HAYS
– The Hays Larks sent 20 batters to the plate in a 14-run third inning and closed
out their three game homestand with 20-2 blowout of the Dodge City A’s Monday
night at Larks Park.

Dylan
LaRue homered twice in the big frame. His two-run shot which pushed the lead to
8-1. Lane Sparks added a three-run blast to push the lead to 11-1. LaRue then added
another three-run homer to increase the lead to 15-1. The Larks (15-3-1, 11-3
RMBL) took advantage of six walks and had 10 hits in the inning.

Trent
Baker hit a two-run homer in the second to push the Larks lead to 6-1. Sparks
had&nbsp; two-run single and Thomas Lyssy a
two-run double earlier in the inning. 

Dodge
City (10-13, 5-6 RMBL) scored on a wild pitch in the second to take an early
1-0 lead.

Sparks
finished with three hits and seven RBIs which is the most since Brady Evans drive in seven vs. Colorado Springs Outlaws on July 8, 2022. LaRue had three hits and drove in
five, Baker also had three hits and three RBIs.

Nick
Gray (4-0) allowed one run on three hits with seven strikeouts over five
innings and picked up his team-leading fourth win.

The
20 runs scored by the Larks are the most in a game since they scored 21 at the
Colorado Springs Cage Rats on June 24, 2023. 

It’s
the second time this season the Larks have hit four or more home runs against
the A’s. They hit five out in their home opener on June 7th.

The
Larks have won five straight and move to 15-3-1 and 11-3 in the Rocky Mountain
Baseball League.



The Larks head to Colorado for a three-game road trip
beginning with the Collegiate Roughriders in Denver on Wednesday, July 2.

Hays Post SportsHAYS
– The Hays Larks sent 20 batters to the plate in a 14-run third inning and closed
out their three game homestand with 20-2 blowout of the Dodge City A’s Monday
night at Larks Park.Dylan
LaRue homered twice in the big frame. His two-run shot which pushed the lead to
8-1. Lane Sparks added a three-run blast to push the lead to 11-1. LaRue then added
another three-run homer to increase the lead to 15-1. The Larks (15-3-1, 11-3
RMBL) took advantage of six walks and had 10 hits in the inning.Trent
Baker hit a two-run homer in the second to push the Larks lead to 6-1. Sparks
had&nbsp; two-run single and Thomas Lyssy a
two-run double earlier in the inning. Dodge
City (10-13, 5-6 RMBL) scored on a wild pitch in the second to take an early
1-0 lead.Sparks
finished with three hits and seven RBIs which is the most since Brady Evans drive in seven vs. Colorado Springs Outlaws on July 8, 2022. LaRue had three hits and drove in
five, Baker also had three hits and three RBIs.Nick
Gray (4-0) allowed one run on three hits with seven strikeouts over five
innings and picked up his team-leading fourth win.The
20 runs scored by the Larks are the most in a game since they scored 21 at the
Colorado Springs Cage Rats on June 24, 2023. It’s
the second time this season the Larks have hit four or more home runs against
the A’s. They hit five out in their home opener on June 7th.The
Larks have won five straight and move to 15-3-1 and 11-3 in the Rocky Mountain
Baseball League.

UP
NEXTThe Larks head to Colorado for a three-game road trip
beginning with the Collegiate Roughriders in Denver on Wednesday, July 2.

⚾ Larks hit 4 homers in rout of Dodge City

The Hays Larks host the Dodge City A's Monday at Larks Park for a single RMBL contest.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks host the Dodge City A's Monday at Larks Park for a single RMBL contest.First pitch is set for 7 p.m.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 host Dodge City A's

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Former Wildcat Coleman Hawkins has signed a summer league contract with the Golden State Warriors and will begin his professional career at the upcoming California Classic, which is slated for July 5, 6 and 8 at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

The Warriors will play three games against Summer League teams from the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat, all on national television.

The opener with the Lakers at 5:30 p.m., CT on Saturday, July 5 can be seen nationally on ESPN2, while the matchup with the Spurs at 5:30 p.m., CT on Sunday, July 6 can be seen on NBA TV. The final contest with the Heat at 6 p.m., CT on Tuesday, July 8 will be available on ESPN+.

Hawkins is also expected to play for the Warriors at the NBA 2K26 Summer League, which runs from July 10-20 in Las Vegas.

A Sacramento, Calif., native, Hawkins will be joined on the Warriors Summer League team by several familiar foes from this past season, including Houston's L.J. Cryer and Ja'Vier Francis, Utah's Gabe Madsen, and Texas Tech's Chance McMillian.

Former Wildcats Cam Carter (Spurs) and Arthur Kaluma (Lakers) are also expected to play in the California Classic after concluding their college careers this past season.

Hawkins earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors in his one season at K-State in 2024-25, as he was the only Division I player in the country to average at least 10.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He led the team in steals (1.8 spg.), blocks (1.3 bpg.), defensive rebounds (151) and minutes (33.6 mpg.), while he was second in rebounding (6.9 rpg.) and assists (4.3 apg.), third in field goals made (120) and fourth in scoring (10.7 ppg.). He scored in double figures in 16 games, including 10 times in Big 12 play, while he tallied 3 double-doubles, including a points/assists double-double at Kansas on Jan. 18.

More information on the California Classic and NBA 2K26 Summer League can be found here.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751305509974.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – Former Wildcat Coleman Hawkins has signed a summer league contract with the Golden State Warriors and will begin his professional career at the upcoming California Classic, which is slated for July 5, 6 and 8 at the Chase Center in San Francisco.The Warriors will play three games against Summer League teams from the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat, all on national television.The opener with the Lakers at 5:30 p.m., CT on Saturday, July 5 can be seen nationally on ESPN2, while the matchup with the Spurs at 5:30 p.m., CT on Sunday, July 6 can be seen on NBA TV. The final contest with the Heat at 6 p.m., CT on Tuesday, July 8 will be available on ESPN+.Hawkins is also expected to play for the Warriors at the NBA 2K26 Summer League, which runs from July 10-20 in Las Vegas.A Sacramento, Calif., native, Hawkins will be joined on the Warriors Summer League team by several familiar foes from this past season, including Houston's L.J. Cryer and Ja'Vier Francis, Utah's Gabe Madsen, and Texas Tech's Chance McMillian.Former Wildcats Cam Carter (Spurs) and Arthur Kaluma (Lakers) are also expected to play in the California Classic after concluding their college careers this past season.Hawkins earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors in his one season at K-State in 2024-25, as he was the only Division I player in the country to average at least 10.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He led the team in steals (1.8 spg.), blocks (1.3 bpg.), defensive rebounds (151) and minutes (33.6 mpg.), while he was second in rebounding (6.9 rpg.) and assists (4.3 apg.), third in field goals made (120) and fourth in scoring (10.7 ppg.). He scored in double figures in 16 games, including 10 times in Big 12 play, while he tallied 3 double-doubles, including a points/assists double-double at Kansas on Jan. 18.More information on the California Classic and NBA 2K26 Summer League can be found here.

🏀 Former K-State Wildcat to play with Golden State in NBA Summer League

ATLANTA — Major League Baseball announced Monday the rosters for the 2025 All-Star Futures Game, scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Truist Park in Atlanta.

Among the 50 top prospects selected for the annual showcase are a pair of Kansas City Royals farmhands: catcher Carter Jensen and left-handed pitcher Frank Mozzicato.

Jensen, ranked No. 80 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list, is the No. 3 prospect in the Royals’ system. Mozzicato, the No. 12 prospect in the organization, is currently pitching for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

Mozzicato has posted a 1-2 record with a 4.29 ERA in 14 starts this season. Over 63 innings, he has recorded 55 strikeouts, allowed 45 hits, and held opposing hitters to a .206 batting average.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751303557826.png" alt="Photo Courtesy MLB" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy MLB</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA — Major League Baseball announced Monday the rosters for the 2025 All-Star Futures Game, scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Truist Park in Atlanta.Among the 50 top prospects selected for the annual showcase are a pair of Kansas City Royals farmhands: catcher Carter Jensen and left-handed pitcher Frank Mozzicato.Jensen, ranked No. 80 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list, is the No. 3 prospect in the Royals’ system. Mozzicato, the No. 12 prospect in the organization, is currently pitching for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.Mozzicato has posted a 1-2 record with a 4.29 ERA in 14 starts this season. Over 63 innings, he has recorded 55 strikeouts, allowed 45 hits, and held opposing hitters to a .206 batting average.

⚾ Royals' Jensen, Mozzicato named to 2025 MLB All-Star Futures Game

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

Monday, June 30 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners, 8:00pm

Tuesday, July 1 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners, 8:00pm

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

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

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

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Monday, June 30 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners, 8:00pmTuesday, July 1 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners, 8:00pmWednesday, July 2 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners, 8:00pmThursday, July 3 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners, 8:30pmFriday, July 4 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Arizona Diamondbacks, 8:00pmSaturday, July 5 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Arizona Diamondbacks, 2:30pmSunday, July 6 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Arizona Diamondbacks, 2:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

HAYS
– Trent Baker hit a go-ahead grand slam in the fourth, Kaleb Duncan added a two-run
shot an inning later and the Hays Larks completed a two-game sweep of the
Collegiate (Colo.) Roughriders 8-3 in a non-league game Sunday evening at Larks Park.

Baker’s
bases-loaded line drive shot over the left field wall put the Larks (14-3-1,
10-3 RMBL) up 4-1 and was their second grand slam this week (Jackson Babcock at
Liberal, 6/26). Duncan’s homer extended the lead to 6-1.

After
the Roughriders (6-10, 3-3 RMBL) struck for two in the seventh to close the gap
to 7-3, the Larks answered with a run in the bottom of the seventh on Dylan
LaRue single then added another run in the eighth on a Baker sacrifice fly.

Duncan
finished with three of the Larks 11 hits and Baker drove in five runs.

Seven
Larks pitchers combined to strike out 13 while walking only three.

Lorenzo
Rios was the fourth pitcher of the night and picked up the win with an inning
of work.

Hays Post SportsHAYS
– Trent Baker hit a go-ahead grand slam in the fourth, Kaleb Duncan added a two-run
shot an inning later and the Hays Larks completed a two-game sweep of the
Collegiate (Colo.) Roughriders 8-3 in a non-league game Sunday evening at Larks Park.Baker’s
bases-loaded line drive shot over the left field wall put the Larks (14-3-1,
10-3 RMBL) up 4-1 and was their second grand slam this week (Jackson Babcock at
Liberal, 6/26). Duncan’s homer extended the lead to 6-1.After
the Roughriders (6-10, 3-3 RMBL) struck for two in the seventh to close the gap
to 7-3, the Larks answered with a run in the bottom of the seventh on Dylan
LaRue single then added another run in the eighth on a Baker sacrifice fly.Duncan
finished with three of the Larks 11 hits and Baker drove in five runs.Seven
Larks pitchers combined to strike out 13 while walking only three.Lorenzo
Rios was the fourth pitcher of the night and picked up the win with an inning
of work.UP
NEXT

⚾ Baker grand slam helps Larks finish off sweep of Roughriders

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kiké Hernández hit a two-run homer, Will Smith also went deep and the Los Angeles Dodgers got a dominant performance from Justin Wrobleski and the rest of their bullpen in a rain-delayed 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Wrobleski (4-2) pitched six innings of three-hit ball in place of opener Lou Trivino, Kirby Yates worked a perfect eighth and Jack Dreyer handled the ninth, helping Los Angeles win for the sixth time in seven games.

Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas also drove in runs for the Dodgers, who have won six consecutive series.

Kris Bubic (6-6) allowed Hernández's two-run shot in the second inning among his three hits and two walks in five innings. The left-hander struck out five but still took his fourth loss in his last five starts, despite maintaining a 2.25 ERA.

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to score the only run for the Royals, who have lost seven of their last eight games.

Both of the teams paid homage to the Negro Leagues, whose museum is less than 10 miles from Kauffman Stadium. The Dodgers wore hats from their Brooklyn days out of respect for Jackie Robinson, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs before breaking the color barrier, and the Royals wore the interlocking “KC” hats of the 1945 Monarchs.

The Dodgers were leading 2-1 in the fifth when Freddy Fermin led off with a bunt single for Kansas City. Drew Waters worked a 3-0 count before failing to get down a sacrifice bunt, striking out instead. Wrobleski proceeded to get Jonathan India to pop out and struck out Witt to end the threat.

The Royals went 6 for 12 with runners in scoring position in their 9-5 win Saturday. They were 1 for 5 on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751279398489.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Dodgers' Kike Hernandez (8) celebrates with Andy Pages (44) after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Dodgers' Kike Hernandez (8) celebrates with Andy Pages (44) after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kiké Hernández hit a two-run homer, Will Smith also went deep and the Los Angeles Dodgers got a dominant performance from Justin Wrobleski and the rest of their bullpen in a rain-delayed 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.Wrobleski (4-2) pitched six innings of three-hit ball in place of opener Lou Trivino, Kirby Yates worked a perfect eighth and Jack Dreyer handled the ninth, helping Los Angeles win for the sixth time in seven games.Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas also drove in runs for the Dodgers, who have won six consecutive series.Kris Bubic (6-6) allowed Hernández's two-run shot in the second inning among his three hits and two walks in five innings. The left-hander struck out five but still took his fourth loss in his last five starts, despite maintaining a 2.25 ERA.Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to score the only run for the Royals, who have lost seven of their last eight games.Both of the teams paid homage to the Negro Leagues, whose museum is less than 10 miles from Kauffman Stadium. The Dodgers wore hats from their Brooklyn days out of respect for Jackie Robinson, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs before breaking the color barrier, and the Royals wore the interlocking “KC” hats of the 1945 Monarchs.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Dodgers were leading 2-1 in the fifth when Freddy Fermin led off with a bunt single for Kansas City. Drew Waters worked a 3-0 count before failing to get down a sacrifice bunt, striking out instead. Wrobleski proceeded to get Jonathan India to pop out and struck out Witt to end the threat.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals went 6 for 12 with runners in scoring position in their 9-5 win Saturday. They were 1 for 5 on Sunday.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Dodgers' Hernández and Smith homer in win over Royals

The Hays Larks close out a two-game series against the&nbsp;Colorado Roughriders Sunday at Larks Park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks close out a two-game series against the&nbsp;Colorado Roughriders Sunday at Larks Park.First pitch is set for 6 p.m.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 host Colorado Roughriders

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22STEPHEN%20WHYNO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer</a>

D. Wayne Lukas, the Hall of Famer who became one of the most accomplished trainers in the history of horse racing and a face of the sport for decades, has died. He was 89.

His family said Sunday that Lukas died Saturday night at his Louisville, Kentucky, home.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d-wayne-lukas-hosptialized-3696adc1800e69d3f7708374bd444d1c">Lukas had been hospitalized</a>&nbsp;with a severe MRSA blood infection that caused significant damage to his heart and digestive system and worsened pre-existing chronic conditions.

“Wayne devoted his life not only to horses but to the industry — developing generations of horsemen and horsewomen and growing the game by inviting unsuspecting fans into the winner’s circle,” his family said in a statement. “Whether he was boasting about a maiden 2-year-old as the next Kentucky Derby winner or offering quiet words of advice before a big race, Wayne brought heart, grace, and grit to every corner of the sport. His final days were spent at home in Kentucky, where he chose peace, family, and faith.”

Lukas won 15 Triple Crown races, including the Kentucky Derby four times. Only good friend Bob Baffert has more Triple Crown victories, and Lukas owns a record-tying 20 in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

“The whole secret of this game, I think, is being able to read the horse: Read what he needs, what he doesn’t need, what he can’t do, what he can do,” Lukas said in May before his 34th and final Preakness Stakes. “That’s the whole key. Everybody’s got the blacksmith, everybody’s got to the same bed available, the feed man. We all can hire a good jockey. We all can hire a pretty good exercise rider if we’ve got the means, so what the hell is the difference? The horse is the difference and what we do with him in reading him.”

Lukas was affectionately known around the barns and the racetrack as “Coach” because he coached high school basketball before his professional career with horses began. Even with months to go before his 90th birthday, he would get up on his pony in the early morning hours and go out to the track himself, rather than letting his assistants do the day-to-day work.

Born Darnell Wayne Lukas on Sept. 2, 1935, in Wisconsin as the second of three children, he rose to prominence in the sport with quarter horses in races that are effectively sprints. He moved into thoroughbreds in the late 1970s and won his first Preakness with Codex in 1980.

Lukas has 4,967 documented victories in thoroughbred racing, with his horses earning more than $310 million from more than 30,600 starts.

"Today we lost one of the great champions of Churchill Downs and one of the most significant figures in Thoroughbred racing over the last 50 years,” Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen said. “We will miss his humor, his wisdom and his unmatched capacity to thrill the fans with the performances of his horses on our sport’s biggest days.”

Achieving something of a career renaissance over the past decade, one he credits to finding the right owners willing to spend money on horses, Lukas won the Preakness last year with Seize the Grey. Asked what motivates him to keep doing his job well into his late 80s, he gave a pep talk fit for a locker room before a big game.

“If you have a passion, you eliminate all the excuses,” Lukas said. “That’s how it works. You get up early. You go without a meal. You drive. You go without sleep — as long as you got the passion. Don’t let that sofa pull you down. It’s a little easy when that alarm goes off to say, ‘Oh my God, I don’t know if I really want to do this today.’ Erase that. The most important decision you’ll ever make in your life is your attitude decision. Make it early, and make the right one.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751224552018.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22STEPHEN%20WHYNO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer</a>D. Wayne Lukas, the Hall of Famer who became one of the most accomplished trainers in the history of horse racing and a face of the sport for decades, has died. He was 89.His family said Sunday that Lukas died Saturday night at his Louisville, Kentucky, home.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d-wayne-lukas-hosptialized-3696adc1800e69d3f7708374bd444d1c">Lukas had been hospitalized</a>&nbsp;with a severe MRSA blood infection that caused significant damage to his heart and digestive system and worsened pre-existing chronic conditions.“Wayne devoted his life not only to horses but to the industry — developing generations of horsemen and horsewomen and growing the game by inviting unsuspecting fans into the winner’s circle,” his family said in a statement. “Whether he was boasting about a maiden 2-year-old as the next Kentucky Derby winner or offering quiet words of advice before a big race, Wayne brought heart, grace, and grit to every corner of the sport. His final days were spent at home in Kentucky, where he chose peace, family, and faith.”Lukas won 15 Triple Crown races, including the Kentucky Derby four times. Only good friend Bob Baffert has more Triple Crown victories, and Lukas owns a record-tying 20 in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.“The whole secret of this game, I think, is being able to read the horse: Read what he needs, what he doesn’t need, what he can’t do, what he can do,” Lukas said in May before his 34th and final Preakness Stakes. “That’s the whole key. Everybody’s got the blacksmith, everybody’s got to the same bed available, the feed man. We all can hire a good jockey. We all can hire a pretty good exercise rider if we’ve got the means, so what the hell is the difference? The horse is the difference and what we do with him in reading him.”Lukas was affectionately known around the barns and the racetrack as “Coach” because he coached high school basketball before his professional career with horses began. Even with months to go before his 90th birthday, he would get up on his pony in the early morning hours and go out to the track himself, rather than letting his assistants do the day-to-day work.Born Darnell Wayne Lukas on Sept. 2, 1935, in Wisconsin as the second of three children, he rose to prominence in the sport with quarter horses in races that are effectively sprints. He moved into thoroughbreds in the late 1970s and won his first Preakness with Codex in 1980.Lukas has 4,967 documented victories in thoroughbred racing, with his horses earning more than $310 million from more than 30,600 starts."Today we lost one of the great champions of Churchill Downs and one of the most significant figures in Thoroughbred racing over the last 50 years,” Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen said. “We will miss his humor, his wisdom and his unmatched capacity to thrill the fans with the performances of his horses on our sport’s biggest days.”Achieving something of a career renaissance over the past decade, one he credits to finding the right owners willing to spend money on horses, Lukas won the Preakness last year with Seize the Grey. Asked what motivates him to keep doing his job well into his late 80s, he gave a pep talk fit for a locker room before a big game.“If you have a passion, you eliminate all the excuses,” Lukas said. “That’s how it works. You get up early. You go without a meal. You drive. You go without sleep — as long as you got the passion. Don’t let that sofa pull you down. It’s a little easy when that alarm goes off to say, ‘Oh my God, I don’t know if I really want to do this today.’ Erase that. The most important decision you’ll ever make in your life is your attitude decision. Make it early, and make the right one.”___

Hall of Fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a winner of 15 Triple Crown races, dies at 89

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

Sunday, June 29 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 12:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Sunday, June 29 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 12:30pm

HAYS – The Hays Larks raced out to an early lead then pulled away late for a 14-4 win over the Collegiate (Colo.) Roughriders in a battle of the first and second place teams in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League Saturday evening at Larks Park. The first place Larks improved to 13-3-1 overall and 10-3 RMBL while the Roughriders fell to 6-9 overall and 3-3 in league play.

The Larks used four hits, two walks and a hit batter to score four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Thomas Lyssy had an RBI single, Jackson Babcock a two-run double and CJ Reid an RBI single.

The Roughriders answered with four in the top of the second but the Larks would take back the lead for good when Lyssy drew a bases loaded walk in the fourth. 

The Larks would add three more runs in the sixth on a Trent Baker two-run homer and Brady Kreutzer RBI single which pushed the lead to 8-4.

They blew the game open with a five-run seventh. Kaleb Duncan started the scoring with an RBI single. Baker added an RBI double, Duncan scored on a wild pitch, Babcock and Kreutzer also had runs scoring singles.

Duncan closed out the scoring with an RBI single to left to end the game by run-rule in the eighth.

Baker and Taber Stokes both had three of the Larks 14 hits. Baker drove in three runs with Duncan, Lyssy, Babcock and Kreutzer all driving in two runs.

Brooks Jones (1-0) allowed only one hit in four shutout innings of relief with eight strikeouts and three walks and picked up the win.

Starting pitcher Jordan Stribling allowed four runs on three hits with six strikeouts and five walks.

The Larks stole 11 bases in the game. Stokes had four, the most since Damian Ruiz stole four in game one of a doubleheader against the Liberal Bee Jays on July 19, 2023.

The Larks and Roughriders close out the two-game series Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at Larks Park. Admission is free courtesy of Fade Factory, Callahan Tax &amp; Accountant, Privian Wealth, A&amp;A Coors.

Hays Post SportsHAYS – The Hays Larks raced out to an early lead then pulled away late for a 14-4 win over the Collegiate (Colo.) Roughriders in a battle of the first and second place teams in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League Saturday evening at Larks Park. The first place Larks improved to 13-3-1 overall and 10-3 RMBL while the Roughriders fell to 6-9 overall and 3-3 in league play.The Larks used four hits, two walks and a hit batter to score four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Thomas Lyssy had an RBI single, Jackson Babcock a two-run double and CJ Reid an RBI single.The Roughriders answered with four in the top of the second but the Larks would take back the lead for good when Lyssy drew a bases loaded walk in the fourth. The Larks would add three more runs in the sixth on a Trent Baker two-run homer and Brady Kreutzer RBI single which pushed the lead to 8-4.They blew the game open with a five-run seventh. Kaleb Duncan started the scoring with an RBI single. Baker added an RBI double, Duncan scored on a wild pitch, Babcock and Kreutzer also had runs scoring singles.Duncan closed out the scoring with an RBI single to left to end the game by run-rule in the eighth.Baker and Taber Stokes both had three of the Larks 14 hits. Baker drove in three runs with Duncan, Lyssy, Babcock and Kreutzer all driving in two runs.Brooks Jones (1-0) allowed only one hit in four shutout innings of relief with eight strikeouts and three walks and picked up the win.Starting pitcher Jordan Stribling allowed four runs on three hits with six strikeouts and five walks.HIGHWAY ROBBERYThe Larks stole 11 bases in the game. Stokes had four, the most since Damian Ruiz stole four in game one of a doubleheader against the Liberal Bee Jays on July 19, 2023.UP NEXTThe Larks and Roughriders close out the two-game series Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at Larks Park. Admission is free courtesy of Fade Factory, Callahan Tax &amp; Accountant, Privian Wealth, A&amp;A Coors.

⚾ Larks pull away from Roughriders to take series opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered, doubled and drove in a career high-tying five runs, and the Kansas City Royals beat Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-5 on Saturday to snap an 11-game home losing streak.

Ohtani made his third start of the season and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-pitching-882646a3578e99e4c81b1c0e774df7d1">threw the fastest pitch</a>&nbsp;of his career, a 101.7 mph fastball that induced an inning-ending double-play grounder by Pasquantino in the first.

The Dodgers' two-way superstar threw 27 pitches in two scoreless innings. He is working as an opener as he eases back into pitching following Tommy John surgery in 2023. Ohtani went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts as LA's leadoff batter.

Pasquantino’s&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1939074998011916473">430-foot, three-run blast</a>&nbsp;to right-center off Ben Casparius (6-2) capped a four-run fifth inning for the Royals, who won at Kaufmann Stadium for the first time since May 31. They ended a six-game skid overall.

Freddie Freeman went 3-for-3 with a homer for the Dodgers, whose five-game winning streak ended. Infielder Miguel Rojas pitched the eighth.

Seth Lugo (5-5) threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and five walks while striking out eight.

Casparius relieved Ohtani in the third and quickly allowed three hits and a pair of runs on Maikel Garcia’s two-out double off the left-field wall.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single in the fifth before Pasquantino went deep. Pasquantino added a two-run double in the seventh.

Jonathan India and Witt each had four hits as the top four Royals batters finished with 11 hits and eight runs.

The Royals' four-run fifth was their biggest inning at home since they scored four in the eighth against the Chicago White Sox on May 8.

The Royals' 15 home-field home runs are the fewest in the majors.

The Dodgers plan to use an opener for Sunday’s series finale against Royals LHP Kris Bubic (6-5, 2.16 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751156034931.png" alt="Image from KC Royals video" />
 <figcaption>Image from KC Royals video</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered, doubled and drove in a career high-tying five runs, and the Kansas City Royals beat Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-5 on Saturday to snap an 11-game home losing streak.Ohtani made his third start of the season and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-pitching-882646a3578e99e4c81b1c0e774df7d1">threw the fastest pitch</a>&nbsp;of his career, a 101.7 mph fastball that induced an inning-ending double-play grounder by Pasquantino in the first.The Dodgers' two-way superstar threw 27 pitches in two scoreless innings. He is working as an opener as he eases back into pitching following Tommy John surgery in 2023. Ohtani went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts as LA's leadoff batter.Pasquantino’s&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1939074998011916473">430-foot, three-run blast</a>&nbsp;to right-center off Ben Casparius (6-2) capped a four-run fifth inning for the Royals, who won at Kaufmann Stadium for the first time since May 31. They ended a six-game skid overall.Freddie Freeman went 3-for-3 with a homer for the Dodgers, whose five-game winning streak ended. Infielder Miguel Rojas pitched the eighth.Seth Lugo (5-5) threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and five walks while striking out eight.Casparius relieved Ohtani in the third and quickly allowed three hits and a pair of runs on Maikel Garcia’s two-out double off the left-field wall.Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single in the fifth before Pasquantino went deep. Pasquantino added a two-run double in the seventh.Jonathan India and Witt each had four hits as the top four Royals batters finished with 11 hits and eight runs.LA scored four runs in the ninth.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals' four-run fifth was their biggest inning at home since they scored four in the eighth against the Chicago White Sox on May 8.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals' 15 home-field home runs are the fewest in the majors.<h2>Up next</h2>The Dodgers plan to use an opener for Sunday’s series finale against Royals LHP Kris Bubic (6-5, 2.16 ERA).

⚾ Pasquantino's big day helps Royals beat Ohtani and the Dodgers 

The Hays Larks host the Colorado Roughriders for the first of a two-game series at Larks Park Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks host the Colorado Roughriders for the first of a two-game series at Larks Park Saturday.First pitch is set for 7 p.m.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

Saturday, June 28 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 2:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Saturday, June 28 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 2:30pmSunday, June 29 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 12:30pm

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani led off the game with his 29th home run and also hit an RBI triple, and Freddie Freeman stretched as he fell over to complete a game-ending double play as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Kansas City Royals 5-4 Friday night for their fifth straight win.

Ohtani hit his major league-leading eighth leadoff homer this season, a drive off off Noah Cameron (2-4), and Max Muncy hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer for a 3-1 lead in the second.

Bobby Witt Jr.'s two-run homer against Dustin May put Kansas City ahead 4-3 in the bottom half and gave the Royals their first lead since Sunday.

Ohtani tied the score in the fifth against Cameron (2-4) with his seventh triple of the season and scored on Mookie Betts' single off Steven Cruz.

Kansas City loaded the bases with one out in the ninth against Tanner Scott on singles by Mikael Garcia and Salvador Perez around Vinnie Pacquantino's walk.

Rookie Jac Caglianone grounded to second Tommy Edman, who made a backhand flip to Betts at second, and Betts bounced his throw to Freeman. The All-Star first baseman snagged the ball as he fell to the field, giving Scott his 18th save in 23 chances.

Kansas City has lost six straight overall and 11 home games in a row.

Lou Trivino (3-0) got five outs as five Dodgers relievers combined for shutout relief of Dustin May, who gave up four runs, six hits and three walks in four innings.

Cameron (2-4) allowed five runs, three hits and three walks in four-plus innings

Perez had a run-scoring single in the first. Kyle Isbel lined an RBI double just over the outstretched glove of right fielder Teoscar Hernandez in the three-run second for the Royals, who had scored on run during a three-game series against Tampa Bay.

Freeman, who won a Gold Glove in 2018, made the outstanding defensive play that ended the game.

Kansas City tied its record for consecutive home losses, set from Sept. 21, 2011, to April 23, 2012, and matched from May 6 to June 4, 2013.

Ohtani (0-0, 4.50 ERA) makes his third mound appearance since elbow surgery, facing RHP Seth Lugo (4-5, 2.93 ERA) on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751102005125.png" alt="Ohtani image from Dodger video" />
 <figcaption>Ohtani image from Dodger video</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani led off the game with his 29th home run and also hit an RBI triple, and Freddie Freeman stretched as he fell over to complete a game-ending double play as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Kansas City Royals 5-4 Friday night for their fifth straight win.Ohtani hit his major league-leading eighth leadoff homer this season, a drive off off Noah Cameron (2-4), and Max Muncy hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer for a 3-1 lead in the second.Bobby Witt Jr.'s two-run homer against Dustin May put Kansas City ahead 4-3 in the bottom half and gave the Royals their first lead since Sunday.Ohtani tied the score in the fifth against Cameron (2-4) with his seventh triple of the season and scored on Mookie Betts' single off Steven Cruz.Kansas City loaded the bases with one out in the ninth against Tanner Scott on singles by Mikael Garcia and Salvador Perez around Vinnie Pacquantino's walk.Rookie Jac Caglianone grounded to second Tommy Edman, who made a backhand flip to Betts at second, and Betts bounced his throw to Freeman. The All-Star first baseman snagged the ball as he fell to the field, giving Scott his 18th save in 23 chances.Kansas City has lost six straight overall and 11 home games in a row.Lou Trivino (3-0) got five outs as five Dodgers relievers combined for shutout relief of Dustin May, who gave up four runs, six hits and three walks in four innings.Cameron (2-4) allowed five runs, three hits and three walks in four-plus inningsPerez had a run-scoring single in the first. Kyle Isbel lined an RBI double just over the outstretched glove of right fielder Teoscar Hernandez in the three-run second for the Royals, who had scored on run during a three-game series against Tampa Bay.<h2>Key Moment</h2>Freeman, who won a Gold Glove in 2018, made the outstanding defensive play that ended the game.<h2>Key Stat</h2>Kansas City tied its record for consecutive home losses, set from Sept. 21, 2011, to April 23, 2012, and matched from May 6 to June 4, 2013.<h2>Up Next</h2>Ohtani (0-0, 4.50 ERA) makes his third mound appearance since elbow surgery, facing RHP Seth Lugo (4-5, 2.93 ERA) on Saturday.

⚾ Ohtani hits 29th homer, adds RBI triple to lead Dodgers over Royals

LIBERAL – After falling behind early, the Hays Larks
outscored the Liberal BeeJays 8-0 from the seventh inning on, including a pair
of runs in the top of the 10th inning in an 11-9 extra-inning
victory Thursday in Liberal.

The Larks (12-3-1, 7-3 RMBL) took the early 3-1 lead through
three and a half innings, scoring on a Garrett Gruell RBI single in the first
inning, a CJ Reid double in the second inning and a passed ball.

Liberal erased the deficit, scoring four runs in the bottom
of the fourth and then extended the lead with three in the fifth and one in the
sixth for a 9-3 lead.

Down six runs through six innings the Larks outscored
Liberal 8-0 over the next four innings.

They got their rally started by scoring two runs in the
seventh on a wild pitch and a Ried RBI single.

Jackson Babcock’s grand slam in the top of the eighth inning
tied the game at nine.

Then, after a scoreless ninth, Dylan LaRue put the Larks up
10-9 with an RBI triple, and Babcock followed with a sacrifice fly to put Hays
up 11-9.

Babcock was two-for-three with five RBIs and scored three
times. LaRue collected three hits and scored three times.

Adrian Najar pitched the final four innings of relief for
the Larks and picked up the win.

He allowed just two hits and one walk, with four strikeouts.

After an off day on Friday, the Larks return to action at
home on Saturday against the Colorado Roughriders. 

Hays Post SportsLIBERAL – After falling behind early, the Hays Larks
outscored the Liberal BeeJays 8-0 from the seventh inning on, including a pair
of runs in the top of the 10th inning in an 11-9 extra-inning
victory Thursday in Liberal.The Larks (12-3-1, 7-3 RMBL) took the early 3-1 lead through
three and a half innings, scoring on a Garrett Gruell RBI single in the first
inning, a CJ Reid double in the second inning and a passed ball.Liberal erased the deficit, scoring four runs in the bottom
of the fourth and then extended the lead with three in the fifth and one in the
sixth for a 9-3 lead.Down six runs through six innings the Larks outscored
Liberal 8-0 over the next four innings.They got their rally started by scoring two runs in the
seventh on a wild pitch and a Ried RBI single.Jackson Babcock’s grand slam in the top of the eighth inning
tied the game at nine.Then, after a scoreless ninth, Dylan LaRue put the Larks up
10-9 with an RBI triple, and Babcock followed with a sacrifice fly to put Hays
up 11-9.Babcock was two-for-three with five RBIs and scored three
times. LaRue collected three hits and scored three times.Adrian Najar pitched the final four innings of relief for
the Larks and picked up the win.He allowed just two hits and one walk, with four strikeouts.After an off day on Friday, the Larks return to action at
home on Saturday against the Colorado Roughriders.

⚾Larks rally to beat BeeJays in extra innings

Friday, June 27 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Friday, June 27 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:30pmSaturday, June 28 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 2:30pmSunday, June 29 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 12:30pm

The Hays Larks go for the series win against the Liberal BeeJays Thursday as they close out the three-game RMBL series on the road.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks go for the series win against the Liberal BeeJays Thursday as they close out the three-game RMBL series on the road.First pitch is set for 7 p.m.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 close out series at Liberal

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Shane Baz allowed three hits over a career-best eight innings, Brandon Lowe and Junior Caminero hit back-to-back homers in the sixth, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 on Thursday for a three-game sweep.

Baz (8-3) struck out nine and walked one. Jacob Lowe had three hits for the Rays, and Jake Mangum hit a run-scoring triple.

Tampa Bay has won five of six to move a season-high 11 games above .500 (46-35) and a half-game behind the AL East-leading New York Yankees, who were off Thursday.

Paul Gervase gave up singles to Jonathan India and Vinnie Pasquantino before Pete Fairbanks came on with one out in the ninth and got Maikel Garcia to ground into a 6-4-3 double play for his 15th save.

Tampa Bay starters have thrown 22 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings.

The Royals were also shut out on Wednesday and scored one run in their three losses to the Rays. Kansas City has gone 14-27 (.341) — third worst in the majors over that span — since starting the season 24-16 (.600).

Jonathan Aranda hit a two-out double and then scored on Mangum's triple off starter Michael Lorenzen (4-8) before Josh Lowe added an RBI single to cap Tampa Bay's two-run fourth.

The Rays are the first team in the majors to sweep three road series this season. Tampa Bay swept a three-game series at the New York Mets earlier this month and won three straight at San Diego in April.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Shane Baz allowed three hits over a career-best eight innings, Brandon Lowe and Junior Caminero hit back-to-back homers in the sixth, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 on Thursday for a three-game sweep.Baz (8-3) struck out nine and walked one. Jacob Lowe had three hits for the Rays, and Jake Mangum hit a run-scoring triple.Tampa Bay has won five of six to move a season-high 11 games above .500 (46-35) and a half-game behind the AL East-leading New York Yankees, who were off Thursday.Paul Gervase gave up singles to Jonathan India and Vinnie Pasquantino before Pete Fairbanks came on with one out in the ninth and got Maikel Garcia to ground into a 6-4-3 double play for his 15th save.Tampa Bay starters have thrown 22 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings.The Royals were also shut out on Wednesday and scored one run in their three losses to the Rays. Kansas City has gone 14-27 (.341) — third worst in the majors over that span — since starting the season 24-16 (.600).<h2>Key moment</h2>Jonathan Aranda hit a two-out double and then scored on Mangum's triple off starter Michael Lorenzen (4-8) before Josh Lowe added an RBI single to cap Tampa Bay's two-run fourth.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Rays are the first team in the majors to sweep three road series this season. Tampa Bay swept a three-game series at the New York Mets earlier this month and won three straight at San Diego in April.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾Baz goes 8 scoreless as Rays blank Royals for 3-game sweep

PLAINVILLE — Corbyn Marquess will be hosting the first annual Fore the Kids Classic, Saturday, July 26. The tournament will be a 4-person scramble held at Rooks County Golf Course, Plainville. All tournament proceeds will be donated to Children's Mercy Hospital. 

Because of generous business and individual donations the tournament will have a guaranteed payout for first&nbsp;place in all flights of $600.

 Corbyn is very passionate&nbsp;about this project as she was diagnosed&nbsp;with thyroid cancer when she was 16 years old. Children's Mercy gave her excellent care and she would like to give back to an important cause.

In conjunction with the tournament she is raffling off a spot at the Oklahoma State Golf Camp that is held in June of 2026.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750780946401.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750781045373.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedPLAINVILLE — Corbyn Marquess will be hosting the first annual Fore the Kids Classic, Saturday, July 26. The tournament will be a 4-person scramble held at Rooks County Golf Course, Plainville. All tournament proceeds will be donated to Children's Mercy Hospital. Because of generous business and individual donations the tournament will have a guaranteed payout for first&nbsp;place in all flights of $600. Corbyn is very passionate&nbsp;about this project as she was diagnosed&nbsp;with thyroid cancer when she was 16 years old. Children's Mercy gave her excellent care and she would like to give back to an important cause.In conjunction with the tournament she is raffling off a spot at the Oklahoma State Golf Camp that is held in June of 2026.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

'Fore the Kids Classic' in Plainville to benefit Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is going to again play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, and next year certainly will have a bigger role than last time.

Witt announced Thursday that he is committed to playing for the United States and manager Mark DeRosa in the 2026 WBC. It will be Witt's second time on the team.

When part of Team USA in 2023, Witt was 22 and the youngest player on the roster who was coming off a standout rookie MLB season. He was a bench player who went 1 for 2 at the plate, and also was a pinch-runner in the ninth inning of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-baseball-classic-japan-us-ohtani-trout-09c620b87260f7d8e8736ccc8fd950a6">championship game won by Shohei Ohtani and Japan</a>.

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/judge-captain-us-wbc-ffb327da780472c99043c7e80c50c986">who will be the U.S. captain</a>, and Pirates ace Paul Skenes have also committed to play for Team USA next spring.

“It’s truly an honor,” Witt, who turned 25 two weeks ago, told MLB Network. “It’s something I’ve kinda dreamed about my whole entire life. Just being part of that team a couple years ago was amazing, and now we’re going to bring home the gold.”

Witt was the runner-up to Judge in the American League MVP voting last season, when the shortstop led the majors with a .332 batting average. Witt hit .285 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in the Royals' first 80 games this year.

DeRose said on MLB Network that he approached Witt during spring training about playing in the 2026 WBC, to which the player responded, “100%. I'm starting, right?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750963065010.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is going to again play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, and next year certainly will have a bigger role than last time.Witt announced Thursday that he is committed to playing for the United States and manager Mark DeRosa in the 2026 WBC. It will be Witt's second time on the team.When part of Team USA in 2023, Witt was 22 and the youngest player on the roster who was coming off a standout rookie MLB season. He was a bench player who went 1 for 2 at the plate, and also was a pinch-runner in the ninth inning of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-baseball-classic-japan-us-ohtani-trout-09c620b87260f7d8e8736ccc8fd950a6">championship game won by Shohei Ohtani and Japan</a>.Yankees slugger Aaron Judge,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/judge-captain-us-wbc-ffb327da780472c99043c7e80c50c986">who will be the U.S. captain</a>, and Pirates ace Paul Skenes have also committed to play for Team USA next spring.“It’s truly an honor,” Witt, who turned 25 two weeks ago, told MLB Network. “It’s something I’ve kinda dreamed about my whole entire life. Just being part of that team a couple years ago was amazing, and now we’re going to bring home the gold.”Witt was the runner-up to Judge in the American League MVP voting last season, when the shortstop led the majors with a .332 batting average. Witt hit .285 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in the Royals' first 80 games this year.DeRose said on MLB Network that he approached Witt during spring training about playing in the 2026 WBC, to which the player responded, “100%. I'm starting, right?”

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr. to play for Team USA in 2026 WBC

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will play Mississippi State in the second game of the Hall of Fame Classic at 8:30 p.m., CT on Thursday, Nov. 20 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, as the NABC announced the complete bracket for the 25th annual event on Thursday (June 26).

Nebraska and New Mexico will open the tournament at 6 p.m., CT on Thursday. The winners of the two semifinal matchups will play in the championship game at 8:30 p.m., CT on Friday, Nov. 21 with the consolation bracket set for 6 p.m., CT.

All games will be streamed on Peacock and NBC Sports NOW.

Tickets for the 2025 Hall of Fame Classic will go on sale via the T-Mobile Center box office and t-mobilecenter.com on Sept. 3.

The Bulldogs are coming off their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024-25 with a third straight 20-win season under head coach Chris Jans. They finished in a four-way tie for ninth in the rugged SEC with Arkansas, Georgia and Vanderbilt with an 8-10 mark.

This will be the fifth all-time meeting between the schools and the first since a 67-61 MSU win at the Never Forget Tribute Classic in Newark, N.J., on Dec. 14, 2019. K-State won the previous three meetings in the series in 1984, 1985 and 1994.

Nebraska won the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament championship in 2025, finishing with a 21-14 record and a 7-13 mark in Big Ten play. New Mexico (27-8) captured the Mountain West regular-season championship with a 17-3 record and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.

K-State leads the all-time series with both Nebraska (128-94) and New Mexico (4-2), having last met the Lobos in 2006 and Cornhuskers in 2023.

K-State will be making its fourth appearance in the Hall of Fame Classic and the first since 2021. The Wildcats finished as the tournament runner-up in their first two visits, defeating No. 18 Gonzaga before losing to top-ranked Duke in 2010 and defeating Missouri before losing to No. 9 North Carolina in 2015. The team lost to No. 13 Arkansas and No. 14 Illinois in their most recent appearance in 2021.

The Hall of Fame Classic was created by the Kansas City-based National Association of Basketball Classic (NABC) in 2001 as the Guardians Classic and was later known as the CBE Classic and CBE Hall of Fame Classic before being rebranded as the Hall of Fame Classic in 2017.

Peacock’s expansive sports programming features live coverage including Sunday Night Football, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Big Ten Football and Basketball, Notre Dame Football, BIG EAST basketball, Premier League, NASCAR, golf, the NBA beginning in 2025-26, the WNBA beginning in 2026, La Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026, and much more. Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel.

NBC Sports NOW is a free 24/7 streaming channel offering daily sports talk shows, live sports and highlights, is available via Peacock, the NBC Sports App on mobile and tablet devices, and all major FAST Channel distributors, including Roku Channel and Samsung TV Plus.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750950262257.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will play Mississippi State in the second game of the Hall of Fame Classic at 8:30 p.m., CT on Thursday, Nov. 20 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, as the NABC announced the complete bracket for the 25th annual event on Thursday (June 26).Nebraska and New Mexico will open the tournament at 6 p.m., CT on Thursday. The winners of the two semifinal matchups will play in the championship game at 8:30 p.m., CT on Friday, Nov. 21 with the consolation bracket set for 6 p.m., CT.All games will be streamed on Peacock and NBC Sports NOW.Tickets for the 2025 Hall of Fame Classic will go on sale via the T-Mobile Center box office and t-mobilecenter.com on Sept. 3.The Bulldogs are coming off their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024-25 with a third straight 20-win season under head coach Chris Jans. They finished in a four-way tie for ninth in the rugged SEC with Arkansas, Georgia and Vanderbilt with an 8-10 mark.This will be the fifth all-time meeting between the schools and the first since a 67-61 MSU win at the Never Forget Tribute Classic in Newark, N.J., on Dec. 14, 2019. K-State won the previous three meetings in the series in 1984, 1985 and 1994.Nebraska won the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament championship in 2025, finishing with a 21-14 record and a 7-13 mark in Big Ten play. New Mexico (27-8) captured the Mountain West regular-season championship with a 17-3 record and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.K-State leads the all-time series with both Nebraska (128-94) and New Mexico (4-2), having last met the Lobos in 2006 and Cornhuskers in 2023.K-State will be making its fourth appearance in the Hall of Fame Classic and the first since 2021. The Wildcats finished as the tournament runner-up in their first two visits, defeating No. 18 Gonzaga before losing to top-ranked Duke in 2010 and defeating Missouri before losing to No. 9 North Carolina in 2015. The team lost to No. 13 Arkansas and No. 14 Illinois in their most recent appearance in 2021.The Hall of Fame Classic was created by the Kansas City-based National Association of Basketball Classic (NABC) in 2001 as the Guardians Classic and was later known as the CBE Classic and CBE Hall of Fame Classic before being rebranded as the Hall of Fame Classic in 2017.Peacock’s expansive sports programming features live coverage including Sunday Night Football, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Big Ten Football and Basketball, Notre Dame Football, BIG EAST basketball, Premier League, NASCAR, golf, the NBA beginning in 2025-26, the WNBA beginning in 2026, La Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026, and much more. Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel.NBC Sports NOW is a free 24/7 streaming channel offering daily sports talk shows, live sports and highlights, is available via Peacock, the NBC Sports App on mobile and tablet devices, and all major FAST Channel distributors, including Roku Channel and Samsung TV Plus.

🏀 K-State to play Mississippi State at Hall of Fame Classic

Thursday, June 26 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 12:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Thursday, June 26 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 12:30pmFriday, June 27 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:30pmSaturday, June 28 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 2:30pmSunday, June 29 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 12:30pm

LIBERAL
– Lane Sparks had five hits and drove in four runs, Thomas Lyssy added three
hits and five RBIs and the Hays Larks gained a split in their doubleheader with
the Liberal Bee Jays with a 14-8 win in game two Wednesday night at Brent Gould Field. 

The Larks were held to one run on two hits and lost the opener 4-1.

Liberal
(8-6, 3-3 RMBL) scored two runs in the bottom of the first of the second contest, but the Larks (11-3-1,
7-3 RMBL) answered with three in the third, three in the fourth and five in the
fifth to build and 11-2 lead. They would add three more in the top of the
seventh which pushed the lead to 14-2 before the Bee Jays struck for six in the
bottom of the inning.

Lyssy
gave the Larks the lead in the second contest with a two-out bases loaded
double which scored three. An inning later, Kaleb Duncan drove in a run with a
single to center. Lane Sparks pushed the lead to 6-2 with a two-run triple
later in the frame.

Lyssy
led off the fifth with a double followed by back-to-back walks. Lorenzo Rios was hit
by a pitch to make the score 7-2. CJ Reid followed with a two-run double, Duncan a sacrifice fly and Sparks and RBI single to give Hays an 11-2 lead.

Sparks
drove in a run with a double down the right field line and Lyssy added another
run with a double to center in the seventh.

The
Bee Jays made it interesting in the bottom of the seventh. They opened the inning
with three straight hits then with one out, scored a walk, two-run
homer, a double, a single and a passed ball Julio Ramos who got got
back-to-back strikeouts to end the game.

Trent Baker (1-1) allowed two runs on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts and picked up the win.

In the opener, Jason
Davis held the Larks to on run on two hits over the first six innings. Larks starter Dalton Campbell (3-1) allowed two runs on five hits but walked
four over four innings and suffered his first loss of the season.

Thomas
Lyssy had both of the Larks hits including a triple in the second in which
Garrett Gruell was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first. Lyssy would
later scored in a sacrifice fly from Taber Stokes.

The
Larks loaded the bases on three walks in the third but couldn’t score. They got
two on with one out in the seventh but a pop out and line out ended the game.

Hays Post SportsLIBERAL
– Lane Sparks had five hits and drove in four runs, Thomas Lyssy added three
hits and five RBIs and the Hays Larks gained a split in their doubleheader with
the Liberal Bee Jays with a 14-8 win in game two Wednesday night at Brent Gould Field. The Larks were held to one run on two hits and lost the opener 4-1.Liberal
(8-6, 3-3 RMBL) scored two runs in the bottom of the first of the second contest, but the Larks (11-3-1,
7-3 RMBL) answered with three in the third, three in the fourth and five in the
fifth to build and 11-2 lead. They would add three more in the top of the
seventh which pushed the lead to 14-2 before the Bee Jays struck for six in the
bottom of the inning.Lyssy
gave the Larks the lead in the second contest with a two-out bases loaded
double which scored three. An inning later, Kaleb Duncan drove in a run with a
single to center. Lane Sparks pushed the lead to 6-2 with a two-run triple
later in the frame.Lyssy
led off the fifth with a double followed by back-to-back walks. Lorenzo Rios was hit
by a pitch to make the score 7-2. CJ Reid followed with a two-run double, Duncan a sacrifice fly and Sparks and RBI single to give Hays an 11-2 lead.Sparks
drove in a run with a double down the right field line and Lyssy added another
run with a double to center in the seventh.The
Bee Jays made it interesting in the bottom of the seventh. They opened the inning
with three straight hits then with one out, scored a walk, two-run
homer, a double, a single and a passed ball Julio Ramos who got got
back-to-back strikeouts to end the game.Trent Baker (1-1) allowed two runs on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts and picked up the win.In the opener, Jason
Davis held the Larks to on run on two hits over the first six innings. Larks starter Dalton Campbell (3-1) allowed two runs on five hits but walked
four over four innings and suffered his first loss of the season.Thomas
Lyssy had both of the Larks hits including a triple in the second in which
Garrett Gruell was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first. Lyssy would
later scored in a sacrifice fly from Taber Stokes.The
Larks loaded the bases on three walks in the third but couldn’t score. They got
two on with one out in the seventh but a pop out and line out ended the game.

⚾ Larks split doubleheader with Bee Jays

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Rasmussen tossed five innings of two-hit ball, Tampa Bay scored three times in the second on an array of singles and bunts, and the Rays held on the rest of the way to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Wednesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750933236408.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone catches a fly ball for the out on Tampa Bay Rays' Josh Lowe during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone catches a fly ball for the out on Tampa Bay Rays' Josh Lowe during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Rasmussen tossed five innings of two-hit ball, Tampa Bay scored three times in the second on an array of singles and bunts, and the Rays held on the rest of the way to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Wednesday night.Rasmussen (7-5) struck out five and walked two before turning it over to the Tampa Bay bullpen on a hot, humid night. Three relievers combined to allow one hit and one walk before Pete Fairbanks handled the ninth for his 14th save.The Rays (45-35) have won five straight on the road, nine of their last 12 overall and are a season-best 10 games over .500.José Caballero had an RBI bunt single and Danny Jansen laid down a sacrifice bunt against Michael Wacha during the decisive second for Tampa Bay. Christopher Morel, Josh Lowe and Chandler Simpson had singles in the inning.Other than that, Wacha (4-7) was tough on the Rays. He went six innings and struck out nine while walking just one.His biggest problem has been the Royals' biggest problem: They aren't scoring. Not only have they managed four runs total amid a four-game losing streak, they have given Wacha two runs of support or fewer in 13 of his 16 starts this season.Kansas City has lost nine straight at Kauffman Stadium since beating Detroit on May 31, its longest home skid since dropping 10 in a row in April and May 2023. The Royals also have lost 10 of their last 14 games overall.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals put runners on the corners in the fourth, but Salvador Perez popped out on his first pitch to end the threat.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City has not hit a home run in its last 54 innings at Kauffman Stadium.<h2>Up next</h2>Rays RHP Shane Baz (7-3, 4.79 ERA) starts the series finale Thursday. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-7, 4.81) starts for the Royals.