The St. Louis Cardinal held on to take the the second game of the series against their bitter rivals from the NL Central, beating the Chicago Cubs 8-7 at Busch Stadium on Tuesday evening, securing at least a series split.&nbsp;

The Cardinals opened the scoring again on Tuesday, again thanks to Lars Nootbaar hitting a two run home run, much like on Monday, scoring Willson Contreras for a quick 2-0 lead in the second inning, but St. Louis did not hold that for long, the Cubs striking for five runs in the very next inning.&nbsp;

With the bases loaded in the third, Kyle Tucker tied up the game for the Cubs on a two RBI single, driving in Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw.&nbsp; Chicago blew the lead open thanks to a three run home run by Seiya Suzuki, scoring Ian Happ and Tucker.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, St. Louis cut the lead to one on their sixth two run home run of the series, Masyn Winn driving in Brendan Donovan with the blast to left center field.&nbsp;

St. Louis continued to score on home runs in the fourth inning, tying up the game thanks to a solo home run by Nolan Gorman.&nbsp; Winn gave the Cardinals the lead in the inning, driving in the first runs of the series not on a home run, doubling to score&nbsp;Pedro Pagés and Victor Scott II.&nbsp; Winn later scored on a sacrifice fly by Alec Burleson.&nbsp;

A two run home run by Hoerner in the sixth inning drove in Dansby Swanson for the final two runs by the Cubs.&nbsp; JoJo Romero and Phil Maton set held the lead for Ryan Helsley to come on in the ninth for the Cardinals, giving up two hits and striking out one for his 15th save.&nbsp;

Steven Matz earned the win in relief for the Cardinals, improving to 4-2 on the season, giving up two runs on two hits and striking out one over 1 1/3 innings. At the plate, Gorman was 3-for-4 with the home run and one RBI.&nbsp; Winn was 2-for-4 with a double and a home run, driving in four runs.

St. Louis looks to lock up a series win as their series with Chicago continues tomorrow.&nbsp; Erick Fedde (3-6, 3.54 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Matthew Boyd (6-3, 2.84 ERA) for the Cubs.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, the game will be joined near the start at 6:35 over on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe St. Louis Cardinal held on to take the the second game of the series against their bitter rivals from the NL Central, beating the Chicago Cubs 8-7 at Busch Stadium on Tuesday evening, securing at least a series split.&nbsp;The Cardinals opened the scoring again on Tuesday, again thanks to Lars Nootbaar hitting a two run home run, much like on Monday, scoring Willson Contreras for a quick 2-0 lead in the second inning, but St. Louis did not hold that for long, the Cubs striking for five runs in the very next inning.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">[scheduled tweet] NOOOOOOOOOT!!! 💣 <a href="https://t.co/RmyAJ9uLYU">pic.twitter.com/RmyAJ9uLYU</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1937665220920459309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With the bases loaded in the third, Kyle Tucker tied up the game for the Cubs on a two RBI single, driving in Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw.&nbsp; Chicago blew the lead open thanks to a three run home run by Seiya Suzuki, scoring Ian Happ and Tucker.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, St. Louis cut the lead to one on their sixth two run home run of the series, Masyn Winn driving in Brendan Donovan with the blast to left center field.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Masyn Winn has Hit the Buds! 🍻 Reply with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STLCards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STLCards</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HitTheBudsSweepstakes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HitTheBudsSweepstakes</a> for your chance to win whenever a Cardinals player hits a home run into the opposing bullpen! Official rules: <a href="https://t.co/v3V0xNP2oe">https://t.co/v3V0xNP2oe</a> <a href="https://t.co/eUrRdPcYQE">pic.twitter.com/eUrRdPcYQE</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1937672052447592492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>St. Louis continued to score on home runs in the fourth inning, tying up the game thanks to a solo home run by Nolan Gorman.&nbsp; Winn gave the Cardinals the lead in the inning, driving in the first runs of the series not on a home run, doubling to score&nbsp;Pedro Pagés and Victor Scott II.&nbsp; Winn later scored on a sacrifice fly by Alec Burleson.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🎵 Ain&#39;t nothing but a G thing, baby 🎵 <a href="https://t.co/4VIXcnXrts">pic.twitter.com/4VIXcnXrts</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1937675725407932614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Masyn Winn comes through again! 💥 <a href="https://t.co/79yCpNEr2Z">pic.twitter.com/79yCpNEr2Z</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1937677837344952384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Heads-up baserunning from Masyn Winn! <a href="https://t.co/aajgh8Wpv7">pic.twitter.com/aajgh8Wpv7</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1937679940050153818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A two run home run by Hoerner in the sixth inning drove in Dansby Swanson for the final two runs by the Cubs.&nbsp; JoJo Romero and Phil Maton set held the lead for Ryan Helsley to come on in the ninth for the Cardinals, giving up two hits and striking out one for his 15th save.&nbsp;Steven Matz earned the win in relief for the Cardinals, improving to 4-2 on the season, giving up two runs on two hits and striking out one over 1 1/3 innings. At the plate, Gorman was 3-for-4 with the home run and one RBI.&nbsp; Winn was 2-for-4 with a double and a home run, driving in four runs.St. Louis looks to lock up a series win as their series with Chicago continues tomorrow.&nbsp; Erick Fedde (3-6, 3.54 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Matthew Boyd (6-3, 2.84 ERA) for the Cubs.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, the game will be joined near the start at 6:35 over on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinals hold on for 8-7 win over NL Central rival Cubs

The Kansas City Royals dropped their seventh game in a row at Kauffman Stadium, moving to one game under .500 on their home turf, falling to the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday evening 5-1 in their series opener.&nbsp;

Danny Jansen's eighth home run of the year gave the Rays a 2-0 lead in the second inning, driving home&nbsp;José Caballero.&nbsp; Jansen extended the lead in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly, scoring&nbsp;Jonathan Aranda, and Aranda drove in another run in the fifth inning for Tampa Bay with an RBI single bringing home Yandy Díaz, giving the Rays a 4-0 lead, which they held through seven innings.&nbsp;

Tampa Bay scored their final run, continuing the shutout in the eighth inning as Jake Magnum grounded into a forceout, Bobby Witt Jr throwing out Aranda at second base, but allowing&nbsp;Junior Caminero to score after his leadoff double.&nbsp; The Royals scored their lone run in the ninth inning, an RBI single by Vinnie Pasquantino driving in Maikel Garcia.&nbsp;

Kris Bubic took the loss, falling to 6-5 on the season, giving up four runs, two earned, on eight hits while striking out eight batters.&nbsp; At the plate, the Royals managed just four hits overall, Pasquantino going 1-for-4 with the RBI and Garcia going 1-for-4 with the run scored.

Kansas City and Tampa Bay continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (4-6, 3.24 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Drew Rasmussen (6-5, 2.61 ERA) for the Rays.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame begins at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Royals dropped their seventh game in a row at Kauffman Stadium, moving to one game under .500 on their home turf, falling to the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday evening 5-1 in their series opener.&nbsp;Danny Jansen's eighth home run of the year gave the Rays a 2-0 lead in the second inning, driving home&nbsp;José Caballero.&nbsp; Jansen extended the lead in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly, scoring&nbsp;Jonathan Aranda, and Aranda drove in another run in the fifth inning for Tampa Bay with an RBI single bringing home Yandy Díaz, giving the Rays a 4-0 lead, which they held through seven innings.&nbsp;Tampa Bay scored their final run, continuing the shutout in the eighth inning as Jake Magnum grounded into a forceout, Bobby Witt Jr throwing out Aranda at second base, but allowing&nbsp;Junior Caminero to score after his leadoff double.&nbsp; The Royals scored their lone run in the ninth inning, an RBI single by Vinnie Pasquantino driving in Maikel Garcia.&nbsp;Kris Bubic took the loss, falling to 6-5 on the season, giving up four runs, two earned, on eight hits while striking out eight batters.&nbsp; At the plate, the Royals managed just four hits overall, Pasquantino going 1-for-4 with the RBI and Garcia going 1-for-4 with the run scored.Kansas City and Tampa Bay continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (4-6, 3.24 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Drew Rasmussen (6-5, 2.61 ERA) for the Rays.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame begins at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals home losing streak moves to seven, fall 5-1 to Rays

It may not be the All Star break yet, but the St. Louis Cardinals gained some crucial ground in the NL Central race against their bitter rival the Chicago Cubs, winning their series opener at Busch Stadium 8-2 on Monday night.&nbsp;

The Cardinals scored all their runs in the middle innings, first getting two in the fourth inning on a two run home run by Lars Nootbaar, scoring Willson Contreras.&nbsp; The Cubs scored one run in the top of the fifth, former Cardinal Carson Kelly singling to drive in Pete Crow-Armstrong who led off the inning with a double, before St. Louis added four more runs in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp;

In the bottom of the fifth, the Cardinals got another two run home run, this time from Brendan Donovan, scoring&nbsp;Pedro Pagés who walked earlier in the inning.&nbsp; Then, after Masyn Winn walked, Alec Burleson slugged the third homer of the day for the Redbirds to extend the lead more, driving in Winn, for the 5-1 lead.&nbsp;

In the sixth inning, the home runs continued flying out of Busch Stadium off the bats of the Cardinals, as Nolan Gorman hit the fourth home run of the day, driving in Nolan Arenado for the final runs by St. Louis.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly by Justin Turner pushed across the final Cubs run in the seventh inning, scoring Crow-Armstrong.

Matthew LIberatore got the win, improving to 5-6 on the season, for the Cardinals pitching seven innings and giving up two runs on six hits, striking out five and walking one.&nbsp; Contreras was 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored while Arenado was 2-for-4.&nbsp; Each player who had a home run, had just one hit on the night.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Chicago continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael McGreevy (1-1, 2.70 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Jameson Taillon (7-4, 3.84 ERA) for the Cubs.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45, with action being joined near the start at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

By MATT PIKEIt may not be the All Star break yet, but the St. Louis Cardinals gained some crucial ground in the NL Central race against their bitter rival the Chicago Cubs, winning their series opener at Busch Stadium 8-2 on Monday night.&nbsp;The Cardinals scored all their runs in the middle innings, first getting two in the fourth inning on a two run home run by Lars Nootbaar, scoring Willson Contreras.&nbsp; The Cubs scored one run in the top of the fifth, former Cardinal Carson Kelly singling to drive in Pete Crow-Armstrong who led off the inning with a double, before St. Louis added four more runs in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NOOOOOOOOT gets the party started! Send Lars to the All-Star Game at <a href="https://t.co/8EZhynYoGy">https://t.co/8EZhynYoGy</a>! 🌟 <a href="https://t.co/mONEjzV060">pic.twitter.com/mONEjzV060</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1937309199915962513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the bottom of the fifth, the Cardinals got another two run home run, this time from Brendan Donovan, scoring&nbsp;Pedro Pagés who walked earlier in the inning.&nbsp; Then, after Masyn Winn walked, Alec Burleson slugged the third homer of the day for the Redbirds to extend the lead more, driving in Winn, for the 5-1 lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The best 2B in the league does it again! Send Donnie to the All-Star Game at <a href="https://t.co/8EZhynYoGy">https://t.co/8EZhynYoGy</a>! 🌟 <a href="https://t.co/8BW4Cq7xJE">pic.twitter.com/8BW4Cq7xJE</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1937313950598627439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">THINGS HAVE GOTTEN SERIOUS AT BUSCH! <a href="https://t.co/aYYluPj2bl">pic.twitter.com/aYYluPj2bl</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1937317297833628154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the sixth inning, the home runs continued flying out of Busch Stadium off the bats of the Cardinals, as Nolan Gorman hit the fourth home run of the day, driving in Nolan Arenado for the final runs by St. Louis.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly by Justin Turner pushed across the final Cubs run in the seventh inning, scoring Crow-Armstrong.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NOW IT’S NOLAN GORMAN! The home runs are flying at Busch Stadium! <a href="https://t.co/rRGwngUyp3">pic.twitter.com/rRGwngUyp3</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1937318242189476094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Matthew LIberatore got the win, improving to 5-6 on the season, for the Cardinals pitching seven innings and giving up two runs on six hits, striking out five and walking one.&nbsp; Contreras was 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored while Arenado was 2-for-4.&nbsp; Each player who had a home run, had just one hit on the night.&nbsp;St. Louis and Chicago continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael McGreevy (1-1, 2.70 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Jameson Taillon (7-4, 3.84 ERA) for the Cubs.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45, with action being joined near the start at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cards gain ground in NL Central race with 8-2 win over Cubs

The St. Joseph Mustangs rallied back in the ninth inning after falling behind to steal a game from the Jefferson City Renegades, winning 7-5 on the road in Missouri's capitol.&nbsp;

The Mustangs led early though behind a good start from Cade Perkins, building a 3-0 lead through the first three innings.&nbsp; In the first inning, a double by Dom Felix drove in Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart and Darius Freeman for the first two runs.&nbsp; Then in the third inning, Logan Miller scored on a groundout by Luikart to extend the lead.&nbsp;

Jefferson City got on the scoreboard in the fourth inning&nbsp;Alex DiGicianto scoring on a groundout by&nbsp;Drew Vonder Harr.&nbsp; The Renegades tied the game up in the seventh inning with a double by&nbsp;P.J. Green driving in both&nbsp;Will Bachman and Tyler Towe.&nbsp; In the eighth inning Jefferson City took their first lead of the game as Harr scored on an RBI single by Bachman.&nbsp;

Trailing 4-3 entering the final inning, the Mustangs rallied, first tying the game with a bases loaded walk to Miller, scoring Benton alum Chris Coy.&nbsp; St. Joseph took the lead on a wild pitch, bringing home&nbsp;Easton Phillipe, before Freeman singled, driving in Miller and Lafayette alum Jayden Little.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, the Renegades managed one run, an unearned run as Green scored on a groundout by&nbsp;Braydn O'Neal, before Jase Johnson closed the game out for the save.&nbsp;

Despite earning a no decision, Perkins pitched well over five innings giving up one run on seven hits, striking out four.&nbsp; Northwest Missouri State's Andrew Clark earned the win, pitching 1 2/3&nbsp; of relief giving up one run on two hits and striking out two.&nbsp; At the plate, Freeman was 2-for-4 with two RBI's while Miller was 2-for-4 with one RBI.&nbsp; Little was 0-for-1 with two walks and a run scored, stealing a base.

The Mustangs are now 18-2 on the season, 13-1 in the MINK League, and wrap up their road trip with a doubleheader of two seven inning games in Chillicothe tomorrow.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe St. Joseph Mustangs rallied back in the ninth inning after falling behind to steal a game from the Jefferson City Renegades, winning 7-5 on the road in Missouri's capitol.&nbsp;The Mustangs led early though behind a good start from Cade Perkins, building a 3-0 lead through the first three innings.&nbsp; In the first inning, a double by Dom Felix drove in Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart and Darius Freeman for the first two runs.&nbsp; Then in the third inning, Logan Miller scored on a groundout by Luikart to extend the lead.&nbsp;Jefferson City got on the scoreboard in the fourth inning&nbsp;Alex DiGicianto scoring on a groundout by&nbsp;Drew Vonder Harr.&nbsp; The Renegades tied the game up in the seventh inning with a double by&nbsp;P.J. Green driving in both&nbsp;Will Bachman and Tyler Towe.&nbsp; In the eighth inning Jefferson City took their first lead of the game as Harr scored on an RBI single by Bachman.&nbsp;Trailing 4-3 entering the final inning, the Mustangs rallied, first tying the game with a bases loaded walk to Miller, scoring Benton alum Chris Coy.&nbsp; St. Joseph took the lead on a wild pitch, bringing home&nbsp;Easton Phillipe, before Freeman singled, driving in Miller and Lafayette alum Jayden Little.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, the Renegades managed one run, an unearned run as Green scored on a groundout by&nbsp;Braydn O'Neal, before Jase Johnson closed the game out for the save.&nbsp;Despite earning a no decision, Perkins pitched well over five innings giving up one run on seven hits, striking out four.&nbsp; Northwest Missouri State's Andrew Clark earned the win, pitching 1 2/3&nbsp; of relief giving up one run on two hits and striking out two.&nbsp; At the plate, Freeman was 2-for-4 with two RBI's while Miller was 2-for-4 with one RBI.&nbsp; Little was 0-for-1 with two walks and a run scored, stealing a base.The Mustangs are now 18-2 on the season, 13-1 in the MINK League, and wrap up their road trip with a doubleheader of two seven inning games in Chillicothe tomorrow.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Four run ninth gives Mustangs 7-5 win over Jefferson City

Salvador Perez blasted his ninth home run of the year, Jac Caglianone made an outstanding game saving catch, but the Kansas City Royals dropped the series finale 3-2 to the San Diego Padres on Sunday afternoon, losing the series.&nbsp;

The Royals took the lead in the sixth inning after Vinnie Pasquantino singled and then was brought home on Perez's deep blast to left field, traveling 412 feet according to Statcast, for his ninth home run of the season and third of the month, giving Kansas City a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

In the seventh inning, the Padres came back to tie up the game though.&nbsp; Jackson Merrill led off the inning with a double off Royals starter Seth Lugo, and after Lugo got Manny Machado to fly out he was replaced by reliever Angel Zerpa.&nbsp; Zerpa, who had turned things around of late, ran into trouble though after getting&nbsp;Luis Arraez to groundout, walking Gavin Sheets and Xander Bogaerts to load the bases.&nbsp; 

San Diego pinch hit Jose Iglesias for Jake Cronenworth, and the Royals countered by bringing on Lucas Erceg in place of Zerpa, but Iglesias singled home Merrill and Sheets to tie the game. In the eighth inning, the Padres had a chance to take the lead, after Erceg walked Fernando Tatis Jr with one out.&nbsp; Erceg gave up a high deep hit to right field to Merrill, which was robbed by Caglianone

Daniel Lynch replaced Erceg in the ninth inning, giving up a single to Arraez and a then double to Bogaerts with one out before being replaced by John Schreiber.&nbsp; On a short grounder by Iglesias off Schreiber, Bobby Witt Jr attempted to throw home but it was late as Arraez scored the winning run for the walk off win.&nbsp;

Lynch took the loss, falling to 3-2 on the season, pitching 1/3 of an inning and giving up two hits with one run scoring.&nbsp; At the plate, Witt Jr and Freddy Fermin each went 2-for-4.&nbsp; Perez was 1-for-3 with the home run and two RBI's as well as a walk.&nbsp;

Kansas City is off tomorrow.&nbsp; They return to Kauffman stadium on Tuesday hosting Tampa Bay.&nbsp; Kris Bubic (6-4, 2.12 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals in the opener against Taj Bradley (4-5, 4.95 ERA) for the Rays.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage starts at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKESalvador Perez blasted his ninth home run of the year, Jac Caglianone made an outstanding game saving catch, but the Kansas City Royals dropped the series finale 3-2 to the San Diego Padres on Sunday afternoon, losing the series.&nbsp;The Royals took the lead in the sixth inning after Vinnie Pasquantino singled and then was brought home on Perez's deep blast to left field, traveling 412 feet according to Statcast, for his ninth home run of the season and third of the month, giving Kansas City a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Are you ready, kids? Aye, aye, Captain! 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/c5IqtzQH84">pic.twitter.com/c5IqtzQH84</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1936898842232062051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the seventh inning, the Padres came back to tie up the game though.&nbsp; Jackson Merrill led off the inning with a double off Royals starter Seth Lugo, and after Lugo got Manny Machado to fly out he was replaced by reliever Angel Zerpa.&nbsp; Zerpa, who had turned things around of late, ran into trouble though after getting&nbsp;Luis Arraez to groundout, walking Gavin Sheets and Xander Bogaerts to load the bases.&nbsp; San Diego pinch hit Jose Iglesias for Jake Cronenworth, and the Royals countered by bringing on Lucas Erceg in place of Zerpa, but Iglesias singled home Merrill and Sheets to tie the game. In the eighth inning, the Padres had a chance to take the lead, after Erceg walked Fernando Tatis Jr with one out.&nbsp; Erceg gave up a high deep hit to right field to Merrill, which was robbed by Caglianone<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jumpin’ Jac! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/fi3KQWhHVl">pic.twitter.com/fi3KQWhHVl</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1936912338780889553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Daniel Lynch replaced Erceg in the ninth inning, giving up a single to Arraez and a then double to Bogaerts with one out before being replaced by John Schreiber.&nbsp; On a short grounder by Iglesias off Schreiber, Bobby Witt Jr attempted to throw home but it was late as Arraez scored the winning run for the walk off win.&nbsp;Lynch took the loss, falling to 3-2 on the season, pitching 1/3 of an inning and giving up two hits with one run scoring.&nbsp; At the plate, Witt Jr and Freddy Fermin each went 2-for-4.&nbsp; Perez was 1-for-3 with the home run and two RBI's as well as a walk.&nbsp;Kansas City is off tomorrow.&nbsp; They return to Kauffman stadium on Tuesday hosting Tampa Bay.&nbsp; Kris Bubic (6-4, 2.12 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals in the opener against Taj Bradley (4-5, 4.95 ERA) for the Rays.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage starts at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals drop series with 3-2 loss to Padres in finale

After a hard fought win for the St. Joseph Mustangs over the Carroll Merchants that went back and forth at Phil Welch Stadium on Saturday night, the Mustangs traveled to Carroll, Iowa and scored a dominating 12-3 victory on Sunday afternoon.

Much like the Merchants did on Saturday, the Mustangs scored six runs before Carroll found their way onto the scoreboard.&nbsp; In the third inning, an RBI double by Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart drove in Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen for the first St. Joseph run, and Luikart later scored on an RBI single by Dom Felix.&nbsp;

In the fourth innning, Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith hit a solo home run to extend the lead.&nbsp; Then in the fifth inning, three more runs scored, with Luikart singling home Darius Freeman,&nbsp;Easton Phillipe scoring when Felix reached first on an error, and Felix later scoring himself on an bases loaded walk to Griffith, giving the Mustangs the 6-0 lead.&nbsp;

The Merchants scored their first two runs in the bottom half of the fifth inning, an RBI single by&nbsp;Cole Schellenberger driving in&nbsp;Brock Moore and then&nbsp;Bryce Higgins scoring as&nbsp;Martin Smith grounded out to third base, cutting the lead to 6-2.&nbsp;

St. Joseph continued to pour the runs on, scoring two runs in both the sixth and the seventh.&nbsp; In the sixth, Freeman scored as Felix reached on a fielders choice, advancing Phillipe to third base, who came around to score on a single by Justin George.&nbsp; In the seventh, a single by Phillipe drove in Freeman for this third run of the game, and Phillipe later scored himself on a sacrifice fly by Luikart.&nbsp;

Leading 10-2, the Mustangs scored the final two runs in the eighth inning, a wild pitch allowing Lafayette alum Jayden Little to score, moving Tyler Gundelfinger to second base, before Gundelfinger scored as Freeman grounded out to first base.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, the Merchants&nbsp;Bradley Soto hit a solo home run for the final score.&nbsp;

Austin Nace earned the win for the Mustangs, pitching 6 1/3 innings and giving up two runs on three hits, striking out three and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, both Freeman and Phillipe were 2-for-5, each with one RBI and three runs scored, Phillipe walked once, and each stole one base.&nbsp; Felix was 1-for-5 with a walk and three RBI's.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 17-2 on the season, 12-1 in the MINK league, and continue their road trip tomorrow traveling to Jefferson City to take on the Jefferson City Renegades.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750638000463.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith rounds the bases after sending a solo home run into the pool in Carroll, Iowa.&nbsp; Griffith was 1-for-3 in a 12-3 win for the Mustangs with two RBI's/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Mustangs on X" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith rounds the bases after sending a solo home run into the pool in Carroll, Iowa.&nbsp; Griffith was 1-for-3 in a 12-3 win for the Mustangs with two RBI's/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Mustangs on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEAfter a hard fought win for the St. Joseph Mustangs over the Carroll Merchants that went back and forth at Phil Welch Stadium on Saturday night, the Mustangs traveled to Carroll, Iowa and scored a dominating 12-3 victory on Sunday afternoon.Much like the Merchants did on Saturday, the Mustangs scored six runs before Carroll found their way onto the scoreboard.&nbsp; In the third inning, an RBI double by Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart drove in Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen for the first St. Joseph run, and Luikart later scored on an RBI single by Dom Felix.&nbsp;In the fourth innning, Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith hit a solo home run to extend the lead.&nbsp; Then in the fifth inning, three more runs scored, with Luikart singling home Darius Freeman,&nbsp;Easton Phillipe scoring when Felix reached first on an error, and Felix later scoring himself on an bases loaded walk to Griffith, giving the Mustangs the 6-0 lead.&nbsp;The Merchants scored their first two runs in the bottom half of the fifth inning, an RBI single by&nbsp;Cole Schellenberger driving in&nbsp;Brock Moore and then&nbsp;Bryce Higgins scoring as&nbsp;Martin Smith grounded out to third base, cutting the lead to 6-2.&nbsp;St. Joseph continued to pour the runs on, scoring two runs in both the sixth and the seventh.&nbsp; In the sixth, Freeman scored as Felix reached on a fielders choice, advancing Phillipe to third base, who came around to score on a single by Justin George.&nbsp; In the seventh, a single by Phillipe drove in Freeman for this third run of the game, and Phillipe later scored himself on a sacrifice fly by Luikart.&nbsp;Leading 10-2, the Mustangs scored the final two runs in the eighth inning, a wild pitch allowing Lafayette alum Jayden Little to score, moving Tyler Gundelfinger to second base, before Gundelfinger scored as Freeman grounded out to first base.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, the Merchants&nbsp;Bradley Soto hit a solo home run for the final score.&nbsp;Austin Nace earned the win for the Mustangs, pitching 6 1/3 innings and giving up two runs on three hits, striking out three and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, both Freeman and Phillipe were 2-for-5, each with one RBI and three runs scored, Phillipe walked once, and each stole one base.&nbsp; Felix was 1-for-5 with a walk and three RBI's.&nbsp;The Mustangs are now 17-2 on the season, 12-1 in the MINK league, and continue their road trip tomorrow traveling to Jefferson City to take on the Jefferson City Renegades.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Summer heat can't slow down Mustangs offense in 12-3 win on the road

The St. Louis Cardinals had their five game winning streak snapped, falling in the series finale to the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium on Sunday afternoon 4-1.&nbsp;

The Reds took the lead quickly in the matchup, Matt McLain hitting a solo home run with one out in the top of the first inning.&nbsp; In the bottom of the second inning, the Cardinals tied the game up with their lone run, coming off the bat of the man who gave them the walk off hit on Saturday night, Yohel Pozo singling home Nolan Arenado who singled to open the inning.&nbsp;

Back to back doubles from Jose Trevino and Jake Fraley gave Cincinnati the lead back in the fifth inning, before the Reds extended the lead later in the inning with a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;TJ Friedl.&nbsp; The final run scored in the sixth inning as Elly De La Cruz came home on a groundout by Gavin Lux.&nbsp;

Miles Mikolas took the loss for the Cardinals, falling to 4-5 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up three runs, two earned, on four hits while striking out six and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, St. Louis got just three hits on the day, Pozo going 1-for-3 with the RBI.&nbsp;

St. Louis next welcomes Chicago to Busch Stadium for an NL Central clash.&nbsp; Matthew Liberatore (4-6, 4.08 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Ben Brown (4-5, 5.57 ERA) for the Cubs.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, and will join near the start at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

By MATT PIKEThe St. Louis Cardinals had their five game winning streak snapped, falling in the series finale to the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium on Sunday afternoon 4-1.&nbsp;The Reds took the lead quickly in the matchup, Matt McLain hitting a solo home run with one out in the top of the first inning.&nbsp; In the bottom of the second inning, the Cardinals tied the game up with their lone run, coming off the bat of the man who gave them the walk off hit on Saturday night, Yohel Pozo singling home Nolan Arenado who singled to open the inning.&nbsp;Back to back doubles from Jose Trevino and Jake Fraley gave Cincinnati the lead back in the fifth inning, before the Reds extended the lead later in the inning with a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;TJ Friedl.&nbsp; The final run scored in the sixth inning as Elly De La Cruz came home on a groundout by Gavin Lux.&nbsp;Miles Mikolas took the loss for the Cardinals, falling to 4-5 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up three runs, two earned, on four hits while striking out six and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, St. Louis got just three hits on the day, Pozo going 1-for-3 with the RBI.&nbsp;St. Louis next welcomes Chicago to Busch Stadium for an NL Central clash.&nbsp; Matthew Liberatore (4-6, 4.08 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Ben Brown (4-5, 5.57 ERA) for the Cubs.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, and will join near the start at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cards winning streak snapped falling in finale to Reds 4-1

The St. Joseph Mustangs battled back from a six run deficit to earn a hard fought MINK League victory, beating the Carroll Merchants 10-8 on Saturday night at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp;

The Merchants got to East Buchanan alum Bronco Whitt in the third inning, making his second start of the season, for six runs in the inning.&nbsp; A triple by&nbsp;Fernando Espinal driving in three of those, scoring&nbsp;Gavin Gonzalez, Nolan Oliver, and Sammy Harris.&nbsp; Espinal scored on a single by&nbsp;Aiden Eggers, and Eggers came home on a double by&nbsp;Martin Smith.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jakob Jeske followed Smith's double with a double of his own, driving in the sixth run scoring Smith.&nbsp;

The Mustangs started to rally back in the bottom half of the inning with three runs, the first scoring on a wild pitch with Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen coming across home plate.&nbsp; A double by Dom Felix drove in Logan Miller and Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart, but Felix ended up being thrown out attempting to advance to third base.&nbsp; 

In the fourth, St Joseph got Whitt a no decision tying up the game, Bodenhausen reaching on a fielders choice and driving in Lafayette alum Jayden Little, before Luikart delivered the tying runs with a two RBI singled, scoring Bodenhausen and&nbsp;Easton Phillipe.&nbsp; Then in the fifth inning, the Mustangs took their first lead of the game&nbsp;Phillipe scoring again, this time on a single by Bodenhausen.&nbsp;

The Merchants refused to let the Mustangs slip away though, tying the game up again in the seventh inning, Smith hitting an RBI single to score Espinal.&nbsp; Again in the bottom half of the inning, St. Joseph took the lead, a Tyler Gundelfinger driving in Phillipe for the third time on the night, this time for an unearned run.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the eighth inning, Carroll once again tied the game up on a sacrifice fly by Harris, scoring&nbsp;Jack Luthren.&nbsp; In the bottom of the inning, the Mustangs got all the insurance they needed though, a sacrifice fly by Benton alum Chris Coy driving in Miller, before Felix scored the final run of the game on a balk.&nbsp;

East Buchanan alum Gage Busby earned the win after finishing out the eighth inning and the game, pitching 1 1/3 innings and striking out two while walking two.&nbsp; At the plate, Gundelfinger was 2-for-3 with an RBI.&nbsp; Felix was 1-for-3 with a double, two RBI's, and two walks.&nbsp; The Mustangs were outhit in the matchup 9 to 5 by the Merchants.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Mustangs matchup with Carroll again tomorrow, this time on the road as they begin a three game road trip, which includes a double header with two seven inning games against Chillicothe on Tuesday.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe St. Joseph Mustangs battled back from a six run deficit to earn a hard fought MINK League victory, beating the Carroll Merchants 10-8 on Saturday night at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp;The Merchants got to East Buchanan alum Bronco Whitt in the third inning, making his second start of the season, for six runs in the inning.&nbsp; A triple by&nbsp;Fernando Espinal driving in three of those, scoring&nbsp;Gavin Gonzalez, Nolan Oliver, and Sammy Harris.&nbsp; Espinal scored on a single by&nbsp;Aiden Eggers, and Eggers came home on a double by&nbsp;Martin Smith.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jakob Jeske followed Smith's double with a double of his own, driving in the sixth run scoring Smith.&nbsp;The Mustangs started to rally back in the bottom half of the inning with three runs, the first scoring on a wild pitch with Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen coming across home plate.&nbsp; A double by Dom Felix drove in Logan Miller and Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart, but Felix ended up being thrown out attempting to advance to third base.&nbsp; In the fourth, St Joseph got Whitt a no decision tying up the game, Bodenhausen reaching on a fielders choice and driving in Lafayette alum Jayden Little, before Luikart delivered the tying runs with a two RBI singled, scoring Bodenhausen and&nbsp;Easton Phillipe.&nbsp; Then in the fifth inning, the Mustangs took their first lead of the game&nbsp;Phillipe scoring again, this time on a single by Bodenhausen.&nbsp;The Merchants refused to let the Mustangs slip away though, tying the game up again in the seventh inning, Smith hitting an RBI single to score Espinal.&nbsp; Again in the bottom half of the inning, St. Joseph took the lead, a Tyler Gundelfinger driving in Phillipe for the third time on the night, this time for an unearned run.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the eighth inning, Carroll once again tied the game up on a sacrifice fly by Harris, scoring&nbsp;Jack Luthren.&nbsp; In the bottom of the inning, the Mustangs got all the insurance they needed though, a sacrifice fly by Benton alum Chris Coy driving in Miller, before Felix scored the final run of the game on a balk.&nbsp;East Buchanan alum Gage Busby earned the win after finishing out the eighth inning and the game, pitching 1 1/3 innings and striking out two while walking two.&nbsp; At the plate, Gundelfinger was 2-for-3 with an RBI.&nbsp; Felix was 1-for-3 with a double, two RBI's, and two walks.&nbsp; The Mustangs were outhit in the matchup 9 to 5 by the Merchants.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Mustangs matchup with Carroll again tomorrow, this time on the road as they begin a three game road trip, which includes a double header with two seven inning games against Chillicothe on Tuesday.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Mustangs get another hard fought MINK League win 10-8 over Carroll

It took extra innings to do it, but the St. Louis Cardinals extended their winning streak to five games, beating the Cincinnati Reds 6-5 in 11 innings at Busch Stadium thanks to a clutch hit from Yohel Pozo.&nbsp;

The Cardinals opened the scoring in the first inning on a two run home run by Alec Burleson, scoring Masyn Winn.&nbsp; The Reds battled back though, first scoring a run in the third inning when Gavin Lux grounded into a double play, bringing home Matt McLain, before taking the lead in the seventh inning, Lux bringing in another run with a groundout, driving in Connor Joe, before Elly De La Cruz hit a two run home run to break a 2-2 tie, scoring McLain.&nbsp;

Cincinnati extended their lead in the eighth inning with a sacrifice fly, Will Benson driving in Spencer Steer.&nbsp; But in the bottom half of the inning, St. Louis started to battle back, scoring two runs on back to back RBI singles, the first by Winn scoring Victor Scott II and Burleson driving in Brendan Donovan to cut the lead to one.&nbsp; &nbsp;Then in the ninth, Nolan Arenado led the inning off with a game tying home run, his 10th of the season, forcing extra innings.&nbsp;

Neither team scored in the 10th, the Cardinals stranding the winning run at third base.&nbsp; But in the 11th, St. Louis came through in the clutch thanks to Pozo, who came on to play catcher replacing Jose Barrero who had pinch ran in the 10th for&nbsp;Pedro Pagés.&nbsp; With Jordan Walker at second, pinch running for Willson Contreras, Pozo singled with two outs to drive in Walker for the walk off win.&nbsp;

Phil Maton earned the win in relief, earning his first win of the season moving to 1-2, pitching just the 11th inning and striking out three batters while walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Burleson was 2-for-5 with the home run and three RBI's.&nbsp; Scott II was also 2-for-4 with a run scored.&nbsp;

St. Louis wraps up their series with Cincinnati tomorrow.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas (4-4, 4.35 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Andrew Abbott (6-1, 1.84 ERA) for the Reds.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15, and will be joined near the start of the game at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEIt took extra innings to do it, but the St. Louis Cardinals extended their winning streak to five games, beating the Cincinnati Reds 6-5 in 11 innings at Busch Stadium thanks to a clutch hit from Yohel Pozo.&nbsp;The Cardinals opened the scoring in the first inning on a two run home run by Alec Burleson, scoring Masyn Winn.&nbsp; The Reds battled back though, first scoring a run in the third inning when Gavin Lux grounded into a double play, bringing home Matt McLain, before taking the lead in the seventh inning, Lux bringing in another run with a groundout, driving in Connor Joe, before Elly De La Cruz hit a two run home run to break a 2-2 tie, scoring McLain.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Burly is on fire!! 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/rPLZMFFp3J">pic.twitter.com/rPLZMFFp3J</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1936492303541231767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Cincinnati extended their lead in the eighth inning with a sacrifice fly, Will Benson driving in Spencer Steer.&nbsp; But in the bottom half of the inning, St. Louis started to battle back, scoring two runs on back to back RBI singles, the first by Winn scoring Victor Scott II and Burleson driving in Brendan Donovan to cut the lead to one.&nbsp; &nbsp;Then in the ninth, Nolan Arenado led the inning off with a game tying home run, his 10th of the season, forcing extra innings.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NOLAN ARENADO TIES IT IN THE 9TH! <a href="https://t.co/BXKRuRxJMU">pic.twitter.com/BXKRuRxJMU</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1936528588054163480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Neither team scored in the 10th, the Cardinals stranding the winning run at third base.&nbsp; But in the 11th, St. Louis came through in the clutch thanks to Pozo, who came on to play catcher replacing Jose Barrero who had pinch ran in the 10th for&nbsp;Pedro Pagés.&nbsp; With Jordan Walker at second, pinch running for Willson Contreras, Pozo singled with two outs to drive in Walker for the walk off win.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;CARDINALS WIN IT AGAIN!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/cRDXrE4eUe">pic.twitter.com/cRDXrE4eUe</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1936538894712934527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Phil Maton earned the win in relief, earning his first win of the season moving to 1-2, pitching just the 11th inning and striking out three batters while walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Burleson was 2-for-5 with the home run and three RBI's.&nbsp; Scott II was also 2-for-4 with a run scored.&nbsp;St. Louis wraps up their series with Cincinnati tomorrow.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas (4-4, 4.35 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Andrew Abbott (6-1, 1.84 ERA) for the Reds.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15, and will be joined near the start of the game at 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Pozo's walkoff in extras gives Cards fifth straight win

The Kansas City Royals saw their modest four game winning streak snapped by the San Diego Padres as St. Joseph's Noah Cameron struggled with command, and again could not get past the sixth inning in a 5-1 loss at Petco Park.&nbsp;

The Padres struck first off Cameron in the second inning as Jake Cronenworth grounded into a forceout, with Xander Bogaerts being out at second, and beating out the throw at first, scoring Gavin Sheets.&nbsp; The Royals tied up the game in the top of the third inning with Drew Waters singling and coming home in the next at bat when John Rave hit a double into the right field gap.&nbsp; Again though, San Diego took the lead back off Cameron in the bottom half&nbsp;Luis Arraez hitting a single to drive in&nbsp;Martín Maldonado

Cameron exited after 5 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on five hits, striking out two and walking three, throwing 88 pitches, 53 of those for strikes.&nbsp; He was replaced by Taylor Clarke, who finished out the sixth, but in the seventh gave up singles to Bryce Johnson and Jose Iglesias before Fernando Tatis Jr hit a three run home run for the final scores of the night.&nbsp;

Cameron took the loss, falling to 2-3 on the season.&nbsp; At the plate, the Royals managed just four hits against the Padres, with Rave and Waters going 1-for-3 and Bobby Witt Jr and Mark Canha going 1-for-4.

Kansas City and San Diego wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Seth Lugo (4-5, 3.05 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against&nbsp;Randy Vásquez (3-4, 3.70 ERA) for the Padres.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:10pm, pregame begins at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Royals saw their modest four game winning streak snapped by the San Diego Padres as St. Joseph's Noah Cameron struggled with command, and again could not get past the sixth inning in a 5-1 loss at Petco Park.&nbsp;The Padres struck first off Cameron in the second inning as Jake Cronenworth grounded into a forceout, with Xander Bogaerts being out at second, and beating out the throw at first, scoring Gavin Sheets.&nbsp; The Royals tied up the game in the top of the third inning with Drew Waters singling and coming home in the next at bat when John Rave hit a double into the right field gap.&nbsp; Again though, San Diego took the lead back off Cameron in the bottom half&nbsp;Luis Arraez hitting a single to drive in&nbsp;Martín MaldonadoCameron exited after 5 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on five hits, striking out two and walking three, throwing 88 pitches, 53 of those for strikes.&nbsp; He was replaced by Taylor Clarke, who finished out the sixth, but in the seventh gave up singles to Bryce Johnson and Jose Iglesias before Fernando Tatis Jr hit a three run home run for the final scores of the night.&nbsp;Cameron took the loss, falling to 2-3 on the season.&nbsp; At the plate, the Royals managed just four hits against the Padres, with Rave and Waters going 1-for-3 and Bobby Witt Jr and Mark Canha going 1-for-4.Kansas City and San Diego wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Seth Lugo (4-5, 3.05 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against&nbsp;Randy Vásquez (3-4, 3.70 ERA) for the Padres.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:10pm, pregame begins at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Padres snap Royals winning streak with 5-1 win to split series

The Kansas City Royals lost the lead, but took it back, and held on for their fourth straight victory, defeating the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Friday night 6-5.&nbsp;

Kansas City picked up right where they left off after sweeping the Texas Rangers scoring four runs before the Padres could answer, first getting a solo home run from Bobby Witt Jr in the first inning to left field, his 10th of the season.&nbsp; The Royals added three more runs in the fifth inning on another home run, a three run blast by Jonathan India, scoring Freddy Fermin and Nick Loftin for the 4-0 lead.&nbsp;

The Padres though rallied back to tie the game.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the fifth a single by&nbsp;Luis Arraez scored Trenton Brooks who doubled to open the inning.&nbsp; In the sixth inning another run scored as&nbsp;Jose Iglesias singled home&nbsp;Xander Bogaerts, before San Diego tied the game in the seventh with a two run inning, Arraez and Manny Machado scoring on a single by Gavin Sheets.&nbsp;

A seemingly renewed offense though for the Royals rallied in the eighth to take the lead back.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia singled and Vinnie Pasquantino walked, before a single by Salvador Perez drove in Garcia for the go ahead run.&nbsp; With John Rave pinch running for Pasquantino, Rave stole second base, and came home to score later in the inning on a single by Drew Waters with two outs for the 6-4 lead.&nbsp;

After a scoreless eighth inning by Steven Cruz,&nbsp;Carlos Estévez came to the mound in the ninth inning for Kansas City looking for the save with the two run lead.&nbsp; Estévez was greeted with a leadoff home run by Machado, but then forced three straight pop outs to earn his 22nd save for the Royals.&nbsp;

Lucas Erceg blew his first save of the season in relief, but earned the win improving to 2-2 on the season, pitching one inning and giving up two runs on three hits, walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, India was 3-for-5 with the home run and three RBI's while Garcia was 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored.&nbsp;

Kansas City and San Diego continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Noah Cameron (2-2, 1.91 ERA) starts for the Royals against Dylan Cease (2-6, 4.69 ERA) for the Padres.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:15pm, pregame will begin at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Royals lost the lead, but took it back, and held on for their fourth straight victory, defeating the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Friday night 6-5.&nbsp;Kansas City picked up right where they left off after sweeping the Texas Rangers scoring four runs before the Padres could answer, first getting a solo home run from Bobby Witt Jr in the first inning to left field, his 10th of the season.&nbsp; The Royals added three more runs in the fifth inning on another home run, a three run blast by Jonathan India, scoring Freddy Fermin and Nick Loftin for the 4-0 lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bobby’s back at it again. 💥 <a href="https://t.co/Gr4Ur79C4D">pic.twitter.com/Gr4Ur79C4D</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1936240321173827639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Indy destroyed this one. <a href="https://t.co/wq1688S33K">pic.twitter.com/wq1688S33K</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1936258114422292856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Padres though rallied back to tie the game.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the fifth a single by&nbsp;Luis Arraez scored Trenton Brooks who doubled to open the inning.&nbsp; In the sixth inning another run scored as&nbsp;Jose Iglesias singled home&nbsp;Xander Bogaerts, before San Diego tied the game in the seventh with a two run inning, Arraez and Manny Machado scoring on a single by Gavin Sheets.&nbsp;A seemingly renewed offense though for the Royals rallied in the eighth to take the lead back.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia singled and Vinnie Pasquantino walked, before a single by Salvador Perez drove in Garcia for the go ahead run.&nbsp; With John Rave pinch running for Pasquantino, Rave stole second base, and came home to score later in the inning on a single by Drew Waters with two outs for the 6-4 lead.&nbsp;After a scoreless eighth inning by Steven Cruz,&nbsp;Carlos Estévez came to the mound in the ninth inning for Kansas City looking for the save with the two run lead.&nbsp; Estévez was greeted with a leadoff home run by Machado, but then forced three straight pop outs to earn his 22nd save for the Royals.&nbsp;Lucas Erceg blew his first save of the season in relief, but earned the win improving to 2-2 on the season, pitching one inning and giving up two runs on three hits, walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, India was 3-for-5 with the home run and three RBI's while Garcia was 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored.&nbsp;Kansas City and San Diego continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Noah Cameron (2-2, 1.91 ERA) starts for the Royals against Dylan Cease (2-6, 4.69 ERA) for the Padres.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:15pm, pregame will begin at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals battle with Padres for fourth straight win in 6-5 victory

The St. Joseph Mustangs battled back and forth with the Jefferson City Renegades, but a big fourth inning helped put St. Joseph on top for good as the Mustangs won 13-8 at Phil Welch Stadium on Friday night.&nbsp;

In rare fashion, the Mustangs had to play from behind for most of the game, as the Renegades scored two runs in the first inning,&nbsp;Lucas Weitholder doubling to score&nbsp;Ethan Millius and&nbsp;Alex DiGicianto bringing home Weitholder with a single.&nbsp; Another two scored in the second inning as Millus singled to bring home&nbsp;Conner Flieg and&nbsp;P.J. Green scored on a throwing error for a 4-0 lead.

In the bottom half of the second inning, the Mustangs were able to cut the Renegades lead to one.&nbsp; Logan Miller singled with the bases loaded to drive in Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith and Trevor McCollum before Lafayette alum Jayden Little came home to score on a throwing error, cutting the lead to 4-3.&nbsp;

But the Renegades continued to pull away from St. Joseph,&nbsp;Ben Miller singling to left in the third inning and driving in two more runs as&nbsp;Maddox Meier and&nbsp;Drew Vonder Harr.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly by Green scored&nbsp;Tyler Towe to extend the lead.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning however, the Mustangs got those runs back, Jack Mosh tripling to score Dom Felix, and then scoring as McCollum reached on a fielders choice.&nbsp; McCollum came home to score on a throwing error after Griffith reached first on a fielding error.&nbsp;

St. Joseph blew the lead open in the fourth inning with a six run frame though, taking the lead for good.&nbsp; McCollum gave the Mustangs their first lead of the game with a two RBI single driving in Mosh and Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart.&nbsp; Later in the inning on a wild pitch, Benton alum Chris Coy scored, before with the bases later loaded Miller was hit by a pitch to bring home McCollum.&nbsp; The final touches were put on the inning with another two RBI single, this time by Darius Freeman, to score Griffith and Little, for a 12-7 Mustangs lead.&nbsp;

St. Joseph added their final run in the eight inning, with McCollums fourth RBI of the day, another single driving in Mosh.&nbsp; Jefferson City scored their final run in the ninth inning on a wild pitch with Towe coming home to score.&nbsp;

Caden Carter took the win in relief for the Mustangs, pitching three shutout innings from the bullpen, striking out two and walking two.&nbsp; At the plate, McCollum was 3-for-5 with two stolen bases and four RBIs while Mosh was 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI, and three runs scored.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 15-2 on the season, and 10-1 in the MINK league, they wrap up a three game homestand tomorrow taking on the Carroll Merchants at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm, gates open at 5:30.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750479710041.jpeg" alt="Trevor McCollum (7) was 3-for-5 with four RBI's as the Mustangs battled with the Jefferson City Renegades for a13-8 win/ Photo courtesy of Aaron Hare-St. Joseph Mustangs from June 12th" />
 <figcaption>Trevor McCollum (7) was 3-for-5 with four RBI's as the Mustangs battled with the Jefferson City Renegades for a13-8 win/ Photo courtesy of Aaron Hare-St. Joseph Mustangs from June 12th</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe St. Joseph Mustangs battled back and forth with the Jefferson City Renegades, but a big fourth inning helped put St. Joseph on top for good as the Mustangs won 13-8 at Phil Welch Stadium on Friday night.&nbsp;In rare fashion, the Mustangs had to play from behind for most of the game, as the Renegades scored two runs in the first inning,&nbsp;Lucas Weitholder doubling to score&nbsp;Ethan Millius and&nbsp;Alex DiGicianto bringing home Weitholder with a single.&nbsp; Another two scored in the second inning as Millus singled to bring home&nbsp;Conner Flieg and&nbsp;P.J. Green scored on a throwing error for a 4-0 lead.In the bottom half of the second inning, the Mustangs were able to cut the Renegades lead to one.&nbsp; Logan Miller singled with the bases loaded to drive in Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith and Trevor McCollum before Lafayette alum Jayden Little came home to score on a throwing error, cutting the lead to 4-3.&nbsp;But the Renegades continued to pull away from St. Joseph,&nbsp;Ben Miller singling to left in the third inning and driving in two more runs as&nbsp;Maddox Meier and&nbsp;Drew Vonder Harr.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly by Green scored&nbsp;Tyler Towe to extend the lead.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning however, the Mustangs got those runs back, Jack Mosh tripling to score Dom Felix, and then scoring as McCollum reached on a fielders choice.&nbsp; McCollum came home to score on a throwing error after Griffith reached first on a fielding error.&nbsp;St. Joseph blew the lead open in the fourth inning with a six run frame though, taking the lead for good.&nbsp; McCollum gave the Mustangs their first lead of the game with a two RBI single driving in Mosh and Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart.&nbsp; Later in the inning on a wild pitch, Benton alum Chris Coy scored, before with the bases later loaded Miller was hit by a pitch to bring home McCollum.&nbsp; The final touches were put on the inning with another two RBI single, this time by Darius Freeman, to score Griffith and Little, for a 12-7 Mustangs lead.&nbsp;St. Joseph added their final run in the eight inning, with McCollums fourth RBI of the day, another single driving in Mosh.&nbsp; Jefferson City scored their final run in the ninth inning on a wild pitch with Towe coming home to score.&nbsp;Caden Carter took the win in relief for the Mustangs, pitching three shutout innings from the bullpen, striking out two and walking two.&nbsp; At the plate, McCollum was 3-for-5 with two stolen bases and four RBIs while Mosh was 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI, and three runs scored.&nbsp;The Mustangs are now 15-2 on the season, and 10-1 in the MINK league, they wrap up a three game homestand tomorrow taking on the Carroll Merchants at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm, gates open at 5:30.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Big fourth inning propels Mustangs past Renegades 13-8

The St. Louis Cardinals extended their win streak to four games in a row, coming off a sweep of the Chicago White Sox on the road and opening up a home series with the Cincinnati Reds with a 6-1 win.&nbsp;

The Cardinals scored one lone run in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Alec Burleson, driving in Brendan Donovan, before the Redbirds blew the lead open in the seventh inning with a five run frame against former Royals reliever Scott Barlow, who replaced former Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer on the mound for the Reds.&nbsp;

After getting Jordan Walker to pop out to open the seventh, Barlow walked Pedro Pagés and hit Victor Scott II with a pitch before leaving with an injury and being replaced by Taylor Rogers.&nbsp; Rogers walked Donovan before giving up a run on an RBI single to Masyn Winn.&nbsp; With the bases still loaded following the single, Rogers struck out Burleson, but then walked Nolan Gorman for another run and was replaced by&nbsp;Tony Santillan.&nbsp; 

Santillan nearly got out of the inning, but a throwing error by third baseman Gavin Lux allowed&nbsp;Thomas Saggese to reach first safely, bringing home Donovan and Winn, and gave up and RBI single to Lars Nootbaar for the final run, scoring Gorman.&nbsp;Jose Trevino doubled in the eighth inning on a line drive to bring home Santiago Espinal for the lone run by Cincinnati after Espinal pinch hit for Will Benson and singled off reliever John King to open the inning.&nbsp;

Andre Pallante earned the win for the Cardinals, improving to 5-3 on the season, pitching six shutout innings and giving up just two hits, striking out four and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Winn was 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI while Nootbaar was 2-for-4 driving in a run.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Cincinnati continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (7-2, 3.84 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Brent Suter (1-0, 2.91 ERA) for the Reds.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame will be joined around 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

By MATT PIKEThe St. Louis Cardinals extended their win streak to four games in a row, coming off a sweep of the Chicago White Sox on the road and opening up a home series with the Cincinnati Reds with a 6-1 win.&nbsp;The Cardinals scored one lone run in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Alec Burleson, driving in Brendan Donovan, before the Redbirds blew the lead open in the seventh inning with a five run frame against former Royals reliever Scott Barlow, who replaced former Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer on the mound for the Reds.&nbsp;After getting Jordan Walker to pop out to open the seventh, Barlow walked Pedro Pagés and hit Victor Scott II with a pitch before leaving with an injury and being replaced by Taylor Rogers.&nbsp; Rogers walked Donovan before giving up a run on an RBI single to Masyn Winn.&nbsp; With the bases still loaded following the single, Rogers struck out Burleson, but then walked Nolan Gorman for another run and was replaced by&nbsp;Tony Santillan.&nbsp; Santillan nearly got out of the inning, but a throwing error by third baseman Gavin Lux allowed&nbsp;Thomas Saggese to reach first safely, bringing home Donovan and Winn, and gave up and RBI single to Lars Nootbaar for the final run, scoring Gorman.&nbsp;Jose Trevino doubled in the eighth inning on a line drive to bring home Santiago Espinal for the lone run by Cincinnati after Espinal pinch hit for Will Benson and singled off reliever John King to open the inning.&nbsp;Andre Pallante earned the win for the Cardinals, improving to 5-3 on the season, pitching six shutout innings and giving up just two hits, striking out four and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Winn was 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI while Nootbaar was 2-for-4 driving in a run.&nbsp;St. Louis and Cincinnati continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (7-2, 3.84 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Brent Suter (1-0, 2.91 ERA) for the Reds.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, pregame will be joined around 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cards open NL Central clash with Reds with 6-1 win

Several area high school boys and girls basketball teams will once again travel to St. Joseph's Civic Arena for the 4th annual Holiday Hoops hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission this December.&nbsp;

Holiday Hoops features seven Buchanan County high schools along with other area and regional teams of interest competing in a boys and girls doubleheader classic style format just before the Christmas holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;The classic features 17 games over three days and begins on Thursday, December 18 with Bishop LeBlond squaring off against Macon followed by Lafayette taking on Park Hill South in a doubleheader.&nbsp; 

Day two begins with Platte Valley taking on West Platte who will appear in Holiday Hoops for the first time.&nbsp; The days second doubleheader features Central High School taking on Savannah while the nightcap features the Class 4 State Runner Up Benton High School girls taking on Oak Park.&nbsp; 

The first of four doubleheaders on day three features St. Joseph Christian taking on Class 1 Boys &amp; Girls District Champion Rock Port.&nbsp; North Platte appears in Holiday Hoops for the fourth consecutive season taking on Cameron as well in the second doubleheader of the day, the Panther girls were Class 2 District Champions a season ago.&nbsp; &nbsp;They will be followed by East Buchanan’s return to the event as they take on Maysville.&nbsp; The Bulldog boys were class 3 District Champions in 2025.&nbsp; The final matchups of the event features Mid-Buchanan taking on Maryville who makes their first Holiday Hoops appearance.&nbsp; The Dragon girls were class 3 District Champions a season ago.

Holiday Hoops also enhances the profile and awareness of the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame of which the 2025 induction class was recently announced.  Enshrinement is set for Sunday, August 24.

Ticket information will be released in late fall in which all sales will be facilitated online and through the Civic Arena Box Office.  Sponsorship opportunities for the event are available by contacting the sports commission.

7:00 PM – Lafayette vs. Park Hill South (G)

8:30 PM – Lafayette vs. Park Hill South (B)

2:30 PM – Platte Valley vs. West Platte (G)

4:00 PM – Platte Valley vs. West Platte (B)

10:00 AM – St. Joseph Christian vs. Rock Port (G)

11:30 AM – St. Joseph Christian vs. Rock Port (B)

5:30 PM – East Buchanan vs. Maysville (B)

By MATT PIKESeveral area high school boys and girls basketball teams will once again travel to St. Joseph's Civic Arena for the 4th annual Holiday Hoops hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission this December.&nbsp;Holiday Hoops features seven Buchanan County high schools along with other area and regional teams of interest competing in a boys and girls doubleheader classic style format just before the Christmas holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;The classic features 17 games over three days and begins on Thursday, December 18 with Bishop LeBlond squaring off against Macon followed by Lafayette taking on Park Hill South in a doubleheader.&nbsp; Day two begins with Platte Valley taking on West Platte who will appear in Holiday Hoops for the first time.&nbsp; The days second doubleheader features Central High School taking on Savannah while the nightcap features the Class 4 State Runner Up Benton High School girls taking on Oak Park.&nbsp; The first of four doubleheaders on day three features St. Joseph Christian taking on Class 1 Boys &amp; Girls District Champion Rock Port.&nbsp; North Platte appears in Holiday Hoops for the fourth consecutive season taking on Cameron as well in the second doubleheader of the day, the Panther girls were Class 2 District Champions a season ago.&nbsp; &nbsp;They will be followed by East Buchanan’s return to the event as they take on Maysville.&nbsp; The Bulldog boys were class 3 District Champions in 2025.&nbsp; The final matchups of the event features Mid-Buchanan taking on Maryville who makes their first Holiday Hoops appearance.&nbsp; The Dragon girls were class 3 District Champions a season ago.Holiday Hoops also enhances the profile and awareness of the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame of which the 2025 induction class was recently announced. Enshrinement is set for Sunday, August 24.Ticket information will be released in late fall in which all sales will be facilitated online and through the Civic Arena Box Office. Sponsorship opportunities for the event are available by contacting the sports commission.The full schedule looks like this:&nbsp;Thursday, December 184:00 PM – LeBlond vs. Macon (G)5:30 PM – LeBlond vs. Macon (B)7:00 PM – Lafayette vs. Park Hill South (G)8:30 PM – Lafayette vs. Park Hill South (B)Friday, December 192:30 PM – Platte Valley vs. West Platte (G)4:00 PM – Platte Valley vs. West Platte (B)5:30 PM – Central vs. Savannah (G)7:00 PM – Central vs. Savannah (B)8:30 PM – Benton vs. Oak Park (G)Saturday, December 2010:00 AM – St. Joseph Christian vs. Rock Port (G)11:30 AM – St. Joseph Christian vs. Rock Port (B)1 PM – North Platte vs. Cameron (G)2:30 PM - North Platte vs. Cameron (B)4 PM – East Buchanan vs. Maysville (G)5:30 PM – East Buchanan vs. Maysville (B)7 PM – Mid-Buchanan vs. Maryville (G)You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Field announced for 4th annual Holiday Hoops classic at Civic Arena

The St. Joseph Mustangs pitching staff gave up just two hits, and allowed just four baserunners total, as the offense put up another dominant performance in a 12-0 shutout win over the NEMO Craze at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp;

Mustangs starting pitcher Jaren Guck of Northwest Missouri State threw five innings, giving up just one hit and walking one, striking out five, lowering his season ERA to 0.90, per the MINK Leagues stats.&nbsp; Michael Infraca walked one on an inning of relief and Austin Nace gave up the other hit in relief, as St. Joseph pitchers combined for nine strikeouts overall.&nbsp;

St. Joseph put up runs in five consecutive innings, first scoring three runs in the second frame.&nbsp; Justin George scored the opening run on a sacrifice fly by Tyler Gundelfinger.&nbsp; Later in the inning, Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen drove in Lafayette alum Jayden Little and&nbsp;Easton Phillipe with a two RBI single.&nbsp; Two more runs scored in the third inning, both on wild pitches as Jack Mosh and Benton alum Chris Coy each scored on a wild pitch, pushing the lead to 5-0.

Another two runs scored in the fourth inning, a sacrifice fly by Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart driving in Bodenhausen.&nbsp; Darius Freeman came home to score in the inning on a balk.&nbsp; In the fifth, Bodenhausen drove in another run with a single, bringing home Gundelfinger.&nbsp; Then in the sixth, another two runs scored, a sacrifice fly by Coy scoring George and a double by Little driving in Phillipe extending the Mustangs lead to 10-0.&nbsp;

The final two runs of the game scored in the eighth inning as George scored his third run of the game on a single from&nbsp;Phillipe, who also later scored, unearned, on a wild pitch.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Little led the way at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double, a walk, and one RBI.&nbsp; George was 2-for-4 with a double, a triple, and a walk with three runs scored.&nbsp;&nbsp;Phillipe was also perfect at the plate going 2-for-2 with three walks, scoring three runs and driving one run in.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 14-2 on the season, 9-1 in the MINK League, and remain at home tomorrow to take on the Jefferson City Renegades.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm, gates open at 5:30 at Phil Welch Stadium,&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750391881178.jpeg" alt="Justin George had a night going 2-for-4 with three runs scored, a double, a triple, and a walk as the St. Joseph Mustangs beat the NEMO Craze 12-0, Photo from June 14th/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Mustangs-&nbsp;Aaron Hare" />
 <figcaption>Justin George had a night going 2-for-4 with three runs scored, a double, a triple, and a walk as the St. Joseph Mustangs beat the NEMO Craze 12-0, Photo from June 14th/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Mustangs-&nbsp;Aaron Hare</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe St. Joseph Mustangs pitching staff gave up just two hits, and allowed just four baserunners total, as the offense put up another dominant performance in a 12-0 shutout win over the NEMO Craze at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp;Mustangs starting pitcher Jaren Guck of Northwest Missouri State threw five innings, giving up just one hit and walking one, striking out five, lowering his season ERA to 0.90, per the MINK Leagues stats.&nbsp; Michael Infraca walked one on an inning of relief and Austin Nace gave up the other hit in relief, as St. Joseph pitchers combined for nine strikeouts overall.&nbsp;St. Joseph put up runs in five consecutive innings, first scoring three runs in the second frame.&nbsp; Justin George scored the opening run on a sacrifice fly by Tyler Gundelfinger.&nbsp; Later in the inning, Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen drove in Lafayette alum Jayden Little and&nbsp;Easton Phillipe with a two RBI single.&nbsp; Two more runs scored in the third inning, both on wild pitches as Jack Mosh and Benton alum Chris Coy each scored on a wild pitch, pushing the lead to 5-0.Another two runs scored in the fourth inning, a sacrifice fly by Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart driving in Bodenhausen.&nbsp; Darius Freeman came home to score in the inning on a balk.&nbsp; In the fifth, Bodenhausen drove in another run with a single, bringing home Gundelfinger.&nbsp; Then in the sixth, another two runs scored, a sacrifice fly by Coy scoring George and a double by Little driving in Phillipe extending the Mustangs lead to 10-0.&nbsp;The final two runs of the game scored in the eighth inning as George scored his third run of the game on a single from&nbsp;Phillipe, who also later scored, unearned, on a wild pitch.&nbsp;&nbsp;Little led the way at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double, a walk, and one RBI.&nbsp; George was 2-for-4 with a double, a triple, and a walk with three runs scored.&nbsp;&nbsp;Phillipe was also perfect at the plate going 2-for-2 with three walks, scoring three runs and driving one run in.&nbsp;The Mustangs are now 14-2 on the season, 9-1 in the MINK League, and remain at home tomorrow to take on the Jefferson City Renegades.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm, gates open at 5:30 at Phil Welch Stadium,&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Mustangs allow just two hits in 12-0 shutout over NEMO Craze

The St. Louis Cardinals swept a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday after rain postponed their game on Wednesday, winning game one 5-4 and game two 8-6 in 10 innings.&nbsp;

St. Louis did have to rally back in the opener to the day but took the lead in the first inning, loading the bases with walks to Masyn Winn and Alec Burleson and a single by&nbsp;Iván Herrera, before Winn scored on a sacrifice fly by Willson Contreras.&nbsp;

The White Sox tied up the game in the fifth, Josh Rojas reaching on a throwing error by Winn, scoring Miguel Vargas, and then took the lead in the fifth on an RBI single by Vargas driving in Andrew Benintendi.&nbsp; 

St. Louis did tie the game back up in the top of the sixth, a bases loaded walk to Lars Nootbaar bringing home Herrera, but in the bottom half the White Sox took the lead again with two runs.&nbsp; Lenyn Sosa struck out against Cardinals starter Erick Fedde, but reached first on a wild pitch, and scored as Michael A Taylor hit a two run home run to give Chicago a 4-2 lead.&nbsp;

The Cardinals rallied though in the eighth inning, first tying things up after Burleson singled and then scored as Contreras hit a two run home run.&nbsp; Following the home run Nolan Gorman reached on a fielding error, and later scored the go ahead run, and ultimately winning run, on a single by Yohel Pozo.&nbsp;

Andre Granillo earned the win in relief, his first of the season now 1-0, pitching just 1/3 of an inning.&nbsp; Ryan Helsley earned his 14th save.&nbsp; At the plate, Burleson was 2-for-3.&nbsp; Herrera was 2-for-4, while Contreras was 1-for-4 with 3 RBI's.&nbsp;

In the second game, the Cardinals were dominating the White Sox early, looking like the opposite of the opener, but a late rally by Chicago forced St. Louis to win in extra innings.&nbsp;

After Ryan Noda gave the White Sox the lead in the second inning with a solo home run, the Cardinals scored six unanswered runs over the next two innings.&nbsp; In the third inning, Victor Scott II singled and Willson Contreras was hit by a pitch before Alec Burleson blasted the Redbirds ahead with a three run home run.&nbsp; St. Louis went back to back as Nolan Arenado hit a solo home run to extend the lead in the third, the 350th home run of his career, giving the Cardinals a 4-1 lead.&nbsp;

With the home run, Arenado became the seventh player in Major League baseball history to hit 350 or more career home runs and also have 10 or more Gold Gloves.&nbsp;

The Cardinals added two more runs in the fourth inning.&nbsp; Nolan Gorman led the inning off with a double and&nbsp;Pedro Pagés singled, before both scored as Contreras doubled with two outs, driving both in, giving Contreras five RBI's on the doubleheader after driving in three in the opener.&nbsp;

In the seventh inning though, the White Sox rallied to tie up the game against the St. Louis bullpen.&nbsp; Lenyn Sosa led the inning off with a single, and moved to third on a single by Austin Slater.&nbsp; Sosa scored on a single by&nbsp;Mike Tauchman, and then Kyle Leahy loaded the bases walking&nbsp;Chase Meidroth.&nbsp; With the bases loaded, Andrew Benintendi hit a grand slam to right center, tying up the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The game remained tied until the 10th inning when Arenado singled home Jordan Walker, who pinch ran for Contreras at second base to open the inning.&nbsp; Arenado ended up thrown out trying to advance to second base, but the Cardinals still got some insurance in the next at bat as Lars Nootbaar hit a solo home run to right center field.&nbsp; With the two run lead, St. Louis brought&nbsp;Andre Granillo on for the save, getting the first two outs easily before walking Noda, but coming back and striking out Slater for his first save.&nbsp;

JoJo Romero earned the win in relief, improving to 3-3, pitching one inning and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Arenado was 3-for-5 with the home run and two RBI's.&nbsp; Burleson was 2-for-5 with three RBI's.&nbsp;

St. Louis returns home next to take on Cincinatti.&nbsp; Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.83 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Brady Singer (7-4, 4.34 ERA) for the Reds.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:15pm, pregame will be joined around 6:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe St. Louis Cardinals swept a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday after rain postponed their game on Wednesday, winning game one 5-4 and game two 8-6 in 10 innings.&nbsp;St. Louis did have to rally back in the opener to the day but took the lead in the first inning, loading the bases with walks to Masyn Winn and Alec Burleson and a single by&nbsp;Iván Herrera, before Winn scored on a sacrifice fly by Willson Contreras.&nbsp;The White Sox tied up the game in the fifth, Josh Rojas reaching on a throwing error by Winn, scoring Miguel Vargas, and then took the lead in the fifth on an RBI single by Vargas driving in Andrew Benintendi.&nbsp; St. Louis did tie the game back up in the top of the sixth, a bases loaded walk to Lars Nootbaar bringing home Herrera, but in the bottom half the White Sox took the lead again with two runs.&nbsp; Lenyn Sosa struck out against Cardinals starter Erick Fedde, but reached first on a wild pitch, and scored as Michael A Taylor hit a two run home run to give Chicago a 4-2 lead.&nbsp;The Cardinals rallied though in the eighth inning, first tying things up after Burleson singled and then scored as Contreras hit a two run home run.&nbsp; Following the home run Nolan Gorman reached on a fielding error, and later scored the go ahead run, and ultimately winning run, on a single by Yohel Pozo.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Willson Contreras just CRUSHED that baseball! Send him to the All-Star game: <a href="https://t.co/H9MeQwBo86">https://t.co/H9MeQwBo86</a>! <a href="https://t.co/m7jfLWSsts">pic.twitter.com/m7jfLWSsts</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1935797977295339844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pozo pokes it perfectly! <a href="https://t.co/UeYwo6F9Yg">pic.twitter.com/UeYwo6F9Yg</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1935799919719096534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Andre Granillo earned the win in relief, his first of the season now 1-0, pitching just 1/3 of an inning.&nbsp; Ryan Helsley earned his 14th save.&nbsp; At the plate, Burleson was 2-for-3.&nbsp; Herrera was 2-for-4, while Contreras was 1-for-4 with 3 RBI's.&nbsp;In the second game, the Cardinals were dominating the White Sox early, looking like the opposite of the opener, but a late rally by Chicago forced St. Louis to win in extra innings.&nbsp;After Ryan Noda gave the White Sox the lead in the second inning with a solo home run, the Cardinals scored six unanswered runs over the next two innings.&nbsp; In the third inning, Victor Scott II singled and Willson Contreras was hit by a pitch before Alec Burleson blasted the Redbirds ahead with a three run home run.&nbsp; St. Louis went back to back as Nolan Arenado hit a solo home run to extend the lead in the third, the 350th home run of his career, giving the Cardinals a 4-1 lead.&nbsp;With the home run, Arenado became the seventh player in Major League baseball history to hit 350 or more career home runs and also have 10 or more Gold Gloves.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Three-run Burly Bomb! 🌮 <a href="https://t.co/DLzb5Orgj1">pic.twitter.com/DLzb5Orgj1</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1935825991865143387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Nolan Arenado becomes just the 7th player in Major League history with 350+ career home runs and 10+ Gold Gloves! <a href="https://t.co/F24vmUR7l6">pic.twitter.com/F24vmUR7l6</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1935827644232482841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Cardinals added two more runs in the fourth inning.&nbsp; Nolan Gorman led the inning off with a double and&nbsp;Pedro Pagés singled, before both scored as Contreras doubled with two outs, driving both in, giving Contreras five RBI's on the doubleheader after driving in three in the opener.&nbsp;In the seventh inning though, the White Sox rallied to tie up the game against the St. Louis bullpen.&nbsp; Lenyn Sosa led the inning off with a single, and moved to third on a single by Austin Slater.&nbsp; Sosa scored on a single by&nbsp;Mike Tauchman, and then Kyle Leahy loaded the bases walking&nbsp;Chase Meidroth.&nbsp; With the bases loaded, Andrew Benintendi hit a grand slam to right center, tying up the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;The game remained tied until the 10th inning when Arenado singled home Jordan Walker, who pinch ran for Contreras at second base to open the inning.&nbsp; Arenado ended up thrown out trying to advance to second base, but the Cardinals still got some insurance in the next at bat as Lars Nootbaar hit a solo home run to right center field.&nbsp; With the two run lead, St. Louis brought&nbsp;Andre Granillo on for the save, getting the first two outs easily before walking Noda, but coming back and striking out Slater for his first save.&nbsp;JoJo Romero earned the win in relief, improving to 3-3, pitching one inning and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Arenado was 3-for-5 with the home run and two RBI's.&nbsp; Burleson was 2-for-5 with three RBI's.&nbsp;St. Louis returns home next to take on Cincinatti.&nbsp; Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.83 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Brady Singer (7-4, 4.34 ERA) for the Reds.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:15pm, pregame will be joined around 6:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Cards sweep doubleheader, series against White Sox

The Kansas City Royals swept the Texas Rangers behind three home runs, two of them by top prospect Jac Caglianone who finally showed off his power, winning 4-1 on Thursday afternoon at Globe Life Field.&nbsp;

Kansas City first got on the board in the first inning on a two run home run by Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; After Bobby Witt Jr walked with one out in the inning, and Maikel Garcia flied out for the second out, Pasquantino stepped in and hit a home run to right field, his 11th of the year just inside the foul pole, to give the Royals a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

In the second inning, as Jacob Latz replaced Shawn Armstrong in a bullpen game for the Rangers, he was greeted on his first pitch by the Royals top prospect as Caglilanone took a pitch at his shoulders and put it into the Rangers bullpen for his first major league home run, showing off the promised power after struggling since being called up and not homering in his first 52 at bats.&nbsp;

The Rangers cut into the lead in the sixth inning, Wyatt Langford singling and then scoring on a double by Marcus Semien, but Kanas City shut Texas down the rest of the way, and added one more insurance run in the ninth as Caglianone added to his day, also hitting his first MLB multi home run game, this time going over the Rangers bullpen for the 4-1 lead.&nbsp;

Caglianone is the fourth Royals player in history to hit his first two home runs in the same game, joining the likes of&nbsp;Mark Quinn, U.L. Washington, and Jim Rooker (7/7/69).&nbsp;

Michael Wacha earned the win, improving to 4-6 on the year, giving up just two hits and one run, while striking out five and walking two.&nbsp; John Schreiber, Angel Zerpa, and&nbsp;Carlos Estévez combined to give up just one hit and struck out two, with&nbsp;Estévez earning his 21st save.&nbsp; At the plate,&nbsp; Caglianone was 2-for-4 with the two home runs.&nbsp; Witt Jr was 2-for-3 with a double and a walk.&nbsp;

Kansas City continues the road trip next heading to San Diego.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen (4-7, 4.91 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals while the Padres starter is currently listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 8:40pm, pregame will begin at 8 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Royals swept the Texas Rangers behind three home runs, two of them by top prospect Jac Caglianone who finally showed off his power, winning 4-1 on Thursday afternoon at Globe Life Field.&nbsp;Kansas City first got on the board in the first inning on a two run home run by Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; After Bobby Witt Jr walked with one out in the inning, and Maikel Garcia flied out for the second out, Pasquantino stepped in and hit a home run to right field, his 11th of the year just inside the foul pole, to give the Royals a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pasquatch power! 💥 <a href="https://t.co/rL4c6O8ITZ">pic.twitter.com/rL4c6O8ITZ</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1935772872435265711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the second inning, as Jacob Latz replaced Shawn Armstrong in a bullpen game for the Rangers, he was greeted on his first pitch by the Royals top prospect as Caglilanone took a pitch at his shoulders and put it into the Rangers bullpen for his first major league home run, showing off the promised power after struggling since being called up and not homering in his first 52 at bats.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">First Cags crush in the books. 💪 <a href="https://t.co/rP7FSzEdAV">pic.twitter.com/rP7FSzEdAV</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1935776308556108102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Rangers cut into the lead in the sixth inning, Wyatt Langford singling and then scoring on a double by Marcus Semien, but Kanas City shut Texas down the rest of the way, and added one more insurance run in the ninth as Caglianone added to his day, also hitting his first MLB multi home run game, this time going over the Rangers bullpen for the 4-1 lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The rookie’s raking! <a href="https://t.co/vByHTxAQRq">pic.twitter.com/vByHTxAQRq</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1935803868287205867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Caglianone is the fourth Royals player in history to hit his first two home runs in the same game, joining the likes of&nbsp;Mark Quinn, U.L. Washington, and Jim Rooker (7/7/69).&nbsp;Michael Wacha earned the win, improving to 4-6 on the year, giving up just two hits and one run, while striking out five and walking two.&nbsp; John Schreiber, Angel Zerpa, and&nbsp;Carlos Estévez combined to give up just one hit and struck out two, with&nbsp;Estévez earning his 21st save.&nbsp; At the plate,&nbsp; Caglianone was 2-for-4 with the two home runs.&nbsp; Witt Jr was 2-for-3 with a double and a walk.&nbsp;Kansas City continues the road trip next heading to San Diego.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen (4-7, 4.91 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals while the Padres starter is currently listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 8:40pm, pregame will begin at 8 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Caglianone blasts first two MLB home runs in Royals 4-1 win

Northwest Missouri State University outfielder Ashton Neuman has been named to the 2025 ABCA NCAA Div. II Central Region All-Defensive team.

The teams are voted on by members of the American Baseball Coaches Association and the process is led by the ABCA NCAA Div. II All-America &amp; Coach of the Year Committee.

Neuman held a .993 fielding percentage in the outfield with 130 putouts and eight assists with one error in 139 total chances. Neuman tallied third-team All-MIAA honors in his lone season with the Bearcats and was also selected to the MIAA Gold Glove team.

Neuman set a new single season school record with 60 walks and tied for the nation's lead in that category. Neuman belted a team-high 12 home runs—tying for the 10th-most in a single season in program history. He drove in 53 runs in 181 at-bats with a .298 average and a .558 slugging percentage. Neuman scored a team-best 61 runs - tying the single-season Northwest record. Neuman tallied 15 multi-RBI games, including four games of four-RBI performances. He recorded 11 multi-hit outings. One of two Bearcats to start all 52 games, Neuman also contributed on the mound, making seven starts and eight appearances with a 1-3 record and 14 strikeouts across 26 2/3 innings.).

Players selected to the ABCA NCAA Div. II Region All-Defensive teams were eligible for ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove honors. The 2025 ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners in all divisions were announced Wednesday, June 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750349932375.jpeg" alt="Ashton Neuman/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Ashton Neuman/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKENorthwest Missouri State University outfielder Ashton Neuman has been named to the 2025 ABCA NCAA Div. II Central Region All-Defensive team.The teams are voted on by members of the American Baseball Coaches Association and the process is led by the ABCA NCAA Div. II All-America &amp; Coach of the Year Committee.Neuman held a .993 fielding percentage in the outfield with 130 putouts and eight assists with one error in 139 total chances. Neuman tallied third-team All-MIAA honors in his lone season with the Bearcats and was also selected to the MIAA Gold Glove team.Neuman set a new single season school record with 60 walks and tied for the nation's lead in that category. Neuman belted a team-high 12 home runs—tying for the 10th-most in a single season in program history. He drove in 53 runs in 181 at-bats with a .298 average and a .558 slugging percentage. Neuman scored a team-best 61 runs - tying the single-season Northwest record. Neuman tallied 15 multi-RBI games, including four games of four-RBI performances. He recorded 11 multi-hit outings. One of two Bearcats to start all 52 games, Neuman also contributed on the mound, making seven starts and eight appearances with a 1-3 record and 14 strikeouts across 26 2/3 innings.).Players selected to the ABCA NCAA Div. II Region All-Defensive teams were eligible for ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove honors. The 2025 ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners in all divisions were announced Wednesday, June 18.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

NWMSU OF Neuman named to ABCA Central Region All Defensive team

The Kansas City Royals appear to have put the offensive slump of the poor homestand behind them, winning back to back games to start their road trip after beating the Texas Rangers 6-3 last night at Globe Life Field.&nbsp;

The win by Kansas City wasn't without a little drama as the Royals fell behind early in the first inning after Sam Haggerty tripled and Wyatt Langford doubled to lead off the inning with a run.&nbsp; Langford later scored on a single by Adolis Garcia as the Rangers got to Kris Bubic early in the game, but Bubic settled in after that, not giving up another run until the fourth inning.&nbsp;

The Royals took the lead though in the third inning, putting up four runs.&nbsp; Freddy Fermin walked to open the inning, but would end up out at second on a Kyle Isbel force out.&nbsp; Isbel went on to steal second base and scored on a single by Jonathan India.&nbsp; Bobby Witt Jr followed with a single of his own and India advanced to third, and after review the call stood that he was safe after a risky slide, and Maikel Garcia blasted Kansas City ahead with a three run home run to left field.&nbsp;

Back to back doubles by Josh Jung and Jake Burger plated the final run for the Rangers in the fourth inning.&nbsp; The Royals added their final two runs of insurance in the eighth inning, Witt Jr walking to open the inning and scoring on a triple by Garcia, before Garcia came home on a sacrifice bunt by John Rave.&nbsp;

Bubic earned the win, improving to 6-4 on the season, pitching 5 1/3 innings and giving up all three runs on nine hits, striking out six and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Garcia was 3-for-4 with a triple and the home run, coming a double shy of the cycle, while driving in four runs.&nbsp; Four other Royals had one hit each.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Texas wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (3-6, 3.38 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals while the Rangers starter is currently listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:35pm, with pregame coverage beginning at 1 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Royals appear to have put the offensive slump of the poor homestand behind them, winning back to back games to start their road trip after beating the Texas Rangers 6-3 last night at Globe Life Field.&nbsp;The win by Kansas City wasn't without a little drama as the Royals fell behind early in the first inning after Sam Haggerty tripled and Wyatt Langford doubled to lead off the inning with a run.&nbsp; Langford later scored on a single by Adolis Garcia as the Rangers got to Kris Bubic early in the game, but Bubic settled in after that, not giving up another run until the fourth inning.&nbsp;The Royals took the lead though in the third inning, putting up four runs.&nbsp; Freddy Fermin walked to open the inning, but would end up out at second on a Kyle Isbel force out.&nbsp; Isbel went on to steal second base and scored on a single by Jonathan India.&nbsp; Bobby Witt Jr followed with a single of his own and India advanced to third, and after review the call stood that he was safe after a risky slide, and Maikel Garcia blasted Kansas City ahead with a three run home run to left field.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Maikel blasts a 3-run bomb to the bullpen! <a href="https://t.co/hGcMb6i4aE">pic.twitter.com/hGcMb6i4aE</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1935503494074568910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Back to back doubles by Josh Jung and Jake Burger plated the final run for the Rangers in the fourth inning.&nbsp; The Royals added their final two runs of insurance in the eighth inning, Witt Jr walking to open the inning and scoring on a triple by Garcia, before Garcia came home on a sacrifice bunt by John Rave.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Insurance in the 8th. 🤙 <a href="https://t.co/hj60oONZXR">pic.twitter.com/hj60oONZXR</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1935527824640881047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Bubic earned the win, improving to 6-4 on the season, pitching 5 1/3 innings and giving up all three runs on nine hits, striking out six and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Garcia was 3-for-4 with a triple and the home run, coming a double shy of the cycle, while driving in four runs.&nbsp; Four other Royals had one hit each.&nbsp;Kansas City and Texas wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (3-6, 3.38 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals while the Rangers starter is currently listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:35pm, with pregame coverage beginning at 1 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals offense continues rolling in 6-3 win over Rangers

Inclement weather postponed the finale of the St. Joseph Mustangs four game road trip against the Chillicothe Mudcats on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The two teams will now make up the game on Tuesday, June 24th as a doubleheader with two seven inning games on the road at Chillicothe, which will be the end of a three game road trip next week.&nbsp;

The Mustangs now return to Phil Welch Stadium on Thursday to start a three game homestand.&nbsp; The first game will be against the NEMO Craze with first pitch at 6:30pm, gates opening at 5:15.&nbsp; It's Star in your own Trading Card night at the ballpark.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEInclement weather postponed the finale of the St. Joseph Mustangs four game road trip against the Chillicothe Mudcats on Wednesday.&nbsp;The two teams will now make up the game on Tuesday, June 24th as a doubleheader with two seven inning games on the road at Chillicothe, which will be the end of a three game road trip next week.&nbsp;The Mustangs now return to Phil Welch Stadium on Thursday to start a three game homestand.&nbsp; The first game will be against the NEMO Craze with first pitch at 6:30pm, gates opening at 5:15.&nbsp; It's Star in your own Trading Card night at the ballpark.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mustangs and Mudcats postponed due to weather; doubleheader June 24th

The matchup between the White Sox and Cardinals at Rate Field was postponed due to rain, with the contest being made up as part of a straight doubleheader tomorrow.

Thunderstorms began around lunch time in Chicago, and while the rain had somewhat slowed down as the 6:40 p.m. first pitch time approached, the forecast was for continued precipitation until late in the evening.

Tomorrow's first game is scheduled to begin at 1:10 p.m., with pregame at 1 on KY 102 (102.5 FM) which was the originally set time for the series finale. Game 2 will begin approximately 30-45 minutes following the conclusion of the opener.&nbsp;

Game 1 of the doubleheader will feature Erick Fedde for the Cardinals against Sean Burke for the White Sox, while&nbsp;Game 2 will see Michael McGreevy on the mound for the Redbirds taking on Mike Vasil for Chicago

Fedde will make his first start against the White Sox since Chicago traded him to the Cardinals last July as part of a three-team deal that netted the Dodgers Tommy Edman. The White Sox signed Fedde after he spent the 2023 season pitching in the KBO in South Korea. Since joining the Cardinals, the right-hander has posted a 3.68 ERA over 24 starts.

McGreevy, ranked by MLB Pipeline as St. Louis’ No. 10 prospect, will be called up to serve as the team’s 27th man for the doubleheader. He’s made six appearances (four starts) with the Cardinals since 2024, going 4-1 with a 2.34 ERA. He last started against the Dodgers on June 8, allowing four earned runs over six innings in the first loss of his big league career. The 24-year-old is in the middle of a strong season with the Redbirds, posting a 2.51 ERA and a 7-1 record over 12 starts.

Burke, who was scheduled to start for the White Sox on Wednesday, gets the call in Game 1 of the doubleheader. Fellow South Side rookie right-hander Vasil starts the nightcap.&nbsp; Over three trips to the mound from May 23 to June 5, Burke posted a 2.37 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 19 innings. In his last start on June 11 at Houston, Burke gave up seven runs on eight hits and one walk over 3 2/3 innings.

Thursday will mark the Cardinals’ sixth doubleheader this season, and their second in the past two weeks. Despite the influx of schedule disruptions, St. Louis has held its own in twin bills, boasting a 6-4 record this year while sweeping its doubleheaders against the Reds on April 30 and the Mets on May 4.&nbsp; Although the White Sox have dealt with a handful of extended rain delays, Wednesday marked their first postponement and Thursday will be their first doubleheader of the 2025 season.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe matchup between the White Sox and Cardinals at Rate Field was postponed due to rain, with the contest being made up as part of a straight doubleheader tomorrow.Thunderstorms began around lunch time in Chicago, and while the rain had somewhat slowed down as the 6:40 p.m. first pitch time approached, the forecast was for continued precipitation until late in the evening.Tomorrow's first game is scheduled to begin at 1:10 p.m., with pregame at 1 on KY 102 (102.5 FM) which was the originally set time for the series finale. Game 2 will begin approximately 30-45 minutes following the conclusion of the opener.&nbsp;Game 1 of the doubleheader will feature Erick Fedde for the Cardinals against Sean Burke for the White Sox, while&nbsp;Game 2 will see Michael McGreevy on the mound for the Redbirds taking on Mike Vasil for ChicagoFedde will make his first start against the White Sox since Chicago traded him to the Cardinals last July as part of a three-team deal that netted the Dodgers Tommy Edman. The White Sox signed Fedde after he spent the 2023 season pitching in the KBO in South Korea. Since joining the Cardinals, the right-hander has posted a 3.68 ERA over 24 starts.McGreevy, ranked by MLB Pipeline as St. Louis’ No. 10 prospect, will be called up to serve as the team’s 27th man for the doubleheader. He’s made six appearances (four starts) with the Cardinals since 2024, going 4-1 with a 2.34 ERA. He last started against the Dodgers on June 8, allowing four earned runs over six innings in the first loss of his big league career. The 24-year-old is in the middle of a strong season with the Redbirds, posting a 2.51 ERA and a 7-1 record over 12 starts.Burke, who was scheduled to start for the White Sox on Wednesday, gets the call in Game 1 of the doubleheader. Fellow South Side rookie right-hander Vasil starts the nightcap.&nbsp; Over three trips to the mound from May 23 to June 5, Burke posted a 2.37 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 19 innings. In his last start on June 11 at Houston, Burke gave up seven runs on eight hits and one walk over 3 2/3 innings.Thursday will mark the Cardinals’ sixth doubleheader this season, and their second in the past two weeks. Despite the influx of schedule disruptions, St. Louis has held its own in twin bills, boasting a 6-4 record this year while sweeping its doubleheaders against the Reds on April 30 and the Mets on May 4.&nbsp; Although the White Sox have dealt with a handful of extended rain delays, Wednesday marked their first postponement and Thursday will be their first doubleheader of the 2025 season.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinals-White Sox game postponed; twin bill Thursday

In anticipation of the Missouri State High School Girls Volleyball Championships coming to St. Joseph this fall, the St. Joseph Sports Commission will host an inaugural showcase of some of top high school volleyball teams in the area.&nbsp;

16 teams consisting of local, regional and statewide representation from all five classes of Missouri Girls High School Volleyball in which each team will play two games per day, four games total in a unique three court set-up in the arena during the&nbsp; Inaugural Pony Express State High School Volleyball Preview Tournament presented by John Anderson Shelter Insurance Agency, taking place August 29th &amp; 30th at Civic Arena.

&nbsp;The field features an impressive mix of small, medium and large class teams.&nbsp; Three 2024 state final four teams are entered in the field including Class 4 State Champion St. Pius Festus, Class 3 3rd&nbsp;Place Odessa, and local favorite Class 2 State Runner-Up Bishop LeBlond.&nbsp; District Champions in the field include Class 4 Webb City and Notre Dame De Sion, Class 3 Savannah, Class 2 Adrian, Class 1 Rock Port, and Plattsburg.&nbsp; The rest of the field includes Class 5 participants Liberty North, Central, Class 3's Oak Grove, Maryville, and Cameron, as well as Class 2's Mid-Buchanan and West Platte.

&nbsp;“We are honored and extremely excited to get the opportunity to host the MSHSAA Girls Volleyball State Championship this coming November and in our continuing effort to create/attract events that fill fit and niche locally but also can engage participants, regionally, statewide and nationally, the creation of this event was an obvious fit and we are excited to see some high level volleyball the first weekend of the season in downtown St. Joseph,” stated Brett Esely, Executive Director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission says in a news release.

&nbsp;Action begins at Civic Arena on Friday afternoon August 29 at 2:30 PM and concludes on day one at 8:45 PM.&nbsp; Games continue on Saturday, August 30 at 10 AM with the final game beginning at 4:15 PM.&nbsp; In all, 32 games will be contested.&nbsp; The schedule will look like this:&nbsp;

5:00 PM – Central vs. Notre Dame De Sion

6:15 PM – St. Pius Festus vs. Liberty North

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750289956019.jpeg" alt="The St. Joseph Sports Commission announced the Inaugural Pony Express State High School Girls Volleyball Preview in anticipation of the MSHSAA Girls Volleyball Championships coming to St. Joseph this year/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission" />
 <figcaption>The St. Joseph Sports Commission announced the Inaugural Pony Express State High School Girls Volleyball Preview in anticipation of the MSHSAA Girls Volleyball Championships coming to St. Joseph this year/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEIn anticipation of the Missouri State High School Girls Volleyball Championships coming to St. Joseph this fall, the St. Joseph Sports Commission will host an inaugural showcase of some of top high school volleyball teams in the area.&nbsp;16 teams consisting of local, regional and statewide representation from all five classes of Missouri Girls High School Volleyball in which each team will play two games per day, four games total in a unique three court set-up in the arena during the&nbsp; Inaugural Pony Express State High School Volleyball Preview Tournament presented by John Anderson Shelter Insurance Agency, taking place August 29th &amp; 30th at Civic Arena.&nbsp;The field features an impressive mix of small, medium and large class teams.&nbsp; Three 2024 state final four teams are entered in the field including Class 4 State Champion St. Pius Festus, Class 3 3rd&nbsp;Place Odessa, and local favorite Class 2 State Runner-Up Bishop LeBlond.&nbsp; District Champions in the field include Class 4 Webb City and Notre Dame De Sion, Class 3 Savannah, Class 2 Adrian, Class 1 Rock Port, and Plattsburg.&nbsp; The rest of the field includes Class 5 participants Liberty North, Central, Class 3's Oak Grove, Maryville, and Cameron, as well as Class 2's Mid-Buchanan and West Platte.&nbsp;“We are honored and extremely excited to get the opportunity to host the MSHSAA Girls Volleyball State Championship this coming November and in our continuing effort to create/attract events that fill fit and niche locally but also can engage participants, regionally, statewide and nationally, the creation of this event was an obvious fit and we are excited to see some high level volleyball the first weekend of the season in downtown St. Joseph,” stated Brett Esely, Executive Director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission says in a news release.&nbsp;Action begins at Civic Arena on Friday afternoon August 29 at 2:30 PM and concludes on day one at 8:45 PM.&nbsp; Games continue on Saturday, August 30 at 10 AM with the final game beginning at 4:15 PM.&nbsp; In all, 32 games will be contested.&nbsp; The schedule will look like this:&nbsp;Friday, August 29Court 1:2:30 PM – Central vs. Maryville3:45 PM – Rock Port vs. West Platte5:00 PM – Plattsburg vs. West Platte6:15 PM – Oak Grove vs. Maryville7:30 PM – LeBlond vs. Mid-Buchanan8:45 PM – LeBlond vs. AdrianCourt 2:2:30 PM – Plattsburg vs. Cameron3:45 PM – Liberty North vs. Savannah5:00 PM – Central vs. Notre Dame De Sion6:15 PM – St. Pius Festus vs. Liberty North7:30 PM – Oak Grove vs. Notre Dame De Sion8:45 PM – St. Pius Festus vs. Webb CityCourt 3:5:00 PM – Rock Port vs. Cameron6:15 PM – Webb City vs. Savannah7:30 PM – Odessa vs. Adrian8:45 PM – Mid Buchanan vs. OdessaSaturday, August 30Court 1:10:00 AM – Notre Dame De Sion vs. Maryville11:15 AM – St. Pius Festus vs. Savannah12:30 PM – Plattsburg vs. Rock Port1:45 PM – Odessa vs. Savannah3:00 PM – Rock Port vs Mid Buchanan4:15 PM – Oak Grove vs. CentralCourt 2:10:00 AM – Plattsburg vs. Adrian11:15 AM – LeBlond vs Odessa12:30 PM – Mid Buchanan vs. Adrian1:45 PM – Central vs. Cameron3:00 PM – LeBlond vs. Webb CityCourt 3:10:00 AM – Cameron vs. West Platte11:15 AM – Liberty North vs. Webb City12:30 PM – Maryville vs. West Platte1:45 PM – St. Pius Festus vs. Notre Dame De Sion3:00 PM – Liberty North vs. Oak GroveYou can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt .&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;