Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/qMfnUqvt-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Cayden Sanders" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Cayden Sanders

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer

BOSTON (AP) — Pablo Reyes hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1688736042478686208?s=20">walkoff grand slam</a>&nbsp;to break a ninth-inning tie — his third hit of the night — and the Boston Red Sox recovered after blowing a two-run lead to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Monday night.

“You can’t put these feelings into words,” Reyes said through a translator. “When you see the fans on their feet, and playing in this ballpark. Words can’t explain it.”

It was just Boston's second win in nine games, including a sweep over the weekend by the Toronto Blue Jays — the team they had hoped to pass in the AL wild-card race. The Red Sox improved to 7-0 this season wearing their yellow “City Connect” uniforms, and 22-4 all-time.

Kenley Jansen (3-5) pitched a perfect ninth for the win. Brayan Bello took a shutout into the seventh inning before the Royals scored twice to tie it.

It remained 2-2 until Rafael Devers one-hopped the short wall in right field beyond the Pesky Pole. Adam Duvall struck out — for the fourth time in the game — and Triston Casas was intentionally walked before Luis Urías, who had also struck out in his first three at-bats, walked on a checked-swing 3-2 pitch.

The Royals appealed to first base umpire Vic Carapazza, who signaled that Urías did not go around, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-manager-ejected-red-sox-walkoff-b6f7ec9af9ee208d5badf42cb62dd913">Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro was quickly ejected</a>&nbsp;for arguing. With the bases loaded, Reyes squared around to bunt but took the first pitch for a ball.

On the second, he hit a line drive off the Fisk foul pole, sending the crowd into a frenzy. It was his first home run in 103 at-bats since September of 2021.

"My teammates, everyone was asking me, ‘Pablo, when are going to hit a homer?’” he said, switching into English. “I said, ‘I’m going to try this week. When I have the opportunity, when they give me the opportunity, I’m going to go there and I’m going to try.’

“So I’m starting to go good with two base hits, so then I say, ‘Well, I’ve got to try to go for the big swing,’” he said. "And that happened.”

Carlos Hernández (1-7) was charged with four runs and two hits and two walks, striking out one. MJ Melendez singled three times off Bello.

Royals starter Cole Ragans struck out a career-high 11 batters in 6 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run and four hits with a walk. His previous career high was eight, set in his previous start, on Wednesday against the Mets.

Ragans gave up an unearned run in the first when Reyes singled, stole second and took third on a throwing error before scoring on a sacrifice fly. Reyes doubled in the fifth and scored on Connor Wong’s double to make it 2-0.

Bello took a shutout into the seventh inning and left with a 2-0 lead after giving up a two-out double to Kyle Isbel, who took second when Duvall – apparently thinking the ball was foul – was slow to recover and throw in.

Josh Winckowski came in and gave up a run-scoring single to Maikel Garcia and then an RBI double to Bobby Witt Jr. that tied it 2-2.

Bello allowed six hits and two walks, striking out two in 6 2/3 innings. He pitched out of a no out, first and third jam in the fifth when Drew Waters doubled and then stole third. (He was originally ruled out, but the tag was deemed late on video review.) After Dairon Blanco walked, Isbel popped up foul to the catcher and then Garcia hit into a double play to end the threat.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sox-sale-story-injuries-cb8d0d03b2d985d1bd9d58ffa8d34c86">expecting reinforcements soon</a>, with SS Trevor Story due to make his season debut on Tuesday and LHP Chris Sale on track to return to the rotation Friday night. Cora also said reliever Garrett Whitlock (bruised elbow) will make one more rehab appearance and could be back with the Red Sox on Sunday. And reliever Tanner Houck (facial fracture) will need at least one more rehab appearance before a decision is made on his return.

Royals RHP Brady Singer (7-8) faces Boston RHP Kutter Crawford (5-5) on Tuesday night in the second game of the four-game series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691461707777.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Cole Ragans delivers a pitch to a Boston Red Sox batter in the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Cole Ragans delivers a pitch to a Boston Red Sox batter in the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports WriterBOSTON (AP) — Pablo Reyes hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1688736042478686208?s=20">walkoff grand slam</a>&nbsp;to break a ninth-inning tie — his third hit of the night — and the Boston Red Sox recovered after blowing a two-run lead to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Monday night.“You can’t put these feelings into words,” Reyes said through a translator. “When you see the fans on their feet, and playing in this ballpark. Words can’t explain it.”It was just Boston's second win in nine games, including a sweep over the weekend by the Toronto Blue Jays — the team they had hoped to pass in the AL wild-card race. The Red Sox improved to 7-0 this season wearing their yellow “City Connect” uniforms, and 22-4 all-time.Kenley Jansen (3-5) pitched a perfect ninth for the win. Brayan Bello took a shutout into the seventh inning before the Royals scored twice to tie it.It remained 2-2 until Rafael Devers one-hopped the short wall in right field beyond the Pesky Pole. Adam Duvall struck out — for the fourth time in the game — and Triston Casas was intentionally walked before Luis Urías, who had also struck out in his first three at-bats, walked on a checked-swing 3-2 pitch.The Royals appealed to first base umpire Vic Carapazza, who signaled that Urías did not go around, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-manager-ejected-red-sox-walkoff-b6f7ec9af9ee208d5badf42cb62dd913">Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro was quickly ejected</a>&nbsp;for arguing. With the bases loaded, Reyes squared around to bunt but took the first pitch for a ball.On the second, he hit a line drive off the Fisk foul pole, sending the crowd into a frenzy. It was his first home run in 103 at-bats since September of 2021."My teammates, everyone was asking me, ‘Pablo, when are going to hit a homer?’” he said, switching into English. “I said, ‘I’m going to try this week. When I have the opportunity, when they give me the opportunity, I’m going to go there and I’m going to try.’“So I’m starting to go good with two base hits, so then I say, ‘Well, I’ve got to try to go for the big swing,’” he said. "And that happened.”Carlos Hernández (1-7) was charged with four runs and two hits and two walks, striking out one. MJ Melendez singled three times off Bello.FOR STARTERSRoyals starter Cole Ragans struck out a career-high 11 batters in 6 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run and four hits with a walk. His previous career high was eight, set in his previous start, on Wednesday against the Mets.Ragans gave up an unearned run in the first when Reyes singled, stole second and took third on a throwing error before scoring on a sacrifice fly. Reyes doubled in the fifth and scored on Connor Wong’s double to make it 2-0.Bello took a shutout into the seventh inning and left with a 2-0 lead after giving up a two-out double to Kyle Isbel, who took second when Duvall – apparently thinking the ball was foul – was slow to recover and throw in.Josh Winckowski came in and gave up a run-scoring single to Maikel Garcia and then an RBI double to Bobby Witt Jr. that tied it 2-2.Bello allowed six hits and two walks, striking out two in 6 2/3 innings. He pitched out of a no out, first and third jam in the fifth when Drew Waters doubled and then stole third. (He was originally ruled out, but the tag was deemed late on video review.) After Dairon Blanco walked, Isbel popped up foul to the catcher and then Garcia hit into a double play to end the threat.TRAINER’S ROOMRed Sox manager Alex Cora is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sox-sale-story-injuries-cb8d0d03b2d985d1bd9d58ffa8d34c86">expecting reinforcements soon</a>, with SS Trevor Story due to make his season debut on Tuesday and LHP Chris Sale on track to return to the rotation Friday night. Cora also said reliever Garrett Whitlock (bruised elbow) will make one more rehab appearance and could be back with the Red Sox on Sunday. And reliever Tanner Houck (facial fracture) will need at least one more rehab appearance before a decision is made on his return.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Brady Singer (7-8) faces Boston RHP Kutter Crawford (5-5) on Tuesday night in the second game of the four-game series.

⚾ Reyes hits walkoff grand slam to lead Red Sox to win over Royals

WICHITA - Former Hays High baseball standout Brock Lummus wrapped up a stellar summer season in a big way. A member of the Kansas Collegiate League Baseball's El Dorado Walnuts, Lummus was named the leagues Most Valuable Player then was named the MVP of the Summerball Showdown, a 24-team end of the year non-professional tournament.

Because of an injury, Lummus caught seven games in five days and helped the Walnuts to the tournament title.

Lummus ranked high in multiple categories for the Walnuts this season including batting average and home runs. He was the league leader in RBIs and doubles.

Lummus has played the last three seasons at Butler Community College. He will play at Division I Western Illinois this upcoming season.

Lummus is a 2020 graduate of Hays High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691460294776.jpeg" alt="Courtesy El Dorado Walnuts" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy El Dorado Walnuts</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostWICHITA - Former Hays High baseball standout Brock Lummus wrapped up a stellar summer season in a big way. A member of the Kansas Collegiate League Baseball's El Dorado Walnuts, Lummus was named the leagues Most Valuable Player then was named the MVP of the Summerball Showdown, a 24-team end of the year non-professional tournament.Because of an injury, Lummus caught seven games in five days and helped the Walnuts to the tournament title.Lummus ranked high in multiple categories for the Walnuts this season including batting average and home runs. He was the league leader in RBIs and doubles.Lummus has played the last three seasons at Butler Community College. He will play at Division I Western Illinois this upcoming season.Lummus is a 2020 graduate of Hays High School.

⚾ Former Indian Lummus ends summer season as MVP

BAYAMON, Puerto Rico (AP) — Kansas had its 35-game exhibition winning streak in men's basketball snapped Monday by the Bahamian national team, which got big performances from NBA stars Buddy Hield and Eric Gordon in an 87-81 victory at Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum.

Hield scored 19 points and Gordon had 12 for the Bahamas, which is preparing for the upcoming FIBA World Cup.

The Jayhawks, who had not lost an exhibition since 2012, routed a select team from Puerto Rico to begin a three-game tour of the Caribbean last Thursday. Their new-look lineup led by Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson and returning starters Dajuan Harris Jr., KJ Adams Jr. and Kevin McCullar Jr. proceeded to hold off the Bahamas 92-87 in their second game Saturday.

Gordon, who signed with the Suns last month, joined the Bahamian squad for the matchup Monday. He previously played for the U.S. in international competition but has been cleared to play for the Bahamas because his mother is originally from Nassau.

Harris scored 23 points and McCullar had 19 in the tour finale for the Jayhawks, who are expected to be No. 1 when the preseason AP Top 25 is released later this year. Dickinson added 16 points and nine rebounds while Nicolas Timberlake scored 13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691446438655.png" alt="Photo: Dajuan Harris Jr. (credit: Missy Minear, Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Dajuan Harris Jr. (credit: Missy Minear, Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>BAYAMON, Puerto Rico (AP) — Kansas had its 35-game exhibition winning streak in men's basketball snapped Monday by the Bahamian national team, which got big performances from NBA stars Buddy Hield and Eric Gordon in an 87-81 victory at Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum.Hield scored 19 points and Gordon had 12 for the Bahamas, which is preparing for the upcoming FIBA World Cup.The Jayhawks, who had not lost an exhibition since 2012, routed a select team from Puerto Rico to begin a three-game tour of the Caribbean last Thursday. Their new-look lineup led by Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson and returning starters Dajuan Harris Jr., KJ Adams Jr. and Kevin McCullar Jr. proceeded to hold off the Bahamas 92-87 in their second game Saturday.Gordon, who signed with the Suns last month, joined the Bahamian squad for the matchup Monday. He previously played for the U.S. in international competition but has been cleared to play for the Bahamas because his mother is originally from Nassau.Harris scored 23 points and McCullar had 19 in the tour finale for the Jayhawks, who are expected to be No. 1 when the preseason AP Top 25 is released later this year. Dickinson added 16 points and nine rebounds while Nicolas Timberlake scored 13.

🏀 Kansas men's hoops loses first exhibition game since 2012 to Bahamian national team

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid had very little to say about missing All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones on Monday.

Jones, who is entering the final year of his four-year, $80 million contract, skipped the entirety of the Chiefs' offseason program and has so far held out all of training camp while trying to secure a new long-term deal. And with their first preseason game now less than a week away, Reid indicated that even superstars such as Jones are missing something by missing camp.

“I don't know when he'll be here,” Reid said after Monday's padded practice on the campus of Missouri Western State University, “but I will tell you that any work he can get is important. It's a fast game.”

Jones could conceivably hold out the entire preseason, or even the regular season, though it's unclear what he would gain by that decision. He was evidently fine with relatively modest fines for missing the Chiefs' mandatory minicamp, and appears to be willing to part with $50,000 daily fines for each day he misses in training camp.

But under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, the fines increase substantially to an entire game check — about $1.1 million in Jones' case — for each preseason and regular-season game that he is absent.

The Chiefs are likewise in a bind without Jones on the field.

He was easily their most disruptive pass rusher last season, piling up 15 1/2 sacks and then dominating throughout their playoff run to the Lombardi Trophy.

And that was with Frank Clark, who was released to free up some salary cap space, and fellow pass rusher Carlos Dunlop sharing the field and taking some of the attention away from him.

The Chiefs signed Charles Omenihu to help replace the veteran duo, but he was recently suspended for the first six games of the regular season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy; he was arrested in January, when Omenihu was a member of the 49ers, and accused by a woman claiming to be his girlfriend of domestic violence.

Reid said the Chiefs were expecting a suspension and “we'll work through it." But that means relying more heavily on second-year pro George Karlaftis, who had six sacks as a rookie, and first-round draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah to rush the passer.

“They've handled it well,” said Reid, who had not yet decided how much starters and backups will play on Sunday in New Orleans. “We'll see how it works out during the preseason and who steps up. We know we have bodies, though.”

The Chiefs did get some positive news along the defensive line Monday when Turk Wharton, who had been rehabbing after surgery to repair a torn ACL, worked into some of the padded team periods for the first time in camp.

“I’m just preparing to get back fully healthy,” Wharton said, "and continue to take my strides so I can play.”

NOTES: DE Mike Danna (calf) returned to practice after missing three sessions. ... Omenihu continued to practice Monday, and he is eligible to play during the preseason, but his suspension will begin with Week 1 of the regular season. ... CB L'Jarius Sneed missed his fifth practice with knee inflammation. “It swells,” Reid said. “We're trying to keep the swelling down.”

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid had very little to say about missing All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones on Monday.What he did say carried some weight.Jones, who is entering the final year of his four-year, $80 million contract, skipped the entirety of the Chiefs' offseason program and has so far held out all of training camp while trying to secure a new long-term deal. And with their first preseason game now less than a week away, Reid indicated that even superstars such as Jones are missing something by missing camp.“I don't know when he'll be here,” Reid said after Monday's padded practice on the campus of Missouri Western State University, “but I will tell you that any work he can get is important. It's a fast game.”Jones could conceivably hold out the entire preseason, or even the regular season, though it's unclear what he would gain by that decision. He was evidently fine with relatively modest fines for missing the Chiefs' mandatory minicamp, and appears to be willing to part with $50,000 daily fines for each day he misses in training camp.But under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, the fines increase substantially to an entire game check — about $1.1 million in Jones' case — for each preseason and regular-season game that he is absent.The Chiefs are likewise in a bind without Jones on the field.He was easily their most disruptive pass rusher last season, piling up 15 1/2 sacks and then dominating throughout their playoff run to the Lombardi Trophy.And that was with Frank Clark, who was released to free up some salary cap space, and fellow pass rusher Carlos Dunlop sharing the field and taking some of the attention away from him.The Chiefs signed Charles Omenihu to help replace the veteran duo, but he was recently suspended for the first six games of the regular season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy; he was arrested in January, when Omenihu was a member of the 49ers, and accused by a woman claiming to be his girlfriend of domestic violence.Reid said the Chiefs were expecting a suspension and “we'll work through it." But that means relying more heavily on second-year pro George Karlaftis, who had six sacks as a rookie, and first-round draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah to rush the passer.“They've handled it well,” said Reid, who had not yet decided how much starters and backups will play on Sunday in New Orleans. “We'll see how it works out during the preseason and who steps up. We know we have bodies, though.”The Chiefs did get some positive news along the defensive line Monday when Turk Wharton, who had been rehabbing after surgery to repair a torn ACL, worked into some of the padded team periods for the first time in camp.“I’m just preparing to get back fully healthy,” Wharton said, "and continue to take my strides so I can play.”NOTES: DE Mike Danna (calf) returned to practice after missing three sessions. ... Omenihu continued to practice Monday, and he is eligible to play during the preseason, but his suspension will begin with Week 1 of the regular season. ... CB L'Jarius Sneed missed his fifth practice with knee inflammation. “It swells,” Reid said. “We're trying to keep the swelling down.”

🏈 Chiefs' Chris Jones continues holdout as preseason opener in New Orleans approaches

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

HAYS - Over 150 players were greeted with sunny and mild weather as the Fort Hays State football team held their first practice of the 2023 season Monday morning at Lewis Field.

Head coach Chris Brown said between 75 to 80 players stuck around for voluntary workouts this summer and it showed in their first practice.

"They practiced on the field today with some tempo and knowing what they were doing. I was really proud of the way they practiced today, the communication and just the things they did across the board."

The roster shows only four senior and 29 juniors and the rest underclassman. Brown says he likes the competition.

"We tell the twos to push the ones and the threes to push the twos and ones," Brown said. "You've got to have that competition day in and day out because if you don't sometimes that internal part goes away, but if that guy sitting behind you is trying to take your job, that's what we need and that's what we have right now that competition."

The Tigers are coming off a 3-8 season, their worst under Brown who says they've moved on and are focusing on the future.

"I don't care what's happened in '21 and '22, all I care about is '23 and moving forward now," Brown said. "That was before the summer even started and you can see the thought process was already gone with the things they've been working and the things they've been doing."

The Tigers continue to practice in helmets tomorrow going to shells on Wednesday. Their first full pad practice is Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691436062464.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State football coach Chris Brown addresses his team following their first practice of the 2023 season on Monday, August 7, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Jaxson Webb)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State football coach Chris Brown addresses his team following their first practice of the 2023 season on Monday, August 7, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Jaxson Webb)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS - Over 150 players were greeted with sunny and mild weather as the Fort Hays State football team held their first practice of the 2023 season Monday morning at Lewis Field.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1586177455&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/chris-brown-practice-1" title="Chris Brown after first practice (Aug 7, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown after first practice (Aug 7, 2023)</a></div></div>Head coach Chris Brown said between 75 to 80 players stuck around for voluntary workouts this summer and it showed in their first practice."They practiced on the field today with some tempo and knowing what they were doing. I was really proud of the way they practiced today, the communication and just the things they did across the board."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691436125367.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Jaxson Webb" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Jaxson Webb</figcaption>
 </figure>The roster shows only four senior and 29 juniors and the rest underclassman. Brown says he likes the competition."We tell the twos to push the ones and the threes to push the twos and ones," Brown said. "You've got to have that competition day in and day out because if you don't sometimes that internal part goes away, but if that guy sitting behind you is trying to take your job, that's what we need and that's what we have right now that competition."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691436153215.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Jaxson Webb" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Jaxson Webb</figcaption>
 </figure>The Tigers are coming off a 3-8 season, their worst under Brown who says they've moved on and are focusing on the future."I don't care what's happened in '21 and '22, all I care about is '23 and moving forward now," Brown said. "That was before the summer even started and you can see the thought process was already gone with the things they've been working and the things they've been doing."The Tigers continue to practice in helmets tomorrow going to shells on Wednesday. Their first full pad practice is Friday.

🏈 Tigers hold first practice of 2023 season

The Hays Striders track team were in competition at the AAU Junior Olympic Championships in Des Moines, Iowa July 29 through August 5.

Emery Zimmerman was crowned national champion and received All-American honors when he won the 11 year old Boys 3000-meter run with a time of 10:22.55. Emery also earned All-American honors in the pentathlon, finishing 6th (1843 points).

Also receiving All-American honors were Lyndi Zimmerman in the pentathlon, 2nd with 3008 points, 3rd in the 200-meter hurdles (27.83), and shot put, 7th (39’6.50”); Riley Leiker in the shot put, 2nd (22’8”); and Hayden Staab in the discus, 6th (84’1”).

Complete results of Striders are as follows:

Riley Leiker, 8-under Girls: 2nd - shot put, 22’8; 12th - 400-meter dash, 1:13.95; 10th - 800-meter run (3:01.24)

Jovie Staab, 8-under Girls: 26th - turbo havelin, 34’9.75.

Hayden Staab, 12 year old Girls: 9th - shot put, 33’2.50; 6th - discus, 84’1.

Danica Vap, 12 year old Girls:&nbsp; 10th (74’11); 13th - shot put, 32’4.75.

Sydney Lewallen, 13 year old Girls:&nbsp; 46th - 400-meter dash, 1:03.98; 45th - 800m-meter run, 2;39.14.

Makayla Lewallen, 14 year old Girls:&nbsp; 17th - pentathlon, 2295 points; 19th - high jump, 4’9.

Lyndi Zimmerman, 14 year old Girls: 2nd - pentathlon, 3008 points; 3rd - 200 meter Hurdles, 27.83; 7th - Shot Put, 39’6.50.

Tayte Lewallen, 11 year old Boys:&nbsp; 9th - pentathlon, 1815 points; 13th - 80-meter hurdles, 15.06; 63rd - 800-meter run, 2:44.06.

Kane Staab, 11 year old Boys: 11th - discus, 65’; 24th - shot put, 25’2.75.

Emery Zimmerman, 11 year old Boys:&nbsp; 1st - 3000-meter run, 10:22.55; 6th - pentathlon, 1843 Points.

Jacob Leiker, 12 year old Boys; 13th - shot put, 35’10; 26th - discus, 77’2.

Kobe Schmidt, 12 year old Boys: 53rd, 1:04.27.

Logan Leiker, 14 year old Boys: 30th - 3000-meter run, 10:47.39.

Kamani Jones, 15-16 Boys:&nbsp; 25th - high jump, 5’10.75; 27th - triple jump, 40’8.25.

Brayden Staley, 15-16 Boys:&nbsp; 32nd - 2000-meter Steeplechase, 7:54.24

(Pictured - Emery Zimmerman winning 3000 meter run)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691423915821.jpeg" alt="Emery Zimmerman wins the 3000 meter run at the&nbsp;AAU Junior Olympic Championships, Des Moines, Iowa. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Emery Zimmerman wins the 3000 meter run at the&nbsp;AAU Junior Olympic Championships, Des Moines, Iowa. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Striders track team were in competition at the AAU Junior Olympic Championships in Des Moines, Iowa July 29 through August 5.Emery Zimmerman was crowned national champion and received All-American honors when he won the 11 year old Boys 3000-meter run with a time of 10:22.55. Emery also earned All-American honors in the pentathlon, finishing 6th (1843 points).Also receiving All-American honors were Lyndi Zimmerman in the pentathlon, 2nd with 3008 points, 3rd in the 200-meter hurdles (27.83), and shot put, 7th (39’6.50”); Riley Leiker in the shot put, 2nd (22’8”); and Hayden Staab in the discus, 6th (84’1”).Complete results of Striders are as follows:Riley Leiker, 8-under Girls: 2nd - shot put, 22’8; 12th - 400-meter dash, 1:13.95; 10th - 800-meter run (3:01.24)Jovie Staab, 8-under Girls: 26th - turbo havelin, 34’9.75.Hayden Staab, 12 year old Girls: 9th - shot put, 33’2.50; 6th - discus, 84’1.Danica Vap, 12 year old Girls:&nbsp; 10th (74’11); 13th - shot put, 32’4.75.Sydney Lewallen, 13 year old Girls:&nbsp; 46th - 400-meter dash, 1:03.98; 45th - 800m-meter run, 2;39.14.Makayla Lewallen, 14 year old Girls:&nbsp; 17th - pentathlon, 2295 points; 19th - high jump, 4’9.Lyndi Zimmerman, 14 year old Girls: 2nd - pentathlon, 3008 points; 3rd - 200 meter Hurdles, 27.83; 7th - Shot Put, 39’6.50.Tayte Lewallen, 11 year old Boys:&nbsp; 9th - pentathlon, 1815 points; 13th - 80-meter hurdles, 15.06; 63rd - 800-meter run, 2:44.06.Kane Staab, 11 year old Boys: 11th - discus, 65’; 24th - shot put, 25’2.75.Emery Zimmerman, 11 year old Boys:&nbsp; 1st - 3000-meter run, 10:22.55; 6th - pentathlon, 1843 Points.Jacob Leiker, 12 year old Boys; 13th - shot put, 35’10; 26th - discus, 77’2.Kobe Schmidt, 12 year old Boys: 53rd, 1:04.27.Logan Leiker, 14 year old Boys: 30th - 3000-meter run, 10:47.39.Kamani Jones, 15-16 Boys:&nbsp; 25th - high jump, 5’10.75; 27th - triple jump, 40’8.25.Brayden Staley, 15-16 Boys:&nbsp; 32nd - 2000-meter Steeplechase, 7:54.24(Pictured - Emery Zimmerman winning 3000 meter run)

👟 Hays Strider Emery Zimmerman crowned national champion at AAU Junior Olympics

MIAA commissioner Mike Racy visits with Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock about replay, conference expansion and more at MIAA Football Media Day.

MIAA commissioner Mike Racy visits with Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock about replay, conference expansion and more at MIAA Football Media Day.<div><iframe title="Mike Racy" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ke7jv-14749df-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Mike Racy

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/R7aCcYEJ-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Damian Ruiz" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Damian Ruiz

WICHITA - Trent Baker had two hits including a two-run triple, Luuk ter Beek had a solid start helping the Hays Larks to a 5-2 win over the GPS (TX) Legends at the National Baseball Congress World Series at Eck Stadium Sunday afternoon.

The Larks (38-7) evened their pool play record at 1-1 while the Legends (14-13) dropped to 0-2.

The Legend grabbed the lead in the top of the second. After Ethan Guerra opened the inning with a double, Brant Voth drove doubled to drive him home.&nbsp;

The Larks answered with two runs with two outs in the bottom of the second. Payton Ebbing doubled to right followed by a walk to Luis Garcia. Trent Baker drove them both home with a triple to left field.

Lenny Ashby led off the third with line drive home run to right.

Austen Jaslove led off the sixth with a single to left and scored on Garcia's groundout to push the lead to 4-1.

GPS used a pair of singles to score a run in the eighth to cut the gap to 4-2.

The Larks answered in the bottom of the inning.&nbsp; Jaslove doubled to left then scored on Garcia's single to right.

Baker and Garcia both drove in two runs and Jaslove scored twice.

Luuk ter Beek (6-0) allowed one run on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings with three walks and five strikeouts and picked up the win. He left in the sixth with a blister.

Kaleb Meredith allowed one run on three hits with two strikouts in 2 1/3 innings of relief. Jose Velazquez pitched a scoreless ninth, striking out two for his first save of the season.

The Larks close out pool play vs. the Seattle (WA) Blackfins Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.. Seattle fell to 1-1 in pool play after a 12-1 loss to the Hutchinson Monarchs Sunday night.&nbsp;

Hutchinson moved to 2-0 in pool play and will take on GPS Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574180952050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostWICHITA - Trent Baker had two hits including a two-run triple, Luuk ter Beek had a solid start helping the Hays Larks to a 5-2 win over the GPS (TX) Legends at the National Baseball Congress World Series at Eck Stadium Sunday afternoon.The Larks (38-7) evened their pool play record at 1-1 while the Legends (14-13) dropped to 0-2.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1585222291&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/8-6-23-hays-larks-coach-int" title="Frank Leo Postgame vs. GPS (TX) Legends (Aug 6, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Frank Leo Postgame vs. GPS (TX) Legends (Aug 6, 2023)</a></div></div><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1585222211&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/8-6-23-hays-larks-highlights" title="Hays Larks BSB Highlights vs. GPS (TX) Legends (Aug 6, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays Larks BSB Highlights vs. GPS (TX) Legends (Aug 6, 2023)</a></div></div>HOW IT HAPPENEDThe Legend grabbed the lead in the top of the second. After Ethan Guerra opened the inning with a double, Brant Voth drove doubled to drive him home.&nbsp;The Larks answered with two runs with two outs in the bottom of the second. Payton Ebbing doubled to right followed by a walk to Luis Garcia. Trent Baker drove them both home with a triple to left field.Lenny Ashby led off the third with line drive home run to right.Austen Jaslove led off the sixth with a single to left and scored on Garcia's groundout to push the lead to 4-1.GPS used a pair of singles to score a run in the eighth to cut the gap to 4-2.The Larks answered in the bottom of the inning.&nbsp; Jaslove doubled to left then scored on Garcia's single to right.Baker and Garcia both drove in two runs and Jaslove scored twice.Luuk ter Beek (6-0) allowed one run on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings with three walks and five strikeouts and picked up the win. He left in the sixth with a blister.Kaleb Meredith allowed one run on three hits with two strikouts in 2 1/3 innings of relief. Jose Velazquez pitched a scoreless ninth, striking out two for his first save of the season.UP NEXTThe Larks close out pool play vs. the Seattle (WA) Blackfins Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.. Seattle fell to 1-1 in pool play after a 12-1 loss to the Hutchinson Monarchs Sunday night.&nbsp;Hutchinson moved to 2-0 in pool play and will take on GPS Tuesday.

⚾ Larks even pool play record with win over GPS at NBC World Series

By AARON BRACY Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryson Stott, Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos homered, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals 8-4 on Sunday.

Bryce Harper had two hits and drove in a run for the defending champion Phillies, who have won five of seven. Philadelphia began play in second in the NL wild-card standings.

“I felt like we did a really good job this whole series responding,” Schwarber said.

Taijuan Walker (13-4) recovered from a shaky first inning to become the first major league pitcher to reach 13 victories.

“He just competes even if he doesn't have his good stuff,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said.

The Phillies went ahead for good on Schwarber’s 28th homer in the second, a 421-foot drive to center off Zack Greinke (1-12) that made it 5-4. The two-run shot stopped an 0-for-19 skid.

“I always have confidence in him,” Thomson said.

Castellanos tacked on a two-run shot to left in the fifth, and Harper hit a sacrifice fly in the seventh.

Kansas City tagged Walker for three runs on five hits in the first, but the Phillies evened the score in the bottom half on Stott’s opposite-field drive to left with two down.

“That changed the momentum,” Thomson said.

After Melendez made it 4-3 in the second with a solo shot, Walker settled down and allowed just one more hit. The 30-year-old right-hander finished seven innings of seven-hit ball.

Walker is trying to figure out why his velocity has started slow in the last two outings, but his mentality remains the same.

“My job is to go out there and give the team the best chance to win,” he said.

The struggles continued for Greinke, a six-time All-Star. He left after surrendering five runs and seven hits in four innings.

Royals second baseman Michael Massey and shortstop Maikel Garcia combined on a sensational putout of Stott in the third inning. Massey snared Stott’s hard-hit grounder while diving to his right, flipped the ball out of his glove to Garcia, who fired to first base to just get the speedy Stott.

“Incredible,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

Stott responded with his own stellar defensive play two innings later, robbing Matt Beaty of an RBI hit with a diving grab.

Center fielder Kyle Isbel took extra bases away from Harper in the seventh with a leaping grab of his drive to the wall in center. The Phillies did score on the sacrifice fly.

Harper extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games with a first-inning double.

Garcia made it 10 contests in a row with a hit when he singled in the first.

Kansas City has lost 30 of 34 series after dropping two of three to the Phillies. Still, Quatraro was pleased with the direction in which his club is headed. The Royals won seven in a row before Saturday's loss.

“They played well this series,” Quatraro said of his club.

Trea Turner doubled in the first inning and finished 1 for 4. Since the Phillies fans responded to a social media campaign to loudly cheer the slumping slugger beginning on Friday night, Turner is 4 for 12 with a three-run homer, two doubles and five RBIs.

Royals: C Salvador Pérez exited with a left hand contusion after being hit by a pitch from Walker in the second. X-rays after the game were negative, Quatraro said.

Phillies: Placed OF&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brandon-marsh-phillies-mlb-7a32185befa6c0430bed1c8976b2bbd8">Brandon Marsh</a>&nbsp;on the 10-day injured list with a left knee contusion. Marsh got hurt during Saturday night’s 9-6 victory over Kansas City when he crashed into the center-field wall trying to catch Samad Taylor’s fifth-inning triple. Weston Wilson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Marsh’s spot on the roster.

Royals: Open four-game series at Boston on Monday night. Royals LHP Cole Ragans (3-3, 4.33 ERA) opposes Red Sox RHP Brayan Bello (8-6, 3.79 ERA).

Phillies: Start a four-game home series versus Washington on Monday night. Phillies LHP Ranger Suárez (2-5, 4.01 ERA) faces Nationals RHP Trevor Williams (5-6, 4.72 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691373937526.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' MJ Melendez, right, and Kyle Isbel celebrate after Melendez's home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' MJ Melendez, right, and Kyle Isbel celebrate after Melendez's home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON BRACY Associated PressPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryson Stott, Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos homered, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals 8-4 on Sunday.Bryce Harper had two hits and drove in a run for the defending champion Phillies, who have won five of seven. Philadelphia began play in second in the NL wild-card standings.“I felt like we did a really good job this whole series responding,” Schwarber said.MJ Melendez homered for Kansas City.Taijuan Walker (13-4) recovered from a shaky first inning to become the first major league pitcher to reach 13 victories.“He just competes even if he doesn't have his good stuff,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said.The Phillies went ahead for good on Schwarber’s 28th homer in the second, a 421-foot drive to center off Zack Greinke (1-12) that made it 5-4. The two-run shot stopped an 0-for-19 skid.“I always have confidence in him,” Thomson said.Castellanos tacked on a two-run shot to left in the fifth, and Harper hit a sacrifice fly in the seventh.Kansas City tagged Walker for three runs on five hits in the first, but the Phillies evened the score in the bottom half on Stott’s opposite-field drive to left with two down.“That changed the momentum,” Thomson said.After Melendez made it 4-3 in the second with a solo shot, Walker settled down and allowed just one more hit. The 30-year-old right-hander finished seven innings of seven-hit ball.Walker is trying to figure out why his velocity has started slow in the last two outings, but his mentality remains the same.“My job is to go out there and give the team the best chance to win,” he said.The struggles continued for Greinke, a six-time All-Star. He left after surrendering five runs and seven hits in four innings.DAZZLING DEFENSERoyals second baseman Michael Massey and shortstop Maikel Garcia combined on a sensational putout of Stott in the third inning. Massey snared Stott’s hard-hit grounder while diving to his right, flipped the ball out of his glove to Garcia, who fired to first base to just get the speedy Stott.“Incredible,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.Stott responded with his own stellar defensive play two innings later, robbing Matt Beaty of an RBI hit with a diving grab.Center fielder Kyle Isbel took extra bases away from Harper in the seventh with a leaping grab of his drive to the wall in center. The Phillies did score on the sacrifice fly.STILL STREAKINGHarper extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games with a first-inning double.Garcia made it 10 contests in a row with a hit when he singled in the first.SERIES-LY SPEAKINGKansas City has lost 30 of 34 series after dropping two of three to the Phillies. Still, Quatraro was pleased with the direction in which his club is headed. The Royals won seven in a row before Saturday's loss.“They played well this series,” Quatraro said of his club.TURNING UP TURNERTrea Turner doubled in the first inning and finished 1 for 4. Since the Phillies fans responded to a social media campaign to loudly cheer the slumping slugger beginning on Friday night, Turner is 4 for 12 with a three-run homer, two doubles and five RBIs.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Pérez exited with a left hand contusion after being hit by a pitch from Walker in the second. X-rays after the game were negative, Quatraro said.Phillies: Placed OF&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brandon-marsh-phillies-mlb-7a32185befa6c0430bed1c8976b2bbd8">Brandon Marsh</a>&nbsp;on the 10-day injured list with a left knee contusion. Marsh got hurt during Saturday night’s 9-6 victory over Kansas City when he crashed into the center-field wall trying to catch Samad Taylor’s fifth-inning triple. Weston Wilson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Marsh’s spot on the roster.UP NEXTRoyals: Open four-game series at Boston on Monday night. Royals LHP Cole Ragans (3-3, 4.33 ERA) opposes Red Sox RHP Brayan Bello (8-6, 3.79 ERA).Phillies: Start a four-game home series versus Washington on Monday night. Phillies LHP Ranger Suárez (2-5, 4.01 ERA) faces Nationals RHP Trevor Williams (5-6, 4.72 ERA).

⚾ Stott, Schwarber and Castellanos homer to help Phillies down Royals

Hays Larks (37-7, 20-4 RMBL) vs. GPS (TX) Legends (14-12) Sunday, August 6, 2023 Wichita, Kan. • Eck Stadium • 3 p.m. Radio&nbsp;• KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a>

The Hays Larks play their second pool play game at the 89th National Baseball Congress World Series Sunday afternoon vs. the GPS (TX) Legends at Eck Stadium on the Wichita State University campus.

The Larks lost 6-4 to the Hutchinson (KS) Monarchs in 11 innings in Friday. It was the first time the Larks lost their NBC World Series opener since 2012.

GPS dropped their first game 7-3 to the Seattle (WA) Blackfins.

Hays Larks (37-7, 20-4 RMBL) vs. GPS (TX) Legends (14-12) Sunday, August 6, 2023 Wichita, Kan. • Eck Stadium • 3 p.m. Radio&nbsp;• KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a>The Hays Larks play their second pool play game at the 89th National Baseball Congress World Series Sunday afternoon vs. the GPS (TX) Legends at Eck Stadium on the Wichita State University campus.The Larks lost 6-4 to the Hutchinson (KS) Monarchs in 11 innings in Friday. It was the first time the Larks lost their NBC World Series opener since 2012.GPS dropped their first game 7-3 to the Seattle (WA) Blackfins.

⚾🎙️ LISTEN - Hays Larks vs. GPX (TX) Legends

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Lina Hurtig's converted her penalty and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw at the Women's World Cup.

U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig's attempt, but it was ruled over the line. The stadium played Abba's "Dancing Queen" in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated.

The United States, which has a record four World Cup titles overall and was trying to win an unprecedented third consecutive title, was eliminated in the Round of 16 for the first time in team history.

Previously, the Americans' worst finish had been third place, three different times.

“I am proud of the women on the field," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I know we were criticized for the way we played, and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed the grit, the resilience, the fight. The bravery showed we did everything we could to win the game. And, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”

It was the first match at this World Cup to go to extra time.

Two-time World Cup participant Julie Ertz was in tears after the match.

“We didn't put anything in the back of the net,” she sobbed. “The penalties was tough as well. It's just emotional because it's probably my last game ever. It's just tough. It's an emotional time. It obviously sucks. Penalties are the worst.”

It was the fourth time a U.S. match at the World Cup went to extra time. All of the three previous matches went to penalties, including the 2011 final won by Japan. The U.S. won on penalties in a 2011 quarterfinal match against Brazil, and in the 1999 final at the Rose Bowl against China.

Sweden knocked the United States out of the 2016 Olympics in the quarterfinals on penalties.

Sweden goes on to the quarterfinals to play Japan, the 2011 World Cup winner, which defeated Norway 3-1 on Saturday night.

Sweden has never won a major international tournament, either the World Cup or the Olympics. The closest the team has come is World Cup runner-up in 2003. They finished third in the 1999, 2011 and 2019 editions, and won silver medals in the last two Olympics.

The Americans struggled through group play with just four goals in three matches.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-portugal-rose-lavelle-lynn-williams-rapinoe-9ab96954dd053ec7b91fc9aa45868cd6">They were nearly eliminated last Tuesday by first-timers Portugal, but eked out a 0-0 draw</a>&nbsp;to fall to second in their group for just the second time at a World Cup.

The Americans looked far better against Sweden, dominating possession and outshooting the Swedes 5-1 in the first half alone. Lindsey Horan’s first-half header hit the crossbar and a second-half blast was saved by goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had six saves in regulation.

Sweden won all three of their group games,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-sweden-italy-match-summary-39130a2c83404fb1b6ec8f475d28109c">including a 5-0 rout of Italy in its final group match.</a>&nbsp;Coach Peter Gerhardsson made nine lineup changes for the match, resting his starters in anticipation of the United States.

Naeher punched the ball away from a crowded goal on an early Sweden corner kick. Three of the Swedes’ goals against Italy came on set pieces.

Trinity Rodman’s shot from distance in the 18th minute was easily caught by Musovic, who stopped another chance by Rodman in the 27th.

Horan’s header off Andi Sullivan’s corner in the 34th hit the crossbar and skipped over the goal. Horan was on target in the 53rd minute but Musovic dove to push it wide. Horan crouched to the field in frustration while Musovic was swarmed by her teammates.

The United States was without Rose Lavelle, who picked up her second yellow card of the tournament in the group stage finale against Portugal and has to sit out against Sweden.

In Lavelle’s absence, Andonovski started Emily Sonnett, who was making her first start for the team since 2022. The addition of Sonnett allowed Horan to move up higher in the midfield.

Sweden pressed in the final 10 minutes of regulation. Sofia Jakobsson, who came in as a substitute in the 81st minute, nearly scored in the 85th but Naeher managed to catch it for her first save of the tournament.

Neither Caroline Seger or Megan Rapinoe started the match, but Rapinoe came in as a sub for Alex Morgan in the first overtime period.

Seger, whose 235 appearances for Sweden are the most for any woman in Europe, was on the bench to start the match. The 38-year-old has been struggling with a calf problem all year and trained alone in the two days of practice leading into the showdown with the U.S.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-united-states-rapinoe-665f43d32ff45c859422072fdb99dd60">Rapinoe, also 38, previously announced that this would be her last World Cup.</a>&nbsp;She has taken on a smaller role for the Americans in her final tournament. She was a substitute in the United States’ first and third games of group play and didn’t get off the bench in the middle match. She made her 200th appearance for the national team at the World Cup.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Lina Hurtig's converted her penalty and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw at the Women's World Cup.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Naeher saves it, but it&#39;s ruled over the line. Sweden advances. 🇺🇸 ✅✅✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ 🇸🇪 ✅✅❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅&mdash; U.S. Women&#39;s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1688154109772460032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig's attempt, but it was ruled over the line. The stadium played Abba's "Dancing Queen" in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our time Down Under comes to an end. 💔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USWNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USWNT</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/Visa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Visa</a> <a href="https://t.co/X2g0NHqg38">pic.twitter.com/X2g0NHqg38</a>&mdash; U.S. Women&#39;s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1688155300904529920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The United States, which has a record four World Cup titles overall and was trying to win an unprecedented third consecutive title, was eliminated in the Round of 16 for the first time in team history.Previously, the Americans' worst finish had been third place, three different times.“I am proud of the women on the field," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I know we were criticized for the way we played, and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed the grit, the resilience, the fight. The bravery showed we did everything we could to win the game. And, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”It was the first match at this World Cup to go to extra time.Two-time World Cup participant Julie Ertz was in tears after the match.“We didn't put anything in the back of the net,” she sobbed. “The penalties was tough as well. It's just emotional because it's probably my last game ever. It's just tough. It's an emotional time. It obviously sucks. Penalties are the worst.”It was the fourth time a U.S. match at the World Cup went to extra time. All of the three previous matches went to penalties, including the 2011 final won by Japan. The U.S. won on penalties in a 2011 quarterfinal match against Brazil, and in the 1999 final at the Rose Bowl against China.Sweden knocked the United States out of the 2016 Olympics in the quarterfinals on penalties.Sweden goes on to the quarterfinals to play Japan, the 2011 World Cup winner, which defeated Norway 3-1 on Saturday night.Sweden has never won a major international tournament, either the World Cup or the Olympics. The closest the team has come is World Cup runner-up in 2003. They finished third in the 1999, 2011 and 2019 editions, and won silver medals in the last two Olympics.The Americans struggled through group play with just four goals in three matches.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-portugal-rose-lavelle-lynn-williams-rapinoe-9ab96954dd053ec7b91fc9aa45868cd6">They were nearly eliminated last Tuesday by first-timers Portugal, but eked out a 0-0 draw</a>&nbsp;to fall to second in their group for just the second time at a World Cup.The Americans looked far better against Sweden, dominating possession and outshooting the Swedes 5-1 in the first half alone. Lindsey Horan’s first-half header hit the crossbar and a second-half blast was saved by goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had six saves in regulation.Sweden won all three of their group games,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-sweden-italy-match-summary-39130a2c83404fb1b6ec8f475d28109c">including a 5-0 rout of Italy in its final group match.</a>&nbsp;Coach Peter Gerhardsson made nine lineup changes for the match, resting his starters in anticipation of the United States.It was tense from the opening whistle.Naeher punched the ball away from a crowded goal on an early Sweden corner kick. Three of the Swedes’ goals against Italy came on set pieces.Trinity Rodman’s shot from distance in the 18th minute was easily caught by Musovic, who stopped another chance by Rodman in the 27th.Horan’s header off Andi Sullivan’s corner in the 34th hit the crossbar and skipped over the goal. Horan was on target in the 53rd minute but Musovic dove to push it wide. Horan crouched to the field in frustration while Musovic was swarmed by her teammates.The United States was without Rose Lavelle, who picked up her second yellow card of the tournament in the group stage finale against Portugal and has to sit out against Sweden.In Lavelle’s absence, Andonovski started Emily Sonnett, who was making her first start for the team since 2022. The addition of Sonnett allowed Horan to move up higher in the midfield.Sweden pressed in the final 10 minutes of regulation. Sofia Jakobsson, who came in as a substitute in the 81st minute, nearly scored in the 85th but Naeher managed to catch it for her first save of the tournament.Neither Caroline Seger or Megan Rapinoe started the match, but Rapinoe came in as a sub for Alex Morgan in the first overtime period.Seger, whose 235 appearances for Sweden are the most for any woman in Europe, was on the bench to start the match. The 38-year-old has been struggling with a calf problem all year and trained alone in the two days of practice leading into the showdown with the U.S.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-united-states-rapinoe-665f43d32ff45c859422072fdb99dd60">Rapinoe, also 38, previously announced that this would be her last World Cup.</a>&nbsp;She has taken on a smaller role for the Americans in her final tournament. She was a substitute in the United States’ first and third games of group play and didn’t get off the bench in the middle match. She made her 200th appearance for the national team at the World Cup.

US loses to Sweden on penalty kicks in earliest Women's World Cup exit ever

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/B5TDQYDW-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Aaron Calhoun" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Aaron Calhoun

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryce Harper singled, doubled and homered, Trea Turner doubled, homered and drove in four runs and the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Kansas City Royals 9-6 on Saturday night.

Alec Bohm also went deep for defending NL champion Philadelphia, which entered holding the second wild-card spot.

Freddy Fermin homered twice for the Royals, who had won seven consecutive games.

Turner put Philadelphia ahead 8-6 with a three-run shot in the sixth off Angel Zerpa (0-1). It was Turner’s 11th drive of the season and first since July 8.

“Felt like what I’m used to, swings were good, fun game all around,” Turner said.

Rather than boo the slumping slugger, who signed an 11-year, $300 million deal in the offseason but was dropped to eighth in the lineup due to his struggles, Philadelphia’s notoriously tough fan base responded to a social media campaign to greet Turner at the start of a 10-game homestand on Friday night with a standing ovation before each at-bat.

After singling and driving in a run in Philadelphia’s 7-5 loss to the Royals on Friday, Turner thanked the fans. The Phillies faithful continued to pour support on Turner on Saturday, again giving him loud cheers before each at-bat and a standing ovation before his turn in the sixth.

J.T. Realmuto led off by reaching on a hit by pitch and Johan Rojas put runners on first and second with a bunt single. Turner sent the sellout crowd of 42,326 into a playoff-like frenzy by launching Zerpa’s first pitch, a 94 mph sinker, over the wall in left.

“Mentally, it just gives you reassurance that they have your back,” Turner said. “Just go out there, play the game, trust yourself and good things happen. I feel like the last two days the at-bats have been a lot better and going in the right direction.”

He took a curtain call, raising his Phillies helmet high into the air with his right hand and pumping his left hand to the fans, after the 383-foot drive.

“Curtain calls are special,” he said. “Means you did something big in a big moment.”

A little encouragement can go a long way.

“It’s impacted it quite a bit,” manager Rob Thomson said of the fan support of Turner. “I know he’s been grinding, he’s been working, he’s been trying to get back to where he normally is. I think it just maybe loosened him up a little bit, just let him do his thing.”

He followed that at-bat with an RBI double to the wall in left-center in the eighth. Turner also made two stellar defensive plays at shortstop, highlighted in the second inning by diving to his left before spinning around and throwing out Samad Taylor at first base.

Turner said the fans’ response on Friday night brought his mother to tears.

“It's a passionate fan base here,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It's pretty cool what they've done the last two days for him.”

Phillies fans also were cheering after Harper’s one-out, two-run drive to left-center pulled the Phillies within 6-5 in the fifth. It was the sixth homer of the season for Harper, whose power numbers have been down this season since returning May 2 from offseason Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

Needing a triple to reach the cycle, Harper struck out swinging in the seventh.

Matt Strahm (7-3) pitched two scoreless innings of relief, and Craig Kimbrel tossed a scoreless ninth for his 19th save in 21 chances.

Harper likely won’t play the outfield again this season.

The two-time NL MVP served strictly as Philadelphia’s designated hitter for most of last season after injuring his right throwing elbow on an outfield throw in April 2022. After surgery, Harper returned to his DH role on May 2 before debuting at first base for the first time in his career on July 21.

Since then, Thomson has been alternating Harper between first base and DH and that is likely the plan for the remainder of the season.

“I wouldn’t think so, not at this point, unless something changes,” Thomson said on Saturday, when asked if Harper would return to the outfield this season.

Seven-time All-Star Harper has played well at first base, making just one error in nine games over 80 innings. He was the DH on Saturday.

Both club’s starters struggled. Royals RHP Alec Marsh gave up three runs on six hits in four innings while Phillies LHP Cristopher Sánchez allowed six runs on six hits in five innings.

Kansas City’s seven-game streak was its longest since winning nine in a row from July 19-28, 2017.

Home-plate umpire Ben May ejected Dairon Blanco and Quatraro after both argued May's strike-three call on Blanco in the ninth that was the second out in the inning.

Phillies: CF Brandon Marsh exited the game with a left knee contusion after crashing into the center-field wall trying to catch Taylor’s triple leading off the fifth. Marsh limped off without putting much weight on his left leg. X-rays were negative and Marsh will have further tests on Sunday. … Left-handed reliever José Alvarado (left elbow inflammation) will throw a bullpen session on Monday. If all goes well, Alvarado will pitch in at least one minor league game before returning to the Phillies He has been sidelined since July 7.

Royals RHP Zack Greinke (1-11, 5.32) opposes Philadelphia RHP Taijuan Walker (12-4, 3.99) in the finale of the three-game series on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691287799360.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. dives back to first base after a fly out by Michael Massey during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. dives back to first base after a fly out by Michael Massey during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON BRACY Associated PressPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryce Harper singled, doubled and homered, Trea Turner doubled, homered and drove in four runs and the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Kansas City Royals 9-6 on Saturday night.Alec Bohm also went deep for defending NL champion Philadelphia, which entered holding the second wild-card spot.Freddy Fermin homered twice for the Royals, who had won seven consecutive games.Turner put Philadelphia ahead 8-6 with a three-run shot in the sixth off Angel Zerpa (0-1). It was Turner’s 11th drive of the season and first since July 8.“Felt like what I’m used to, swings were good, fun game all around,” Turner said.Rather than boo the slumping slugger, who signed an 11-year, $300 million deal in the offseason but was dropped to eighth in the lineup due to his struggles, Philadelphia’s notoriously tough fan base responded to a social media campaign to greet Turner at the start of a 10-game homestand on Friday night with a standing ovation before each at-bat.After singling and driving in a run in Philadelphia’s 7-5 loss to the Royals on Friday, Turner thanked the fans. The Phillies faithful continued to pour support on Turner on Saturday, again giving him loud cheers before each at-bat and a standing ovation before his turn in the sixth.J.T. Realmuto led off by reaching on a hit by pitch and Johan Rojas put runners on first and second with a bunt single. Turner sent the sellout crowd of 42,326 into a playoff-like frenzy by launching Zerpa’s first pitch, a 94 mph sinker, over the wall in left.“Mentally, it just gives you reassurance that they have your back,” Turner said. “Just go out there, play the game, trust yourself and good things happen. I feel like the last two days the at-bats have been a lot better and going in the right direction.”He took a curtain call, raising his Phillies helmet high into the air with his right hand and pumping his left hand to the fans, after the 383-foot drive.“Curtain calls are special,” he said. “Means you did something big in a big moment.”A little encouragement can go a long way.“It’s impacted it quite a bit,” manager Rob Thomson said of the fan support of Turner. “I know he’s been grinding, he’s been working, he’s been trying to get back to where he normally is. I think it just maybe loosened him up a little bit, just let him do his thing.”He followed that at-bat with an RBI double to the wall in left-center in the eighth. Turner also made two stellar defensive plays at shortstop, highlighted in the second inning by diving to his left before spinning around and throwing out Samad Taylor at first base.Turner said the fans’ response on Friday night brought his mother to tears.“It's a passionate fan base here,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It's pretty cool what they've done the last two days for him.”Phillies fans also were cheering after Harper’s one-out, two-run drive to left-center pulled the Phillies within 6-5 in the fifth. It was the sixth homer of the season for Harper, whose power numbers have been down this season since returning May 2 from offseason Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.Needing a triple to reach the cycle, Harper struck out swinging in the seventh.Matt Strahm (7-3) pitched two scoreless innings of relief, and Craig Kimbrel tossed a scoreless ninth for his 19th save in 21 chances.HARPER HAPPENINGSHarper likely won’t play the outfield again this season.The two-time NL MVP served strictly as Philadelphia’s designated hitter for most of last season after injuring his right throwing elbow on an outfield throw in April 2022. After surgery, Harper returned to his DH role on May 2 before debuting at first base for the first time in his career on July 21.Since then, Thomson has been alternating Harper between first base and DH and that is likely the plan for the remainder of the season.“I wouldn’t think so, not at this point, unless something changes,” Thomson said on Saturday, when asked if Harper would return to the outfield this season.Seven-time All-Star Harper has played well at first base, making just one error in nine games over 80 innings. He was the DH on Saturday.FOR STARTERSBoth club’s starters struggled. Royals RHP Alec Marsh gave up three runs on six hits in four innings while Phillies LHP Cristopher Sánchez allowed six runs on six hits in five innings.STREAK SNAPPEDKansas City’s seven-game streak was its longest since winning nine in a row from July 19-28, 2017.Y'ER OUTTA HEREHome-plate umpire Ben May ejected Dairon Blanco and Quatraro after both argued May's strike-three call on Blanco in the ninth that was the second out in the inning.TRAINER’S ROOMPhillies: CF Brandon Marsh exited the game with a left knee contusion after crashing into the center-field wall trying to catch Taylor’s triple leading off the fifth. Marsh limped off without putting much weight on his left leg. X-rays were negative and Marsh will have further tests on Sunday. … Left-handed reliever José Alvarado (left elbow inflammation) will throw a bullpen session on Monday. If all goes well, Alvarado will pitch in at least one minor league game before returning to the Phillies He has been sidelined since July 7.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Zack Greinke (1-11, 5.32) opposes Philadelphia RHP Taijuan Walker (12-4, 3.99) in the finale of the three-game series on Sunday.