Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post

The Wild West Festival kicked off on Wednesday with performances from Walker Montgomery and The Castellows.

Brock Wagoner and Austin Williams will open for Drew Baldridge tonight. The first performance starts at 5:35 p.m.

Reprise and Paramount will open for the Spin Doctors on Saturday.

See a full schedule at&nbsp;<a href="https://wildwestfestival.com">wildwestfestival.com</a>.

General Admission tickets are still available at the gate for $45 per night.

Wild West Festival 2025: Castellows, Walker Montgomery

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; CHRISTMAS IN JULY CRAFT FAIR&nbsp;

Saturday, July 19&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Mary's School Gym&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 605 Monroe Street, Ellis

Join us for a festive and fun-filled day at our Christmas in July Craft Fair! Whether you're getting a head start on holiday shopping or simply enjoying the summer spirit, there will be something for everyone.

Paper Pie Books Vinyl Records, CDs, and Cassettes Crochet Animal Loveys &amp; Baby Blankets Custom Wreaths ColorStreet Nail Strips Custom Made Fishing Lures Mary Kay Cosmetics Baked Goods &amp; Sweet Treats Resin Gifts &amp; Stocking Stuffers Crochet Hat Ornaments Art Prints Tupperware Glitter &amp; Sublimation Tumblers Cold Processed Soaps Glitter Pens Hot Pads, Pot Holders, Kitchen Towels Notepads, Bookmarks, Keychains Jordan Essentials

THE FROZEN FROG will be setting up, so look for them to get your favorite shaved ice treat! CONCESSION STAND: The Daughters of Isabella will be serving a delicious meal at their concession stand in the cafeteria from 10 a.m. to 2p.m., or until supplies run out.

Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to shop local, support small businesses and get into the holiday spirit—just a little early!

Christmas in July Craft Fair in Ellis on July 19 with Daughters of Isabella

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

Eleven athletes and three coaches from the Hays Buffalos have been selected to represent Kansas Special Olympics in the 2026 USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota, next summer.

Efforts are underway to raise funds for their trip. 

Members of the team will have a booth at Wild West Festival selling food, merchandise and raffle tickets.

Athletes from the Hays area have participated in the USA games before, but this is the first time that one of the basketball team has been selected to represent Kansas.

Hays Buffalos raising funds for USA games during Wild West Festival

City of Hays offices will be closed on Friday, July 4&nbsp; in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

City of Hays offices closed Friday for July 4 holiday

All July – Downs Free Swim Saturdays 1:00 p.m. to closing, &nbsp;Downs Swimming Pool, 715 Railroad St., Downs

July 4 – Sanders Baseball Complex, Osborne – Free ice cream at 8:30 p.m. and fireworks at dark

July 8 – Mommy &amp; Me Tea, 6:00 p.m., Second Street Café, 715 N. 2nd&nbsp;St., Natoma

July 13 – Alton Independence Celebration, Alton –

6 p.m. @ Fire House Free BBQ Meal 6:30 p.m. @ Ball field - Pie, ice cream, baked goods, and bottled water for sale 7 p.m. @ Ball field - T-ball, youth, and adult baseball games Dusk @ Ball field - flag presentation, National Anthem, and BCCF 50/50 drawing Fireworks presentation at dark Bring your lawn chairs &amp; come enjoy the evening. All are welcome!

July 13 – Scott Noel Memorial Golf Tournament 8:00 p.m. 3 Man Scramble, Shady Bend Golf Course, Osborne. To enter please call/Text Eric at 785-346-4654.

July 19 – Free Snow Cone Day at Downs Swimming Pool, 715 Railroad St., Downs

July 20 – 2 Person Golf Tournament at 9:00 a.m., Downs Golf Course, KS 181, Downs. To register call/text Cory at 785-545-6043.

July 23-26 – Osborne County Fair, Osborne – races, exhibitions, rodeos and lots more! Fun for the whole family!

July Events for Osborne County

Join Eagle Radio of Hays on this holiday trip to Branson, Missouri.

11:30 a.m. Casino or shopping at Legends and lunch

6 p.m. Lambert’s Cafe - dinner and dessert

10 a.m.--"Down Home Country Show" and lunch

5:30 p.m.--Heroes Taste &amp; Taps plated dinner

3:30 p.m.--"David" at the Sight and Sound Theater

7:30 p.m.--"A Christmas Story" dinner and show

8 a.m. Leave Branson and travel home with a few favorite stops and lunch along the way.

We will be staying at the beautiful Stone Castle in Branson, Missouri. It is a wonderful hotel with great amenities, such as a full hot breakfast daily, indoor corridors, two indoor pools and spas, mini fridge, and much more. 

This trip includes three nights lodging, round-trip bus transportation, breakfast at hotel, ALL meals, six shows or activities, all taxes, bus driver tip, and all gratuities on the above items.

Lunch is on your own each day on the trip. All times will be updated at the time of the trip. Lodging, menus, shows and itineraries are subject to change due to reasons beyond our control.

Single $1,295, double $1,195, triple $1,155 and $1,125 quad occupancy.

All the above times are starting show times.

All times will be updated at the time of the trip for when to load the bus.

Reserve your seats today for Radio of Hays: Branson 2025

Stockton Rodders annual fundraiser to benefit vo-tech scholarships for local students

The city of Hays Fire Department encourages all residents to practice safety and follow guidelines while enjoying fireworks during Independence Day celebrations:

Detailed city and state regulations are available online.

For additional safety information, residents can contact the city of Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330

City of Hays fireworks safety, usage for residents

CVB: July happenings in Hays

Ellis County wheat growers, don’t miss out on entering your best wheat into the Ellis County Fair – Open Class Market Wheat Show. 

Entries are fast and easy. Fill up a provided bag of your best wheat while unloading at any elevator in Ellis County, or at your bins at home and return the crop data card after harvest to either the elevator or Cottonwood Extension District Office, 601 Main Street, Hays. 

Cash and ribbons will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

Your entries and ribbons can be picked up at the conclusion of the fair on Sunday, July 20 between 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Schenk building or after the fair at the Cottonwood Extension Office.

If you have any questions call us at 785-628-9430, or email Theresa tam3@ksu.edu

Farmers can enter their wheat for prizes, cash at the Ellis County Fair

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

PRATT&nbsp;– Looking for a hunting experience without the crowds in some of Kansas’ most unique locations? The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Special Hunts program provides limited access to areas not normally open to hunting. More than limited-entry opportunities will be available this fall and winter. While access through the program is free, hunters must still meet all licensing and permit requirements under Kansas law.

Opportunities for deer, upland game, waterfowl, dove, and furbearers will be offered, with hunts taking place on a mix of public lands, parks, private lands, and other select areas. Managers, biologists, landowners, and partners offer these hunts with safety, management, and positive relationships in mind.

All fall and winter special hunt opportunities are available through a single application period, open&nbsp;July 1-29, 2025. Details of each special hunt and application details are available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.com%2FHunting%2FSpecial-Hunts-Information%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=specialhunts/1/01010197c6259f77-3e569017-a538-4304-b1e6-f0ec0203e83e-000000/dN3KHdZSTE5iFp0Pr6Gx808vUwrTl-erWcA-sojFO2U=411">ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Special-Hunts-Information</a>. Successful applicants will be selected through a random drawing.

“The Special Hunts program offers hunters unique opportunities to access generally restricted areas under certain conditions. Whether public land or private, because access is limited for safety and management reasons, these hunts can be high-quality experiences for a wide range of hunters,” said Brian Serpan, KDWP Public Lands regional supervisor. “The Special Hunts program does not guarantee a successful hunt or large numbers of wildlife, but it provides a great opportunity to introduce someone to hunting, explore a new area, and enjoy the Kansas outdoors.”

Both Kansas residents and non-resident hunters can apply, though some hunts are restricted to residents only. When applying online, hunters will select hunts by species, date, and one of four hunt type categories: open, youth, mentor, or disabled.

The drawing of applicants will take place in early August, and all applicants will be notified by email in mid-August. Successful applicants will receive their hunt permit and any additional details via email.

Hunters are responsible for purchasing any licenses, permits, tags, or stamps required by law, and must have completed a certified Hunter Education course unless exempt. Nonresident deer hunters must have drawn a Kansas deer permit earlier in the year to be eligible for deer special hunts.

For more information about KDWP’s special hunts program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.com%2FHunting%2FSpecial-Hunts-Information%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=specialhunts/2/01010197c6259f77-3e569017-a538-4304-b1e6-f0ec0203e83e-000000/D48JrArOPHNU15Gv-W3uyiSFwZjdLGK2Yti6UTqUuYE=411">ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Special-Hunts-Information</a>.

Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Special Hunt application period now open

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

If you’ve ever strolled through the Fort Hays State University campus during the warmer months, you’ve likely noticed the vibrant colors that line our walkways and flower beds — geraniums, lantanas, ornamental peppers, and more, arranged with care and precision. What may look like a simple seasonal refresh is, in fact, the result of countless hours of planning and hands-on work by an exceptional team of dedicated professionals: our Grounds Department.

Led by Grounds Manager Brenden Ibarra, this team works year-round to ensure our campus remains beautiful, functional, and welcoming — not only for our students, faculty, and staff, but also for the thousands of guests who visit each year. Supporting Brenden are two key leaders: Trevor Deets, our Grounds Supervisor, and Cody Norton, our Greenhouse and Landscape Supervisor.

Brenden became the manager of the grounds department last summer. His story is a true Tiger journey: he joined the crew as a student employee right out of high school, earned his agronomy degree from FHSU in 2019, and worked as an equipment operator for four years before stepping into his current role.

Brenden hit the ground running, implementing a cross-training model that encourages the team to work as one unified crew. “I wanted everyone to have the same experience going forward,” he shared. “We’re all working at the same job. We’re one big team.” His leadership, like his work ethic, reflects his belief in collaboration and an ethic of shared success. “When people start taking pride in their work and you can see the same pride I have showing up in other employees, it makes everything a lot more fun.”

Cody, who graduated from FHSU in 2015 with a biology degree, now leads the greenhouse and planting efforts, following in the footsteps of Donna Augustine, who retired last fall after 37 years of service. Cody worked closely with Donna and carries forward her passion and commitment. He collaborates with longtime employee Mike Messeck and a rotating crew of hardworking student employees who help maintain the lush landscapes our university is known for.

Cody summed it up beautifully: “It’s nice to be able to see everything we do and say, ‘Wow, we did this. We made it look nice.”

Trevor has been part of the team for nine years and has witnessed many changes over that time, including an entirely new roster of crew members. A graduate of NCK Tech with training in electrical technology and construction, Trevor brought with him a valuable skillset that extends beyond landscaping.

Trevor supervises a tight-knit crew — Travis Dreher, Dalton Pfannenstiel, Jude Lang, Gunnar Hearne, and, until recently, Doug Haberman, who retired after years of dedicated service to FHSU.

The work of the grounds department isn’t just essential — it’s visible, much like the work of our dedicated housekeeping staff. As Cody pointed out, “Our job is probably one of the few jobs on&nbsp;campus that everybody sees. We are definitely in the public eye.”

 That visibility creates moments of connection. Campus visitors often stop to share compliments or thank the team for their work. Those gestures mean a lot. They’re reminders that their effort matters — and is noticed.

“Anything you see outside,” Trevor shared recently, “Grounds pretty much takes care of it.” That simple statement captures the incredible range of responsibilities his team shoulders — from planting and irrigation to snow removal and storm cleanup.

A couple of weeks ago, for example, a massive tree fell on campus due to high winds. Within a short time, the crew mobilized with chainsaws, a skid steer, a bucket truck, and a trailer to remove the debris as safely and efficiently as possible.

Beyond landscaping and emergency response, the grounds team also repairs and maintains their own equipment. “All the equipment breaks at some point,” Trevor said. “So, we have to have someone to fix it, too.”

Their role as a one-stop shop for everything outdoors — from planting to plowing, trimming to troubleshooting — is vital to the look, feel, and function of our campus. Every perfectly trimmed lawn or blooming flower bed at Fort Hays State is the result of deep pride, quiet dedication, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes teamwork.

Trevor summed up his team’s efforts at FHSU very simply: “I take a lot of pride in my work. At the end of the day, I see what we accomplished. It is a good feeling.”

We are grateful to Brenden, Trevor, Cody, and the entire crew for their commitment to excellence. They truly embody the spirit of the Tiger Nation — steady, resilient, and always working to make our home on the plains a little more beautiful every day.

Heart of a Tiger: Beautifying our home on the Plains 

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Sign up Saturday at Mr. K's Foodtown in Plainville to become a finalist for a&nbsp;Yuengling Flight Golf Cart from our friends at A &amp; A in Hays. 

The Yuengling Flight Golf Cart, which is worth $10,000, will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST 2025!

Special thanks to our sponsors: High Plains Roofing and A &amp; A Coors Yuengling.

Keep listening and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

Enter to be finalist for Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Saturday at Mr. K’s Foodtown in Plainville

PHILLIPSBURG, Kan. —&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday evening, June 27, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, resulting in the deaths of Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Gaede and suspect Kolton Griffith.

Over the past several days, detectives and forensic investigators have processed the scene, conducted interviews, and collected evidence. The Sheriff’s Office is now providing new details about the sequence of events that led to the deadly encounter, according Sedgwick County Sheriff's Spokesman Brandon Stitt.

At approximately 6:02 p.m., the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received its first report of an explosion near 1st and E Streets. The responding deputy was initially unable to locate the source and cleared the area, believing fireworks may have caused the noise.

By 8:31 p.m., dispatchers received three additional calls reporting loud booms in the same vicinity. Deputy Gaede responded, spoke with concerned residents, and began searching for the source of the explosions. He contacted Griffith, who lived at 899 1st Street. Griffith denied involvement in the detonations, and Deputy Gaede cleared the call around 8:48 p.m. but remained nearby.

Believing the explosions were not commercial-grade fireworks, Deputy Gaede began reviewing Kansas statutes related to the criminal use of explosives.

At 9:18 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office received another report of an explosion from the same area. Deputy Gaede, who was still in the area, observed smoke and made contact with Griffith, who was standing in his front yard. Griffith admitted setting off the explosive device, stating he intended to provoke one of the citizens who had reported the previous explosion.

Determining that Griffith had violated state law regarding the criminal use of explosives—a felony in Kansas—Deputy Gaede attempted to arrest him. After securing one handcuff on Griffith’s left wrist, Griffith resisted, turned away, and drew a concealed revolver from his waistband. He fired five rounds, critically wounding Deputy Gaede. Despite his injuries, Deputy Gaede returned fire, discharging eight rounds and killing Griffith.

A backup deputy arrived within seconds and began life-saving efforts. Deputy Gaede was transported to a local hospital, where he died shortly after arrival.

As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Griffith’s residence. The Kansas Highway Patrol Hazardous Devices Unit assisted with the search, which uncovered more than 33 pounds of explosive materials, including ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate, and commercial blasting caps. Investigators also recovered over 20 firearms and a large stockpile of ammunition.

The investigation has not revealed that Griffith targeted Deputy Gaede.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate. Upon completion, the case will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney for review.

New details on the encounter that left sheriff's deputy, suspect dead

Congratulations to Lance Armbruster from Plainville and Curtis Wellbrock from Hays on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at Wild West Festival.

Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

The $10,000 golf cart will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Sept. 26.

Yuengling Flight Golf Cart finalist from Wild West Festival named

The Bricks in Downtown Hays is pleased to announce that Lee Ann June has been selected as the organization’s next Executive Director. She will officially begin her role on July 14, 2025.

Lee Ann brings years of experience in community engagement, event planning, and nonprofit operations. Most recently, she served as Communications Director for Great Bend Economic Development, where she led multi-platform outreach efforts and coordinated public events that supported local businesses and strengthened community connections. Before that, Lee Ann worked at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, where she developed member programs and planned community events.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lee Ann to The Bricks, said Andrew Taylor, Board President of The Bricks in Downtown Hays. “Her thoughtful leadership, passion for community, and broad-ranging skillset will be a tremendous value add for the city of Hays. We are confident that our brightest days are ahead and look forward to all that Lee Ann will help us achieve together.”

When asked about the new role, Lee Ann shared, “Downtown Hays has an incredible energy, and I'm honored to join The Bricks team. I look forward to working alongside our partners, businesses, and residents to continue building on the strong momentum already in place."

The Bricks invites the community to help us welcome Lee Ann in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for details about an upcoming meet-and-greet event. Follow us on Facebook at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHays">facebook.com/DowntownHays</a>&nbsp;for more details.&nbsp;&nbsp;

About The Bricks Downtown Hays Development Corporation, operating as The Bricks in Downtown Hays, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2001. We serve as the binding force and catalyst for organizations impacting Historic Downtown Hays. Through open communication and strategic planning, we work to enhance and secure the quality of life in the community. DHDC fosters awareness by recognizing, communicating, and celebrating the accomplishments of Downtown Hays. Our mission is to advance the economic and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Hays as the heart of our community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Bricks in Downtown Hays welcomes new executive director

Corey Isbell, Ed. D, the Vice President of Student and Instructional Services at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, has been selected as the next president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest.

Isbell will follow Ben Schears, who was selected to serve as Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development at Fort Hays State University.

Isbell has served in technical education as a teacher, administrator, and leader in rural Kansas for more than 25 years. His career path is marked with successes as a teacher, coach, administrator, fundraiser, community servant, and strategic thinker.

“I&nbsp;am pleased to&nbsp;announce Corey&nbsp;as the next president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest,” said FHSU President Tisa Mason. “His extensive experience in technical education, combined with his strong leadership, strategic vision,&nbsp;and commitment to collaboration&nbsp;as co-chair of the Strategic&nbsp;Affiliation Steering Committee, exemplifies the kind of leadership he will bring to Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. Corey’s dedication will greatly benefit the students, businesses,&nbsp;and communities of Western Kansas.”

Corey Isbell grew up in Beloit, Kansas. He is the son of a man who worked in the auto collision business for more than 50 years. Isbell grew up around the skilled trades, where he learned the value of hard work and hands-on experience. “I have always loved working with my hands and have spent my entire career passing that passion on to students across Kansas.”

After graduating from Fort Hays State University, Isbell began his career as a computer-aided drafting teacher in Manhattan. He then moved to a similar role in Concordia as a teacher, coach, and eventually athletic director. He continued his educational journey with a master’s degree from Kansas State University, an Education Specialist degree from Fort Hays State University, and ultimately earned a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University.

Isbell began his journey in higher education in 2012 as the Dean of Instruction at North Central Kansas Technical College, where he led campus instructional teams through several curriculum changes and accreditation maintenance efforts. In 2019, he was selected as the Vice President of Student and Instructional Services at North Central, where he proved to be an effective leader and fundraiser, securing $250,000 in funding that directly supported the development of a new academic program and the acquisition of state-of-the-practice robotic welders.&nbsp;Isbell also played a key role in securing state and federal grants for North Central, totaling more than $3.25 million.

"We will greatly miss Dr. Isbell at Fort Hays Tech | North Central. &nbsp;He has been my right hand for the past 13 years,” said Eric Burks, president of Fort Hays Tech | North Central. “Corey is an excellent leader and helped the college advance in many ways over his tenure. While I will miss working with him every day as a friend and&nbsp;colleague, I am very pleased that we will continue to work&nbsp;together through the Affiliation, and I'm happy for Corey to have this opportunity. I wish he and his family the very best in Goodland!"

Throughout his career, Isbell has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the quality of life in North Central Kansas. “Having lived in small communities my entire life, I have developed a deep understanding of the strong sense of community and pride that rural communities have. The demand for skilled talent in our service area is growing exponentially,” Isbell said. “As the President of Fort Hays Tech Northwest, I will work tirelessly to continue the amazing technical education our skilled faculty and staff provide and maintain a constant pipeline of skilled workers to our rural communities.”

During his time at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, Isbell has worked with local businesses to help develop and build their workforces. He also facilitated multiple sponsorship agreements with local businesses to create unique apprenticeship opportunities and attract and retain skilled professionals in rural Kansas, where they are needed most.

“Dr. Isbell is a proven leader, a strategic thinker, and a driving force behind the efforts of FHSU’s Strategic Affiliation initiative to advance&nbsp;career and technical&nbsp;education in rural Kansas,” said Dan Wasson,&nbsp;chairman of the Area Advisory Board for Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. “Based on his extensive experience in&nbsp;tech ed, higher education administration, and economic and workforce development, our search committee was very confident that he is the right leader at the right time for Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. We are all thrilled that Corey and his family have decided to make the move to Goodland.”

Isbell’s first day as president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will be July 21.

Corey Isbell announced as next president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest

Morning Bull show host Dustin Armbruster interviews Drew Baldridge prior to his performance at 9:30 tonight at the Wild West Festival in Municipal Park in Hays.

<a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/">Learn more about the festival at&nbsp;https://wildwestfestival.com/.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Drew Baldridge to perform at tonight's Wild West Festival

FHSU crime log: June 27-July 3, 2025

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Friday, July 4 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Arizona Diamondbacks, 8:00pm

Saturday, July 5 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Arizona Diamondbacks, 2:30pm

Sunday, July 6 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Arizona Diamondbacks, 2:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

SEATTLE (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino had a two-run single in the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Thursday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. tied the score 1-1 with a single to center field with one out and then stole second base to put two runners in scoring position. Pasquantino grounded a single to right field drive in both runners, with Witt scoring after&nbsp;<a href="https://associatedpress.slack.com/archives/C070HG64VT9/p1751603301803949">making an elusive move to avoid the tag from catcher Cal Raleigh</a>&nbsp;to give the Royals a two-run lead.

Seth Lugo (6-5) allowed just one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven.

Lucas Erceg and Taylor Clarke got two outs each, and Carlos Estévez pitched 1 1/3 innings to get his 24th save. Estévez gave up a leadoff homer to Dominic Canzone in the ninth and had runners on second and third after a wild pitch with one out, but struck out Julio Rodríguez and got Raleigh to ground out to end the game.

Jorge Polanco homered in the fourth inning to put the Mariners up 1-0, and also had two doubles,.

Logan Evans, recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, made his first big league start since May 10 and gave up three hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out three.

Casey Legumina (4-4) walked the first two batters to begin the seventh inning and was replaced by Carlos Vargas, who gave up the run-scoring hits to Witt and Pasquantino.

The Royals capitalized on consecutive walks by Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India against Legumijna to start the seventh, setting the stage for Witt and Pasquantino.

Witt has now hit safely in his last 23 road games, breaking Hal McRae's 42-year-old Kansas City record.

Royals LHP Kris Bubic (6-6, 2.25 ERA) opens a three-game series at Arizona against Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (3-4, 5.13). Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) faces Pirates LHP Bailey Falter (7-4, 2.93).

⚾ Pasquantino hits two-run single in 7th inning as Royals beat Mariners

The Hays Larks travel to Parker, Colorado Thursday for the first of two games against the Gameday Angels.

The first pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Double Angel Ballpark.

You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>

Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks at Gameday Angels

Thursday, July 3 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners, 8:30pm

DENVER
– Merek Shannon hit a grand slam with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning
which capped a five-run rally and led the Collegiate (Colo.) Roughriders to a
13-12 win over the Hays Larks Wednesday night at the Regis Baseball Field.

The
Roughriders (8-10, 4-3 RMBL) started the rally with a leadoff walk. Dalton
Campbell then got a strikeout for the first out of the inning but a single, a hit
batter and walk scored a run. Julio Romas entered and gave up the game winning
homerun on a 1-0 pitch.

The
Larks (15-4-1, 11-4 RMBL) saw their five-game win streak snapped despite collecting
a season-high 18 hits and striking out a season-high 16 Roughrider batters. It's the first time this season they've lost a game when leading after the seventh and eighth innings.

Hays
scored a run in the first on a Garrett Gruell single then added two in the
second to grab an early 3-0 lead.

After
the Roughriders scored three in the bottom of the third to tie the game, Hays
answered with four in the top of the fifth. Gruell, Lorenzo Rios and CJ Reid
all had RBI doubles and Taber Stokes an RBI single.

The
Larks then scored three in the sixth on a Jackson Babcock single, Thomas Lyssy
sacrifice fly and Rios triple to up their lead to 10-4.

The
Roughriders came right back with four in the bottom of the inning on a two-run
single, hit batter and groundout to pull within 10-8.

The
Larks responded with single runs in the seventh and ninth and held a 12-8 lead
entering the bottom of the ninth.

Larks’
starter Trent Baker allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits with nine
strikeouts over five innings. Campbell gave up eight runs on three hits with
seven strikeouts but walked five. Ramos faced just one batter and suffered the
loss.

Jackson
Babcock went 5-for-5 and drove in two runs. Lorenzo Rios added three this and
drove in three runs.

The
Larks play the first of two against the Gameday Angels Thursday night in
Parker, Colorado. The Angels lost 13-9 to the Denver Cougars Wednesday night
and are 8-9 overall and 4-6 in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League. First pitch
is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT at Double Angel Field.

⚾ Larks lose to Roughriders on walk off grand slam

SEATTLE (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Mariners/status/1940620263231836630">Julio Rodriguez hit a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning</a>&nbsp;and Randy Arozarena drove in two runs as the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday night.

Rodriguez, who left the bases loaded in the fifth inning, atoned for that missed opportunity by hitting a first-pitch cutter from reliever Steven Cruz, who entered for Angel Zerpa (3-1), to the left side. Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia got a piece of Rodriguez’s hit before it ricocheted past him, allowing the Mariners to take a 2-1 lead.

Arozarena, who hit a solo homer in the sixth inning, added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly to center in the seventh. The Mariners needed that extra run as the Royals closed within a run in the eighth inning on an RBI single from Salvador Perez.

Mariners reliever Carlos Vargas (3-5) struck out two in one inning of relieft and closer Andres Munoz picked up his 19th save.

With runners on first and third in the top of the first inning, Royals rookie right fielder Jac Caglianone lined out sharply to right. Kansas City scored just one run in the inning, but could have scored more had Caglianone's ball fallen for a hit.

<a href="https://x.com/Mariners/status/1940613533009694732">Arozarena has homered in three consecutive regular-season games for the first time in his major league career.</a>&nbsp;He also homered in three straight American League Division Series games with the Tampa Bay Rays from Oct. 5-7 in 2020.

Seattle RHP Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) goes against Kansas City RHP Seth Lugo (5-5, 2.74) in the finale of the four-game set.

⚾ Rodriguez go-ahead RBI single lifts the Mariners past Royals

The Hays Larks are on the road for another RMBL contest against the Colorado Roughriders on Wednesday.&nbsp;

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks at Colorado Roughriders

Wednesday, July 2 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners, 8:00pm

By ANDREW DESTIN AP Sports Writer

SEATTLE (AP) — The late sunsets that accompany Seattle summers are revered by most locals, but the odds are Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez was not a fan during the fifth inning of Tuesday night's game against the Kansas City Royals.

Rodríguez lost a flyball to center field from Royals catcher Salvador Perez in the twilight sky, and it turned into a two-run double.

Rodríguez climbed the center field wall, trying to rob a home run, but he misjudged the ball and it bounced off the wall nearby.

Not only did Perez's double give the Royals a 5-1 lead en route to a 6-3 victory, but it moved him past Alex Gordon for the sixth-most hits in Royals history. The 35-year-old backstop has 1,646 hits in 14-season MLB career.

“For him to just keep checking boxes on a Hall of Fame career is really special to be able to watch," said manager Matt Quatraro.

⚾ Perez moves into 6th place on Royals hit list

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1940245133385244693">hit a pivotal two-run double</a>&nbsp;in the fifth inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 6-3 on Tuesday night for just their second win in 10 games.

Perez lofted a fly ball off Emerson Hancock (3-5) that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-perez-rodriguez-1fe79b9c6a1547e0a59408cf7e58596e">center fielder Julio Rodríguez lost in the twilight sky</a>&nbsp;and dropped for a two-run double. Rodríguez climbed the center-field wall, trying to rob a home run, but he misjudged the ball and it bounced to the wall as the Royals took a 5-1 lead.

<a href="https://x.com/Mariners/status/1940247146802135189">Ben Williamson hit an RBI double in the bottom half and scored on J.P. Crawford's single</a>&nbsp;off Michael Lorenzen.

Five relievers combined for 4 1/3 scoreless innings of one-hit relief. Lucas Erceg (3-2) entered with two on in the seventh and got a double-play grounder and a groundout, and Carlos Estévez pitched a perfect ninth for his 23rd save in 26 chances.

Kansas City built a 3-0 lead on Maikel Garcia's run-scoring single in the first and a two-run second that included an RBI double by Nick Loftin, who scored when Kyle Isbel grounded into a forceout.

Randy Arozarena homered in the bottom half, his 11th this season and third in four at-bats.

After Angel Zerpa walked Dylan Moore starting the seventh, Cole Young grounded into a double play and Crawford grounded out.

Perez moved past Alex Gordon for sixth place on the Royals hits list with 1,646.

Seattle RHP Logan Gilbert (2-2, 3.55) and Kansas City Noah Cameron (2-4, 2.79) started Wednesday in the third game of the four-game set.

⚾ Perez’s 2-run double lifts Royals over the Mariners

WASHINGTON —<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-beautiful-gop-taxes-ced365c347de9320eef2ccb8df16dda2">House Republicans lifted</a>&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inside-trump-republican-spending-bill-provisions-details-06eb10bad4fd2a7ea2ac236e6535e61d">$4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill</a>&nbsp;to final passage Thursday, overcoming multiple setbacks to approve his signature second-term policy package before a self-imposed Fourth of July deadline. On social media, members of the Kansas Congressional delegation shared their thoughts on passage of the bill.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements