By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🏈 Tigers hold first practice of 2023 season

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

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

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

Complete results of Striders are as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Pictured - Emery Zimmerman winning 3000 meter run)

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

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

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

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

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Mike Racy

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

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

Meet The Larks: Damian Ruiz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By AARON BRACY Associated Press

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“That changed the momentum,” Thomson said.

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

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

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

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

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

“Incredible,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet The Larks: Aaron Calhoun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A little encouragement can go a long way.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⚾ Harper, Turner homer, Phillies end Royals win streak

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have been doing no favors to the Colts' Jonathan Taylor, the Giants' Saquon Barkley, the Raiders' Josh Jacobs and every other running back that wants to get paid handsomely for what they do.

The Chiefs have proven they can win with bargain finds in the backfield.

Take last season, when the Chiefs won a seventh consecutive AFC West title and defeated the Eagles to win their second Super Bowl title in four years. Their leading rusher was seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco in the first year of his paltry rookie contract, the top backup was journeyman Jerick McKinnon making pennies on the dollar, and nobody else behind them was making much money, either.

Yet the Chiefs were the runaway leaders in total offense, and not just because Patrick Mahomes was flinging the ball all over the field on his way to an MVP season. The Chiefs also were perfectly middle-of-the-road when it came to rushing offense.

“I think it's cyclical,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Running backs when I got in the league were making good money. Then all the sudden the pass game came up, and it's working through the colleges and high schools, and so everyone wants to play wide receiver now that teams are throwing the ball, so it devalues that position just a bit.”

All told, the Chiefs have $7.1 million currently committed to running backs and fullbacks, more than only five other teams. By comparison, five players — including Barkley, who recently signed his one-year deal with New York — have a base salary that is more than the Chiefs’ backfield payroll, and 11 players have a total contract value this season that eclipses the same total.

Two running backs, the Titans’ Derrick Henry and the Browns’ Nick Chubb, carry a salary cap total that is double what the Chiefs are spending on their entire fleet of running backs this season.

That’s not exactly encouraging for Taylor, who is suddenly at odds with the Colts over his future, or Jacobs, who won the 2022 rushing title and led the league in yards from scrimmage but has yet to sign his $10.1 million franchise tender.

The Chiefs are rolling into their Super Bowl title defense with largely the same backfield: acheco, that late-round steal-turned star, and McKinnon, the aging veteran who has proven he can still produce. They are joined by Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, and potentially Deneric Prince, an undrafted rookie out of Tulsa who's turned so many heads in training camp that he could have a job locked up before the first preseason game.

“I mean, he can catch the ball in the backfield, he can run the ball really well, and he's getting better and better with protection stuff,” Mahomes said, “so I think they're just continuing to get him reps. We're going to have a deep running back room, and it's always good to have those guys that we can trust to be in there for the big moments of the game.”

The Chiefs certainly have trust in Pacheco and McKinnon in those moments.

Pacheco began last season as an afterthought, but when Edwards-Helaire struggled again with injuries, the player affectionately known as “Pops” seized on his opportunity. He ran for 95 yards in a playoff win over Jacksonville, had five catches for 59 yards in the AFC title game against Cincinnati, and reached the end zone in the Chiefs' 38-35 win over the Eagles.

Oh, and he played the Super Bowl with a broken hand and a torn labrum in his shoulder. The injuries required separate surgeries in the offseason, and they have kept him out of contact drills in camp, though he should be ready for Week 1.

“This is where you get the most out of it, and ain't nothing better than the camp when you're with your guys and you're pushing each other day-in and day-out to get better,” said Pacheco, the fifth different leading rusher for Kansas City in the past five years.

“For me, I want to run for 1,000 yards, so that's the goal, obviously, and it starts here today in practice, day by day.”

McKinnon, meanwhile, scored in six straight games to end the regular season, then became infamous for not scoring in the Super Bowl — he downed himself at the goal line, allowing the clock to run and setting up the Chiefs' winning field goal.

He had offers elsewhere in the offseason, but McKinnon chose to return to Kansas City for a modest $1,317,500 this season.

"It’ll come around,” Reid said of the contract values for running backs. “It’ll work its way back around.”

Not any time soon. And certainly not in Kansas City.

NOTES: LB Drue Tranquill (neck) returned to practice after missing the previous day. ... CB Jaylen Watson was excused from the workout for personal reasons. ... Missouri Gov. Mike Parson attended the humid practice, which began indoors due to lightning before moving back outside.

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have been doing no favors to the Colts' Jonathan Taylor, the Giants' Saquon Barkley, the Raiders' Josh Jacobs and every other running back that wants to get paid handsomely for what they do.The Chiefs have proven they can win with bargain finds in the backfield.Take last season, when the Chiefs won a seventh consecutive AFC West title and defeated the Eagles to win their second Super Bowl title in four years. Their leading rusher was seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco in the first year of his paltry rookie contract, the top backup was journeyman Jerick McKinnon making pennies on the dollar, and nobody else behind them was making much money, either.Yet the Chiefs were the runaway leaders in total offense, and not just because Patrick Mahomes was flinging the ball all over the field on his way to an MVP season. The Chiefs also were perfectly middle-of-the-road when it came to rushing offense.“I think it's cyclical,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Running backs when I got in the league were making good money. Then all the sudden the pass game came up, and it's working through the colleges and high schools, and so everyone wants to play wide receiver now that teams are throwing the ball, so it devalues that position just a bit.”All told, the Chiefs have $7.1 million currently committed to running backs and fullbacks, more than only five other teams. By comparison, five players — including Barkley, who recently signed his one-year deal with New York — have a base salary that is more than the Chiefs’ backfield payroll, and 11 players have a total contract value this season that eclipses the same total.Two running backs, the Titans’ Derrick Henry and the Browns’ Nick Chubb, carry a salary cap total that is double what the Chiefs are spending on their entire fleet of running backs this season.That’s not exactly encouraging for Taylor, who is suddenly at odds with the Colts over his future, or Jacobs, who won the 2022 rushing title and led the league in yards from scrimmage but has yet to sign his $10.1 million franchise tender.The Chiefs are rolling into their Super Bowl title defense with largely the same backfield: acheco, that late-round steal-turned star, and McKinnon, the aging veteran who has proven he can still produce. They are joined by Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, and potentially Deneric Prince, an undrafted rookie out of Tulsa who's turned so many heads in training camp that he could have a job locked up before the first preseason game.“I mean, he can catch the ball in the backfield, he can run the ball really well, and he's getting better and better with protection stuff,” Mahomes said, “so I think they're just continuing to get him reps. We're going to have a deep running back room, and it's always good to have those guys that we can trust to be in there for the big moments of the game.”The Chiefs certainly have trust in Pacheco and McKinnon in those moments.Pacheco began last season as an afterthought, but when Edwards-Helaire struggled again with injuries, the player affectionately known as “Pops” seized on his opportunity. He ran for 95 yards in a playoff win over Jacksonville, had five catches for 59 yards in the AFC title game against Cincinnati, and reached the end zone in the Chiefs' 38-35 win over the Eagles.Oh, and he played the Super Bowl with a broken hand and a torn labrum in his shoulder. The injuries required separate surgeries in the offseason, and they have kept him out of contact drills in camp, though he should be ready for Week 1.“This is where you get the most out of it, and ain't nothing better than the camp when you're with your guys and you're pushing each other day-in and day-out to get better,” said Pacheco, the fifth different leading rusher for Kansas City in the past five years.“For me, I want to run for 1,000 yards, so that's the goal, obviously, and it starts here today in practice, day by day.”McKinnon, meanwhile, scored in six straight games to end the regular season, then became infamous for not scoring in the Super Bowl — he downed himself at the goal line, allowing the clock to run and setting up the Chiefs' winning field goal.He had offers elsewhere in the offseason, but McKinnon chose to return to Kansas City for a modest $1,317,500 this season."It’ll come around,” Reid said of the contract values for running backs. “It’ll work its way back around.”Not any time soon. And certainly not in Kansas City.NOTES: LB Drue Tranquill (neck) returned to practice after missing the previous day. ... CB Jaylen Watson was excused from the workout for personal reasons. ... Missouri Gov. Mike Parson attended the humid practice, which began indoors due to lightning before moving back outside.

🏈 Chiefs hardly helping running backs wanting big deals with their budget backfield finds

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

Dealing a crushing combination to the Pac-12 on Friday, the Big Ten announced Oregon and Washington would be joining the conference next August, and the Big 12 completed its raid of the beleaguered league by adding Arizona, Arizona State and Utah.

The day began with hope and nine members for the Pac-12. It ended with the Pac-12 — with roots that date back a century and more NCAA championships than any other — down to four schools and facing extinction because it was unable to land a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pac12-big12-conference-realignment-kliavkoff-yormark-f20da516e6cb1a41caed0d9fcede0755">media rights agreement to match its competitors.</a>

“Today's news is incredibly disappointing for student-athletes, fans, alumni and staff of the Pac-12 who cherish the over 100-year history, tradition and rivalries of the Conference of Champions,” the conference said in a statement. “We remain focused on securing the best possible future for each of our member universities.”

The super-conference era has arrived in college sports, and it has swallowed the Pac-12 — the conference that produced Jackie Robinson, John Elway, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Barry Bonds.

After the Big Ten paved the way Friday morning for the Pacific Northwest rivals to join, the Ducks were first to make it official with a unanimous vote by the school's 13 trustees. The Big Ten a short time later said its presidents' council had voted to accept Oregon along with Washington and become an 18-team coast-to-coast conference, with four West Coast members.

“Our student-athletes will participate at the highest level of collegiate athletic competition, and our alumni, friends, and fans will be able to carry the spirit of Oregon across the country,” Oregon President John Karl Scholz said.

The Big 12, meanwhile, had three more Pac-12 schools in its sights,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-pac12-big12-realignment-2544098240ffaa73309fc3a73ff6cff6">a week after luring away Colorado.</a>

Arizona's entry was approved Thursday night, but the Big 12's long-brewing expansion plan was far from complete.

Once it became apparent on Friday that Oregon and Washington were leaving the Pac-12, Arizona State and Utah didn't have much choice but to jump, too. The Big 12 presidents OK'd the Sun Devils and Utes, and soon after the conference made it official. The Big 12 will be a 16-team conference, spanning from Florida to Arizona, in the fall of 2024.

"We are thrilled to welcome Arizona, Arizona State and Utah to the Big 12,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark, whose aggressive approach in his first year on the job has sent shock waves across major college sports. “The Conference is gaining three premier institutions both academically and athletically, and the entire Big 12 looks forward to working alongside their presidents, athletic directors, student-athletes and administrators.”

Beyond this school year, the Pac-12 is down to: Stanford, California, Oregon State and Washington State.

The Big Ten's latest grab from its Rose Bowl partners comes a little more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-california-f81832a258fc3bed53ef86ff0ba25291">a year after it landed Southern California and UCLA</a>. The Big Ten will be the largest conference in major college sports, spanning 15 states from New Jersey to Washington.

“The Big Ten is a thriving conference with strong athletic and academic traditions, and we are excited and confident about competing at the highest level on a national stage,” Washington President Ana Mari Cauce said.

Pac-12 leaders met early Friday to determine if its remaining schools would accept the potential media rights deal with Apple that Commissioner George Kliavkoff presented this week.

Two people with knowledge of the discussion between the Big Ten and Oregon said the Ducks were leaning toward staying in the Pac-12 late Thursday, boosting the possibility that others would stay put, too.

Instead, Oregon officials notified the Pac-12 early Friday they were still uncomfortable with the Apple deal and the school would be re-engaging with the Big Ten.

“We are disappointed with the recent decisions by some of our Pac-12 peers," Washington State President Kirk Schulz and athletic director Pat Chun said Friday before its Apple Cup rival announced it was leaving, "While we had hoped that our membership would remain together, this outcome was always a possibility, and we have been working diligently to determine what is next for Washington State athletics. We’ve prepared for numerous scenarios, including our current situation.”

Former Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren had encouraged member schools to add Oregon and Washington after the conference landed the Los Angeles schools last summer, the blow that began the Pac-12’s descent.

Less than two weeks ago, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said his presidents and chancellors wanted to him to focus on USC and UCLA’s transition and not more expansion. Now, the Pac-12's two biggest remaining brands and perennial football powers are heading for a new home. Oregon's and Washington's closest new conference neighbor, — not including the L.A. schools — the University of Nebraska, will be more than a 1,600-mile drive away.

The Ducks and Huskies will receive a reduced payout, Scholz confirmed, compared to current Big Ten members and to USC and UCLA, which are projected to receive more than $60 million each in media rights revenue from the league starting next year. A person familiar with the negotiations said the Ducks and Huskies would receive about $30 million per year for its first six years in the conference, with annual escalators and the ability to draw on future payments.

Washington and Oregon were charter members of the Pacific Coast Conference in 1916, the organization that eventually became the Pac-8, then 10, then 12.

While the USC and UCLA decisions to leave started the Pac-12's demise, last fall's move by the Big 12 and Yormark to get an early extension of its media rights deals with ESPN and Fox was key.

That left a thin market for Kliavkoff and the Pac-12, which ended up with the streaming-heavy proposal with Apple that would have left its schools lagging behind a paywall and other Power Five conferences in revenue.

Less than a month before a football season kicks off that is expected to feature one of the strongest and most exciting group of Pac-12 teams in years, it very well might be the conference's last.

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football WriterDealing a crushing combination to the Pac-12 on Friday, the Big Ten announced Oregon and Washington would be joining the conference next August, and the Big 12 completed its raid of the beleaguered league by adding Arizona, Arizona State and Utah.The day began with hope and nine members for the Pac-12. It ended with the Pac-12 — with roots that date back a century and more NCAA championships than any other — down to four schools and facing extinction because it was unable to land a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pac12-big12-conference-realignment-kliavkoff-yormark-f20da516e6cb1a41caed0d9fcede0755">media rights agreement to match its competitors.</a>“Today's news is incredibly disappointing for student-athletes, fans, alumni and staff of the Pac-12 who cherish the over 100-year history, tradition and rivalries of the Conference of Champions,” the conference said in a statement. “We remain focused on securing the best possible future for each of our member universities.”The super-conference era has arrived in college sports, and it has swallowed the Pac-12 — the conference that produced Jackie Robinson, John Elway, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Barry Bonds.After the Big Ten paved the way Friday morning for the Pacific Northwest rivals to join, the Ducks were first to make it official with a unanimous vote by the school's 13 trustees. The Big Ten a short time later said its presidents' council had voted to accept Oregon along with Washington and become an 18-team coast-to-coast conference, with four West Coast members.“Our student-athletes will participate at the highest level of collegiate athletic competition, and our alumni, friends, and fans will be able to carry the spirit of Oregon across the country,” Oregon President John Karl Scholz said.The Big 12, meanwhile, had three more Pac-12 schools in its sights,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-pac12-big12-realignment-2544098240ffaa73309fc3a73ff6cff6">a week after luring away Colorado.</a>Arizona's entry was approved Thursday night, but the Big 12's long-brewing expansion plan was far from complete.Once it became apparent on Friday that Oregon and Washington were leaving the Pac-12, Arizona State and Utah didn't have much choice but to jump, too. The Big 12 presidents OK'd the Sun Devils and Utes, and soon after the conference made it official. The Big 12 will be a 16-team conference, spanning from Florida to Arizona, in the fall of 2024."We are thrilled to welcome Arizona, Arizona State and Utah to the Big 12,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark, whose aggressive approach in his first year on the job has sent shock waves across major college sports. “The Conference is gaining three premier institutions both academically and athletically, and the entire Big 12 looks forward to working alongside their presidents, athletic directors, student-athletes and administrators.”Beyond this school year, the Pac-12 is down to: Stanford, California, Oregon State and Washington State.The Big Ten's latest grab from its Rose Bowl partners comes a little more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-california-f81832a258fc3bed53ef86ff0ba25291">a year after it landed Southern California and UCLA</a>. The Big Ten will be the largest conference in major college sports, spanning 15 states from New Jersey to Washington.“The Big Ten is a thriving conference with strong athletic and academic traditions, and we are excited and confident about competing at the highest level on a national stage,” Washington President Ana Mari Cauce said.Pac-12 leaders met early Friday to determine if its remaining schools would accept the potential media rights deal with Apple that Commissioner George Kliavkoff presented this week.Two people with knowledge of the discussion between the Big Ten and Oregon said the Ducks were leaning toward staying in the Pac-12 late Thursday, boosting the possibility that others would stay put, too.Instead, Oregon officials notified the Pac-12 early Friday they were still uncomfortable with the Apple deal and the school would be re-engaging with the Big Ten.“We are disappointed with the recent decisions by some of our Pac-12 peers," Washington State President Kirk Schulz and athletic director Pat Chun said Friday before its Apple Cup rival announced it was leaving, "While we had hoped that our membership would remain together, this outcome was always a possibility, and we have been working diligently to determine what is next for Washington State athletics. We’ve prepared for numerous scenarios, including our current situation.”Former Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren had encouraged member schools to add Oregon and Washington after the conference landed the Los Angeles schools last summer, the blow that began the Pac-12’s descent.Less than two weeks ago, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said his presidents and chancellors wanted to him to focus on USC and UCLA’s transition and not more expansion. Now, the Pac-12's two biggest remaining brands and perennial football powers are heading for a new home. Oregon's and Washington's closest new conference neighbor, — not including the L.A. schools — the University of Nebraska, will be more than a 1,600-mile drive away.The Ducks and Huskies will receive a reduced payout, Scholz confirmed, compared to current Big Ten members and to USC and UCLA, which are projected to receive more than $60 million each in media rights revenue from the league starting next year. A person familiar with the negotiations said the Ducks and Huskies would receive about $30 million per year for its first six years in the conference, with annual escalators and the ability to draw on future payments.Washington and Oregon were charter members of the Pacific Coast Conference in 1916, the organization that eventually became the Pac-8, then 10, then 12.While the USC and UCLA decisions to leave started the Pac-12's demise, last fall's move by the Big 12 and Yormark to get an early extension of its media rights deals with ESPN and Fox was key.That left a thin market for Kliavkoff and the Pac-12, which ended up with the streaming-heavy proposal with Apple that would have left its schools lagging behind a paywall and other Power Five conferences in revenue.Less than a month before a football season kicks off that is expected to feature one of the strongest and most exciting group of Pac-12 teams in years, it very well might be the conference's last.

Big Ten grabs Oregon, Washington; Big 12 completes Pac-12 raid with Arizona, Arizona State and Utah

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/CFE1lTk3-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Jett Lodes" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.