The Hays Larks play their second straight doubleheader against the Liberal BeeJays Wednesday at Larks Park.

Game one first pitch is set for 5:30 p.m. with the second game set to start at&nbsp;7:30 p.m. central time.

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 play their second straight doubleheader against the Liberal BeeJays Wednesday at Larks Park.Game one first pitch is set for 5:30 p.m. with the second game set to start at&nbsp;7:30 p.m. central time.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 Liberal

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

Meet The Larks: Kaleb Meredith

By MARC BOWMAN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Dairon Blanco tripled, doubled twice, singled and drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals overcame Spencer Torkelson’s two-homer night to outscore the Detroit Tigers 11-10 on Tuesday.

“You have to get ready every day,” Blanco, who ranked the day as his best ever in baseball, said through an interpreter. “A day like today you just get ready and take advantage of it.”

Blanco tripled and scored to help the Royals tie it at 2 in the third, and had a run-scoring bunt hit to cap a five-run fourth. He doubled and scored in both the sixth and eighth innings for his first career four-hit game.

“Every one of the hits was important,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s what stood out to me. It was nice for him because I know he’s been pressing a little bit. To see him do that was rewarding.”

Blanco admitted he was trying for a home run to complete the cycle in his final at-bat, falling a few feet short of his first career homer, instead settling for an RBI double that made it 10-6.

“I definitely went out there looking for it,” Blanco said. “As soon as it left the bat I thought it had a chance, but as soon as I saw it hit dirt I thought I needed to find more push ups.”

Seven consecutive Royals reached safely in the fourth en route to a 7-2 lead. Freddy Fermin and Drew Waters had RBI extra-base hits and Edward Olivares slapped a two-run single through a drawn-in infield.

“Tenacity to keep adding on throughout, being advantageous there to keep grinding through,” Quatraro said. “We needed every single run we had.”

In the first inning, Torkelson blasted Daniel Lynch’s sinker 430 feet to left for his first homer since July 2 and a 2-0 lead. He had a three-run shot — his 14th of the season — to left in the fifth to cut it to 7-5.

“I was looking for the mistake and got a couple,” Torkelson said. “There was a lot of good in that game. At the end of the day we had a lot of things go for us, but they just capitalized on a couple more mistakes than we did.”

Torkelson added a seventh-inning double. He had career highs with five RBIs and 10 total bases.

Lynch (3-4) completed five innings, allowing five runs on six hits and two walks. He struck out three.

“I didn’t think I threw the ball that well,” Lynch said. “Two mistakes were magnified and I didn’t get ahead of guys as much as I would have liked to. Stuff wasn’t really where I’d like it, but the main thing is we go out there and win.”

Detroit scored four in the ninth as Scott Barlow walked three but escaped by retiring Riley Greene on a fly ball with two Tigers on base.

“It was nice to see us respond,” Tiger manager A.J. Hinch said. “Good at-bat after good at-bat against a good pitcher, so that’s a good sign. We had the right guy up at the end and a chance for a big swing and came up one run short.”

Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (0-1) made his third start of the season after missing almost a year after surgery on his left elbow. He allowed seven runs on eight hits, striking out three over four innings.

Javier Báez doubled and scored in the sixth for the Tigers. Báez had three hits and stole two bases.

Maikel Garcia drove in four runs for Kansas City.

Royals OF Edward Olivares (left oblique strain) was activated from the 10-day IL. 2B/OF Samad Taylor was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.

Tigers LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (5-5, 2.70) was set to face LHP Ryan Yarbrough (2-4, 5.29) on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689735831400.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia celebrates on second after hitting a two-run double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia celebrates on second after hitting a two-run double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARC BOWMAN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Dairon Blanco tripled, doubled twice, singled and drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals overcame Spencer Torkelson’s two-homer night to outscore the Detroit Tigers 11-10 on Tuesday.“You have to get ready every day,” Blanco, who ranked the day as his best ever in baseball, said through an interpreter. “A day like today you just get ready and take advantage of it.”Blanco tripled and scored to help the Royals tie it at 2 in the third, and had a run-scoring bunt hit to cap a five-run fourth. He doubled and scored in both the sixth and eighth innings for his first career four-hit game.“Every one of the hits was important,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s what stood out to me. It was nice for him because I know he’s been pressing a little bit. To see him do that was rewarding.”Blanco admitted he was trying for a home run to complete the cycle in his final at-bat, falling a few feet short of his first career homer, instead settling for an RBI double that made it 10-6.“I definitely went out there looking for it,” Blanco said. “As soon as it left the bat I thought it had a chance, but as soon as I saw it hit dirt I thought I needed to find more push ups.”Seven consecutive Royals reached safely in the fourth en route to a 7-2 lead. Freddy Fermin and Drew Waters had RBI extra-base hits and Edward Olivares slapped a two-run single through a drawn-in infield.“Tenacity to keep adding on throughout, being advantageous there to keep grinding through,” Quatraro said. “We needed every single run we had.”In the first inning, Torkelson blasted Daniel Lynch’s sinker 430 feet to left for his first homer since July 2 and a 2-0 lead. He had a three-run shot — his 14th of the season — to left in the fifth to cut it to 7-5.“I was looking for the mistake and got a couple,” Torkelson said. “There was a lot of good in that game. At the end of the day we had a lot of things go for us, but they just capitalized on a couple more mistakes than we did.”Torkelson added a seventh-inning double. He had career highs with five RBIs and 10 total bases.Lynch (3-4) completed five innings, allowing five runs on six hits and two walks. He struck out three.“I didn’t think I threw the ball that well,” Lynch said. “Two mistakes were magnified and I didn’t get ahead of guys as much as I would have liked to. Stuff wasn’t really where I’d like it, but the main thing is we go out there and win.”Detroit scored four in the ninth as Scott Barlow walked three but escaped by retiring Riley Greene on a fly ball with two Tigers on base.“It was nice to see us respond,” Tiger manager A.J. Hinch said. “Good at-bat after good at-bat against a good pitcher, so that’s a good sign. We had the right guy up at the end and a chance for a big swing and came up one run short.”Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (0-1) made his third start of the season after missing almost a year after surgery on his left elbow. He allowed seven runs on eight hits, striking out three over four innings.Javier Báez doubled and scored in the sixth for the Tigers. Báez had three hits and stole two bases.Maikel Garcia drove in four runs for Kansas City.TRANSACTIONSRoyals OF Edward Olivares (left oblique strain) was activated from the 10-day IL. 2B/OF Samad Taylor was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTTigers LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (5-5, 2.70) was set to face LHP Ryan Yarbrough (2-4, 5.29) on Wednesday.

⚾ Blanco 4-hit game leads Royals in slugfest with Detroit

HAYS – It had been nearly
a full calendar year since the Hays Larks last lost a home game. The Larks won game the first game
of their doubleheader with the Bee Jays 8-1 Tuesday, but Liberal held on to take game
two 11-10, snapping the Larks 14-game win streak and 22-game home win streak which dated back to July 23, 2022 when they lost to the Bee Jays.

The Larks (27-5, 16-3
RMBL) remain 2 1/2 games ahead of Liberal (21-10, 14-6 RMBL) in the Rocky Mountain
Baseball League standings.

John Ceccoli and Tyler
LaRue hit back-to-back home runs in the Larks five-run fifth inning in the
first game. LaRue drove in four runs and Ceccoli knocked in two.

Tyler Schott (4-1) pitched the
Larks first complete game of the summer. The sophomore from Dallas Baptist allowed
one earned run on five hits with eight strikeouts and no walks in the seve-
inning game.

Liberal built an early
7-0 lead in the second game. Larks answered with four in the third and fourth
to pull within 10-8. After the Bee Jays scored a run in the sixth, Damian Ruiz closed
the gap to 11-10 with a two-run homer in the bottom of the inning but the Larks
were retired in order in the seventh ending the comeback bid.

Dylan Hill (0-1) allowed
seven runs on seven hits over three innings and suffered the loss.

Trent Baker added a two-rum
homer in the fourth. Garrett Gruell drove in three runs.

The Larks and Bee Jays
play another doubleheader Wednesday beginning at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free courtesy
of Werth Wealth Management, Bank of Hays and Farm Bureau Insurance-Danny
Dinkel.

Hays PostHAYS – It had been nearly
a full calendar year since the Hays Larks last lost a home game. The Larks won game the first game
of their doubleheader with the Bee Jays 8-1 Tuesday, but Liberal held on to take game
two 11-10, snapping the Larks 14-game win streak and 22-game home win streak which dated back to July 23, 2022 when they lost to the Bee Jays.The Larks (27-5, 16-3
RMBL) remain 2 1/2 games ahead of Liberal (21-10, 14-6 RMBL) in the Rocky Mountain
Baseball League standings.John Ceccoli and Tyler
LaRue hit back-to-back home runs in the Larks five-run fifth inning in the
first game. LaRue drove in four runs and Ceccoli knocked in two.Tyler Schott (4-1) pitched the
Larks first complete game of the summer. The sophomore from Dallas Baptist allowed
one earned run on five hits with eight strikeouts and no walks in the seve-
inning game.Liberal built an early
7-0 lead in the second game. Larks answered with four in the third and fourth
to pull within 10-8. After the Bee Jays scored a run in the sixth, Damian Ruiz closed
the gap to 11-10 with a two-run homer in the bottom of the inning but the Larks
were retired in order in the seventh ending the comeback bid.Dylan Hill (0-1) allowed
seven runs on seven hits over three innings and suffered the loss.Trent Baker added a two-rum
homer in the fourth. Garrett Gruell drove in three runs.UP NEXTThe Larks and Bee Jays
play another doubleheader Wednesday beginning at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free courtesy
of Werth Wealth Management, Bank of Hays and Farm Bureau Insurance-Danny
Dinkel.

⚾ Larks home win streak snapped in split with Liberal

By MATT DERRICK Associated Press

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Quarterback Patrick Mahomes arrived at training camp Tuesday with the understanding that he and his Kansas City Chiefs teammates need to be better in 2023 if they want to repeat as Super Bowl champions.

“I think the theme this year is how can we keep building,” said Mahomes, who reported for camp at Missouri Western State University on Tuesday along with the team’s quarterbacks and rookies.

Mahomes earned Most Valuable Player honors last season and captured his second Lombardi Trophy.

“Obviously we won the Super Bowl last year and it was amazing but we still have a lot of young guys. We want to continue to get better and better. You look around AFC everybody’s gotten better.”

If the Chiefs hope to improve, much of the challenge falls on Mahomes. Following the offseason departure of free agent receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman, it’s up to Mahomes to build connections with a group of young receivers including Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore and this year’s second-round selection Rashee Rice.

The good thing, according to head coach Andy Reid, is how much Mahomes relishes challenges.

“With quarterbacks, the work’s never done,” Reid said. “It’s like being a farmer, and you just keep on cranking. We’re always trying to give him new challenges with things and he loves that, and loves to attack those types of things.”

It’s the ability to challenge his players that Mahomes says makes Reid a great coach.

“I’m sure you ask Travis (Kelce), you ask Chris Jones, you ask all these guys they think the same thing because he doesn’t let you be satisfied with where you’re at.”

Indeed, if the Chiefs hope to repeat as Super Bowl champions, they can’t be satisfied with what they accomplished last season.

The previous time the Chiefs looked to repeat as Super Bowl champions, they finished with a 14-2 record before losing Super Bowl 55 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-9.

Mahomes feels the need to motivate his teammates further this time around.

“Even though we’re winning football games let’s not be satisfied with just winning, let’s be satisfied with finding ways to get better every single week,” he said.

“I’ve said a lot of the AFC when you look at the AFC, there’s like almost every team you can see a path of them getting to the playoffs,” Mahomes said. “I know you say that every year but I think this year is really real, and so we know week in and week out it’s gonna be a challenge for us. Let’s get better and try to win as many football games as possible and put ourselves in that position."

With only a few days until the team’s veterans report to training camp, Reid remained unsure if All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones will arrive with his fellow teammates.

“I don’t know that,” Reid said. “I’ll have to just see how that goes. There’s communication going on. That’s the important part, then we just have to see.”

Jones is scheduled to earn $19.5 million in base salary this season with a cap hit of more than $29.4 million. The 29-year-old is seeking a contract extension while the club also wants an extension for Jones to free up much-needed cap space.

Reid said defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, who finished last season on injured reserve with a torn ACL, will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Running back Isiah Pacheco, who underwent surgery for shoulder and hand injuries in the offseason will be evaluated when veterans report Friday to determine whether he’s ready to practice with the club.

Mahomes, who sustained a high-ankle sprain during the team’s postseason run, said he felt timid at times running and cutting during the offseason organized team practice activities (OTAs).

He feels he's in a good spot now, however, heading into camp.

“When I got kind of through like closer to the (veteran) minicamp and that later OTA stage, I got that confidence back in my ankle,” Mahomes said. “I’m sure I’m not going be running a lot right now, but we’ll be testing especially in these half gassers, so I’ll make sure that it’s ready to go.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689761605958.png" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes addresses the media following his arrival at Chiefs Training Camp on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 in St. Joseph, Missouri (Courtesy Kansas City Chiefs)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes addresses the media following his arrival at Chiefs Training Camp on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 in St. Joseph, Missouri (Courtesy Kansas City Chiefs)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT DERRICK Associated PressST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Quarterback Patrick Mahomes arrived at training camp Tuesday with the understanding that he and his Kansas City Chiefs teammates need to be better in 2023 if they want to repeat as Super Bowl champions.“I think the theme this year is how can we keep building,” said Mahomes, who reported for camp at Missouri Western State University on Tuesday along with the team’s quarterbacks and rookies.Mahomes earned Most Valuable Player honors last season and captured his second Lombardi Trophy.“Obviously we won the Super Bowl last year and it was amazing but we still have a lot of young guys. We want to continue to get better and better. You look around AFC everybody’s gotten better.”If the Chiefs hope to improve, much of the challenge falls on Mahomes. Following the offseason departure of free agent receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman, it’s up to Mahomes to build connections with a group of young receivers including Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore and this year’s second-round selection Rashee Rice.The good thing, according to head coach Andy Reid, is how much Mahomes relishes challenges.“With quarterbacks, the work’s never done,” Reid said. “It’s like being a farmer, and you just keep on cranking. We’re always trying to give him new challenges with things and he loves that, and loves to attack those types of things.”It’s the ability to challenge his players that Mahomes says makes Reid a great coach.“I’m sure you ask Travis (Kelce), you ask Chris Jones, you ask all these guys they think the same thing because he doesn’t let you be satisfied with where you’re at.”Indeed, if the Chiefs hope to repeat as Super Bowl champions, they can’t be satisfied with what they accomplished last season.The previous time the Chiefs looked to repeat as Super Bowl champions, they finished with a 14-2 record before losing Super Bowl 55 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-9.Mahomes feels the need to motivate his teammates further this time around.“Even though we’re winning football games let’s not be satisfied with just winning, let’s be satisfied with finding ways to get better every single week,” he said.“I’ve said a lot of the AFC when you look at the AFC, there’s like almost every team you can see a path of them getting to the playoffs,” Mahomes said. “I know you say that every year but I think this year is really real, and so we know week in and week out it’s gonna be a challenge for us. Let’s get better and try to win as many football games as possible and put ourselves in that position."CHRIS JONES' CONTRACTWith only a few days until the team’s veterans report to training camp, Reid remained unsure if All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones will arrive with his fellow teammates.“I don’t know that,” Reid said. “I’ll have to just see how that goes. There’s communication going on. That’s the important part, then we just have to see.”Jones is scheduled to earn $19.5 million in base salary this season with a cap hit of more than $29.4 million. The 29-year-old is seeking a contract extension while the club also wants an extension for Jones to free up much-needed cap space.INJURIESReid said defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, who finished last season on injured reserve with a torn ACL, will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Running back Isiah Pacheco, who underwent surgery for shoulder and hand injuries in the offseason will be evaluated when veterans report Friday to determine whether he’s ready to practice with the club.Mahomes, who sustained a high-ankle sprain during the team’s postseason run, said he felt timid at times running and cutting during the offseason organized team practice activities (OTAs).He feels he's in a good spot now, however, heading into camp.“When I got kind of through like closer to the (veteran) minicamp and that later OTA stage, I got that confidence back in my ankle,” Mahomes said. “I’m sure I’m not going be running a lot right now, but we’ll be testing especially in these half gassers, so I’ll make sure that it’s ready to go.”

🏈 Chiefs' Mahomes ready to build off second Super Bowl title going into training camp

The Hays Larks open a four-game series with the Liberal BeeJays Tuesday with a doubleheader at Larks Park.

The Hays Larks open a four-game series with the Liberal BeeJays Tuesday with a doubleheader at Larks Park.Game one first pitch is set for 5:30 p.m. with the second game set to start at&nbsp;7:30 p.m. central time.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.

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/VFeAnIJ2-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Payton Ebbing" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Payton Ebbing

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Matt Vierling capped a three-run eighth inning with a two-run double that lifted the Detroit Tigers over Kansas City 3-2 on Monday night and sent the Royals to their ninth loss in 11 games.

Taylor Clarke (1-4) gave up Akil Baddoo’s leadoff double, hit Riley Greene with a pitch with two outs and walked Spencer Torkelson.

“There was a lot of good in the last third of the game, offensively,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “There was a lot of good in the pitching department and our outfield defense was sensational.”

José Cuas relieved and walked Kerry Carpenter on four pitches, forcing in a run and ending Detroit’s 20-inning scoreless streak. Vierling sliced a sinker to the opposite field in right.

”The first couple of games in Seattle I hit the ball hard, had good at-bats,” Vierling said. “Talking to our hitting coaches about it, my process was good, swinging at the right pitches, so I knew something would happen at some point. Luckily it happened at that time.”

“I almost feel like we stole that win,” Vierling said. “That’s huge for us. Being able to win as many as we can, especially like that, I think it gives us a lot of confidence late in games.”

Brendan White (2-2) entered with two on and one out in the seventh and retired pinch-hitter Matt Duffy on a flyout and struck out Nicky Lopez.

Kansas City-area native Alex Lange struck out two in a perfect ninth for his 15th save in 18 chances.

“He’s very trustworthy,” Hinch said. “We’re going to give him the ball in important outings.”

Kansas City dropped to 27-68, last in the AL Central.

MJ Melendez, Freddy Fermin and Nick Pratto had consecutive singles in the fourth, the latter two driving in runs. Fermin had three of the Royals' six hits.

“He’s been swinging the bat well for the most part,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

Royals starter Jordan Lyles allowed three hits in six shutout innings.

“He had a really good changeup,” Quatraro said. “That was the best one of the year. Really flooded the zone, made them make decisions and the defense made plays behind him.”

Detroit’s Matt Manning gave up two runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings.

“I think I had really good command of all my pitches," Manning said. “I executed. I got ahead of guys, and that’s when I’m most effective.”

RHP Zack Greinke, placed on the 15-day IL on July 5 with right shoulder tendinitis, threw a bullpen session Sunday and is expected to return to the mound against the Tigers. “Everything was good yesterday,” Quatraro said. “We’re on track for him to make a start Thursday.”

Tigers LHP Tarik Skubal (0-0, 0.00) makes his third start of the season Tuesday, opposing Royals LHP Daniel Lynch (2-4, 4.18).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689650269888.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Freddy Fermin watches his RBI single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Monday, July 17, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Freddy Fermin watches his RBI single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Monday, July 17, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARC BOWMAN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Matt Vierling capped a three-run eighth inning with a two-run double that lifted the Detroit Tigers over Kansas City 3-2 on Monday night and sent the Royals to their ninth loss in 11 games.Taylor Clarke (1-4) gave up Akil Baddoo’s leadoff double, hit Riley Greene with a pitch with two outs and walked Spencer Torkelson.“There was a lot of good in the last third of the game, offensively,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “There was a lot of good in the pitching department and our outfield defense was sensational.”José Cuas relieved and walked Kerry Carpenter on four pitches, forcing in a run and ending Detroit’s 20-inning scoreless streak. Vierling sliced a sinker to the opposite field in right.”The first couple of games in Seattle I hit the ball hard, had good at-bats,” Vierling said. “Talking to our hitting coaches about it, my process was good, swinging at the right pitches, so I knew something would happen at some point. Luckily it happened at that time.”His hit stopped an 0-for-14 slide.“I almost feel like we stole that win,” Vierling said. “That’s huge for us. Being able to win as many as we can, especially like that, I think it gives us a lot of confidence late in games.”Brendan White (2-2) entered with two on and one out in the seventh and retired pinch-hitter Matt Duffy on a flyout and struck out Nicky Lopez.Kansas City-area native Alex Lange struck out two in a perfect ninth for his 15th save in 18 chances.“He’s very trustworthy,” Hinch said. “We’re going to give him the ball in important outings.”Kansas City dropped to 27-68, last in the AL Central.MJ Melendez, Freddy Fermin and Nick Pratto had consecutive singles in the fourth, the latter two driving in runs. Fermin had three of the Royals' six hits.“He’s been swinging the bat well for the most part,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.Royals starter Jordan Lyles allowed three hits in six shutout innings.“He had a really good changeup,” Quatraro said. “That was the best one of the year. Really flooded the zone, made them make decisions and the defense made plays behind him.”Detroit’s Matt Manning gave up two runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings.“I think I had really good command of all my pitches," Manning said. “I executed. I got ahead of guys, and that’s when I’m most effective.”TRAINER’S ROOMRHP Zack Greinke, placed on the 15-day IL on July 5 with right shoulder tendinitis, threw a bullpen session Sunday and is expected to return to the mound against the Tigers. “Everything was good yesterday,” Quatraro said. “We’re on track for him to make a start Thursday.”UP NEXTTigers LHP Tarik Skubal (0-0, 0.00) makes his third start of the season Tuesday, opposing Royals LHP Daniel Lynch (2-4, 4.18).

⚾ Lyles solid but Royals fall in opener to Tigers

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

⚾ Meet the Larks: Jose Velazquez

HAYS – Garrett Gruell homered, Luuk ter Beek had a quality
start and the Hays Larks ran their win-streak to 13 games with a 7-3 non-league
win over the Denver Cougars Sunday evening at Larks Park.

Gruell hit a three-run homer to highlight the Larks (26-4) four-run
first inning. 

After the Cougars (15-17) scored twice in the top of the
fourth, the Larks answered with three in the bottom of the inning. Bryson Evans
drove in the first run with a single. Tyler Schott scored on a wild pitch then Cash
Benavidez knocked in a run on a ground out.

Luuk ter Beek (3-0) allowed two unearned runs on four hits with
three strikeouts and a walk over six innings. Caden Hare struck out five over
two innings of relief. Mike Cruz worked a perfect ninth with a strikeout.

The Larks have won 13-straight games which matches a 13-game win streak in 2003. The longest recorded win-streak is 14-straight in 2021.

The Larks have also won 21-straight home games dating back to last summer which is the longest home win streak on record.

The Larks continue their homestand Tuesday with a
doubleheader with the Liberal Bee Jays beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Hays PostHAYS – Garrett Gruell homered, Luuk ter Beek had a quality
start and the Hays Larks ran their win-streak to 13 games with a 7-3 non-league
win over the Denver Cougars Sunday evening at Larks Park.Gruell hit a three-run homer to highlight the Larks (26-4) four-run
first inning. After the Cougars (15-17) scored twice in the top of the
fourth, the Larks answered with three in the bottom of the inning. Bryson Evans
drove in the first run with a single. Tyler Schott scored on a wild pitch then Cash
Benavidez knocked in a run on a ground out.Luuk ter Beek (3-0) allowed two unearned runs on four hits with
three strikeouts and a walk over six innings. Caden Hare struck out five over
two innings of relief. Mike Cruz worked a perfect ninth with a strikeout.STREAK CONTINUESThe Larks have won 13-straight games which matches a 13-game win streak in 2003. The longest recorded win-streak is 14-straight in 2021.The Larks have also won 21-straight home games dating back to last summer which is the longest home win streak on record.UP NEXTThe Larks continue their homestand Tuesday with a
doubleheader with the Liberal Bee Jays beginning at 5:30 p.m.

⚾ Gruell homers to help Larks to sweep of Denver

DENVER – The HBC Hammer
high school traveled to Denver this past weekend. The
17U went 4-0 while the 16U and 15U both finished 3-1.

The 17U defeated the
Rough Riders 18U 11-1 then knocked off the Slammers Kenebrew 18U 4-3 on Friday.
Saturday the 17U defeated slammers Feinman 2024s 8-6 then on Sunday beat BYSBA
18U 9-3.

Cooper Sanders had three
hits and Brendan Stults allowed only one run on three hits with eight strikeouts
over five innings in Friday’s opener. Lane Rolfs had two hits and picked up a
complete game victory with six strikeouts and two walks in game two Friday. Sanders,
Arec Mendoza and Lex Lummus all had two hits in Saturday’s game. Sanders had
three hits in Sunday’s finale. 

The 16U lost their opener
2-1 to the Brighton Dawgs 16U on Friday but bounced back with a 9-0 win over
the Rock Canyon 16U and a 19-9 victory over the Mustangs 16U on Saturday. They
beat the Batters Box 16U 15-0 on Sunday. 

Carter Graham drove in
five runs and Cooper Johnson knocked in four in Saturday’s win over the Mustangs.
Jalen Smith, Cooper Lindenmeyer and Chance Jimenez all drove in three runs in Sunday’s
finale.

The 15U beat the Diamond
Club Red 9-1 then knocked off CBA Baba 6-2 on Friday. They edged the Batters Box
Rebels 5-4 on Saturday before losing 9-6 to the Colorado Wild on Sunday. 

Jake Hoopingarner allowed
one run with six strikeouts and two walks and picked up the complete game
victory in the opener.

All three teams close out their season at a tournament in McPherson this week.

Correction: The earlier version of this story stated the HBC Hammer teams closed out their season in Denver. This was incorrect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655396084597.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostDENVER – The HBC Hammer
high school traveled to Denver this past weekend. The
17U went 4-0 while the 16U and 15U both finished 3-1.The 17U defeated the
Rough Riders 18U 11-1 then knocked off the Slammers Kenebrew 18U 4-3 on Friday.
Saturday the 17U defeated slammers Feinman 2024s 8-6 then on Sunday beat BYSBA
18U 9-3.Cooper Sanders had three
hits and Brendan Stults allowed only one run on three hits with eight strikeouts
over five innings in Friday’s opener. Lane Rolfs had two hits and picked up a
complete game victory with six strikeouts and two walks in game two Friday. Sanders,
Arec Mendoza and Lex Lummus all had two hits in Saturday’s game. Sanders had
three hits in Sunday’s finale. The 17U are now 12-7-1.The 16U lost their opener
2-1 to the Brighton Dawgs 16U on Friday but bounced back with a 9-0 win over
the Rock Canyon 16U and a 19-9 victory over the Mustangs 16U on Saturday. They
beat the Batters Box 16U 15-0 on Sunday. Carter Graham drove in
five runs and Cooper Johnson knocked in four in Saturday’s win over the Mustangs.
Jalen Smith, Cooper Lindenmeyer and Chance Jimenez all drove in three runs in Sunday’s
finale.The 16U improved to 17-5 record.The 15U beat the Diamond
Club Red 9-1 then knocked off CBA Baba 6-2 on Friday. They edged the Batters Box
Rebels 5-4 on Saturday before losing 9-6 to the Colorado Wild on Sunday. Jake Hoopingarner allowed
one run with six strikeouts and two walks and picked up the complete game
victory in the opener.The 15U are now 8-12-1 record.All three teams close out their season at a tournament in McPherson this week.Correction: The earlier version of this story stated the HBC Hammer teams closed out their season in Denver. This was incorrect.

⚾ HBC Hammer fare well in Denver

By MARC BOWMAN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr. homered and tripled with three RBIs, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 8-4 on Sunday for their second win in 10 games.

In a game that sped by in 1 hour, 54 minutes, Brady Singer (6-8) won for the second time in seven starts since June 4. Singer allowed four runs and seven hits in a season-high eight innings as Kansas City improved to 27-67, the second-worst record in the major leagues and ahead of only Oakland.

He needed 70 pitches through seven innings and led 7-0 before Isaac Paredes hit a solo homer and Francisco Mejía hit a three-run drive for the AL-best Rays (60-36).

Zach Eflin (10-5) gave up a season-high five runs and seven hits over a season-low three innings, allowing hits to seven of his first 11 batters. The Rays had won three straight after a season-worst seven-game losing streak.

In a game that started one hour later because of rain, Royals All-Star catcher Salvador Perez left in the second inning after feeling left hamstring discomfort while scoring on Melendez’s double.

MJ Melendez hit a two-out RBI double in the first and the Royals opened a 5-0 lead in the second. Drew Waters hit an RBI triple and scored on Nick Pratto's single. Witt, who has an extra-base hit in six straight games, hit a two-run, two-out triple.

Drew Waters led off the fourth against Yonny Chirinos with a 465-foot home run to the uypper level of the right-field fountains.

Witt led off the fifth with his 16th and Melendez hit a solo homer in the eighth off Chirinos.

Royals RHP Collin Snider was optioned to Omaha and RHP Max Castillo was recalled from the Triple-A team.

Royals RHP Josh Staumont, placed on the 60-day IL on Saturday, is expected to have thoracic outlet syndrome surgery and miss the rest of the season.

Rays: LHP Shane McClanahan (11-1, 2.53) will return from a stint on the 15-day IL caused by a back injury to oppose Rangers RHP Dane Dunning (8-2, 2.84) in Texas on Monday.

Tigers: RHP Matt Manning (3-1, 3.72) takes on Royals RHP Jordan Lyles (1-11, 6.42) in Kansas City on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689543939252.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. dives to third after hitting a two-run triple during the second inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday, July 16, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. dives to third after hitting a two-run triple during the second inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday, July 16, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARC BOWMAN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr. homered and tripled with three RBIs, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 8-4 on Sunday for their second win in 10 games.In a game that sped by in 1 hour, 54 minutes, Brady Singer (6-8) won for the second time in seven starts since June 4. Singer allowed four runs and seven hits in a season-high eight innings as Kansas City improved to 27-67, the second-worst record in the major leagues and ahead of only Oakland.He needed 70 pitches through seven innings and led 7-0 before Isaac Paredes hit a solo homer and Francisco Mejía hit a three-run drive for the AL-best Rays (60-36).Zach Eflin (10-5) gave up a season-high five runs and seven hits over a season-low three innings, allowing hits to seven of his first 11 batters. The Rays had won three straight after a season-worst seven-game losing streak.In a game that started one hour later because of rain, Royals All-Star catcher Salvador Perez left in the second inning after feeling left hamstring discomfort while scoring on Melendez’s double.MJ Melendez hit a two-out RBI double in the first and the Royals opened a 5-0 lead in the second. Drew Waters hit an RBI triple and scored on Nick Pratto's single. Witt, who has an extra-base hit in six straight games, hit a two-run, two-out triple.Drew Waters led off the fourth against Yonny Chirinos with a 465-foot home run to the uypper level of the right-field fountains.Witt led off the fifth with his 16th and Melendez hit a solo homer in the eighth off Chirinos.TRANSACTIONSRoyals RHP Collin Snider was optioned to Omaha and RHP Max Castillo was recalled from the Triple-A team.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals RHP Josh Staumont, placed on the 60-day IL on Saturday, is expected to have thoracic outlet syndrome surgery and miss the rest of the season.UP NEXTRays: LHP Shane McClanahan (11-1, 2.53) will return from a stint on the 15-day IL caused by a back injury to oppose Rangers RHP Dane Dunning (8-2, 2.84) in Texas on Monday.Tigers: RHP Matt Manning (3-1, 3.72) takes on Royals RHP Jordan Lyles (1-11, 6.42) in Kansas City on Monday.

⚾ Witt homers, triples and has 3 RBIs as Royals beat Rays

HAYS – The West team forced a pair of first half turnovers and
then held on down the stretch as they claimed their fourth win in the last five
years over the East, 21-20 in the 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl Football
game Saturday at Lewis Field in Hays.

Both offenses were able to drive the field in their first possession
but eventually stalled in their opponent’s territory.

On the West second possession of the game they drove down
the field and scored on a one-yard touchdown run by Salina Central's Kenyon McMillian giving the
West a 7-0 lead after the extra point.

The East fumbled the ball inside the West 20 yard-line on their
next drive but the West was forced to punt.

On the East’s third possession Hays High's Evan Lind picked off a deflected pass and returned the ball to the
East 20 yard-line and on the next play Manhattan's Keenan Schartz found Circle's Ty Smith for a 20
yard touchdown putting the West up 14-0 after the PAT.

“I saw where the ball was going,” Lind said. “Riley (Marx)
was right in the lane, and it just bounced off his chest and I was right there.”

West Head Coach Tony Crough said Lind did the same thing
during the high school season last fall.

“Evan, I mean that's what he did,” Crough said. “He's just
kind of a ball magnet. You know he got his opportunity and went and took advantage
of it.”

The West forced one more turnover, a third quarter interception,
something Crough said they knew they were going to have to do.

“We knew we're gonna have to get some turnovers and
takeaways,” Crough said. “We knew that if they got the run game going that it
can be trouble.”

With the West leading 14-0 the East finally broke on to the
scoreboard with just over a minute left in the first half on an 11-yard
touchdown pass from St. Marys' Keller Hurla to Shawnee Mission Northwest's Malik O’Atis but the two-point attempt was
no good and the West took a 14-6 lead into halftime.

The third turnover of the game, an interception by the West’s
Jalen Rice (El Dorado) again, led to a short touchdown drive that was capped off by a
two-yard touchdown run by Schartz putting the West on top 21-6 with just over
three minutes to play in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter East quarterback Keller Hurla found tight end Luke
Niggeman from Girard on a two-yard touchdown pass with just less than nine minutes to play cutting
the West lead to 21-14 after the 2-point conversion. Then after a West punt, East running back Eric Bulter of Olathe Northwest capped off another long drive with a two-yard touchdown run making 21-20.


The East elected to go for two and the lead with just over
five minutes to play but Hurla’s pass was incomplete.

After the West turned the ball over on downs, near midfield,
with just over three minutes to play the East had chance to put together a
game-winning drive but the West defense held on downs to get the ball back and
second the win for the West.

Manhattan's Keenan Shartz was named the West MVP. He was 16-of-18
passing for 124 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a touchdown. 

St. Marys' Keller Hurla was the East MVP. He threw for 103 yards and
two touchdowns.

The West has won four of the last five Shrine Bowl games with
the 2022 game ending in a tie.

The 2024 Shrine Bowl will be played in Emporia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689478773486.jpeg" alt="Hays’ Bryce Salmans (43) works to shed his blocker during the 50th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl, Saturday, July 15, 2023. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays’ Bryce Salmans (43) works to shed his blocker during the 50th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl, Saturday, July 15, 2023. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostHAYS – The West team forced a pair of first half turnovers and
then held on down the stretch as they claimed their fourth win in the last five
years over the East, 21-20 in the 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl Football
game Saturday at Lewis Field in Hays.West Head Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1566293899&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/7-15-23-crough-shrine-bowl" title="7 - 15 - 23 - Crough Shrine Bowl" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">7 - 15 - 23 - Crough Shrine Bowl</a></div></div>Both offenses were able to drive the field in their first possession
but eventually stalled in their opponent’s territory.On the West second possession of the game they drove down
the field and scored on a one-yard touchdown run by Salina Central's Kenyon McMillian giving the
West a 7-0 lead after the extra point.The East fumbled the ball inside the West 20 yard-line on their
next drive but the West was forced to punt.On the East’s third possession Hays High's Evan Lind picked off a deflected pass and returned the ball to the
East 20 yard-line and on the next play Manhattan's Keenan Schartz found Circle's Ty Smith for a 20
yard touchdown putting the West up 14-0 after the PAT.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689478743457.jpeg" alt="Hays’ Evan Lind (9) looks into the backfield during the 50th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl, Saturday, July 15, 2023.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays’ Evan Lind (9) looks into the backfield during the 50th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl, Saturday, July 15, 2023.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“I saw where the ball was going,” Lind said. “Riley (Marx)
was right in the lane, and it just bounced off his chest and I was right there.”Evan Lind<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1566294019&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/7-15-23-lind-shrine-bowl" title="7 - 15 - 23 - Evan Lind Shrine Bowl" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">7 - 15 - 23 - Evan Lind Shrine Bowl</a></div></div>West Head Coach Tony Crough said Lind did the same thing
during the high school season last fall.“Evan, I mean that's what he did,” Crough said. “He's just
kind of a ball magnet. You know he got his opportunity and went and took advantage
of it.”The West forced one more turnover, a third quarter interception,
something Crough said they knew they were going to have to do.“We knew we're gonna have to get some turnovers and
takeaways,” Crough said. “We knew that if they got the run game going that it
can be trouble.”With the West leading 14-0 the East finally broke on to the
scoreboard with just over a minute left in the first half on an 11-yard
touchdown pass from St. Marys' Keller Hurla to Shawnee Mission Northwest's Malik O’Atis but the two-point attempt was
no good and the West took a 14-6 lead into halftime.The third turnover of the game, an interception by the West’s
Jalen Rice (El Dorado) again, led to a short touchdown drive that was capped off by a
two-yard touchdown run by Schartz putting the West on top 21-6 with just over
three minutes to play in the third quarter.In the fourth quarter East quarterback Keller Hurla found tight end Luke
Niggeman from Girard on a two-yard touchdown pass with just less than nine minutes to play cutting
the West lead to 21-14 after the 2-point conversion. Then after a West punt, East running back Eric Bulter of Olathe Northwest capped off another long drive with a two-yard touchdown run making 21-20.
The East elected to go for two and the lead with just over
five minutes to play but Hurla’s pass was incomplete.After the West turned the ball over on downs, near midfield,
with just over three minutes to play the East had chance to put together a
game-winning drive but the West defense held on downs to get the ball back and
second the win for the West.Bryce Salmans<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1566293959&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/7-15-23-salmans-shrine-bowl" title="7 - 15 - 23 - Bryce Salmans Shrine Bowl" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">7 - 15 - 23 - Bryce Salmans Shrine Bowl</a></div></div>Manhattan's Keenan Shartz was named the West MVP. He was 16-of-18
passing for 124 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a touchdown. St. Marys' Keller Hurla was the East MVP. He threw for 103 yards and
two touchdowns.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689478814706.jpeg" alt="Smith Center’s (77) Cauy Haresnape leads the way for the West quarterback (15) Schartz during the 50th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl, Saturday, July 15, 2023.Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Smith Center’s (77) Cauy Haresnape leads the way for the West quarterback (15) Schartz during the 50th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl, Saturday, July 15, 2023.Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The West has won four of the last five Shrine Bowl games with
the 2022 game ending in a tie.The 2024 Shrine Bowl will be played in Emporia.

🏈 West holds off late East rally for another Shrine Bowl victory

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/8yKWEwgW-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Weston Valasek" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

⚾ Meet the Larks: Weston Valasek

HAYS – Trent Baker had three hits and scored three runs and
the Hays Larks pushed their win streak to 12 games with a 12-2, run-rule win
over the Denver Cougars Saturday night at Larks Park.

After both teams scored twice in the second inning, the
Larks (25-4, 14-2 RMBL) struck for four in the fourth then five in the sixth.
They added a single-run in the seventh to end the game early.

Matt Bethaour’s third home run in two games, a two-run blast
in the second inning, gave Denver (15-16, 11-11 RMBL) the lead in the second. The
Larks tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a Tyler LaRue homer and Luis
Garcia single.

The Larks took the lead for good two innings later when
Payton Ebbing scored on a Garcia fielder’s choice. Trent Baker and Bryson Evans
added RBI singles. Baker later scored on a wild pitch.

Garcia opened the sixth with a single then scored on Baker’s
double. Ruiz drove in Baker with a fielder’s choice. Garrett Gruell and Cash
Benavidez both added run-scoring singles to push the lead to 11-2.

John Ceccoli ended the game with a single in the seventh
which scored Baker.

Jose Velasquez (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits with six
strikeouts and no walks over five innings and picked up his second win in
consecutive starts.

Kaleb Meredith and Mike Cruz both pitched a
scoreless inning of relief.

The Larks close out the three-game series with the Cougars with
a non-league game Sunday at 7:00 p.m.

Hays PostHAYS – Trent Baker had three hits and scored three runs and
the Hays Larks pushed their win streak to 12 games with a 12-2, run-rule win
over the Denver Cougars Saturday night at Larks Park.After both teams scored twice in the second inning, the
Larks (25-4, 14-2 RMBL) struck for four in the fourth then five in the sixth.
They added a single-run in the seventh to end the game early.Matt Bethaour’s third home run in two games, a two-run blast
in the second inning, gave Denver (15-16, 11-11 RMBL) the lead in the second. The
Larks tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a Tyler LaRue homer and Luis
Garcia single.The Larks took the lead for good two innings later when
Payton Ebbing scored on a Garcia fielder’s choice. Trent Baker and Bryson Evans
added RBI singles. Baker later scored on a wild pitch.Garcia opened the sixth with a single then scored on Baker’s
double. Ruiz drove in Baker with a fielder’s choice. Garrett Gruell and Cash
Benavidez both added run-scoring singles to push the lead to 11-2.John Ceccoli ended the game with a single in the seventh
which scored Baker.Jose Velasquez (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits with six
strikeouts and no walks over five innings and picked up his second win in
consecutive starts.Kaleb Meredith and Mike Cruz both pitched a
scoreless inning of relief.UP NEXTThe Larks close out the three-game series with the Cougars with
a non-league game Sunday at 7:00 p.m.

⚾ Baker, solid pitching leads Larks to win over Cougars

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luke Raley had a go-ahead single in the eighth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 Saturday night to complete a doubleheader sweep.

Jose Siri hit a pair of solo homers as the Rays won the first game 6-1 to open the second half. AL East-leading Tampa Bay has won three in a row after a season-high, seven-game losing streak and at 60-35 became the first AL team to 60 wins.

Kansas City has lost eight of nine, dropping to 26-67 and falling 41 games under .500 for the first time since under 2019 at 59-103.. The Royals were swept in a doubleheader for the first time since May 25, 2019, against the New York Yankees after going 2-0-7 in their previous nine twinbills.

Dairon Blanco's RBI grounder in the fifth put the Royals ahead 2-1 in the nightcap. Josh Lowe tied the score with a run-scoring triple in the seventh and Raley singled in the eighth against Carlos Hernández (0-5). Harold Ramírez added a sacrifice fly in the ninth against Dylan Coleman.

Colin Poche (7-2) threw a 1-2-3 seventh. Pete Fairbanks, pitching before about 50 family and friends, worked around Salvador Perez's leadoff single in the ninth for his 10th save in 11 chances.

Perez had four hits in the opener, one shy of his career high. His fifth-inning double made him the sixth Kansas City player with 500 extra-base hits.

Cole Ragans, a 25-year-old left-hander, made his Royals debut in the night game and allowed one run and four hits in five innings.

A day after the series opener was rained out, Tyler Glasnow (3-3) gave up one run and six hits over six innings and struck out six in the day game. Glasnow had been 0-3 in four starts since a June 14 win at Oakland.

“I felt good all game,” Glasnow said. “I kind of felt off to start, but as the innings went on I got a rhythm. It was a battle today and ended up being a good game.”

Siri homered in the third off Alec Marsh (0-3) and the ninth off Nick Wittgren for his seventh career multihomer game. Siri has 18 home runs this season.

“I know I've been striking out a lot, but everyone knows that. It felt good to connect on those two," Siri said.

Francisco Mejía gave the Rays a 2-0 lead in the fifth when he homered off Marsh, who allowed two runs and five hits in six innings with 11 strikeouts and one walk. The strikeouts were a high for a Royals pitcher in his first three big league starts.

“Getting strikeouts the last two games were difficult for me,” Marsh said. “I thought the attack mode was good all game. I think mindset wise I knew to keep attacking and knowing I needed to make a pitch with two strikes.”

Kansas City's Collin Snider opened the eighth with 13 consecutive balls. Raley followed with a two-run single and Josh Lowe hit a sacrifice fly.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit a 424-foot homer in the fifth.

RHP Zach Eflin (10-4, 3.25) starts Sunday's series finale for the Rays and RHP Bailey Singer (5-8, 5.80) for the Royals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689475573391.jpeg" alt="Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozaren is tagged out at first by Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Hernandez as he tried to score on a fielders choice hit by Isaac Paredes during the sixth inning in the second game of a baseball doubleheader Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozaren is tagged out at first by Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Hernandez as he tried to score on a fielders choice hit by Isaac Paredes during the sixth inning in the second game of a baseball doubleheader Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luke Raley had a go-ahead single in the eighth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 Saturday night to complete a doubleheader sweep.Jose Siri hit a pair of solo homers as the Rays won the first game 6-1 to open the second half. AL East-leading Tampa Bay has won three in a row after a season-high, seven-game losing streak and at 60-35 became the first AL team to 60 wins.Kansas City has lost eight of nine, dropping to 26-67 and falling 41 games under .500 for the first time since under 2019 at 59-103.. The Royals were swept in a doubleheader for the first time since May 25, 2019, against the New York Yankees after going 2-0-7 in their previous nine twinbills.Dairon Blanco's RBI grounder in the fifth put the Royals ahead 2-1 in the nightcap. Josh Lowe tied the score with a run-scoring triple in the seventh and Raley singled in the eighth against Carlos Hernández (0-5). Harold Ramírez added a sacrifice fly in the ninth against Dylan Coleman.Colin Poche (7-2) threw a 1-2-3 seventh. Pete Fairbanks, pitching before about 50 family and friends, worked around Salvador Perez's leadoff single in the ninth for his 10th save in 11 chances.Perez had four hits in the opener, one shy of his career high. His fifth-inning double made him the sixth Kansas City player with 500 extra-base hits.Cole Ragans, a 25-year-old left-hander, made his Royals debut in the night game and allowed one run and four hits in five innings.A day after the series opener was rained out, Tyler Glasnow (3-3) gave up one run and six hits over six innings and struck out six in the day game. Glasnow had been 0-3 in four starts since a June 14 win at Oakland.“I felt good all game,” Glasnow said. “I kind of felt off to start, but as the innings went on I got a rhythm. It was a battle today and ended up being a good game.”Siri homered in the third off Alec Marsh (0-3) and the ninth off Nick Wittgren for his seventh career multihomer game. Siri has 18 home runs this season.“I know I've been striking out a lot, but everyone knows that. It felt good to connect on those two," Siri said.Francisco Mejía gave the Rays a 2-0 lead in the fifth when he homered off Marsh, who allowed two runs and five hits in six innings with 11 strikeouts and one walk. The strikeouts were a high for a Royals pitcher in his first three big league starts.“Getting strikeouts the last two games were difficult for me,” Marsh said. “I thought the attack mode was good all game. I think mindset wise I knew to keep attacking and knowing I needed to make a pitch with two strikes.”Kansas City's Collin Snider opened the eighth with 13 consecutive balls. Raley followed with a two-run single and Josh Lowe hit a sacrifice fly.Bobby Witt Jr. hit a 424-foot homer in the fifth.UP NEXTRHP Zach Eflin (10-4, 3.25) starts Sunday's series finale for the Rays and RHP Bailey Singer (5-8, 5.80) for the Royals.

⚾ Rays rally late to complete sweep of Royals

The Hays Larks play game two of their three game&nbsp;series with the Denver Cougars Saturday night at Lark Park.

First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. central time.

The Hays Larks play game two of their three game&nbsp;series with the Denver Cougars Saturday night at Lark Park.First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. central time.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 Denver

By AVERY OSEN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Glasnow allowed one run over six innings, Jose Siri hit two solo home runs and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 6-1 on Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader.

Kansas City sends Cole Ragans (2-3, 5.92 ERA) to the mound for the second game of the split doubleheader, which became necessary when rain postponed Friday's opener. Tampa Bay had not announced its starter for the nightcap.

Glasnow (3-3) gave up six hits and fanned seven in the opener. He got his first win in over a month when the Rays beat Oakland on June 14.

Siri homered in the third inning off Alec Marsh (0-3) and in the ninth off Nick Wittgren to mark the seventh time in his career that he’s gone deep twice in a game.

Francisco Mejia extended the Tampa Bay lead in the fifth with a home run to left field, his fourth of the season.

Royals reliever Collin Snider started the eighth inning by throwing 13 consecutive balls, which loaded the bases for the Rays. Luke Raley took advantage with a two-RBI single and Josh Lowe hit a sacrifice fly to push the Tampa Bay lead to 5-1.

The Royals squandered a chance to score off Glasnow in the fourth when MJ Melendez singled and stole second base. Glasnow struck out the next two hitters and forced the following batter to ground out to escape the jam.

In just his third career start, Marsh allowed two runs, walked one and struck out 11 over six innings. The 11 strikeouts are the most by a Royals pitcher in his third or fewer start in team history. He allowed five hits.

Bobby Witt Jr. cut the lead in half in the bottom of the fifth inning, belting a homer 424 feet to left-center field as the Royals trailed 2-1. In the next at-bat, Salvador Perez hit a double for his 500th career extra-base hit, making him the sixth Royals player to reach that mark. That was one of four hits for the All-Star.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689454944940.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Alec Marsh throws during the first inning in the first game of a baseball doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Alec Marsh throws during the first inning in the first game of a baseball doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AVERY OSEN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Glasnow allowed one run over six innings, Jose Siri hit two solo home runs and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 6-1 on Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader.Kansas City sends Cole Ragans (2-3, 5.92 ERA) to the mound for the second game of the split doubleheader, which became necessary when rain postponed Friday's opener. Tampa Bay had not announced its starter for the nightcap.Glasnow (3-3) gave up six hits and fanned seven in the opener. He got his first win in over a month when the Rays beat Oakland on June 14.Siri homered in the third inning off Alec Marsh (0-3) and in the ninth off Nick Wittgren to mark the seventh time in his career that he’s gone deep twice in a game.Francisco Mejia extended the Tampa Bay lead in the fifth with a home run to left field, his fourth of the season.Royals reliever Collin Snider started the eighth inning by throwing 13 consecutive balls, which loaded the bases for the Rays. Luke Raley took advantage with a two-RBI single and Josh Lowe hit a sacrifice fly to push the Tampa Bay lead to 5-1.The Royals squandered a chance to score off Glasnow in the fourth when MJ Melendez singled and stole second base. Glasnow struck out the next two hitters and forced the following batter to ground out to escape the jam.In just his third career start, Marsh allowed two runs, walked one and struck out 11 over six innings. The 11 strikeouts are the most by a Royals pitcher in his third or fewer start in team history. He allowed five hits.Bobby Witt Jr. cut the lead in half in the bottom of the fifth inning, belting a homer 424 feet to left-center field as the Royals trailed 2-1. In the next at-bat, Salvador Perez hit a double for his 500th career extra-base hit, making him the sixth Royals player to reach that mark. That was one of four hits for the All-Star.

⚾ Marsh strikes out 11 in Royals loss to Rays

HAYS – Damian Ruiz and Tyler LaRue homered as the Hays Larks
ran their win streak to 10 straight games Friday night in a 10-7 win over the
Denver Cougars at Larks Park in Hays.

The Larks broke on to the scoreboard first, scoring three
runs in each of the first two innings.

Ruiz got the offense started with a two-run double in the
first and LaRue followed with his team-leading 11th home run putting
the Larks up 3-0.

After the Cougars got a run back in the second inning, John
Ceccoli doubled with the bases loaded, driving in three more runs to give Hays
the 6-1 lead. 

Cash Benavidez homered for Hays to put the Larks up 7-1
through three innings, but that lead was short-lived.

After three straight walks to open the top of the fifth, Denver’s Matt Bathauer homered for the second time in the game, a grand slam, making it 7-5 Larks. 

Hays PostHAYS – Damian Ruiz and Tyler LaRue homered as the Hays Larks
ran their win streak to 10 straight games Friday night in a 10-7 win over the
Denver Cougars at Larks Park in Hays.The Larks broke on to the scoreboard first, scoring three
runs in each of the first two innings.Ruiz got the offense started with a two-run double in the
first and LaRue followed with his team-leading 11th home run putting
the Larks up 3-0.After the Cougars got a run back in the second inning, John
Ceccoli doubled with the bases loaded, driving in three more runs to give Hays
the 6-1 lead. Cash Benavidez homered for Hays to put the Larks up 7-1
through three innings, but that lead was short-lived.After three straight walks to open the top of the fifth, Denver’s Matt Bathauer homered for the second time in the game, a grand slam, making it 7-5 Larks. Denver added two more in the inning and tied the game at
seven. But Larks had an answer in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead back
for good.With one out in the fifth the Larks loaded the bases for Bryson Evans who delivered a two-run single putting Hays on top 9-7.Hays added one more in the bottom of the seventh on their
way to a 10-7 win.Damian Ruiz was three-for-five with three runs scored, two
doubles and a solo homerun. Bryson Evans and Tyler LaRue added two RBI’s.Preston Tabor earned the win in relief. He allowed one hit
with three strikeouts in two innings of scoreless relief.Jeff Lodes got the save with two innings of scoreless
relief. He allowed one run with four strikeouts.The Larks have won 11 straight and are 24-4 overall and 13-2
in the RMBL.UP NEXTThe Larks are at home again Saturday for the second of the three-game
series with the Denver Cougars.

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