person to win an MLS Cup as a player and coach with the same team.With the team’s struggles, fans’ frustrations have continued to build as they look to Vermes to step down. It will be intriguing to see if Sporting can turn things around or if the organization follows through on the demand from the core fanbase.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A statement from the KC Cauldron &amp; South Stand Supporters Club <a href="https://t.co/I2rHgCI0Gd">pic.twitter.com/I2rHgCI0Gd</a>&mdash; The Cauldron (@KCCauldron) <a href="https://twitter.com/KCCauldron/status/1906406080936132841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 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;

Displeased with results, Sporting Kansas City fans calling for Peter Vermes resignation 

The St. Louis Cardinals are 3-0 for just the 17th time in 134 seasons and for the first time since 2006 after beating the Minnesota Twins 9-2 on a stormy Sunday at Busch Stadium to complete the opening series sweep.&nbsp; That 2006 season of course,&nbsp;the Cardinals swept the Phillies on the road and went on to win the franchise’s 10th of 11 World Series titles.

For the first time all series, the Twins took the first lead of the game in the first inning, an RBI single from Byron Buxton driving in Matt Wallner, but the Cardinals wasted no time taking the lead back the very next inning, scoring three runs in the bottom of the second, a three run shot coming off the bat of Victor Scott II to right field that also drove in Nolan Gorman and Pedro Pagés.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis added five more runs in the bottom of the third inning, the first two on an RBI double by Alec Burleson that drove in Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado.&nbsp; And after Gorman singled, Pagés hit a three run home run of his own to score Gorman and Burleson, pushing the Cardinals lead to 8-1 after three innings&nbsp;

Pagés finished a triple shy of the cycle after racking up a double, home run and single in the game’s first five innings.&nbsp;

Minnesota scored their final run of the game in the fourth inning thanks to a solo home run from Willi Castro to right center field.&nbsp; The game ended up delayed during the fifth inning due to inclement weather in the area.

The rain delay lasted just around an hour before the game resumed.&nbsp; St. Louis scored its final run of the game in the bottom of the seventh inning on Gorman's first home run of the season, a solo shot to right center.&nbsp;

Andre Pallante earned the win for the Cardinals, pitching five innings and giving up two runs on four hits, striking out three while walking two batters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pagés (3-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Gorman (3-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for St. Louis.&nbsp;

The Cardinals will stay in the comforts of Busch Stadium to host the Los Angeles Angels next.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas will make his season debut for St Louis against&nbsp;Tyler Anderson for the Angels.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, pregame coverage will begin at 5:50 on KY 102 (102.5FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743384833763.jpeg" alt="St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pagés celebrates after hitting a three run home run/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals" />
 <figcaption>St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pagés celebrates after hitting a three run home run/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals are 3-0 for just the 17th time in 134 seasons and for the first time since 2006 after beating the Minnesota Twins 9-2 on a stormy Sunday at Busch Stadium to complete the opening series sweep.&nbsp; That 2006 season of course,&nbsp;the Cardinals swept the Phillies on the road and went on to win the franchise’s 10th of 11 World Series titles.For the first time all series, the Twins took the first lead of the game in the first inning, an RBI single from Byron Buxton driving in Matt Wallner, but the Cardinals wasted no time taking the lead back the very next inning, scoring three runs in the bottom of the second, a three run shot coming off the bat of Victor Scott II to right field that also drove in Nolan Gorman and Pedro Pagés.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Great Scott! 💣 <a href="https://t.co/XdsJthaCoQ">pic.twitter.com/XdsJthaCoQ</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1906420143858786488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>St. Louis added five more runs in the bottom of the third inning, the first two on an RBI double by Alec Burleson that drove in Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado.&nbsp; And after Gorman singled, Pagés hit a three run home run of his own to score Gorman and Burleson, pushing the Cardinals lead to 8-1 after three innings&nbsp;Pagés finished a triple shy of the cycle after racking up a double, home run and single in the game’s first five innings.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PEDRO POWER! ⚡️ <a href="https://t.co/ZnPpfHmgB3">pic.twitter.com/ZnPpfHmgB3</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1906426507117080821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Minnesota scored their final run of the game in the fourth inning thanks to a solo home run from Willi Castro to right center field.&nbsp; The game ended up delayed during the fifth inning due to inclement weather in the area.The rain delay lasted just around an hour before the game resumed.&nbsp; St. Louis scored its final run of the game in the bottom of the seventh inning on Gorman's first home run of the season, a solo shot to right center.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Nolan Gorman launches his first home run of 2025! 💣 <a href="https://t.co/YNSZUpbLMH">pic.twitter.com/YNSZUpbLMH</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1906455576491462959?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Andre Pallante earned the win for the Cardinals, pitching five innings and giving up two runs on four hits, striking out three while walking two batters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pagés (3-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Gorman (3-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for St. Louis.&nbsp;The Cardinals will stay in the comforts of Busch Stadium to host the Los Angeles Angels next.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas will make his season debut for St Louis against&nbsp;Tyler Anderson for the Angels.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, pregame coverage will begin at 5:50 on KY 102 (102.5FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinals start undefeated for first time since '06, beat Twins 9-2

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher&nbsp; Tanner Bibee’s bout with food poisoning delayed his 2025 debut by three days. It didn't stop the right-hander from picking up where he left off last season.

Bibee tossed 5.2 scoreless innings on Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium and the Guardians claimed the opening series from the Kansas City Royals with a 6-2 win.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bibee allowed just two hits and two walks.

The Guardians scored first in the second inning on a sacrifice fly by Gabriel Arias, driving in Carlos Santana.&nbsp; Kyle Manzardo continued his monster series in the fifth inning hitting a two run home run off Royals reliever Sam Long.&nbsp; Arias added another run in the sixth inning with a solo home run off Chris Stratton, who gave up one more run in the inning when&nbsp;Daniel Schneemann scored on a groundout from Steven Kwan, putting Cleveland up 5-0 after six innings.

The Guardians put their final run on the board in the top of the eighth inning, a solo home run by&nbsp;Schneemann, before Kansas City was finally able to score in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI single by Bobby Witt Jr and a bases loaded walk to Hunter Renfroe.&nbsp;

The scariest moment came in the bottom half of the ninth inning, with Jonathan India at the plate, facing Emmanuel Clase.&nbsp;&nbsp;One pitch after India was brushed back by a 97.1 mph fastball up and in from Clase, the Royals' leadoff hitter was hit on the left side of his face by a 98.9 mph cutter. The ball hit India’s earflap of his batting helmet, but India fell to the ground and clutched his face.

India remained alert but immediately walked off the field with Royals head athletic trainer Kyle Turner. The Royals’ dugout had choice words for Clase and the rest of the Guardians dugout while India was taken to the locker room.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Royals believe “it’s non-concussive, but we’re waiting on some imaging and he will be evaluated further over the next few days,” a team spokesperson said.

Clase said he texted catcher Salvador Perez after the game to check how India was doing, and to apologize to India and the Royals' clubhouse for the hit-by-pitch. Clase relayed to Perez that it was not intentional, and that the pitch slipped out of his hand.&nbsp; It was 45 degrees at first pitch on Sunday, which affected Clase’s ability to grip the baseball.

“I [texted Perez], ‘Please just check on him and say that it wasn’t intentional," Clase said through interpreter Nelson Pérez, the Guardians strength and conditioning coach. “It was just a pitch that slipped out of my hands."

Michael Wacha took the loss for the Royals pitching four innings, giving up just four hits and one run while striking out two, but walking four batters.&nbsp; The Royals managed just five hits in the game, five players each getting one hit.

Kansas City is back in action on Monday on the road travelling to Milwaukee to face the Brewers.&nbsp; Kris Bubic will make his season debut for the Royals against&nbsp;Elvin Rodriguez for Milwaukee.&nbsp; KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) will join first pitch at 1:10pm.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743383126494.jpeg" alt="Royals utilityman Jonathan India exits the game after being hit in the helmet by a pitch from Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase/ courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Royals utilityman Jonathan India exits the game after being hit in the helmet by a pitch from Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase/ courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostCleveland Guardians starting pitcher&nbsp; Tanner Bibee’s bout with food poisoning delayed his 2025 debut by three days. It didn't stop the right-hander from picking up where he left off last season.Bibee tossed 5.2 scoreless innings on Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium and the Guardians claimed the opening series from the Kansas City Royals with a 6-2 win.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bibee allowed just two hits and two walks.The Guardians scored first in the second inning on a sacrifice fly by Gabriel Arias, driving in Carlos Santana.&nbsp; Kyle Manzardo continued his monster series in the fifth inning hitting a two run home run off Royals reliever Sam Long.&nbsp; Arias added another run in the sixth inning with a solo home run off Chris Stratton, who gave up one more run in the inning when&nbsp;Daniel Schneemann scored on a groundout from Steven Kwan, putting Cleveland up 5-0 after six innings.The Guardians put their final run on the board in the top of the eighth inning, a solo home run by&nbsp;Schneemann, before Kansas City was finally able to score in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI single by Bobby Witt Jr and a bases loaded walk to Hunter Renfroe.&nbsp;The scariest moment came in the bottom half of the ninth inning, with Jonathan India at the plate, facing Emmanuel Clase.&nbsp;&nbsp;One pitch after India was brushed back by a 97.1 mph fastball up and in from Clase, the Royals' leadoff hitter was hit on the left side of his face by a 98.9 mph cutter. The ball hit India’s earflap of his batting helmet, but India fell to the ground and clutched his face.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jonathan India had to exit the game after getting hit in the jaw by Emmanuel Clase. Clase threw two pitches in a row under his chin. Headhunting? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FountainsUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FountainsUp</a> <a href="https://t.co/4G8vurr4WJ">pic.twitter.com/4G8vurr4WJ</a>&mdash; Royals Muse (@KCRoyalsMuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/KCRoyalsMuse/status/1906457038588170313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>India remained alert but immediately walked off the field with Royals head athletic trainer Kyle Turner. The Royals’ dugout had choice words for Clase and the rest of the Guardians dugout while India was taken to the locker room.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Royals believe “it’s non-concussive, but we’re waiting on some imaging and he will be evaluated further over the next few days,” a team spokesperson said.Clase said he texted catcher Salvador Perez after the game to check how India was doing, and to apologize to India and the Royals' clubhouse for the hit-by-pitch. Clase relayed to Perez that it was not intentional, and that the pitch slipped out of his hand.&nbsp; It was 45 degrees at first pitch on Sunday, which affected Clase’s ability to grip the baseball.“I [texted Perez], ‘Please just check on him and say that it wasn’t intentional," Clase said through interpreter Nelson Pérez, the Guardians strength and conditioning coach. “It was just a pitch that slipped out of my hands."Michael Wacha took the loss for the Royals pitching four innings, giving up just four hits and one run while striking out two, but walking four batters.&nbsp; The Royals managed just five hits in the game, five players each getting one hit.Kansas City is back in action on Monday on the road travelling to Milwaukee to face the Brewers.&nbsp; Kris Bubic will make his season debut for the Royals against&nbsp;Elvin Rodriguez for Milwaukee.&nbsp; KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) will join first pitch at 1:10pm.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals fall to Guardians 6-2 in series finale, India exits after being hit by pitch

The Kansas City Royals battled from behind again, but this time came out on top and evened up their opening series with the Cleveland Guardians at one game apiece, winning 4-3 on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;

After a scoreless first inning, the Guardians put up runs in both the second and third innings.&nbsp; A single from Bo Naylor in the second drove Nolan Jones across home plate, while Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly in the third brought across Steven Kwan to give Cleveland a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

The Royals did cut into the deficit in the fourth inning, Salvador Perez singling to score Jonathan India, but the Guardians extended their lead again the very next inning on a home run to right center field by Kwan.&nbsp; Perez though, in the sixth inning, cut into the deficit once again on an RBI single driving in Kyle Isbel.&nbsp;

Trailing by one run in the bottom of the seventh, Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia stepped to the plate facing Guardians reliever Cade Smith.&nbsp; Garcia fouled off the first pitch, and then took a ball, and on the third pitch smacked it hard to left field, watching it sail towards foul territory but catching and clanking off the foul pole to tie the game at 3-3.&nbsp;

Cavan Biggio followed the home run with a single, and was replaced by pinch runner Dairon Blanco who stole second base.&nbsp; After Isbel struck out swinging, and India popped out to the third base side, Bobby Witt Jr doubled into left field to score Blanco and give Kansas City the 4-3 lead.&nbsp;

Lucas Erceg would pitch a scoreless eighth inning before new Royals closer Carlos&nbsp;Estévez came on in the ninth to close out the game for his first save in the Royals powder blue.&nbsp;

Daniel Lynch IV earned the win in relief pitching two scoreless innings and putting zeroes across the board.&nbsp; Seth Lugo started the game and pitched fiving innings in the no decision giving up four hits and three runs, striking out four and walking three.&nbsp;

India (2-3, 1 BB), Perez (2-4, 2 RBI), and Garcia (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for the Royals in the win.

Kansas City and Cleveland will wrap up their series on Sunday at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp; Michael Wacha is set to start for the Royals while Tanner Bibee, who was originally scheduled to start opening day before being scratched due to food poisoning, will start for the Guardians.&nbsp;

First pitch is set for 1:10 pm, pregame coverage will begin at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743307873887.jpeg" alt="Maikel Garcia rounds the bases after his game tying home run clanked off the left field foul pole/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Maikel Garcia rounds the bases after his game tying home run clanked off the left field foul pole/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals battled from behind again, but this time came out on top and evened up their opening series with the Cleveland Guardians at one game apiece, winning 4-3 on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;After a scoreless first inning, the Guardians put up runs in both the second and third innings.&nbsp; A single from Bo Naylor in the second drove Nolan Jones across home plate, while Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly in the third brought across Steven Kwan to give Cleveland a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;The Royals did cut into the deficit in the fourth inning, Salvador Perez singling to score Jonathan India, but the Guardians extended their lead again the very next inning on a home run to right center field by Kwan.&nbsp; Perez though, in the sixth inning, cut into the deficit once again on an RBI single driving in Kyle Isbel.&nbsp;Trailing by one run in the bottom of the seventh, Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia stepped to the plate facing Guardians reliever Cade Smith.&nbsp; Garcia fouled off the first pitch, and then took a ball, and on the third pitch smacked it hard to left field, watching it sail towards foul territory but catching and clanking off the foul pole to tie the game at 3-3.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Maikey ties it up! <a href="https://t.co/CytEcw4wTv">pic.twitter.com/CytEcw4wTv</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1906105421049495784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Cavan Biggio followed the home run with a single, and was replaced by pinch runner Dairon Blanco who stole second base.&nbsp; After Isbel struck out swinging, and India popped out to the third base side, Bobby Witt Jr doubled into left field to score Blanco and give Kansas City the 4-3 lead.&nbsp;Lucas Erceg would pitch a scoreless eighth inning before new Royals closer Carlos&nbsp;Estévez came on in the ninth to close out the game for his first save in the Royals powder blue.&nbsp;Daniel Lynch IV earned the win in relief pitching two scoreless innings and putting zeroes across the board.&nbsp; Seth Lugo started the game and pitched fiving innings in the no decision giving up four hits and three runs, striking out four and walking three.&nbsp;India (2-3, 1 BB), Perez (2-4, 2 RBI), and Garcia (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for the Royals in the win.Kansas City and Cleveland will wrap up their series on Sunday at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp; Michael Wacha is set to start for the Royals while Tanner Bibee, who was originally scheduled to start opening day before being scratched due to food poisoning, will start for the Guardians.&nbsp;First pitch is set for 1:10 pm, pregame coverage will begin at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Garcia homers, Royals even up series with Guardians with 4-3 win

The St. Louis Cardinals offense, led once again by Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Arenado, wore down the Minnesota Twins pitching staff with 10 hits, and Erik Fedde spun a gem, as the Redbirds remained undefeated to start the young season Saturday, winning 5-1.&nbsp;

After Nootbaar singled to open the bottom of the first inning, he was driven in two batters later by Arenado for the early 1-0 lead for St. Louis.&nbsp; Minnesota tied up the game in the top of the second on an RBI double by Willi Castro that drove in Trevor Larnach who singled to open the inning.&nbsp;

&nbsp;From there though, Fedde and the rest of the Cardinals pitching staff shut down the Twins bats, with Minnesota managing just one more hit through the remainder of the game.&nbsp; Fedde, who earned the win, pitched six innings and struck out two, giving up just the two hits in the second inning.&nbsp; Reliever Jo Jo Romero surrendered the final hit in the eighth inning.

St. Louis put together a three run inning in the sixth.&nbsp; Arenado doubled to open the frame, Alec Burleson walked, and an Ivan Herrera single finally brought Arenado around to score and chased&nbsp;Jorge Alcala, who had replaced Minnesota starter Joe Ryan to begin the inning, from the game before he could even record an out.&nbsp; 

Twins reliever&nbsp;Louis Varland walked Jordan Walker to start, loading the bases, but got back to back strike outs on&nbsp;Victor Scott II and Masyn Winn, nearly escaping the inning before Nootbaar singled to score Burleson and Herrera to push the lead to 4-1.&nbsp; The Cardinals final run came in the eighth inning, a sacrifice fly by Brendan Donovan that scored Scott II.

Nootbaar (2-3, 2 RBI's), Arenado (2-4, 1 RBI), Herrera (2-4, 1 RBI), and Scott II (2-4) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the win.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Up next for St. Louis and Minnesota is the series finale on Sunday at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; Andre Pallante is set to start for the Cardinals against Bailey Ober for Minnesota.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame coverage begins at 12:20 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743284132614.jpeg" alt="The St. Louis Cardinals remained undefeated to open the young MLB season, defeating the Minnesota Twins 5-1 on Saturday/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>The St. Louis Cardinals remained undefeated to open the young MLB season, defeating the Minnesota Twins 5-1 on Saturday/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals offense, led once again by Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Arenado, wore down the Minnesota Twins pitching staff with 10 hits, and Erik Fedde spun a gem, as the Redbirds remained undefeated to start the young season Saturday, winning 5-1.&nbsp;After Nootbaar singled to open the bottom of the first inning, he was driven in two batters later by Arenado for the early 1-0 lead for St. Louis.&nbsp; Minnesota tied up the game in the top of the second on an RBI double by Willi Castro that drove in Trevor Larnach who singled to open the inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;From there though, Fedde and the rest of the Cardinals pitching staff shut down the Twins bats, with Minnesota managing just one more hit through the remainder of the game.&nbsp; Fedde, who earned the win, pitched six innings and struck out two, giving up just the two hits in the second inning.&nbsp; Reliever Jo Jo Romero surrendered the final hit in the eighth inning.St. Louis put together a three run inning in the sixth.&nbsp; Arenado doubled to open the frame, Alec Burleson walked, and an Ivan Herrera single finally brought Arenado around to score and chased&nbsp;Jorge Alcala, who had replaced Minnesota starter Joe Ryan to begin the inning, from the game before he could even record an out.&nbsp; Twins reliever&nbsp;Louis Varland walked Jordan Walker to start, loading the bases, but got back to back strike outs on&nbsp;Victor Scott II and Masyn Winn, nearly escaping the inning before Nootbaar singled to score Burleson and Herrera to push the lead to 4-1.&nbsp; The Cardinals final run came in the eighth inning, a sacrifice fly by Brendan Donovan that scored Scott II.Nootbaar (2-3, 2 RBI's), Arenado (2-4, 1 RBI), Herrera (2-4, 1 RBI), and Scott II (2-4) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the win.&nbsp;&nbsp;Up next for St. Louis and Minnesota is the series finale on Sunday at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; Andre Pallante is set to start for the Cardinals against Bailey Ober for Minnesota.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame coverage begins at 12:20 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Nootbaar, Arenado help carry Cardinals to 5-1 win over Twins

The new coach of Missouri Western men's basketball hopes to restore some of the glory days back to the program.  

Brooks McKowen brings a winning way to Missouri Western.  The seventh coach in program history has won at least 21 games in three of the past four seasons, coming from Upper Iowa University.  

McKowen says he's been in this region before and knows the MIAA is a great conference, and knows they won't walk in and win championships, but says that's the goal 

"We want to compete for championships and at the end of the year we want to be in the running for the tournament, we want to make constant attempts at getting into that NCAA tournament," McKowen tells a crowd during his introductory press conference.  "Because as we've all seen, if you can get into the tournament and get through our region, you've got a chance, this is one of the best regions in the country so if you can get in there and you can have teams that can compete in it, you've got a chance for a title." 

Now with the Griffons, McKowen says the goal, even in a tough MIAA conference, is to win those championships 

"On a year in, year out basis it's to have a team that you believe can get there," McKowen says.  "Now a lot of things have to go your way, you have to stay healthy, you have to mesh the right way, but it's to put a product out there that you can compete for championships." 

McKowen says he wants his team to be tough and hardnosed, but most of all he wants them to have fun 

"Basketball is fun, that's why I coach, I love being around the game I think it's a great game, it's a difficult game, but I want them to have some fun while they're doing it, and I want them to compete and I want them to play hard," McKowen explains.  "Some of the best compliments I've gotten after games, win or lose, is when people come up to me and say. wow coach, your guys compete, how do you get them to play that hard?" 

McKowen says while he has respect for what the past coaches of the program have done, this team is going to be different 

"Our style is going to be different; our play is going to be different; I'm probably going to run the program different, there are going to be a lot of similarities but there's going to be differences in it," McKowen says.  "So, I feel like the way we play and the style we have offensively, defensively, wins games and that's what we're hoping to continue here." 

McKowen spent 12 seasons with the Upper Iowa Peacocks and compiled over 200 wins.  He replaces Will Martin who resigned in March. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743190474723.jpeg" alt="New Missouri Western men's basketball coach Brooks McCowen (middle) with President Elizabeth Kennedy (left) and Athletic Director Andy Carter (right)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>New Missouri Western men's basketball coach Brooks McCowen (middle) with President Elizabeth Kennedy (left) and Athletic Director Andy Carter (right)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The new coach of Missouri Western men's basketball hopes to restore some of the glory days back to the program. Brooks McKowen brings a winning way to Missouri Western. The seventh coach in program history has won at least 21 games in three of the past four seasons, coming from Upper Iowa University. McKowen says he's been in this region before and knows the MIAA is a great conference, and knows they won't walk in and win championships, but says that's the goal "We want to compete for championships and at the end of the year we want to be in the running for the tournament, we want to make constant attempts at getting into that NCAA tournament," McKowen tells a crowd during his introductory press conference. "Because as we've all seen, if you can get into the tournament and get through our region, you've got a chance, this is one of the best regions in the country so if you can get in there and you can have teams that can compete in it, you've got a chance for a title." Now with the Griffons, McKowen says the goal, even in a tough MIAA conference, is to win those championships "On a year in, year out basis it's to have a team that you believe can get there," McKowen says. "Now a lot of things have to go your way, you have to stay healthy, you have to mesh the right way, but it's to put a product out there that you can compete for championships." McKowen says he wants his team to be tough and hardnosed, but most of all he wants them to have fun "Basketball is fun, that's why I coach, I love being around the game I think it's a great game, it's a difficult game, but I want them to have some fun while they're doing it, and I want them to compete and I want them to play hard," McKowen explains. "Some of the best compliments I've gotten after games, win or lose, is when people come up to me and say. wow coach, your guys compete, how do you get them to play that hard?" McKowen says while he has respect for what the past coaches of the program have done, this team is going to be different "Our style is going to be different; our play is going to be different; I'm probably going to run the program different, there are going to be a lot of similarities but there's going to be differences in it," McKowen says. "So, I feel like the way we play and the style we have offensively, defensively, wins games and that's what we're hoping to continue here." McKowen spent 12 seasons with the Upper Iowa Peacocks and compiled over 200 wins. He replaces Will Martin who resigned in March. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743190497899.jpeg" alt="Brooks McKowen/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Brooks McKowen/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

New MWSU men's coach Brooks McKowen ready to compete for championships

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3282025-e30q11r/a-abrujro" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The St. Louis Cardinals entered this year looking to bounce back from a rough 2024, coming in with a resurgence of youth.&nbsp; That youth movement showed some good signs on Opening Day, as the Cardinals won 5-3 over the Minnesota Twins after a nearly hour and half long rain delay.&nbsp;

Rain didn't hamper the Cardinals offense though, getting on the board right away in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Brendan Donovan that drove in Lars Nootbaar.&nbsp; In the second inning, it was Nootbaar that added to the scoring, blasting a two run home run to right field, putting the Cardinals up 3-0 at the end of two innings.&nbsp;

The St. Louis scoring run continued into the third inning as well.&nbsp; After Donovan and Nolan Arenado both singled to open the inning, Alec Burleson grounded into a double play, but with two outs&nbsp;Iván Herrera singled into right field to bring Donovan home to score, extending the lead to 4-0.&nbsp;

After pitching four scoreless innings, the Twins were finally able to get to Cardinals starter Sonny Gray in the fifth inning.&nbsp; Former Cardinal Harrison Bader smacked a line drive two run home run to left field to cut the Redbirds lead in half at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; After Gray walked Matt Wallner though, he forced Carlos Correa to ground into a double play to end the inning.&nbsp;

Gray was pulled to start the sixth inning in favor of reliever&nbsp;Kyle Leahy.&nbsp; After Leahy walked Trevor Larnach, he surrendered a single to Ryan Jeffers, and then with two outs, Leahy was pulled for John King, who went to give up a double to Willi Castro, scoring Larnach, and leaving the run charged to Leahy, cutting the Cardinals lead to 4-3.&nbsp;

The final run of the game in the bottom of the eighth inning helped secure the game for the Cardinals, a solo home run by Nolan Arenado.&nbsp;Arenado, who turned down a trade to Houston in the offseason, took a curtain call for the sellout crowd after his home run

Ryan Helsley, who led the National League and Major League Baseball last year in saves, came on in the ninth and struck out three batters, only surrendering one hit, a double to Bader.&nbsp;

Gray earned the win against his former club, pitching five innings, striking out six and giving up two runs on four hits, while walking two.&nbsp; Nootbaar (2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI's), Donovan (2-4, 1 RBI), Arenado (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI), and Herrera (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB) led the way hitting on the day. It was the first time the Cardinals&nbsp;won on Opening Day for the first time since 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743127319338.jpeg" alt="Lars Nootbaar celebrates with Jordan Walker (18) after Nootbaar hit a two run home run in the Cardinals 5-3 Opening Day victory/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals on X" />
 <figcaption>Lars Nootbaar celebrates with Jordan Walker (18) after Nootbaar hit a two run home run in the Cardinals 5-3 Opening Day victory/ Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals entered this year looking to bounce back from a rough 2024, coming in with a resurgence of youth.&nbsp; That youth movement showed some good signs on Opening Day, as the Cardinals won 5-3 over the Minnesota Twins after a nearly hour and half long rain delay.&nbsp;Rain didn't hamper the Cardinals offense though, getting on the board right away in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Brendan Donovan that drove in Lars Nootbaar.&nbsp; In the second inning, it was Nootbaar that added to the scoring, blasting a two run home run to right field, putting the Cardinals up 3-0 at the end of two innings.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!! 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/mVWfTGrTxP">pic.twitter.com/mVWfTGrTxP</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1905387739907789138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The St. Louis scoring run continued into the third inning as well.&nbsp; After Donovan and Nolan Arenado both singled to open the inning, Alec Burleson grounded into a double play, but with two outs&nbsp;Iván Herrera singled into right field to bring Donovan home to score, extending the lead to 4-0.&nbsp;After pitching four scoreless innings, the Twins were finally able to get to Cardinals starter Sonny Gray in the fifth inning.&nbsp; Former Cardinal Harrison Bader smacked a line drive two run home run to left field to cut the Redbirds lead in half at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; After Gray walked Matt Wallner though, he forced Carlos Correa to ground into a double play to end the inning.&nbsp;Gray was pulled to start the sixth inning in favor of reliever&nbsp;Kyle Leahy.&nbsp; After Leahy walked Trevor Larnach, he surrendered a single to Ryan Jeffers, and then with two outs, Leahy was pulled for John King, who went to give up a double to Willi Castro, scoring Larnach, and leaving the run charged to Leahy, cutting the Cardinals lead to 4-3.&nbsp;The final run of the game in the bottom of the eighth inning helped secure the game for the Cardinals, a solo home run by Nolan Arenado.&nbsp;Arenado, who turned down a trade to Houston in the offseason, took a curtain call for the sellout crowd after his home run<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NADOOOOOO!! 💣 <a href="https://t.co/PVqUE3jnTs">pic.twitter.com/PVqUE3jnTs</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1905411968254476610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ryan Helsley, who led the National League and Major League Baseball last year in saves, came on in the ninth and struck out three batters, only surrendering one hit, a double to Bader.&nbsp;Gray earned the win against his former club, pitching five innings, striking out six and giving up two runs on four hits, while walking two.&nbsp; Nootbaar (2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI's), Donovan (2-4, 1 RBI), Arenado (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI), and Herrera (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB) led the way hitting on the day. It was the first time the Cardinals&nbsp;won on Opening Day for the first time since 2022.Cardinals and Twins will be back in action on Saturday.&nbsp; Erick Fedde will take the mound for St. Louis against Joe Ryan for Minnesota.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 1:15pm, coverage will begin at 12:20 on KY 102 (102.5FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;