CLEVELAND (AP) — Salvador Perez became the 10th player in major league history to hit 200 homers as a catcher and Ryan Yarbrough allowed one run in six innings, lifting the Kansas City Royals to a 5-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night.

Perez hit a two-run shot in the sixth off Logan Allen (4-3) to put Kansas City ahead 4-0. He has 240 total home runs in 12 seasons, all with the Royals. Hall of Famer Mike Piazza holds the big league record for homers as a catcher with 396.

“Every time we win and I hit a homer, I feel better,” said Perez, who didn't know about the milestone until afterward. “I like to compete every day and do my best.”

Yarbrough (3-5), who carried a shutout into the sixth, won at Cleveland for the second time in 15 days. The left-hander struck out one and didn’t issue a walk in his third start since being struck on the face by a liner from Oakland’s Ryan Noda on May 7.

“The Guardians are an aggressive team, but don’t strike out much, so I tried to put them in positions where they had to swing the bat,” Yarbrough said. “I wanted to control what I could control.”

Edward Olivares had a two-run double and Maikel Garcia hit a solo homer for Kansas City, which ended a five-game skid and has the second-worst record in baseball (29-73). Scott Barlow gave up two hits in the ninth before retiring Myles Straw and Steven Kwan to pick up his 12th save.

Straw hit a two-run single in the seventh off Jose Cuas to pull Cleveland within 5-3. Josh Bell added an RBI single and Amed Rosario went 3 for 4, his 12th game with three hits or more, which tied the major league lead.

“We just had a tough time keeping the line moving,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. “Yarbrough gave our lefties some difficulties.”

Cleveland fell four games behind first-place Minnesota in the AL Central. Earlier in the day, ace Shane Bieber was shifted to the 60-day injured list as he continues to battle right elbow inflammation.

Francona said the 2020 AL Cy Young winner has not experienced a setback but isn’t on track to return until mid-September. Bieber went 5-6 with a 3.77 ERA in 19 starts before getting hurt on July 9 against the Royals.

Rookie left-hander Allen matched his season highs with seven innings and five runs allowed, striking out five. He allowed two homers for the first time.

“I was trying to go up against Perez, but pulled it down and he put a good swing on it,” Allen said. “That’s why he is as good as he is. We were really efficient today, but they took advantage of some of those opportunities and jumped on them.”

Perez, an eight-time All-Star and the 2015 World Series MVP with Kansas City, is one of 21 catchers with 500 extra-base hits and has a team-best 17 home runs this season.

“Everyone knows what a big part of the organization that Salvy is,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “And he continues to be one.”

Guardians: RHP Triston McKenzie (right elbow strain), who was placed on the IL on June 17, will be permitted to pick up a baseball for the first time Thursday. ... RHP Cal Quantrill (right shoulder inflammation) threw a bullpen Saturday and has another scheduled for later this week.

Royals RHP Zack Greinke (1-10, 5.40 ERA) takes on Guardians RHP Aaron Civale (3-2, 2.71). Greinke has not won on the road since Aug. 13, 2021, when he was pitching for Houston at Angel Stadium.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Salvador Perez became the 10th player in major league history to hit 200 homers as a catcher and Ryan Yarbrough allowed one run in six innings, lifting the Kansas City Royals to a 5-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night.Perez hit a two-run shot in the sixth off Logan Allen (4-3) to put Kansas City ahead 4-0. He has 240 total home runs in 12 seasons, all with the Royals. Hall of Famer Mike Piazza holds the big league record for homers as a catcher with 396.“Every time we win and I hit a homer, I feel better,” said Perez, who didn't know about the milestone until afterward. “I like to compete every day and do my best.”Yarbrough (3-5), who carried a shutout into the sixth, won at Cleveland for the second time in 15 days. The left-hander struck out one and didn’t issue a walk in his third start since being struck on the face by a liner from Oakland’s Ryan Noda on May 7.“The Guardians are an aggressive team, but don’t strike out much, so I tried to put them in positions where they had to swing the bat,” Yarbrough said. “I wanted to control what I could control.”Edward Olivares had a two-run double and Maikel Garcia hit a solo homer for Kansas City, which ended a five-game skid and has the second-worst record in baseball (29-73). Scott Barlow gave up two hits in the ninth before retiring Myles Straw and Steven Kwan to pick up his 12th save.Straw hit a two-run single in the seventh off Jose Cuas to pull Cleveland within 5-3. Josh Bell added an RBI single and Amed Rosario went 3 for 4, his 12th game with three hits or more, which tied the major league lead.“We just had a tough time keeping the line moving,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. “Yarbrough gave our lefties some difficulties.”Cleveland fell four games behind first-place Minnesota in the AL Central. Earlier in the day, ace Shane Bieber was shifted to the 60-day injured list as he continues to battle right elbow inflammation.Francona said the 2020 AL Cy Young winner has not experienced a setback but isn’t on track to return until mid-September. Bieber went 5-6 with a 3.77 ERA in 19 starts before getting hurt on July 9 against the Royals.Rookie left-hander Allen matched his season highs with seven innings and five runs allowed, striking out five. He allowed two homers for the first time.“I was trying to go up against Perez, but pulled it down and he put a good swing on it,” Allen said. “That’s why he is as good as he is. We were really efficient today, but they took advantage of some of those opportunities and jumped on them.”FRANCHISE FIXTUREPerez, an eight-time All-Star and the 2015 World Series MVP with Kansas City, is one of 21 catchers with 500 extra-base hits and has a team-best 17 home runs this season.“Everyone knows what a big part of the organization that Salvy is,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “And he continues to be one.”TRAINER’S ROOMGuardians: RHP Triston McKenzie (right elbow strain), who was placed on the IL on June 17, will be permitted to pick up a baseball for the first time Thursday. ... RHP Cal Quantrill (right shoulder inflammation) threw a bullpen Saturday and has another scheduled for later this week.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Zack Greinke (1-10, 5.40 ERA) takes on Guardians RHP Aaron Civale (3-2, 2.71). Greinke has not won on the road since Aug. 13, 2021, when he was pitching for Houston at Angel Stadium.

⚾Salvador Perez hits his 200th homer as a catcher as the Royals beat the Guardians 5-3

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/i9NrcBv1-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Dylan Hill" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Dylan Hill

GODDARD – The HBC Hammer 16U and 15U baseball teams both won their bracket
championship Sunday at the Midwest World Series at the Genesis Sports Complex.
The 16U defeated KSR 12-1 in the semifinals then knocked off the Kansas/Oklahoma
Bombers 3-0 in the finals. The 15U had a forfeit win in the semifinals then defeated
the Mountain Lions 8-0 in the finals.

The 17U lost their bracket play opener to the Wichita Aeros 5-4 Sunday morning. 

17U The Hammer struck first in their bracket player opener versus the Aeros on a Lane Rolfs two-run double in the top
of the fourth inning. The Aeros responded with five runs in the bottom of the
inning. Rolfs drove in his third run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.
Cooper Sanders added a sacrifice fly in the seventh.

Tanner Boxberger suffered the complete game loss with three
strikeouts and two walks.

The 17Us went 2-1 in pool play. They beat the Cage Rats 7-3
before losing to the Liberal Rattlers 4-3 on Friday. They knocked off the Grays
9-1 on Saturday.

Lex Lummus had three this and drove on two runs and Lane
Rolfs had two hits and two RBIs and picked up the complete game victory with
five strikeouts and one walk versus the Cage Rats. Lummus and Corbin Werth both
had two hits in Friday’s second game versus the Rattlers. Brendan Stults was
the tough luck loser with seven strikeouts and three walks in the complete game
effort.

Rolfs had two triples and drove in three runs in Saturdays’ game
with the Grays. Dylan Haselhorst added two RBIs and Arec Mendoza picked up the complete
game victory.

The 17U Hammer finished their season with a 14-9-1 record. &nbsp;

16U 
The Hammer defeated KSR 12-1 in their bracket opener then beat the
Kansas/Oklahoma Bombers 3-0 in the finals. They scored two runs with two outs
in third inning. Carter Graham’s single scored Cooper Johnson with the first run.
Graham later scored when Jalen Smith reached on an error. The Hammer added an
insurance run in the sixth on an error.

Jonathan Cano allowed only one run with five strikeouts and
three walks and picked up the complete game win.

Against KSR, the Hammer scored seven in the bottom of the
first, three in the second then two in the fourth on Jalen Smith’s inside the
park home run for the run-rule victory. Jonathan Cano, Trace Jacobs and Cooper
Lindenmeyer all had three hits. Weston Werth drove in three runs. Lindenmayer
and Smith both had a pair of RBIs. Jacobs allowed one run on one hit with 10
strikeouts and no walks in the four-inning complete game victory. &nbsp;

The 16Usr went 1-2 in pool play. After a 2-0 win over the
Cagerats on Friday, they lost 14-1 to 316 Elite Baty then 9-7 to the Liberal Rattlers
on Saturday.

Ian McGuire and Jonathan Cano both drove in runs with base
hits versus the Cagerats. McGuire struck out eight and walked five and picked
up the complete game victory.

316 Elite Baty used a couple of seven-run innings to defeat the
Hammer in Saturday’s first game. Logan Schoenberger drove in the 15Us lone run
with a single.

In their final pool play game against Liberal, the Hammer
scored three in the top of the first but the Rattlers answered with seven in
the bottom of the inning. Jalen Smith had two hits and drove in two runs. Cooper
Johnson tripled and drove in a run. Carter Graham and Weston Werth also had RBIs.


The 16U Hammer completed their summer with a 20-7 record.

15U 
After receiving their second forfeit win of the tournament from the Kansas
Canes, the 15U won their bracket championship with an 8-0 win over the Mountain
Lions Sunday afternoon. The Hammer scored a run in the bottom of the first on
an Ian Nehls single then added two in the second on a Kaleb Roe single and error.
They blew the game open with a five-run sixth. Nehls drove in two runs in the
inning on a fielders choice then later a single in his second at-bat of the frame.
They also scored on a Jaxson Chartier sacrifice fly, a passed ball and bases loaded
walk to Roe.

Jake Hoopingerner scattered three hits with nine strikeouts and only one walk in the six-inning complete game victory.

The 15Us went 1-2 in pool play. After being awarded a forfeit
win over Kansas Canes on Friday, they lost 5-0 to the Wichita Rangers and 11-0
to the 316 Jones on Saturday. 

The 15U Hammer finished with a record of 11-14-1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655396084597.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostGODDARD – The HBC Hammer 16U and 15U baseball teams both won their bracket
championship Sunday at the Midwest World Series at the Genesis Sports Complex.
The 16U defeated KSR 12-1 in the semifinals then knocked off the Kansas/Oklahoma
Bombers 3-0 in the finals. The 15U had a forfeit win in the semifinals then defeated
the Mountain Lions 8-0 in the finals.The 17U lost their bracket play opener to the Wichita Aeros 5-4 Sunday morning. 17U The Hammer struck first in their bracket player opener versus the Aeros on a Lane Rolfs two-run double in the top
of the fourth inning. The Aeros responded with five runs in the bottom of the
inning. Rolfs drove in his third run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.
Cooper Sanders added a sacrifice fly in the seventh.Tanner Boxberger suffered the complete game loss with three
strikeouts and two walks.The 17Us went 2-1 in pool play. They beat the Cage Rats 7-3
before losing to the Liberal Rattlers 4-3 on Friday. They knocked off the Grays
9-1 on Saturday.Lex Lummus had three this and drove on two runs and Lane
Rolfs had two hits and two RBIs and picked up the complete game victory with
five strikeouts and one walk versus the Cage Rats. Lummus and Corbin Werth both
had two hits in Friday’s second game versus the Rattlers. Brendan Stults was
the tough luck loser with seven strikeouts and three walks in the complete game
effort.Rolfs had two triples and drove in three runs in Saturdays’ game
with the Grays. Dylan Haselhorst added two RBIs and Arec Mendoza picked up the complete
game victory.The 17U Hammer finished their season with a 14-9-1 record. &nbsp;16U 
The Hammer defeated KSR 12-1 in their bracket opener then beat the
Kansas/Oklahoma Bombers 3-0 in the finals. They scored two runs with two outs
in third inning. Carter Graham’s single scored Cooper Johnson with the first run.
Graham later scored when Jalen Smith reached on an error. The Hammer added an
insurance run in the sixth on an error.Jonathan Cano allowed only one run with five strikeouts and
three walks and picked up the complete game win.Against KSR, the Hammer scored seven in the bottom of the
first, three in the second then two in the fourth on Jalen Smith’s inside the
park home run for the run-rule victory. Jonathan Cano, Trace Jacobs and Cooper
Lindenmeyer all had three hits. Weston Werth drove in three runs. Lindenmayer
and Smith both had a pair of RBIs. Jacobs allowed one run on one hit with 10
strikeouts and no walks in the four-inning complete game victory. &nbsp;The 16Usr went 1-2 in pool play. After a 2-0 win over the
Cagerats on Friday, they lost 14-1 to 316 Elite Baty then 9-7 to the Liberal Rattlers
on Saturday.Ian McGuire and Jonathan Cano both drove in runs with base
hits versus the Cagerats. McGuire struck out eight and walked five and picked
up the complete game victory.316 Elite Baty used a couple of seven-run innings to defeat the
Hammer in Saturday’s first game. Logan Schoenberger drove in the 15Us lone run
with a single.In their final pool play game against Liberal, the Hammer
scored three in the top of the first but the Rattlers answered with seven in
the bottom of the inning. Jalen Smith had two hits and drove in two runs. Cooper
Johnson tripled and drove in a run. Carter Graham and Weston Werth also had RBIs.
The 16U Hammer completed their summer with a 20-7 record.15U 
After receiving their second forfeit win of the tournament from the Kansas
Canes, the 15U won their bracket championship with an 8-0 win over the Mountain
Lions Sunday afternoon. The Hammer scored a run in the bottom of the first on
an Ian Nehls single then added two in the second on a Kaleb Roe single and error.
They blew the game open with a five-run sixth. Nehls drove in two runs in the
inning on a fielders choice then later a single in his second at-bat of the frame.
They also scored on a Jaxson Chartier sacrifice fly, a passed ball and bases loaded
walk to Roe.Jake Hoopingerner scattered three hits with nine strikeouts and only one walk in the six-inning complete game victory.The 15Us went 1-2 in pool play. After being awarded a forfeit
win over Kansas Canes on Friday, they lost 5-0 to the Wichita Rangers and 11-0
to the 316 Jones on Saturday. The 15U Hammer finished with a record of 11-14-1.

⚾ HBC Hammer 16U and 15U win bracket championship at Midwest World Series

HAYS – Brady Evans hit a
two-run homer and the Hays Larks completed a three-game sweep of the Western Nebraska
Pioneers with a 4-3 victory Sunday night at Larks Park.

Evans two-out blast to
left in the sixth inning scored Payton Ebbing who walked. It came after the
Pioneers (24-12) scored twice on an Isaiah Gibbs two-run homer off Caden Hare in
the top of the inning to take a one-run lead.

The Larks (31-6) grabbed
the lead in the bottom of the first on a Garrett Gruell single which scored
Damian Ruiz. After the Pioneers tied the game with a run in the second, the Larks
retook the lead in the fifth when Trent Baker scored on a wild pitch.

Caden Hare (2-0) was one
of four relief pitchers and allowed two runs on three hits with a walk and
strikeout and got the win. Michael Cruz pitched two scoreless innings for his first save. Dayne Pengelly and Kaleb Meredith also had a scoreless inning of relief.

The Larks play their
final RMBL series Monday and Tuesday against the Gameday Angels. They close
out the regular season with a three-game non-league series against the North
Platte Plainsmen Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574180952050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostHAYS – Brady Evans hit a
two-run homer and the Hays Larks completed a three-game sweep of the Western Nebraska
Pioneers with a 4-3 victory Sunday night at Larks Park.Evans two-out blast to
left in the sixth inning scored Payton Ebbing who walked. It came after the
Pioneers (24-12) scored twice on an Isaiah Gibbs two-run homer off Caden Hare in
the top of the inning to take a one-run lead.The Larks (31-6) grabbed
the lead in the bottom of the first on a Garrett Gruell single which scored
Damian Ruiz. After the Pioneers tied the game with a run in the second, the Larks
retook the lead in the fifth when Trent Baker scored on a wild pitch.Caden Hare (2-0) was one
of four relief pitchers and allowed two runs on three hits with a walk and
strikeout and got the win. Michael Cruz pitched two scoreless innings for his first save. Dayne Pengelly and Kaleb Meredith also had a scoreless inning of relief.UP NEXTThe Larks play their
final RMBL series Monday and Tuesday against the Gameday Angels. They close
out the regular season with a three-game non-league series against the North
Platte Plainsmen Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

⚾ Evans homer lifts Larks to sweep of Pioneers

The Hays Larks wrap up their three-game series with the&nbsp;Western Nebraska Pioneers Sunday in a non-league series 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 wrap up their three-game series with the&nbsp;Western Nebraska Pioneers Sunday in a non-league series 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 Western Nebraska

By LARRY FLEISHER Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Rizzo hit his first home run since May 20 and went 4 for 4 as the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 on Sunday to complete their third series sweep of the season.

Gleyber Torres' two-run homer sparked New York’s four-run first inning against Jordan Lyles (1-12). Torres extended his hitting streak to a career-high 13 games but exited in the seventh because of left hip tightness.

Luis Severino (2-4) won for the first time in four starts since June 24.

Rizzo also hit an RBI double in the first and singled in the fifth before capping a 10-pitch at-bat with a single in the eighth. It was Rizzo’s 15th career four-hit game and first since Aug. 4, 2019.

Harrison Bader punctuated New York’s early burst with an RBI single and the Yankees took all three games from last-place Kansas City for their first series sweep since winning three times in Cincinnati from May 19-21.

New York improved to 18-22 without slugger Aaron Judge, who faced 16 pitches from rehabbing reliever Jonathan Loáisiga before the game as they both work their way back from injuries.

The Yankees held a four-run lead when Rizzo batted with one out in the third. After fouling off two pitches, the first baseman homered into the lower rows of the right-center seats.

Rizzo carried his bat about halfway up the line before calmly dropping it and starting his trot. Teammates gave him the silent treatment and then mobbed him at the end of the dugout to celebrate Rizzo’s 12th homer.

Rizzo had gone 187 plate appearances and 166 at-bats since connecting off Cincinnati reliever Ian Gibaut.

The Yankees added three in the eighth on Oswald Peraza’s infield single and a throwing error by Kansas City first baseman Nick Pratto ahead of a sacrifice fly by Kyle Higashioka.

Salvador Perez hit a solo homer to end an 0-for-16 skid and Michael Massey launched a two-run shot off Severino, who allowed three runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Freddy Fermin and Kyle Isbel homered in the ninth off Ron Marinaccio, but the Royals lost their fifth straight.

Lyles, the major league leader in losses, gave up five runs and nine hits in five innings. The Royals are 1-18 in his starts.

UConn basketball coach Danny Hurley, who led the school to its fifth national championship this year, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Hurley, a Royals fan, was presented with a signed jersey from Hall of Famer George Brett during an appearance on Kansas City’s pregame show.

It was the third major league park the Huskies were honored in since their 76-59 championship game win over San Diego State on April 3.

On May 1 at Citi Field, Andre Jackson Jr. threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Mets faced the Braves.

On Friday at Fenway Park, Donovan Clingan and Tristen Newton threw out first pitches before the Red Sox faced the Mets.

Yankees: Loáisiga (right elbow inflammation) will face hitters again Wednesday in Florida and could start a minor league rehabilitation assignment next weekend. ... LHP Nestor Cortes (strained left rotator cuff) allowed one run and four hits while throwing 42 pitches over 2 1/3 innings for Double-A Somerset in his first rehab game.

Royals: LHP Ryan Yarbrough (2-5, 5.21 ERA) opposes Cleveland LHP Logan Allen (4-2, 3.21) in the opener of a three-game series Monday in Kansas City.

Yankees: RHP Domingo Germán (5-6, 4.52 ERA) faces Mets RHP Justin Verlander (4-5, 3.47) when the Subway Series comes to the Bronx on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690151076347.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey watches his two-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Sunday, July 23, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey watches his two-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Sunday, July 23, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)</figcaption>
 </figure>By LARRY FLEISHER Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Rizzo hit his first home run since May 20 and went 4 for 4 as the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 on Sunday to complete their third series sweep of the season.Gleyber Torres' two-run homer sparked New York’s four-run first inning against Jordan Lyles (1-12). Torres extended his hitting streak to a career-high 13 games but exited in the seventh because of left hip tightness.Luis Severino (2-4) won for the first time in four starts since June 24.Rizzo also hit an RBI double in the first and singled in the fifth before capping a 10-pitch at-bat with a single in the eighth. It was Rizzo’s 15th career four-hit game and first since Aug. 4, 2019.Harrison Bader punctuated New York’s early burst with an RBI single and the Yankees took all three games from last-place Kansas City for their first series sweep since winning three times in Cincinnati from May 19-21.New York improved to 18-22 without slugger Aaron Judge, who faced 16 pitches from rehabbing reliever Jonathan Loáisiga before the game as they both work their way back from injuries.The Yankees held a four-run lead when Rizzo batted with one out in the third. After fouling off two pitches, the first baseman homered into the lower rows of the right-center seats.Rizzo carried his bat about halfway up the line before calmly dropping it and starting his trot. Teammates gave him the silent treatment and then mobbed him at the end of the dugout to celebrate Rizzo’s 12th homer.Rizzo had gone 187 plate appearances and 166 at-bats since connecting off Cincinnati reliever Ian Gibaut.The Yankees added three in the eighth on Oswald Peraza’s infield single and a throwing error by Kansas City first baseman Nick Pratto ahead of a sacrifice fly by Kyle Higashioka.Salvador Perez hit a solo homer to end an 0-for-16 skid and Michael Massey launched a two-run shot off Severino, who allowed three runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings.Freddy Fermin and Kyle Isbel homered in the ninth off Ron Marinaccio, but the Royals lost their fifth straight.Lyles, the major league leader in losses, gave up five runs and nine hits in five innings. The Royals are 1-18 in his starts.MAKING THE ROUNDSUConn basketball coach Danny Hurley, who led the school to its fifth national championship this year, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.Hurley, a Royals fan, was presented with a signed jersey from Hall of Famer George Brett during an appearance on Kansas City’s pregame show.It was the third major league park the Huskies were honored in since their 76-59 championship game win over San Diego State on April 3.On May 1 at Citi Field, Andre Jackson Jr. threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Mets faced the Braves.On Friday at Fenway Park, Donovan Clingan and Tristen Newton threw out first pitches before the Red Sox faced the Mets.TRAINER’S ROOMYankees: Loáisiga (right elbow inflammation) will face hitters again Wednesday in Florida and could start a minor league rehabilitation assignment next weekend. ... LHP Nestor Cortes (strained left rotator cuff) allowed one run and four hits while throwing 42 pitches over 2 1/3 innings for Double-A Somerset in his first rehab game.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Ryan Yarbrough (2-5, 5.21 ERA) opposes Cleveland LHP Logan Allen (4-2, 3.21) in the opener of a three-game series Monday in Kansas City.Yankees: RHP Domingo Germán (5-6, 4.52 ERA) faces Mets RHP Justin Verlander (4-5, 3.47) when the Subway Series comes to the Bronx on Tuesday night.

⚾ Salvy, Massey homer in Royals loss to Yankees

By MATT DERRICK Associated Press

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs held their first full-squad workout of training camp Sunday under a bright sunny sky and without All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones.

Coach Andy Reid says he’s not worried yet about the absence of his star lineman, who has yet to report for camp.

“We’ll just see how things go here down the road,” Reid said following Sunday’s practice. “There had been communication, we’ll see where it goes from here and we’ll take it. If you’re not here, we just keep moving, and that’s how we roll. We don’t worry a lot about that. We let it take care of itself and we got great people working on that.”

Jones has yet to report to camp as he seeks a new contract. The 29-year-old is due to make $19.5 million in base salary this season and carries a salary cap hit of almost $28.3 million.

The Chiefs are also motivated to renegotiate his contract. The NFL Players Association public salary cap report Sunday showed the club with just more than $1 million in available cap space.

General manager Brett Veach prefers maintaining a balance of 5 to 10 million in cap space during this time of the year. Hashing out a new long-term extension with Jones would keep him in Kansas City beyond the 2023 season while providing the club with much-needed salary cap relief.

Jones is seeking a new deal that would make him the second-highest-paid player in the league at his position.

Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams currently leads defensive tackles with an annual average salary of $31.67 million. There’s a big gap, however, between Donald and the No. 2 highest-paid tackle, Quinnen Williams. The New York Jets signed Williams to an extension earlier this month averaging $24 million per year.

That leaves a sizable target zone in which a new extension for Jones might fit. His absence from camp suggests the two sides remain far apart in negotiations, and Reid hinted at a change in tone when asked about his communication with the star defensive tackle.

“It’s been good up to just a bit ago,” Reid said. “They’re doing their thing, we’re doing our thing. And we’ll just see where it goes from there.”

While the Chiefs have handed out large contracts to superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Mahomes is currently the seventh-best-paid quarterback at $45 million per year and Kelce ranks No. 3 among tight ends at $14.3 million per season.

Club chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said Sunday he’s not focused on where players rank in salary. He also trusts Veach to make the right decision.

“We really don’t think about it in the context of who’s the highest-paid player in the league, we think about in the context of the Kansas City Chiefs, and what’s best for the organization, not only this year but as we go forward,” Hunt said.

“One of the challenges in the National Football League is the salary cap. And it makes it tough to keep a championship team together. That’s something that Brett and his staff have really focused on. I think they’ve done a fantastic job.”

Daniel Wise, who entered the NFL from Kansas as an undrafted free agent in 2019, stepped into Jones’ place Sunday with the team’s starting defense. Wise has never had a sack in 17 games in the NFL. Jones, meanwhile, has 65 sacks since 2016, trailing only Donald (83) among defensive tackles during that time.

Safety Justin Reid said he’s excited to see young players such as Wise get an opportunity to showcase their skills. The absence of Jones isn’t a distraction, he added.

“He’s a professional, let him do his thing,” Reid said. “I’m focused on the guys here taking care of the (defensive back) room making sure that our young guys are ready to play.”

Middle linebacker Nick Bolton said the leadership of Jones is one thing the team will miss in his absence during camp.

“(It’s) most definitely one of the things I know he brings to the table,” Bolton said. “But again, at the same time, we’re working with the guys we got here, we’re going to come in every single day, put our best efforts forward. And when it gets here, we’ll make sure everybody’s up to speed and competing with him.”

NOTES: Wide receiver Kadarius Toney tweaked his knee returning a punt during warmups and was held out of the remainder of practice as a precaution. Rookie offensive tackle Wanya Morris suffered a hamstring strain Friday during the team’s rookie camp and did not practice Sunday. ... Starting running back Isiah Pacheco wore a yellow non-contact jersey Sunday as he returns from offseason surgeries on his shoulder and hand. He did not take part in the 11-on-11 scrimmage Sunday. “We’ll just see where he’s at,” Reid said. “As he goes, he’s got that, you got to kind of watch it, because he’s got that personality, where he’s 100 miles an hour on every play, that’s the reason we put the yellow jersey on him. So he doesn’t do anything crazy to himself, but yet, he wants to stay in football shape, especially for that position, that running back position."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690148769861.jpeg" alt="Chiefs fans watch the teams first&nbsp; full practice at Training Camp in St, Joseph, Missouri on&nbsp; Sunday, July 23, 2023. (St. Joseph Post Photo/Tommy Rexac)" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs fans watch the teams first&nbsp; full practice at Training Camp in St, Joseph, Missouri on&nbsp; Sunday, July 23, 2023. (St. Joseph Post Photo/Tommy Rexac)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT DERRICK Associated PressST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs held their first full-squad workout of training camp Sunday under a bright sunny sky and without All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones.Coach Andy Reid says he’s not worried yet about the absence of his star lineman, who has yet to report for camp.“We’ll just see how things go here down the road,” Reid said following Sunday’s practice. “There had been communication, we’ll see where it goes from here and we’ll take it. If you’re not here, we just keep moving, and that’s how we roll. We don’t worry a lot about that. We let it take care of itself and we got great people working on that.”Jones has yet to report to camp as he seeks a new contract. The 29-year-old is due to make $19.5 million in base salary this season and carries a salary cap hit of almost $28.3 million.The Chiefs are also motivated to renegotiate his contract. The NFL Players Association public salary cap report Sunday showed the club with just more than $1 million in available cap space.General manager Brett Veach prefers maintaining a balance of 5 to 10 million in cap space during this time of the year. Hashing out a new long-term extension with Jones would keep him in Kansas City beyond the 2023 season while providing the club with much-needed salary cap relief.Jones is seeking a new deal that would make him the second-highest-paid player in the league at his position.Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams currently leads defensive tackles with an annual average salary of $31.67 million. There’s a big gap, however, between Donald and the No. 2 highest-paid tackle, Quinnen Williams. The New York Jets signed Williams to an extension earlier this month averaging $24 million per year.That leaves a sizable target zone in which a new extension for Jones might fit. His absence from camp suggests the two sides remain far apart in negotiations, and Reid hinted at a change in tone when asked about his communication with the star defensive tackle.“It’s been good up to just a bit ago,” Reid said. “They’re doing their thing, we’re doing our thing. And we’ll just see where it goes from there.”While the Chiefs have handed out large contracts to superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Mahomes is currently the seventh-best-paid quarterback at $45 million per year and Kelce ranks No. 3 among tight ends at $14.3 million per season.Club chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said Sunday he’s not focused on where players rank in salary. He also trusts Veach to make the right decision.“We really don’t think about it in the context of who’s the highest-paid player in the league, we think about in the context of the Kansas City Chiefs, and what’s best for the organization, not only this year but as we go forward,” Hunt said.“One of the challenges in the National Football League is the salary cap. And it makes it tough to keep a championship team together. That’s something that Brett and his staff have really focused on. I think they’ve done a fantastic job.”Daniel Wise, who entered the NFL from Kansas as an undrafted free agent in 2019, stepped into Jones’ place Sunday with the team’s starting defense. Wise has never had a sack in 17 games in the NFL. Jones, meanwhile, has 65 sacks since 2016, trailing only Donald (83) among defensive tackles during that time.Safety Justin Reid said he’s excited to see young players such as Wise get an opportunity to showcase their skills. The absence of Jones isn’t a distraction, he added.“He’s a professional, let him do his thing,” Reid said. “I’m focused on the guys here taking care of the (defensive back) room making sure that our young guys are ready to play.”Middle linebacker Nick Bolton said the leadership of Jones is one thing the team will miss in his absence during camp.“(It’s) most definitely one of the things I know he brings to the table,” Bolton said. “But again, at the same time, we’re working with the guys we got here, we’re going to come in every single day, put our best efforts forward. And when it gets here, we’ll make sure everybody’s up to speed and competing with him.”NOTES: Wide receiver Kadarius Toney tweaked his knee returning a punt during warmups and was held out of the remainder of practice as a precaution. Rookie offensive tackle Wanya Morris suffered a hamstring strain Friday during the team’s rookie camp and did not practice Sunday. ... Starting running back Isiah Pacheco wore a yellow non-contact jersey Sunday as he returns from offseason surgeries on his shoulder and hand. He did not take part in the 11-on-11 scrimmage Sunday. “We’ll just see where he’s at,” Reid said. “As he goes, he’s got that, you got to kind of watch it, because he’s got that personality, where he’s 100 miles an hour on every play, that’s the reason we put the yellow jersey on him. So he doesn’t do anything crazy to himself, but yet, he wants to stay in football shape, especially for that position, that running back position."

🏈 Chiefs open camp without star defensive lineman Chris Jones

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/Rzf6wZBj-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Preston Tabor" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Preston Tabor

HAYS – Trent Baker drove in four runs and Luuk ter Beek pitched
five solid innings and the Hays Larks defeated the Western Nebraska Pioneers
13-1 in a seven-inning, run-rule win Saturday evening at Larks Park.

Baker had two doubles and drove in four in the Larks (30-6) 10-run
fifth inning. The Larks (30-6) took advantage of four walks and two errors in the
big frame.

Brady Evans solo homer broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the second.
Tyler LaRue added a solo homer sixth for the final margin.

Luuk ter Beek (5-0) allowed one run on five hits with five
strikeouts and no walks over five innings. Tyler Schott and Jeff Lodes both
pitched one inning of hitless relief. Schott struck out three and Lodes fanned
one.

The Larks go for the three-game sweep Sunday night in the series
finale at 7:00 p.m. It’s the annual Pack the Pantry game with fans encouraged
to bring a canned food item for the Community Assistance Center. Admission is
free courtesy of Gella's Diner &amp; LB
Brewing Co/Invenergy Services Buckeye Wind Energy Center.

Hays LarksHAYS – Trent Baker drove in four runs and Luuk ter Beek pitched
five solid innings and the Hays Larks defeated the Western Nebraska Pioneers
13-1 in a seven-inning, run-rule win Saturday evening at Larks Park.Baker had two doubles and drove in four in the Larks (30-6) 10-run
fifth inning. The Larks (30-6) took advantage of four walks and two errors in the
big frame.Brady Evans solo homer broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the second.
Tyler LaRue added a solo homer sixth for the final margin.Luuk ter Beek (5-0) allowed one run on five hits with five
strikeouts and no walks over five innings. Tyler Schott and Jeff Lodes both
pitched one inning of hitless relief. Schott struck out three and Lodes fanned
one.UP NEXTThe Larks go for the three-game sweep Sunday night in the series
finale at 7:00 p.m. It’s the annual Pack the Pantry game with fans encouraged
to bring a canned food item for the Community Assistance Center. Admission is
free courtesy of Gella's Diner &amp; LB
Brewing Co/Invenergy Services Buckeye Wind Energy Center.

⚾ 10-run inning lifts Larks to win over Pioneers

The Hays Larks host the Western Nebraska Pioneers Saturday in game two of a three-game non-league series at Larks Park.

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

The Hays Larks host the Western Nebraska Pioneers Saturday in game two of a three-game non-league series at Larks Park.First pitch for game one is set for 7:00 p.m. Saturday 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.

By CHARLES O'BRIEN Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — The adjustments finally are starting to pay off for New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu.

LeMahieu hit the go-ahead home run in the 7th inning, Gerrit Cole struck out 10 and the Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Saturday.

“Just trying to simplify,” LeMahieu said. “Some stuff I was working on right before the break. I feel like I am on the right track.”

After hitting .336 over his first two seasons in New York, LeMahieu entered Saturday batting a career-worst .232, but he has turned it around of late, hitting safely in 10 of his last 11 games.

When asked about the nature of the adjustments he’d been working on, LeMahieu joked “a little bit of everything.”

With the scored tied at two, LeMahieu drove a 98 mph fastball from Royals reliever Carlos Hernandez (0-6) 402 feet into the right-center field bleachers for his first homer since June 13.

“That’s classic DJ right there – smoking a ball to right center,” New York manager Aaron Boone said. “Obviously a huge hit in the game, but it’s good to see him get some traction going.”

Giancarlo Stanton homered and drove in three runs, and Anthony Volpe doubled and stole a base for the Yankees, who won their second straight game and picked up their first series win in July.

Nick Pratto homered and Brady Singer struck out nine for the Royals, who lost for the seventh time in nine games following the All-Star break.

Pitching with catcher Ben Rortvedt for the first time this season after regular catcher Jose Trevino (right wrist tear) hit the injured list Friday, Cole scattered five hits and a pair of runs across 6 1/3 innings. Trevino caught the New York ace 18 times in Cole’s first 20 starts.

“I thought that it was really fun working with Ben,” Cole said. “We made a lot of good pitches, worked out of a jam in the fifth and stayed efficient enough to get to the seventh.”

The 32-year old right-hander struck out 21 over his last two outings; his 10-strikeout performance Saturday marked his fourth double-digit effort of the season.

Stanton drove in New York’s first run with a sharp single in the first before hitting a two-run shot off Dylan Coleman in the eighth for his fourth homer since the All-Star Break.

The late New York rally spoiled another strong start in the Bronx for Singer, who allowed two runs over six innings. The 26-year old has a 2.16 ERA across 16 2/3 innings with 24 strikeouts at Yankee Stadium, although he is winless across three starts. Singer struck out five straight batters before Billy McKinney’s leadoff single in the sixth.

“He pitched well,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “He knows his strengths. He’s going to keep competing with you and he made a lot of quality pitches today.”

Wandy Peralta (3-1) threw four pitches in relief of Cole in the seventh to earn the victory.

Gleyber Torres singled and drove in a run to extend his hitting streak to 12.

Tommy Kahnle struck out two in a scoreless inning and Clay Holmes worked around a two-out single and a walk for his 13th save.

Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits but was thrown out on a bizarre play in the fourth trying to stretch his bunt single into a double. Witt’s well-placed bunt trickled down the third base line. LeMahieu touched it in fair territory, leading to Witt safely reaching first. However, in the confusion, Witt broke for second and was thrown out by Cole after the Yankees pitcher took a few steps with the ball after picking it up in foul territory.

After the game, the Yankees optioned INF/OF Oswaldo Cabrera to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Yankees: OF Harrison Bader (ribs) was held out of the lineup for the second straight game but entered as a defensive replacement in the eighth. … LHP Nestor Cortes (left rotator cuff strain) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Double-A Somerset. … RHP Jonathan Loáisiga (right elbow inflammation) will face injured slugger Aaron Judge in a simulated game Sunday.

Yankees RHP Luis Severino (1-4, 6.66 ERA) received a no decision in his last start despite completing six innings for just the third time in 2023. He is opposed Sunday by RHP Jordan Lyles (1-11, 6.05 ERA), who is tied for the major league lead in losses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690086945989.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Brady Singer throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Saturday, July 22, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Brady Singer throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Saturday, July 22, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CHARLES O'BRIEN Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — The adjustments finally are starting to pay off for New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu.LeMahieu hit the go-ahead home run in the 7th inning, Gerrit Cole struck out 10 and the Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Saturday.“Just trying to simplify,” LeMahieu said. “Some stuff I was working on right before the break. I feel like I am on the right track.”After hitting .336 over his first two seasons in New York, LeMahieu entered Saturday batting a career-worst .232, but he has turned it around of late, hitting safely in 10 of his last 11 games.When asked about the nature of the adjustments he’d been working on, LeMahieu joked “a little bit of everything.”With the scored tied at two, LeMahieu drove a 98 mph fastball from Royals reliever Carlos Hernandez (0-6) 402 feet into the right-center field bleachers for his first homer since June 13.“That’s classic DJ right there – smoking a ball to right center,” New York manager Aaron Boone said. “Obviously a huge hit in the game, but it’s good to see him get some traction going.”Giancarlo Stanton homered and drove in three runs, and Anthony Volpe doubled and stole a base for the Yankees, who won their second straight game and picked up their first series win in July.Nick Pratto homered and Brady Singer struck out nine for the Royals, who lost for the seventh time in nine games following the All-Star break.Pitching with catcher Ben Rortvedt for the first time this season after regular catcher Jose Trevino (right wrist tear) hit the injured list Friday, Cole scattered five hits and a pair of runs across 6 1/3 innings. Trevino caught the New York ace 18 times in Cole’s first 20 starts.“I thought that it was really fun working with Ben,” Cole said. “We made a lot of good pitches, worked out of a jam in the fifth and stayed efficient enough to get to the seventh.”The 32-year old right-hander struck out 21 over his last two outings; his 10-strikeout performance Saturday marked his fourth double-digit effort of the season.Stanton drove in New York’s first run with a sharp single in the first before hitting a two-run shot off Dylan Coleman in the eighth for his fourth homer since the All-Star Break.The late New York rally spoiled another strong start in the Bronx for Singer, who allowed two runs over six innings. The 26-year old has a 2.16 ERA across 16 2/3 innings with 24 strikeouts at Yankee Stadium, although he is winless across three starts. Singer struck out five straight batters before Billy McKinney’s leadoff single in the sixth.“He pitched well,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “He knows his strengths. He’s going to keep competing with you and he made a lot of quality pitches today.”Wandy Peralta (3-1) threw four pitches in relief of Cole in the seventh to earn the victory.Gleyber Torres singled and drove in a run to extend his hitting streak to 12.Tommy Kahnle struck out two in a scoreless inning and Clay Holmes worked around a two-out single and a walk for his 13th save.Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits but was thrown out on a bizarre play in the fourth trying to stretch his bunt single into a double. Witt’s well-placed bunt trickled down the third base line. LeMahieu touched it in fair territory, leading to Witt safely reaching first. However, in the confusion, Witt broke for second and was thrown out by Cole after the Yankees pitcher took a few steps with the ball after picking it up in foul territory.TRANSACTIONAfter the game, the Yankees optioned INF/OF Oswaldo Cabrera to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.TRAINER’S ROOMYankees: OF Harrison Bader (ribs) was held out of the lineup for the second straight game but entered as a defensive replacement in the eighth. … LHP Nestor Cortes (left rotator cuff strain) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Double-A Somerset. … RHP Jonathan Loáisiga (right elbow inflammation) will face injured slugger Aaron Judge in a simulated game Sunday.UP NEXTYankees RHP Luis Severino (1-4, 6.66 ERA) received a no decision in his last start despite completing six innings for just the third time in 2023. He is opposed Sunday by RHP Jordan Lyles (1-11, 6.05 ERA), who is tied for the major league lead in losses.

⚾ LeMahieu and Stanton homer as the Yankees beat the Royals

By ANNE M. PETERSON AP Sports Writer

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Just before the Tokyo Olympics, Sophia Smith got the disappointing phone call from U.S. women's national team coach Vlatko Andonovski.

No, she would not be accompanying the team to Japan.

She went on to be named the U.S. Soccer Player of the Year after leading the national team with 11 goals in 2022. She also was named the National Women's Soccer League's Most Valuable Player that year after scoring 14 goals and helping the Portland Thorns to the league title.

“I remember obviously being sad and frustrated, but I think it took me a very quick day to get over it and I realized that the only thing I could do was prove to him why he should have taken me,” Smith said.

Smith now is among 14 players on the U.S. national team who are playing in their first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup">Women's World Cup.</a>&nbsp;And on Saturday, she made a splash with a pair of goals and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-united-states-vietnam-sophia-smith-d00fbe67287da08249e8511e92bfff6f">assist in the Americans' 3-0 victory</a>&nbsp;over Vietnam to open the tournament.

In a touching moment after the victory, Smith's father presented her with the Player of the Match award.

Just 22, she became the youngest U.S. player to score multiple goals in a World Cup game since 21-year-old Cat Whitehill had a pair against North Korea in 2003 at age 21.

Teammate Alex Morgan posted a photo of Smith on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/alexmorgan13/status/1682607044464095232?s=20">Twitter</a>&nbsp;afterward that read: “She's THAT Girl. Great team win.”

While Smith has had a seemingly quick rise on the international stage, Andonovski said it was always clear she was a talented forward.

“She had to face some adversity, she had to face some tough times. I know. I had some tough conversations with her," Andonovski said. “But from every conversation and every moment, she just rose above and was better. Every time it seemed like she had a setback or she had a tough moment, she took it as an opportunity to grow and get better and that’s why she’s at where she’s at now."

Smith, who turns 23 during the World Cup, grew up in Colorado before heading to Stanford. She scored a hat trick against UCLA in the semifinals of the 2019 College Cup before the Cardinal beat North Carolina for the title.

She left Stanford early and declared for the 2020 NWSL draft. The Thorns selected her with the No. 1 overall pick.

At the same time, she was starting to gain a foothold on the national team. In September 2020, she made her first appearance in a game against the Netherlands. But she missed out on the roster the next year for the pandemic-delayed Olympics.

“Being an athlete, that happens. You’re not going to make every roster, you’re going to be disappointed. Things aren’t going to go your way,” she said in an interview the day she was selected for the World Cup squad. “But it's how you respond to those times that define you. So I pride myself on holding my head high and knowing what I can do.”

Now with the first game of the tournament out of the way, Smith and the rest of the U.S. players head to Wellington to play the Netherlands on Thursday. It's a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final, which the United States won for its second straight title.

The Americans have won four World Cups overall, the most of any nation.

“I think it’s a good place to start,” Smith said of the victory over Vietnam. "And personally, it was good to just get a World Cup game under my belt, kind of see how it felt, know what to expect. But yeah, I think it honestly just makes me more excited for the next game.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690054552701.jpeg" alt="United States' Sophia Smith looks on during the second half of the Women's World Cup Group E soccer match between the United States and Vietnam at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, July 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)" />
 <figcaption>United States' Sophia Smith looks on during the second half of the Women's World Cup Group E soccer match between the United States and Vietnam at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, July 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANNE M. PETERSON AP Sports WriterAUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Just before the Tokyo Olympics, Sophia Smith got the disappointing phone call from U.S. women's national team coach Vlatko Andonovski.No, she would not be accompanying the team to Japan.So instead, Smith got to work.She went on to be named the U.S. Soccer Player of the Year after leading the national team with 11 goals in 2022. She also was named the National Women's Soccer League's Most Valuable Player that year after scoring 14 goals and helping the Portland Thorns to the league title.“I remember obviously being sad and frustrated, but I think it took me a very quick day to get over it and I realized that the only thing I could do was prove to him why he should have taken me,” Smith said.Smith now is among 14 players on the U.S. national team who are playing in their first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup">Women's World Cup.</a>&nbsp;And on Saturday, she made a splash with a pair of goals and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-united-states-vietnam-sophia-smith-d00fbe67287da08249e8511e92bfff6f">assist in the Americans' 3-0 victory</a>&nbsp;over Vietnam to open the tournament.In a touching moment after the victory, Smith's father presented her with the Player of the Match award.Just 22, she became the youngest U.S. player to score multiple goals in a World Cup game since 21-year-old Cat Whitehill had a pair against North Korea in 2003 at age 21.Teammate Alex Morgan posted a photo of Smith on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/alexmorgan13/status/1682607044464095232?s=20">Twitter</a>&nbsp;afterward that read: “She's THAT Girl. Great team win.”While Smith has had a seemingly quick rise on the international stage, Andonovski said it was always clear she was a talented forward.“She had to face some adversity, she had to face some tough times. I know. I had some tough conversations with her," Andonovski said. “But from every conversation and every moment, she just rose above and was better. Every time it seemed like she had a setback or she had a tough moment, she took it as an opportunity to grow and get better and that’s why she’s at where she’s at now."Smith, who turns 23 during the World Cup, grew up in Colorado before heading to Stanford. She scored a hat trick against UCLA in the semifinals of the 2019 College Cup before the Cardinal beat North Carolina for the title.She left Stanford early and declared for the 2020 NWSL draft. The Thorns selected her with the No. 1 overall pick.At the same time, she was starting to gain a foothold on the national team. In September 2020, she made her first appearance in a game against the Netherlands. But she missed out on the roster the next year for the pandemic-delayed Olympics.“Being an athlete, that happens. You’re not going to make every roster, you’re going to be disappointed. Things aren’t going to go your way,” she said in an interview the day she was selected for the World Cup squad. “But it's how you respond to those times that define you. So I pride myself on holding my head high and knowing what I can do.”Now with the first game of the tournament out of the way, Smith and the rest of the U.S. players head to Wellington to play the Netherlands on Thursday. It's a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final, which the United States won for its second straight title.The Americans have won four World Cups overall, the most of any nation.“I think it’s a good place to start,” Smith said of the victory over Vietnam. "And personally, it was good to just get a World Cup game under my belt, kind of see how it felt, know what to expect. But yeah, I think it honestly just makes me more excited for the next game.”

⚽ Sophia Smith wows in her Women's World Cup debut after Olympic disappointment

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/3zaNPzFI-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Tyler Larue" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Tyler LaRue

WICHITA - Come out to FHSU Soccer Stadium (1315 230th&nbsp;Ave) at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, July 22 to experience intense high-caliber adult men's soccer as Sporting Wichita plays Indios Denver to earn the UPSL national tournament semi-final game spot! Noisemakers welcome. &nbsp;

Join your local Hays Soccer Club tailgating outside the stadium starting around 5:30 p.m. Please bring your own tailgating items.

UPSL (United Premier Soccer League) is the largest and most competitive soccer pro-development league in North America. 

Each spring/summer the UPSL hosts it national tournament. Just to enter the tournament, the Sporting Wichita First Team (adult men's team) won its local Kansas league. Next, Sporting Wichita won two national tournament single-elimination bracket games -- first against Minneapolis, then against Dallas -- to reach this UPSL national tournament quarter-finals round against Denver.

Learn more about the match-up online:&nbsp;<a href="https://premier.upsl.com/upsl-national-quarterfinal-saturday-preview-central-and-southeast-region/?fbclid=IwAR0XzJDpC4TnNO7hJ6ZxY42SShuc3OAnbgfMeAE8eRCocXO7Z-xHZdZEJSk" target="_blank">https://premier.upsl.com/upsl-national-quarterfinal-saturday-preview-central-and-southeast-region/?fbclid=IwAR0XzJDpC4TnNO7hJ6ZxY42SShuc3OAnbgfMeAE8eRCocXO7Z-xHZdZEJSk</a>

Let others know about this game by re-posting game information from Sporting Wichita First Team’s &nbsp;facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Sporting-Wichita-First-Team-100063500486580/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/p/Sporting-Wichita-First-Team-100063500486580/</a>&nbsp; or twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SWFirstTeam" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/SWFirstTeam</a>

View the full national tournament bracket and learn more about UPSL soccer:&nbsp;<a href="https://premier.upsl.com/playoffs/" target="_blank">https://premier.upsl.com/playoffs/</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689793424440.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>SubmittedWICHITA - Come out to FHSU Soccer Stadium (1315 230th&nbsp;Ave) at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, July 22 to experience intense high-caliber adult men's soccer as Sporting Wichita plays Indios Denver to earn the UPSL national tournament semi-final game spot! Noisemakers welcome. &nbsp;Join your local Hays Soccer Club tailgating outside the stadium starting around 5:30 p.m. Please bring your own tailgating items.UPSL (United Premier Soccer League) is the largest and most competitive soccer pro-development league in North America. Each spring/summer the UPSL hosts it national tournament. Just to enter the tournament, the Sporting Wichita First Team (adult men's team) won its local Kansas league. Next, Sporting Wichita won two national tournament single-elimination bracket games -- first against Minneapolis, then against Dallas -- to reach this UPSL national tournament quarter-finals round against Denver.Learn more about the match-up online:&nbsp;<a href="https://premier.upsl.com/upsl-national-quarterfinal-saturday-preview-central-and-southeast-region/?fbclid=IwAR0XzJDpC4TnNO7hJ6ZxY42SShuc3OAnbgfMeAE8eRCocXO7Z-xHZdZEJSk" target="_blank">https://premier.upsl.com/upsl-national-quarterfinal-saturday-preview-central-and-southeast-region/?fbclid=IwAR0XzJDpC4TnNO7hJ6ZxY42SShuc3OAnbgfMeAE8eRCocXO7Z-xHZdZEJSk</a>Let others know about this game by re-posting game information from Sporting Wichita First Team’s &nbsp;facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Sporting-Wichita-First-Team-100063500486580/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/p/Sporting-Wichita-First-Team-100063500486580/</a>&nbsp; or twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SWFirstTeam" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/SWFirstTeam</a>View the full national tournament bracket and learn more about UPSL soccer:&nbsp;<a href="https://premier.upsl.com/playoffs/" target="_blank">https://premier.upsl.com/playoffs/</a>

UPSL national tournament quarter-finals to be played in Hays tonight

HAYS – Garrett Gruell homered and drove in five runs, Tyler
LaRue hit two home runs and drove in four runs and the Hays Larks beat the Western
Nebraska Pioneers 13-4 Friday night at Larks Park.

LaRue gave the Larks (29-6) the early lead with a three-run
homer in the bottom of the first inning. After the Pioneers (24-10) scored two
in the second, LaRue’s solo shot in the third pushed the lead to 4-2.

The Larks blew the game open with a five-run fifth inning. Cash
Benavidez and Damian Ruiz had back-to-back two-out RBI doubles. Ruiz later
scored on a wild pitch. John Ceccoli and Garrett Gruell then followed with
back-to-back RBI doubles.

Gruell added a three-run homer in the sixth. He closed out
the scoring with an RBI double in the eighth.

Preston Tabor (3-0) allowed four runs (three earned) on seven
hits with five strikeouts and two walks and picked up the win. Kaleb Meredith
and Michael Cruz both pitched two scoreless innings of relief. The two combined
to strikeout eight over the four innings.

Tyler LaRue leads in two of the three categories for the Rocky
Mountain Baseball League triple crown. The senior our of Houston Baptist leads the
league with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs. He’s currently third with a .429 batting
average where he trails Denver’s Zeke Minic (.432) and Liberal’s Isaac Webb (.446).


LaRue is having one of the best season’s in Hays Larks history.
His .429 batting average is currently the sixth-highest for a single season. His
.550 on-base percentage is the second highest behind Wyatt Divis’ .576 in 2021.
His 15 home runs are tied for the second most in a season along with Johnny
Hunter in 1995 and is two behind the record of 17 hit by Tom Nevin in 1988. LaRue’s
50 runs batted in are the 10th most in a single-season. 

The Larks host the Pioneers out of Gering, Nebraska for game
two of the three-game series Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Admission is once again free
courtesy of McDonalds/Commerce Bank/Optimist Club of
Hays/Horizon Appliance. The game is the annual McKid’s Day sponsored by
McDonalds. The series wraps up Sunday night at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday’s series finale
is the annual Pack the Pantry game with all fans encouraged to bring a canned
food item to help stock the Community Assistance Center.

Hays PostHAYS – Garrett Gruell homered and drove in five runs, Tyler
LaRue hit two home runs and drove in four runs and the Hays Larks beat the Western
Nebraska Pioneers 13-4 Friday night at Larks Park.LaRue gave the Larks (29-6) the early lead with a three-run
homer in the bottom of the first inning. After the Pioneers (24-10) scored two
in the second, LaRue’s solo shot in the third pushed the lead to 4-2.The Larks blew the game open with a five-run fifth inning. Cash
Benavidez and Damian Ruiz had back-to-back two-out RBI doubles. Ruiz later
scored on a wild pitch. John Ceccoli and Garrett Gruell then followed with
back-to-back RBI doubles.Gruell added a three-run homer in the sixth. He closed out
the scoring with an RBI double in the eighth.Preston Tabor (3-0) allowed four runs (three earned) on seven
hits with five strikeouts and two walks and picked up the win. Kaleb Meredith
and Michael Cruz both pitched two scoreless innings of relief. The two combined
to strikeout eight over the four innings.TRIPLE CROWNTyler LaRue leads in two of the three categories for the Rocky
Mountain Baseball League triple crown. The senior our of Houston Baptist leads the
league with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs. He’s currently third with a .429 batting
average where he trails Denver’s Zeke Minic (.432) and Liberal’s Isaac Webb (.446).
RECORD YEARLaRue is having one of the best season’s in Hays Larks history.
His .429 batting average is currently the sixth-highest for a single season. His
.550 on-base percentage is the second highest behind Wyatt Divis’ .576 in 2021.
His 15 home runs are tied for the second most in a season along with Johnny
Hunter in 1995 and is two behind the record of 17 hit by Tom Nevin in 1988. LaRue’s
50 runs batted in are the 10th most in a single-season. UP NEXTThe Larks host the Pioneers out of Gering, Nebraska for game
two of the three-game series Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Admission is once again free
courtesy of McDonalds/Commerce Bank/Optimist Club of
Hays/Horizon Appliance. The game is the annual McKid’s Day sponsored by
McDonalds. The series wraps up Sunday night at 7:00 p.m.Sunday’s series finale
is the annual Pack the Pantry game with all fans encouraged to bring a canned
food item to help stock the Community Assistance Center.

⚾ Gruell, LaRue power the Larks to lopsided win over Pioneers

NEW YORK (AP) — Billy McKinney hit a three-run homer and made two key catches in center field as the New York Yankees got a much-needed win, beating the Kansas City Royals 5-4 on Friday night.

Franchy Cordero homered for the second straight game and Gleyber Torres also went deep for the Yankees, who stopped a four-game slide and won for only the third time in 12 games since July 4. Torres extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

The Yankees hit three homers for the fourth time since Aaron Judge tore a ligament in his right big toe crashing into the wall at Dodger Stadium on June 3. New York improved to 16-22 without the slugger, who took batting practice on the field before the victory.

New York right-hander Clarke Schmidt (6-6) was charged with three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Michael Massey hit a three-run shot in the fourth for Kansas City and a solo shot in the eighth. It was his first career multihomer game.

Before the two big swings against New York, Massey’s previous homer was on May 29 at St. Louis.

McKinney’s two-out homer — a drive to the short porch in right field — lifted the Yankees to a 4-3 lead in the fourth inning. It was his fifth of the season.

“He’s done a really good job on both sides of the ball,” manager Aaron Boone said. “You can put him in all three positions out there in the outfield and he does a really good job there. He’s obviously hit some big homers for us.”

McKinney also robbed Kyle Isbel with a spectacular catch for the final out of the third. Isbel hit a sinking liner that sliced into left-center field, and McKinney completed a sliding grab in front of the warning track.

“I got a hold of it,” McKinney said. “It kind of kept falling away from me and I was glad I was able to make the sliding play.”

“I didn’t think he had a chance,” Schmidt added. “I thought it was a double for sure and he just closed on it really well.”

McKinney made his sixth start in center field this season because Harrison Bader was held out after bruising his ribs in Wednesday’s 7-3 loss at the Angels.

“That was impressive,” Schmidt said. “I didn’t know he was a center fielder. So I guess that’s his true position now.”

Schmidt was one strike away from ending the fourth but Massey hit a 2-2 pitch about halfway up the second deck in right to give the Royals a 3-1 lead.

In his fourth big league start, Kansas City rookie Alec Marsh (0-4) allowed five runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Wandy Peralta followed Schmidt and stranded two in the sixth before McKinney made a leaping catch on Drew Waters to open the seventh.

Clay Holmes got his 12th save when Waters was called out at third on a fielder’s choice after a crew chief review overturned the original call. Bobby Witt Jr. hit a grounder in the hole to shortstop Anthony Volpe, who quickly threw to DJ LeMahieu and third base umpire Jordan Baker immediately called Waters safe before replay showed the tag was made in time.

“That was an extremely heads-up play by Volpe to end the game,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said.

The Royals lost for the 11th time in 14 games. They dropped to 1-8 in their last nine games against the Yankees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690040121371.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey (19) celebrates with Nick Pratto, right, after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Friday, July 21, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey (19) celebrates with Nick Pratto, right, after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Friday, July 21, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)</figcaption>
 </figure>By LARRY FLEISHER Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — Billy McKinney hit a three-run homer and made two key catches in center field as the New York Yankees got a much-needed win, beating the Kansas City Royals 5-4 on Friday night.Franchy Cordero homered for the second straight game and Gleyber Torres also went deep for the Yankees, who stopped a four-game slide and won for only the third time in 12 games since July 4. Torres extended his hitting streak to 11 games.The Yankees hit three homers for the fourth time since Aaron Judge tore a ligament in his right big toe crashing into the wall at Dodger Stadium on June 3. New York improved to 16-22 without the slugger, who took batting practice on the field before the victory.New York right-hander Clarke Schmidt (6-6) was charged with three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings.Michael Massey hit a three-run shot in the fourth for Kansas City and a solo shot in the eighth. It was his first career multihomer game.Before the two big swings against New York, Massey’s previous homer was on May 29 at St. Louis.McKinney’s two-out homer — a drive to the short porch in right field — lifted the Yankees to a 4-3 lead in the fourth inning. It was his fifth of the season.“He’s done a really good job on both sides of the ball,” manager Aaron Boone said. “You can put him in all three positions out there in the outfield and he does a really good job there. He’s obviously hit some big homers for us.”McKinney also robbed Kyle Isbel with a spectacular catch for the final out of the third. Isbel hit a sinking liner that sliced into left-center field, and McKinney completed a sliding grab in front of the warning track.“I got a hold of it,” McKinney said. “It kind of kept falling away from me and I was glad I was able to make the sliding play.”“I didn’t think he had a chance,” Schmidt added. “I thought it was a double for sure and he just closed on it really well.”McKinney made his sixth start in center field this season because Harrison Bader was held out after bruising his ribs in Wednesday’s 7-3 loss at the Angels.“That was impressive,” Schmidt said. “I didn’t know he was a center fielder. So I guess that’s his true position now.”Schmidt was one strike away from ending the fourth but Massey hit a 2-2 pitch about halfway up the second deck in right to give the Royals a 3-1 lead.In his fourth big league start, Kansas City rookie Alec Marsh (0-4) allowed five runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.Wandy Peralta followed Schmidt and stranded two in the sixth before McKinney made a leaping catch on Drew Waters to open the seventh.Clay Holmes got his 12th save when Waters was called out at third on a fielder’s choice after a crew chief review overturned the original call. Bobby Witt Jr. hit a grounder in the hole to shortstop Anthony Volpe, who quickly threw to DJ LeMahieu and third base umpire Jordan Baker immediately called Waters safe before replay showed the tag was made in time.“That was an extremely heads-up play by Volpe to end the game,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said.The Royals lost for the 11th time in 14 games. They dropped to 1-8 in their last nine games against the Yankees.EARLY WORKSlumping slugger Anthony Rizzo was among a few Yankees taking swings off a tee on the field in early batting practice with new hitting coach Sean Casey.Rizzo, whose last homer was May 20 in Cincinnati, went 0 for 4 and is hitting .244.TRAINER’S ROOMYankees: Judge will face Jonathan Loáisiga (right elbow inflammation) in a simulated game on Sunday. ... C&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yankees-trevino-wrist-injury-rortvedt-3debc8b0d9ba2b4b79aa237d1a76d60f">Jose Trevino</a>&nbsp;(right wrist tear) was placed on the injured list and will undergo surgery that likely will sideline him for the rest of the season.UP NEXTNew York RHP Gerrit Cole (9-2, 2.78 ERA) opposes Kansas City RHP Brady Singer (6-8, 5.70 ERA) on Saturday afternoon.