By BRIAN DULIK Associated Press

CLEVELAND (AP) — Top prospect Gavin Williams struck out seven in 5 2/3 innings for his first victory in the majors, brothers Bo and Josh Naylor drove in two runs apiece and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 10-6 on Saturday.

Williams (1-1) gave up three runs on eight hits and walked one in his fourth start. The right-hander made his debut June 21, two years after being drafted in the first round by Cleveland out of East Carolina.

Both Naylors had two singles and a double as the Guardians collected a season-high 18 hits, taking over first place in the AL Central from Minnesota at 45-44. They built a 5-0 lead after four innings en route to moving above .500 for the first time since April 19.

“Honestly, it’s awesome to get my first win out of the way,” the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Williams said. “Even though I just got here, being in first place, that’s where everyone wants to be. I feel like we’re going to keep doing well.”

Josh Bell went 3 for 3 with two walks and two RBIs, and Amed Rosario had three hits in Cleveland’s third consecutive victory. Josh Naylor has 32 RBIs over the last 32 games, while Bo Naylor broke out of a 1-for-19 slump with his second three-hit performance.

“It’s super good to see progress, little by little,” Bo Naylor said. “And Gavin was electric. He makes the game fun, being able to catch him.”

The Royals scored six times between the fifth and eighth to close to 7-6, but failed to tie it in the eighth when Nicky Lopez was tagged out mere inches from home plate on Maikel Garcia’s RBI double to center.

Myles Straw fired the ball to cutoff man Andrés Giménez, whose throw home to Naylor couldn’t have been more perfectly placed. Guardians manager Terry Francona called it “the best relay I’ve ever seen.”

“They beat us on that play,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “It was a great relay.”

Bobby Witt Jr. went 3 for 5 with a solo homer, RBI triple and stolen base for the Royals, who are 0-6 on their seven-game trip and have been outscored 41-14. It was Witt’s sixth three-hit game of the season.

Kansas City starter Brady Singer (5-8) worked five innings, allowing six runs on a career-high 13 hits while striking out three. The right-hander is 2-4 with a 7.54 ERA in seven road outings.

“I missed quite a few spots and the ones in the zone were getting hit,” Singer said. “I don’t think I got into a groove the whole day.”

The Guardians tacked on three runs in the eighth against Nick Wittgren, restoring their four-run lead. Bell’s two-run single was the big blow, allowing All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase to pitch the ninth in a non-save situation.

The first pitch was delayed by exactly an hour because of rain.

Royals LHP Ryan Yarbrough, who was struck on the temple by a 106.2 mph liner off the bat of Oakland’s Ryan Noda on May 7, will be activated from the 60-day injured list to start Sunday.

Yarbrough suffered multiple facial fractures, but never lost consciousness during the frightening incident at Kauffman Stadium. The 31-year-old made his final rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A Omaha, tossing six scoreless innings.

“Ryan has recovered well from it, both mentally and physically,” Quatraro said. “He feels great and is ready to go.”

Royals: OF Edward Olivares (back tightness) was a late scratch after reporting to the ballpark with discomfort. MJ Melendez shifted to left field and Michael Massey was moved into the lineup at designated hitter.

Guardians: RHP Peyton Battenfield (right shoulder inflammation) is eligible to come off the 60-day IL on July 18. The rookie has made one rehab appearance for Double-A Akron, walking four over three scoreless innings.

Guardians RHP Shane Bieber (5-5, 3.66 ERA) was set to face Yarbrough (1-4, 6.15 ERA) on Sunday in the series finale. Bieber is the only Cleveland pitcher not to miss a start, taking the ball 18 times in the first 89 games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688865421204.jpeg" alt="Cleveland Guardians' Josh Bell, right, scores against Kansas City Royals' Freddy Fermin, left, on a sacrifice fly hit by Myles Straw during the second inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 8, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Nick Cammett)" />
 <figcaption>Cleveland Guardians' Josh Bell, right, scores against Kansas City Royals' Freddy Fermin, left, on a sacrifice fly hit by Myles Straw during the second inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 8, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Nick Cammett)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN DULIK Associated PressCLEVELAND (AP) — Top prospect Gavin Williams struck out seven in 5 2/3 innings for his first victory in the majors, brothers Bo and Josh Naylor drove in two runs apiece and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 10-6 on Saturday.Williams (1-1) gave up three runs on eight hits and walked one in his fourth start. The right-hander made his debut June 21, two years after being drafted in the first round by Cleveland out of East Carolina.Both Naylors had two singles and a double as the Guardians collected a season-high 18 hits, taking over first place in the AL Central from Minnesota at 45-44. They built a 5-0 lead after four innings en route to moving above .500 for the first time since April 19.“Honestly, it’s awesome to get my first win out of the way,” the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Williams said. “Even though I just got here, being in first place, that’s where everyone wants to be. I feel like we’re going to keep doing well.”Josh Bell went 3 for 3 with two walks and two RBIs, and Amed Rosario had three hits in Cleveland’s third consecutive victory. Josh Naylor has 32 RBIs over the last 32 games, while Bo Naylor broke out of a 1-for-19 slump with his second three-hit performance.“It’s super good to see progress, little by little,” Bo Naylor said. “And Gavin was electric. He makes the game fun, being able to catch him.”The Royals scored six times between the fifth and eighth to close to 7-6, but failed to tie it in the eighth when Nicky Lopez was tagged out mere inches from home plate on Maikel Garcia’s RBI double to center.Myles Straw fired the ball to cutoff man Andrés Giménez, whose throw home to Naylor couldn’t have been more perfectly placed. Guardians manager Terry Francona called it “the best relay I’ve ever seen.”“They beat us on that play,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “It was a great relay.”Bobby Witt Jr. went 3 for 5 with a solo homer, RBI triple and stolen base for the Royals, who are 0-6 on their seven-game trip and have been outscored 41-14. It was Witt’s sixth three-hit game of the season.Kansas City starter Brady Singer (5-8) worked five innings, allowing six runs on a career-high 13 hits while striking out three. The right-hander is 2-4 with a 7.54 ERA in seven road outings.“I missed quite a few spots and the ones in the zone were getting hit,” Singer said. “I don’t think I got into a groove the whole day.”The Guardians tacked on three runs in the eighth against Nick Wittgren, restoring their four-run lead. Bell’s two-run single was the big blow, allowing All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase to pitch the ninth in a non-save situation.The first pitch was delayed by exactly an hour because of rain.WELCOME BACKRoyals LHP Ryan Yarbrough, who was struck on the temple by a 106.2 mph liner off the bat of Oakland’s Ryan Noda on May 7, will be activated from the 60-day injured list to start Sunday.Yarbrough suffered multiple facial fractures, but never lost consciousness during the frightening incident at Kauffman Stadium. The 31-year-old made his final rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A Omaha, tossing six scoreless innings.“Ryan has recovered well from it, both mentally and physically,” Quatraro said. “He feels great and is ready to go.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: OF Edward Olivares (back tightness) was a late scratch after reporting to the ballpark with discomfort. MJ Melendez shifted to left field and Michael Massey was moved into the lineup at designated hitter.Guardians: RHP Peyton Battenfield (right shoulder inflammation) is eligible to come off the 60-day IL on July 18. The rookie has made one rehab appearance for Double-A Akron, walking four over three scoreless innings.UP NEXTGuardians RHP Shane Bieber (5-5, 3.66 ERA) was set to face Yarbrough (1-4, 6.15 ERA) on Sunday in the series finale. Bieber is the only Cleveland pitcher not to miss a start, taking the ball 18 times in the first 89 games.

⚾ Royals unravel late in Cleveland, lose sixth straight

HAYS – Tyler LaRue had his streak of home runs snapped but
his three hits helped the Hays Larks run their winning streak to six games with
a 9-7 win over the Colorado RoughRiders Friday night at Larks Park.

LaRue, who had homered in three-straight games, went 3-for-5
with a double and two RBIs. His single in the eighth scored Weston Valesek and
capped a two-run eighth inning. Damian Ruiz led off the inning with a
four-pitch walk, stole second, moved to third on an error then broke a 7-7 when
he scored on an error.

Colorado scored three runs in the first off Larks starter
Colby Langford the Larks (19-4, 9-2 RMBL) answered with three in the bottom of
the second. John Ceccoli scored the first run on Bryson Evans sacrifice fly. Trent
Baker singled home Garrett Gruella and Luis Garcia to tie the game 3-3.

The RoughRiders retook the lead with two runs in the third
but the Larks got the lead back with three in the fifth. Ruiz started the
inning with a walk then later scored on a passed ball. LaRue doubled home Valesek
to tie the game 5-5. They took the lead on a double from Ceccoli which scored
LaRue.

Jett Lodes (2-0) allowed no runs on one hit with three
strikeouts and a walk in 2 2/3 innings of relief and picked up the win.

The Larks continue to three-game series Saturday at 7:00
p.m. Admission is free courtesy of First
Care Clinic/Nex-Tech/Wayne Voss State Farm Agency. It’s also the annual
Larkstoberfest with authentic German food available at the ballpark.

Hays PostHAYS – Tyler LaRue had his streak of home runs snapped but
his three hits helped the Hays Larks run their winning streak to six games with
a 9-7 win over the Colorado RoughRiders Friday night at Larks Park.LaRue, who had homered in three-straight games, went 3-for-5
with a double and two RBIs. His single in the eighth scored Weston Valesek and
capped a two-run eighth inning. Damian Ruiz led off the inning with a
four-pitch walk, stole second, moved to third on an error then broke a 7-7 when
he scored on an error.Colorado scored three runs in the first off Larks starter
Colby Langford the Larks (19-4, 9-2 RMBL) answered with three in the bottom of
the second. John Ceccoli scored the first run on Bryson Evans sacrifice fly. Trent
Baker singled home Garrett Gruella and Luis Garcia to tie the game 3-3.The RoughRiders retook the lead with two runs in the third
but the Larks got the lead back with three in the fifth. Ruiz started the
inning with a walk then later scored on a passed ball. LaRue doubled home Valesek
to tie the game 5-5. They took the lead on a double from Ceccoli which scored
LaRue.Jett Lodes (2-0) allowed no runs on one hit with three
strikeouts and a walk in 2 2/3 innings of relief and picked up the win.UP NEXTThe Larks continue to three-game series Saturday at 7:00
p.m. Admission is free courtesy of First
Care Clinic/Nex-Tech/Wayne Voss State Farm Agency. It’s also the annual
Larkstoberfest with authentic German food available at the ballpark.

⚾ Larks score two in the eighth to get past RoughRiders

CLEVELAND (AP) — Aaron Civale struck out a season-high nine over seven innings and Josh Bell hit a two-run homer, sending the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Civale (3-2) allowed two hits and did not walk a batter while throwing 100 pitches, 70 for strikes. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 2.56 in his seventh start since missing two months with a strained left oblique.

“Aaron was lights out with nine punchies, only two hits,” Bell said. “When we get an outing like that with our bullpen, we should win. Once we get going and things click, we’ll be all right.”

Trevor Stephan worked the eighth and Emmanuel Clase picked up his 25th save, wrapping up the two-hitter. Cleveland (44-44) won its second straight and improved to .500 for the first time since April 28, when it was 13-13.

“The last couple of times out, Aaron is commanding so well and he’s been throwing strikes, it’s fun to watch,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. “He was working so fast tonight. Heck, everybody was.”

The game was completed in 1 hour and 51 minutes, making it the shortest nine-inning contest in the history of Progressive Field, which opened in 1994.

Bell’s blast onto the home run porch in left came off Royals starter Daniel Lynch (2-4) and extended the Guardians’ lead to 3-0 in the fourth. Josh Naylor singled home Amed Rosario in the first, then singled and scored on Bell’s ninth homer of the year.

Naylor and Bell are responsible for 35.7% of Cleveland’s RBIs, the most by a duo in the majors. Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor of the Mets are second at 30.7%.

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the fourth, MJ Melendez doubled in the fifth and Maikel Garcia walked in the ninth for Kansas City’s only baserunners.

“I’m trying to make sure that I’m focused and have conviction with each pitch,” Civale said. “After my injuries the past few years, I need to give it my best effort because I know I have to make the most of it.”

The Royals are 0-5 on their seven-game trip, totaling 26 hits while being outscored 31-8. Lynch gave up three runs and six hits in six innings.

Civale struck out Salvador Perez and Nick Pratto in all six of their plate appearances. Pratto was caught looking all three times, the last of which caused his frustration to surface. He was ejected by plate umpire Brennan Miller.

“Nick took it a little too far, but I understand because our guys aren’t getting results,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “Sometimes, it feels like it’s you against the world and I think that’s what’s happening.”

Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia fouled a pitch off the right side of his face in the fourth, but remained in the game.

Guardians C Bo Naylor received one-on-one instruction from hitting coach Chris Valaika before the game and was not in the lineup.

The rookie and younger brother of Josh Naylor is batting .149 with 18 strikeouts in 47 at-bats since he was recalled on June 17 from Triple-A Columbus.

“Catchers have a lot on their plate, so we’re trying not to give him too much,” Francona said. “He’s got some adjustments to make, and we think he can.”

Royals: RHP Brad Keller (right shoulder impingement) has made two starts among three rehab appearances for Triple-A Omaha, going 0-1 with a 6.23 ERA. Keller has not pitched for Kansas City since May 15 at San Diego.

Guardians: Clase will not pitch in the All-Star Game in Seattle in order to spend time with his pregnant girlfriend in the Dominican Republic.

Royals RHP Brady Singer (5-7, 5.52 ERA) takes on RHP Gavin Williams (0-1, 3.79 ERA), the Guardians’ top prospect, who has limited opponents to a .185 average over his first three big league starts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688787925447.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Nick Pratto (32) argues with home plate umpire Brennan Miller, right, after being called out on strikes in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Friday, July 7, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Nick Pratto (32) argues with home plate umpire Brennan Miller, right, after being called out on strikes in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Friday, July 7, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN DULIK Associated PressCLEVELAND (AP) — Aaron Civale struck out a season-high nine over seven innings and Josh Bell hit a two-run homer, sending the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.Civale (3-2) allowed two hits and did not walk a batter while throwing 100 pitches, 70 for strikes. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 2.56 in his seventh start since missing two months with a strained left oblique.“Aaron was lights out with nine punchies, only two hits,” Bell said. “When we get an outing like that with our bullpen, we should win. Once we get going and things click, we’ll be all right.”Trevor Stephan worked the eighth and Emmanuel Clase picked up his 25th save, wrapping up the two-hitter. Cleveland (44-44) won its second straight and improved to .500 for the first time since April 28, when it was 13-13.“The last couple of times out, Aaron is commanding so well and he’s been throwing strikes, it’s fun to watch,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. “He was working so fast tonight. Heck, everybody was.”The game was completed in 1 hour and 51 minutes, making it the shortest nine-inning contest in the history of Progressive Field, which opened in 1994.Bell’s blast onto the home run porch in left came off Royals starter Daniel Lynch (2-4) and extended the Guardians’ lead to 3-0 in the fourth. Josh Naylor singled home Amed Rosario in the first, then singled and scored on Bell’s ninth homer of the year.Naylor and Bell are responsible for 35.7% of Cleveland’s RBIs, the most by a duo in the majors. Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor of the Mets are second at 30.7%.Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the fourth, MJ Melendez doubled in the fifth and Maikel Garcia walked in the ninth for Kansas City’s only baserunners.“I’m trying to make sure that I’m focused and have conviction with each pitch,” Civale said. “After my injuries the past few years, I need to give it my best effort because I know I have to make the most of it.”The Royals are 0-5 on their seven-game trip, totaling 26 hits while being outscored 31-8. Lynch gave up three runs and six hits in six innings.Civale struck out Salvador Perez and Nick Pratto in all six of their plate appearances. Pratto was caught looking all three times, the last of which caused his frustration to surface. He was ejected by plate umpire Brennan Miller.“Nick took it a little too far, but I understand because our guys aren’t getting results,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “Sometimes, it feels like it’s you against the world and I think that’s what’s happening.”Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia fouled a pitch off the right side of his face in the fourth, but remained in the game.BREATHER FOR BOGuardians C Bo Naylor received one-on-one instruction from hitting coach Chris Valaika before the game and was not in the lineup.The rookie and younger brother of Josh Naylor is batting .149 with 18 strikeouts in 47 at-bats since he was recalled on June 17 from Triple-A Columbus.“Catchers have a lot on their plate, so we’re trying not to give him too much,” Francona said. “He’s got some adjustments to make, and we think he can.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Brad Keller (right shoulder impingement) has made two starts among three rehab appearances for Triple-A Omaha, going 0-1 with a 6.23 ERA. Keller has not pitched for Kansas City since May 15 at San Diego.Guardians: Clase will not pitch in the All-Star Game in Seattle in order to spend time with his pregnant girlfriend in the Dominican Republic.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Brady Singer (5-7, 5.52 ERA) takes on RHP Gavin Williams (0-1, 3.79 ERA), the Guardians’ top prospect, who has limited opponents to a .185 average over his first three big league starts.

⚾ Aaron Civale strikes out season-high 9, Guardians blank Royals

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.&nbsp;– Softball head coach Megan Smith Lyon&nbsp;named Hays native Maddie Holub as the program's new assistant coach on Friday. Holub will serve as the Tar Heels' pitching coach. "I'm excited that Maddie is joining the Tar Heel family," Smith Lyon said. "I have seen first-hand the positive impact she has on all our players, especially the pitchers and catchers. She is extremely loyal, a tireless worker and an incredible role model for the young women she coaches. I can't wait for her to get to work in Chapel Hill." Holub arrives at Carolina after five seasons as the pitching coach on Smith Lyons' staff at Marshall.&nbsp; "I'm extremely excited to be joining Coach Smith Lyon and Coach Lyon at UNC," Holub said. "The strong, family-driven culture and passion for the game that Coach Smith Lyon brings is inspiring and going to elevate an already traditionally strong program. It's an exciting time for the Tar Heel softball family and I'm so grateful to be part of it."&nbsp; The Thundering Herd led the Sun Belt in pitching in 2023 with a league-best 1.62 ERA and 10 shutouts. Marshall's Sydney Nester&nbsp;was the conference's pitching triple crown winner with a 1.07 ERA, 27 wins and 234 strikeouts. Under Holub's&nbsp;coaching, Nester earned 2022 First team All-Region&nbsp;honors and set the program record for the most strikeouts per seven innings (9.03) and tied the record for the most double-digit strikeout games in a year (12). Marshall won 165&nbsp;games out of 234&nbsp;(.705&nbsp;winning percentage), including 45 by shutout, in Holub's five years as pitching coach. Prior to her time in Huntington, Holub spent four seasons as the pitching coach at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Fla. While working with the Lions, Holub helped the squad to back-to-back NCAA Division II postseason appearances including reaching the World Series in 2018. She was named NFCA National Assistant Coach of the Year for Division II in 2015. Prior to coaching at Saint Leo, Holub assisted at her alma mater Fort Hays State. The Tigers were ranked as high as No. 13 in the country during her time on staff. Holub also coached overseas in Collecchio, Italy, with the Collecchio Softball 17U and 10U teams. While in Italy, Holub focused on pitcher development and conditioning while assisting with game management. During her playing career at Fort Hays State, Holub was a dominant performer in the circle and at the plate. She is still her team's record holder in career hits (255), runs scored (183), RBI (160), home runs (46), wins (77) and strikeouts (974). The four-time all-conference performer was honored as the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Player and Pitcher of the Year in her senior season of 2013. She was&nbsp;named to the Fort Hays State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019. Holub earned her degree in health and human performance from Fort Hays State University in 2013.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688825783406.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Marshall Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Marshall Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>UNC AthleticsCHAPEL HILL, N.C.&nbsp;– Softball head coach Megan Smith Lyon&nbsp;named Hays native Maddie Holub as the program's new assistant coach on Friday. Holub will serve as the Tar Heels' pitching coach. "I'm excited that Maddie is joining the Tar Heel family," Smith Lyon said. "I have seen first-hand the positive impact she has on all our players, especially the pitchers and catchers. She is extremely loyal, a tireless worker and an incredible role model for the young women she coaches. I can't wait for her to get to work in Chapel Hill." Holub arrives at Carolina after five seasons as the pitching coach on Smith Lyons' staff at Marshall.&nbsp; "I'm extremely excited to be joining Coach Smith Lyon and Coach Lyon at UNC," Holub said. "The strong, family-driven culture and passion for the game that Coach Smith Lyon brings is inspiring and going to elevate an already traditionally strong program. It's an exciting time for the Tar Heel softball family and I'm so grateful to be part of it."&nbsp; The Thundering Herd led the Sun Belt in pitching in 2023 with a league-best 1.62 ERA and 10 shutouts. Marshall's Sydney Nester&nbsp;was the conference's pitching triple crown winner with a 1.07 ERA, 27 wins and 234 strikeouts. Under Holub's&nbsp;coaching, Nester earned 2022 First team All-Region&nbsp;honors and set the program record for the most strikeouts per seven innings (9.03) and tied the record for the most double-digit strikeout games in a year (12). Marshall won 165&nbsp;games out of 234&nbsp;(.705&nbsp;winning percentage), including 45 by shutout, in Holub's five years as pitching coach. Prior to her time in Huntington, Holub spent four seasons as the pitching coach at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Fla. While working with the Lions, Holub helped the squad to back-to-back NCAA Division II postseason appearances including reaching the World Series in 2018. She was named NFCA National Assistant Coach of the Year for Division II in 2015. Prior to coaching at Saint Leo, Holub assisted at her alma mater Fort Hays State. The Tigers were ranked as high as No. 13 in the country during her time on staff. Holub also coached overseas in Collecchio, Italy, with the Collecchio Softball 17U and 10U teams. While in Italy, Holub focused on pitcher development and conditioning while assisting with game management. During her playing career at Fort Hays State, Holub was a dominant performer in the circle and at the plate. She is still her team's record holder in career hits (255), runs scored (183), RBI (160), home runs (46), wins (77) and strikeouts (974). The four-time all-conference performer was honored as the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Player and Pitcher of the Year in her senior season of 2013. She was&nbsp;named to the Fort Hays State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019. Holub earned her degree in health and human performance from Fort Hays State University in 2013.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Hays native Holub named pitching coach at North Carolina

By TIM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND (AP) — For five innings, the Guardians managed just one paltry run. José Ramírez and Josh Naylor changed that with two swings.

Cleveland’s 3-4 hitters delivered a much needed 1-2 punch.

Ramírez and Naylor homered on consecutive pitches in the sixth inning as Cleveland moved closer to .500 with a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.

Ramírez homered to left field and, Naylor, who missed the previous two games because of tendinitis in his right wrist, drove one over the wall in right against reliever Amir Garrett (0-1) to help the Guardians take the opener of a four-game series.

Cleveland is hardly known for its power, but manager Terry Francona was grateful for the sudden surge.

“To that point, there’s one run and all of a sudden you look up and we got a couple-run lead,” he said. “We’ll take ‘em when we get ’em.”

Since June 1, Ramírez and Naylor have combined for 80 hits, 11 homers and 45 RBIs — 30% of the team's total runs.

Andrés Giménez also homered for Cleveland (43-44), which hasn't been at .500 since April 28, when the Guardians were 13-13.

“In reality, having that number would be a reflection of what we want to do, just to have that continuity, that’s what we do,” Giménez said through an interpreter. ”Obviously, that (.500) would be the goal, to go to the break with a positive record and that would be a good reflection of what we’re trying to do here.”

Eli Morgan (4-1) worked a scoreless inning before Enyel De Los Santos, Trevor Stephan and Nick Sandlin completed the six-hitter.

Light rain pushed the scheduled start back 81 minutes to 8:31 p.m.

After losing two of three to the powerful Atlanta Braves, the Guardians had to feel good about their chances against the Royals, who came in with the AL's worst record and were shut out for the 10th time Wednesday.

But Kansas City starter Jordan Lyles, who came in with 11 losses, held Cleveland to just one run in the first five innings.

Ramírez changed that, sending a 3-2 pitch from Garrett over the fence for his 14th homer. A fan reached over the railing to snag it with his glove, and the umpires reviewed the play to make sure the homer was legal.

Naylor left no doubt about his, smashing Garrett's next pitch into the right-field seats for his 11th homer.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro, who coached in Cleveland, knows all about Ramírez's power.

“José Ramírez is a good hitter,” he said. “Naylor is a good hitter. It wasn't anything that Amir did wrong.”

The Guardians tacked on two more runs in the inning, the second when rookie Bo Naylor snapped an 0-for-19 drought with an RBI double.

Giménez, who matched a career-high with three steals, led off the second with his eighth homer, a towering shot into the right-field seats, to tie it 1-1.

Following the rain delay, the Royals, blanked by Minnesota on Wednesday, took a 1-0 lead in their first at-bat off rookie Tanner Bibee when Bobby Witt Jr. singled, stole second and scored on Nick Pratto's one-out hit.

Bibee wasn't sharp but hung around for five innings by working out of three jams. He was helped in the fourth by center fielder Myles Straw, who sprinted in to make a sliding catch with two on for the final out.

Adding some pitching depth, the Guardians acquired right-hander Chris Vallimont from the Baltimore Orioles for cash. He was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.

Vallimont made his MLB debut Monday and was designated for assignment afterward.

To make a roster spot, the Guardians transferred injured starter Triston McKenzie (sprained elbow) to the 60-day injured list. He's not expected to pick up a ball for two more weeks.

Royals: RHP Zack Greinke (shoulder strain) got a favorable examination and diagnosis from doctors after being placed on the injured list. Manager Matt Quatraro said Greinke has a “mild strain" and the team is hoping the 39-year-old will return to the rotation after the All-Star break. Greinke, who has 224 career wins, felt pain in his shoulder during Tuesday’s loss to Minnesota.

Guardians: RHP Cal Quantrill (shoulder inflammation) is back on the injured list after two rough outings. Quantrill gave up a career-high 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings against Atlanta on Wednesday night. He won't be shut down and will continue to play catch while being monitored.

Royals RHP Daniel Lynch (2-3, 4.14 ERA) snapped a 14-start home skid with a win last week. He'll face Guardians RHP Aaron Civale (2-2, 2.96), who held the Cubs to three hits over six innings in his last start.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688724692109.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia drops his bat after drawing a walk from the Cleveland Guardians during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 6, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia drops his bat after drawing a walk from the Cleveland Guardians during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 6, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM WITHERS AP Sports WriterCLEVELAND (AP) — For five innings, the Guardians managed just one paltry run. José Ramírez and Josh Naylor changed that with two swings.Cleveland’s 3-4 hitters delivered a much needed 1-2 punch.Ramírez and Naylor homered on consecutive pitches in the sixth inning as Cleveland moved closer to .500 with a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.Ramírez homered to left field and, Naylor, who missed the previous two games because of tendinitis in his right wrist, drove one over the wall in right against reliever Amir Garrett (0-1) to help the Guardians take the opener of a four-game series.Cleveland is hardly known for its power, but manager Terry Francona was grateful for the sudden surge.“To that point, there’s one run and all of a sudden you look up and we got a couple-run lead,” he said. “We’ll take ‘em when we get ’em.”Since June 1, Ramírez and Naylor have combined for 80 hits, 11 homers and 45 RBIs — 30% of the team's total runs.Andrés Giménez also homered for Cleveland (43-44), which hasn't been at .500 since April 28, when the Guardians were 13-13.“In reality, having that number would be a reflection of what we want to do, just to have that continuity, that’s what we do,” Giménez said through an interpreter. ”Obviously, that (.500) would be the goal, to go to the break with a positive record and that would be a good reflection of what we’re trying to do here.”Eli Morgan (4-1) worked a scoreless inning before Enyel De Los Santos, Trevor Stephan and Nick Sandlin completed the six-hitter.Light rain pushed the scheduled start back 81 minutes to 8:31 p.m.After losing two of three to the powerful Atlanta Braves, the Guardians had to feel good about their chances against the Royals, who came in with the AL's worst record and were shut out for the 10th time Wednesday.But Kansas City starter Jordan Lyles, who came in with 11 losses, held Cleveland to just one run in the first five innings.Ramírez changed that, sending a 3-2 pitch from Garrett over the fence for his 14th homer. A fan reached over the railing to snag it with his glove, and the umpires reviewed the play to make sure the homer was legal.Naylor left no doubt about his, smashing Garrett's next pitch into the right-field seats for his 11th homer.Royals manager Matt Quatraro, who coached in Cleveland, knows all about Ramírez's power.“José Ramírez is a good hitter,” he said. “Naylor is a good hitter. It wasn't anything that Amir did wrong.”The Guardians tacked on two more runs in the inning, the second when rookie Bo Naylor snapped an 0-for-19 drought with an RBI double.Giménez, who matched a career-high with three steals, led off the second with his eighth homer, a towering shot into the right-field seats, to tie it 1-1.Following the rain delay, the Royals, blanked by Minnesota on Wednesday, took a 1-0 lead in their first at-bat off rookie Tanner Bibee when Bobby Witt Jr. singled, stole second and scored on Nick Pratto's one-out hit.Bibee wasn't sharp but hung around for five innings by working out of three jams. He was helped in the fourth by center fielder Myles Straw, who sprinted in to make a sliding catch with two on for the final out.MINOR MOVEAdding some pitching depth, the Guardians acquired right-hander Chris Vallimont from the Baltimore Orioles for cash. He was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.Vallimont made his MLB debut Monday and was designated for assignment afterward.To make a roster spot, the Guardians transferred injured starter Triston McKenzie (sprained elbow) to the 60-day injured list. He's not expected to pick up a ball for two more weeks.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP Zack Greinke (shoulder strain) got a favorable examination and diagnosis from doctors after being placed on the injured list. Manager Matt Quatraro said Greinke has a “mild strain" and the team is hoping the 39-year-old will return to the rotation after the All-Star break. Greinke, who has 224 career wins, felt pain in his shoulder during Tuesday’s loss to Minnesota.Guardians: RHP Cal Quantrill (shoulder inflammation) is back on the injured list after two rough outings. Quantrill gave up a career-high 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings against Atlanta on Wednesday night. He won't be shut down and will continue to play catch while being monitored.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Daniel Lynch (2-3, 4.14 ERA) snapped a 14-start home skid with a win last week. He'll face Guardians RHP Aaron Civale (2-2, 2.96), who held the Cubs to three hits over six innings in his last start.

⚾ Back-to-back homers drop Royals in opener at Cleveland

MANHATTAN, Kansas – On the heels of one of the most memorable athletics seasons in school history, K-State Athletics announced today a partnership with Independent Sports and Entertainment (ISE) to identify a potential naming rights partner for Bramlage Coliseum, home of Wildcat men's and women's basketball.

ISE is a sports marketing agency with a focus on revenue generation for sports and entertainment organizations through premium sales opportunities. ISE is heavily involved in college venue naming rights having successfully run six searches in the past 18 months totaling $130 million to university partners on campuses across the country. "We are excited to work with ISE on this incredible opportunity as we continue to identify ways to advance our athletics program," said Athletics Director Gene Taylor. "As we move forward in the Big 12 Conference, it is crucial that we continue to explore new avenues of revenue to then invest back into our student-athletes and their experience at K-State. We had a great conversation with the Bramlage family and as this process unfolds, we will continue to inform them of our progress and all potential naming ideas and options. They also know that in ISE, we have a partner that shares the same vision and understanding of the culture here at K-State." "ISE is honored to lead this search for the right coliseum naming rights partner at K-State," said Owen Shull, Executive Vice President of ISE Properties. "We look to partner with universities with strong leadership and a commitment to make the partnership fully integrated across campus and in concert with their multi-media rights partner. We have both at K-State and are excited to work with President Linton, Gene Taylor, Coach Tang, Coach Mittie, and K-State Sports Properties to make it happen." It is a great time to be a K-Stater as new University president Richard Linton has Kansas State University on the rise to be the next-generation land-grant university, operating as a future-focused, inclusive and connected community that inspires discovery, creates prosperity, impacts society and transforms lives in Kansas and beyond. K-State was established in 1863 as the nation's first operational land-grant university. On the playing field, K-State took the college athletics world by storm in 2022-23. Chris Klieman's football team won the 2022 Big 12 Championship and played in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and Naismith National Coach of the Year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jerome-tang/1856">Jerome Tang</a>&nbsp;and his men's basketball squad – in his first season as head coach – made a remarkable run to the Elite Eight following a preseason poll that picked the Wildcats to finish last in the league. In women's basketball, K-State returns All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/8610">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;in 2023-24, after she set a new NCAA record for points in a game with 61 against No. 14 Oklahoma in 2022. The coliseum opened in 1988, and fans have helped make it&nbsp;one of the most intimidating environments in all of college basketball.&nbsp;The K-State men's team has won nearly 75 percent of its games at Bramlage Coliseum since its debut on Nov. 26, 1988. The 417 wins are the most at any home venue for the Wildcats, surpassing the 378 won at Ahearn Field House (1951-88). The Wildcats have earned double-digit victories in 27 of its 35 seasons, including a near-perfect 15-1 mark in 2022-23. Wins over Top 25 teams have also been a regular occurrence at Bramlage since its opening with 46 ranking opponents falling to K-State, including 20 Top 10 opponents and four No. 1 teams. K-State women's basketball owns an all-time record of 380-154 (.712) in Bramlage Coliseum, including a 29-7 mark over the last two seasons. The Wildcats are set to eclipse the 2,000,000-fan mark for women's basketball games during the 2023-24 season inside Bramlage, as overall attendance stands at 1,968,336. K-State has ranked among the top-35 in the nation for average women's attendance 19 times in the last 22 seasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688691650021.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kansas – On the heels of one of the most memorable athletics seasons in school history, K-State Athletics announced today a partnership with Independent Sports and Entertainment (ISE) to identify a potential naming rights partner for Bramlage Coliseum, home of Wildcat men's and women's basketball.ISE is a sports marketing agency with a focus on revenue generation for sports and entertainment organizations through premium sales opportunities. ISE is heavily involved in college venue naming rights having successfully run six searches in the past 18 months totaling $130 million to university partners on campuses across the country. "We are excited to work with ISE on this incredible opportunity as we continue to identify ways to advance our athletics program," said Athletics Director Gene Taylor. "As we move forward in the Big 12 Conference, it is crucial that we continue to explore new avenues of revenue to then invest back into our student-athletes and their experience at K-State. We had a great conversation with the Bramlage family and as this process unfolds, we will continue to inform them of our progress and all potential naming ideas and options. They also know that in ISE, we have a partner that shares the same vision and understanding of the culture here at K-State." "ISE is honored to lead this search for the right coliseum naming rights partner at K-State," said Owen Shull, Executive Vice President of ISE Properties. "We look to partner with universities with strong leadership and a commitment to make the partnership fully integrated across campus and in concert with their multi-media rights partner. We have both at K-State and are excited to work with President Linton, Gene Taylor, Coach Tang, Coach Mittie, and K-State Sports Properties to make it happen." It is a great time to be a K-Stater as new University president Richard Linton has Kansas State University on the rise to be the next-generation land-grant university, operating as a future-focused, inclusive and connected community that inspires discovery, creates prosperity, impacts society and transforms lives in Kansas and beyond. K-State was established in 1863 as the nation's first operational land-grant university. On the playing field, K-State took the college athletics world by storm in 2022-23. Chris Klieman's football team won the 2022 Big 12 Championship and played in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and Naismith National Coach of the Year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jerome-tang/1856">Jerome Tang</a>&nbsp;and his men's basketball squad – in his first season as head coach – made a remarkable run to the Elite Eight following a preseason poll that picked the Wildcats to finish last in the league. In women's basketball, K-State returns All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/8610">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;in 2023-24, after she set a new NCAA record for points in a game with 61 against No. 14 Oklahoma in 2022. The coliseum opened in 1988, and fans have helped make it&nbsp;one of the most intimidating environments in all of college basketball.&nbsp;The K-State men's team has won nearly 75 percent of its games at Bramlage Coliseum since its debut on Nov. 26, 1988. The 417 wins are the most at any home venue for the Wildcats, surpassing the 378 won at Ahearn Field House (1951-88). The Wildcats have earned double-digit victories in 27 of its 35 seasons, including a near-perfect 15-1 mark in 2022-23. Wins over Top 25 teams have also been a regular occurrence at Bramlage since its opening with 46 ranking opponents falling to K-State, including 20 Top 10 opponents and four No. 1 teams. K-State women's basketball owns an all-time record of 380-154 (.712) in Bramlage Coliseum, including a 29-7 mark over the last two seasons. The Wildcats are set to eclipse the 2,000,000-fan mark for women's basketball games during the 2023-24 season inside Bramlage, as overall attendance stands at 1,968,336. K-State has ranked among the top-35 in the nation for average women's attendance 19 times in the last 22 seasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State partners with ISE for Bramlage naming rights

For the first time since the Conference went to a divisionless format, Texas was picked atop the Conference’s 2023 preseason poll as voted on by media representatives. The Longhorns were slotted fourth in last year’s preseason poll behind Baylor, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. First-place votes were spread among six teams with Texas receiving 41 and a total of 886 points. The reigning Big 12 Champion, Kansas State, placed second with 14 and 858 points. Oklahoma and Texas Tech each received four first-place votes with 758 and 729 points, respectively. TCU, coming off appearances in the Big 12 Championship Game and CFP National Championship Game, rounded out the top five with three first-place votes and 727 points. Baylor gathered 575 points to place sixth while Oklahoma State secured the final first-place vote with 470 points for seventh place. The remaining positions were 8. UCF (463 points), 9. Kansas (461 points), 10. Iowa State (334 points), 11. BYU (318 points), 12. Houston (215 points), 13. Cincinnati (202 points) and 14. West Virginia (129 points). Big 12 Football Media Days, Presented by Old Trapper will be conducted next Wednesday and Thursday, July 12-13. Coverage from both days will be provided on ESPNU and Big 12 Now on ESPN+. For additional information, follow Big12Sports.com and the Conference’s official social media platforms. 2023 Big 12 Football Media Preseason Poll 1. Texas (41), 886 2. Kansas State (14), 858 3. Oklahoma (4), 758 4. Texas Tech (4), 729 5. TCU (3), 727 6. Baylor, 572 7. Oklahoma State (1), 470 8. UCF, 463 9. Kansas, 461 10. Iowa State, 334 11. BYU, 318 12. Houston, 215 13. Cincinnati, 202 14. West Virginia, 129 First-place votes in parenthesis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687978543120.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Big 12 SportsFor the first time since the Conference went to a divisionless format, Texas was picked atop the Conference’s 2023 preseason poll as voted on by media representatives. The Longhorns were slotted fourth in last year’s preseason poll behind Baylor, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. First-place votes were spread among six teams with Texas receiving 41 and a total of 886 points. The reigning Big 12 Champion, Kansas State, placed second with 14 and 858 points. Oklahoma and Texas Tech each received four first-place votes with 758 and 729 points, respectively. TCU, coming off appearances in the Big 12 Championship Game and CFP National Championship Game, rounded out the top five with three first-place votes and 727 points. Baylor gathered 575 points to place sixth while Oklahoma State secured the final first-place vote with 470 points for seventh place. The remaining positions were 8. UCF (463 points), 9. Kansas (461 points), 10. Iowa State (334 points), 11. BYU (318 points), 12. Houston (215 points), 13. Cincinnati (202 points) and 14. West Virginia (129 points). Big 12 Football Media Days, Presented by Old Trapper will be conducted next Wednesday and Thursday, July 12-13. Coverage from both days will be provided on ESPNU and Big 12 Now on ESPN+. For additional information, follow Big12Sports.com and the Conference’s official social media platforms. 2023 Big 12 Football Media Preseason Poll 1. Texas (41), 886 2. Kansas State (14), 858 3. Oklahoma (4), 758 4. Texas Tech (4), 729 5. TCU (3), 727 6. Baylor, 572 7. Oklahoma State (1), 470 8. UCF, 463 9. Kansas, 461 10. Iowa State, 334 11. BYU, 318 12. Houston, 215 13. Cincinnati, 202 14. West Virginia, 129 First-place votes in parenthesis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Texas picked atop Big 12 Media Preseason Poll, K-State second

By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins gave up a lot to get Pablo López.

He made it look as if he was well worth the price Wednesday night.

López pitched his first career shutout, a four-hitter complete with a career-high 12 strikeouts in the Twins' 4-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

“That was am `Here I am’ performance,'” Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said.

López (5-5) retired 15 straight from the third to the eighth inning, including a stretch with six consecutive strikeouts, to help the Twins post a three-game sweep.

The 27-year-old right-hander, who came to Minnesota this season from Miami&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-baseball-miami-marlins-minnesota-twins-910250f53946f4cbb28fea536e74aef2">in a trade</a>&nbsp;for major league batting leader Luis Arraez, had the Twins' second shutout from a starter in less than two weeks after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ryan-buxton-twins-red-sox-1e706e975316c5e9d4c27ffd959e5055">Joe Ryan spun</a>&nbsp;one for the club's first in five years. The last time the Twins had multiple shutouts in one season was 2011, done by Brian Duensing, Francisco Liriano and Carl Pavano.

“I just came in here and tried not to be anybody else," López said. "I tried to just come in here and let the Twins know who Pablo López is.”

Rookie Edouard Julien hit his second home run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-twins-ryan-correa-c4b321ec76ac6d4037e18a1c3e7673c7">of the series</a>&nbsp;to give the Twins the lead in the first, and Ryan Jeffers went deep in the seventh. Alex Kirilloff's RBI single sparked a two-run third inning, Donovan Solano added an RBI double in the eighth, and the Twins won for the fifth time in six games since a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-rocco-baldelli-e5ea296733a4c0a7b6f56b232b038dda">humbling sweep at Atlanta</a>&nbsp;prompted them to declare the season was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/orioles-twins-22b18b044a1f88015d31372a2a297fbf">starting over</a>.

Kyle Isbel hit a two-out double in the eighth to end López's retired-batters streak, but right fielder Max Kepler kept the shutout alive with a dive and a snag of Matt Duffy's line drive to end that inning.

“He gives you a little break, gets you off your legs a little bit when he’s striking everybody out,” Kepler said. "But you’ve still got to be ready to make plays in case the ball comes your way.”

López was walk-free in his first scoreless appearance since he beat the Royals on opening day. He received a rousing ovation from the crowd as he returned to the mound for the ninth, keeping limber with an exaggerated arm circle as Van Halen’s “Right Now” rocked through the stadium sound system.

After a six-pitch ninth, on the heels of a seven-pitch eighth, López was doused with ice water and donned the team’s celebratory fishing vest that normally fetes home run hitters in the dugout.

“Every little milestone that all of us as players get to achieve, we need to soak it in," said López, who threw 76 of his 100 pitches for strikes. "Because as players, as people, we spend so much time dwelling on failure that I think we don’t cherish the good times as much.”

According to Sportradar, only six pitchers in the majors this season hit the 100-pitch mark with a higher strike percentage.

“They traded for him for a reason. He’s got really good stuff,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

Alec Marsh (0-2) finished five innings with three hits allowed in his second career start for the Royals.

“There were a lot of encouraging things there,” Quatraro said.

Jeffers scored from second on Kirilloff's line drive to left field with a head-first slide, when M.J. Melendez's throw to the plate hit him on the left side of the neck. Carlos Correa came home on the error charged to Melendez to make it 3-0 as Jeffers, a bit dazed, climbed to his feet to a standing ovation.

“It just got like all muscle,” Jeffers said. “It's just like getting hit on the thigh or something. Thank God I've got a thick neck.”

Marsh picked two runners off first base, both on challenges by the Royals after crew chief Dan Bellino initially made safe calls for Willi Castro in the fourth inning and Julien in the fifth.

Castro was the beneficiary of a replay review in the second inning when he was first thrown out on a stolen base attempt. The ruling by second base umpire Shane Livensparger was overturned after the challenge by the Twins made Castro 18 for 21 on steals this season.

López recorded a pickoff, too, ending the second inning by nabbing Drew Waters leaning too far off first.

Royals: RHP Jordan Lyles (1-11, 6.68 ERA) starts on Thursday night to open a four-game series at Cleveland. RHP Tanner Bibee (5-2, 3.46 ERA) pitches for the Guardians.

Twins: After an off day, RHP Bailey Ober (5-4, 2.70 ERA) takes the mound Friday night to start a three-game series against Baltimore. LHP Cole Irvin (1-3, 6.32 ERA) pitches for the Orioles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688638820984.jpeg" alt="Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez delivers during the second inning of the team's baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Wednesday, July 5, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)" />
 <figcaption>Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez delivers during the second inning of the team's baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Wednesday, July 5, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports WriterMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins gave up a lot to get Pablo López.He made it look as if he was well worth the price Wednesday night.López pitched his first career shutout, a four-hitter complete with a career-high 12 strikeouts in the Twins' 4-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.“That was am `Here I am’ performance,'” Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said.López (5-5) retired 15 straight from the third to the eighth inning, including a stretch with six consecutive strikeouts, to help the Twins post a three-game sweep.The 27-year-old right-hander, who came to Minnesota this season from Miami&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-baseball-miami-marlins-minnesota-twins-910250f53946f4cbb28fea536e74aef2">in a trade</a>&nbsp;for major league batting leader Luis Arraez, had the Twins' second shutout from a starter in less than two weeks after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ryan-buxton-twins-red-sox-1e706e975316c5e9d4c27ffd959e5055">Joe Ryan spun</a>&nbsp;one for the club's first in five years. The last time the Twins had multiple shutouts in one season was 2011, done by Brian Duensing, Francisco Liriano and Carl Pavano.“I just came in here and tried not to be anybody else," López said. "I tried to just come in here and let the Twins know who Pablo López is.”Rookie Edouard Julien hit his second home run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-twins-ryan-correa-c4b321ec76ac6d4037e18a1c3e7673c7">of the series</a>&nbsp;to give the Twins the lead in the first, and Ryan Jeffers went deep in the seventh. Alex Kirilloff's RBI single sparked a two-run third inning, Donovan Solano added an RBI double in the eighth, and the Twins won for the fifth time in six games since a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-rocco-baldelli-e5ea296733a4c0a7b6f56b232b038dda">humbling sweep at Atlanta</a>&nbsp;prompted them to declare the season was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/orioles-twins-22b18b044a1f88015d31372a2a297fbf">starting over</a>.Kyle Isbel hit a two-out double in the eighth to end López's retired-batters streak, but right fielder Max Kepler kept the shutout alive with a dive and a snag of Matt Duffy's line drive to end that inning.“He gives you a little break, gets you off your legs a little bit when he’s striking everybody out,” Kepler said. "But you’ve still got to be ready to make plays in case the ball comes your way.”López was walk-free in his first scoreless appearance since he beat the Royals on opening day. He received a rousing ovation from the crowd as he returned to the mound for the ninth, keeping limber with an exaggerated arm circle as Van Halen’s “Right Now” rocked through the stadium sound system.After a six-pitch ninth, on the heels of a seven-pitch eighth, López was doused with ice water and donned the team’s celebratory fishing vest that normally fetes home run hitters in the dugout.“Every little milestone that all of us as players get to achieve, we need to soak it in," said López, who threw 76 of his 100 pitches for strikes. "Because as players, as people, we spend so much time dwelling on failure that I think we don’t cherish the good times as much.”According to Sportradar, only six pitchers in the majors this season hit the 100-pitch mark with a higher strike percentage.“They traded for him for a reason. He’s got really good stuff,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.Alec Marsh (0-2) finished five innings with three hits allowed in his second career start for the Royals.“There were a lot of encouraging things there,” Quatraro said.NO PAIN, NO GAIN Jeffers scored from second on Kirilloff's line drive to left field with a head-first slide, when M.J. Melendez's throw to the plate hit him on the left side of the neck. Carlos Correa came home on the error charged to Melendez to make it 3-0 as Jeffers, a bit dazed, climbed to his feet to a standing ovation.“It just got like all muscle,” Jeffers said. “It's just like getting hit on the thigh or something. Thank God I've got a thick neck.”LET'S LOOK AT THE TAPE Marsh picked two runners off first base, both on challenges by the Royals after crew chief Dan Bellino initially made safe calls for Willi Castro in the fourth inning and Julien in the fifth.Castro was the beneficiary of a replay review in the second inning when he was first thrown out on a stolen base attempt. The ruling by second base umpire Shane Livensparger was overturned after the challenge by the Twins made Castro 18 for 21 on steals this season.López recorded a pickoff, too, ending the second inning by nabbing Drew Waters leaning too far off first.UP NEXT Royals: RHP Jordan Lyles (1-11, 6.68 ERA) starts on Thursday night to open a four-game series at Cleveland. RHP Tanner Bibee (5-2, 3.46 ERA) pitches for the Guardians.Twins: After an off day, RHP Bailey Ober (5-4, 2.70 ERA) takes the mound Friday night to start a three-game series against Baltimore. LHP Cole Irvin (1-3, 6.32 ERA) pitches for the Orioles.

⚾ López throws 1st career shutout in the Twins' win over the Royals

IRVING, Texas – Junior quarterback Jalon Daniels was named
the Big 12 Conference Preseason Offensive Player of the Year on Wednesday, in
addition to being named to the 2023 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team, along
with three of his teammates.

The team and individual awards, as chosen by media
representatives who cover the league, were announced by the league office.
Joining Daniels on the All-Big 12 First Team are junior running back Devin
Neal, redshirt-senior center Mike Novitsky and junior cornerback Cobee Bryant.

Daniels becomes the first Kansas player to be named
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, and the second Jayhawk to be named a
preseason individual award winner by the Big 12, joining Dorance Armstrong, who
was the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.

With four selections, the Jayhawks are tied with Kansas
State and trail only Texas (five) for the most players on the Preseason All-Big
12 Team. It also marks the first time since 2007 that Kansas has had more than
two players named to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team.

Daniels, a native of Lawndale, California, returns for his
junior season under center following a breakthrough campaign in 2022. Despite
missing four games due to injury, Daniels took the league by storm, leading the
Jayhawks to their first 5-0 start since 2008. He was a Second Team All-Big 12
selection after completing 152-of-230 (66.1 percent) passes for 2,014 yards and
18 touchdowns. Daniels capped off the season with a record-setting performance
in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, where he went 37-of-55 for 544 yards and five
touchdowns, while adding 25 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground.

Daniels has already received Preseason All-Big 12 First Team
honors from Athlon Sports and was a Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team selection
by Phil Steele heading into the 2023 season. In addition to being a Second Team
Academic All-American last season, Daniels was named the Walter Camp National
FBS Offensive Player of the Week following his performance at Houston. He was
also a four-time Manning Award Star of the Week and three-time Davey O’Brien
Great 8 List honoree in 2022.

Neal, from Lawrence, Kansas became the 13th Jayhawk in
school history to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season as a sophomore, totaling
1,090 yards and nine touchdowns on 180 rushing attempts. He added 183 yards and
a touchdown on 21 receptions, totaling 1,273 all-purpose yards for the season.
Neal had three 100-yard rushing games in 2022, including a career-high 224
yards and a touchdown against Oklahoma State. Against OSU, Neal also had 110
yards on six receptions, becoming the first Jayhawk to total 200-plus rushing
yards and 100-plus receiving yards in the same game.

Neal has previously received Preseason All-Big 12 honors
from both Athlon Sports and Phil Steele after being named All-Big 12 Honorable
Mention last season. He is a two-time Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week in
his career and he was named the Doak Walker Award National Running Back of the
Week following the Oklahoma State game last season. Neal is the only returning
1,000-yard rusher in the Big 12.

Novitsky, a Victor, New York native, started all 13 games at
center for KU in 2022 and he has been the starter in all games he’s played as a
Jayhawk since arriving prior to the 2021 season. In 846 snaps last season,
Novitsky didn’t allow a single sack, while allowing only two quarterback hits,
and he anchored an offensive line that was No. 7 in the country last season with
just 12 sacks allowed. In Novitsky’s two seasons at Kansas, the Jayhawk
offensive line ranks third in the country for fewest sacks allowed.

Novitsky is a two-time All-Big 12 selection during his time
at Kansas, earning second team honors in 2022 after receiving honorable mention
in 2021. A member of the Preseason Rimington Trophy Watch List last season,
Novitsky already been named a Preseason All-Big 12 First Team selection by
Athlon and was picked to the second team by Phil Steele.

Bryant, from Evergreen, Alabama, was KU’s lone First Team
All-Big 12 selection in 2022 after a sophomore season in which he finished
three interceptions, nine pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble
recovery. He had the game-clinching interception and returned it for a
touchdown in overtime at West Virginia on Sept. 10 and added a blocked field
goal return for a touchdown in the season-opening victory against Tennessee
Tech. Bryant totaled 38 tackles on the year, with 32 solo and six assist stops,
and he ranked fifth in the Big 12 with 12 passes defended.

After earning All-Big 12 First Team honors from the coaches
and second team from the Associated Press in 2022, Bryant has started the 2023
season as a Preseason All-Big 12 First Team selection by both Phil Steele and
Athlon. In addition, he’s been named to the Lott IMPACT Preseason Watch List,
which honors college football’s defensive best in character and performance.

The Jayhawks return 17-of-22 starters from the 2022 team,
which experienced a breakthrough season as it played in the program’s first
bowl game since 2008 with an appearance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

Kansas will host seven games at David Booth Kansas Memorial
Stadium during the 2023 season, beginning on Friday, September 1, against
Missouri State. The following week, Kansas hosts Illinois on Friday, September
8, for a nationally televised contest on ESPN2. Other home opponents for the
Jayhawks include Big 12 newcomers BYU and UCF along with conference foes
Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Kansas State.

Season tickets for the 2023 campaign are on sale starting at
just $195. Seating options include bowl seating, the Meritrust Touchdown Club,
and more. Mini plans are also available and designed to allow fans to pick the
games that work the best for them. During the purchasing process, fans have the
option to add a premium seatback to their order for less than $8 per game. To
purchase tickets, and for more information, please click here.

Furthermore, Sports Combo Passes for KU Students are also
available for just $175. The pass includes access to both football and
basketball tickets and can be purchased online through Enroll and Pay. For more
information on student tickets, or to purchase today, click here.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688582075388.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsIRVING, Texas – Junior quarterback Jalon Daniels was named
the Big 12 Conference Preseason Offensive Player of the Year on Wednesday, in
addition to being named to the 2023 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team, along
with three of his teammates.The team and individual awards, as chosen by media
representatives who cover the league, were announced by the league office.
Joining Daniels on the All-Big 12 First Team are junior running back Devin
Neal, redshirt-senior center Mike Novitsky and junior cornerback Cobee Bryant.Daniels becomes the first Kansas player to be named
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, and the second Jayhawk to be named a
preseason individual award winner by the Big 12, joining Dorance Armstrong, who
was the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.With four selections, the Jayhawks are tied with Kansas
State and trail only Texas (five) for the most players on the Preseason All-Big
12 Team. It also marks the first time since 2007 that Kansas has had more than
two players named to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team.Daniels, a native of Lawndale, California, returns for his
junior season under center following a breakthrough campaign in 2022. Despite
missing four games due to injury, Daniels took the league by storm, leading the
Jayhawks to their first 5-0 start since 2008. He was a Second Team All-Big 12
selection after completing 152-of-230 (66.1 percent) passes for 2,014 yards and
18 touchdowns. Daniels capped off the season with a record-setting performance
in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, where he went 37-of-55 for 544 yards and five
touchdowns, while adding 25 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground.Daniels has already received Preseason All-Big 12 First Team
honors from Athlon Sports and was a Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team selection
by Phil Steele heading into the 2023 season. In addition to being a Second Team
Academic All-American last season, Daniels was named the Walter Camp National
FBS Offensive Player of the Week following his performance at Houston. He was
also a four-time Manning Award Star of the Week and three-time Davey O’Brien
Great 8 List honoree in 2022.Neal, from Lawrence, Kansas became the 13th Jayhawk in
school history to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season as a sophomore, totaling
1,090 yards and nine touchdowns on 180 rushing attempts. He added 183 yards and
a touchdown on 21 receptions, totaling 1,273 all-purpose yards for the season.
Neal had three 100-yard rushing games in 2022, including a career-high 224
yards and a touchdown against Oklahoma State. Against OSU, Neal also had 110
yards on six receptions, becoming the first Jayhawk to total 200-plus rushing
yards and 100-plus receiving yards in the same game.Neal has previously received Preseason All-Big 12 honors
from both Athlon Sports and Phil Steele after being named All-Big 12 Honorable
Mention last season. He is a two-time Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week in
his career and he was named the Doak Walker Award National Running Back of the
Week following the Oklahoma State game last season. Neal is the only returning
1,000-yard rusher in the Big 12.Novitsky, a Victor, New York native, started all 13 games at
center for KU in 2022 and he has been the starter in all games he’s played as a
Jayhawk since arriving prior to the 2021 season. In 846 snaps last season,
Novitsky didn’t allow a single sack, while allowing only two quarterback hits,
and he anchored an offensive line that was No. 7 in the country last season with
just 12 sacks allowed. In Novitsky’s two seasons at Kansas, the Jayhawk
offensive line ranks third in the country for fewest sacks allowed.Novitsky is a two-time All-Big 12 selection during his time
at Kansas, earning second team honors in 2022 after receiving honorable mention
in 2021. A member of the Preseason Rimington Trophy Watch List last season,
Novitsky already been named a Preseason All-Big 12 First Team selection by
Athlon and was picked to the second team by Phil Steele.Bryant, from Evergreen, Alabama, was KU’s lone First Team
All-Big 12 selection in 2022 after a sophomore season in which he finished
three interceptions, nine pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble
recovery. He had the game-clinching interception and returned it for a
touchdown in overtime at West Virginia on Sept. 10 and added a blocked field
goal return for a touchdown in the season-opening victory against Tennessee
Tech. Bryant totaled 38 tackles on the year, with 32 solo and six assist stops,
and he ranked fifth in the Big 12 with 12 passes defended.After earning All-Big 12 First Team honors from the coaches
and second team from the Associated Press in 2022, Bryant has started the 2023
season as a Preseason All-Big 12 First Team selection by both Phil Steele and
Athlon. In addition, he’s been named to the Lott IMPACT Preseason Watch List,
which honors college football’s defensive best in character and performance.The Jayhawks return 17-of-22 starters from the 2022 team,
which experienced a breakthrough season as it played in the program’s first
bowl game since 2008 with an appearance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.Kansas will host seven games at David Booth Kansas Memorial
Stadium during the 2023 season, beginning on Friday, September 1, against
Missouri State. The following week, Kansas hosts Illinois on Friday, September
8, for a nationally televised contest on ESPN2. Other home opponents for the
Jayhawks include Big 12 newcomers BYU and UCF along with conference foes
Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Kansas State.Season tickets for the 2023 campaign are on sale starting at
just $195. Seating options include bowl seating, the Meritrust Touchdown Club,
and more. Mini plans are also available and designed to allow fans to pick the
games that work the best for them. During the purchasing process, fans have the
option to add a premium seatback to their order for less than $8 per game. To
purchase tickets, and for more information, please click here.Furthermore, Sports Combo Passes for KU Students are also
available for just $175. The pass includes access to both football and
basketball tickets and can be purchased online through Enroll and Pay. For more
information on student tickets, or to purchase today, click here.

🏈 Jalon Daniels Named Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State tied for league-high honors
by having five of its football players land on the 2023 Preseason All-Big 12
team as voted on by media representatives who cover the league, the conference
office announced Wednesday.

Offensive lineman Cooper Beebe, kickoff/punt returner
Phillip Brooks, safety Kobe Savage and tight end Ben Sinnott were named to the
team, while running back Treshaun Ward was named the Big 12 Preseason Newcomer
of the Year.

It is the second-straight year K-State had at least five
players on the Preseason All-Big 12 team as it led the league with six in 2022.
The Wildcats tied for the most this season with Texas.

Beebe, a Preseason All-American by numerous publications,
has started 35 career games and has not surrendered a sack in his last 803 pass
blocking plays dating back to the 2020 Iowa State contest. He earned First Team
All-America honors a season ago in addition to being named the Big 12 Offensive
Lineman of the Year by the league's coaches. A product of Kansas City, Kansas,
Beebe helped lead an offensive unit that ranked 15th nationally with 208.3
rushing yards per game, the Wildcats' best national ranking since 2003 (9th)
and best mark since 2016 (231.8).

A native of Lee's Summit, Missouri, Brooks enters the 2023
season ranked second in school history and tied for sixth in Big 12 history
with four punt return touchdowns. He also ranks fifth in K-State history in
both punt return average (14.6) and punt return yards (641), and eighth in punt
return attempts (44). He ranked second in the Big 12 with 168 punt-return yards
a year ago as he earned All-Big 12 Second Team accolades, his second time
earning postseason All-Big 12 honors.

Savage, a transfer from Tyler JC prior to the 2022 season,
made a splash in his first 10 games last year before an injury ended his
campaign. Despite missing the final four games of the 2022 season, Savage still
tied for fourth on the team with 58 tackles as he earned All-Big 12 Second Team
honors from the league's coaches in addition to earning votes for the Big 12
Defensive Newcomer of the Year award. A native of Paris, Texas, Savage tied for
sixth in the Big 12 with three interceptions.

Sinnott exploded onto the scene last season as he earned
All-Big 12 First Team honors after leading all Big 12 tight ends/fullbacks and
ranked fourth nationally by averaging 14.4 yards per catch. Additionally, he
ranked sixth in K-State history by a tight end with 447 receiving yards and
eighth with 31 catches. The Waterloo, Iowa, product had four touchdown catches
on the year, including a two-score effort at Baylor to become the first Wildcat
tight end with a multi-touchdown game since 1996.

Ward arrives at K-State after spending the previous four
seasons at Florida State, totaling 1,241 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in his
career. Last season, the Plant City, Florida, native led the Seminoles with 649
yards and seven touchdowns en route to All-ACC Honorable Mention accolades.

K-State takes part in the 2023 Big 12 Media Days Presented
by Old Trapper next Thursday at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Representing the Wildcats along with head coach Chris Klieman is Beebe, Savage,
quarterback Will Howard and linebacker Daniel Green. Fans can watch Big 12
Media Day on both ESPNU and Big 12 Now on ESPN+, while coverage throughout the
day will be available on K-State's social channels.

Kansas State opens the 2023 season by hosting SEMO inside
Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday, September 2 in a 6 p.m., contest that
will be shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. Tickets to the seven-game home slate can
be purchased online at www.kstatesports.com/tickets or by phone at
1-800-221-CATS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688660663070.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>K-State SportsMANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State tied for league-high honors
by having five of its football players land on the 2023 Preseason All-Big 12
team as voted on by media representatives who cover the league, the conference
office announced Wednesday.Offensive lineman Cooper Beebe, kickoff/punt returner
Phillip Brooks, safety Kobe Savage and tight end Ben Sinnott were named to the
team, while running back Treshaun Ward was named the Big 12 Preseason Newcomer
of the Year.It is the second-straight year K-State had at least five
players on the Preseason All-Big 12 team as it led the league with six in 2022.
The Wildcats tied for the most this season with Texas.Beebe, a Preseason All-American by numerous publications,
has started 35 career games and has not surrendered a sack in his last 803 pass
blocking plays dating back to the 2020 Iowa State contest. He earned First Team
All-America honors a season ago in addition to being named the Big 12 Offensive
Lineman of the Year by the league's coaches. A product of Kansas City, Kansas,
Beebe helped lead an offensive unit that ranked 15th nationally with 208.3
rushing yards per game, the Wildcats' best national ranking since 2003 (9th)
and best mark since 2016 (231.8).A native of Lee's Summit, Missouri, Brooks enters the 2023
season ranked second in school history and tied for sixth in Big 12 history
with four punt return touchdowns. He also ranks fifth in K-State history in
both punt return average (14.6) and punt return yards (641), and eighth in punt
return attempts (44). He ranked second in the Big 12 with 168 punt-return yards
a year ago as he earned All-Big 12 Second Team accolades, his second time
earning postseason All-Big 12 honors.Savage, a transfer from Tyler JC prior to the 2022 season,
made a splash in his first 10 games last year before an injury ended his
campaign. Despite missing the final four games of the 2022 season, Savage still
tied for fourth on the team with 58 tackles as he earned All-Big 12 Second Team
honors from the league's coaches in addition to earning votes for the Big 12
Defensive Newcomer of the Year award. A native of Paris, Texas, Savage tied for
sixth in the Big 12 with three interceptions.Sinnott exploded onto the scene last season as he earned
All-Big 12 First Team honors after leading all Big 12 tight ends/fullbacks and
ranked fourth nationally by averaging 14.4 yards per catch. Additionally, he
ranked sixth in K-State history by a tight end with 447 receiving yards and
eighth with 31 catches. The Waterloo, Iowa, product had four touchdown catches
on the year, including a two-score effort at Baylor to become the first Wildcat
tight end with a multi-touchdown game since 1996.Ward arrives at K-State after spending the previous four
seasons at Florida State, totaling 1,241 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in his
career. Last season, the Plant City, Florida, native led the Seminoles with 649
yards and seven touchdowns en route to All-ACC Honorable Mention accolades.K-State takes part in the 2023 Big 12 Media Days Presented
by Old Trapper next Thursday at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Representing the Wildcats along with head coach Chris Klieman is Beebe, Savage,
quarterback Will Howard and linebacker Daniel Green. Fans can watch Big 12
Media Day on both ESPNU and Big 12 Now on ESPN+, while coverage throughout the
day will be available on K-State's social channels.Kansas State opens the 2023 season by hosting SEMO inside
Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday, September 2 in a 6 p.m., contest that
will be shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. Tickets to the seven-game home slate can
be purchased online at www.kstatesports.com/tickets or by phone at
1-800-221-CATS.

🏈 Five Wildcats Earn Preseason All-Big 12 Honors

The Big 12 Conference has announced its 2023 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team and individual awards, chosen by media representatives who cover the league.&nbsp;The media preseason poll will be released on Thursday. 2023 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team Offensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Jalon Daniels, Kansas, QB, 6-0, 215, Jr., Lawndale, Calif. Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Jaylan Ford, Texas, LB, 6-3, 236, Sr., Frisco, Texas Newcomer of the Year:&nbsp;Treshaun Ward, Kansas State, RB, 5-10, 194, Sr., Plant City, Fla. Click on the&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/documents/2023/7/5//2023_Big_12_Preseason_Team.pdf">link</a>&nbsp;to the right of the page for the complete team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Big 12 SportsThe Big 12 Conference has announced its 2023 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team and individual awards, chosen by media representatives who cover the league.&nbsp;The media preseason poll will be released on Thursday. 2023 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team Offensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Jalon Daniels, Kansas, QB, 6-0, 215, Jr., Lawndale, Calif. Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Jaylan Ford, Texas, LB, 6-3, 236, Sr., Frisco, Texas Newcomer of the Year:&nbsp;Treshaun Ward, Kansas State, RB, 5-10, 194, Sr., Plant City, Fla. Click on the&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/documents/2023/7/5//2023_Big_12_Preseason_Team.pdf">link</a>&nbsp;to the right of the page for the complete team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Big 12 Announces Media Preseason Football Team

HAYS - Tyler LaRue homered in his third straight game and drove in
four runs as the Hays Larks completed a three-game sweep of the Colorado Springs
CageRats with a 7-1 victory Tuesday at Larks Park. 

Garrett Gruell got the Larks (18-4, 8-2 RMBL) scoring
started with an RBI double in the bottom of the second inning to put Hays up 1-0.

After Damian Ruiz tacked on a second run in the bottom of the
third on an RBI groundout, LaRue followed that with a two-run homerun giving
the Larks a 4-0 lead.

LaRue added a two-run single in the bottom of the fifth and Gruell
drove in his second run of the game two batters later as the Larks took a 7-0
lead.

Colorado Springs got a run back in the top of the sixth on a
balk but the Larks bullpen allowed just one base runner in the final three
innings on their way to the 7-1 win, their fifth straight.

LaRue was three-for-four with four RBI’s and Gruell finished
two-for-four with two RBI’s.

Cade Hare earned the win for the Larks. He allowed three
hits in two shutout innings of relief. Six Larks pitchers combined to allow
just one run with 10 strikeouts. 

The Larks are off until Friday when they host the Colorado
Roughriders.

HaysPostHAYS - Tyler LaRue homered in his third straight game and drove in
four runs as the Hays Larks completed a three-game sweep of the Colorado Springs
CageRats with a 7-1 victory Tuesday at Larks Park. Garrett Gruell got the Larks (18-4, 8-2 RMBL) scoring
started with an RBI double in the bottom of the second inning to put Hays up 1-0.After Damian Ruiz tacked on a second run in the bottom of the
third on an RBI groundout, LaRue followed that with a two-run homerun giving
the Larks a 4-0 lead.LaRue added a two-run single in the bottom of the fifth and Gruell
drove in his second run of the game two batters later as the Larks took a 7-0
lead.Colorado Springs got a run back in the top of the sixth on a
balk but the Larks bullpen allowed just one base runner in the final three
innings on their way to the 7-1 win, their fifth straight.LaRue was three-for-four with four RBI’s and Gruell finished
two-for-four with two RBI’s.Cade Hare earned the win for the Larks. He allowed three
hits in two shutout innings of relief. Six Larks pitchers combined to allow
just one run with 10 strikeouts. The Larks are off until Friday when they host the Colorado
Roughriders.

⚾ LaRue homers in third straight as Larks sweep CageRats

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Max Kepler hit a three-run homer, driving in four runs, while Kenta Maeda continued his strong comeback from the injured list for the Minnesota Twins in a 9-2 win against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.

Donovan Solano and Byron Buxton added back-to-back homers for Minnesota, which has won four of five after being swept in Atlanta that caused&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-rocco-baldelli-e5ea296733a4c0a7b6f56b232b038dda">manager Rocco Baldelli to criticize his team’s effort.</a>

Maeda (2-5) made his third start since coming off the injured list for a right triceps strain. He gave up two runs and three hits in seven innings. He struck out nine. In the three starts, Maeda has given up just three earned runs in 17 innings.

The 35-year-old right-hander was the Cy Young Award runner-up in 2020 for the Twins, but he struggled in April in his return from Tommy John surgery that kept him out all last season.

Zack Greinke (1-9) started for Kansas City, giving up six runs in 5 1/3 innings before leaving with a team athletic trainer. After Jose Miranda’s popup to shortstop to lead off the sixth, catcher Salvador Perez immediately called to the dugout for a trainer and manager Matt Quatraro.

While he showed no signs on the mound, the team announced that Greinke left the game with right shoulder discomfort.

Greinke hasn’t won a road start since Aug. 13, 2021. He’s 0-15 with a 6.39 ERA in 26 starts during that span.

Bobby Witt Jr. added his 13th homer of the season for Kansas City.

Royals: 2B Michael Massey was reinstated from the 10-day injured list after recovering from a left-hand laceration. RHP Jonathan Heasley was also recalled from Triple-A Omaha. LHP Austin Cox and IF/OF Samad Taylor were optioned to Triple-A.

Twins: RHP Jorge López was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-jorge-lopez-37c09bf665edf627b09da97a231a11e1">reinstated from the 15-day injured list after a minimum stay for mental health reasons</a>. López, who said he’s spoken to a psychologist after acting out following recent bad outings, pitched the ninth inning and allowed one run on two hits.

RHP Pablo López (4-5, 4.24 ERA) starts the series finale for Minnesota, while Kansas City has RHP Alec Marsh (0-1, 11.25) lined up to make his second career start. López will be making his third start against the Royals this season, giving up six earned runs in 11 1/3 innings. Marsh allowed five runs in four innings in his debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688506571781.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt (7) celebrates his two-run home run with Maikel Garcia (11) against the Minnesota Twins in the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt (7) celebrates his two-run home run with Maikel Garcia (11) against the Minnesota Twins in the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Max Kepler hit a three-run homer, driving in four runs, while Kenta Maeda continued his strong comeback from the injured list for the Minnesota Twins in a 9-2 win against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.Donovan Solano and Byron Buxton added back-to-back homers for Minnesota, which has won four of five after being swept in Atlanta that caused&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-rocco-baldelli-e5ea296733a4c0a7b6f56b232b038dda">manager Rocco Baldelli to criticize his team’s effort.</a>Maeda (2-5) made his third start since coming off the injured list for a right triceps strain. He gave up two runs and three hits in seven innings. He struck out nine. In the three starts, Maeda has given up just three earned runs in 17 innings.The 35-year-old right-hander was the Cy Young Award runner-up in 2020 for the Twins, but he struggled in April in his return from Tommy John surgery that kept him out all last season.Zack Greinke (1-9) started for Kansas City, giving up six runs in 5 1/3 innings before leaving with a team athletic trainer. After Jose Miranda’s popup to shortstop to lead off the sixth, catcher Salvador Perez immediately called to the dugout for a trainer and manager Matt Quatraro.While he showed no signs on the mound, the team announced that Greinke left the game with right shoulder discomfort.Greinke hasn’t won a road start since Aug. 13, 2021. He’s 0-15 with a 6.39 ERA in 26 starts during that span.Bobby Witt Jr. added his 13th homer of the season for Kansas City.TRAINERS ROOMRoyals: 2B Michael Massey was reinstated from the 10-day injured list after recovering from a left-hand laceration. RHP Jonathan Heasley was also recalled from Triple-A Omaha. LHP Austin Cox and IF/OF Samad Taylor were optioned to Triple-A.Twins: RHP Jorge López was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-jorge-lopez-37c09bf665edf627b09da97a231a11e1">reinstated from the 15-day injured list after a minimum stay for mental health reasons</a>. López, who said he’s spoken to a psychologist after acting out following recent bad outings, pitched the ninth inning and allowed one run on two hits.UP NEXTRHP Pablo López (4-5, 4.24 ERA) starts the series finale for Minnesota, while Kansas City has RHP Alec Marsh (0-1, 11.25) lined up to make his second career start. López will be making his third start against the Royals this season, giving up six earned runs in 11 1/3 innings. Marsh allowed five runs in four innings in his debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

⚾ Kepler drives in four to back Maeda's strong start in Twins' 9-2 win over Royals

HAYS – The Larks
scored in all but one inning and Tyler LaRue homered in his second straight
game as the Larks beat the Colorado Springs CageRats 11-5 Monday at Larks Park.

After Colorado
Springs scored two runs in the top of the first, Hays answered back with a pair
of runs of their own, scoring on a Weston Valasek double and a LaRue single
tying the game at two.

Both teams were
held scoreless in the second and then in the third the CageRats scored two more
making it 4-2 Colorado Springs.

Cash Benavidez
was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for Hays in the bottom of the third
making it 4-3 CageRats.

The Larks then
scored in every inning the rest of the way while holding Colorado Springs to
just one run.

LaRue’s two-run
homerun in the fourth put Hays up 5-4 and they never trailed again.

Trent Baker
doubled in a run in the fifth. The Larks scored two more in the sixth on an
error and a fielder’s choice making it 8-4 Larks.

Hays scored two more, on an error, in the seventh and then in
the eighth Peyton Ebbing tripled in a run giving Hays the 11-5 lead and they
would go on to win by that score.

Trent Baker and Tyler LaRue each collected three hits at the
plate and LaRue drove in three runs for the Larks.

Carson Jacobs earned the win for the Larks. He allowed just
one hit with five strikeouts in three shutout innings of relief.

Hays will host the CageRats in a non-league game Tuesday at
6:30 p.m. at Larks Park.

HaysPostHAYS – The Larks
scored in all but one inning and Tyler LaRue homered in his second straight
game as the Larks beat the Colorado Springs CageRats 11-5 Monday at Larks Park.After Colorado
Springs scored two runs in the top of the first, Hays answered back with a pair
of runs of their own, scoring on a Weston Valasek double and a LaRue single
tying the game at two.Both teams were
held scoreless in the second and then in the third the CageRats scored two more
making it 4-2 Colorado Springs.Cash Benavidez
was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for Hays in the bottom of the third
making it 4-3 CageRats.The Larks then
scored in every inning the rest of the way while holding Colorado Springs to
just one run.LaRue’s two-run
homerun in the fourth put Hays up 5-4 and they never trailed again.Trent Baker
doubled in a run in the fifth. The Larks scored two more in the sixth on an
error and a fielder’s choice making it 8-4 Larks.Hays scored two more, on an error, in the seventh and then in
the eighth Peyton Ebbing tripled in a run giving Hays the 11-5 lead and they
would go on to win by that score.Trent Baker and Tyler LaRue each collected three hits at the
plate and LaRue drove in three runs for the Larks.Carson Jacobs earned the win for the Larks. He allowed just
one hit with five strikeouts in three shutout innings of relief.Hays will host the CageRats in a non-league game Tuesday at
6:30 p.m. at Larks Park.

⚾ Larks win 4th straight 11-5 over Colorado Springs

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Edouard Julien hit a pinch-hit, solo homer to start a five-run eighth inning and the Minnesota Twins went on to beat the Kansas City Royals 8-4 on Monday night.

Carlos Correa tied a career-high with four hits from the leadoff spot and Byron Buxton drove in a pair of runs with sacrifice flies for Minnesota, which beat Kansas City for the seventh time in eight games this season.

Julien, the Canadian rookie second baseman, hit for Kyle Farmer to lead off the eighth and sent the first pitch he saw from Royals reliever Taylor Clarke for a no-doubt homer to right field. It was the first pinch hit for Julien, who was told he was pinch-hitting but didn't realize it was leading off the inning.

“I was sitting on the couch and they yelled, ‘Eddie, you’re leading off,'” Julien said. “I rushed back to the dugout and I couldn’t find my elbow guard. It was not there. I just picked a random elbow guard, put it on and had no idea what the pitcher had. I just swung.”

Kansas City had tied the game in the top of the inning on a solo homer by Nick Pratto.

Clarke (1-3) surrendered five runs on five hits and retired just one of the seven batters he faced.

“We have confidence in him," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Clarke. "We’re going to keep putting him out there in leverage, or any situation we feel good about. He’s in a little bit of a rough patch right now, but we’ve seen what he can do on the positive side and we’re going to keep working with him.”

Clarke held a 2.70 ERA through his first 30 innings this season, but he's given up 15 earned runs in 5 2/3 over his last seven appearances.

“It was going so good for awhile, and then the wheels completely fell off," Clarke said. "It wasn’t even gradual. I don’t know. I wish I had more of an answer for you. I feel like I’m doing everything the same, just the results aren’t there. I have to scrap it over and start from (scratch), from the beginning.”

Minnesota’s Brent Headrick (2-0) allowed Pratto, the first batter he faced Monday, to homer to lead off the eighth. He retired the next three batters he faced, with two strikeouts.

Michael A. Taylor drove in the second run in the eighth as his bunt was fielded by Clarke with nowhere to throw. Max Kepler, Correa and Alex Kirilloff followed with three straight RBI singles for the Twins.

“We did a good job of adjusting in some of these at-bats, of hitting balls in different spots in the zone," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “We’ve talked about those things for a little while this year and you can see, that’s what it looks like when you mix in some good swings and just some tough at-bats.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688506448009.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Austin Cox delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, July 3, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Austin Cox" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Austin Cox delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, July 3, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Austin Cox</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Edouard Julien hit a pinch-hit, solo homer to start a five-run eighth inning and the Minnesota Twins went on to beat the Kansas City Royals 8-4 on Monday night.Carlos Correa tied a career-high with four hits from the leadoff spot and Byron Buxton drove in a pair of runs with sacrifice flies for Minnesota, which beat Kansas City for the seventh time in eight games this season.Julien, the Canadian rookie second baseman, hit for Kyle Farmer to lead off the eighth and sent the first pitch he saw from Royals reliever Taylor Clarke for a no-doubt homer to right field. It was the first pinch hit for Julien, who was told he was pinch-hitting but didn't realize it was leading off the inning.“I was sitting on the couch and they yelled, ‘Eddie, you’re leading off,'” Julien said. “I rushed back to the dugout and I couldn’t find my elbow guard. It was not there. I just picked a random elbow guard, put it on and had no idea what the pitcher had. I just swung.”Kansas City had tied the game in the top of the inning on a solo homer by Nick Pratto.Clarke (1-3) surrendered five runs on five hits and retired just one of the seven batters he faced.“We have confidence in him," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Clarke. "We’re going to keep putting him out there in leverage, or any situation we feel good about. He’s in a little bit of a rough patch right now, but we’ve seen what he can do on the positive side and we’re going to keep working with him.”Clarke held a 2.70 ERA through his first 30 innings this season, but he's given up 15 earned runs in 5 2/3 over his last seven appearances.“It was going so good for awhile, and then the wheels completely fell off," Clarke said. "It wasn’t even gradual. I don’t know. I wish I had more of an answer for you. I feel like I’m doing everything the same, just the results aren’t there. I have to scrap it over and start from (scratch), from the beginning.”Minnesota’s Brent Headrick (2-0) allowed Pratto, the first batter he faced Monday, to homer to lead off the eighth. He retired the next three batters he faced, with two strikeouts.Michael A. Taylor drove in the second run in the eighth as his bunt was fielded by Clarke with nowhere to throw. Max Kepler, Correa and Alex Kirilloff followed with three straight RBI singles for the Twins.“We did a good job of adjusting in some of these at-bats, of hitting balls in different spots in the zone," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “We’ve talked about those things for a little while this year and you can see, that’s what it looks like when you mix in some good swings and just some tough at-bats.”Royals rookie Maikel Garcia reached base four times and hit the first pitch of the game off Joe Ryan for a homer. Kansas City, which had won two straight against the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend, have lost 11 of their last 12 games in Minnesota.BOUNCEBACK JOERyan (9-5) bounced back from his worst outing of the season with his team-high 12th quality start. He surrendered six runs with a career-high five homers allowed in just three innings against Atlanta in his previous start. Ryan settled in after the leadoff homer and gave up just six hits, two runs and struck out nine.TRAINERS ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez was out of the lineup with a sore toe after being hit in the foot by a pitch on Sunday. Quatraro said Perez was available off the bench and he was on-deck to pinch-hit when the final out was recorded.Twins: An MRI showed a Grade 2 oblique strain for 3B Royce Lewis and the recovery is expected to be about six weeks for Lewis, who’s hit .326 in 26 games for Minnesota this season. … 2B Jorge Polanco (left hamstring strain) has continued his running progression without pain or discomfort and he was scheduled to do “high-effort sprints” on Monday.UP NEXTRHP Zack Greinke (1-8, 5.15 ERA) will start Sunday afternoon for Kansas City, with Minnesota countering with RHP Kenta Maeda (1-5, 6.23). Greinke is 5-15 with a 4.79 ERA in 32 career games against the Twins. Maeda has allowed two runs in 10 innings since returning from the injured list.