 – The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team picked up a pair of wins over Missouri Southern on Friday in Joplin, Mo.– The Bearcats improve to 25-18 overall, 20-9 in conference, while the Lions fall to 23-20 overall and 11-18 in conference play. Game One Key Statistics (Northwest 4, Missouri Southern 1) Game One Key Innings – Handzlik started the second inning by reaching safely on an error and advanced to third on a single to left center by Barratt. After an out, Handzlik came in to score on a wild pitch and Barratt moved to third. Hussey drew a one out walk and stole second and Bilodeau drew a walk to load the bases. Gutierrez singled to left center to score Barratt and Hussey to put the Bearcats ahead 4-0. Game Two Key Statistics (Northwest 7, Missouri Southern 6) – After an out, Rycraft and Bilodeau got the inning going with singles to put two runners on. Gutierrez reached on a fielder’s choice to put runners on the corners. Figg walked to load the bases adn Hassman doubled down the right field line to score Rycraft and Gutierrez to give the Bearcats a 6-4 lead. – Barratt started the inning with a single to left field and stole second after an out. With two outs, Rycraft singled up the middle to score Barratt and give the Bearcats the lead. Up Next — Northwest Athletics —
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Author: Dave Riggert
Western softball loses final regular season games at Emporia State
EMPORIA, Kan. – Griffon Softball (24-27, 15-11) dropped the final two regular season games of the season at Emporia State (24-28, 14-12) on Friday night.
Missouri Western was held to three hits in a 2-0 game one loss and fell 9-1 in five innings in game two. The losses left Missouri Western in sixth place in the MIAA. Saturday’s results will determine the team’s seed in next week’s MIAA Championships. Northeastern State’s doubleheader against Missouri Southern and Lindenwood’s against Central Missouri will determine where the Griffs land.
Shelbie Atwell’s second inning home run in game two was the Griffons’ lone run of the doubleheader and the only hit for MWSU in game two. Atwell was the only Griff with more than one hit. Rebekah Mueller and Shelby Uhl also had hits in game one. Uhl drew a pair of walks. Riley Wilson walked three times.
UP NEXT
The MIAA Championships begin April 26 at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium complex in Oklahoma City. The bracket is expected to be released April 22.
— MWSU Athletics —
Vierling’s RBI single lifts Mizzou to series win over No. 10 Vanderbilt
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou freshman 2B Mark Vierling delivered a crucial two-out, two-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning to propel Mizzou Baseball a dramatic 3-1 victory over No. 10 Vanderbilt on Friday night at Taylor Stadium. Mizzou’s clutch pitching and timely defense again helped the Tigers to take down the Commodores. Mizzou will aim to complete the series sweep tomorrowafternoon at 2pm.
In his second ever SEC start, Mizzou southpaw Tyler LaPlante hurled a gem. The junior tossed 6.0 innings of three-hit ball while allowing only one run. LaPlante struck out five while issuing only two free passes. He was relieved by Bryce Montes de Oca who escaped jams in both the seventh and eighth innings with his heater that was touching the upper 90s. After Vierling gave Mizzou the lead, junior closer Nile Ball held off the Commodores in the ninth and sealed the 3-1 win while earning his fifth save of the season.
TURNING POINT
With the score knotted at 1-1 in the top of the eighth, Montes de Oca faced a jam with Commodores on first and third. The redshirt junior flamethrower executed back-to-back strikeouts to escape the Vanderbilt threat and that kept the game tied 1-1.
In the bottom half of the frame, Mizzou SS Chris Cornelius led off of the inning with a walk and was moved to second on a Paul Gomez sacrifice bunt. After Trey Harris intentionally walked, Tony Ortiz also drew a free pass. A batter later, pinch-hitter Mark Vierling, who was hitless in his last 21 at bats, delivered a two-run single through the left side in the biggest at-bat of the ballgame. The clutch knock gave Mizzou a 3-1 advantage.
QUOTING MIZZOU
Head Coach Steve Bieser
“He picked the right time to get a hit. It was just a good matchup for Mark. Mark has been scuffling a bit in April, but he is a fastball hitter and they were bringing their guy in who has a plus fastball, so we knew we were going to get a fastball. Just sent up there and told him to be ready to hit. He had a great at-bat, really pleased with him and proud of him. He was battling because it has been very frustrating this month for him.”
TOP TIGERS
- Junior LHP Tyler LaPlante made a solid outing in his second career conference start. He faced 24 batters through 6.0 complete innings, allowing only one run off three hits. LaPlante finished with five strikeouts for the third time this season.
- Redshirt junior RHP Bryce Montes De Oca came on in relief in the seventh inning, striking out four of the nine batters he faced. He allowed only two hits in his 2.0-inning appearance.
- Freshman 2B Mark Vierling snapped a 0-21 slump at the plate with a go-ahead two run single in the eighth inning.
- Junior LHP Nile Ball entered with a two run in the ninth inning and earned his fifth save of the season.
NOTES
- Tonight’s attendance of 2,312 marks a season high.
- With the victory, Mizzou is now 3-16 against Vanderbilt all-time.
- Mizzou moves to 8-6 against ranked opponents this season with the victory over No. 10 Vanderbilt.
- The Tigers remain perfect, 11-0, when allowing only one run.
- Despite being out-hit 6-4 by Vanderbilt, Mizzou secures the victory. For the second night in a row, the Tigers have won while only totaling four hits. The Tigers move to 6-11 when being out-hit by their opponent.
- With tonight’s win, the Tigers improve their record to 17-3 at home, and 20-5 at night.
- Mizzou improves to 6-4 in Friday appearances.
- The one error tonight was the team’s first since April 14th at Florida.
- With late game heroics, Mizzou improves to 3-1 when tied after the 7th inning.
UP NEXT
Mizzou and Vanderbilt play game three of the series Saturday at 2 p.m.
— Mizzou Athletics —
Cardinals beat Reds 4-2, spoil Riggleman’s debut as manager
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Michael Wacha kept up his strong pitching against Cincinnati, Yadier Molina hit two-run double in the first inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals won 4-2 Friday night to spoil Jim Riggleman’s debut as Reds interim manager.
Riggleman replaced Bryan Price, who was fired Thursday after Cincinnati lost 15 of its first 18 games.
Wacha (3-1) gave up one run and six hits in 6 2/3 innings, his longest outing of the year, to improve to 10-1 in his career against the Reds.
Jose Martinez had three hits and an RBI, raising his batting average to .358 this season. He has eight RBI over his last seven games. Tommy Pham scored twice.
Bud Norris picked up his fifth save in five chances despite allowing a two-out RBI single to Alex Blandino, helping the Cardinals won for the sixth time in seven games.
Brandon Finnegan (0-2) lost for the second time in two starts against the Cardinals this year. Finnegan came off the disabled list (left biceps strain) April 14th. He allowed five hits and four runs while walking four over three innings.
The Reds have lost 11 of their last 12.
Pham, who scored on Molina’s bases-loaded double in the first, walked in the second and scored on Martinez’s double to make it 4-0.
Tommy Pham scored for the second time in two innings. Following a walk, he scored on a two-out double by Jose Martinez to pad the Cardinals early lead to 4-0.
The Reds’ only damage against Wacha came in the third as Billy Hamilton scored on Jose Peraza’s sacrifice fly. It was Cincinnati’s first run since the eighth inning against Milwaukee on Monday, ending a 21-inning scoreless streak. Last season the Reds season-high scoreless streak was 20 innings.
FOURTH TIME’S A CHARM
The Reds appointment of Riggleman as interim manager marks the fourth time in his career that he has held this position. He previously was named interim manager in San Diego, Seattle and Washington. He was promoted to manager everywhere but Seattle. Riggleman also managed the Chicago Cubs (1995-1998) and managed in the Cardinals’ minor league system (1982-’88).
TRAINER’S ROOM
Reds: OF Scott Schebler was activated from the 10-day disabled list and LHP Cody Reed (0-0, four appearances) was optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Schebler was on the DL with a right ulnar nerve contusion.
Cardinals: RHP Sam Tuivailala threw a bullpen session Friday and St. Louis president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Tuivailala will begin an official rehabilitation assignment the middle of next week. Tuivailala was placed on the DL with a left knee strain.
UP NEXT:
Reds RHP Homer Bailey (0-3, 3.42) will face Cardinals RHP Carlos Martinez (2-1, 1.75) in the second of a three-game series on Saturday. Martinez is 7-3 in his career against Cincinnati and the Cardinals have won seven of his last nine starts against the Reds, including last Sunday’s 3-2 win in Cincinnati. Bailey is still looking for his first win in five starts. He is 6-14 in his career against St. Louis.
— Associated Press —
Northwest softball gets swept by Washburn
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– The Northwest Missouri State University softball team falls in a pair of conference games against Washburn University in Topeka, Ks. – The Bearcats fall to 25-17 overall and 16-10 in conference, while Washburn improves to 39-10 overall and 23-3 in conference play. Game One Key Statistics (Northwest 1, Washburn 5) Game Two Key Statistics (Northwest 2, Washburn 3) Game Two Key Innings – In the fifth inning, Rawie drew a walk to get teh Cats going and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Baderdeen. Maher doubled to left field to score Rawie and put the Bearcats up 2-1. Up Next |
Kansas’ Udoka Azubuike to enter NBA Draft without an agent
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas sophomore Udoka Azubuike is entering his name into the 2018 NBA Draft without hiring an agent, Azubuike and KU head coach Bill Self announced Friday.
“I want to declare for this year’s (NBA) draft, but I am not going to hire an agent,” Azubuike said. “I’m going to wait and see where I stand among other bigs out there. I appreciate everyone’s support, but I’m not saying goodbye. I’m saying I want to find out. Like many other players, I’m curious.”
“I improved a lot this past season,” Azubuike continued. “All my teammates and all my coaches have helped me to grow in all areas of my life and I really appreciate what they did for me to get to this point.”
The move will allow Azubuike to receive evaluations from NBA teams and participate in the NBA Draft Combine, May 16-20, in Chicago. Azubuike will have until May 30 to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft should he choose to return to Kansas for his junior season in 2018-19.
“Udoka has been thinking about this since the end of the season and he feels it’s in his best interest to declare and test the waters which we, as a staff, totally understand and encourage him to do,” Self said. “He’s leaving the option to come back. Doke has improved a tremendous amount this year and we all look forward to seeing how his progression is until it is his time to make a decision on whether to stay in (the draft) or pull his name out.”
In 2017-18, Azubuike led NCAA Division I in field goal percentage at 77.0, which broke the Kansas and Big 12 Conference single-season records. His 77.0 field goal percentage ranks second best for a season in NCAA history. The Delta, Nigeria, 7-foot-0, 280-pound center also led Kansas with six double-doubles, in rebound average at 7.0 boards per game, in blocked shots with 60 and in dunks with 120. A 2017-18 All-Big 12 Third-Team selection, Azubuike ranked seventh in the conference in rebound average, sixth in blocked shots (1.7) and eighth in double-doubles.
In 2017-18, Azubuike posted seven 20-point games, including a career-high 26 points at in KU’s win at Nebraska on Dec. 16. He had six games of 10 or more rebounds, including a career-high 13 boards in Kansas’ victory at Texas on Dec. 29.
— KU Athletics —
Griffon softball splits doubleheader at Washburn
TOPKEA, Kan. – Griffon Softball (24-25, 15-9) nearly shook up the MIAA standings in its next-to-last doubleheader of the regular season. Missouri Western became just the third MIAA team this season to defeat Washburn, 7-4, in game one before the Ichabods (37-10, 21-3) rallied in game two to clinch the MIAA regular season championship, 5-4.
Morgan Frost hit a grand slam in the fifth inning of game one to put the Griffons on top 6-4. MWSU added another insurance run in the sixth and held on for the 7-4 win in game one. The Griffons took a 4-3 lead in the top of the sixth in game two, but two Washburn runs in the bottom half of the inning were enough for Washburn to clinch the regular season conference championship. Missouri Western had runners on second and third with one out in the top of the seventh, but the Griffons weren’t able to get the tying run to the plate.
NOTABLES
- Gabi Carter went 3-for-6 including a two-run home run in the second inning of game one. Carter also doubled and walked once
- Frost was 3-for-8 with a double and a home run, driving in four
- Tamara Hicks went 2-for-4 on the day with two RBI, two walks and two stolen bases
- Riley Wilson scored twice and walked three times in the doubleheader
- The Griffons stole five bases in five attempts on the day and walked 10 times
- Northwest Missouri was swept in its doubleheader at Emporia State, Thursday, leaving the Griffons one game behind the Bearcats for third place in the MIAA standings
UP NEXT
Missouri Western plays its final regular season games, Friday, at Emporia State. The doubleheader is set to begin at 5 p.m.
— MWSU Athletics —
Bearcat baseball opens with 4-3 win at Missouri Southern
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The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team defeats Missouri Southern, 4-3, on Thursday in Joplin, Mo.
The Bearcats improve to 23-18 overall and 18-9 in conference while the Lions fall to 23-18 overall and 11-16 in conference play.
Key Northwest Statistics Key Northwest Innings Up Next — Northwest Athletics —
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Chiefs’ 2018 schedule released as they open at LA Chargers
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Football League announced on Thursday the regular season schedule for the 2018 season. The Kansas City Chiefs will be featured in five primetime television games.
“I always look forward to this time of year, getting our players back in the building, getting back to football, and then on top of that we get to see how our schedule sets up and start our preparation,” Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid said. “We’ve got a lot of work to get done before September 9th. I’m excited to get started and I know Chiefs Kingdom will be supporting us the entire way.”
Kansas City will kick off its quest for a third-straight AFC West title with back-to-back road games against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chiefs have won eight consecutive contests against the Chargers. A victory against Los Angeles on Sept. 9 would mark the longest consecutive win streak against the Chargers in team history. The Chiefs return home to Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 23 to face the San Francisco 49ers in the club’s home opener. Kansas City’s first primetime contest is on Oct. 1 against the Broncos in Denver. The Chiefs have won five consecutive matchups against the Broncos.
After a visit from the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 7, Kansas City will face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on NBC’s Sunday Night Football on October 14. The Chiefs will take on the Bengals and Broncos at home before traveling to Cleveland on November 4. The Chiefs face the Arizona Cardinals at home on November 11, followed by a MondayNight Football matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Mexico City on Nov. 19.
Following the club’s Bye Week on November 25 the team will travel to face the Oakland Raiders on Dec. 2. The Chiefs are 8-2 against Oakland under Head Coach Andy Reid. The final quarter of the season features a home game against the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 9, before a Thursday night contest at Arrowhead Stadium versus the Chargers on Dec. 13. The Chiefs then travel to Seattle for their second Sunday Night Football contest of the season, facing the Seahawks in primetime on December 23. Kansas City closes out the regular season at home against the Oakland Raiders on December 30.
Fans interested in traveling to the Chiefs vs. Rams game in Mexico City are encouraged to visit Primesport.com or call (800) 591-9198. As the Official Travel Partner of the Kansas City Chiefs, Primesport offers multiple options including travel, hotel, tickets and on-site hospitality.
Chiefs single-game tickets will go on sale beginning tomorrow at 8 a.m. for both Chiefs Season Ticket Members and Jackson County taxpayers and will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Single-game tickets are subject to availability and dynamic pricing. Season Ticket Memberships are available for as low as $380 per year. Visit Chiefs.com for details.
2018 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS PRESEASON SCHEDULE
Date Opponent Time Network
Thursday, Aug. 9 Houston Texans 7:30 p.m. KCTV5
Friday, Aug. 17 at Atlanta Falcons 7:00 p.m. KCTV5
Saturday, Aug. 25 at Chicago Bears Noon KCTV5
Thursday, Aug. 30 Green Bay Packers 7:30 p.m. KCTV5
2018 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
Date Opponent Time Network
Sunday, Sept. 9 at Los Angeles Chargers 3:05 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Sept. 16 at Pittsburgh Steelers Noon CBS
Sunday, Sept. 23 San Francisco 49ers Noon FOX
Monday, Oct. 1 at Denver Broncos 7:15 p.m. ESPN
Sunday, Oct. 7 Jacksonville Jaguars* Noon CBS
Sunday, Oct. 14 at New England Patriots* 7:20 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Oct. 21 Cincinnati Bengals* Noon CBS
Sunday, Oct. 28 Denver Broncos* Noon CBS
Sunday, Nov. 4 at Cleveland Browns* Noon CBS
Sunday, Nov. 11 Arizona Cardinals* Noon FOX
Monday, Nov. 19 at Los Angeles Rams (Mexico City) 7:15 p.m. ESPN
Sunday, Nov. 25 BYE WEEK – – – – – – – – – –
Sunday, Dec. 2 at Oakland Raiders* 3:05 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Dec. 9 Baltimore Ravens* Noon CBS
Thursday, Dec. 13 Los Angeles Chargers 7:20 p.m. FOX/NFLN
Sunday, Dec. 23 at Seattle Seahawks* 7:20 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Dec. 30 Oakland Raiders* Noon CBS
— Chiefs Press Release —
Missouri baseball takes down No. 10 Vanderbilt in series opener
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Baseball opened a pivotal weekend series against No. 10 Vanderbilt with a 2-1 victory on Thursday night at Taylor Stadium. The closely-contested ballgame featured plenty of high-leverage at bats, but Mizzou LHP T.J. Sikkema and reliever RHP Andy Toelken stifled the Commodores enough to preserve the one-run win. The pair was aided by an errorless Mizzou defense that influenced the ballgame all evening. With the victory, Mizzou improves to 7-9 in SEC play.
Sikkema’s fifth SEC start featured a career-high 10 strikeouts over 6.0 innings of one-run ball. During a stretch from the second inning until the fifth, the sophomore retired 1- straight Commodores. Following Sikkema’s exit after six frames, Toelken dominated the game down the stretch. Toelken hurled 3.0 perfect innings and struck out four, sealing the Mizzou victory while earning a save, his third of the season and second this week.
The win was career No. 200 for second-year Mizzou head coach Steve Bieser.
TURNING POINT
After senior Trey Harris gave Mizzou a 2-1 lead with an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth, the right fielder combined with senior 2B Matt Berler for a perfect 9-4-2 relay to preserve Mizzou’s one-run lead. After Vanderbilt’s Philip Clarke hit a one-out double, Clarke tried to score on a shot down the right field line. Harris fielded the ball in the corner cleanly on one hop and fired to Berler, who executed a perfect relay throw to catcher Brett Bond, nabbing Clarke at the plate. Mizzou escaped the inning with the lead and only allowed one Vanderbilt baserunner after the crucial relay play.
QUOTING MIZZOU
Head Coach Steve Bieser
“It’s a signature win for us, starting a series off that way. We know that we still have work to do. They’ve lost their Friday night games before and come back to win the series, so we know we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us. We need to continue to pitch and defend and get timely hitting and we have to take chances on offense. We took a lot of chances tonight – some worked, some didn’t. Overall, it’s about finding one more run than the other team finds.”
TOP TIGERS
- Sophomore SP T.J. Sikkema made another stellar SEC start, lasting 6.0 innings and allowing only one run while scattering seven hits. Sikkema sat down a career-high 10 batters on strikes and issued only two walks. During a stretch from the second to the fifth inning, Sikkema retired 10 straight Commodores. Through five starts in SEC play this season, the sophomore has 35 strikeouts and only eight walks over 32.1 innings
- Senior RP Andy Toelken dominated out of the Mizzou bullpen, preserving the Tigers 2-1 lead with a 3.0-inning save. Toelken was perfect against the nine batters he faced and struck out four. The senior has allowed only one hit over his last 5.1 innings while accumulating six strikeouts. Since moving to the bullpen, he has two wins, three saves and has allowed just one run over 17.1 innings.
- Senior RF Trey Harris went 1-for-3 at the dish and knocked in a run to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fifth. Harris now has a team-leading 36 RBI and has four hits over his last three games. Harris also teamed up with Berler on the key run-saving play in the sixth inning.
- Senior 2B Matt Berler was 1-for-3 at the plate and drove in the game’s first run on an RBI infield single in the bottom of the second. Berler worked a tedious nine-pitch advantage and knocked in Cade Bormet on a hard groundball up the middle. Berler’s RBI was his first in SEC play.
NOTES
- With the victory, Mizzou improves to 2-16 against Vanderbilt all-time
- The win was No. 200 in head coach Steve Bieser’s career as a Division I head coach.
- Mizzou played their first Thursday game this season, posting a 1-0 record
- After the win, Mizzou is now 15-10 in three-game series
- With the win over #10 Vanderbilt, Mizzou is now 7-6 this season against ranked opponents
- Mizzou has dominated at Taylor Stadium this year, posting a 17-3 record at home
- Mizzou improves to 5-1 in one-run games after the win
- The Tigers are now a perfect 10-0 when allowing only one run
- Despite being out-hit 7-4 by Vanderbilt, Mizzou escaped with a victory. The Tigers are now 5-11 this season when being out-hit
- After another errorless performance, Mizzou is now 20-3 when making zero errors
- Trey Harris was hit by a pitch for the tenth time this season, moving him to fifth in the SEC in HBP
- Connor Brumfield swiped his seventh bag of the season
- Mizzou won its second game of the season when tallying fewer than five hits.
UP NEXT
Mizzou hosts Vanderbilt in game two of the series Friday night at 6:30 p.m.
— MWSU Athletics —