By CODY FRIESEN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. recorded three RBIs with a homer, Kyle Isbel went 4-for-5 and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 10-7 on Saturday night.

Witt went 4-for-5 with three RBIs, a home run and a triple. In his first at-bat of the game after a career-high six RBI night that included a walk-off grand slam, Witt hit a solo homer. He leads the Royals with 60 RBIs and 18 homers.

“I have been just trying to prepare as much as I can to get ready every night, ” Witt said. “I have been working to stay as confident and comfortable as possible to go out there and compete.”

“It is really fun to watch,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You have to stop and appreciate it when you see it because you know how hard it is to be that good for an extended period of time. (Witt) has driven the ball all around the park and he made some defensively. It is fun to watch.”

Jordan Lyles (2-12) tossed five innings and allowed three runs on four hits with four strikeouts, two walks and a hit batter. It was just the third start this season where the Royals offense gave Lyles at least six runs of support. Scott Barlow earned his 13 save of the year.

“Overall, I am pleased with the start,” Lyles said. “Glad the guys came out and swung it well tonight. That afforded me the chance to get five innings in.”

Six different Royals notched RBIs on a season-high 18 hits. Michael Massey hit a 415-foot homer to right in the second for his eighth of the year. Isbel and Witt have combined for 12 of the 18 Kansas City runs in the series. Maikel Garcia added two RBIs with a sacrifice fly and a single.

Bailey Ober (6-5) gave up six runs on 11 hits with five strikeouts and a hit batter in four innings. The two home runs allowed marked the second consecutive start he has given up two long balls.

Minnesota left five on base which included a bases loaded inning-ending double play by Carlos Correa in the sixth, his 20th of the season. The Twins went 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

“There were a lot of things in this game we didn’t do very well," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. ”Shooting ourselves in the foot and things like that, which does take place in our game and every team is going to make mistakes and things aren’t going to go smooth. Overall, that was a hard one to watch because as we got closer, the game seemed to get further away.”

Byron Buxton went 3-for-3 with three doubles and two RBIs. He sparked a three-run fourth with a two-run double. Max Kepler belted a solo homer to lead off the sixth. Christian Vazquez recorded two RBIs. Willi Castro hit an RBI as part of a two-run eighth.

The Royals sealed a series win in the process against a Twins team in a heated battle for the AL Central crown. It is the fifth series win of the season for the Royals and the second time this season Kansas City avoided a rubber game for a series. The last was against San Francisco in April.

LHP Ryan Yarbrough (3-5, 4.70 ERA) will take the mound in the series finale on Sunday afternoon. RHP Kenta Maeda (2-5, 4.62) will get the nod for Minnesota. It is the final meeting of the 2023 season between the two AL Central opponents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690730037424.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) slides to third after hitting a triple during the seventh inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) slides to third after hitting a triple during the seventh inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CODY FRIESEN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. recorded three RBIs with a homer, Kyle Isbel went 4-for-5 and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 10-7 on Saturday night.Witt went 4-for-5 with three RBIs, a home run and a triple. In his first at-bat of the game after a career-high six RBI night that included a walk-off grand slam, Witt hit a solo homer. He leads the Royals with 60 RBIs and 18 homers.“I have been just trying to prepare as much as I can to get ready every night, ” Witt said. “I have been working to stay as confident and comfortable as possible to go out there and compete.”“It is really fun to watch,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You have to stop and appreciate it when you see it because you know how hard it is to be that good for an extended period of time. (Witt) has driven the ball all around the park and he made some defensively. It is fun to watch.”Jordan Lyles (2-12) tossed five innings and allowed three runs on four hits with four strikeouts, two walks and a hit batter. It was just the third start this season where the Royals offense gave Lyles at least six runs of support. Scott Barlow earned his 13 save of the year.“Overall, I am pleased with the start,” Lyles said. “Glad the guys came out and swung it well tonight. That afforded me the chance to get five innings in.”Six different Royals notched RBIs on a season-high 18 hits. Michael Massey hit a 415-foot homer to right in the second for his eighth of the year. Isbel and Witt have combined for 12 of the 18 Kansas City runs in the series. Maikel Garcia added two RBIs with a sacrifice fly and a single.Bailey Ober (6-5) gave up six runs on 11 hits with five strikeouts and a hit batter in four innings. The two home runs allowed marked the second consecutive start he has given up two long balls.Minnesota left five on base which included a bases loaded inning-ending double play by Carlos Correa in the sixth, his 20th of the season. The Twins went 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position.“There were a lot of things in this game we didn’t do very well," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. ”Shooting ourselves in the foot and things like that, which does take place in our game and every team is going to make mistakes and things aren’t going to go smooth. Overall, that was a hard one to watch because as we got closer, the game seemed to get further away.”Byron Buxton went 3-for-3 with three doubles and two RBIs. He sparked a three-run fourth with a two-run double. Max Kepler belted a solo homer to lead off the sixth. Christian Vazquez recorded two RBIs. Willi Castro hit an RBI as part of a two-run eighth.ROYAL FLUSHThe Royals sealed a series win in the process against a Twins team in a heated battle for the AL Central crown. It is the fifth series win of the season for the Royals and the second time this season Kansas City avoided a rubber game for a series. The last was against San Francisco in April.UP NEXTLHP Ryan Yarbrough (3-5, 4.70 ERA) will take the mound in the series finale on Sunday afternoon. RHP Kenta Maeda (2-5, 4.62) will get the nod for Minnesota. It is the final meeting of the 2023 season between the two AL Central opponents.

⚾ Witt stays hot. leads Royals to win over Twins

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/SairNyVL-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Luuk Ter Beek" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Luuk Ter Beek

HAYS – John Ceccoli and Damian Ruiz had three hits, Brady
Evans hit a grand slam and drove in five runs and the Hays Larks opened their final series of the
season with a 10-3 win over the North Platte Plainsmen Friday night at Larks
Park.

The Larks (35-16) rallied from an early three-run deficit
with single runs in the third and fourth then took the lead with a five-run
fifth, highlighted by Evans grand slam which broke a 3-3 tie and gave the Larks the lead for good. Evans drove in his fifth run of the game with a groundout in the sixth.

Lenny Ashby added a solo homer in the sixth.

The Plainsmen (17-30) grabbed the early lead with a run in the
top of the first and two in the second. Ruiz drove in the Larks’ first run with
a single in the third. Garrett Gruell added an RBI single in the fourth and an RBI double in the sixth.

Kaleb Meredith (3-0) pitched three hitless innings of relief
with six strikeouts and two walks and picked up the win. 

Starter Jose Velasquez allowed two earned runs on five hits
with five strikeouts and six walks.

The Larks have added a couple of players to their roster for
the upcoming NBC World Series. Lenny Junior Ashby is a native of Aruba. He
played the last two seasons at New Mexico and is transferring to Kansas for his
senior season. Ashby has played in three games.

Austen Jaslove joined the team for Friday night’s game. The
Knoxville, Tennessee native led the Larks in hits last summer. Jaslove will be
a junior at Tennessee. 

The Larks host the Plainsmen in game two of their three-game
series Saturday night. First pitch has been pushed back a half-hour to 7:30
p.m. due to extreme heat. Sunday night’s regular season finale will start at 7:00 p.m.

Hays PostHAYS – John Ceccoli and Damian Ruiz had three hits, Brady
Evans hit a grand slam and drove in five runs and the Hays Larks opened their final series of the
season with a 10-3 win over the North Platte Plainsmen Friday night at Larks
Park.The Larks (35-16) rallied from an early three-run deficit
with single runs in the third and fourth then took the lead with a five-run
fifth, highlighted by Evans grand slam which broke a 3-3 tie and gave the Larks the lead for good. Evans drove in his fifth run of the game with a groundout in the sixth.Lenny Ashby added a solo homer in the sixth.The Plainsmen (17-30) grabbed the early lead with a run in the
top of the first and two in the second. Ruiz drove in the Larks’ first run with
a single in the third. Garrett Gruell added an RBI single in the fourth and an RBI double in the sixth.Kaleb Meredith (3-0) pitched three hitless innings of relief
with six strikeouts and two walks and picked up the win. Starter Jose Velasquez allowed two earned runs on five hits
with five strikeouts and six walks.NEW FACESThe Larks have added a couple of players to their roster for
the upcoming NBC World Series. Lenny Junior Ashby is a native of Aruba. He
played the last two seasons at New Mexico and is transferring to Kansas for his
senior season. Ashby has played in three games.Austen Jaslove joined the team for Friday night’s game. The
Knoxville, Tennessee native led the Larks in hits last summer. Jaslove will be
a junior at Tennessee. UP NEXTThe Larks host the Plainsmen in game two of their three-game
series Saturday night. First pitch has been pushed back a half-hour to 7:30
p.m. due to extreme heat. Sunday night’s regular season finale will start at 7:00 p.m.

⚾ Evans grand slam leads Larks to win over Plainsmen

&nbsp;By CODY FRIESEN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.'s grand slam in the 10th inning gave the Kansas City Royals an 8-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.

Witt finished 4 for 5 with six RBIs, falling a triple short of the cycle and pulling out the game for the Royals on a full-count pitch after they blew a 4-2 lead in the ninth.

“I knew he was trying to attack me, didn’t want to walk me,” Witt said. “I tried to let him come to me and just make something happen.”

Brady Singer struck out a season-high 10 in five innings for the Royals, who needed their 13th comeback win of the season after Jorge Polanco's two-run double with two outs in the ninth tied it at 4-all.

“We did some things all right tonight, but we had plenty of opportunities early in the game. We left a lot of people on base. Some of it was our doing, some was just bad luck,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “We ran into trouble with command late in the game. It was frustrating not to win these kinds of games with the way we came back.”

Minnesota went ahead on Kyle Farmer's RBI single in the 10th off Taylor Clarke (2-4) before Witt won it with his 17th homer of the season off Jhoan Duran (2-5).

“The quickness of the swing, to pull it nonetheless, that’s what stood out to me the most," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “As far as the emotion, to see the guys get something like that, Bobby especially, but the whole team. The relief, the elation of it is really cool to see.”

Kyle Isbel hit a leadoff 400-foot home run off Twins starter Sonny Gray in the third. It was the first homer allowed by Gray against the Royals since August 2014.

Witt also had an RBI double in the sixth and a run-scoring single in the eighth.

Gray pitched six innings and gave up three runs on five hits with five strikeouts. Gray extended a 15-game winless streak dating back to April 30 against Kansas City.

Royals: Nick Pratto (left groin strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list. Samad Taylor was recalled from Triple-A Omaha in the corresponding move.

Twins: The Twins activated Jorge Polanco from the 10-day injured list. RHP Cole Sands was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul. Minnesota also activated RHP Dylan Floro, who was acquired in a trade with Miami on July 26.

RHP Jordan Lyles (1-12, 6.19 ERA) will take the mound for the Royals on Saturday. RHP Bailey Ober (6-4, 2.76 ERA) will counter for Minnesota.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690602644842.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr., right, celebrates with Nicky Lopez at home plate after hitting a grand slam against the Minnesota Twins during the 10th inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, July 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr., right, celebrates with Nicky Lopez at home plate after hitting a grand slam against the Minnesota Twins during the 10th inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, July 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By CODY FRIESEN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.'s grand slam in the 10th inning gave the Kansas City Royals an 8-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.Witt finished 4 for 5 with six RBIs, falling a triple short of the cycle and pulling out the game for the Royals on a full-count pitch after they blew a 4-2 lead in the ninth.“I knew he was trying to attack me, didn’t want to walk me,” Witt said. “I tried to let him come to me and just make something happen.”Brady Singer struck out a season-high 10 in five innings for the Royals, who needed their 13th comeback win of the season after Jorge Polanco's two-run double with two outs in the ninth tied it at 4-all.“We did some things all right tonight, but we had plenty of opportunities early in the game. We left a lot of people on base. Some of it was our doing, some was just bad luck,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “We ran into trouble with command late in the game. It was frustrating not to win these kinds of games with the way we came back.”Minnesota went ahead on Kyle Farmer's RBI single in the 10th off Taylor Clarke (2-4) before Witt won it with his 17th homer of the season off Jhoan Duran (2-5).“The quickness of the swing, to pull it nonetheless, that’s what stood out to me the most," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “As far as the emotion, to see the guys get something like that, Bobby especially, but the whole team. The relief, the elation of it is really cool to see.”Kyle Isbel hit a leadoff 400-foot home run off Twins starter Sonny Gray in the third. It was the first homer allowed by Gray against the Royals since August 2014.Witt also had an RBI double in the sixth and a run-scoring single in the eighth.Gray pitched six innings and gave up three runs on five hits with five strikeouts. Gray extended a 15-game winless streak dating back to April 30 against Kansas City.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Nick Pratto (left groin strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list. Samad Taylor was recalled from Triple-A Omaha in the corresponding move.ROSTER MOVESTwins: The Twins activated Jorge Polanco from the 10-day injured list. RHP Cole Sands was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul. Minnesota also activated RHP Dylan Floro, who was acquired in a trade with Miami on July 26.UP NEXTRHP Jordan Lyles (1-12, 6.19 ERA) will take the mound for the Royals on Saturday. RHP Bailey Ober (6-4, 2.76 ERA) will counter for Minnesota.

⚾ Witt's grand slam gives the Royals a victory over the Twins

By MATT DERRICK Associated Press

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid watched his team work out in pads for the first time since their Super Bowl triumph last February and saw his players' energy rise.

“Naturally it does that,” Reid said. “But I like the way they did it, how they got after each other.”

The defending champions ratcheted up the competition for an hour, 40 minutes in sweltering conditions as the heat index soared into the mid-90s.

The air wasn't all that was hot, like when cornerback Dicaprio Bootle continued hacking at the football in the grasp of tight end Travis Kelce after a play. Cornerback Lamar Jackson raised eyebrows when he delivered a late hit on receiver Kekoa Crawford out of bounds.

Reid doesn’t mind trash-talking and spirited play as long as players keep their wits about them.

“They’re going to jaw,” Reid said. “It’s hot, humid, they’re going to jaw a little bit. As long as there are no punches thrown we’re all right."

The Chiefs dug in during practice for three separate periods of 11-on-11, along with a nine-on-seven run session.

However, the most anticipated session in Friday’s practice focused on offensive and defensive linemen facing off in pass-rushing scenarios.

“It’s you mano a mano,” guard Trey Smith said. “All the technical details, every little piece matters. Being able to lock in those little seconds and get your job done."

Linebacker Willie Gay said the hard, hot practice was tailor made for Reid. Although it was grueling, “I told the guys, as long as we continue to get better, it’s going to make the games and preseason even easier, and we’ll start winning,” he continued.

There's rust to knock off whenever the pads first come on.

“You have some things that you got to clean up, some things you can be a little tighter technique-wise, but it’s always good to put the pads back on," Smith said. "It’s always good knowing the season’s around the corner.”

Off the field, defensive tackle Chris Jones held out for seventh day and Reid, who hasn't communicated with Jones recently, didn't know when the holdout would end.

“We’re moving fast and furious even though he’s not here," Reid said.

The 29-year-old-Jones is set to earn $19.5 million in base salary this season in the final year of a four-year extension signed in 2020. The All-Pro is seeking an extension that would make him the league’s second-highest-paid defensive tackle behind Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald, whose contract sports an annual average value of $31.67 million.

Jones has been fined $50,000 fine for each missed day of training camp missed, a total that's grown to $350,000 00 so far. If Jones doesn’t report by Aug. 13, he will be assessed an additional fine of $1.147 for missing the team’s preseason opener against New Orleans.

NOTES: Linebacker Nick Bolton returned to practice Friday following a brief illness, but fellow linebacker Drue Tranquill exited practice early due to a sprained neck. Defensive end Mike Danna left with a strained calf while tight end Jody Fortson is undergoing further examination on a shoulder injury. Wide receiver Kadarius Toney expects to miss the remainder of training camp after surgery Tuesday for a torn meniscus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690569041476.jpeg" alt="The Kansas City Chiefs practice in full pads for the first time at training camp in on Friday, July 28, 2023 in St. Joseph, Mo. (Tommy Rezac photo)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas City Chiefs practice in full pads for the first time at training camp in on Friday, July 28, 2023 in St. Joseph, Mo. (Tommy Rezac photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT DERRICK Associated PressST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid watched his team work out in pads for the first time since their Super Bowl triumph last February and saw his players' energy rise.“Naturally it does that,” Reid said. “But I like the way they did it, how they got after each other.”The defending champions ratcheted up the competition for an hour, 40 minutes in sweltering conditions as the heat index soared into the mid-90s.The air wasn't all that was hot, like when cornerback Dicaprio Bootle continued hacking at the football in the grasp of tight end Travis Kelce after a play. Cornerback Lamar Jackson raised eyebrows when he delivered a late hit on receiver Kekoa Crawford out of bounds.Reid doesn’t mind trash-talking and spirited play as long as players keep their wits about them.“They’re going to jaw,” Reid said. “It’s hot, humid, they’re going to jaw a little bit. As long as there are no punches thrown we’re all right."The Chiefs dug in during practice for three separate periods of 11-on-11, along with a nine-on-seven run session.However, the most anticipated session in Friday’s practice focused on offensive and defensive linemen facing off in pass-rushing scenarios.“It’s you mano a mano,” guard Trey Smith said. “All the technical details, every little piece matters. Being able to lock in those little seconds and get your job done."Linebacker Willie Gay said the hard, hot practice was tailor made for Reid. Although it was grueling, “I told the guys, as long as we continue to get better, it’s going to make the games and preseason even easier, and we’ll start winning,” he continued.There's rust to knock off whenever the pads first come on.“You have some things that you got to clean up, some things you can be a little tighter technique-wise, but it’s always good to put the pads back on," Smith said. "It’s always good knowing the season’s around the corner.”Off the field, defensive tackle Chris Jones held out for seventh day and Reid, who hasn't communicated with Jones recently, didn't know when the holdout would end.“We’re moving fast and furious even though he’s not here," Reid said.The 29-year-old-Jones is set to earn $19.5 million in base salary this season in the final year of a four-year extension signed in 2020. The All-Pro is seeking an extension that would make him the league’s second-highest-paid defensive tackle behind Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald, whose contract sports an annual average value of $31.67 million.Jones has been fined $50,000 fine for each missed day of training camp missed, a total that's grown to $350,000 00 so far. If Jones doesn’t report by Aug. 13, he will be assessed an additional fine of $1.147 for missing the team’s preseason opener against New Orleans.NOTES: Linebacker Nick Bolton returned to practice Friday following a brief illness, but fellow linebacker Drue Tranquill exited practice early due to a sprained neck. Defensive end Mike Danna left with a strained calf while tight end Jody Fortson is undergoing further examination on a shoulder injury. Wide receiver Kadarius Toney expects to miss the remainder of training camp after surgery Tuesday for a torn meniscus.

🏈 Super Bowl champion Chiefs hold hot, tough practice in 1st day of pads

Due to excessive heat, the Hays Larks games on Friday and Saturday have been pushed back a half-hour to 7:30 p.m. 

Sunday's regular season finale will remain at 7:00 p.m.

Hays PostDue to excessive heat, the Hays Larks games on Friday and Saturday have been pushed back a half-hour to 7:30 p.m. Sunday's regular season finale will remain at 7:00 p.m.

⚾ Larks start times pushed back due to excessive heat

Lyndi Zimmerman loves track and field. And track and field loves Lyndi Zimmerman. 

As a member of the Hays Striders summer youth track team and in-coming multi-sport freshman at Hays High School, Zimmerman is ranked number one in the nation in one of her favorite track events, the pentathlon. Going into the upcoming Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa, Zimmerman will compete against the best in the country in the 14- year-old girls division on Saturday, July 29.

The pentathlon is an event where athletes compete in five events in one day, all day long: shot put, 100-meter hurdles, long jump, high jump, and the 800-meter run. Offered only during summer track meets, the multi-event is a precursor to the heptathlon which is offered during college and the Summer Olympics.

When asked about her number one ranking she said she was “shocked” she was ranked at the top. “I thought I would be ranked about 20th but it’s awesome!” 

Zimmerman is ranked 225 points ahead of her next competitor, Kai Wood of Maryland.

Her favorite pentathlon event is either the 100-meter hurdles or shot put, and as the event lasts all day, there are some obstacles Lyndi says she has to overcome during competition. Mentally there is the challenge of competing with only a 30-minute break between events, and the challenge of the day “either being too hot or something hurts,” Zimmerman said.

Strider teammate Makayla Lewallen, ranked 11th in the nation and a strong athlete in her own right, will compete side by side with Zimmerman in Des Moines. “It’s really nice to have someone to talk to about the events,” Zimmerman said about having Lewallen compete with her. Zimmerman took first in the pentathlon at the regional qualifier in June at Yukon, Oklahoma, with Lewallen placing second in the same event.

Zimmerman started her summer running at age six with the Hays Striders as an 800 and 1500-meter runner, and feels that those early mid-distance, distance events contributed to her success and helped her grow as a sprinter and hurdler today.&nbsp;

“I always thought I was going to run distance as I did cross-country. It surprises me now that I’m doing shot put, hurdles, sprints, and not distance,” Zimmerman stated. She feels the longer running events at an early age have given her a good foundation “because of the endurance and the sprint you have to give at the end of the race,” she said.

When asked about her track heroes, without hesitation, she said, “Sydney McLaughlin. Sydney runs the 100 hurdles and has the 400 hurdles world record (50.68). She’s just awesome.”

Her pre-meet routine is simple. “I just do warm-ups, have a good snack, some water, and go to the heating tent.” Her pre-meet diet is simple as well. “A boxed, frozen Chinese dish from Walmart cooked in a little skillet,” she said. "It’s really good.” Simple, but it works for her.

One of her goals for her high school is placing at state as a freshman. “And every year too, but especially as a freshman as it will put my name out there,” she said. After high school, her aspiration is to compete in track in college. “But I’m not really thinking about that right now,” taking her meets one at a time.

Zimmerman’s family is well-known in Kansas for soccer and now track as almost all of Jesse and Bria Zimmerman’s children run for the Striders. Brothers Emery and Finley also qualified for the Junior Olympics and sister Halle holds her own at practice with athletes twice her age.

Traveling across the country for meets in their RV, Zimmerman describes the trips as “pretty chaotic but a lot of fun.” The Zimmerman family bond is very strong and the Striders team love to hear about their exploits upon return.

Of her favorite track memories, Zimmerman says going to North Carolina with the Lewallens for the Junior Olympics last year was really fun. “We stayed at the same campsite and went everywhere with each other.” Family friends Darris and Meredith Lewallen also travel to meets in their RV.

Another favorite memory for Zimmerman is the 2017 USATF Junior Olympics in Lawrence where “a bunch of family watched me compete in the 1500. I think I got 25th,” she said.&nbsp;

Her favorite workout she says is “An easy workout! Ins and Outs. A sprint workout!”&nbsp; Coach Dave Haberman was hoping she would say his Madness Runs, Tempos, or 800 Cruzers but “Lyndi has really grown into a strong sprinter and hurdler so that heavier workload doesn’t fit her training very often.” 

Training for the pentathlon presents its own challenges as Zimmerman has to train for her individual events for Des Moines, 100 and hurdles, 200-meter dash, and shot put as well as three additional pentathlon events, long jump, high jump, and 800-meter run.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During Zimmerman’s last year at Hays Middle School she set four individual school records in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 100 hurdles, and 200 hurdles. “Five records if you include the relay,” Zimmerman added. If Zimmerman would have been able to compete in the shot put and long jump for the Falcons, she would have broken the records in both of those events as well. When asked if she wants to put the shot in high school Zimmerman said, “I hope so, I kind of want to.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

As Zimmerman’s season comes to a close after the Junior Olympics she may be able to take a break, relax, and recover. But don’t count on her being too lax for too long as that competitive track bug will bite again soon. And her love of track and field will be on again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690553884373.jpeg" alt="Lyndi Zimmerman, Hays,&nbsp;is ranked number one in the nation in one of her favorite track events, the Pentathlon, going into the Junior Olympics. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lyndi Zimmerman, Hays,&nbsp;is ranked number one in the nation in one of her favorite track events, the Pentathlon, going into the Junior Olympics. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLyndi Zimmerman loves track and field. And track and field loves Lyndi Zimmerman. As a member of the Hays Striders summer youth track team and in-coming multi-sport freshman at Hays High School, Zimmerman is ranked number one in the nation in one of her favorite track events, the pentathlon. Going into the upcoming Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa, Zimmerman will compete against the best in the country in the 14- year-old girls division on Saturday, July 29.The pentathlon is an event where athletes compete in five events in one day, all day long: shot put, 100-meter hurdles, long jump, high jump, and the 800-meter run. Offered only during summer track meets, the multi-event is a precursor to the heptathlon which is offered during college and the Summer Olympics.When asked about her number one ranking she said she was “shocked” she was ranked at the top. “I thought I would be ranked about 20th but it’s awesome!” Zimmerman is ranked 225 points ahead of her next competitor, Kai Wood of Maryland.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690554285663.jpeg" alt="The hurdles are a favorite penetathlon event of Lindi Zimmerman. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The hurdles are a favorite penetathlon event of Lindi Zimmerman. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Her favorite pentathlon event is either the 100-meter hurdles or shot put, and as the event lasts all day, there are some obstacles Lyndi says she has to overcome during competition. Mentally there is the challenge of competing with only a 30-minute break between events, and the challenge of the day “either being too hot or something hurts,” Zimmerman said.Strider teammate Makayla Lewallen, ranked 11th in the nation and a strong athlete in her own right, will compete side by side with Zimmerman in Des Moines. “It’s really nice to have someone to talk to about the events,” Zimmerman said about having Lewallen compete with her. Zimmerman took first in the pentathlon at the regional qualifier in June at Yukon, Oklahoma, with Lewallen placing second in the same event.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690553977984.jpeg" alt="Lyndi Zimmerman is a member of the Hays Striders and an incoming freshman at Hays High School. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lyndi Zimmerman is a member of the Hays Striders and an incoming freshman at Hays High School. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Zimmerman started her summer running at age six with the Hays Striders as an 800 and 1500-meter runner, and feels that those early mid-distance, distance events contributed to her success and helped her grow as a sprinter and hurdler today.&nbsp;“I always thought I was going to run distance as I did cross-country. It surprises me now that I’m doing shot put, hurdles, sprints, and not distance,” Zimmerman stated. She feels the longer running events at an early age have given her a good foundation “because of the endurance and the sprint you have to give at the end of the race,” she said.When asked about her track heroes, without hesitation, she said, “Sydney McLaughlin. Sydney runs the 100 hurdles and has the 400 hurdles world record (50.68). She’s just awesome.”Her pre-meet routine is simple. “I just do warm-ups, have a good snack, some water, and go to the heating tent.” Her pre-meet diet is simple as well. “A boxed, frozen Chinese dish from Walmart cooked in a little skillet,” she said. "It’s really good.” Simple, but it works for her.One of her goals for her high school is placing at state as a freshman. “And every year too, but especially as a freshman as it will put my name out there,” she said. After high school, her aspiration is to compete in track in college. “But I’m not really thinking about that right now,” taking her meets one at a time.Zimmerman’s family is well-known in Kansas for soccer and now track as almost all of Jesse and Bria Zimmerman’s children run for the Striders. Brothers Emery and Finley also qualified for the Junior Olympics and sister Halle holds her own at practice with athletes twice her age.Traveling across the country for meets in their RV, Zimmerman describes the trips as “pretty chaotic but a lot of fun.” The Zimmerman family bond is very strong and the Striders team love to hear about their exploits upon return.Of her favorite track memories, Zimmerman says going to North Carolina with the Lewallens for the Junior Olympics last year was really fun. “We stayed at the same campsite and went everywhere with each other.” Family friends Darris and Meredith Lewallen also travel to meets in their RV.Another favorite memory for Zimmerman is the 2017 USATF Junior Olympics in Lawrence where “a bunch of family watched me compete in the 1500. I think I got 25th,” she said.&nbsp;Her favorite workout she says is “An easy workout! Ins and Outs. A sprint workout!”&nbsp; Coach Dave Haberman was hoping she would say his Madness Runs, Tempos, or 800 Cruzers but “Lyndi has really grown into a strong sprinter and hurdler so that heavier workload doesn’t fit her training very often.” Training for the pentathlon presents its own challenges as Zimmerman has to train for her individual events for Des Moines, 100 and hurdles, 200-meter dash, and shot put as well as three additional pentathlon events, long jump, high jump, and 800-meter run.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690554917460.jpeg" alt="Lindi Zimmerman (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Lindi Zimmerman (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>During Zimmerman’s last year at Hays Middle School she set four individual school records in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 100 hurdles, and 200 hurdles. “Five records if you include the relay,” Zimmerman added. If Zimmerman would have been able to compete in the shot put and long jump for the Falcons, she would have broken the records in both of those events as well. When asked if she wants to put the shot in high school Zimmerman said, “I hope so, I kind of want to.”&nbsp;&nbsp;As Zimmerman’s season comes to a close after the Junior Olympics she may be able to take a break, relax, and recover. But don’t count on her being too lax for too long as that competitive track bug will bite again soon. And her love of track and field will be on again.

Hays Strider Lyndi Zimmerman ranked # 1 in nation going into Junior Olympics 

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/tuwfIZ1R-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Trent Baker" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Trent Baker

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Sports Writer

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado is leaving the Pac-12 to return to the conference the Buffaloes jilted a dozen years ago, and the Big 12 celebrated the reunion with a two-word statement released through Commissioner Brett Yomark:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1684677566001557504?s=20">“They’re back.”</a>

“The landscape of collegiate sports is ever-evolving, and the University of Colorado Boulder has determined the Big 12 is the best future fit for our athletic teams,” CU President Todd Saliman said after the board of regents voted 9-0 in a special remote meeting Thursday to approve the conference switch in 2024.

Colorado becomes the third school to leave the Pac-12 in the last year; UCLA and USC are joining the Big Ten next year, leaving the Pac-12, at least for the moment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pac12-big12-kliavkoff-yormark-conference-realignment-c78bcca0b15dc48f58ec8b0980628d43">with only nine member schools for the 2024-25 season.</a>

Colorado is expected to take in $31.7 million in annual television revenue over the course of the Big 12's new deal, but Chancellor Philip DiStefano and athletic director Rick George insisted that money wasn't the only factor in CU becoming the first Power Five school to return to the conference it had left.

“A decision this big has to do with a lot more than just money,” George said, emphasising that the Buffaloes will get greater exposure playing in earlier time slots and by returning from road games at a more reasonable hour.

“CU Boulder is a national university, and by spanning three time zones, the Big 12 is very much a national conference,” added DiStefano. “The national exposure that joining the Big 12 provides will shine a spotlight not only on our incredible student-athletes, but also on our groundbreaking research that really changes the world.”

While some of the regents expressed disappointment about leaving the Pac-12, they said the shifting sports landscape left CU no option but to rejoin the conference where they were a founding member before heading West in 2011.

One lure for the Buffaloes bolting the Big 12 in the first place was the school's large West Coast alumni base, a factor mitigated by the impending departures of the Trojans and Bruins.

“The Pac-12 is a great conference with vital institutions and it was a privilege to be a member for the last 12 years,” DiStefano said. “While it’s difficult to leave, we’re excited about what the future holds for CU Boulder as we start our next era in the Big 12.”

Pac-12 presidents and chancellors, athletic directors and Commissioner George Kliavkoff were scheduled to convene Thursday to discuss the next moves for the conference, two people with knowledge of the meeting told AP on condition of anonymity because the conference is not making its internal moves public.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has spoken for months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-football-yormark-open-for-business-b8b0f3a27b8dc95791e3704a5610a421">about his desire to expand the conference</a>&nbsp;and add schools in the Mountain and Pacific time zones. A person familiar with the Big 12’s expansion aspirations, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AP the school and league&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-pac12-big-12-conference-realignment-yormark-kliavkoff-09b3d9604505b23e311564fac677971d">had been in contact for more than a month</a>&nbsp;about a potential departure from the Pac-12.

There could be more defections from the Pac-12, which has seemed vulnerable to more poaching after losing USC and UCLA and with negotiations for a new media rights contract dragging on. Current deals with ESPN and Fox expire after this school year just about the same time the three schools leave.

The Big 12 last year came to an agreement with ESPN and Fox on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-entertainment-sports-7a6ff1cb356d89377609c47d99505bc3">six-year extension worth more than $2 billion that runs through 2030-31</a>.

The Buffaloes’ football team has had only one winning record over a full season since joining the Pac-12, and went 1-11 last year, leading to the hiring of former NFL star Deion Sanders.

“I will tell you, there’s tremendous benefits for being in the Big 12 for the direction that Coach Prime is going as it relates to recruiting, being able to play in Orlando, against UCF, where he’s recruited very heavily,” George said. “The state of Texas has always been a priority for us and now (we're) playing four teams in that area. And then just up north, Oklahoma State.”

Chris Yuhl, a Los Angeles attorney and 1983 CU graduate who attends home and road football games, said he disagrees with the move from a fan standpoint but understands why it happened.

“It’s like Rick George and Phil DiStefano are at a craps table and have a hot hand, getting Deion and doing what they did here,” Yuhl said. “We went from nobody wanting CU last October to being the first girl everyone wants to dance with in the Big 12 right now.”

The Big 12 has 14 members this year, but Texas and Oklahoma are leaving for the Southeastern Conference next year. A second person familiar with the Big 12’s discussions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-pac12-big-12-conference-realignment-yormark-kliavkoff-09b3d9604505b23e311564fac677971d">told AP the conference would ideally like to expand to 16 schools</a>&nbsp;with Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado all coming over from the Pac-12 to create a Western wing of the league.

Although the Big 12 landscape is different this time around with the additions of BYU, Central Florida, Houston and Cincinnati, the Buffaloes have several rivalries to renew.

"Iowa State is thrilled to welcome the University of Colorado back into the Big 12 Conference," Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard said. “The Cyclones and Buffaloes enjoyed a spirited rivalry for more than 60 years in the Big 7, Big 8 and early years of the Big 12, so we are excited to resume competing with them next year.”

George said he will seek a seventh home game to replace what were non-conference games at Houston in 2025 and Kansas State in 2028.

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Sports WriterBOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado is leaving the Pac-12 to return to the conference the Buffaloes jilted a dozen years ago, and the Big 12 celebrated the reunion with a two-word statement released through Commissioner Brett Yomark:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1684677566001557504?s=20">“They’re back.”</a>“The landscape of collegiate sports is ever-evolving, and the University of Colorado Boulder has determined the Big 12 is the best future fit for our athletic teams,” CU President Todd Saliman said after the board of regents voted 9-0 in a special remote meeting Thursday to approve the conference switch in 2024.Colorado becomes the third school to leave the Pac-12 in the last year; UCLA and USC are joining the Big Ten next year, leaving the Pac-12, at least for the moment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pac12-big12-kliavkoff-yormark-conference-realignment-c78bcca0b15dc48f58ec8b0980628d43">with only nine member schools for the 2024-25 season.</a>Colorado is expected to take in $31.7 million in annual television revenue over the course of the Big 12's new deal, but Chancellor Philip DiStefano and athletic director Rick George insisted that money wasn't the only factor in CU becoming the first Power Five school to return to the conference it had left.“A decision this big has to do with a lot more than just money,” George said, emphasising that the Buffaloes will get greater exposure playing in earlier time slots and by returning from road games at a more reasonable hour.“CU Boulder is a national university, and by spanning three time zones, the Big 12 is very much a national conference,” added DiStefano. “The national exposure that joining the Big 12 provides will shine a spotlight not only on our incredible student-athletes, but also on our groundbreaking research that really changes the world.”While some of the regents expressed disappointment about leaving the Pac-12, they said the shifting sports landscape left CU no option but to rejoin the conference where they were a founding member before heading West in 2011.One lure for the Buffaloes bolting the Big 12 in the first place was the school's large West Coast alumni base, a factor mitigated by the impending departures of the Trojans and Bruins.“The Pac-12 is a great conference with vital institutions and it was a privilege to be a member for the last 12 years,” DiStefano said. “While it’s difficult to leave, we’re excited about what the future holds for CU Boulder as we start our next era in the Big 12.”Pac-12 presidents and chancellors, athletic directors and Commissioner George Kliavkoff were scheduled to convene Thursday to discuss the next moves for the conference, two people with knowledge of the meeting told AP on condition of anonymity because the conference is not making its internal moves public.Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has spoken for months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-football-yormark-open-for-business-b8b0f3a27b8dc95791e3704a5610a421">about his desire to expand the conference</a>&nbsp;and add schools in the Mountain and Pacific time zones. A person familiar with the Big 12’s expansion aspirations, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AP the school and league&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-pac12-big-12-conference-realignment-yormark-kliavkoff-09b3d9604505b23e311564fac677971d">had been in contact for more than a month</a>&nbsp;about a potential departure from the Pac-12.There could be more defections from the Pac-12, which has seemed vulnerable to more poaching after losing USC and UCLA and with negotiations for a new media rights contract dragging on. Current deals with ESPN and Fox expire after this school year just about the same time the three schools leave.The Big 12 last year came to an agreement with ESPN and Fox on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-entertainment-sports-7a6ff1cb356d89377609c47d99505bc3">six-year extension worth more than $2 billion that runs through 2030-31</a>.The Buffaloes’ football team has had only one winning record over a full season since joining the Pac-12, and went 1-11 last year, leading to the hiring of former NFL star Deion Sanders.“I will tell you, there’s tremendous benefits for being in the Big 12 for the direction that Coach Prime is going as it relates to recruiting, being able to play in Orlando, against UCF, where he’s recruited very heavily,” George said. “The state of Texas has always been a priority for us and now (we're) playing four teams in that area. And then just up north, Oklahoma State.”Chris Yuhl, a Los Angeles attorney and 1983 CU graduate who attends home and road football games, said he disagrees with the move from a fan standpoint but understands why it happened.“It’s like Rick George and Phil DiStefano are at a craps table and have a hot hand, getting Deion and doing what they did here,” Yuhl said. “We went from nobody wanting CU last October to being the first girl everyone wants to dance with in the Big 12 right now.”The Big 12 has 14 members this year, but Texas and Oklahoma are leaving for the Southeastern Conference next year. A second person familiar with the Big 12’s discussions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-pac12-big-12-conference-realignment-yormark-kliavkoff-09b3d9604505b23e311564fac677971d">told AP the conference would ideally like to expand to 16 schools</a>&nbsp;with Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado all coming over from the Pac-12 to create a Western wing of the league.Although the Big 12 landscape is different this time around with the additions of BYU, Central Florida, Houston and Cincinnati, the Buffaloes have several rivalries to renew."Iowa State is thrilled to welcome the University of Colorado back into the Big 12 Conference," Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard said. “The Cyclones and Buffaloes enjoyed a spirited rivalry for more than 60 years in the Big 7, Big 8 and early years of the Big 12, so we are excited to resume competing with them next year.”George said he will seek a seventh home game to replace what were non-conference games at Houston in 2025 and Kansas State in 2028.

Colorado leaving Pac-12 and returning to Big 12 in 2024 following unanimous vote by board of regents

The Hays Larks will open play at the 89th National Baseball Congress World Series on Friday, August 4 at 6:00 p.m. against a yet to be determined team from the Jayhawk League.

The Larks received an automatic spot in this years World Series following a runner-up finish a year ago. They are in Pool D along with the&nbsp;GPS (TX) Legends and the&nbsp;Seattle (WA) Blackfins.

The Larks play in the feature game Friday then play again sometime on Sunday, August 6 and Tuesday, August 8.

The top three teams from the four pools advance to the single elimination bracket play which begins on Wednesday, August 9. Each pool winner receives a bye and advances to the quarterfinals on Thursday, August 10.

You can listen to all of the Hays Larks games from the NBC World Series on 96.9, KFIX.

The Larks close out their regular season with a three-game, non-league series with the North Platte Plainsmen beginning Friday at 7:00 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690542328521.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Hays Larks will open play at the 89th National Baseball Congress World Series on Friday, August 4 at 6:00 p.m. against a yet to be determined team from the Jayhawk League.The Larks received an automatic spot in this years World Series following a runner-up finish a year ago. They are in Pool D along with the&nbsp;GPS (TX) Legends and the&nbsp;Seattle (WA) Blackfins.The Larks play in the feature game Friday then play again sometime on Sunday, August 6 and Tuesday, August 8.The top three teams from the four pools advance to the single elimination bracket play which begins on Wednesday, August 9. Each pool winner receives a bye and advances to the quarterfinals on Thursday, August 10.You can listen to all of the Hays Larks games from the NBC World Series on 96.9, KFIX.The Larks close out their regular season with a three-game, non-league series with the North Platte Plainsmen beginning Friday at 7:00 p.m.

⚾ Larks open NBC World Series play next Friday

Fort Hays State junior defensive end Myles Menges visits with Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock.

Fort Hays State junior defensive end Myles Menges visits with Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock.<div><iframe title="Myles Menges - MIAA FB Media Day" 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=xfuk5-14687be-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: Myles Menges

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/pYbcg31o-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Caden Hare" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Caden Hare

By STEVE HERRICK Associated Press

CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez hit a two-run homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the fourth, leading the Cleveland Guardians past the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Wednesday.

Ramírez has 22 multi-homer games in his career, including two this season. He homered into the right field seats in the first and cleared the wall in center in the fourth for his 16th of the season.

Ramírez was 3 for 4 with a check-swing infield hit in the sixth and a walk in the second followed by a stolen base, and he scored three runs. He was finally retired on a groundout in the eighth.

David Fry hit a two-run homer in the fourth and Steven Kwan had two RBIs. Cleveland moved to 51-51 and trails Minnesota by two games in the AL Central.

Cleveland starter Gavin Williams pitched four scoreless innings but was pulled after throwing 85 pitches. It was his first start since developing a blister on his middle finger Friday against Philadelphia. The rookie right-hander threw 31 pitches and worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the first.

Nick Sandlin (5-3) allowed a run in the fifth.

Kansas City starter Alec Marsh (0-5) allowed four runs in 2 2/3 innings. The rookie right-hander has lost each of his five major league starts. Marsh has allowed nine home runs in 23 innings.

MJ Melendez hit a solo homer in the ninth for Kansas City. Maikel Garcia had an RBI single in the fifth and Dairon Blanco drove in a run with an eighth-inning single. Kansas City loaded the bases with one out in the sixth but failed to score.

Cleveland has won three straight series for the first time since ending the 2022 season with five straight series wins.

Ramírez’s first-inning homer followed a walk to Andrés Giménez. Kwan had an RBI single in the second and drew a bases-loaded walk in the third.

Williams dodged trouble in the first. Center fielder Myles Straw made a leaping catch at the wall on a drive hit by Bobby Witt Jr. for the second out. Two singles and a walk followed. The inning ended when Freddy Fermin popped out to Giménez at second base.

Williams struck out five and allowed three hits. The Guardians are closely monitoring the workloads of Williams and rookies Tanner Bibee and Logan Allen. Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill are on Cleveland’s injured list.

The Guardians signed veteran left-hander Amir Garrett to a minor league contract. Garrett, 31, was released by Kansas City earlier this month after going 0-1 with a 3.33 ERA in 27 games. He pitched 24 1/3 innings, striking out 28 and walking 20.

Royals: RHP Brad Keller (shoulder impingement) is nearing the conclusion of a 30-day minor league rehab assignment that began June 28. He hasn’t pitched for Kansas City since May 15.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (6-8, 5.55 ERA) is the scheduled starter Friday night at home against Minnesota.

Guardians: RHP Tanner Bibee (6-2, 3.04 ERA) will start Thursday night in the opener of a four-game road series against the Chicago White Sox.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690403853334.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia (11) throws his bat after lining out to first base in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia (11) throws his bat after lining out to first base in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE HERRICK Associated PressCLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez hit a two-run homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the fourth, leading the Cleveland Guardians past the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Wednesday.Ramírez has 22 multi-homer games in his career, including two this season. He homered into the right field seats in the first and cleared the wall in center in the fourth for his 16th of the season.Ramírez was 3 for 4 with a check-swing infield hit in the sixth and a walk in the second followed by a stolen base, and he scored three runs. He was finally retired on a groundout in the eighth.David Fry hit a two-run homer in the fourth and Steven Kwan had two RBIs. Cleveland moved to 51-51 and trails Minnesota by two games in the AL Central.Cleveland starter Gavin Williams pitched four scoreless innings but was pulled after throwing 85 pitches. It was his first start since developing a blister on his middle finger Friday against Philadelphia. The rookie right-hander threw 31 pitches and worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the first.Nick Sandlin (5-3) allowed a run in the fifth.Kansas City starter Alec Marsh (0-5) allowed four runs in 2 2/3 innings. The rookie right-hander has lost each of his five major league starts. Marsh has allowed nine home runs in 23 innings.MJ Melendez hit a solo homer in the ninth for Kansas City. Maikel Garcia had an RBI single in the fifth and Dairon Blanco drove in a run with an eighth-inning single. Kansas City loaded the bases with one out in the sixth but failed to score.Cleveland has won three straight series for the first time since ending the 2022 season with five straight series wins.Ramírez’s first-inning homer followed a walk to Andrés Giménez. Kwan had an RBI single in the second and drew a bases-loaded walk in the third.Williams dodged trouble in the first. Center fielder Myles Straw made a leaping catch at the wall on a drive hit by Bobby Witt Jr. for the second out. Two singles and a walk followed. The inning ended when Freddy Fermin popped out to Giménez at second base.Williams struck out five and allowed three hits. The Guardians are closely monitoring the workloads of Williams and rookies Tanner Bibee and Logan Allen. Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill are on Cleveland’s injured list.NEW PITCHERThe Guardians signed veteran left-hander Amir Garrett to a minor league contract. Garrett, 31, was released by Kansas City earlier this month after going 0-1 with a 3.33 ERA in 27 games. He pitched 24 1/3 innings, striking out 28 and walking 20.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Brad Keller (shoulder impingement) is nearing the conclusion of a 30-day minor league rehab assignment that began June 28. He hasn’t pitched for Kansas City since May 15.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (6-8, 5.55 ERA) is the scheduled starter Friday night at home against Minnesota.Guardians: RHP Tanner Bibee (6-2, 3.04 ERA) will start Thursday night in the opener of a four-game road series against the Chicago White Sox.

⚾ José Ramírez homers twice to lead Guardians past Royals

Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock visits with Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown at MIAA Football Media Day in Kansas City, Mo.

Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock visits with Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown at MIAA Football Media Day in Kansas City, Mo.<div><iframe title="Chris Brown - MIAA Football Media Day" 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=xwe4i-1465438-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: Chris Brown

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/RO9AU2UO-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Colby Langford" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Colby Langford

HAYS – Brady Evans had
three hits and the Hays Larks used a couple of four-run innings to beat the
Gameday Angels 10-4 and finished off a two-game Rocky Mountain Baseball League
series Tuesday night at Larks Park.

The Larks scored four
runs in the first then after the Angels scored two in the third, had four in the
third. They added two in the sixth as they won their fifth straight.

Evans had three hits and
drove in two runs. Tyler LaRue and Garrett Greull both had a pair of doubles. Gruell
and Tyler Schott each had two RBIs.

Dayne Pengelly (2-0)
allowed one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts and two walks in
three innings of relief and picked up the win.

Starter Kam Walton allowed
two runs on one hit with three strikeouts and three walks over the first four
innings. Kaleb Meredith and Jett Lodes both pitched a scoreless inning of
relief.

The Larks close out the
regular season with a three-game non-league series with the North Platte Plainsmen
beginning Friday at 7:00 p.m.

Hays PostHAYS – Brady Evans had
three hits and the Hays Larks used a couple of four-run innings to beat the
Gameday Angels 10-4 and finished off a two-game Rocky Mountain Baseball League
series Tuesday night at Larks Park.The Larks scored four
runs in the first then after the Angels scored two in the third, had four in the
third. They added two in the sixth as they won their fifth straight.Evans had three hits and
drove in two runs. Tyler LaRue and Garrett Greull both had a pair of doubles. Gruell
and Tyler Schott each had two RBIs.Dayne Pengelly (2-0)
allowed one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts and two walks in
three innings of relief and picked up the win.Starter Kam Walton allowed
two runs on one hit with three strikeouts and three walks over the first four
innings. Kaleb Meredith and Jett Lodes both pitched a scoreless inning of
relief.UP NEXTThe Larks close out the
regular season with a three-game non-league series with the North Platte Plainsmen
beginning Friday at 7:00 p.m.

⚾ Larks close out league play with win over Angels

By BRIAN DULIK Associated Press

CLEVELAND (AP) — Bo Naylor had his first career two-homer game and drove in three runs as the Cleveland Guardians beat Kansas City 5-1 on Tuesday night, handing Royals pitcher Zack Greinke his 16th consecutive road loss.

Naylor hit a 430-foot solo shot to right in the third inning and a 397-foot blast to right-center in the fifth to score Myles Straw for his first home runs at Progressive Field. The 23-year-old rookie catcher entered the game with two homers.

“It was awesome, the way the ball felt off the bat tonight, to say the least,” Naylor said. “Baseball is all about making sure that you’re prepared and ready. I pretty much just went out there and tried to put up a few good swings, and the results came.”

Greinke (1-11) gave up four runs in five innings and remained winless on the road since Aug. 13, 2021, when he pitched for Houston at Angel Stadium. In 27 subsequent away starts, the 39-year-old right-hander is 0-16 with a 6.43 ERA over 134 1/3 innings.

“I started off strong and got tired a little bit before it’s ideal, but that’s been the way it’s gone these last two starts,” said Greinke, who was on the injured list from July 5-20 with tendinitis in his right shoulder. “I finished bad is the best way to describe it.”

Guardians starter Aaron Civale (4-2) worked a season-high eight innings, allowing one run on five hits. The right-hander struck out five and threw 60 strikes in 93 pitches before All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase worked a 1-2-3 ninth.

José Ramírez and Will Brennan each had RBI singles for Cleveland, which is in second place in the AL Central behind the Minnesota Twins. The Guardians are 3-2 on their six-game homestand.

“Every time I go out there, I’m trying to go as deep into the game as I can,” Civale said. “The more rest that our bullpen gets, the better they’re going to be when they have to pick us up, so it’s always great to have a night like this.”

Kansas City scored its only run in the fifth inning when Nicky Lopez singled in Michael Massey. Lopez had two of the team’s five hits.

The Royals have the second-worst record in the majors at 29-74.

Greinke made his 534th career start, which ranks 35th all-time, and equaled the longest overall losing streak in his 20 seasons in the big leagues with seven.

“I felt pretty good going in against Naylor, so I’ve got to dig a little deeper to see why he did what he did,” Greinke said.

The game was completed in 1 hour and 59 minutes.

Salvador Perez hit his 200th home run as a catcher in the series opener, which the Royals said made him the 10th player in the exclusive club. One day later, the official statistician of MLB added five catchers to the list that now stands at 15.

Perez is tied for 14th place in homers by a catcher with Hall of Famer Bill Dickey, 13 away from matching Benito Santiago for 13th. The eight-time All-Star has spent his entire 12-year career with Kansas City.

Royals: LHP Daniel Lynch IV (left shoulder strain) was unable to complete his bullpen session Monday and will undergo further testing. Lynch was placed on the 15-day IL after his July 18 start against Detroit and had been expected to return in early August.

Guardians: RHP Cal Quantrill (right shoulder inflammation), who went back on the IL on July 6, will throw an up-and-down bullpen session Wednesday. “I don’t know that we’re ready to say what comes after that for him,” manager Terry Francona said.

Royals RHP Alec Marsh (0-4, 6.20 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (1-2, 3.74 ERA) in the finale of the three-game series. Both pitchers made their major league debut in June.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690369649385.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Zack Greinke pitches to a Cleveland Guardians batter during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Zack Greinke pitches to a Cleveland Guardians batter during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN DULIK Associated PressCLEVELAND (AP) — Bo Naylor had his first career two-homer game and drove in three runs as the Cleveland Guardians beat Kansas City 5-1 on Tuesday night, handing Royals pitcher Zack Greinke his 16th consecutive road loss.Naylor hit a 430-foot solo shot to right in the third inning and a 397-foot blast to right-center in the fifth to score Myles Straw for his first home runs at Progressive Field. The 23-year-old rookie catcher entered the game with two homers.“It was awesome, the way the ball felt off the bat tonight, to say the least,” Naylor said. “Baseball is all about making sure that you’re prepared and ready. I pretty much just went out there and tried to put up a few good swings, and the results came.”Greinke (1-11) gave up four runs in five innings and remained winless on the road since Aug. 13, 2021, when he pitched for Houston at Angel Stadium. In 27 subsequent away starts, the 39-year-old right-hander is 0-16 with a 6.43 ERA over 134 1/3 innings.“I started off strong and got tired a little bit before it’s ideal, but that’s been the way it’s gone these last two starts,” said Greinke, who was on the injured list from July 5-20 with tendinitis in his right shoulder. “I finished bad is the best way to describe it.”Guardians starter Aaron Civale (4-2) worked a season-high eight innings, allowing one run on five hits. The right-hander struck out five and threw 60 strikes in 93 pitches before All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase worked a 1-2-3 ninth.José Ramírez and Will Brennan each had RBI singles for Cleveland, which is in second place in the AL Central behind the Minnesota Twins. The Guardians are 3-2 on their six-game homestand.“Every time I go out there, I’m trying to go as deep into the game as I can,” Civale said. “The more rest that our bullpen gets, the better they’re going to be when they have to pick us up, so it’s always great to have a night like this.”Kansas City scored its only run in the fifth inning when Nicky Lopez singled in Michael Massey. Lopez had two of the team’s five hits.The Royals have the second-worst record in the majors at 29-74.Greinke made his 534th career start, which ranks 35th all-time, and equaled the longest overall losing streak in his 20 seasons in the big leagues with seven.“I felt pretty good going in against Naylor, so I’ve got to dig a little deeper to see why he did what he did,” Greinke said.The game was completed in 1 hour and 59 minutes.MILESTONE MANSalvador Perez hit his 200th home run as a catcher in the series opener, which the Royals said made him the 10th player in the exclusive club. One day later, the official statistician of MLB added five catchers to the list that now stands at 15.Perez is tied for 14th place in homers by a catcher with Hall of Famer Bill Dickey, 13 away from matching Benito Santiago for 13th. The eight-time All-Star has spent his entire 12-year career with Kansas City.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: LHP Daniel Lynch IV (left shoulder strain) was unable to complete his bullpen session Monday and will undergo further testing. Lynch was placed on the 15-day IL after his July 18 start against Detroit and had been expected to return in early August.Guardians: RHP Cal Quantrill (right shoulder inflammation), who went back on the IL on July 6, will throw an up-and-down bullpen session Wednesday. “I don’t know that we’re ready to say what comes after that for him,” manager Terry Francona said.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Alec Marsh (0-4, 6.20 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (1-2, 3.74 ERA) in the finale of the three-game series. Both pitchers made their major league debut in June.

⚾ Naylor homers twice, Greinke suffers 16th straight road loss

The Hays Larks close out RMBL play Tuesday against the Gameday Angels at Larks Park.

First pitch for game one is set for 7:00 p.m. Sunday night.

You can view the can on the <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 Hays Larks close out RMBL play Tuesday against the Gameday Angels at Larks Park.First pitch for game one is set for 7:00 p.m. Sunday night.You can view the can on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays Larks.

⚾🎥 WATCH Hays Larks vs Gameday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals are trying to be more transparent about their plans for a new ballpark.

Majority owner John Sherman released a letter to fans Tuesday in hopes of providing a timetable on stadium proposals.

Sherman said “detailed renderings and many other components that will help us compare the broad benefits” of two competing sites will be released in the next 30 days. After that, the team expects to pick between downtown Kansas City and a spot in neighboring Clay County, which sits across the Missouri River.

“We are committed to doing this right,” Sherman wrote. “This is a huge decision for us. We’re focused on playing the long game for the region we call home. In late September, we plan to announce which site will best fulfill our pledge to Kansas City to create 1) powerful community impact, 2) generate sustainable economic activity in the county, city, and state, and 3) greater opportunity for the citizens of our region.”

The Royals previously said the ballpark project would cost $2 billion, with most of that being footed by the team's ownership group.

In the letter, Sherman shared his financial projections for the proposed ballpark district. He believes it would create more than 20,000 jobs, $1.4 billion in labor income and $2.8 billion in total economic output from construction and labor income. Sherman estimates it will take three years to complete.

The ultimate decision could come down to finances.

The Royals have shared the Truman Sports Complex with the Kansas City Chiefs dating to the construction of both Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium. Part of the current lease agreement calls for a 3/8-cent sales tax that goes toward the upkeep of both facilities, and that in turn has allowed each to far outlive other stadiums built during the same era.

The Royals want that sales tax to continue — it would likely be on the ballot in the spring — with the roughly $350 million that it produces in public funding shifted toward the construction of a new stadium.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals are trying to be more transparent about their plans for a new ballpark.Majority owner John Sherman released a letter to fans Tuesday in hopes of providing a timetable on stadium proposals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690296061612.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sherman said “detailed renderings and many other components that will help us compare the broad benefits” of two competing sites will be released in the next 30 days. After that, the team expects to pick between downtown Kansas City and a spot in neighboring Clay County, which sits across the Missouri River.“We are committed to doing this right,” Sherman wrote. “This is a huge decision for us. We’re focused on playing the long game for the region we call home. In late September, we plan to announce which site will best fulfill our pledge to Kansas City to create 1) powerful community impact, 2) generate sustainable economic activity in the county, city, and state, and 3) greater opportunity for the citizens of our region.”The Royals previously said the ballpark project would cost $2 billion, with most of that being footed by the team's ownership group.In the letter, Sherman shared his financial projections for the proposed ballpark district. He believes it would create more than 20,000 jobs, $1.4 billion in labor income and $2.8 billion in total economic output from construction and labor income. Sherman estimates it will take three years to complete.The ultimate decision could come down to finances.The Royals have shared the Truman Sports Complex with the Kansas City Chiefs dating to the construction of both Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium. Part of the current lease agreement calls for a 3/8-cent sales tax that goes toward the upkeep of both facilities, and that in turn has allowed each to far outlive other stadiums built during the same era.The Royals want that sales tax to continue — it would likely be on the ballot in the spring — with the roughly $350 million that it produces in public funding shifted toward the construction of a new stadium.