LOS ANGELES (AP) — A jury in U.S. District Court ordered the NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in damages Thursday after ruling that the league violated antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on a premium subscription service.

The jury awarded $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and $96 million in damages to the commercial class.

The lawsuit covered 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses who paid for the package of out-of-market games from the 2011 through 2022 seasons on DirecTV. The lawsuit claimed the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of Sunday games at an inflated price. The subscribers also say the league restricted competition by offering “Sunday Ticket” only on a satellite provider.

The NFL said it would appeal the verdict. That appeal would go to the 9th Circuit and then possibly the Supreme Court.

“We are disappointed with the jury’s verdict today in the NFL Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit,” the league said in a statement. “We continue to believe that our media distribution strategy, which features all NFL games broadcast on free over-the-air television in the markets of the participating teams and national distribution of our most popular games, supplemented by many additional choices including RedZone, Sunday Ticket and NFL+, is by far the most fan friendly distribution model in all of sports and entertainment.

“We will certainly contest this decision as we believe that the class action claims in this case are baseless and without merit.”

The jury of five men and three women deliberated for nearly five hours before reaching its decision.

“This case transcends football. This case matters,” plaintiffs attorney Bill Carmody said during Wednesday’s closing arguments. “It’s about justice. It’s about telling the 32 team owners who collectively own all the big TV rights, the most popular content in the history of TV — that’s what they have. It’s about telling them that even you cannot ignore the antitrust laws. Even you cannot collude to overcharge consumers. Even you can’t hide the truth and think you’re going to get away with it.”

The league maintained it has the right to sell “Sunday Ticket” under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. The plaintiffs say that only covers over-the-air broadcasts and not pay TV.

DirecTV had “Sunday Ticket” from its inception in 1994 through 2022. The league signed a seven-year deal with Google’s YouTube TV that began with the 2023 season.

The lawsuit was originally filed in 2015 by the Mucky Duck sports bar in San Francisco but was dismissed in 2017. Two years later, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over California and eight other states, reinstated the case. Gutierrez ruled last year the case could proceed as a class action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719524116479.png" alt="FILE – The NFL logo is seen during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. Opening arguments are expected to begin Thursday, June 6, 2024, in federal court in a class-action lawsuit filed by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers claiming the NFL broke antitrust laws. The lawsuit was filed in 2015 and has withstood numerous challenges, including a dismissal that was overturned. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE – The NFL logo is seen during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. Opening arguments are expected to begin Thursday, June 6, 2024, in federal court in a class-action lawsuit filed by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers claiming the NFL broke antitrust laws. The lawsuit was filed in 2015 and has withstood numerous challenges, including a dismissal that was overturned. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — A jury in U.S. District Court ordered the NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in damages Thursday after ruling that the league violated antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on a premium subscription service.The jury awarded $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and $96 million in damages to the commercial class.The lawsuit covered 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses who paid for the package of out-of-market games from the 2011 through 2022 seasons on DirecTV. The lawsuit claimed the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of Sunday games at an inflated price. The subscribers also say the league restricted competition by offering “Sunday Ticket” only on a satellite provider.The NFL said it would appeal the verdict. That appeal would go to the 9th Circuit and then possibly the Supreme Court.“We are disappointed with the jury’s verdict today in the NFL Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit,” the league said in a statement. “We continue to believe that our media distribution strategy, which features all NFL games broadcast on free over-the-air television in the markets of the participating teams and national distribution of our most popular games, supplemented by many additional choices including RedZone, Sunday Ticket and NFL+, is by far the most fan friendly distribution model in all of sports and entertainment.“We will certainly contest this decision as we believe that the class action claims in this case are baseless and without merit.”The jury of five men and three women deliberated for nearly five hours before reaching its decision.“This case transcends football. This case matters,” plaintiffs attorney Bill Carmody said during Wednesday’s closing arguments. “It’s about justice. It’s about telling the 32 team owners who collectively own all the big TV rights, the most popular content in the history of TV — that’s what they have. It’s about telling them that even you cannot ignore the antitrust laws. Even you cannot collude to overcharge consumers. Even you can’t hide the truth and think you’re going to get away with it.”The league maintained it has the right to sell “Sunday Ticket” under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. The plaintiffs say that only covers over-the-air broadcasts and not pay TV.DirecTV had “Sunday Ticket” from its inception in 1994 through 2022. The league signed a seven-year deal with Google’s YouTube TV that began with the 2023 season.The lawsuit was originally filed in 2015 by the Mucky Duck sports bar in San Francisco but was dismissed in 2017. Two years later, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over California and eight other states, reinstated the case. Gutierrez ruled last year the case could proceed as a class action.

🏈 Jury orders NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in ‘Sunday Ticket’ case for violating antitrust laws

Thursday, June 27
 KAYS:
Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pm

Friday, June 28
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pm

Saturday, June 29
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 2:30pm

Sunday, June 30
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 12:30pm

Thursday, June 27
 KAYS:
Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pmFriday, June 28
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pmSaturday, June 29
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 2:30pmSunday, June 30
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State men's basketball head coach Mark Johnson&nbsp;announced the signing of five more players for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The latest additions include three transfers and two high school signings. Coming off a 23-8 record and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023-24, the Tigers welcome Jahvari Martino, Dan Mukuna, Alec Carlson, Aidan McDowell, and Kuet Gatwech. This brings their 2024-25 newcomer list to seven after the early signings of Kansas all-state performers Tori Homan and Eli Lawson back in November.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/news/2023/11/16/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-signs-pair-of-kansas-products.aspx">Early Signee Release</a>

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/news/2023/11/16/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-signs-pair-of-kansas-products.aspx"></a>Jahvari Martino comes to FHSU from Portland Community College, where he was an All-America selection by the NABC for the Northwest Athletic Conference, while also earning South Region Most Valuable Player and Freshman of the Year honors in 2023-24. Standing at 6-feet, 1-inch, the Gresham, Oregon native is a dynamic guard who averaged a team-best 20.4 points and 3.4 assists per game, but also hauled in an impressive 7.1 rebounds per game in his first year of collegiate competition. He scored a season-high 34 points twice and reached at least 20 points in a game 18 times.

Dan Mukuna comes to FHSU from the University of Denver, where he played in 19 games over the last two seasons. A 6-foot, 8-inch native of Dortmund, Germany, Mukuna enjoyed success at the International Basketball Academy of Munich, where he averaged 17.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game for the German academy in 2021-22 prior to coming to the United States to start his collegiate career.

Alec Carlson, 6-foot, 3-inch native of Burdett, Kansas, comes to the program from Colby (Kan.) Community College where he played in 28 games as a freshman in 2023-24. He averaged 6.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game for Colby. Carlson was a KBCA, Wichita Eagle, and Sports in Kansas All-State First Team selection in Kansas Class 1A Division II at Pawnee Heights High School as a senior in 2022-23. He was also a state champion in both the long jump and triple jump in track and field.

Aidan McDowell comes to FHSU from Crete High School in Crete, Nebraska. He was a Nebraska Super State First Team selection by the Lincoln Journal Star and a Second Team pick by the Omaha World Herald. The 6-foot, 4-inch guard averaged 19.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game as a senior in 2023-24 and set his school's all-time scoring record, 3-point field goals made record, and free-throws made record. McDowell is also an accomplished tennis player, winning back-to-back state titles at No. 1 singles.

Kuet Gatwech comes to FHSU from Lincoln North Star High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was an all-state honorable mention pick in Nebraska Class A during the 2022-23 season, helping his school to a state tournament appearance that year. As a senior he averaged 11.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Gatwech is a guard standing at 6-feet, 4-inches.

2024-25 Men's Basketball Newcomers Name - Pos. - Ht. - Yr. - Hometown - Previous School Jahvari Martino - G - 6-1 - So. - Greshman, Ore. - Portland (Ore.) CC Dan Mukuna - F - 6-8 - Jr. - Dortmund, Germany - Denver University Alec Carlson - G - 6-3 - So. - Burdett, Kan. - Colby (Kan.) CC Aidan McDowell - G - 6-4 - Fr. - Crete, Neb. - Crete HS Kuet Gatwech - G - 6-4 - Fr. - Lincoln, Neb. - Lincoln North Star HS Early Signings Tory Homan - F - 6-7 - Fr. - Wichita, Kan. - Maize South HS Eli Lawson - F - 6-7 - Fr. - Bennington, Kan. - Bennington HS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719491438205.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State men's basketball head coach Mark Johnson&nbsp;announced the signing of five more players for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The latest additions include three transfers and two high school signings. Coming off a 23-8 record and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023-24, the Tigers welcome Jahvari Martino, Dan Mukuna, Alec Carlson, Aidan McDowell, and Kuet Gatwech. This brings their 2024-25 newcomer list to seven after the early signings of Kansas all-state performers Tori Homan and Eli Lawson back in November.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/news/2023/11/16/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-signs-pair-of-kansas-products.aspx">Early Signee Release</a><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/news/2023/11/16/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-signs-pair-of-kansas-products.aspx"></a>Jahvari Martino comes to FHSU from Portland Community College, where he was an All-America selection by the NABC for the Northwest Athletic Conference, while also earning South Region Most Valuable Player and Freshman of the Year honors in 2023-24. Standing at 6-feet, 1-inch, the Gresham, Oregon native is a dynamic guard who averaged a team-best 20.4 points and 3.4 assists per game, but also hauled in an impressive 7.1 rebounds per game in his first year of collegiate competition. He scored a season-high 34 points twice and reached at least 20 points in a game 18 times.Dan Mukuna comes to FHSU from the University of Denver, where he played in 19 games over the last two seasons. A 6-foot, 8-inch native of Dortmund, Germany, Mukuna enjoyed success at the International Basketball Academy of Munich, where he averaged 17.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game for the German academy in 2021-22 prior to coming to the United States to start his collegiate career.Alec Carlson, 6-foot, 3-inch native of Burdett, Kansas, comes to the program from Colby (Kan.) Community College where he played in 28 games as a freshman in 2023-24. He averaged 6.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game for Colby. Carlson was a KBCA, Wichita Eagle, and Sports in Kansas All-State First Team selection in Kansas Class 1A Division II at Pawnee Heights High School as a senior in 2022-23. He was also a state champion in both the long jump and triple jump in track and field.Aidan McDowell comes to FHSU from Crete High School in Crete, Nebraska. He was a Nebraska Super State First Team selection by the Lincoln Journal Star and a Second Team pick by the Omaha World Herald. The 6-foot, 4-inch guard averaged 19.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game as a senior in 2023-24 and set his school's all-time scoring record, 3-point field goals made record, and free-throws made record. McDowell is also an accomplished tennis player, winning back-to-back state titles at No. 1 singles.Kuet Gatwech comes to FHSU from Lincoln North Star High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was an all-state honorable mention pick in Nebraska Class A during the 2022-23 season, helping his school to a state tournament appearance that year. As a senior he averaged 11.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Gatwech is a guard standing at 6-feet, 4-inches.2024-25 Men's Basketball Newcomers Name - Pos. - Ht. - Yr. - Hometown - Previous School Jahvari Martino - G - 6-1 - So. - Greshman, Ore. - Portland (Ore.) CC Dan Mukuna - F - 6-8 - Jr. - Dortmund, Germany - Denver University Alec Carlson - G - 6-3 - So. - Burdett, Kan. - Colby (Kan.) CC Aidan McDowell - G - 6-4 - Fr. - Crete, Neb. - Crete HS Kuet Gatwech - G - 6-4 - Fr. - Lincoln, Neb. - Lincoln North Star HS Early Signings Tory Homan - F - 6-7 - Fr. - Wichita, Kan. - Maize South HS Eli Lawson - F - 6-7 - Fr. - Bennington, Kan. - Bennington HS

🏀 FHSU men add five more for upcoming 2024-25 season

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

HAYS - The West All-Stars, who trained in Hays this week, head to Emporia for
the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 29th, at 7:00 p.m. at Welch
Stadium.

McPherson High School's Jace Pavlovich, a former Hays High assistant
coach and Fort Hays State player, leads the West squad. He shared his
excitement about returning to Hays.

"This is home, and I miss this place. It's been special to me. I
played here for six years, coached at Hays High for two, and even proposed to
my wife on this field."

Hays native Nicolas Schmidt, a TMP-Marian alum and Medicine Lodge head
coach, joins Pavlovich as an assistant.

“It feels like home. I played high school ball on this
field so it’s good getting back here, seeing the family, seeing some people get
out here. It’s just a blast.”

Schmidt’s Medicine Lodge team finished 9-3 and advanced to
the Class 1A state semifinals where they lost to eventual state champion Conway
Springs.

Hays High's Malik Bah, the school's all-time leading rusher, is one of three players representing the Western Athletic Conference along with Liberal quarterback Brooks Kappelman&nbsp; and Garden City defensive lineman Sebastian Lopez. 

Bah says he’s excited to play with
them as well as all of his other new teammates.

“It’s been awesome all of these years competing against them.
It’s real fun to actually be on a team with them and I feel we have that super
team to beat the East side” Bah said.

Plainville offensive lineman Mason Hogan says he’s trying to soak in the
entire experience.

“It’s been amazing” Hogan said. “Having players from
Plainville who’ve played in the past tell how much of an experience it is, just
take it in, be humble and just take in all of the experiences because it’s
going to be life changing.”

Both Bah and Hogan will continue their career on Fort Hays State.

Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on Smoky Hills PBS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715785398923.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS - The West All-Stars, who trained in Hays this week, head to Emporia for
the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 29th, at 7:00 p.m. at Welch
Stadium.McPherson High School's Jace Pavlovich, a former Hays High assistant
coach and Fort Hays State player, leads the West squad. He shared his
excitement about returning to Hays."This is home, and I miss this place. It's been special to me. I
played here for six years, coached at Hays High for two, and even proposed to
my wife on this field."Hays native Nicolas Schmidt, a TMP-Marian alum and Medicine Lodge head
coach, joins Pavlovich as an assistant.“It feels like home. I played high school ball on this
field so it’s good getting back here, seeing the family, seeing some people get
out here. It’s just a blast.”Schmidt’s Medicine Lodge team finished 9-3 and advanced to
the Class 1A state semifinals where they lost to eventual state champion Conway
Springs.Hays High's Malik Bah, the school's all-time leading rusher, is one of three players representing the Western Athletic Conference along with Liberal quarterback Brooks Kappelman&nbsp; and Garden City defensive lineman Sebastian Lopez. Bah says he’s excited to play with
them as well as all of his other new teammates.“It’s been awesome all of these years competing against them.
It’s real fun to actually be on a team with them and I feel we have that super
team to beat the East side” Bah said.Plainville offensive lineman Mason Hogan says he’s trying to soak in the
entire experience.“It’s been amazing” Hogan said. “Having players from
Plainville who’ve played in the past tell how much of an experience it is, just
take it in, be humble and just take in all of the experiences because it’s
going to be life changing.”Both Bah and Hogan will continue their career on Fort Hays State.Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on Smoky Hills PBS.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719431117994.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719431150656.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 West All-Stars prepare for Kansas Shrine Bowl in Emporia

GERING, Neb. - The Hays Larks series opener with the Western Nebraska Pioneers at Oregon Trail Park Stadium was suspended Wednesday.

The Larks were leading 5-1 when play was halted due to rain.

The game will resume from the point it was stopped Thursday at 5 p.m. followed by the regularly scheduled game.

The Larks (14-2, 10-1 RMBL) have won 10-straight.

Hays PostGERING, Neb. - The Hays Larks series opener with the Western Nebraska Pioneers at Oregon Trail Park Stadium was suspended Wednesday.The Larks were leading 5-1 when play was halted due to rain.The game will resume from the point it was stopped Thursday at 5 p.m. followed by the regularly scheduled game.The Larks (14-2, 10-1 RMBL) have won 10-straight.

⚾ Larks game at Western Nebraska suspended

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez highlighted a five-run, two-out rally in the eighth inning with a go-ahead double down the left-field line, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Miami Marlins 5-1 on Wednesday to pick up the series win.

Angel Zerpa (1-0) got the final two outs of the eighth in relief of Brady Singer, who allowed an RBI single to Vidal Bruján in the second inning but little else on a sunny afternoon at Kauffman Stadium. James McArthur handled the ninth to finish it off.

“Just incredible,” Singer said. “For those guys to grind back, that's how we're going to win games.”

Indeed, Kansas City had been shut down by Valente Bellozo and the Miami bullpen until the eighth, when Bobby Witt Jr. started the rally with a triple off Huascar Brazoban (0-1). Vinnie Pasquantino followed with a tying single, and after pinch runner Dairon Blanco swiped second, Perez delivered the double that gave Kansas City the lead.

Nick Loftin added an RBI single and Freddy Fermin drove in two more runs to provide McArthur some breathing room.

“We had been pretty dead offensively,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Two outs, nobody on, right? Just the quality of what they were swinging at, too. The guys put some really good swings on it.”

The outbreak came after Kansas City had scored two runs or fewer in five of its last seven games.

“Momentum is huge, and that's who we are,” Witt said. “It was just a matter of time.”

Singer allowed five hits and a walk while striking out five, though he again was victimized by poor run support: The Royals have scored two runs or fewer in 12 of his 16 starts, and he has not won since May 19 against Oakland.

“The efficiency of him was the most impressive thing," said Quatraro, whose team had lost four straight series and been 2-7 in series-deciding games this season. “He wanted to keep going. He had it in his mind that he was going to carry us.”

Meanwhile, Bellozo was dominant in his big league debut for Miami, pitching five innings of two-hit ball.

The only bit of trouble the 24-year-old from Mexico ran into came in the second inning, and it wasn't entirely his fault: Hunter Renfroe hit a two-out single, then Bruján lost Fermin's popup in the sun and it landed for a double. But Bellozo promptly struck out Garrett Hampson to leave the runners on second and third.

He then retired his final 10 hitters before getting a swarm of high-fives in the Marlins dugout.

“I had a lot of adrenalin, a little nervous, but we controlled the game and did a really good job,” Bellozo said. ”Play with the zone, attack with the breaking balls and make all my pitches work.”

Marlins: LHP Kent Emanuel was designated for assignment to clear space for Bellozo on the roster. Emanuel had allowed eight runs, seven earned, while appearing in five games this season.

Marlins: Head to Philadelphia to open a four-game series Thursday night with Trevor Rogers (1-8, 4.90 ERA) on the mound.

Royals: Welcome Cleveland to town Thursday night with RHP Michael Wacha (4-6, 4.07) getting the start.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719435331690.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez highlighted a five-run, two-out rally in the eighth inning with a go-ahead double down the left-field line, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Miami Marlins 5-1 on Wednesday to pick up the series win.Angel Zerpa (1-0) got the final two outs of the eighth in relief of Brady Singer, who allowed an RBI single to Vidal Bruján in the second inning but little else on a sunny afternoon at Kauffman Stadium. James McArthur handled the ninth to finish it off.“Just incredible,” Singer said. “For those guys to grind back, that's how we're going to win games.”Indeed, Kansas City had been shut down by Valente Bellozo and the Miami bullpen until the eighth, when Bobby Witt Jr. started the rally with a triple off Huascar Brazoban (0-1). Vinnie Pasquantino followed with a tying single, and after pinch runner Dairon Blanco swiped second, Perez delivered the double that gave Kansas City the lead.Nick Loftin added an RBI single and Freddy Fermin drove in two more runs to provide McArthur some breathing room.“We had been pretty dead offensively,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Two outs, nobody on, right? Just the quality of what they were swinging at, too. The guys put some really good swings on it.”The outbreak came after Kansas City had scored two runs or fewer in five of its last seven games.“Momentum is huge, and that's who we are,” Witt said. “It was just a matter of time.”Singer allowed five hits and a walk while striking out five, though he again was victimized by poor run support: The Royals have scored two runs or fewer in 12 of his 16 starts, and he has not won since May 19 against Oakland.“The efficiency of him was the most impressive thing," said Quatraro, whose team had lost four straight series and been 2-7 in series-deciding games this season. “He wanted to keep going. He had it in his mind that he was going to carry us.”Meanwhile, Bellozo was dominant in his big league debut for Miami, pitching five innings of two-hit ball.The only bit of trouble the 24-year-old from Mexico ran into came in the second inning, and it wasn't entirely his fault: Hunter Renfroe hit a two-out single, then Bruján lost Fermin's popup in the sun and it landed for a double. But Bellozo promptly struck out Garrett Hampson to leave the runners on second and third.He then retired his final 10 hitters before getting a swarm of high-fives in the Marlins dugout.“I had a lot of adrenalin, a little nervous, but we controlled the game and did a really good job,” Bellozo said. ”Play with the zone, attack with the breaking balls and make all my pitches work.”ROSTER MOVESMarlins: LHP Kent Emanuel was designated for assignment to clear space for Bellozo on the roster. Emanuel had allowed eight runs, seven earned, while appearing in five games this season.UP NEXTMarlins: Head to Philadelphia to open a four-game series Thursday night with Trevor Rogers (1-8, 4.90 ERA) on the mound.Royals: Welcome Cleveland to town Thursday night with RHP Michael Wacha (4-6, 4.07) getting the start.

⚾  5-run rally in the 8th lifts the Royals over the Marlins

Wednesday, June 26
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Miami Marlins, 12:30pm

Wednesday, June 26
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Miami Marlins, 12:30pmThursday, June 27
 KAYS:
Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pmFriday, June 28
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pmSaturday, June 29
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 2:30pmSunday, June 30
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 12:30pm

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Gordon’s infield hit highlighted the Miami Marlins late two-out rally for a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday evening.

After collecting just two singles in six scoreless innings against Seth Lugo, the Marlins recorded four hits in the seventh, scoring both runs with two out against relievers Carlos Hernández (0-1) and Will Smith.

“It’s never an easy decision,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of removing Lugo. “He’s so good. With the heat and where they were in the batting order and how we felt about Carlos in that spot, all those things factor in.”

Otto López doubled and scored the tying run when second baseman Maikel Garcia threw wildly after making a diving stop on Gordon’s grounder.

Gordon later scored on Jazz Chisholm’s infield hit and Smith’s throwing error.

“We put the ball in play and got a little fortunate on a couple of those plays,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “But there’s value in putting the ball in play. We made things happen. It wasn’t a ton of hard contact, but a win’s a win.”

López had two hits and has four of the Marlins’ 11 hits in the series.

Starter Yonny Chirinos and four Marlins relievers retired 15 consecutive Royals hitters before Salvador Perez’s single with one out in the ninth.

“The bullpen was just outstanding,” Schumaker said. “Chirinos, really good. Five strong innings, a lot of weak contact, pounded the strike zone with his slider, really opened up his sinker and was able to elevate his fastball at times.”

In his second start of the season, Chirinos permitted a run on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in five innings.

“Part of the key, just to go a little deeper in the game, was attacking hitters,” Chirinos said. “Getting ahead in the count, getting the first pitch for a strike, that gives you more options.”

A.J. Puk (2-8) struck out two while recording four outs for the win. Tanner Scott earned his 10th save as the Marlins have won 5 of 7.

Lugo spun four hitless innings, allowing only a second-inning walk. He finished six shutout innings, allowing two hits and two walks, striking out eight. Lugo leads the majors with 110 innings pitched, and his 12 starts of at least six innings with no more than two runs allowed are most in the majors.

“Lugo was really good,” Schumaker said. “He can spin the ball as good as anybody in the league. He kept us off-balance with his changeup and elevated fastball. He was excellent tonight.”

The Royals took a first-inning lead when Maikel Garcia walked, stole two bases and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s sharp single to center.

Kansas City managed just four hits and have lost 12 of 16.

“We were just bad tonight,” Pasquantino said. “It seems to be a common theme over the past few weeks. Hoping to take a step forward after last night. We didn’t do that.”

Royals RHP Brady Singer (4-4, 3.29 ERA) takes the mound. The Marlins will call up RHP Valente Bellozo for his major league debut in Wednesday afternoon’s series finale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719394882388.jpeg" alt="Miami Marlins starting pitcher Yonny Chirinos throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Miami Marlins starting pitcher Yonny Chirinos throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Gordon’s infield hit highlighted the Miami Marlins late two-out rally for a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday evening.After collecting just two singles in six scoreless innings against Seth Lugo, the Marlins recorded four hits in the seventh, scoring both runs with two out against relievers Carlos Hernández (0-1) and Will Smith.“It’s never an easy decision,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of removing Lugo. “He’s so good. With the heat and where they were in the batting order and how we felt about Carlos in that spot, all those things factor in.”Otto López doubled and scored the tying run when second baseman Maikel Garcia threw wildly after making a diving stop on Gordon’s grounder.Gordon later scored on Jazz Chisholm’s infield hit and Smith’s throwing error.“We put the ball in play and got a little fortunate on a couple of those plays,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “But there’s value in putting the ball in play. We made things happen. It wasn’t a ton of hard contact, but a win’s a win.”López had two hits and has four of the Marlins’ 11 hits in the series.Starter Yonny Chirinos and four Marlins relievers retired 15 consecutive Royals hitters before Salvador Perez’s single with one out in the ninth.“The bullpen was just outstanding,” Schumaker said. “Chirinos, really good. Five strong innings, a lot of weak contact, pounded the strike zone with his slider, really opened up his sinker and was able to elevate his fastball at times.”In his second start of the season, Chirinos permitted a run on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in five innings.“Part of the key, just to go a little deeper in the game, was attacking hitters,” Chirinos said. “Getting ahead in the count, getting the first pitch for a strike, that gives you more options.”A.J. Puk (2-8) struck out two while recording four outs for the win. Tanner Scott earned his 10th save as the Marlins have won 5 of 7.Lugo spun four hitless innings, allowing only a second-inning walk. He finished six shutout innings, allowing two hits and two walks, striking out eight. Lugo leads the majors with 110 innings pitched, and his 12 starts of at least six innings with no more than two runs allowed are most in the majors.“Lugo was really good,” Schumaker said. “He can spin the ball as good as anybody in the league. He kept us off-balance with his changeup and elevated fastball. He was excellent tonight.”The Royals took a first-inning lead when Maikel Garcia walked, stole two bases and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s sharp single to center.Kansas City managed just four hits and have lost 12 of 16.“We were just bad tonight,” Pasquantino said. “It seems to be a common theme over the past few weeks. Hoping to take a step forward after last night. We didn’t do that.”UP NEXTRoyals RHP Brady Singer (4-4, 3.29 ERA) takes the mound. The Marlins will call up RHP Valente Bellozo for his major league debut in Wednesday afternoon’s series finale.

⚾ Gordon's and Chisholm's two-out hits rally Marlins past Royals

Tuesday, June 25
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Miami Marlins, 6:30pm

Tuesday, June 25
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Miami Marlins, 6:30pmWednesday, June 26
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Miami Marlins, 12:30pmThursday, June 27
 KAYS:
Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pmFriday, June 28
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pmSaturday, June 29
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 2:30pmSunday, June 30
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 12:30pm

OMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;The 2024 Tennessee baseball team made history Monday night in Omaha – winning the program's first national title with a 6-5 game three victory over No. 3 Texas A&amp;M at the Men's College World Series at Charles Schwab Field.

The top-ranked Vols won 60 games en route to the program's MCWS crown – the first SEC team in history to reach 60 victories in a single season and just the fourth conference team to win the SEC regular season title, SEC Tournament title and the MCWS in the same season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tennessee also made history as it became the second No. 1 overall seed to win a national title since the tournament switched to its current format in 1999 – joining Miami who did so in 1999.

Holding a two-run lead in the seventh inning, MCWS MVP Dylan Dreiling&nbsp;hit a two-run bomb that sparked a three-run half-inning – giving Tennessee the insurance it needed to win college baseball's final game of the season.

Dreiling, a Hays native, was named the series MVP after going 7-for-12 with four runs scored and seven RBIs in the championship series. The sophomore homered in each game of the MCWS finals – the first player to ever do so.

Texas A&amp;M made a late charge in the eighth as it scored a pair of runs off two singles and a double. Kirby Connell&nbsp;came on to pitch in relief&nbsp;and promptly shut down the rally, ending the inning with a pair of strikeouts.

In the ninth, A&amp;M scratched across two more runs before Aaron Combs&nbsp;struck out Ted Burton to end the game and send Tennessee into a dogpile.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719311857486.jpeg" alt="Dylan Dreiling holds the championship trophy following Tennessee's 6-5 win over Texas A&amp;M on Monday, June 24, 2024 at Charles Schwab Field on Omaha, Neb. (Tennessee Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Dylan Dreiling holds the championship trophy following Tennessee's 6-5 win over Texas A&amp;M on Monday, June 24, 2024 at Charles Schwab Field on Omaha, Neb. (Tennessee Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tennessee AthleticsOMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;The 2024 Tennessee baseball team made history Monday night in Omaha – winning the program's first national title with a 6-5 game three victory over No. 3 Texas A&amp;M at the Men's College World Series at Charles Schwab Field.The top-ranked Vols won 60 games en route to the program's MCWS crown – the first SEC team in history to reach 60 victories in a single season and just the fourth conference team to win the SEC regular season title, SEC Tournament title and the MCWS in the same season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tennessee also made history as it became the second No. 1 overall seed to win a national title since the tournament switched to its current format in 1999 – joining Miami who did so in 1999.Holding a two-run lead in the seventh inning, MCWS MVP Dylan Dreiling&nbsp;hit a two-run bomb that sparked a three-run half-inning – giving Tennessee the insurance it needed to win college baseball's final game of the season.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WHO ELSE?!?! MR. CLUTCH!! 📺 <a href="https://t.co/57mSIippEi">https://t.co/57mSIippEi</a> (ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBO</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OTH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OTH</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCWS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCWS</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeatTAMU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeatTAMU</a> <a href="https://t.co/l3KUqT9jWl">pic.twitter.com/l3KUqT9jWl</a>&mdash; Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vol_Baseball/status/1805415660329095502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Dreiling, a Hays native, was named the series MVP after going 7-for-12 with four runs scored and seven RBIs in the championship series. The sophomore homered in each game of the MCWS finals – the first player to ever do so.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DYLAN DREILING. OMAHA LEGEND. The 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCWS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCWS</a> Most Outstanding Player. <a href="https://t.co/YmJw2SDiaw">pic.twitter.com/YmJw2SDiaw</a>&mdash; Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vol_Baseball/status/1805434764611960920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Texas A&amp;M made a late charge in the eighth as it scored a pair of runs off two singles and a double. Kirby Connell&nbsp;came on to pitch in relief&nbsp;and promptly shut down the rally, ending the inning with a pair of strikeouts.In the ninth, A&amp;M scratched across two more runs before Aaron Combs&nbsp;struck out Ted Burton to end the game and send Tennessee into a dogpile.

⚾ Dreiling named MCWS Most Outstanding Player as Vols' win national title

JUNCTION CITY – Trent
Baker and Wilbert Espinal both homered and the Hays Larks used a couple of big
innings to beat the Junction City Brigade 15-7 Monday at Rathert Stadium to run
their winning-streak to 10 games.

Baker opened the game
with a home run, Espinal put it away with a grand slam which was the punctuation
mark of a seven-run seventh inning.

Trailing 2-1, the Larks (14-2) scored five in the third to take the lead for good. They used four-straight
walks to tie the game 2-2. Garrett Gruell gave them the lead with an RBI
single. Will Carpenter and Taber Stokes both added RBI singles.

Starter Mack Ortner (1-0) allowed
two runs on two hits with five strikeouts and two walks over three innings and
was awarded the win.

- Five Larks pitchers
combined to strikeout 13 Brigade batters. - Larks pitchers have recorded double-digit strikeouts in four-straight games with a total of 52 in the
last four games. - The Larks matched a season-high with 16 hits - The Larks drew a season-high
14 walks in the game. - The 15 runs scored is a season-high.

The Larks continue their
seven-game road trip with a two-game series against the Western Nebraska
Pioneers Wednesday in Gering, Neb.

Hays PostJUNCTION CITY – Trent
Baker and Wilbert Espinal both homered and the Hays Larks used a couple of big
innings to beat the Junction City Brigade 15-7 Monday at Rathert Stadium to run
their winning-streak to 10 games.Baker opened the game
with a home run, Espinal put it away with a grand slam which was the punctuation
mark of a seven-run seventh inning.Trailing 2-1, the Larks (14-2) scored five in the third to take the lead for good. They used four-straight
walks to tie the game 2-2. Garrett Gruell gave them the lead with an RBI
single. Will Carpenter and Taber Stokes both added RBI singles.Starter Mack Ortner (1-0) allowed
two runs on two hits with five strikeouts and two walks over three innings and
was awarded the win.STATS OF THE GAME- Five Larks pitchers
combined to strikeout 13 Brigade batters. - Larks pitchers have recorded double-digit strikeouts in four-straight games with a total of 52 in the
last four games. - The Larks matched a season-high with 16 hits - The Larks drew a season-high
14 walks in the game. - The 15 runs scored is a season-high.UP NEXTThe Larks continue their
seven-game road trip with a two-game series against the Western Nebraska
Pioneers Wednesday in Gering, Neb.

⚾ Larks beat Brigade for 10th-straight win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans struck out 11 for his first win in a month, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Miami Marlins 4-1 on Monday night for just their fourth win in 15 games.

Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe hit solo homers off Roddery Muñoz (1-3), who has allowed six home runs in his last 10 innings.

Ragans (5-5) allowed one run, four hits and three walks in six innings. He had been 0-2 in five starts since beating Detroit on May 22.

“Change up was good,” Ragans said. “Got some good swing-and-miss on it, got some pop ups with it. Overall, I commanded it pretty well.”

“When he can get ahead and attack, that’s when you see a lot of swing-and-miss,” Royals interim manager Paul Hoover said. “A team that hasn’t seen him and he’s executing four different pitches for strikes. That’s tough on any lineup.”

Kansas City pitchers struck out a season-high 15.

Chris Stratton, John Schreiber and James McArthur each followed with a hitless inning as the Marlins were held to four hits or fewest for the 12th time.

McArthur got his 13th save in 17 chances as the Royals stopped a three-game losing streak.

“It’s tough to win when you score one run,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “I thought we had a chance in a couple of innings there. Just couldn’t get the big hit. Ragans is the story tonight. Just kept us off-balance all night.”

Bryan De La Cruz had a two-out RBI double in the third.

“My sinker was a little difficult to locate tonight,” Muñoz said. “There were some pitches that were not exactly what I wanted. I was trying to attack, be very aggressive. They were competing and they won in that situation.”

Muñoz gave up four runs, six hits and four walks in six innings.

“The problem is command catches up with him,” Schumaker said. “Putting himself in better situations, count-wise, is going to be the key to his development.”

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/video/vinnie-pasquantino-homers-8-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-field">Pasquantino led off the fourth with his eighth home run</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/video/salvador-perez-homers-12-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field?t=all-mlb-team">Perez followed with his 12th on the next pitch</a>, ending an 0-for-17 slump with the Royals’ first consecutive home runs since March 31. Kansas City, which entered with a 25-inning scoreless streak, also got Kyle Isbel’s two-out RBI single in the three-run inning.

“It wasn’t fun, but there was no panic,” Pasquantino said of the offensive slump. “What do we need to do to rectify that? Tonight was a nice step in that direction.”

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/video/hunter-renfroe-homers-7-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field?t=we-got-now-4040-v7-series">Renfroe hit a 434-foot drive in the sixth</a>&nbsp;for his seventh homer.

“It’s been a while,” Renfroe said. “It’s been a rough 10 days. Just to be able to hit a ball solid and get back into the groove of things is pretty fantastic.”

Michael Massey returned from a sprained lower back that had sidelined him since May 24 and was 1 for 3 as a designated hitter.

CJ Alexander, a 27-year-old who had been in the minor leagues since 2018, made his major league debut at third base for the Royals and went 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Kansas City selected Alexander’s contract from Omaha, optioned outfielder Nelson Velázquez to the Triple-A team and designed left-hander Jake Brentz for assignment.

Otto López had two hits for the Marlins, who are 6-14 in June.

Royals: INF Adam Frazier placed on 10-day IL (right thumb sprain), retroactive to Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719308370836.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, and relief pitcher James McArthur celebrate after their baseball game against the Miami Marlins Monday, June 24, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. The Royals won 4-1. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, and relief pitcher James McArthur celebrate after their baseball game against the Miami Marlins Monday, June 24, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. The Royals won 4-1. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans struck out 11 for his first win in a month, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Miami Marlins 4-1 on Monday night for just their fourth win in 15 games.Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe hit solo homers off Roddery Muñoz (1-3), who has allowed six home runs in his last 10 innings.Ragans (5-5) allowed one run, four hits and three walks in six innings. He had been 0-2 in five starts since beating Detroit on May 22.“Change up was good,” Ragans said. “Got some good swing-and-miss on it, got some pop ups with it. Overall, I commanded it pretty well.”“When he can get ahead and attack, that’s when you see a lot of swing-and-miss,” Royals interim manager Paul Hoover said. “A team that hasn’t seen him and he’s executing four different pitches for strikes. That’s tough on any lineup.”Kansas City pitchers struck out a season-high 15.Chris Stratton, John Schreiber and James McArthur each followed with a hitless inning as the Marlins were held to four hits or fewest for the 12th time.McArthur got his 13th save in 17 chances as the Royals stopped a three-game losing streak.“It’s tough to win when you score one run,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “I thought we had a chance in a couple of innings there. Just couldn’t get the big hit. Ragans is the story tonight. Just kept us off-balance all night.”Bryan De La Cruz had a two-out RBI double in the third.“My sinker was a little difficult to locate tonight,” Muñoz said. “There were some pitches that were not exactly what I wanted. I was trying to attack, be very aggressive. They were competing and they won in that situation.”Muñoz gave up four runs, six hits and four walks in six innings.“The problem is command catches up with him,” Schumaker said. “Putting himself in better situations, count-wise, is going to be the key to his development.”<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/video/vinnie-pasquantino-homers-8-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-field">Pasquantino led off the fourth with his eighth home run</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/video/salvador-perez-homers-12-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field?t=all-mlb-team">Perez followed with his 12th on the next pitch</a>, ending an 0-for-17 slump with the Royals’ first consecutive home runs since March 31. Kansas City, which entered with a 25-inning scoreless streak, also got Kyle Isbel’s two-out RBI single in the three-run inning.“It wasn’t fun, but there was no panic,” Pasquantino said of the offensive slump. “What do we need to do to rectify that? Tonight was a nice step in that direction.”<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/video/hunter-renfroe-homers-7-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field?t=we-got-now-4040-v7-series">Renfroe hit a 434-foot drive in the sixth</a>&nbsp;for his seventh homer.“It’s been a while,” Renfroe said. “It’s been a rough 10 days. Just to be able to hit a ball solid and get back into the groove of things is pretty fantastic.”Michael Massey returned from a sprained lower back that had sidelined him since May 24 and was 1 for 3 as a designated hitter.CJ Alexander, a 27-year-old who had been in the minor leagues since 2018, made his major league debut at third base for the Royals and went 0 for 3 with a strikeout.Kansas City selected Alexander’s contract from Omaha, optioned outfielder Nelson Velázquez to the Triple-A team and designed left-hander Jake Brentz for assignment.Otto López had two hits for the Marlins, who are 6-14 in June.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: INF Adam Frazier placed on 10-day IL (right thumb sprain), retroactive to Sunday.UP NEXT

⚾ Ragans strikes out 11 as Royals beat Marlins

The Hays Larks put their nine-game win streak on the line Monday night when they travel to Junction City to take on the Brigade.&nbsp;

The Larks step out of league play for the first game in a stretch where they play nine of their next 11 games on the road.

Monday's first pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Rathert Stadium

&nbsp; You can view the game on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeEebo6QxAY">&nbsp;Larks YouTube channel.</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks put their nine-game win streak on the line Monday night when they travel to Junction City to take on the Brigade.&nbsp;The Larks step out of league play for the first game in a stretch where they play nine of their next 11 games on the road.Monday's first pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Rathert Stadium&nbsp; You can view the game on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeEebo6QxAY">&nbsp;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 travel to Junction City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs released defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs on Monday after two recent arrests in Alabama.

The 27-year-old Buggs, who signed a $1,292,500 contract with Kansas City for the upcoming season, turned himself in May 30 after he was charged with two misdemeanor counts of second-degree animal cruelty. Two dogs that were under Buggs’ care were allegedly found neglected and malnourished, and one of the dogs had to be euthanized.

On June 16, Buggs was arrested on a charge of domestic violence/burglary and released on a $5,000 bond, according to records from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

The run-stuffing tackle out of Alabama played three seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers before spending the past two with the Detroit Lions. He has started 23 games and appeared in 56 in his career, with 89 tackles and two sacks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718575977539.png" alt="Buggs photo Tuscaloosa County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Buggs photo Tuscaloosa County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs released defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs on Monday after two recent arrests in Alabama.The 27-year-old Buggs, who signed a $1,292,500 contract with Kansas City for the upcoming season, turned himself in May 30 after he was charged with two misdemeanor counts of second-degree animal cruelty. Two dogs that were under Buggs’ care were allegedly found neglected and malnourished, and one of the dogs had to be euthanized.On June 16, Buggs was arrested on a charge of domestic violence/burglary and released on a $5,000 bond, according to records from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.The run-stuffing tackle out of Alabama played three seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers before spending the past two with the Detroit Lions. He has started 23 games and appeared in 56 in his career, with 89 tackles and two sacks.

🏈 Chiefs release DL Isaiah Buggs after 2 recent arrests in Alabama

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Ryan Prickett, Fort Hays State University Sports Information Director, was named among the Best of NCAA Division II for the annual College Sports Communicators (CSC) Photographer of the Year honor, announced in June. This is the second-straight year Prickett has been honored by CSC for his photography work after being named the CSC College Division Photographer of the Year in 2023.

This was just the second year CSC bestowed honors for the photography work of its membership as part of its annual Creative and Digital Design Awards. Prickett was the first to receive CSC Photographer of the Year honors in the College Division when the inaugural edition of the honor was awarded in 2023. The College Division combines NCAA Divisions II and III, the NAIA, Canadian institutions, and the NJCAA (the levels combined consist of about 1,500 colleges nationwide), while the University Division is all NCAA Division I schools. This year' s CSC Photographer of the Year award in the College Division went to Hannah Robb of St. Olaf College, an NCAA Division III member institution in Minnesota. The Photographer of the Year honor in the University Division went to Malloreigh Yingling from the University of Richmond.

A change to the award this year was CSC creating a "Best Of" list for three of the levels in the College Division, since the division includes all colleges that are not NCAA Division I members. Listed first in NCAA Division II this year was Brittany Iamele of Eckerd College (Fla.). Prickett was tabbed No. 2 and fellow MIAA athletic communications professional Gene Cassell, Assistant AD for Communications at Washburn University, was listed No. 3.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/documents/2024/6/20/Ryan_Prickett_-_FHSU_-_2024_Photo_Portfolio_submission.pdf">See Prickett's Portfolio Submission Here</a>&nbsp;(Download to View)

With this honor, Prickett now has 19 total Citations of Excellence from CSC for his work on publications, design, and photography. Prickett has received six "Best in the Nation" honors from CSC (formerly CoSIDA), which includes five for publications and one for photography last year. He is entering his 20th&nbsp;year as Sports Information Director at Fort Hays State in 2024-25.Only photos from the 2023-24 athletic calendar year were eligible for review. Prickett is limited in the amount of gameday/event photography he does during a year, since his primary responsibilities involve media relations, official stats, writing, and various other operations covering and promoting FHSU's 17 sports. He has also done all studio photography for each sport each of the last two years. Prickett has assembled a talented group of assistants, student workers, and volunteers who often photograph events for FHSU, but he enjoys getting behind the camera as well when having the chance to do so.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719253082888.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsLAS VEGAS, Nev. – Ryan Prickett, Fort Hays State University Sports Information Director, was named among the Best of NCAA Division II for the annual College Sports Communicators (CSC) Photographer of the Year honor, announced in June. This is the second-straight year Prickett has been honored by CSC for his photography work after being named the CSC College Division Photographer of the Year in 2023.This was just the second year CSC bestowed honors for the photography work of its membership as part of its annual Creative and Digital Design Awards. Prickett was the first to receive CSC Photographer of the Year honors in the College Division when the inaugural edition of the honor was awarded in 2023. The College Division combines NCAA Divisions II and III, the NAIA, Canadian institutions, and the NJCAA (the levels combined consist of about 1,500 colleges nationwide), while the University Division is all NCAA Division I schools. This year' s CSC Photographer of the Year award in the College Division went to Hannah Robb of St. Olaf College, an NCAA Division III member institution in Minnesota. The Photographer of the Year honor in the University Division went to Malloreigh Yingling from the University of Richmond.A change to the award this year was CSC creating a "Best Of" list for three of the levels in the College Division, since the division includes all colleges that are not NCAA Division I members. Listed first in NCAA Division II this year was Brittany Iamele of Eckerd College (Fla.). Prickett was tabbed No. 2 and fellow MIAA athletic communications professional Gene Cassell, Assistant AD for Communications at Washburn University, was listed No. 3.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/documents/2024/6/20/Ryan_Prickett_-_FHSU_-_2024_Photo_Portfolio_submission.pdf">See Prickett's Portfolio Submission Here</a>&nbsp;(Download to View)With this honor, Prickett now has 19 total Citations of Excellence from CSC for his work on publications, design, and photography. Prickett has received six "Best in the Nation" honors from CSC (formerly CoSIDA), which includes five for publications and one for photography last year. He is entering his 20th&nbsp;year as Sports Information Director at Fort Hays State in 2024-25.Only photos from the 2023-24 athletic calendar year were eligible for review. Prickett is limited in the amount of gameday/event photography he does during a year, since his primary responsibilities involve media relations, official stats, writing, and various other operations covering and promoting FHSU's 17 sports. He has also done all studio photography for each sport each of the last two years. Prickett has assembled a talented group of assistants, student workers, and volunteers who often photograph events for FHSU, but he enjoys getting behind the camera as well when having the chance to do so.

FHSU's Prickett honored among best of Division II for Annual CSC photography recognition

EUGENE, Ore. – Former FHSU standout performer and current FHSU employee Brett Meyer saw his run at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials conclude in the semifinals of the 1,500-meter run on Saturday evening. Meyer was one of 38 individuals who ran a qualifying time this past year to compete in the trials.

The 1,500-meter run is broken up into three rounds at the Olympic Trials. Meyer advanced through the first round of competition on Friday evening (June 21) by posting the seventh-fastest time in the field. He ran 3:36.70, only three-tenths of a second off his personal best of 3:36.40 clocked less than two weeks earlier in preparation for the trials.

He was one of 25 runners to compete in Saturday's semifinal races. He finished 20th&nbsp;overall on Saturday with a time of 3:39.38. The top five in each heat from Saturday's semifinals, plus the top two times aside from the top five of each heat, moved on to Monday's final.

Meyer ran a sub-3:40 time in nine of his last 10 1,500-meter races going back to 2023. The 3:36.40 ran on June 9 in Portland, Ore. and the 3:36.70 ran on June 21 in the U.S. Olympic Trials are his two-fastest times ever in the event. He has now dipped below 3:37 three times, all since July of 2023.A few years ago, Meyer broke a 53-year old record on February 13, 2021 by running the fastest-ever indoor mile on Kansas soil with a time of 3:58.59 at the Ichabod Invitational in Topeka, Kan. on the campus of Washburn University. It was only the second sub-4-minute indoor mile ran ever in Kansas as it topped former U.S. Olympian and University of Kansas grad Jim Ryun's time of 3:58.8 on March 4, 1967 on the old dirt track that used to encircle the basketball court inside of Allen Fieldhouse at the University of Kansas.

Meyer was the 2019 NCAA Division II national champion in the outdoor 1,500 meters, which was the culmination of his six-time All-America performance career at FHSU. He now serves as an assistant coach for the Fort Hays State track and field team. Meyer is a Coordinator for Student Engagement at Fort Hays State University in the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success. He is a two-time graduate from Fort Hays State University, earning a bachelor of science in Health and Human Performance in 2019 before completing a master's of science in the same department in 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719246111320.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEUGENE, Ore. – Former FHSU standout performer and current FHSU employee Brett Meyer saw his run at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials conclude in the semifinals of the 1,500-meter run on Saturday evening. Meyer was one of 38 individuals who ran a qualifying time this past year to compete in the trials.The 1,500-meter run is broken up into three rounds at the Olympic Trials. Meyer advanced through the first round of competition on Friday evening (June 21) by posting the seventh-fastest time in the field. He ran 3:36.70, only three-tenths of a second off his personal best of 3:36.40 clocked less than two weeks earlier in preparation for the trials.He was one of 25 runners to compete in Saturday's semifinal races. He finished 20th&nbsp;overall on Saturday with a time of 3:39.38. The top five in each heat from Saturday's semifinals, plus the top two times aside from the top five of each heat, moved on to Monday's final.Meyer ran a sub-3:40 time in nine of his last 10 1,500-meter races going back to 2023. The 3:36.40 ran on June 9 in Portland, Ore. and the 3:36.70 ran on June 21 in the U.S. Olympic Trials are his two-fastest times ever in the event. He has now dipped below 3:37 three times, all since July of 2023.A few years ago, Meyer broke a 53-year old record on February 13, 2021 by running the fastest-ever indoor mile on Kansas soil with a time of 3:58.59 at the Ichabod Invitational in Topeka, Kan. on the campus of Washburn University. It was only the second sub-4-minute indoor mile ran ever in Kansas as it topped former U.S. Olympian and University of Kansas grad Jim Ryun's time of 3:58.8 on March 4, 1967 on the old dirt track that used to encircle the basketball court inside of Allen Fieldhouse at the University of Kansas.Meyer was the 2019 NCAA Division II national champion in the outdoor 1,500 meters, which was the culmination of his six-time All-America performance career at FHSU. He now serves as an assistant coach for the Fort Hays State track and field team. Meyer is a Coordinator for Student Engagement at Fort Hays State University in the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success. He is a two-time graduate from Fort Hays State University, earning a bachelor of science in Health and Human Performance in 2019 before completing a master's of science in the same department in 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🏃‍♂️ Meyer’s run at Olympic Trials concludes in 1,500m semifinals

Monday June 24 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Miami Marlins, 6:30pm

Monday June 24 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Miami Marlins, 6:30pmTuesday, June 25
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Miami Marlins, 6:30pmWednesday, June 26
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Miami Marlins, 12:30pmThursday, June 27
 KAYS:
Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pmFriday, June 28
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pmSaturday, June 29
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 2:30pmSunday, June 30
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 12:30pm

HAYS – Nathan Wilson
struck out 11 batters over six innings, Tyler Lyssy had two hits and drove in a
pair of runs and the Hays Larks beat the Gameday Angels 5-2 on Sunday to complete
a three-game series sweep at Larks Park.

Aiden Schmidgall and
Trent Baker combined to pitch three scoreless innings of relief as the Larks (13-2,
10-1 RMBL) ran their winning-streak to nine games.

Wilson (5-0) retired 14
of the first 15 batters he faced before giving up a solo home run in the fifth.

The Larks scored two in
the second. Lyssy was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for the first run. Kaiden
Duncan reached on a error which scored the second run.

The Angels scored single
runs in the fifth and sixth to tie the game at 2-2, but the Larks answered with
three in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead back for good. An error on
the Gameday catcher allowed Wilbert Espinal to score the go-ahead run. Russell
Houston doubled which drove in Taber Stokes. Houston scored on a two-out double
from Lyssy to close out the scoring.

The Larks pitching staff combined to strike out 13 batters Sunday and 39 for the three-game series. After fanning a season-high 15 Angel hitters in Friday's series opener, they struck out 11 on Saturday.

After playing 13 of
their last 14 games at home, the Larks play nine of their next 11 on the road
beginning with a non-league game Monday night in Junction City against the
Brigade.

Hays PostHAYS – Nathan Wilson
struck out 11 batters over six innings, Tyler Lyssy had two hits and drove in a
pair of runs and the Hays Larks beat the Gameday Angels 5-2 on Sunday to complete
a three-game series sweep at Larks Park.Aiden Schmidgall and
Trent Baker combined to pitch three scoreless innings of relief as the Larks (13-2,
10-1 RMBL) ran their winning-streak to nine games.Wilson (5-0) retired 14
of the first 15 batters he faced before giving up a solo home run in the fifth.The Larks scored two in
the second. Lyssy was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for the first run. Kaiden
Duncan reached on a error which scored the second run.The Angels scored single
runs in the fifth and sixth to tie the game at 2-2, but the Larks answered with
three in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead back for good. An error on
the Gameday catcher allowed Wilbert Espinal to score the go-ahead run. Russell
Houston doubled which drove in Taber Stokes. Houston scored on a two-out double
from Lyssy to close out the scoring.DOUBLE-DIGIT STIKEOUTSThe Larks pitching staff combined to strike out 13 batters Sunday and 39 for the three-game series. After fanning a season-high 15 Angel hitters in Friday's series opener, they struck out 11 on Saturday.UP NEXTAfter playing 13 of
their last 14 games at home, the Larks play nine of their next 11 on the road
beginning with a non-league game Monday night in Junction City against the
Brigade.

⚾ Wilson strikes out 11 as Larks run win-streak to nine games

OMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;No.&nbsp; 1 Tennessee used a stellar performance from its pitching staff and scored four late runs to earn a hard-fought 4-1 win over No. 3 Texas A&amp;M on Sunday afternoon at Charles Schwab Field, forcing a winner-take-all game three on Monday night that will decide the 2024 national champion.

The Volunteers handed the Aggies (53-14) their first loss of the NCAA Tournament as they were on a nine-game winning streak that started after their 7-4 loss to UT in the SEC Tournament back on May 23.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Volunteers entered the seventh inning trailing 1-0 despite having at least one runner reach base in five of the first six innings. UT was finally able to break through in the seventh when Dylan Dreiling launched a 1-1 pitch over the bullpen in right field for a two-run homer to give the Vols a 2-1 lead.

Through the Vols' five Men's College World Series games, Dreiling leads the team with a .500 batting average (11-for-22), two home runs and eight RBIs.

Cal Stark&nbsp;followed Dreiling's lead with a two-run, two-out blast of his own in the top of the eighth inning to add some insurance.

Tennessee (59-13) got another solid start from junior righthander Drew Beam,&nbsp;who struck out seven and allowed just one run on three hits over four innings.

A national champion will be crowned on Monday night when Tennessee and Texas A&amp;M meet in a winner-take-all game three. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. CT (7 p.m. ET) and the contest will be televised on ESPN.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719189659908.jpeg" alt="Dylan Dreiling in the dugout after hitting a go-ahead home run against Texas A&amp;M at the Men's College World Series on Sunday, June 23, 2024 in Omaha, Neb. (Tennessee Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Dylan Dreiling in the dugout after hitting a go-ahead home run against Texas A&amp;M at the Men's College World Series on Sunday, June 23, 2024 in Omaha, Neb. (Tennessee Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tennessee AthleticsOMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;No.&nbsp; 1 Tennessee used a stellar performance from its pitching staff and scored four late runs to earn a hard-fought 4-1 win over No. 3 Texas A&amp;M on Sunday afternoon at Charles Schwab Field, forcing a winner-take-all game three on Monday night that will decide the 2024 national champion.The Volunteers handed the Aggies (53-14) their first loss of the NCAA Tournament as they were on a nine-game winning streak that started after their 7-4 loss to UT in the SEC Tournament back on May 23.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Volunteers entered the seventh inning trailing 1-0 despite having at least one runner reach base in five of the first six innings. UT was finally able to break through in the seventh when Dylan Dreiling launched a 1-1 pitch over the bullpen in right field for a two-run homer to give the Vols a 2-1 lead.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">They don&#39;t make &#39;em any more CLUTCH than DYLAN DREILING! LET&#39;S GOOOO! 📺 <a href="https://t.co/dOromFvTCS">https://t.co/dOromFvTCS</a> (ABC)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBO</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OTH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OTH</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCWS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCWS</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeatTAMU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeatTAMU</a> <a href="https://t.co/sWK0xhyhWX">pic.twitter.com/sWK0xhyhWX</a>&mdash; Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vol_Baseball/status/1804979250174312645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Through the Vols' five Men's College World Series games, Dreiling leads the team with a .500 batting average (11-for-22), two home runs and eight RBIs.Cal Stark&nbsp;followed Dreiling's lead with a two-run, two-out blast of his own in the top of the eighth inning to add some insurance.Tennessee (59-13) got another solid start from junior righthander Drew Beam,&nbsp;who struck out seven and allowed just one run on three hits over four innings.UP NEXTA national champion will be crowned on Monday night when Tennessee and Texas A&amp;M meet in a winner-take-all game three. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. CT (7 p.m. ET) and the contest will be televised on ESPN.

⚾ Dreiling homer leads Vols' past Texas A&M to force Game 3 of MCWS finals

The Hays Larks host the Gameday Angels Sunday in the final game of a three-game RMBL series at Larks Park.

Sunday's first pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Larks Park.&nbsp;

&nbsp; You can view Sunday's game on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6jgeTJn7Ns">&nbsp;Larks YouTube channel.</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks host the Gameday Angels Sunday in the final game of a three-game RMBL series at Larks Park.Sunday's first pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Larks Park.&nbsp;&nbsp; You can view Sunday's game on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6jgeTJn7Ns">&nbsp;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 hosts Gameday

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Three-time Cy Young Award winner&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/8193/">Max Scherzer</a>&nbsp;retired 15 of the 16 batters he faced over five scoreless innings in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rangers-scherzer-royals-89d890830653f4407b0c8b979643bb2e" target="_blank">season debut</a>, rookie&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/62973/">Wyatt Langford</a>&nbsp;extended his RBI streak to five games and the&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/texas/">Texas Rangers</a>&nbsp;beat the&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/kansas-city/">Kansas City Royals</a>&nbsp;4-0 on Sunday to complete a three-game series sweep.

<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/9931/">José Ureña</a>&nbsp;pitched the final four innings for his first save and extended the Rangers' consecutive scoreless innings pitched streak to a season-high 22, their longest since 23 in a row in September 2016.

<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/12562/">Josh Smith</a>&nbsp;homered for the Rangers (37-40), who matched their season high by winning their fourth game in a row. It was the first three-game sweep of the season for the reigning World Series champions.

The Royals ended a 2-7 road trip, though at 42-37 overall, they have 20 wins more than at the same point last season. They were shut out for the fourth time this season, including three on the trip that ended with being held scoreless the last two games in&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/texas/">Texas</a>.

<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/kansas-city/">Kansas City</a>&nbsp;manager Matt Quatraro missed the series finale to tend to a personal matter, so bench coach Paul Hoover managed the game.

Texas went ahead for good on Langford's RBI double in the fourth off&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/12446/">Alec Marsh</a>&nbsp;(5-5). Langford had a grand slam in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rangers-royals-score-8473a61b518271c4d8ff63d45835b604" target="_blank">Saturday's 6-0 win</a>&nbsp;and has 10 RBIs in the last five games.&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10608/">Leody Taveras</a>&nbsp;was 5 for 58 in June before his two-run single later in the fourth, and Josh Smith homered leading off the seventh.

Scherzer (1-0) struck out four while allowing only one hit and now walks. The right-hander threw 39 of his 57 pitches for strikes in his first start since exiting Game 3 of the World Series last Oct. 30 after three innings because of back tightness. His fastball was consistently in the 92-94 mph range.

The 39-year-old pitcher, who turns 40 on July 27, had surgery in mid-December to repair a herniated disk in his lower back, then during his rehab dealt with a nerve issue that was diagnosed after he experienced right thumb soreness.

<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10891/">MJ Melendez</a>&nbsp;had the only Royals hit off Scherzer, a ground-rule double that bounced into the Texas bullpen in the right-center field gap.

Scherzer's fourth and final strikeout was the 3,371st in his career to match Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux for 11th on MLB’s career list. Maddux, a four-time Cy Young winner, is the brother of Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux.

Marsh struck out four while allowing three runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 innings.

Royals:&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10322/">Adam Frazier</a>&nbsp;was scratched from the starting lineup because of a right thumb sprain sustained playing in the outfield Saturday. He was initially set to lead off as the designated hitter for the series finale.

Rangers: RHP Yerry Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to make room on the active roster for Scherzer.

Royals: After nine road games in 10 days, the Royals play the first of 10 home games over 11 days on Monday night against&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/miami/">Miami</a>, with LHP&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10610/">Cole Ragans</a>&nbsp;(4-5, 3.13 ERA) set to start.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Three-time Cy Young Award winner&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/8193/">Max Scherzer</a>&nbsp;retired 15 of the 16 batters he faced over five scoreless innings in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rangers-scherzer-royals-89d890830653f4407b0c8b979643bb2e" target="_blank">season debut</a>, rookie&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/62973/">Wyatt Langford</a>&nbsp;extended his RBI streak to five games and the&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/texas/">Texas Rangers</a>&nbsp;beat the&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/kansas-city/">Kansas City Royals</a>&nbsp;4-0 on Sunday to complete a three-game series sweep.<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/9931/">José Ureña</a>&nbsp;pitched the final four innings for his first save and extended the Rangers' consecutive scoreless innings pitched streak to a season-high 22, their longest since 23 in a row in September 2016.<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/12562/">Josh Smith</a>&nbsp;homered for the Rangers (37-40), who matched their season high by winning their fourth game in a row. It was the first three-game sweep of the season for the reigning World Series champions.The Royals ended a 2-7 road trip, though at 42-37 overall, they have 20 wins more than at the same point last season. They were shut out for the fourth time this season, including three on the trip that ended with being held scoreless the last two games in&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/texas/">Texas</a>.<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/kansas-city/">Kansas City</a>&nbsp;manager Matt Quatraro missed the series finale to tend to a personal matter, so bench coach Paul Hoover managed the game.Texas went ahead for good on Langford's RBI double in the fourth off&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/12446/">Alec Marsh</a>&nbsp;(5-5). Langford had a grand slam in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rangers-royals-score-8473a61b518271c4d8ff63d45835b604" target="_blank">Saturday's 6-0 win</a>&nbsp;and has 10 RBIs in the last five games.&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10608/">Leody Taveras</a>&nbsp;was 5 for 58 in June before his two-run single later in the fourth, and Josh Smith homered leading off the seventh.Scherzer (1-0) struck out four while allowing only one hit and now walks. The right-hander threw 39 of his 57 pitches for strikes in his first start since exiting Game 3 of the World Series last Oct. 30 after three innings because of back tightness. His fastball was consistently in the 92-94 mph range.The 39-year-old pitcher, who turns 40 on July 27, had surgery in mid-December to repair a herniated disk in his lower back, then during his rehab dealt with a nerve issue that was diagnosed after he experienced right thumb soreness.<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10891/">MJ Melendez</a>&nbsp;had the only Royals hit off Scherzer, a ground-rule double that bounced into the Texas bullpen in the right-center field gap.Scherzer's fourth and final strikeout was the 3,371st in his career to match Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux for 11th on MLB’s career list. Maddux, a four-time Cy Young winner, is the brother of Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux.Marsh struck out four while allowing three runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 innings.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals:&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10322/">Adam Frazier</a>&nbsp;was scratched from the starting lineup because of a right thumb sprain sustained playing in the outfield Saturday. He was initially set to lead off as the designated hitter for the series finale.Rangers: RHP Yerry Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to make room on the active roster for Scherzer.UP NEXTRoyals: After nine road games in 10 days, the Royals play the first of 10 home games over 11 days on Monday night against&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/miami/">Miami</a>, with LHP&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10610/">Cole Ragans</a>&nbsp;(4-5, 3.13 ERA) set to start.Rangers:&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/9949/">Michael Lorenzen</a>&nbsp;(4-3, 3.00) is the scheduled starter on Monday night when the Rangers play their first game at&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/milwaukee/">Milwaukee</a>&nbsp;since 2019.